Checking on Alexander [Alex] [Complete]

[Sima Yi]

It had been some time since Alexander, the Roman, had moved into the guest house at Xinye. Zhuge Liang had taken extra care to ensure Alexander's safety, and so he placed guards at the entrance to deter anyone who may seek to harm the foreigner, as the people were prone to act violently when confronted with that which they did not fully understand. Since their first meeting, Zhuge Liang could not shake Alexander from his mind, his blue eyes burned into his memory...

On this particular day, Zhuge Liang came to deliver news which he knew would please Alexander. Zhuge Liang arrived at his door, dressed in white robes, a turban, carrying his fan. He asked one of the guards to announce him.

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : i have a bad feeling about this

For the most part he'd been cooped up in this house. Of course he'd been able to get out, and once he was out, he did what any sane individual would do; ask questions. Namely, he'd been asking questions about Zhuge Liang. The answers he received were... surprisingly positive. Of course in Rome people always said nice things in public about senators and the emperor and such due to the potential if criticism was discovered, but he noticed that in private, they often had darker thoughts. With Zhuge Liang, he noticed that the answers seemed to be hailing him as a master strategist, unparalleled in brilliance and tactics.

The Sleeping Dragon is what they called him, strategist to the ruler of Shu; Lord Liu Bei. Suddenly, Zhuge Liang's interest in the man seemed to make a bit more sense. Still, Alexander did not yet have any reason to bear ill will towards him. For all of his being that seemed to give Alex second thoughts, he was very gracious and approached him as an equal, and pulled out all the stops to make sure he was accomodated for. Part of him was actually wanting to get out of the guest house because he knew the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to continue on with his plan to just live something low and easy to get out of.

Of course, that didn't mean he wouldn't blow off visitors, and when he heard that Zhuge Liang had come to visit him, he had no issue with this. In fact, Alexander's demeanor could be considered much more friendly than before as the Sleeping Dragon entered. "Ah, Chief Advisor, what brings you to my room on this day?" It also helped that this time he had managed to settle into more casual clothes, no more need to lug all that gear around. Taking a seat, he invited the advisor to make himself at home. Of course, his guard wasn't disarmed entirely, and he was ready to put up his walls at any second, but a more familiar setting Alexander believed, would help him.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Sima Yi]

Zhuge Liang bowed graciously as he was received by Alexander, and entered into the main room of the guest house. He scanned the room, and it seemed that Alexander had settled in nicely. "I came to see how you were doing, although it seems you are doing well." Zhuge Liang said, placing a hand behind his back and striding further into the room. The room appeared very much the same as it had been; Alexander did not add any of his own personality yet. Of course, these lodgings were only meant to be temporary...

Zhuge Liang sensed a difference in Alexander---he seemed more relaxed, and less suspicious. Taking his seat opposite Alexander, Zhuge Liang looked towards him and said, "You have been in Xinye for quite awhile now...what do you think of the city? Is it similar to what you have in Daqin?"

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : yeah go people killing each other for fun

Nodding slightly, Alexander did indeed seem to be doing very well for himself. It was still pretty bare, but he didn't really have any intention of staying. Zhuge Liang was correct in his assessment that Alexander had indeed relaxed as well, instead letting the Strategist take a seat as invited and he figured they could get to talking. Of course, the fact he'd managed to dig up some basic information on Zhuge Liang itself may have helped in the long run. Now he didn't feel like he was stumbling around entirely in the dark. But he most certainly didn't hope that there were expectations of battle or something.

And then the question came, how similar was this place to 'Daqin'? That was apparently what they called Rome, really. He did find it kind of flattering, he did know that 'Da' meant great, so it was kind of neat that they were calling Rome great. But he also had to be careful with what he said. He wouldn't lie; part of him wanted to gush about the arts and finer things of Rome, but speak too much of those, and it'd become clear he was no grunt. He also had to be careful with his wording, lest he say something truly offensive. "Mm, not really. There are naturally some similarities, but it's quite different." He stated simply.

