Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: The Lotus Eater on 16-01-2008, 10:12:53</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 10:12:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chen Shu closed his eyes and enjoyed a greedy breath of sweet spring air.&nbsp; The sun was warm on his handsome face and the gentlemanly wind parted around his stately form.&nbsp; He was dressed in fiery coloured silk robes, taught enough across his chest to stay put, but light enough at the sleeves to catch the gentle breeze.&nbsp; To think that soon he would have to don his armour once again and fight proudly at his lord's side... it had felt like such a long time ago, and he was only 23.&nbsp; He wondered, idly, if he had grown too soft for war.&nbsp; Meiling would of course disagree, but if anyone had changed him it had been her.&nbsp; He smiled ruefully.&nbsp; Perhaps he should not have been so hard on her all the time.&nbsp; Who could blame him?&nbsp; His sister was so beautiful and charming, he had always felt as though he was half caught up in the affairs of the minsters, and half busy running around after her to make sure she stayed out of trouble.&nbsp; Today was something he had planned for a long time, but even so he felt apprehension in his heart.<br><br>"Ah, look Meiling" Shu chirped pleasantly, placing his warm gaze on the disinterested looking girl at his side.&nbsp; "It seems as though the last contestant has shown himself.&nbsp; Good, then let us begin!" <br><br>Of course Shu cared about how his sister felt, but she simply didn't have his experience, not on the highways, not anywhere outside of the life she knew.&nbsp; He knew this was a good decision, despite how she had complained.&nbsp; They arrived at the center of the gardens, the place Shu had chosen to host this lively tournament.&nbsp; He hoped at least that if Meiling's eyes did wander, she would at least have something beautiful to gaze upon.&nbsp; Shu's servants had set everything up wonderfully, although the effort did seem to be wasted on some of the less amiable looking competitors.&nbsp; He had selected each man single-handedly, although some he had to admit he knew very little about, truth be told.&nbsp; There was an old mountain hermit, a monk, a veteran soldier, and a renown bodyguard just to name a few, plenty enough fine warriors for a great spectacle.&nbsp; Admittedly, he had neglected to inform these competitors of the 'prize', but he could always dip into the coffers if it was necessary.&nbsp; Of course the man he was looking for would be find the honour of protecting lady Chen more than adequate!&nbsp; Or, so he told himself. <br><br>Chen Shu bowed to the assembled men with a military salute, many of whom had only congregated so close for a glimpse of the radiant Meiling.&nbsp; "Noble warriors, welcome! You are the best men my lord's personal intelligence network has found.&nbsp; Some of you are so precise, so skilled, that you have even eluded fame itself, despite how rare your abilities are.&nbsp; It is these talents I wish to see today, as well as your honour, your strength, and your sportsmanship.&nbsp; Let us begin!"<br><br>One of Shu's old attendants licked his dry lips and squinted at a parchment, eventually calling out the names of two of the twelve assembled warriors.&nbsp; Two men entered the ring, one a bronze-skinned fisherman who fought with an oar, and another the elderly mountain hermit who stood calmly, stroking his long beard.&nbsp; Both men bowed gracefully, but both their eyes were on Meiling mischievously.&nbsp; Oblivious, Shu nodded, quite pleased, and his attendant signaled for the fight to begin. <br><br>Chen Shu marveled at the martial prowess of these two contestants, for they were each extremely skilled and well matched.&nbsp; It would be a close fight, for sure.&nbsp; Smiling keenly, he turned to face Meiling.&nbsp; "Is everything alright sister?&nbsp; Do you approve of everything so far...?"&nbsp; He knew she probably didn't, but perhaps if he was gentle and enthusiastic enough she would see how much this meant to him, how much <em>she</em> meant to him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 11:22:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/3c/Meiling.png)</td><td>Chen Shu stood proudly on the pavilion that overlooked their expansive gardens, where his tournament would be taking place. He looked dignified and sharp, the very image of a high minister's aide and assistant... in his sister's eyes, perhaps even regal enough to become an official himself one day. Any of the participants waiting their turn below would agree that the gardens were ornamented impressively for this tournament, organized by Chen Shu; many of them would also likely agree that the Chen brother looked quite impressive in his well-fitting silks. However, it was the Chen sister who drew their eyes on this day, resplendent in silken finery and delicately tooled hair ornaments.<br><br>Meiling had, for once, acquiesced to her brother's insistent request for her to at least make herself mildly presentable - though despite his delighted smile when he had seen her this morning, and the affectionate gaze he had bestowed on the pretty picture she made, she almost wished she hadn't, especially when she realized that he wanted her to be present for the entirety of his martial arts tournament. Had it been any other tournament, she would have been delighted, and borne the discomfort of her many garments and inconvenient headgear without a word of protest... but Shu's tournament had <em>her</em> for a prize this time. Or at least, the prize of accompanying her across the country.<br><br>But any of the servants present, and any of the many contestants waiting their turn, would have agreed that Chen Meiling did, indeed, live up to her reputation as a striking beauty. She was, perhaps, leaner than the current trend desired in women - but that leanness was thanks to her athleticism, and lent her every movement an air of cat-like elegance. She was tall and lithe, a young woman at the prime of her youth at twenty years of age; but despite her tomboyish attitude, she definitely had the figure of a woman, with slim but firm curves that suited her willowy body. And, dressed in silks of peacock-blue and white, with delicate flowers made of blue and red gems securing her long locks, Chen Meiling was the image of feminine beauty. Many of the contestants eyed her appreciatively, noting how her silken garments outline her delicate-looking body... how beautiful she appeared.<br><br>At least, when she wasn't scowling (which she was doing at the moment).<br><br>Meiling was bored and uninterested in the tournament, and made no bones to pretend that she was, even for her brother's sake. "Brother, you know I could care less..." She sighed, but stood as propriety dictated when he began his address to the assembled tournament participants. She listened vaguely, keeping her eyes veiled (as a lady should) and standing properly at her brother's side. He never harped on her to act more ladylike - but to bring a proud smile to his face, or a warm light in his eyes, Meiling would do almost anything to ease the burdens he had on his shoulders, working under a prominent minister... and those that she gave him too, of course.<br><br>She and her brother sat again when his attendant called for the battle to begin. Meiling cast a cursory glance over the opponents, but found nothing of interest to keep her attention, and allowed her attention to wander to the plum blossom tree blooming in their garden. When Shu tried to get her attention again, she tried to keep herself impassive, to tell herself that she was mad at him for all but tricking her into wearing formal finery to this event - but it was difficult for her to stay mad at her beloved brother. She turned back to him sulkily, a childish pout on her rosy lips, but her lovely brown eyes sparkled as she lifted her eyes to meet his. "You know that I could not dislike any martial arts tournament, even if its intent is to find me a bodyguard," she said softly, finally relenting and giving him a rueful smile. Yes, Shu was too overprotective of her, and he often got in the way of her little mischiefs and efforts to be independent - but he was her brother, and they both knew that for all her trouble making and caterwauling, she loved him very much. "How could I be anything but unhappy, when I am sitting in the garden with my busy older brother, admiring the flowers?" She giggled.</td></tr></tbody></table>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 12:31:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chen Shu shared a smile with his sister, but his attention was all to quickly snapped back to the fight as one of the two contestants fell.&nbsp; The old hermit had just broken the fisherman's oar in two, but he seemed to have put his back out at a rather inopportune time, and the younger fighter was able to get a swift blow over the old man's head with the thicker end of the broken oar.&nbsp; He was wide-eyed, but grinning, already pondering how he'd spin this story to all his fellow boatmen back home.&nbsp; Shu laughed, delighted, and nodded as the fisherman placed his fist to his palm and bowed to Shu, then again to Meiling.&nbsp; The old attendant announced two more names, and heads turned to catch the first glimpse of the next two warriors to duel.&nbsp; <br><br>With Chen Shu very much absorbed in the fight, Meiling was forced to look elsewhere for entertainment.&nbsp; She certainly wouldn't get it from all the slack-jawed gawks she was getting from the idle contestants.&nbsp; But wait, there was one, and one man alone, who never once looked her way.&nbsp; How curious, and he stood so far back it was like he wasn't even part of the competition at all.&nbsp; Looking at his build however, he clearly was.&nbsp; He raised his head as his name, Zhou Renshu, was called, but his eyes looked at nothing as if he had no need to even appraise the competition.&nbsp; Arrogant, yes, perhaps, but there was something about this man that stood out against the others like they <em>were</em> nothing.<br><br>He was very tall, at least two hand spans taller than any other competitor. His shoulders were broad, his legs long, and his demeanor as cold as ice.&nbsp; He wore tattered, foreign clothes, mostly black and dark blue.&nbsp; His top was torn at the sleeves, revealing his beautifully chiseled, powerful looking arms.&nbsp; His skin was noticeably darker than most, and his hair an almost matching shade of soft brown.&nbsp; It was wild and messy, hiding his eyes.&nbsp; Only his handsome jawline and straight nose could be seen, and he made no attempt to look anyone else in the eye, or even stop to greet his hosts.&nbsp; He simply walked, stopped, and waited with his arms crossed.&nbsp; <br><br>"That's White Tiger Zhou Renshu!" one of the attendants hissed, drawing the curiousity of Chen Shu.&nbsp; "I heard he was Manchu born, and only deciple of grand master Bai Yi!" another whispered back.&nbsp; "No, I heard he had a Mongol mother, and he killed his own father with Bai Yi's famous Tiger Hands discipline!"&nbsp; The first replied, shielding his mouth with his fan while he gawked at the tall, well-build warrior.&nbsp; "Please, gentlemen" Chen Shu interrupted with a chuckle, raising a hand.&nbsp; "Forgive them" he told his sister, flashing her another brotherly smile before his attention was taken up but the White Tiger's opponent. <br><br>It was an energetic and boastful man, young, with a long plaited hair and dragon tattoos all over his body.&nbsp; He was already performing his masterful kicks and aerial maneuvers before Meiling, as if it was his usual warm up routine.&nbsp; "This opponent, I will best for you Lady Chen!" the warrior said, raising a clenched fist and grinning as if he actually thought it would impress her.&nbsp; "Oh, yes, that's Twelve Dragons Guoliang" the attendant started again, "I hear he's mastered twelve deadly kicks each with the stopping power of twelve dragons, his tattoos are certainly impressive, as is his form... oh my!" <br><br>Guoliang wasted no time, thinking to finish the fight quickly.&nbsp; He ran at Zhou Renshu and yelled his impressive thunder, flipping twice and twisting into an incredible aerial kick that had him leaping even higher then the impressive Zhen Renshu.&nbsp; There was a sickening crack as the two men clashed, and Twelve Dragons Guoliang&nbsp; fell to the ground clutching his shin in agony.&nbsp; Or at least he tried, for the towering White Tiger still held the ankle of his broken leg in an iron grip.&nbsp; "You should be ashamed to call yourself a warrior" Renshu spoke, his voice smooth and deep and utterly uncaring, "pathetic".&nbsp; He turned and threw the screaming man aside with the same hand, then walked out of the ring.&nbsp; No body spoke for a full minute, and Meiling could swear there were less contestants sitting on the side lines then before the fight.&nbsp; <br><br>Understandably, Chen Shu looked uncomfortable.&nbsp; He had never intended to force his sister to watch such an unnecessary act of cruelty and violence.&nbsp; He stepped forward, trying to swallow his embarrassment and anger, but even so he trembled with awe at this man's frightening strength.&nbsp; "Noble sir!" he called, managing to get Zhou Renshu to stop, although the tall warrior remained with his back turned.&nbsp; "You seem far too strong for this tournament, and I cannot allow you to injure any more of these good men." <br><br>"I came for a decent fight, nothing more" Renshu answered, turning his head "but if these are the kinds of weaklings I can expect, then I've got no intention of sticking around."&nbsp; He lowered his arms to his side and walked away.&nbsp; Shu stepped forward before thinking and called out "stop! I beg of you" The warrior did and Shu made sure to chose his next words carefully.&nbsp; If this man, this... monster was guarding his sister... no! He was hardly honorable, but... he was so <em>powerful</em>, no one would be able to lay a finger on her if he was at her side.&nbsp; "I will not have these warriors maimed needlessly, however I wish to offer you the reward.&nbsp; That is of course, unless there is anyone else out there that would face this man?"&nbsp; <br><br>Deep in uncertainty, Chen Shu did not manage to spare his sister the glance she deserved.&nbsp; It was her fate he was talking about here, but he absolutely had to know if there was anyone who could face such a powerful man!&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 22:57:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling had, indeed, gotten bored, especially when her brother's attention was drawn back to the two opponents. She wanted to groan and put her face her hands - just where exactly had her brother gotten these kinds of warriors? While some of them did, indeed, look impressive and intimidating, there were others that would probably invite trouble while they were on the road. Meiling wanted to sigh, or shove her brother... but she decided to look over the other tournament participants instead.