Arrival [Zhuge Liang]

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : ohey

Of course, the stares were... expected to say the least.

It was easier than it had been had he come in his full regalia, his full glory. But he still got some stares from the various peoples as he rode through China. It wasn't every day that someone saw a foreigner. Did he think his arrival would spread like wildfire? No. It would likely remain local and be forgotten in a week, perhaps a month at the latest. Really, Alexander couldn't quite believe just what he was seeing as he traveled through this place. This place was not Rome, he knew that much. He had heard things about China, but to actually see it with his own eyes, it was quite the different experience.

Namely, he was quite disgusted.

Oh he could keep it to himself, that was most definitely not an issue. But to look at these people. The roads were rarely paved if at all, their houses were built of flimsy material like straw and wood rather than powerful stone. The peasants seemed to be covered with something that he would rather not look into. It was like the more he looked, the more quickly he came to miss his home, and he had only just arrived as well. But if this was truly what China was comprised of, then what hope did they have against the might of Rome? Why consider them potential allies when they could not even take care of themselves?

Oh yes, he had heard about the civil war. It was all the rage. Peasants mentioned it, it had come up quite a bit during his education. He was more than aware of its existence. Not only were these people in poor condition, with poor living conditions, but they were divided. The entire scenario of a war played out in Alexander's mind. If Rome brought her full might, factions would sell each other out and betray each other for leniency. It would hardly be a war! But he knew his orders, he was to remain, gather as much information as he could, and return. To make a final decision so early was impulsive, foolhardy, and stupid. But right now, he thought one thing.

Surely bringing the ways of Rome to this land would be generosity beyond comprehension.

For now though, he had to think in the moment, not the future. As his horse trodged along the dirt path, Alexander continued to examine the peasants with a rather grim expression. He had come far, he knew better than to stop at the border. For now, he needed to find a place to stay, then perhaps a place to live. With homes being made of such cheap material, surely it wouldn't be that hard to obtain one. After that, he needed to forge a life fitting of a deserter; perhaps a small farm? He'd rather avoid pledging loyalty to one of the many factions here.

No, the last thing he needed was to get involved with this war.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

"Report!"

Zhuge Liang had read mysterious signs in the stars lately. Zhuge Liang had consulted the Yijing, and yet the venerable text held no explanation for the phenomenon he saw written in the Heavens. All this was on Kongming's mind when the messenger arrived.

"Lord Zhuge Liang! Our scouts report that a unusual man has been spotted. They cannot describe him with words, but they say he is very much like those people that Gan Ying spoke of!"

Zhuge Liang was rather puzzled by this. He was well-aware of the writings of Gan Ying, the envoy Ban Chao of the Early Han had sent, but he had always reserved some skepticism towards Gan Ying's account. But now that a possible man from Daqin itself was so close, Kongming was pleasantly intrigued. He called for a small collection of guards to accompany him to the outskirts of the city; he did not want to frighten the man with a show of force, but if he proved too belligerent, he would have to do his duty a take him into custody.

With feather fan in hand, Zhuge Liang led his men outside the city. Soon they came upon the foreigner near some farmland; peasants soon looked relieved at the sight of the Sleeping Dragon.

Upon seeing the tall man before them, one of the guards whistled in amazement.

 

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : well at least he avoided insulting their mothers accidentally

Part of him couldn't help but be amused by the peasants around him. It shouldn't be so enjoyable to see them so unnerved around him, but at the same time he supposed he couldn't really fault them so much for it. He was an alien entity, large, impressive, and fully armed. Here he was, alone, unsupervised, walking amongst such people that he was fairly sure he could kill just by squeezing them too hard. Not that he'd do that. He may not have had the highest first impression of these people, but he wasn't a barbarian; he knew when to stay his blade. Whether they knew that though seemed to be another story.