How so? Well, there was nothing wrong with giving a taste. If this scholar was interested in Rome, Alexander felt that he might be able to steer the conversation in a certain direction if he tried. So for now, he'd give little snippets of the basics. "For example, our buildings are of finely crafted stone. Stone, bridge-like structures called aqueducts bring us fresh water from far away as needed." He nodded. "Rome also offers various forms of entertainment such as duels between gladiators or men agains beasts, and even chariot races." Things that the common people knew all too well. Of course he'd never get involved in the gladiator matches themselves, but they were fun to watch. Even then, the events were smalltime, he'd seen much grander spectacles.

But still.

"I could go on, there are a lot of differences. It's also very open to scholars, you'd like it there."

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[Sima Yi]

The empire of Daqin seemed to be even greater than that of the Han, or even those dynasties which preceded it, for Alexander's descriptions made it sound as though the emperors of his land held power over both man and beast in equal measure. And yet, perhaps this was not something to admired, but to pity. Were the people of Daqin as similar to the Han as Gan Ying had written, or were they less? Zhuge Liang could not yet find the answer to this question.

And then Alexander mentioned that Daqin was "very open to scholars" and that Kongming would like it. Zhuge Liang wondered what it would truly be like there, and what exchanges he would enjoy with Daqin scholars. Zhuge Liang smiled, and fanned himself, creating a gentle wind upon his face. "I would be most interested in seeing your land, Alexander. As you may know, none from my land have ever made it to Daqin itself, but have heard much from the mouth of travelers beyond. I would hope, however, you would be my guide."

Kongming knew there was more to Alexander, even still, he would continued his charade. Again, Zhuge Liang was content to entertain his deception, for he was a master of the game himself. "Tell me of your emperor, Alexander. Is he a benevolent ruler?"

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : UPHEAVAL IN ROME YEAH BOY

"Emperors." He corrected. Hoo boy, this one was gonna be a tough thing to explain. Sort of. He had a basic grasp of how things here was. Apparently Cao Cao (now recently the late Cao Cao) had been holding the Emperor hostage. Though perhaps in that, Zhuge Liang might be able to relate to that somewhat. Then again, the situation wasn't actually the form of Emperor being held hostage or other such situations. Though he would be honest, there had been cases of political turmoil thanks to the title. But he supposed as long as Rome continued on, it would all work out in the end.

But he would carry on. After all, any citizen of Rome would know who the hell was governing and ruling them, wouldn't they? "Emperor Septimius Severus rules jointly with his sons Caracalla and Geta." To be honest, he'd always gotten along fine with Caracalla. Wasn't sure why. Though he did have great respect for Septimius. The man, to Alexander, was a fine commander and had won great victories against the Parthians. Even several years ago, a monument of marble had been erected in the Forum. He was pretty sure that when he got back, the monument would still be there as it had been when he left.

But of course, that didn't answer Zhuge Liang's question. "I would personally say he's quite benevolent considering what little time I saw of him." He nodded. It wouldn't be too far fetched that, as a Roman soldier, he would have partaken in some of his campaigns. "And the joint rule's working so far I would wager, and when Emperor Septimius does eventually pass on, his sons will rule jointly." That said, that was one area where Alexander truly was blind. If he only knew what political upheaval was going on in Rome as he spoke.

On the bright side, at least he'd always gotten along with Caracalla.

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[Sima Yi]

"I see. It has long been taught that the emperors of our land must follow the ways of heaven and earth; should either become unbalanced, this would signify displeasure from above and the mandate of the dynasty shall be lost." Zhuge Liang sighed, shaking his head. "This is why you see the land in such chaos. The mandate of the Han was lost long ago, before the reign of Emperor Ling."

It seemed as though Daqin had a better system, for joint rule allowed for a better distribution of power. Kongming knew the histories well; in previous eras, imperial relatives had proved difficult to placate once they were enoffed with land and titles. The ambition of men had shown that loyalty was a novelty in the greater scheme of things, therefore joint-rule had never successfully developed. And yet, Zhuge Liang thought the idea a possibility, for this time of chaos was also a period which allowed for renewal.

Zhuge Liang's curiosity in Daqin had been satisfied for the time being, but he would certainly have further questions later. Standing, he began to pace about the room, looking to stretch his legs. "There is another purpose to my visiting you, Alexander...I have word about your farm. You will remember that I said I would look into the matter for you," Zhuge Liang began, his voice soft and calm. "I have found some land for you, but I must ask certain conditions on your end."