<br><br>When the men saw her eyes flicker in their direction, many of them immediately looked back at the two new fighters in the ring, though they attempted to sneak glances at her when they thought she wasn't looking. Had it been anywhere else, Meiling would have snorted in disgust - as it was, she merely sniffed and continued her bored assessment of the assembled warriors, picking out one or two handsome ones she wouldn't mind having as companions on her journey (after all, it would be at least several weeks of travel) to flirt with. She allowed a saucy smile to flirt across her lips as her eyes continued to explore the warriors waiting below... and found her gaze drawn to a tall, tanned warrior who held himself like he was a class above the rest of the competition. Even with so much distance between them, though, Meiling shrank back, swallowing uncertainly... he seemed dangerous. Cold.<br><br>Meiling's eyes darted to the attendants when they began whispering among themselves, surprised that someone of such high renown had come to the tournament. At her brother's words, she smiled up at him, shaking her head. "It is no matter," she murmured. Interesting - White Tiger Zhou Renshu... as well as Twelve Dragons Guoliang. Even Meiling had heard of both warriors before - though, when the energetic, boastful Guoliang began jumping up and down and showing off, Meiling found herself a bit put off by his attitude. Did he not feel that warrior's aura emanating from the White Tiger? Or was he so confident in his own abilities that he thought he would win?<br><br>The battle was over in seconds. Meiling had to wince when she heard the crack of the two men clash with each other... but she gasped in horror when she saw the White Tiger holding the other man's ankle coldly, then throw him mercilessly to the side of the ring. The White Tiger exited without a word or a glance for his fallen opponent - and Chen Meiling looked stricken at the display of cruel violence.<br><br>And then Shu stood, and spoke to the man. Meiling's eyes widened, first with shock that her brother hadn't immediately ordered the man out for maiming someone as he had, then with horror when she realized that her brother was actually <em>considering</em>...<br><br>"I... Brother, what are you doing?" Meiling cried, jumping to her feet and rushing to his side. Shu stood half a head taller than she did, so the young woman had to tug on his sleeve to get his attention, to get him to look down at her. "You can't possibly..." She ran out of words to speak her thoughts, but didn't know what she could possibly say to dissuade Shu from his goal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>17-01-2008, 09:21:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shu turned to face his sister, defeated by the pleading look in her eyes.&nbsp; She was frightened, he could tell, for it was reflected in his own eyes as well.&nbsp; "Forgive me" he replied softly, lowering his head and sighing, "I simply could not let such a powerful man walk away just like that... But very well, if he frightens you this badly then I could never place him at your side, even if I know for a fact Zhou Renshu would never harm you.&nbsp; Just think how he came to be so powerful.&nbsp; Such a driven man, incredible, but yes... I can see why you hate him."&nbsp; He feigned a smile, feeling inwardly that he had failed her already.&nbsp; Perhaps he could use the man in another way, his lord would certainly be interested in such fighting talents, if of course he had not yet offended Zhou Renshu with his choice of opponents to face him. <br><br>Renshu decided to stop and wait, one arm akimbo, the other hand rubbing the back of his neck.&nbsp; To be honest, he hadn't meant to go so overboard, but Master Bai Yi was a cruel old teacher and he'd taught him never to hold back.&nbsp; Now no one would fight him, and instead of finding an opponent that warmed his icy blood he'd succeeded only in frightening everyone.&nbsp; Typical, he thought, lowering his head and pretending not to care.&nbsp; Soon he would just be a bad memory to these people.&nbsp; Fine, so be it, Renshu decided.&nbsp; <br><br>"I will fight him" came a voice, so faint it seemed to to meld with the very breeze.&nbsp; The warriors, their nerves already alight, jolted back and parted the way as a cloaked stranger stepped forward.&nbsp; He was small, possibly even Meiling's height, and his form was entirely hidden save the long strands of midnight black hair that flowed from his hood.&nbsp; Chen Shu frowned in concern, ready to insist that this far smaller man stand down.&nbsp; Still, such confidence after witnessing that brutal strike... perhaps the White Tiger had not shown up for nothing after all.&nbsp; "Very well" Shu agreed, somewhat reluctantly, willing to at least witness one last fight, "but I forbid either of you to kill, do you hear me?&nbsp; My sister is present, and I would prefer she slept peacefully without nightmares."<br><br>He drew one arm around Meiling's shoulders, holding her close in case she wished to bury her head to his chest.&nbsp; "Perhaps I should arrange a small brigade to accompany you instead dear sister"&nbsp; Shu considered with a sigh, waiting as the warriors both stepped into the ring "you would have no privacy, and you'd attract a lot of attention, but..."&nbsp; He smiled and tightened his hug briefly, hoping to assure her that everything would be alright.&nbsp; He looked up and nodded to the stranger and the tall Zhou Renshu.&nbsp; "Begin!"<br><br>Renshu waited idly with his arms crossed, trying to stifle a yawn.&nbsp; "The last guy who strolled in so confidently ended up broken in half.&nbsp; What a waste of all that training... Well, not that he trained all that hard anyway.&nbsp; Don't bother giving me your name pretty boy, this will be over quickly."&nbsp; Even as he spoke he felt uncomfortable with the stranger's secrecy.&nbsp; He felt no aura, <em>nothing</em>, and it was somewhat unnerving for a man so used to reading his opponents, anticipating their every move before they even make it.&nbsp; "Fiend, how dare you humiliate lord Chen Shu and lady Meiling!&nbsp; I will see that you pay for this offense" the stranger called, his voice awfully shrill for a man's... He gave the Tiger no time to reply, and dashed forward on the offensive. <br><br>Renshu smirked and awaited the attack, his beautiful, wild eyes blazing into the stranger's very soul.&nbsp; It was nearly enough to make that cloaked attacker hesitate, but nothing but Renshu's swift death could undo the insult he had given their honorable hosts.&nbsp; Just as with Guoliang, Renshu caught the attacker's leg mid air,&nbsp; onlookers squirming as they anticipated another scene of violence.&nbsp; Renshu released the attacker's leg at the last second, staggering back and clutching his neck.&nbsp; The cloaked stranger landed, and everyone inched closer in their seats to see what had happened.&nbsp; Renshu lowered his hand, revealing a shallow cut on his neck.&nbsp; "A hidden weapons master" Renshu remarked, "how quaint"&nbsp; <br><br>"A switch-blade in his shoe... this is getting serious" Shu whispered, still holding his sister protectively.&nbsp; He had half a mind to stop this madness, but he wished to know who this stranger was.&nbsp; Now it was Zhou Renshu's turn to attack.&nbsp; He raised his strong hands and moved in with alarming speed, slashing the air around the stranger with deadly swipes that could strip bark from a tree.&nbsp; They were feints, but when the true strike came it was too late for the stranger to move away in time.&nbsp; Renshu tore through the cloak, leaving vicious claw marks as if he truly did have the hands of a tiger. <br><br>The stranger left his... <em>her</em> cloak, leaping backwards to elude harm, but still holding the cloak with one hand.&nbsp; The woman swung the half shredded cloak across Renshu's leg, cutting him deeply with the hidden saw lining.&nbsp; "Enough!" Chen Shu yelled, stepping forward.&nbsp; "A woman?&nbsp; Just who are you?"&nbsp; Renshu limped and clutched his leg, a similar question on his face as well as a thin lining of sweat.&nbsp; He was breathing hard, but not with fatigue.&nbsp; Never before had this man encountered such a worthy opponent, and to think she was a woman no larger than the delicate Meiling.<br><br>"I am called Daiyu, one of the Iron Locusts at your service my lord.&nbsp; Please allow me the honour of protecting lady Meiling!"&nbsp; The woman announced, dropping to one knee humbly before them.&nbsp; Meiling's older brother gasped at the sight of this stunning woman, and the sound was shared by many other onlookers among the audience.&nbsp; Of course she could not compare to his sister, but he could neither deny her beauty.&nbsp; She wore a deceptively thin white dress decorated with rose patterns, the pale, almost glowing skin of her soft thigh revealed through the generous slit at the side.&nbsp; Her hair fell over one eye like liquid obsidian, pulled into an impressively long braid at the back that ended well below the shapely curve of her rear.&nbsp; The cloak lay in ruins at her feet, one corner soaked red with Renshu's blood.&nbsp; Meiling had the strangest feeling she had seen this young woman before, possibly a long time ago...<br><br>"Of course, the Iron Locusts would surely know of the true purpose of this tournament, although it does seem somewhat unimportant.." Shu conceded, nodding to himself.&nbsp; He turned to Meiling to see what she thought.&nbsp; "I am surprised this tournament has attracted your attention lady Daiyu.&nbsp; Is it truly your wish to protect my sister so?" <br><br>The woman saluted.&nbsp; "Yes lord Chen, I would give my very life for her"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-01-2008, 23:04:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling swallowed hard as she clung to Shu's arm, but shook her head at his words. "It isn't that I hate him... nor that I am frightened of him," she murmured, so softly that only he could hear her words. It wasn't entirely a lie, but there was something strange about the way the White Dragon acted, as opposed to the way he felt. Meiling frowned when her brother smiled, because she could see that the smile wasn't true. Reassuringly, she squeezed his arm.<br><br>"It is not menace that I feel from him... but coldness. I'm not sure what that means, but... part of me believes that he didn't mean to maim." Meiling had always been able to read people very well; and though she was only an average fighter at best, she had strong senses, that could pick up emotions or auras from people around her. It wasn't a kind of magic, per se; perhaps, only an extension of her senses. And it wasn't always reliable, because it depended heavily on Meiling's emotional state, and would come and go unpredictably.<br><br>Both Meiling and Shu's attention returned to the warriors when a challenger came forward, confident even after seeing the White Dragon's capabilities. Meiling's eyes widened, and her eyes flickered up to Shu's face, wondering what he was thinking. He didn't seem to want to let the challenger proceed - but she also knew that Shu wanted very much to find her a capable bodyguard... one who would protect her without fail. Meiling clung to her brother's protective embrace, but swallowed and lifted her chin stubbornly. She was no weak flower that needed to be defended constantly, even if her brother insisted otherwise; and she was determined to see out this battle, as much for her own sake as her brother's.<br><br>It was comforting to have Shu at her side though... it would be lonely, being without him when she had to leave. They had never parted for long, even when Shu needed to travel with the lord he served, because Meiling often tagged along. She tightened her grip on the arm wrapped around her shoulders, then returned her attention fully to the exchange between the two warriors.<br><br>"You know as well as I do that I would never condone such a thing. A brigade would attract far too much attention for your liking, and is more dangerous when you consider the many who would challenge such a large group just to see if they could win, or to see if they can succeed in stealing away the treasure guarded by the group." It was why she had turned down that idea the very first time he'd mentioned it, and insisted only on his finding one capable warrior to defend her, perhaps two. Of course, she hadn't known he would do something like throw a tournament to find said warriors, but...<br><br>Meiling had to admit that she was impressed when she saw that the smaller warrior could indeed hold his own against the taller, larger man that he faced. And a hidden weapons master - she was intrigued at the ease of skill with which the smaller warrior defended himself, and attacked... but was completely surprised when his cloak was ripped away, and everyone saw not a man... but a <em>woman</em>! A beautiful one, who seemed to be a staunch defender of the Chen siblings... who seemed to take the White Tiger's offensiveness and behavior in the tournament almost as a personal insult.<br><br>Just who was she?<br><br>Meiling looked up at her brother at the same time that he looked down at her, but she was fully puzzled. She knew she had never met this woman before, even in another setting - but for some reason Meiling felt that she'd seen her before. She was sure she hadn't, but instinct told her otherwise, and Meiling wasn't fool enough to ignore it. But who was this woman - an exceptional warrior, who would (apparently) protect her charge with her life? And Meiling was still more than a little confused... her brother knew what an Iron Locust was, but his sister had never heard the name before. She tugged on his sleeve to get his attention again.<br><br>"Perhaps... it would be best if you dismissed the other tournament participants, and we spoke to these two inside," she whispered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 09:23:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"See to the wounded"&nbsp; Shu commanded one of his gossiping attendants, both sick of their yapping and concerned for those who had received serious injuries at his event.&nbsp; He felt nervous speaking those words, and was hopeful he would not have to repeat them while fighting beneath his lord's banner.&nbsp; Now he could focus properly on the two before him, and of course speak openly with his dear sister.&nbsp; He wished to follow Meiling, but both guard prospects seemed rather... immobile at the moment.&nbsp; "Please, rise" he asked Daiyu, although he reddened slightly as she did so.