Of course, the peasants seemed to relax, he could see it in their faces as relief washed over them. Turning around, he looked to see a small group of what he assumed were guards to be approaching him somewhat. They didn't really invade his personal space, he would give them that. Perhaps they were wary of him? But when he thought about it, he remembered that he still hadn't found a place to store his gear, so he was still armed to the teeth, and he was still quite large compared to most others in the area, from what he saw. So thinking on it, it was no surprise local law enforcement would come to check up on the suspicious individual.

In hindsight, he probably should have seen that coming.

It was then that in the rabble, he noticed another man. This one carried an air of regality and finesse, far beyond those around him. Holding a fan, it didn't take Alex long to realize this man was more than the peasantry, it was as if he was on another level entirely. If his style of dressing (that is, fancy robes and not being covered in grime) was anything to go by, he would guess he was perhaps aristocracy of sorts then? Perhaps he was placed in charge of this area, or perhaps he held more land within his domain. With that said, Alexander had no desire to cause an incident. So he would do his best to try and defuse it. It was the moment of truth, the time to put that Chinese practice to the test!

"If your men are worried, they have no need to be. My purpose here is one of peace." He spoke, motioning to his gear, he assumed they were wary of that, yes? Oh he hoped he worded that right.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

While Zhuge Liang's men were surprised at the foreigner's effortless way with words, the language of their homeland, Zhuge Liang was unfazed. He had dismounted and stood before the man, examining him carefully. There was much more to this man than what met the eye, but Kongming could not tell what it was. His lack of perception made him even more intrigued by the handsome stranger.

"I...am Zhuge Liang," Kongming began, his voice calm, his words falling slowly. "I am Chief Adviser to His Lordship, Liu Bei, whose city you see near here. What is your purpose here? Pray, speak truthfully, for should you speak falsely, I will see through your deception like water."

Zhuge Liang was bluffing, of course. As it has already been said, he could not entirely read the man before him. Yet, caution told him the man was honest, but he had to be certain. Both the people and his lord had placed their trust in him.

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : CALLIN YO BLUFF

Alexander listened closely at the man's words. Apparently he wasn't the one in charge. Sort of. More that he answered to a power higher than himself. Alexander balled his fist, placing it against his chest and giving a short bow. That was the most this Zhuge Liang was going to get out of him. He kneeled only for the ones he answered to, these people would get no such submission from him, no matter how polite they were. "Very well, Chief Advisor. You may call me Alexander." If he would try to stay he could not be deceived, well that was a challenge that Alexander was willing to take him up on. He had been given a story.

"My purpose is to live." He just said as if it was the simplest thing in the world. He wondered how that'd come across, he meant it more in a spiritual manner, but he supposed it could be taken as simply not wanting to die horribly. "I am simply a soldier from Rome. I have come to start a new life, away from the brutality of war." Of course, that did create the issue of where he was. This civil war would've been a completely awful place to come settle down if he was trying to get away from battle.

"Ironic, considering my discoveries upon coming here." He chuckled lightly.

His eyes drifted from the man to the guards. These were still people he didn't really know. He didn't appear to be a threat, but he didn't know if someone would over react and attack him or if they would try to take him into custody, or what would happen. He couldn't really afford to just relax and dumb down his awareness. "But my purpose is a life in which I no longer have to raise my sword." He turned his gaze back to Zhuge Liang.

"For that I have been looking for a simple place to start a farm."

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

"Alexander..." Zhuge Liang thought on the name for a time. It was certainly and unusual name, but of all the things unusual this day, a name was the least of it. It was then Zhuge Liang realized that the phenomena he had witnessed in the skies must've been a sign foretelling the arrival of this Alexander. Kongming was no stranger to the signs of fortune, and perhaps this man had been sent for a greater purpose, something beyond even Zhuge Liang's abilities to foresee.

"There is truth in your words, Alexander," Zhuge Liang said, walking closer towards him, nodding his head respectfully. "I do not pertain to no the intricacies of fate, however, you are here today. I humbly ask that you allow Zhuge Kongming to be your guide."

Zhuge Liang gave instructions for a carriage to be brought from Xinye, so that Zhuge Liang and Alexander could return to the city together. A short time later, some of Kongming's men arrived with a carriage as instructed. The driver opened the door for Zhuge Liang to enter, but he did not; Zhuge Liang motioned for Alexander to enter first, as he was a guest.