Zhuge Liang stopped pacing and started into Alexander's eyes intently. The Sleeping Dragon felt the breath escape his body, for Alexander's blue eyes made him feel as if he was falling into sea.

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : he's on to you

"So if the heavens approve of the dynasty, all will be well. And if not, the land shall be thrown into turmoil." That was how he was getting it anyway. It may have been much more complicated than what Zhuge Liang was saying it was, and he was just being ignorant. Though he wouldn't deny that there was something interesting about learning the politics of another land. Even in Rome, he had played the political game to some extent. But, the news that he had his farm ready and willing to go was another great thing. But something else was coming. He could sense it.

And there it was, the peak of the event. The build up to all of this. He couldn't read Zhuge Liang's mind. But he had an idea of what he was asking. Of course, to simply take a shot risked the possibility of being wrong, offending Zhuge Liang or even worse, perhaps planting the idea in his head. "I will fulfill it if I am able, though I suppose it depends on what you are asking." He remarked. The possibilities of what Zhuge Liang wanted to know ran through his mind.

He had already agreed that he would not get directly involved. While the idea of going back on such a thing was not unheard of, he doubted that would be it. No, he could tell this man was someone who prided himself on victory through the high road. If his aim was to get Alexander to fight, he would use another method. And an idea that could have trapped him in that situation brewed in his head, but surely, Zhuge Liang had not considered that possibility had he? No, he figured the more likely condition that the Sleeping Dragon desired was his mind. Just because he was masquerading as a grunt, didn't mean a grunt was totally ignorant.

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[Sima Yi]

Alexander had said that he did not wish to be involved in the strife which ensnared the land; be that as it may, entropy knew nothing of what man wished, and took no quarter. From the moment he stepped foot on the land, he was inexorably drawn into the conflict---that which affected the peasant as much as the general. Despite it all, Alexander failed to realize this simple fact. He was an unknowingly being swept along by the tides, his eyes held shut by his own unwillingness to see what lay before him.

"As much as I would like to give it to you freely, farmland is a luxury, especially in these times. Carefully cultivated, it can provide food for a village, and perhaps bring about new life and purpose to a desolate region." Zhuge Liang began, returning to his seat. "Therefore, it would be best if you performed a service worthy of something so valuable. You will work as a drill instructor, training those I will personally select for you. In addition, you will impart upon these men the martial training I know you possess. Do this and your obligation will have been satisfied."

Having finished, Zhuge Liang raised his fan and began to create a gentle breeze upon his face. What Zhuge Liang offered Alexander was not unreasonable, for it did not conflict with his notion of staying out of the war---he would act in the background.

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : ohhh he's gonna try

So he was right then? Zhuge Liang wished to try and probe his mind for information concerning Roman military. Their tactics, their formations, their training. Anything that could be used to give Shu a potentially decisive advantage. Alexander let out a long sigh, closing his eyes at this. He needed to be good at this. Inwardly, his answer was a flat "no", especially for anything beyond the basics. But he figured he could just get out of this another way. "I... no offense, Chief Advisor, but I don't think you truly understand what you are asking." He fidgeted a little.

Perhaps Zhuge Liang was just getting ahead of himself. Maybe if he knew the reality, he'd back off or something. "You imagine I take your troops, show them a few moves, and share with them some formation, yes? It's... not that simple." Of course, he was guessing, but he figured that might be it. "For one, I have no experience leading, commanding, and teaching. I'd be going from memory of my time in training." And admittedly that was a lie. He actually could command and teach if needed, came with the Praetorian training that he had gotten when he signed up.

"Two," He remarked, pulling off his shirt, simply so Zhuge Liang could actually see his physique. Alexander motioned at his chest and arms specifically. "Look at me. All Roman soldiers come out looking like this. I got this from basic training." He paused for a moment. "Well, that and fighting in campaigns against the Parthians, but that's another story." He smirked lightly before clearing his throat and turning back to the topic at hand. "My point is, I'm not sure I can do this, in all good conscience."