&nbsp; The slit in her dress was much higher than he'd first thought, easily reaching the pleasing curve of her hip.&nbsp; It was no doubt an intentional distraction, anything to stop her opponents from guessing from which angle she would next attack from.&nbsp; Just how did she hide so many weapons beneath such a thin, provocative looking dress anyway?&nbsp; He realized he was staring, and right in the presence of his all-knowing sister too.&nbsp; "Ah, yes" he went on, clearing his throat and turning again to Meiling with his arms folded at his back.&nbsp; "Meiling, allow me to introduce you to one of the Iron Locusts, she--" <br><br>"We have met one another before, lord Chen" Daiyu interrupted fervently, looking to Meiling with awe glimmering in her one revealed eye.&nbsp; The woman smiled, her gaze unwavering as if Meiling was the most interesting person in the world.&nbsp; "Oh? I see..." Shu replied, pleasantly surprised but also unsure what to make of this.&nbsp; Daiyu seemed to show a most unusual amount of concern for his sister Meiling, but of course, if they knew one another then perhaps it was not so strange after all.&nbsp; The Iron Locust was more than formidable as a fighter, and she was a woman too, perfect for the job of guarding his sister no matter what situation she was in.&nbsp; He smiled to both women, looking to his sister for a satisfied smile of her own, but instead finding something of curiosity pulling at her features.&nbsp; He knew how she hated being kept in the dark, but she would have plenty of time to converse with lady Daiyu on their journey together.&nbsp; He hoped to get away with a charming brotherly smile, and Shu's smiles were indeed very sweet.<br><br>"Hey" Zhou Renshu said, no longer looming over everyone as he sat beside the raised dais with the doctor tending to his slashed thigh.&nbsp; "Don't think this is over woman, I was just getting started" he told Daiyu with a dark smirk.&nbsp; His eyes were once again hidden behind his messy chestnut fringe, and he didn't once flinch as the doctor stitched up his thigh.&nbsp; "Ah yes, White Tiger Zhou Renshu..." Shu spoke down from the dais, "as the battle was not... resolved, I hope you will allow me to reward you monetarily and let you be on your way.&nbsp; No doubt you have grown bored of my poor excuse for a martial arts tournament, and the reward of guarding my sister surely does not inter--"<br><br>"I'll guard her" Renshu interrupted, forcing Chen Shu to form strange shapes with his mouth as he grasped for the words in which to reply with.&nbsp; That was the second time he had been interrupted today, what happened to the days when warriors were honorable and polite?&nbsp; "The hell you will!"&nbsp; Daiyu snapped, stepping in front of Meiling as if to protect her, looking as though she'd leap over in a heart beat to continue her fight with Renshu.&nbsp; "Enough, please!" Shu asked them firmly, holding his hands out and looking from one to the other.&nbsp; "It is more than apparent that the two of you will not get along, and there's no way I can allow you to fight in my sister's presence every opportunity you get, especially since I'm hiring you to protect her!&nbsp; No, but if you insist, then we will simply have to ask my sister which of you she will take with her.&nbsp; Meiling, I trust in your judgment, and I know that I have done more than enough already.&nbsp; It is time... for me to step back and let you have the final say."&nbsp; <br><br>Shu looked so commanding, holding both hot-headed fighters at bay with a single show of his palms.&nbsp; Renshu was standing again with his arms crossed, the bewildered doctor slowly trying to creep back in to finish his work on the volatile man's thigh.&nbsp; Daiyu was shooting a heated gazed past Chen Shu at the tall warrior, but at the mention of Meiling she stepped back and awaited the girl's answer.&nbsp; "I am certain the lady Meiling can clearly see which choice is best"&nbsp; she said rather confidently, getting an indifferent shrug from the towering White Tiger.&nbsp; Shu took a deep breath and closed his eyes, the feeling of losing his precious Meiling again lingering in his mind.&nbsp; The warmth of her embrace seemed to leave his silk robes all too quickly, leaving him with nothing but a melancholy smile and an aching heart.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>"Perhaps I will speak with my sister in private.&nbsp; Please do not make trouble for my men, I will return soon with Meiling's final answer.&nbsp; Forgive me dear sister, it seemed we had to speak of this out in the open.&nbsp; But yes, let us go inside where we may speak alone"&nbsp; Shu glanced back to make sure the two warriors were moving away from one another, and that the other contestants were leaving the tournament grounds in an orderly manner.&nbsp; Some would be disappointed, certainly, but it did not matter now.&nbsp; The only thing that mattered to him right now was the safety of his sister.&nbsp; It felt good to leave the dais, to walk the beautiful gardens once again, as if the tension between Daiyu and Renshu had been replaced with calming bird calls, the soft wind, and of course the reassuring presence of Meiling at his side.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 11:19:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The young woman felt the tenseness of the situation seep away, as she fixed her mind to the gardens around them instead of watching as Daiyu and Renshu lashed at each other with verbal attacks. The two walked in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying the tranquility of the garden, in each other's company; Meiling, though, was frowning in concentration, knowing what that Shu needed to know his answer - and she had to give him one.<br><br>"I would like Miss Daiyu to be my bodyguard on this journey, if you still insist that I must go," she said, a questioning but resigned tone in her voice. She had argued fiercely against his decision in the first weeks after he had told her - but unlike many other things, this issue he refused to budge on. He insisted on seeing her away, somewhere safe - said that he was worried that civil rebellion might erupt at anytime here in the north, near Manchuria's southern border, where Ming loyalists who had not already fled to consolidate their power in the south were fiercely resentful of Manchurian rule in the Chinese capital. She didn't know that the minister Shu served was a Ming loyalist; she did suspect, but had no idea that their minister was an active member of the Ming resistance.<br><br>"However, there are several problems with that. With only her as my bodyguard, I will refuse to ride in a carriage... firstly, she would have to sit outside the carriage, to lead the horses - and secondly, we would make a most tempting target, especially with Miss Daiyu's small stature. Any bandits or dangerous people along our journey might think that she is an easy challenge, and attempt at us - but if there are enough enemies, with enough skill, they could easily distract her and either steal away the carriage, or kidnap me as she watches." Meiling had to think carefully about her next words - Shu might be hesitant to send such a cold, cruel warrior as her bodyguard, despite his obvious power and fighting prowess. But she had an argument that he would likely not be able to top.<br><br>"If you send Renshu, I will still refuse the carriage, as I can ride a horse just fine," Meiling commented, before Shu could say otherwise. That was a bit of an understatement - Meiling was a very fine rider, whose horse was fiercely protective of her mistress. When Meiling sat atop her mount, the two were inseparable - and with Meiling's commendable skill with a light sword, they had the advantage of not one fighter ahorse, but two, as Windblade's hooves and teeth were as deadly as Meiling's steel sword.<br><br>"But if he comes along, people might think twice about attacking us, than if they were to see only two women. And really, Shu... I doubt you could disguise Miss Daiyu as a man on that score." Miss Daiyu was simply too beautiful, and too feminine - there was no way that anybody but a drunk man or a blind one would believe that, dressed as a man, she truly was one. "And you must admit, Zhou Renshu's power is formidable. Two fighters can easily compensate for what professional skill I do not have than one - and despite his coldness, I do not believe that he is cruel, or holds malice towards me... I truly believe that the White Tiger will be a formidable and intimidating bodyguard. Paired with Miss Daiyu, I will be as safely guarded as you could hope, brother." Meiling now stopped and took a deep breath, turning so she could see his eyes and his thoughts on the matter.<br><br>"Of course... if you believe Zhou Renshu too dangerous, I will accept your judgment. Perhaps, having more worldly experience than myself, you might see something in him that I do not... that you believe poses a threat to my person and my safety."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>19-01-2008, 10:10:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shu smiled to himself and watched the stone path moving beneath his feet.&nbsp; Meiling had, at some point, found that by taking a pragmatic approach she could win just about any argument with him, simply by showing him the practicality behind her reasoning.&nbsp; It made him proud that she was so intelligent and mature, but also suspicious that between the two of them, <em>he</em> was the emotional one.&nbsp; Still, she had a full repetoire of emotions behind those beautiful lurid eyes.&nbsp; The man nodded and came to a halt, turning to her and breaking his gentlemanly stature to place an affectionate hand on her shoulder.&nbsp; "I trust you sister, and I trust in your judgment, even if I simply cannot trust them" he told her, smiling warmly in the hopes the expression would veil his ever-increasing sadness.&nbsp; "Very well, I will make the arrangements.&nbsp; I can start by informing them they have both received the honour of watching over you on your long journey, and of course make sure they understand the consequences if anything were to happen to you... Ah, do forgive me, you know I only do this because I care.&nbsp; Perhaps you wish to return to your quarters and get ready now?&nbsp; Or we could continue another lap of the garden, I suppose.&nbsp; I had planned on waking you early tomorrow for such a walk, providing you were not too grouchy."&nbsp; He meant to laugh, but the sound failed to leave him as anything more than a quiet snort.&nbsp; "I will inform Zhou and lady Daiyu to be ready tomorrow morning.&nbsp; My attendants will bring you Windblade, and anything else you request of them tonight.&nbsp; I will send one to check on you this evening, as sadly... I have important business to attend to.&nbsp; I care not if it takes me long into the night, we will walk the gardens together tomorrow morning.&nbsp; I would not miss it for the empire, my sweet Meiling."&nbsp; Shu smiled and squeezed her shoulder, blinking back tears.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 07:52:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling said a few more words for him and hugged him tightly, but she bowed in farewell and walked away quickly before she burst into tears. As it was, she was sniffing by the time she reached the pavilion that led towards the wing of their home that led to her rooms, and trying to wipe away silent tears when she finally got to her room and flung herself onto her bed.<br><br>She sobbed into her blankets for a good thirty minutes or so, wearing herself out and making her eyes red with weepy misery. Meiling hadn't thought beyond her having to leave - but it was difficult to imagine what life would be like without Shu's constant support, or his brotherly affection for her and her well being. Granted, he was overprotective, difficult to circumvent, and often curtailed her nights of fun out in the city night life (once, he and a small squad of guards had gone to a little party she'd attended and had gotten herself a bit tipsy at, and escorted her home as she flushed hotly in embarrassment)... but Shu had always taken her side, defended her, and would listen to her without fail, even if he had important documents to write and sign and research for that were to be finished the next day. He always made time for her and had her best interests in mind (even if those interests didn't necessarily match her own).<br><br>But the night passed, and Meiling made sure to pack her most essential belongings - a few volumes of books (poetry, some classic novels, and a translated volume of European philosophy that was interesting to no end), a few trinkets, the jewelry that she was attached to for some emotional reason. A beautiful hair comb Shu had gotten for her on her eighteenth birthday, some gorgeous silk dresses that might be needed if she needed to pull rank... as well as simple commoner's clothes that would vaguely disguise her if the need arose.<br><br>She had no more visitors that night, so when she watched the moon rise from her bedroom's balcony and found that there was no more to be done except leave the next morning, Meiling left her room to search for Shu, finding that she wished to speak with him in private before the next morning. She left her rooms cautiously - she was dressed rather indecently (only the red silk top that she wore for sleeping on hot nights, which was fastened around her waist and neck with delicate strings that left her back, arms, and neck bare, and a pair of white silk trousers that showed the long line of her legs), though she attempted to make up for it with a silk robe. Unfortunately, it was so warm that soon Meiling was wandering the halls with the robe balled up in her arms instead of wrapped around her body. Her silky black hair was tied back with a pretty bit of embroidered silk (also a gift from Shu), and flowed in a long ponytail down her back, ending just past her bottom. She didn't even realize that strangers would be staying with them on this night - the thought didn't even occur to her that they might not be sleeping in their rooms, and might encounter her as she wandered the halls in her state of undress.<br><br>She first visited his rooms, but Shu was nowhere to be found. She wandered to the library, but again found nobody. Meiling pouted childishly - just where was he? - and wandered the halls of their home, then the walkways in the garden, rather aimlessly, hoping to find Shu before she tired and returned to her room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 09:29:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sounds of the night came crisp to Meiling's ears, from the gentle sway of the wind in the trees to the tiny splash of the Koi in the cold-water pond.