"Please....Let us both return to my office together, and we shall discuss matters in a more suitable setting."

Alexander had said that his purpose "is a life in which I no longer have to raise my sword," and yet beyond the relative calm of Xinye, men of ambition raised their swords in the hopes of creating a new world.

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : man carriages are nice

Oh thank the Gods he bought the story. He knew that all that practice wouldn't go to waste. Part of him was inwardly relieved at this. He'd rather not have his cover story fall apart the moment he finally arrived at his destination. That... yeah that would be a disaster, to put it lightly. Because then Rome would have wasted a lot of resources getting him through this. Plus he really didn't want to think of what would happen if his real status got out. He supposed if they didn't try to kill him they'd want to pump him for information for even more extreme; try and get Rome to intervene on their behalf. That wouldn't be fun.

Still, the idea of a carriage was nice, it'd keep from having to ride on his horse all the way back. As the carriage approached, he simply motioned to his horse in that he'd rather not leave it behind. He really hoped they didn't take that as a sign to eat it or something. He'd grown rather fond of the animal during his trip here. Of course, he wouldn't be rude enough to deny Zhuge Liang's offer, wordlessly nodding as he stepped inside the carriage, taking a seat on one side. He found it humorous, chuckling a little. "Thank you for the carriage, Chief Advisor Zhuge Liang. But I found it odd you'd give such a thing to a grunt like me." Well, no. He was aristocracy, so he figured it was appropriate.

But there was a reason for this. He had said as such. Talks of fate, and the desire to talk in a more suitable setting. Alex wasn't that dumb. He knew when something was going on, when something was out of place. He was a foreigner, and not only that, he was a foreign commoner, why give him such lavish treatment? "To be honest, while I am not ungrateful for your hospitality, I am curious as to why you treat me so. Are all Chinese treated with such kindness?" He had a feeling the answer was no, if what he saw on the way here was any indication, but still, he'd ask it for the sake of asking.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

Zhuge Liang had prepared careful measures for such an incident as this. When a man had been sent to fetch a carriage for Kongming and his guest, he also relayed the Sleeping Dragon's orders to execute his plans. The people of the city were ordered to act with propriety--and soldiers were dressed in plain clothes around Zhuge Liang's office--so they would not arouse suspicion.

The ride back to Xinye was a quiet one, although Alexander raised many questions. Zhuge Liang smiled in his gentle, placating manner, offering little in way of a response. He caressed the feathers of his fan, his mind occupied still with questions about the warrior from Daqin. When they returned to his office, Zhuge Liang would ask him once more what his purpose was, for the answer he had given him was unsatisfactory. He had left the matter alone because he knew his men would become restless if it was pressed further. Alexander was not built for the work of a farmer, and as he had spent years doing the same work in Longzhong, Zhuge Liang could sense that the man would not be satisfied with tilling fields.

They soon arrived with the city; the people acting in every way as Kongming had instructed. Zhuge Liang waited on his guest to exit first, and then he followed.

"Come this way, Master Alexander..." Zhuge Liang said, waving his fan in the direction of his office.

Zhuge Liang leads Alexander to his office. It is very orderly, sparse, with very little in the ways of comfort. Zhuge Liang seats himself behind his desk, and then motions for Alexander to sit upon one of the mats to his left. Zhuge Liang's Personal Assistant looks uncertain, but he is soon dismissed, leaving the two men alone.

"Now then," Zhuge Liang began, setting his fan aside. "You must have an idea of what type of crops you wish to grow on this farm, correct?"

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : OH GOD IT'S A TRAP

Not much of a response, why didn't he like that? Why did that bother Alexander? Was getting in this carriage a bad idea? Getting in this carriage was a bad idea. Why hadn't he refused to get in the carriage. Was it the idea of being treated like a noble after so long? Maybe he was just that guy that never quite learned not to accept candy and go with the strangers to their unknown place of happy funtime. Well this was just great. His first day here and he was already potentially bamboozled. And he was a Roman noble! He was the one supposed to be doing the bamboozling! Ugh, if this ever got out, he'd never live it down.