Looking around the room, he let his blue eyes scan the sparse surroundings. "I've seen your people, and your guards. I'm... fairly sure they'd be easy meat for me." While he'd never say he thought he could physically brutalize the Sleeping Dragon, he certaintly believed it within his capabilities. "In order to teach them what, admittedly little, I know, they'd have to first get in the condition I'm in. One of our formations is so physically demanding that it requires us being able to support cavalry and equipment moving across our shields as a makeshift bridge."

Leaning back, he let himself partially lie on the ground, supporting himself with his elbows as he continued to gaze at the strategist. "It's an extremely punishing training regime. While for a Roman, this isn't too harsh for us, again, no offense, but your people seem... scrawny, in comparison. If I was certain they could handle it, I'd agree with little issue." But he was not stupid, he had a feeling that if none of this worked, Zhuge Liang would continue to push, so...

"If you are hellbent on this, I can consider it. But there are some terms from me that I will not do this without agreement on. If even one of these cannot be agreed upon, I'll leave for another province and get out of your hair. Will you at least hear them?"

He still had a couple cards left. Of course, there were still other issues, but he felt if he brought in logistics... that'd be way too fishy.

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[Sima Yi]

The sight of Alexander's muscled physique caught Zhuge Liang off-guard; his body was a living testament to the years of rigorous physical training Kongming knew he had undergone. Kongming felt his heartbeat quicken. There were feelings which Alexander stirred within him…emotions which he had tried to suppress through self-reflection and meditation, but he could not. Nonetheless, he sensed that Alexander had long-awaited Zhuge Liang to add a hook to the end of his line.
    "I believe you have misunderstood my intentions. However, the fault lies with me for not being clear with you. Perhaps they are more straightforward in Daqin than we are here—I shall leave that for you to decide." Kongming said at last. Zhuge Liang rose and took several paces away, a thought heavily weighing upon his mind. "I wish for there to be no guile between us, Alexander. I would very much like to be your…your friend. You responded just as I thought you would—I never intended to subject you to the demands I stated." There was truth in everything Alexander said. Liu Bei's forces could not handle the training regiment that would have been expected of them. Although he had never intended to follow through with it, a part of Zhuge Liang hoped that the instruction in the art of war from a foreigner would give them an edge in the battles to come. And again, he wondered how much longer Alexander hoped to keep his elite training a secret?
    Zhuge Liang turned and faced Alexander again, that same knowing smile upon his face. It had all been a test of Alexander’s abilities of perception. Zhuge Liang did desire knowledge of Daqin, but he desired them as any man of intellectual integrity would. At the same time, he wished for Alexander to share this knowledge with him, just like he enjoyed the exchange of ideas with the Nanyang scholars during his years of seclusion. "Alexander, neither of us may ever truly understand the purpose of the other, but know that much will happen in this land. Whatever may come, do not forget this—you may trust in me. Allow this farmland be proof of my sincerity to the Earth, and let the Heavens bear witness above. The land that I have arranged for you belonged to one Huang Chengyan, a scholar I knew well in Nanyang. His daughter and my younger brother married, and Huang Chengyan did me this favor on account of the bonds we share.”

Greater forces than Zhuge Liang could determine the fates of men, and even he would resign himself to this fact.

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : he's kinda oblivious to how zhuge's taking to him

Oh come on now this was unfair. He was being accused of having guile! He'd been working for a while just to perfect his cover, and now someone was already so close to figuring things out? He couldn't help but inwardly deflate a little. Not that it mattered, an inkling would only remain that without any form of proof. Instead, Alexander chuckled. "If I seem like I have guile, I apologize." He remarked. "Life in Rome can be very much like a dance between many participants. One has to know the moves to stay alive, regardless of station. Nevermind that being a merchant's child, I suppose it would be one of my strong suits." That, he'd admit that was true. It was very, very easy to say something stupid in Rome, regardless of who you were.

But of course, if Zhuge Liang wasn't going to force him, then he wouldn't. It was as simple as that. "But if you have no intention of forcing me to do so, I will not teach." And he didn't care if the Sleeping Dragon tried to give him puppy eyes or something. "I have no desire to cause the death of any you send my way, which most surely would have happened." While most importantly, he didn't want to so freely give anyone the Roman edge, he wouldn't deny that he wasn't too thrilled at the fact that if he really did this; recruits would die, there was no other alternative.