&nbsp; Undoubtedly Meiling was used to being watched, having had to deal with such attention from a young age on account of her ravishing beauty, but at a time like this such a feeling was no doubt highly concerning... Perhaps Shu had seen her leaving and thought to follow her?&nbsp; Or, perhaps one of the guards he'd ordered to watch her from afar?&nbsp; Yes, that was probably it, just a watchful guard.&nbsp; But then... where was he?&nbsp; There was a faint crunch like a dry leaf beneath a footfall, but when Meiling turned no one was there.&nbsp; This area of the garden had plentiful trees, and even more places to lurk and hide...<br><br>Something coiled tightly around her foot with a metallic rasp, and before Meiling knew what was happening she was dragged into the air by her ankle, the moonlight illuminating the metallic silver wire that ensnared her.&nbsp; She was left upside down and dangling, three feet from the ground beneath the huge tree that supplied the arm that held her.&nbsp; Her back hit the hard bark as she swayed into it, but through the blow she caught the blur of a figure moving up ahead.&nbsp; Another wire wrapped around her hips, then her waist catching both arms, then her shoulders above the breasts.&nbsp; The figure stepped out of the shadows and caught the weight that whizzed through the air, pulling the <em>steel strings</em> tightly around the tree. <br><br>"My my, I seem to have caught you Lady Meiling..." Daiyu laughed from the semi-darkness, one hand raised and grasping both wires, "you have no idea how long I've been dreaming of this moment my beautiful flower..." Her hair darkened most of her lovely face, but her one revealed eye seemed to glow with moonlight fire.&nbsp; Her chest steadily rose and fell, and she stood with one knee protruding through the slit in her dress.&nbsp; Her lips parted and her eyes slimmed.&nbsp; Eager to hear the sound of Meiling's sweet voice she leaned back, putting a little more weight into her stance until the steel strings bit into her captive's all too thin clothing.<br><br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 09:53:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling felt <em>something</em> watching her as she strolled over the wooden bridge that was a suspended walkway over the calm, dark waters of their garden. She turned several times, but could see nobody behind her, nor could she sense any movement once she turned. She frowned, becoming more and more frustrated as she continued along her moonlight venture, but could find nothing that gave her cause to be uneasy, which made her even more anxious.<br><br>When she eventually felt that the strange sensation of being watched but at not finding anyone watching was too much to bear, Meiling decided to return to her room. She could, after all, always speak to Shu tomorrow, rising with the dawn so they could speak before even the servants woke. However, as she quickly shuffled her way back towards her home, alarm rang through her body. Meiling froze, but it was already too late - she cried out, surprised when she felt her body being dragged upwards, painfully, by one ankle. She hit the tree with a soft thump and a whimper of pain, but then felt more wires catching first her hips, then her waist and shoulders, rendering her arms motionless by her sides. Any excess movement, Meiling realized, would result in cuts in her own body; she tried hard to remain still, but it was hard to ignore the string that bit into the skin at her ankle.<br><br>She was disoriented from both being dangled upside down from the tree, as well as hitting it; she didn't realize at first that it was Miss Daiyu, apparently, that held her trapped from the tree. Meiling took in the woman's appearance in a few seconds... she frowned, trying to hide her fear, but then cried out when the steel strings bit into her skin.<br><br>"What are you doing? Let me go!" Meiling cried out, thrashing and only getting cuts where the strings bit into her for her pains. A tiny trickle of blood ran down her leg from her ankle; her skin whitened around where the steel wrapped around her body. "I demand you release me this instant!" She shouted, getting slightly hysterical at her helplessness. Where was Shu? Where were the servants? And just what did this woman think she was doing?!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 11:39:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Incredible, your skin is so soft, and I had these strings made especially with you in mind..." Daiyu remarked, tilting her head to the side to take in all the wonderful expressions on Meiling's pretty features.&nbsp; Her hair slid from her pale face, revealing her right eye.&nbsp; She had a scar and it cut into her delicate eyebrow and went down her cheek, but miraculously whatever gave her the wound spared her eye.&nbsp; It was recent too, and the stitch marks were still mostly visible.&nbsp; It was shocking enough to mar her otherwise faultless beauty, but only for the moment she allowed the sleek strands of her dark fringe to fall away from her face.&nbsp; She took a few delicate, casual steps towards her suspended captive, stopping within&nbsp; less than a meter and tying the ends of her deadly cords to the fingers of the tree.&nbsp; She did not seem to be worried about the appearance of guards, or concerned that Meiling might scream at the top of her lungs to grab their attention.&nbsp; "I've set up a little distraction for your brother and his men, and I made sure to include Zhou Renshu as well... I can't blame them for getting so worked up at the nearest mention of your name."<br><br>She ran a finger gently down one of the strings, careful not to cut herself, and stroked her fingertips softly across Meiling's belly where the wires clung to her.&nbsp; She took her hand back and smiled with her eyes as she slowly lapped the blood from each fingertip with her pink tongue.&nbsp; "You don't remember me, do you?" she asked, as if it didn't matter.&nbsp; The truth was anything but, and already she felt herself becoming frustrated over this 'insignificant' little fact.&nbsp; "it doesn't matter now... now that I have you all to myself.&nbsp; Oh the fun we will have.&nbsp; I'll make you pay for ignoring me all those years ago, but do not worry my sweet, I'll be very... very gentle."&nbsp; She admired Meiling's helpless body through heavy lidded eyes, her own breath becoming heavy.&nbsp; She knealt down to one knee and stared passionately into Meiling's eyes, then with a delicate motion she ran her thumb over the girls face and pressed it to her jaw.&nbsp; <br><br>She moved in quickly, pressing her mouth to Meiling's with a greedy moan.&nbsp; She slipped her tongue inside, prying Meiling's sweet lips apart and kissing her furiously.&nbsp; She pulled back and nearly swooned, her breath hard, and licked the tiny amount of blood on her lower lip from the forcefulness of her kiss.&nbsp; "Oh Meiling... how I have always loved you... and now..."&nbsp; She stood, her voice shaky and almost giddy, and stepped in close to crush her body into Meiling's.&nbsp; She enjoyed every part of the girl's inverted form, her breasts crushed to her stomach, the steel strings already warm with Meiling's blood and bodily warmth.&nbsp; "Kiss me again Meiling" she said in a heated whisper, reaching down to grasp one side of her own dress and pulling it aside.&nbsp; With one hand she held the back of the captive girl's hair, forcing her between her legs.&nbsp; Slowly, she lowered herself on shaky legs.&nbsp; "Do it" she commanded, letting her head fall back with a shudder.&nbsp; <br><br>She stopped suddenly and jumped back, her dress falling back into place.&nbsp; "Who's there?!" she hissed, eyes scanning the darkness for the movement she was sure she detected.&nbsp; An enormous figure appeared behind her.&nbsp; She spun with her elbow out, both hands already clutching concealable daggers.&nbsp; Zhou Renshu stepped out of the darkness and wrapped his large hand around her arm, sapping all her strength with one crushing grasp and forcing her to drop the daggers.&nbsp; He pulled her to her feet and, still using the same arm, hurled her with monstrous strength towards another tree.&nbsp; Daiyu fell unconscious from the impact.&nbsp; Renshu turned to the bound, upside down form of Meiling fasted to the tree, merely placing one hand on his hip while the other scratched his chin.&nbsp; "Don't think I'm admiring the view, although I was thinking about sitting 'round for a little longer to see just what that crazy bitch was up to, but you know this job doesn't start until tomorrow..."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 12:24:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling whimpered as Daiyu crept closer, her fear growing as she saw an almost... obsessive light in those fierce eyes. When Daiyu mentioned Shu, Meiling squeaked and instinctively curled inwardly, wishing she could hide somewhere safe. The action only increased the pressure of the steel strings on her upper arms, making the girl gasp in surprise and bite her lip as she tried to still her squirming body.<br><br>She watched helplessly, fear evident in her large eyes as the woman stepped closer. Meiling winced, but she was surprised when she heard Daiyu's little diatribe. She looked familiar, but Meiling didn't know from when. How did this woman know her - and what grudge did Daiyu have that made her seem so obsessed with Meiling? The girl swallowed nervously as her captor touched her face, caressing her soft skin gently, but she became less <br><br>Meiling shrieked when Daiyu homed in, but the sound was muffled within the depths of their kiss. Meiling could do nothing as her mouth were parted; so forceful was the kiss that she was pressed back against the tree, and she could feel the intense pressure with which Daiyu pressed her against the tree's support as she tasted her mouth. When Daiyu moved away, Meiling could feel herself coming close to tears - her eyes stung hot as she struggled not to cry, but everything was so confusing and frightening, especially when Daiyu crushed her body to Meiling's captive form. The bound girl struggled furiously when she felt Daiyu's hand press against the back of her head, and she really did scream when she saw what Daiyu was trying to do. She shut her eyes and struggled harder, causing the steel strings to break her skin in different places as she moved. Thin red trickles of blood appeared on her pale skin around her upper arms and around her ankle.<br><br>The young woman quivered, her eyes shut tightly, but was afraid to open her eyes when she felt Daiyu's attention focus elsewhere. She heard several loud thumps, but finally opened tearful eyes and saw Zhou Renshu. Meiling swallowed her hysteria and whimpered as another flash of pain around her ankle told her that her squirming around had earned her another cut. "Please let me down..." She whispered, wishing she could cover her body. She was exposing so much skin, and to a stranger, no less! Oh, if only she had worn the silk robe, or better yet, not left her room at all...<br><br>"Please..." And with that word, Meiling dissolved into hysterical sobs, though she tried her best to suppress them, sniffling as her tears slid from her eyes and down the sides of her cheeks, into her long hair. She tried to hide the fear that was welling up in her belly, and the uneasy frustration that stemmed from her confusion. But most of all, she simply wanted to be back on her feet, back in the safety of her brother's arms, and far, far away from whatever obsessive tendency had caused Daiyu to string her up in a tree and proceed to frighten her half to death. Though she'd frequently caroused and had fun in the city's night life, she'd never been so frightened, or been trussed up so easily, so quickly. It was an experience that had Meiling crying like an abandoned, frightened child.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 13:08:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Quit blubbering, it's pathetic" he told her coldly, moving towards her his with his arms at his sides.&nbsp; He pressed on one of the wires attached to the branch with calloused fingers, strumming it like a harp string.&nbsp; "These couldn't cut bean curd" he muttered cruelly, considering how he'd go about undoing her without any more fuss.&nbsp; "I hid when when your brother was informed you'd supposedly ridden off by yourself, since I didn't want him coming to me for trouble, and I'm sure by now he's already found your startled horse with nobody on it.&nbsp; She planned well enough, guessing he'd become stupid and easily fooled at the mention of you riding off alone."&nbsp; He stepped closer and reached out, grasping two of the three strings tying her middle with one powerful hand.&nbsp; They bit tighter as he yanked, but then the pain eased as he tore the coils away with a metallic chime.&nbsp; He could hold burning logs unflinchingly, so a few flimsy little wires weren't going to hold up against his Tiger Hands.&nbsp; Now just for the one holding her by the ankle, and she'd be rid of her compromising position.&nbsp; "Why anyone would find this attractive--" he stopped and said nothing more, having ripped the thin cloth from her chest along with the wires.&nbsp; She was dangling, bare chested before him, and could not tell where he looked as his eyes remained hidden beneath his hair.&nbsp; He seemed to pause, as if the sight stirred something within him.&nbsp; Desire perhaps?&nbsp; If he turned his desires on her now, there would be nothing to stop him.&nbsp; Shu had ridden out north at full speed, and Daiyu lay unconscious beneath the tree.&nbsp; He stepped closer, very slowly, and reached out for the string binding her feet.&nbsp; Still, he could not ignore how close her body was, and how he'd turned to stone within his pants at the mere sight of her bare skin.&nbsp; She could probably see it too, right before her.&nbsp; <br><br>He stepped back with a grunt and turned away, ripping the wires from her feet and letting her fall to the soft earth. "There" he said, keeping his eyes off her and tossing the snapped wires aside. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 13:28:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The White Tiger's coldness made Meiling want to cry harder, but it had the effect of making her stiffen in reaction to his insult. "I'm not pathetic!" She cried, thrashing and only succeeding in making the strings cut harder into her skin. She whimpered, but otherwise sniffed back her tears, even though his litany of insulting and cruel words made her want to slap him - or at least, throw something at his head. He was so unconscionably rude, so utterly without grace or kind words, and as unlike Shu as she could imagine. The way he was acting, Meiling fully expected to hate him... but for some reason, he made her want to show him that she was worth more than a few of his cold, cryptic words.