This sucked.

The fact that when they arrived, everyone was dressed casually did nothing to help ease these thoughts. Why was it that when he was just wandering, guards had been sent to investigate him? Why would security be lax when he was in a much more important place? The office of the Chief Advisor to the Lord would no doubt be heavily guarded. Yet people in plain clothes surrounded the premises? Something was off, something was really off. But Alexander knew that it'd look even stranger if he tried to get out of it. Was he trapped? He believed it was nothing he could not work his way out of, but he would have to play his cards right.

That said, the office was kind of... bland. But he wouldn't refuse an invitation. Approaching the mat, Alexander sat down, crossing his legs in front of him. Zhuge Liang's title for him was nice, but he couldn't allow himself to get used to being referred to things such as Master. "Firstly, just Alexander, thank you. I'm afraid the term Master is quite wasted on me." He put on a smile. Perhaps humility was the way to go? He hated being put in this mindset. He really did, now he was second guessing everyone and everything.

Especially with the question he had been given. Alexander leaned back to consider it for a few seconds. "A general idea, but nothing concrete. I'm afraid my experience with your country really only stems from brief interactions and what I was told and taught. My parents made their living trading along the Silk Route. It was through them that I was able to learn your language." He shrugged. At least that had been covered.

"So with that in mind, I believe rice grains, wheats, crops along those lines are viable in your land?" Rice was a staple crop from what he'd been taught and the idea of someone not growing some form of wheat sounded ludicrous to him.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

You are probably curious as to what became of Alexander's horse. Zhuge Liang had seen that it was taken to the stables, and shown the great care deserving that of an emissary.

Zhuge Liang listened to Alexander's story, trying to discern the truth of the matter. "You may find arable land here, within the vicinity of Xinye. I spent years in seclusion, quietly tending my fields and caring little for political affairs or the ambitions of man." Zhuge Liang said at last, folding his hands before him and looking at Alexander directly. He believed he could identify with Alexander, as Zhuge Liang saw a bit of himself within the man.

A servant arrives with two cups of wine. He sets one cup before Zhuge Liang, and offers another cup to Alexander. Zhuge Liang knew that his guest was unfamiliar with the etiquette in their land, therefore he offers him a toast before taking the first drink.

"Allow me to do what I can to assist you," Zhuge Liang said, "there is no need for you to wander aimlessly, lest you fall into trouble. Stay here and I will make necessary arrangements for you."

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : i'm on to you m8 swear on me mum

Alexander sat wordlessly as the servant brought forth two cups of wine. At least Zhuge Liang was nice enough to offer a toast, and Alexander nice enough to respond, raising his cup in response as to join him in that toast. He'd admit, despite everything this man seemed to be very hospitable... which seemed pretty odd. Maybe he just knew better than to worry like all the peasants had been doing? Or maybe something else was going on. Still, he did appreciate the offer to help get him set up, the faster he got something like a farm rolling, the stronger any cover that he held would be. He set the cup down, watching its liquid content swirl.

"I suppose there would be a lot of paperwork." Alex remarked dryly.

He'd admit, the temptation to take a drink was there. Back in Rome, chances are in a meeting like this, it'd be over and they'd be getting so completely plastered by now. But, he partook in these vices, and as such, he also knew how dangerous getting swallowed by his vices could be. "I appreciate the gesture, but I don't imbibe, swore it off." He had already made a personal oath that he wouldn't drink until he got back. Of course, some other things, he could partake in, but he'd rather not risk wine loosening his lips and potentially giving something rather sensitive away.

Plus he felt pretty confident that there was something in the wine, so he wasn't tasting it.