But to say it like that implied it may have been barbaric. "We don't throw our soldiers at monsters or anything, but overexertion could be an issue." He sat up, waving his hand in clarification. "I've simply enough on my conscience, and having to deal with the enraged, heartbroken parents would be an experience I'd never wish to deal with." It didn't help that it could spark revenge. He'd been able to avoid that with the death of his own parents, but he'd not deny that part of it lay in the fact he wasn't entirely sure what exactly happened there. "I wish to avoid it so much that one of my greatest conditions were to be that if I were forced into it, that I would not be held responsible for what happened to your men."

"But, I thank you for the land, and if you desire my friendship, so shall you have it."

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[Sima Yi]

"It appears that you and I share similar thoughts," Zhuge Liang said, nodding in response. "It is indeed as you say---too many would have died in the process. The ends would not have justified the means. However, I do not think you give our soldiers enough credit. Perhaps I, too, in a moment of short-sightedness have forgotten this as well..."
    Zhuge Liang knew that Alexander would have made it a condition to free him of any obligation concerning the safety of the men, had Kongming truly meant to hold him to the conditions he imposed in exchange for the farmland; if Zhuge Liang was going to have Alexander train Liu Bei's men, Zhuge Liang would shoulder the responsibility for their physical well-being. This he would have done without question, for the men Zhuge Liang would have selected for such a trial would have been men who would have understood its risks, and the likelihood they would not return home. It came back to what he knew to be an elusive concept during these turbulent times---sacrifice. It was not yet the time for Zhuge Liang to teach the world this crucial lesson, it seemed.
    Alexander had given Zhuge Liang his friendship, and Kongming in turn had made his friend a promise before Heaven and Earth. He would keep his word and take him to Nanyang. "I am glad we have an understanding, Alexander. That being said then, I shall take my leave of you. I will send for you in a few days, and we shall travel to Nanyang together and settle the business concerning the farm." Zhuge Liang bowed politely and began to make his way towards the door. Kongming knew he owed it to both Alexander and himself to keep his emotions in check, but he was beginning to realize that such a task would require great strength.

"Is there anything else I may do for you?" Zhuge Liang stopped to ask.

[Alexander de Caelius]

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Sima Yi
Notes : he's pretty easy to please sometimes

He chuckled lightly at the insinuation that he wasn't giving the people of Shu enough credit. Perhaps that was indeed the case, but he doubted it. Roman soldiers were so much better built. With these people, it seemed as if a stiff breeze might be enough to knock them over. He found it somewhat sad. He noted that they indeed labored hard and clawed their way to survival, but it was as if they had absolutely nothing to show for it. Perhaps it was the side effect of war reaching their homes, as if these people could not escape it no matter what happened. "Maybe so. I'm sure in time I'll learn whether they are more than they look or not."

But the plans were set into motion, they would be going to this Nanyang when they had the chance in order to finalize everything. That would be a new one. "No, I'm good. Thanks for checking up on me, I appreciate it." But he would take what he had for now, and in the meantime, he would start preparing for the trip, both physically and mentally. This would be a big step. Once he got to the farm, once everything was set up, he could just keep low and watch when need be. This also gave him a chance to see Shu for what it was rather than what he was being shown by the others.

But he couldn't help but wonder about this trip. Something told him that something was going to happen there, a trap perhaps? He'd make sure to come in full gear at the very least. That way if it did turn out to be something hostile, then he could at the very least get out of there by way of violence. Seriously if he came unarmed and it was a trap, that'd be pretty damn embarrassing for someone like Alexander. But for now, he would just wait and see, perhaps he was getting paranoid over nothing. But he'd still be wary of the future.

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[Sima Yi]

Zhuge Liang took his leave, but not before asking Alexander to call him "Kongming"---his style name, and the name by which only friends and intimates often referred to him. Kongming did have his reservations towards returning to Longzhong, for that nestled amongst the tranquil scenery were memories he would rather soon forget. Many of Zhuge Liang's friends and acquaintances still resided in the area, including his friend and mentor, Sima Hui. But Zhuge Liang would face these ghosts of the past for Alexander's sake.

[EXIT]