<br><br>Meiling gasped when she felt the wires ripped away from her body, accompanied by a few pieces of skin and followed by flecks of blood. She shook as blood rushed back where they had been tightly, sighing as blood flowed back into her arms... but then shrieked when she realized that in getting rid of the wires, he had also pulled off her top, leaving her upper body naked for his eyes. She tried to cover herself up with her arms and hands, flushing deeply when he paused mid-sentence... Meiling shut her eyes tightly from the horror and embarrassment of the situation. She trembled, still dangling from the tree, wondering if he would take advantage of the situation... but the next thing she knew, she tumbled onto the ground shoulder first, so hard that she was dazed for the first few seconds.<br><br>As soon as Meiling could move, she grabbed her silk robe and wrapped it tightly around her shoulders, getting to her feet proudly, her chin high, her eyes bright and steely. It was obvious that she was doing her best to appear at least marginally brave, and trying to work past her shock and embarrassment - her cheeks were still tinged the color of deep rose, and she trembled faintly from the fall and the experience of almost being... well, she didn't know exactly what had almost happened, but she was glad to have been rescued from it.<br><br>"T-thank you," she whispered, swallowing nervously as she wondered what she could do. Meiling thought about returning to her room, but... well, wouldn't Daiyu simply come find her when she woke? And who knew how long Shu would be running around, trying to look for her, before he returned?<br><br>It took her all of a few seconds to fix her gaze on Renshu's face, waiting for him to look down at her and acknowledge her presence before speaking. "Would you please escort me to my rooms, and remain there for the night? I would like to avoid another... episode alone with Miss Daiyu, and I will vouch for you so that you will be rewarded for helping me tonight," she said bravely, trying to keep the quiver from her soft, melodic voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>23-01-2008, 12:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Renshu made no effort to turn and face her, nor did he seem to be listening to her in the slightest.&nbsp; Before she could do anything about it he held a hand out in front of her face and slipped past her, his remarkably gentle auburn eyes slimming as his suspicion heightened.&nbsp; "She's gone" he murmured, searching the area where Daiyu had fallen.&nbsp; For a moment it looked as though he'd run off after her and finish the job, but something made him hesitate... and eventually he returned to stand protectively at Meiling's side.&nbsp; "If it's you she wants, then all I have to do is wait for her to come fishing" he explained through a callous smirk, sounding as though he was <em>enjoying</em> this.&nbsp; Of course Renshu was very much looking forward to their next encounter, and he had plans to make it their last.&nbsp; They had a score to settle, he and this 'Iron Locust'.&nbsp; Without another word he turned and lead Meiling back through the gardens towards the property. <br><br>~~~<br><br>He brought her straight to her room as asked, but the way he dragged her by the arm certainly wasn't something she'd requested of him.&nbsp; A few servants came running, dressed in only their bed wear, one huddling in fear at the sight of the imposing Zhou Renshu almost dragging Meiling's along.&nbsp; He released her from his iron grip and sent her staggering into her quarters.&nbsp; "I'll be around..." he said, anxious about the numerous points of access someone as sly and skilled as Daiyu would no doubt utilize.&nbsp; "Let's hope that brother of yours returns soon.&nbsp; We could use his men.&nbsp; Oh, and don't forget what we agreed... I helped you, remember?"&nbsp; He stuck a finger out at her, then with one last calculating glance around the room he slipped away and left her by herself.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>25-01-2008, 11:52:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling yelped as Renshu all but dragged her all the way back to her rooms, but she didn't protest his actions otherwise. After all, he had saved her from... well, whatever it was that Daiyu had been planning. But it was strange, how Daiyu had disappeared without either of them noticing - Renshu seemed frustrated and annoyed by it, though Meiling couldn't tell exactly what he was thinking behind that cold smirk.<br><br>When he finally let her go, Meiling stumbled, opening the door into her room just before she careened straight into them. She was flushed, and looked quite improper and indecent... when the servants gaped at the two of them, her temper flashed hot for a second. "Leave us!" She snapped furiously. The two words sent them scurrying away - Meiling did not have a hot temper, but when it lit and stayed lit, she could have quite a cruel streak. She hit nobody, nor did she do anything that she regretted... but her words would lash like a whip, and she stayed in a hot bother for at least a few days. Of course, her temper was usually aimed at Shu and his stubbornly overprotective rules and regulations... but well-intending servants often got caught in the crossfire between the Chen siblings.<br><br>"I won't forget," Meiling said softly, standing straight again as she nodded put one fist against an open palm. She bowed deeply, forgetting to hold onto her robe and thus briefly giving Renshu another sight of her round, firm breasts again. Meiling straightened and gave him a tentative smile. "Thank you for your... help." She wanted to say kindness; but Meiling doubted that it was kindness that prompted Renshu's actions.<br><br>After he left and she closed the door, Meiling sighed and returned to her bed ruefully. Oh, she really shouldn't have left her room that night... it had been a foolhardy move, especially in such few clothes. She quickly slipped off her robe and pulled on another top, this one black silk where the other had been red, and with colorful embroidery in many colors over the face of the fabric. Meiling fastened the ties behind her neck, chest, and waist securely, and then crawled into her bed, leaving the covers folded at the side despite her encounter with Daiyu. It was simply too hot to sleep with anything other than clothes on. She tossed and turned for a few minutes that seemed to stretch into hours, but fell asleep before the hour had passed, hugging a lump of her blankets for security, leaving her back exposed to the room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>26-01-2008, 13:32:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Renshu sighed as he felt his back it the wall with a weighty thump, his body feeling unnaturally groggy and weak as if he'd had too much to drink.&nbsp; He tried to shake it off by doing something, ordering one of the servants to go outside and be on the look out for Chen Shu, but his own voice seemed to reverberate unnaturally in his ears.&nbsp; He was growing suspicious, did Daiyu manage to throw some kind of poison needle at him?&nbsp; Maybe it was small and unnoticeable.&nbsp; He paced, brown eyes searching the darkness for any sign of her, his feet eventually taking him outside once more where the fresh air brought him a brief moment of clarity.&nbsp; He examined his own palms in the moonlight, and his eyes widened with realization as he noticed the small cuts from Daiyu's steel strings.&nbsp; "The strings, they were poisoned?" he whispered to himself, turning swiftly and making his way back to Meiling's room.&nbsp; The floor seemed to sway and distort, forcing him to catch himself on the head of the one of the stone lions in the garden.&nbsp; He forced his feet onward, a thin sweat now covering his body that made him smell toxic, as if his body was dispelling the poison as urgently as possible.&nbsp; "Meiling" he found himself calling in concern, but his tongue felt so heavy and he wasn't sure if the name had come as anything more than a mumble.&nbsp; He managed to make his way inside, but collapsed on one knee with his shoulder to the wall.&nbsp; He panted, both his legendary hands -the first parts of him to be affected- hanging limply between his knees.&nbsp; They seemed to tingle like he'd lost circulation, but the feeling was thicker, groggier.&nbsp; &nbsp;He took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, then another, practicing the breath techniques that Old Bai Yi had taught him.&nbsp; The poison was not like pain, which he could focus on and dull, it was more like dullness itself.&nbsp; Eyes closed, he focused on sending ch'i into his legs and feet.&nbsp; He stood, and with his shoulder to the wall for support he dragged his way towards Meiling's room.&nbsp; If he, a powerful martial artist, was this susceptible to Daiyu's poison... then depending on the severity of Meiling's cuts, she would be little more than a pliable doll in Daiyu's hands.&nbsp; <br><br>With his shoulder still to the wall, Renshu busted in and staggered to retain his balance.&nbsp; Without the supprt of the wall his shoulders sagged, knees bent and trembling, arms dangling uselessly at his sides.&nbsp; Just how on earth was he going to protect her in a state like this?&nbsp; "Daiyu!" he snarled through clenched teeth.<br><br><br>He saw Meiling and she was unconscious, although she might have murmured in her tainted sleep.&nbsp; Laying against her almost peacefully was the Iron Locust Daiyu.&nbsp; One arm coiled lovingly, possessively around the girl's neck and shoulders, the other resting uneasily on the girl's hip as if it somehow controlled Meiling's entire fate.&nbsp; The woman hummed a laugh, eyes slimming into an all too sweet smile as if she'd merely won an innocent game of Wéiqí.&nbsp; "Some protector you turned out to be..." she remarked, her eyes shimmering on Meiling, twinkling with the faint reflection of the moonlight.&nbsp; "You think I would hurt her?&nbsp; Never, I <em>love</em> her.&nbsp; She would sooner wind up dead in your company than in mine.&nbsp; If I keep her close, then nothing terrible can ever happen to her.&nbsp; You're merely a hired thug, but I have known her for a very long time, and loved her ever since the first time I met her..."<br><br>"You're messed up" Renshu answered cooly, slowly shuffling his way towards her as if stubbornly denying the toxin in his system.&nbsp; "Obsessive bitch, if you love her so much than why did you poison her?"&nbsp; The end of his words turned into a groan as he fell to one knee, his body failing him.&nbsp; He squinted as the bed before him seemed to shiver in his vision, and failed to notice Daiyu standing and leaving the poisoned and sleeping Meiling.&nbsp; First she stroked an errant lock of the girl's pretty hair from her face, then swung one slender leg from her elegant dress and stood to her feet.&nbsp; She walked towards him slowly, crossing her lithe arms and standing to one hip before him.&nbsp; "The only thing you understand..." she told him, one revealed eye glowing as she watched Renshu with disdain, "...is tearing things apart with those hands, how do you expect me to allow a violent monster like you have her?"&nbsp; Effortlessly she swung one leg upwards, bending at the knee to bring her heel down on his gut.&nbsp; Although normally he would have shrugged such a flimsy blow off, it struck him between the ribs and winded him, and in his poisoned state he was in no condition to withstand such a precise kick.&nbsp; He fell and landed awkwardly, his long well-toned arms doing absolutely nothing to catch his fall.&nbsp; She laughed, enjoying his pitiful state, and reached beneath her dress to draw a 9 inch razor.&nbsp; It looked as though she was not interested with toying with Renshu, she had Meiling to fulfill that role...&nbsp; <br><br>Renshu could swear that he saw Meiling stirring on the bed, although he doubted, with the poison coursing through her, that she could escape.&nbsp; Still, this gave him time.&nbsp; "You aren't going to butcher me in front of her are you?" he managed to say, smiling despite everything.&nbsp; The razor was gone in a brief instant and Daiyu was, without fear or concern, turning her back on Renshu to greet the waking Meiling with a frighteningly lovely smile.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 11:19:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was swimming through a fog... a thick fog that seemed to dim and blur everything around her. Meiling shifted in her sleep, murmuring uneasily as her limp arms twitched weakly. She thought she heard something outside of her dream - was somebody trying to talk to her? Why was the air swirling around her thickly, like strange glassy smoke? And it was so hard to move, much harder than it really should have been.<br><br>Meiling tried to open her eyes, but when she did the room shifted again, making her moan and shut her eyes. What kind of strange dream was this? It was so hard to focus, to make herself move... but she was hearing voices speaking, though she couldn't catch the conversation. Every movement and action seemed slowed to a crawl. Her limbs felt strangely heavy, unbearable so - and for some reason, Meiling felt...<br><br>Nothing.<br><br>She finally forced her eyes open weakly. She looked up at Daiyu, who turned and smiled at her, but felt no fear or repulsiveness at seeing the woman's face. Her eyes were wide and dazed, glassy-looking... and she was sweating an unusual amount despite the warm night. Her bare skin was covered with a light sheen of sweat, and her silk trousers clung damply to her legs, which lay motionless on the bed. Meiling tried to focus her eyes, but found that the effort to do so gave her a tremendous headache.<br><br>"I..." Meiling's voice was weak, barely a whisper. She knew that she should be frightened at this moment, but for some reason she couldn't summon any other emotion but mild dislike.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 12:17:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling felt quite vividly, despite the numbness, soft fingers across her brow.&nbsp; It was as though her muscles were sapped of all their strength, but the surface of her skin was immensely sensitive.&nbsp; She could feel her own body heat blazing like an inferno, and at the same time her sweat trickling down her skin like a gentle summer rain.&nbsp; The owner of those slender, sensual fingers looked down at her, smiling almost conceitedly if not for the humbling awe and desire shimmering from within those inky black eyes.&nbsp; "I'm glad you're awake, my little peach blossom" Daiyu purred, running those cool fingertips down Meiling's cheek, then her neck, settling lightly on the front of her top between her breasts.&nbsp; "What is the matter, do you think my poison is cruel?&nbsp; Your love is a far more potent poison that has sapped my strength for years... and there is no cure from it's cruel embrace but death itself.&nbsp; Submit to me Meiling, as I have to you and your poison flowing within my veins..."&nbsp; She leaned down to hover above her captive, parted lips inches away, their hot breath indistinguishable...&nbsp; <br><br>The woman was oblivious or unconcerned with Renshu as he was forced to watch helplessly, or close his eyes and become blind as well as poisoned.&nbsp; She lowered her elegant form down on top of Meiling's and shuddered as their bodies met.&nbsp; She held both of Meiling's wrists, one in each deceptively strong hand, and drew her arms high above her to crush them to the bed.&nbsp; Daiyu moved her chest, prying apart Meiling's breasts with her own as if to get as close to her as possible.&nbsp; While she pinned Meiling down with her hands and her chest, she also slid one leg higher up the bed and pressed it hard between Meiling's own.&nbsp; "Yes... I think I'll take you right here" she gasped, all logic escaping her while she held Meiling's exquisite virgin body beneath her.&nbsp; She moved against her, the sweat-soaked silk doing nothing to protect her from the incredible pressure of Daiyu's slender thigh. <br><br>Renshu grit his teeth with a mixture of undisguised disgust and contrite pleasure, unable to take his eyes off the scene before him, not that he could do anything more than watch.&nbsp; He wasn't aware women were... capable of such things.&nbsp; Still, as sensual as it looked he didn't doubt Daiyu's obsession would bring her to harm Meiling in some way, even if it wasn't physical.&nbsp; She was distracted, more than that she was absolutely enthralled.&nbsp; Now was his chance.&nbsp; All he had to do was stand, approach, and wrap his hands around Daiyu's thin neck before she knew what hit her... It proved even harder than he had expected, and he had to hold back from screaming in helpless irritation as his legs merely quivered at his command to stand.&nbsp; He tried to hoist himself up, but his arms were in an even worse condition, merely dead weight dangling from his shoulders.&nbsp; He pushed his back to the wall and started to slide his heels against the ground in the hopes he would gain some grip.&nbsp; It seemed to work, and although it took all his will he used the wall to his back to rise to a crooked stand.&nbsp; Good, Daiyu had not seen or heard him, but maybe Meiling had.&nbsp; It didn't matter, she was experiencing what it was like to be someone's plaything for the first time.&nbsp; Hardly anything to concern him with, on the scale of things, but for some reason... the more Meiling trembled and moaned... the more he wanted to snap Daiyu's neck like a twig. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>03-02-2008, 11:58:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling felt as if her entire body was weighed down by an invisible force, with her limbs filled with molasses or thick syrup. Fear choked out her voice when her eyes refocused, setting her blurry vision to rights again, and she saw Daiyu all but purring with desire as she stroked her captive's delicate skin, lightly cut from the strings that had bound her up earlier. Meiling tried to squirm away when Daiyu laid her body on top of hers, but she could barely move, let alone get away from the warrior; she whimpered helplessly as the woman's heavy weight settled over her own soft body, wondering why more heat rushed into her body where she was being caressed.<br><br>The young woman tried again to move, to kick, or even to shift her weight, but for some reason her muscles would not respond. It was as if she had been poisoned, somehow... Daiyu's words seemed thick and slow, and Meiling shut her eyes painfully as her vision wavered and blurred her sight yet again.<br><br>But Meiling's virgin body, having never been pleasured before, reacted exactly as Daiyu could have wished to her ministrations. Fear and curiosity choked Meiling's cries before they were uttered, especially when Daiyu restrained her wrists high above her head... but when Daiyu began grinding her chest into Meiling's, the soft, thin silk that protected the young woman's modesty did nothing to keep her nipples from becoming stimulated. Meiling heard a soft moan, only a second later realizing that it was a moan in her own voice. Her nipples and breasts ached, and Meiling struggled through her molasses-like state, wondering why she felt as if she wanted someone to stimulate her body somehow, to touch her more... to increase that low, burning heat that was beginning to pool between her legs.<br><br>But then fear and no little confusion seemed to break through the pleasure, especially when Daiyu pressed her thigh between Meiling's legs. Meiling stiffened and cried out, and although she was trembling and moaning as the heat smoldered between her thighs and made her damp silk slick with her arousal, there was no doubt that Meiling was afraid of the lack of control over her body, and afraid of that strange obsession that Daiyu seemed to have.<br><br>"Please... stop..." Meiling whimpered, even as she shuddered terribly and moaned from the intense pleasure. Daiyu's deliberate movements had made Meiling's silk top move and twist, exposing her firm breasts to the night air, and to Renshu's eyes. Meiling wanted to struggle and push Daiyu off, but her body didn't respond; she could neither move away, nor do anything but receive Daiyu's intense, lustful touch.<br><br>Her eyes darted to the side of the room, though at first she saw nothing but a blur of colors in the darkness. And then, something moved - and for a brief moment, Meiling's eyes focused just long enough that she saw Renshu at the side of the room, propped up against the wall. "Please... somebody please help me..." Meiling cried softly, trying to resist Daiyu but failing miserably. The myriad of sensations that were assaulting her body were hot, and made her ache, and made her want to moan and squirm. They were so new, and so unfamiliar to her... but Meiling was becoming frightened at the intensity of the feelings.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>03-02-2008, 13:48:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Renshu's teeth were clenched, his muscles trembling violently with the seemingly overwhelming effort it took him to make himself upright.&nbsp; Despite the rage contorting his dark, handsome features, his eyes could not hide the utter helpless he felt inside.&nbsp; Never before had Zhou Renshu stared at the back of his enemy while they ignored him utterly.&nbsp; Just the mental defeat was almost enough to make him give up, and if not for the white hot fury that ignited his blood, he might have.&nbsp; He wanted to roar as she so easily brushed him aside to have her way with Meiling, but every instinct told him to be quiet or he would never stand a chance... if he ever did in the first place.<br><br>Daiyu's eyes were weak with pleasure, but she kept her mouth closed and breathed through her nose so she could hear each and every one of Meiling's whimpers.&nbsp; She felt as though she could feel Meiling's pleasure with each poison-slackened jerk of her virgin body.&nbsp; Her thigh had very quickly become slick, only making it easier for her to&nbsp; drive herself harder and faster against her.&nbsp; Daiyu could not help but tense, and coiled one leg around Meling's to hook about her ankle.&nbsp; Firmly pinned down, but weak and slack from the toxin, Meiling recoiled against the bed with every thrust to inadvertently return it to Daiyu, who arched her own body atop the girl to crush her warm, wet opening to Meiling's thigh.&nbsp; Now she could barely keep her mouth open, especially as Meiling's breasts came free.&nbsp; Needing only one hand to hold the girl's wrists hard and secure to the bed, Daiyu firmly pressed her palm to one of Meiling's exposed breasts, kneading it across her hard nipple and stroking her finger tips down the soft flesh, enjoying every jerk as it bounced against her.&nbsp; She had been pleasantly distracted, but when looking back up to see the expression on Meiling's face she noticed a recognizing glimmer in the girl's eyes... She very nearly ignored it, feeling so close to reaching an incredible peak as she rubbed herself against Meiling's thigh. <br><br>With a feminine snarl of irritation, Daiyu slapped both hands down violently on either side of the bed.&nbsp; She leaned in very close to Meiling for one last look of heated desire, before pushing herself off the girl and hopping to her feet at the side of the bed.&nbsp; Her hair was in a mess over her face, and her hard nipples pressed against the inside of her thin dress as her chest heaved.&nbsp; Her protruding thigh was gleaming wet.&nbsp; "I'm going to make you pay for that" she promised Renshu, glaring at him through her dark hair.&nbsp; The ice in her eyes had melted, making them frightening clear like tinted crystal.&nbsp; She tried not to think about the warmth between her legs, trickling down her inner thighs, but it was impossible not to as she moved towards him.&nbsp; "You interrupted something very special..." she whispered darkly, reaching into the top of her dress to draw a fist full of throwing knives. <br><br>Renshu tried to ready himself, but he could barely keep himself from swaying to the point where he nearly toppled over again.&nbsp; At best, he could hope to fall on her.&nbsp; He felt a terrible uneasiness with the situation, as though he knew she would be cruel and not just kill him.&nbsp; "Meiling" he managed to say "I'm sorry kid."&nbsp; As he said it, a force hit him and he fell back against the wall, Daiyu's knives pinning him by the shoulders of his sleeveless top.&nbsp; If he hadn't faulted at the last moment, she might have struck somewhere lethal, but even so she had shallowly cut flesh and successfully pinned him down to an even more pitiful state.&nbsp; He hung there, hoping his shirt would rip and let him fall to his knees, to his death... The indignation at being defeated through such underhand means no longer fueled his fury, and all he wanted was to close his eyes and awake as though this had all been some bad dream. <br><br>Daiyu took a few steps closer, no longer caring if Meiling saw as she exposed the deadly looking razor.&nbsp; She pressed it to his throat, nearly cutting him as he swallowed in anticipation.&nbsp; Then she realized how dreadfully and achingly aroused her body was, far to much so to focus on killing a man.&nbsp; She cared not for Renshu or his body, but that almost made it more fun... licking her dry lips Daiyu sliced his shirt down the front to reveal his tanned and hard looking chest, as well as a long thin cut that began to bleed almost the second it appeared.&nbsp; Her eyes widened a notch as she set her hungry gaze on the immense slightly curved shape protruding from his loose dark blue trousers.&nbsp; Much slower, she cut the fabric away until he hung across the flat of her blade, she wished to hold the blade and frighten him, but as the warm head brushed against her wrist she found herself becoming very distracted.&nbsp; The heat of his exposed loins seemed to hypnotize her, as though even her preferences, not to mention her obsession with Meiling, were not enough to quell the primal desire growing within her.<br><br>She realized she was staring and took a step back to sheath the blade once again.&nbsp; He had grown softer with the dangerous icy touch of her steel, and his breathing had become hard.&nbsp; She could smell his sweat, tainted with her poison.&nbsp; "Oh no, don't think I'm done with you yet" she told him, making sure he did not get to lower his head in relief for long.&nbsp; She stepped in very close, until she was right up against him, opening her legs to clench his softening shaft between them.&nbsp; He jerked his hips to try and shake her off, but his resistance once against proved useless.&nbsp; He could feel how wet she was, and the heat was just incredible.&nbsp; It only got better as he hardened, until he was so firm she was basically sitting on the flat of his length.&nbsp; Then he realized that she held her steel strings between her fingers, and her eyes were nowhere near as inviting as the rest of her.<br><br>She did not show it but it was almost painful for Daiyu to move away from him, and as his swollen plum brushed against her opening she very nearly gave in, not that she was even certain she could fit that thing.&nbsp; She stepped back and as he sprung up she quickly wrapped the steel strings around him, the constriction forcing thick veins to appear.&nbsp; With a depraved laugh she turned to face Meiling and walked away from Renshu, the strings sliding harmlessly from her fingers as she moved, but still taught enough to make Renshu sweat.&nbsp; Already he could see a tiny bubble of blood appearing.&nbsp; "If I but twist my arm and pull..." she explained, hardly needing to finish the sentence.&nbsp; She fed the strings through the loop of one of her throwing daggers, then threw it up high to stick securely into the ceiling.&nbsp; Renshu nearly cried out in shock, but despite a severe tightening, the bladed strings did not flip.&nbsp; <br><br>The was a distant sounds of shouting and the sound of horses at full gallop.<br><br>Alerted, Daiyu reached down and grasped Meiling's arm by the wrist, dragging the girl to her feet.&nbsp; She wrapped the steel strings, which fed through the loop embedded in the ceiling and coiled around Renshu's manhood, around one of Meiling's wrists.&nbsp; Meiling was forced to stand on her weakened, shaky legs... or her weight would do terrible and gruesome things to Renshu.&nbsp; Daiyu stepped into Meiling, as if to help her stand, but instead she lapped her tongue up the girl's neck and whispered "I'll be back for you later" to her ear.&nbsp; Then, she stepped back and released the strings and Meiling both.&nbsp; Smoke errupted, filling the room, and Daiyu was simply gone.<br><br>"M-Meiling" Renshu called through gritted teeth, although he could no longer be seen through the smoke.&nbsp; "Don't... fall."&nbsp; He managed to push himself up which lessened the tension, and tried once again to command feeling into his hands.&nbsp; The more he softened, the deeper the stings seemed to bite him.&nbsp; "T-that crazy bitch" he whimpered, his mind almost dominated by thoughts of killing her.&nbsp; "Just... stand still, your brother is coming" he whispered, all his concentration set on trying to do the same himself.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 01:57:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling whimpered as the pressure from Daiyu's body and thigh disappeared, leaving her in a bit of an aroused mess. She was too dizzy and dazed from the poison to see what she was doing to Renshu, though part of the girl's consciousness recognized that the other woman was doing <em>something</em>.<br><br>And then suddenly, Meiling felt herself hauled off the bed and onto her unstable feet. She cried out in protest as the cuts on her upper arm from earlier that evening split, sending small trickles of blood down her arm... and then she froze in terror when she felt the cool steel of Daiyu's very lethal strings bite into her wrist. She didn't know what it was attached to, but she could see Renshu's blurry form somewhere to her left, and something told her that she had to stand, and keep standing, no matter how much her body complained or burned with the effort.<br><br>It took her every measure of her concentration not to fall and collapse onto the floor, but even so Meiling was standing weakly, trying to do her best without any support. She vaguely heard the sound of neighing, then of heavy footsteps pounding down the hallway towards her room. She could feel the reverberations of the door as it slammed open, then the gentle slide of silk over her shoulders as her brother grabbed something to protect his sister's modesty. Had it not been for the smoke, the dozen and more guards pouring into her room would have seen Meiling's flawless and pert breasts, heavy and aching and very much unhidden, as Daiyu's lust-crazed actions had skewed the top and bunched it up between the young woman's lush curves.<br><br>"I... cut the string..." Meiling whimpered as she collapsed into her brother's arms, still somehow keeping her left wrist where Daiyu had first wrapped the strings around it. "It... Daiyu... poisoned... can't stand any m-more..." she whispered as her vision faded in and out of blackness. The action of standing seemed to have burned up any reserves of energy that had kept her awake before; she finally collapsed when she felt the strings around her wrist give way, wincing when one of them snapped and lashed against her cheek as tension was unleashed from the split. She felt strong hands catch her body, and managed to open glazed-over, unfocused eyes, just enough to convince herself that Shu was there. "Ren...shu... saved me... Doctor... poison..." Meiling whispered. It was all she could do to utter those last words before she, again, lapsed into unconsciousness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 09:53:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				~~~<br><br>Chen Shu and his head assistant waited on opposite sides of a well lit room, the sun beginning to sink away into the horizon and bathing the room in a beautiful golden light.&nbsp; The doctor had insisted the positive ch'i be allowed to flow, so the room had been opened to the breeze and so many plants had been added that no wall was without at least five pots crowding it.&nbsp; Shu paced the narrow space while his head servant, a sober man with weary eyes and a thin mouth, waited patiently beside Meiling's bed.&nbsp; "She stirs" the assistant spoke quietly, his head bobbing as if he'd been on the verge of falling asleep, "my lord, she is awake."&nbsp; Chen Shu turned and quickly marched over, opened his mouth to say something, but turned away again and resumed his pacing as though he was not ready to look upon her.&nbsp; He had dressed darkly today, but as tastefully as always.&nbsp; His outer robe was a dark stormy gray, and beneath it one of fiery orange.&nbsp; His hair was tied into a bun at the back of his head hidden beneath a jade clasp and pin.&nbsp; "How is she Yin Tai?" Shu asked, his voice sounding devoid of emotion, yet anxious and weary.&nbsp; "She seems fine, you need no longer worry" Tai sighed, thankfully, rising to his feet and slowly moving to the door.&nbsp; "I shall leave you some time with her" he said, bowing his head briefly and turning to go. <br><br>Shu said nothing, although he ceased his pacing and stood with hands to his sides and his back partially to her.&nbsp; The view Meiling had of his face was no doubt disconcerting, even frightening, compared to his usual characteristic bright eyes and ready-to-smile mouth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 10:33:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling whimpered as she stirred awake and saw, instead of the deep blackness of a night sky, a rainbow-hued sky the faded into lavenders and darker blues as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Her eyes opened, and she blinked as the vision of her brother appeared before her eyes, focused and clear. It took a moment for her to realize that her body, although aching slightly, seemed otherwise fine; she shifted all of her limbs, and found that she could move as normally as she had before her encounter with Daiyu.<br><br>She gazed at the grim countenance of Shu and winced, wondering what he was thinking. But she swallowed back the dozen of questions she had, and crawled forward until she was perched on the edge of the bed, her face looking slightly pale but none too worse for wear.<br><br>"Brother?" She asked entreatingly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 12:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm glad to see you're not severely harmed" he interrupted, the words sounding as though he'd practiced them over meticulously in his mind, as if he had to be careful about what he was saying to her.&nbsp; As her brother there was very little he could hide from her, such as the definite note of pain in his voice.&nbsp; "You are safe now, sister.&nbsp; If Daiyu is foolish enough to return she'll receive a belly full of my lord's ten best spears.&nbsp; I have them stationed nearby, two outside this very room."&nbsp; He still hadn't turned to look at her, it was as if he didn't want her to see whatever expression he wore on his face.&nbsp; "I should have never hosted that ridiculous tournament..." he whispered harshly, trembling as he was closed to lashing out or grasping and drawing the sword that rested, sheathed, against the wall to his left.&nbsp; "But it does not matter any more... tonight I will speak with my lord magistrate and request that he release me from his service.&nbsp; Worry not Meiling, it is better this way.&nbsp; I can be here to protect you, always."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 12:58:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Brother..." Meiling whispered, concern making her voice tremble slightly. He didn't seem to hear her, almost as if he were lost in his own thoughts, his own worries. He seemed extremely calm, in one way... but being his sister, Meiling could tell that it was taking severe effort on Shu's part not to raise his voice in anger, and hide it from her.<br><br>Tears filled her eyes.<br><br>"Brother... it's not your fault," she whispered. She shook her head at his words, biting her lower lip when he mentioned leaving Lord Zhang's service. "But serving Lord Zhang Zuolin is so very important to you... it is under his service that you can learn so much, and see so much of the world." A few tears slipped down her cheeks as she slid off the bed and grabbed his hand with both of hers. It took so much out of her to stand, and not show her weakness from the lingering poison; but why didn't Shu look at her? Did he think she was tainted now, or impure?<br><br>"Please look at me, brother... please," she begged, her fingers trembling as she tried to get him to turn around. "It's not your fault... I don't want you to give up so much for me. Please... why won't you look at me, Shu?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 13:48:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shu grit his teeth, shaking as he pulled away and tried to hide his face from her.&nbsp; He closed his eyes and uttered one word "don't", but it was barely an audible whisper.&nbsp; It was difficult to tell whether he was repulsed, angry, or ashamed... Her tears echoed down his own cheeks, his face contorting with pain once again as his control began to slip at the softness of her pleading.&nbsp; He turned suddenly, eyes glaring down at her, and swiped her hand aside with a swoop of his dark sleeve.&nbsp; Beneath his eye was a terrible burn mark, disfiguring the once handsome shape of his cheek and brow, the shape worsened by the ashamed expression on his face.&nbsp; "This is my punishment" he whispered, his voice trembling as he raised a hand to cover his left eye, "for leaving you alone to suffer."&nbsp; He swallowed the lump in his throat, looking away again as he lowered himself to sit beside her on the bed.&nbsp; His back was arched and his head hung in his hands.&nbsp; "It burns always, constantly... it burns with my failure to protect you Meiling, my failure as your older brother, as a man, as a soldier..." He shook his head, lowering his hands and stared blankly at his sword leaning against the wall.&nbsp; "That witch... she knew about me, she betrayed Lord Zhang to his enemies.&nbsp; It was them you no doubt heard breaking into the house... I was caught up, I... We were out numbered, I had to kill many men that night."&nbsp; Without moving to look at her his hand inched closer to hers along the bed, closing around her own in the same gentle brotherly touch as always.&nbsp; He broke away prematurely and stood, took up his sword, and moved to stand by the door.&nbsp; "I'm leaving to decide what to do with that dog Zhou Renshu, then I shall inform Lord Zhang of my decision.&nbsp; I'll return to you the moment that is done, and then there will be no more insignificant duties will stop me from protecting you.&nbsp; You must not leave this room under any circumstances, never underestimate what she can do.&nbsp; We learned that the hard way."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>08-02-2008, 10:50:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling couldn't say anything, so stunned she was by the sight of the burn that marred his previously flawless face. "Wait... enemies? What enemy would go so far as to attack Lord Zhang... isn't he but a mere county official?" Meiling asked, a note of alarm in her voice. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she silenced the rest of her questions, as she remembered all the odd little things that had been happening in the past year. Messengers arriving for Lord Zhang in the middle of the night, dressed for stealth... Slips of paper that bore the red seal of the overthrown Ming empire... unexplained absences of horseflesh or the extraordinary silence of the 'servants' whose faces Meiling saw only for a few days before they disappeared.<br><br>"You... Lord Zhang is part of the Loyalist supporters? Is one?" She asked suddenly. When he broke away from her, Meiling followed even though she stumbled and only just managed to catch herself against the wall to keep from falling.<br><br>"Brother, wait... Zhou Renshu saved my life. If not for him... I might have met a more terrible fate than what happened that night. How long as it been, since... the tournament?" She amended quickly. Meiling's eyes flickered to the sky, which glowed violet and rose as the last of the sun's body disappeared beyond the horizon. Just... what was going on?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>09-02-2008, 04:08:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No sister" Shu interrupted once again, turning sharply to look at her with the good side of his face "Zhou Renshu failed to protect you.&nbsp; Where was he when we received the news you had run away?&nbsp; If he had truly been there to protect you, then why were you bound, poisoned and bloodied when I found you?!"&nbsp; He looked hurt by the words, as if someone else entirely was speaking them.&nbsp; It was as though he suddenly reaffirmed his disappointed opinion of Zhou Renshu.&nbsp; "He won't suffer, much, but I won't let him get away with this either."&nbsp; He turned away and stood by the door, showing her he was ready to leave in an instant if she but uttered a word about it.&nbsp; He almost didn't want to let her reason him out of it, because then there would have been no one, nothing to release his righteous indignation upon.&nbsp; "It has been 2 days.&nbsp; We managed to give you water but you need to eat to regain your strength.&nbsp; I shall order one of the servants to prepare a meal for you."&nbsp; He nodded weakly to himself then swiftly exited in a gentle billow of dark robes and left her by herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-02-2008, 07:10:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It... no! Brother, come back!" Meiling cried as he exited her room. But she overestimated her own strength; when she tried to reach for him, her legs refused to support her weakened body, and she crashed to the ground in a tumble, tears of stunned surprise streaming from her wet eyes. She hastily wiped them away, and simultaneously wondered where Zhou Renshu could be. Obviously, he had not been spared whatever fate her caring brother had seen fit to sentence him to; prisons, or laboring in mines? Whatever the outcome, it couldn't be fair; the White Tiger had also been poisoned, and he had not known it. And how could anyone have known the diabolical intentions behind Miss Daiyu's mask of loyalty?<br><br>"He was poisoned too, brother..." Meiling gasped weakly, as she struggled to pull herself back to her feet. She sniffed and wiped her tears away on her sleeves. She was wearing her own underclothes - a brief silk top and white silk trousers, as she normally did - but the large jacket she was wearing was her brother's, not her own... as if by having her wear his own garment, he could somehow protect her, and make up for not being there for her.<br><br>Meiling managed to drag herself back to her bed and make herself presentable to the servant who entered with a bow not long after. "I want to see me brother at once," she ordered imperiously, eyes steely with determination. "Please ask him to come here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 12:30:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the servant returned he was not alone.&nbsp; He sheepishly lowered his eyes, barely managed to hold an apologetic smile as he stood flanked by two imposing guards.&nbsp; Two of Zhang's elite spearmen loomed over the servant, their faces devoid of anything but pure automaton discipline, concerned only with fulfilling the duty Chen Shu had ordered of them.&nbsp; It was a simple, humble task, but if the Iron Locust Daiyu was foolish enough to show up then they would be the first and last line of defense, the ones responsible for bringing her head to lord Zhang.&nbsp; "F-forgive me lady Chen, but your brother was <em>most</em> assertive in keeping you to the refines of your quarters.&nbsp; Please rest, he only means well.&nbsp; Ah, perhaps you would like some tea?&nbsp; Food will be here shortly, I assure you."&nbsp; The servant backed away, eyeing the towering guards nervously and scuttling off to fetch his lady some tea.&nbsp; The guards exchanged the slightest of glances and turned side on, allowing the servant unobstructed access through the portal but ready to impede at a moments notice if Meiling tried to leave.&nbsp; If only she knew their enormous lack of experience when it came to guarding pretty young girls, then their rigid faces would not have seemed so cold and scary.&nbsp; Fortunately for them she didn't. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 14:26:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling scowled, but she did nothing other than sit back in her bed and pout in a rather put-off manner. She was somewhat angry at her brother for his stubborn attitude, but at the same time she could understand how he might have seen Zhou Renshu's inability to save her from Daiyu's clutches as a shortcoming on the other man's part.<br><br>"He was the one who ran off in the first place..." Meiling muttered to herself.<br><br>"My lady, did you need something?" One of the guards asked. If she had been paying more attention, Meiling would have noticed the nervous tremor in the voice of the younger guard. He had been newly promoted, but was very skilled; however, he had also fantasized before about his current charge, which made his current position slightly awkward.<br><br>Meiling only scowled in answer, but she was no longer in a nasty temper, as the servant had arrived with tea tray and some small snacks. "No. Merely thinking out loud," she sighed.<br><br>The pattern continued for the next few days - Meiling was not allowed to go out, and she was always in the presence of two or more guards. She began walking tentatively after her second day of bed rest, and by the end of the week was managing to walk the entirety of the villa's garden paths before she became too tired. Still, her brother refused to come see her; every servant she sent to ask for him came back alone, with some small trinket or a cup of tea to appease her. When she tried to search for him herself, Lord Zhang's guards barred her from his rooms, and from the suite of libraries and archives, informing her that it was on Shu's orders that she remain in her rooms or the garden. Meiling became disheartened, then depressed when he refused to come see her. She would often sit by the window of her room and gaze outside, watching as the sun's flight across the skies changed the shadows of the garden below her window.<br><br>About two weeks after she woke up, Meiling finally became fed up with her brother's absence. "Please ask my brother to come here," she snapped at one of the guards, who relayed her message to one of the men outside. "Tell him that if he does not come, I will search him out myself, even if it means knocking all of you unconscious so you can't stop me!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>16-02-2008, 10:33:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chen Shu arrived within minutes, dressed in full jade green armour and clutching his decorated helm beneath one arm at his hip.&nbsp; Most noticeably, he wore a porcelain half mask to cover the burn mark framing his left eye.&nbsp; He nodded to both guards and passed them in mid salute.&nbsp; "Sister" he greeted gently, approaching within intimate proximity despite the unfriendly looking armour he wore.&nbsp; "Forgive my appearance, I have been busy drilling the soldiers.&nbsp; How have you been?&nbsp; The servants tell me you have regained most of your strength, and I am extremely happy to see that they were right."&nbsp; His manner came somewhat rougher than she was used to, but he had just been training his soldiers and it was still an improvement from their encounter two weeks ago.&nbsp; He looked like a man who had just received a promotion, but there was also sadness on his handsome face which increased as he paused and finally abandoned his casual approach.&nbsp; "Lord Zhang would not permit me to remain at your side" he muttered despondently, eyes downcast.&nbsp; "Sister, for once I am... uncertain as to where you would be safest.&nbsp; Things do not go well."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-02-2008, 09:29:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling scowled when her brother finally arrived, but she did run forward and embrace him fiercely, putting on a brave face and trying not to cry. "You've been such a boor, leaving me here for two weeks without even speaking to me," she shouted, though the force behind her words were half-hearted at best. She was truly not angry at her brother, not anymore - merely upset that he hadn't come to visit, had refused to come even when she had asked many times every day.<br><br>Today she had dressed to go out - a simple blue and white outfit made of fine cotton, with the requisite white trousers worn underneath. Soft slippers that would be fine for the confines in Lord Zhang's home but not outside were on her small feet; there was little jewelry visible on her body, but for a slim silver ring and some jewels in her hair. In other words, she looked like a naive, innocent young woman of aristocratic blood.<br><br>"Brother... If there is going to be civil war and you don't want me to get involved, perhaps it is best if we proceed with your original plan, and have me escorted to Lord Tang's estate," Meiling suggested, naming the friend whom Chen Shu had wanted to travel to. "The Ming Loyalists do have a chance of winning, but you of all people know the might of the Manchu empire; to bring down morale, to bring about their victory, they would burn down cities of Loyalists to bring the rest of the rebels to heel."<br><br>After two weeks to formulate a plan of approach against her brother, Meiling had finally decided to throw down a gamble. Shu, once confronted with the possibility of having her life in danger by having her remain in Lord Zhang's estate, would have to send her away; at the moment, going farther south would mean going to safer surroundings. Chen Shu's friend, Tang Leehom, would be the logical destination. Shu would then either have to go with sending a squad of indispensable troops to escort his sister, or to his original plan... with Renshu as her guard. Meiling still believed that the White Tiger would be the most powerful guard Shu would be able to find; it was only because Daiyu had used low assassin's tactics to obtain her objective and managed to poison him that Meiling had come under a position of danger. Meiling was gambling on the fact that Shu would rethink Renshu's actions towards Meiling, and see that the White Tiger had had good intentions, though had failed due to the use of dishonorable tactics.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 12:49:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am dearly sorry" Shu told her quietly as she hugged him, returning the force of her embrace but trying to hold himself back so he didn't hurt her against his armour.&nbsp; He felt dreadful, and despite how preoccupied he'd been he could never stop thinking about Meiling.&nbsp; "I just... I knew not what to say after my last departure, nothing seemed... adequate.&nbsp; The only way I could manage to return to you was by pretending nothing was wrong."&nbsp; He stood back as she expressed her idea, holding her at arms length and listening to every word.&nbsp; Now was not the time to be stubborn, now was the time to apologize and to make sure they could come to an agreement they were both happy with while still keeping her safe from harm.&nbsp; "Zhous Renshu.." Shu sighed, almost looking away.&nbsp; "Even if I were to believe you beloved sister, there is no way he would serve myself or Lord Zhang's orders <em>now</em>, not after being kept in confinement for two weeks.&nbsp; I will release him, but only when it is safe to.&nbsp; No, I will use Lord Zhang's elite spearmen to escort you, surely they could handle one woman no matter how skillful..."&nbsp; His hold on her tightened ever so slightly, and he frowned beneath the half-mask.&nbsp; "But if a large group of bandit were to attack or... if Daiyu possessed allies..."&nbsp; He lowered his head and gave a conceding nod.&nbsp; "Very well sister... I will release Zhou Renshu, but you are likely the only one he will listen to.&nbsp; I can spare enough from my coffers to offer the man some sort of monetary consolation on top of the standard pay, but I wish to send you with enough money to live off as well, and to offer my good friend Lord Tang something for his kindness.&nbsp; I am still not ready to lose you Meiling, even for a brief moment."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 11:01:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiling pulled away from her brother, a bittersweet smile on her face. "But... even if it's what we want, there's nothing we can do now, is there?" She said softly, referring to the fact that they would soon have to be separated, whether he wished it or not.<br><br>"I'm no longer a child, but I cannot remain by your side, as you do not wish for me to come under danger. I understand that. But on the same token, as you have pointed out, I believe Zhou Renshu will likely be the only one who has the capability and strength to defend against the likes of Miss Daiyu, having encountered her once already."<br><br>She paced the length of the window, looking blindly into the lovely garden past the open paper screens. "Your request is my command, lord brother," she murmured, finally turning to face him, a rather despondent, tearful expression on her face. But she managed to keep back most of her tears as she knelt and clasped her hands before him, fist to palm, in an expression of great respect, before she stood and jumped forward to hug him tightly.<br><br>"Make arrangements for me... I'll pack tonight, and be on my way tomorrow. Though I don't wish to leave, if I delay my departure, I won't want to leave at all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>The Lotus Eater</strong> on <strong>24-02-2008, 11:25:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next morning...<br><br>Zhou Renshu slurped his soup down nosily, then threw the bowl on the pile and rubbing his stomach.&nbsp; "More" he grunted, bringing a gourd of wine to his lips and swigging heartily.&nbsp; "Bring me more meat, I want to gorge like the emperor."&nbsp; It took three servants to attend to him, one to carry in a great sizzling roasted pheasant, another to replace his emptied wine, and another to remove the stacked piles of bowls and plates he had finished off.&nbsp; The servants looked almost frightened with his appetite, but that wasn't the only reason they feared him.&nbsp; "What the hell is this?" he growled, looking into one of his bowls.&nbsp; "Rice?!&nbsp; I ate nothing but rice for two weeks!"&nbsp; He slammed the bowl down, shattering it to pieces against the table, ignoring the scorch of the hot rice against his palm.&nbsp; <br><br>"Now now" Chen Shu warned, sitting at the opposite end of the table, a slightly disgusted look on his smooth features as he watched the man stuff himself.&nbsp; He could understand how famished the man was, as well as how angry he probably felt, so he was willing to let Renshu's crude behavior slide.&nbsp; The White Tiger had lost a noticeable amount of weight, as the only way to stop him from tearing holes in his cell was to remove his food and water as punishment.&nbsp; If only the man hadn't been so stubborn, then this would not have gotten out of hand.&nbsp; What's more he was slobbering drunk, the wine having gone straight to his head in his starved and weakened state.&nbsp; "Are you quite done?&nbsp; My sister will be here and moment now and I'd rather not force her to see this" Shu told him, his fingers tapping anxiously on the table which trembled every time Renshu slammed another plate down.&nbsp; "So she's not my desert?" Renshu replied, tearing off a chicken leg and smirking, his half-lidded eyes hidden beneath his dark fringe.&nbsp; <br><br>Chen Shu reddened and stood, sword in hand.&nbsp; "Y-you!" he tried to say, his rage rising higher than he could control.&nbsp; There was no way he was going to leave his sister in the hands of this villainous swine.&nbsp; He turned and stormed out of the room, stopping only to give one of the spearmen posted at the walls new orders.&nbsp; "That's it, throw him back into his cell!"&nbsp; The guard nodded, but when Chen Shu turned to exit his sister Meiling was standing right before him.&nbsp; Shu stepped back, his mouth ready to speak but nothing coming out.&nbsp; He wanted to tell her he no longer agreed, but somehow he feared it was too late.&nbsp; Renshu paused the moment Meiling appeared at the door, but instead of speaking or even making eye-contact he merely hunched over his meal and continued eating. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Of Tigers and Blossoms (Caeli and Zaku)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 12:50:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Brother," Meiling said flatly, "I thought you said you would give him a chance. I'm sure if <em>you</em> were thrown in a cell for two weeks without adequate food and water, you'd be in a bad mood too!" Though Meiling was in a bit of a bad mood, especially after hearing the shouting and sound of shattering china as she'd made her way to the White Tiger's cell, she was happy that her brother had finally given in to her requests - and was now talking to her as they had before.<br><br>"Good morning, Master Zhou," Meiling murmured, giving him a regal nod as she entered the cell. The servants looked at her with frightened eyes before returning to their separate tasks, but Meiling didn't even seem to notice them as she watched Renshu devour everything on the table. The heady scent of wine mixed with the myriad other delicious smells in the cell, almost succeeding in masking the slightly musty smell of a humid dungeon. The corner of her eye twitched as a glint of anger flashed through it (she would have a talk later with her brother about his treatment of the man who had almost saved her from Miss Daiyu's clutches), but Meiling's face was an emotionless mask and mostly unreadable.<br><br>"I'm sorry for the treatment you have suffered until now, Master Zhou," Meiling said, making a slight bow in apology. "I apologize for my inability to carry out what I had promised you that night. However, seeing as you will now be acting in the capacity of my guard, I will inform you of our plans. After you finish eating, you will be allowed to sleep in the comforts of a nearby inn's guest room. Once the wine has been slept off, we'll begin our journey to the Yellow River." After finishing her little speech, she swallowed nervously, a hint of regret coming into her eyes.<br><br>"I know that it must have been difficult, being imprisoned even after helping me. Any apologies I or my brother make cannot make up for that. However, if there is anything we can do, I'd like to recompense for your ordeal."
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>