He gently pushed the cup towards Zhuge Liang, motioning that he was free to have it if he so desired. Plus he wanted to see if the man would really take a drink or not. Poison was pretty effective in politics, he had learned. "In Rome, sometimes people will throw elaborate feasts and parties." He explained, "It's considered a compliment to eat and drink so much one gets sick." It might have sounded like pure gluttony, but to Alexander? It was a sign of how capable Rome was at taking care of her own. "I've noticed that when one reaches that state, they do stupid things that they sometimes later regret. I chose to avoid such troubles and regrets."

Well, he could work that into his cover story or something. "I also feel it'd be quite insulting if I gave you anything less than my full attention for your generosity." He spoke of as if it were quite the compliment. Personally? He believed it more in the sense of thinking he was up to something. He wouldn't lie, he was waiting for it. He was waiting for the part where Zhuge Liang said what he was after. He had to be after something.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

"Regret is something I know well. Take care not to cling to it, to hold it so close that it poisons your soul." Zhuge Liang remarked with a knowing smile. He had fully expected his guest to decline the wine, and his doing so served to confirm that which Kongming already suspected. He knew very well that Alexander's desire for a farm was merely a facade, but what he could not discern was the greater purpose behind it. Zhuge Liang would not press the issue; perhaps it was not yet his time to understand the heart of the matter. His own interest in the man took precedent over his concerns about his intentions.

"I will not be able to look into your situation immediately, as I must attend to others matters first. However, I would like to offer you a place at my side in the meantime."

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : he could probably take by his side in more than one way

He let Zhuge Liang speak, not once trying ot interrupt the strategist. He noted that Zhuge Liang hadn't taken his wine, or that he hadn't even acknowledged it. Alexander would just write that off as a little victory for him; perhaps it really was drugged or something and he was just wise not to take it then. So he just smiled. A small little smile that really seemed one of ease rather than one of victory. Despite the fact he was sure this man was trying for... something, he wasn't sure what. This seemed to be going fairly well. Perhaps he wasn't trying to kill him. Though it'd still be somewhat stupid to let his senses lax.

Finally he spoke with a sort of calmness, as if everything that had been said to him was totally okay. "Understandable. As Chief Advisor, I imagine you have much bigger things to worry about than a grunt." He had spent many a night on the road without the comforts of home, he figured a few more wouldn't really be an issue. "And as due to your position I'm sure you're qualified, so I'll heed your advice. However, I'm afraid it's much easier said than done." Yes, deserter because of what brutality he saw, he would play the role as long as he was asked to.

But that offer. The one Zhuge Liang had given him. For him to offer it so freely to a foreigner, it could not silence the alarm bells that were ringing within Alexander's head. To him he saw it as the cue that he had been waiting for; the cue that Zhuge Liang desired something from the Roman. Shifting his weight a little, Alexander raised an eyebrow. "But, I'm curious; what exactly do you mean by your side?" By his side, that was a bit more than just staying nearby where he could be monitored. There was something far too off about that.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

"Do not misunderstand me, Alexander. I do not mean in any official capacity, for that would lead to conflict. I would like is for you to join me in a more....personal capacity. Additionally, you must realize that you are at great risk, should you not be mindful of the company you keep in these times of chaos." Zhuge Liang said,"I feel there is much we can gain from each other, and therefore our companionship would be mutually beneficial. The people of this land know little of what lay beyond the sea and mountains; there are barbarians to the north and south, east and west, but of your land, there is only the writings of Gan Ying."

Kongming knew that Alexander would have reservations towards joining him, even if it was not was not as an official. Despite their lengthy conversation, he was still guarded. Kongming was offering him protection from the chaos which he himself had repeatedly stated, both in word and manner, that he wished to avoid. That he did not accept his covert offer--or at least, did not choose to--led Kongming to concluded that he was more than the mere grunt he claimed to be, but something more. He was not only physically primed, but he was mentally conditioned as well. Zhuge Liang wished to learn how he mastered both mind and body to such an effect.

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : course if he gets thrown into these situations...

Conflict would be quite the understatement on more fronts than one. He did not wish to take a side in this war nor did he wish to give the message that it was safe to do so. He was an observer, not a fighter in this, he had no stake. He had figured the official capacity to be quite obvious, as there would no doubt be a great amount of discontent as well. But was this land truly so ignorant of the world? Rome had a vicegrip on places like Greece and Egypt, perhaps this land was simply too divided to be able to see outside? Such division would be its undoing, of that Alexander was certain. All it would take was a unified power to bring this land to its knees.

But at last, Alexander had what he wanted; he knew what Zhuge Liang wanted. Information. He wanted information on Rome. He was going to pump Alexander in hopes of trying to get an advantage, he was certain of this. He made a note to deny knowing anything about the military history of Rome, or try and refrain from teaching any tactics as well. No, it was best that he had as little investment as possible. Still, "You mean tell you about Rome?" He questioned. He supposed there was no harm in telling Zhuge Liang what Rome itself was like. "I could tell you what I know, yes, that seems fair." After all, what harm could it do?

That said, he would take a stand. He was Roman, he would not simply roll over and do whatever this man asked of him. He would push his own terms. "But I wish to make something clear." He raised a finger as his gaze became stern, filled with a will of steel. "I have heard talk of this civil war this land is embroiled in, I am not fighting it. Nor will I help you fight it. This is not my war, I will not take part." He remarked before giving a sigh. "My days of fighting are over."

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

For a moment, when Zhuge Liang's eyes met Alex's steely gaze, a sensation overcame him, a feeling he had not felt since the years he had spent at Longzhong. His blue eyes had a familiar power over Zhuge Liang which he did not understand, or did not think he would ever experience again. He would have to meditate deeply on this.

"Yes. I understand." Zhuge Liang said at last. "I would never ask for you to get involved in the conflicts of our empire, for I would be a dishonorable host, should you be met with tragedy." Zhuge Liang summoned a servant; the servant was instructed to take away the cups and wine, but was also told arrange a carriage and escort for Alexander to the guest house, where other visitors worthy of honor were usually lodged.

"Until I can make a more permanent arrangement for you, please forgive me for asking one such as yourself to stay in the guest house. As soon as I am able, I will set to work on your farm, as I have promised." Zhuge Liang, feather fan in hand, crossed his right arm over his chest, and offered Alexander a gracious bow---much to the surprise of the servant. Zhuge Liang would not renege on his promise; he would see it through. "I hope you will enjoy your time in Xinye, Alexander. I must return to my duties, but I shall check in on you tonight."

Zhuge Liang nodded in his way, before disappearing behind a curtain towards the back of the office. He ran the whole encounter through his head once more, and sighed. "Alexander...it will get no easier. Your struggles have only just begun."

[Alexander de Caelius]

+ ARRIVAL

Sima Yi
Notes : struggles is being nice

So he would be placed inside the guest house. Well, alright, yeah he could live with that. He'd make sure to sleep with one eye open, because he still wasn't entirely sure what was going to happen, but for now, he would make do. It was a temporary solution to something he needed worked out anyway. "There is nothing to forgive. A roof over my head, temporary or no, is a welcome blessing from my travels." Alexander offered a reassuring smile. Honestly, even if he was still suspicious about this arrangement, should it become clear that Zhuge Liang held no ill will, then yes, there would be nothing to forgive.

Rising from his spot to his full, he stretched a bit, loosening up his muscles before giving a bow in return. The meeting hadn't been too long, but he figured it was always good to make sure one was in the best shape possible, and if that meant taking a few seconds to stretch, then why not do it? "But attend to your duties first, Chief Advisor. I have learned in life that patience is a quality most useful." In other words; take your time, I'm in no rush. It was something that was getting done. But there was still the matter of the farm itself. Perhaps when it came time, a catch would arise; he would keep an eye out.

But for now, he would be led out by the servants and into the carriage, giving a quick thanks to the one who opened the door for him. Alexander wasn't entirely blunt to the form of politics. Even in Rome he had learned that sometimes good manners can go a long way. But for now, he would allow himself to be led to the guest house. Even if some troubles came his way, well, he would fight to keep them away from him.

[EXIT]

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE