Thoughtful Rain (Open to anyone)

unmatched-perception:

deceivingdancer:

pridefulsuperiority:

Oh, she was definitely good with her words and the use of those beautiful eyes she had been blessed with, wasn’t she? Moving his eyes not once from her face, his smirk grew a little in size as he thought back to a time, when he was just a small child.

A woman had walked by, as Shi had walked with his father. He had noticed his father’s wandering eye and the woman before them had indeed pouted in a flirtacious manner, back at his father. Now obviously Sima Shi was too young to understand the way of human attraction, at such an early age. Speaking to his father he had remarked ”Father, that woman is really pretty, isn’t she?”

His father had obviously turned away from his son, to hide the smirk upon his face and clasping a hand over his mouth to hide his laughter, at his son’s innocent response. He had replied ”If you had ever heard rumours of Lady Diao Chan, although that woman was quite beautiful..you would indeed re-think that, my son,” a somewhat cruel response to his son but Sima Yi was a cruel man at heart, even though he cherished his sons.

One could say, no wonder Sima Shi was the way he had been raised. Turning his gaze to the beautiful Diao Chan, he proudly walked forward, towards her. In fact he was not intimidated by her beauty and ways of manipulative thinking..were the Sima’s not quite the same, in their methods? Gesturing for two soldiers to move either side of her, his spoken word followed. ”You shall refer to me as Lord Sima Shi. My Father was quite right. Lady Diao Chan, I wonder as to what brings you here, hmm?” Quickly waving away an unneeded response he spoke once more. ”I shall grant your request. It is indeed rare to meet such a woman, at this present time, ” Waiting for her to move forward, he would pace himself slowly and wait for her to add anything more to the conversation, as they walked. 

Diao Chan could not help but to feel that she was being…interrogated with those eyes. Truly, she was exhausted even if it didn’t show in her face. In her line of work, she could not allow her own emotions to show on her face. Being exhausted wasn’t..pleasing to the eye, and that was the first trap in the hell hole that was Diao Chan’s plots.

Arrogance was thick in the air, so much so that she believed if she reached out she would be able to feel something tangible in the very air. It was disgusting, but once again none of this played off on her face. Perhaps she COULD get something out of this encounter, and teach these two a lesson in the ways of respect. The soldiers had already been enthralled with her.. what would happen if she went out to meet them. Could she get them to defect and join with her? Surely Wu was a more.. hospitable place, everyone was like a family there. Later though, right now she wanted time to sit alone and relax.. she felt she needed it.

“Your lord?” Diao Chan started, voice low and intentions hidden. “Oh excuse me.. I had thought you were in charge here, Zhong Hui.” That would be something for Zhong Hui to think about, surely the pretentious child believed himself above Sima Shi, perhaps Sima Yi as well. What would he say to that, she wondered? Oh well~

Lord Sima Shi? Diao Chan tried her hardest to keep a straight face. It was successful, of course. She wondered truly if she would ever be able to express herself fully in the future.. maybe when Dong Zhou was killed…”Your father, Sima Yi? Ah.. he is a very smart man. I wonder, what could the wise Sima Yi have to say about me…” There was just a hint of sarcasm in her melodic voice, turning away from Zhong Hui with eyes that lingered and dug into his very being.

Would he follow? She didn’t mind if he did.. although she wondered if his ego would let him. “Thank you, lord Sima Shi.” She muttered, following the man to what she believed to be her home for the night.

Ohhhhh… His ego. It just swelled like a balloon. No. A blimp. His chest puffed with pride from her statement—not that he… Necessarily felt like a greater individual than Sima Shi, so to say, he was just… Very confident in his own abilities. He would not show said vanity, for he repressed the smug grin tugging at his lips; instead, he stood by as Diao Chan directed herself towards Sima Shi and exchanged a few words before they picked off and walked off.

Hmph. Well. That went well. Zhong Hui folded his arms over his chest and looked away from Sima Shi and Diao Chan…Wait. Wasn’t this just all part of her tactics? Zhong Hui had certainly heard about her, though he’d never necessarily assumed she could act so… So swiftly.

Still feeling relatively proud of himself from her comments, he turned his head back towards Sima Shi and Diao Chan as they moved away from him. Fully just realizing how wet his body had actually become from the downpour, Zhong Hui lifted a hand and pushed his soaked hair out of his face. Well, this was exactly what he didn’t want to happen. Grumbling despite his current upbeat attitude, he turned to stalk off after Diao Chan and Sima Shi. Why? Well, if she could so easily convince him, then who knew what she would ask of Sima Shi? It was just an excuse, really, one that he was idly following in order to be within both of their presences. What? Why couldn’t he? Wouldn’t they benefit from him being there? Of course they would.

Folding his arms behind his back, Zhong Hui lifted his nose into the air before stepping through the muddy puddles after the pair. It was his duty to protect his lord, wasn’t it? Ah, but those eyes—her penetrating, vibrant eyes. There was something about them that drew him to her—not that he would admit, of course, but there was something that drew curiosity from him. There was something  hidden beneath the body of the temptress, and Zhong Hui would be damned if he couldn’t decipher it.

Sima Shi was not one to prattle on about comments he thought of mere importance and because of said arrogance, he would push them away with a turn of his head as if they meant nothing and were nothing to him, he had already begun to walk on ahead, only turning his head, if only slightly to notice the songstress, as she carried a dainty pace to walk beside him.

Noticing that Zhong Hui had managed to move himself from his vain thoughts,usually being about how brilliant he thought himself to be, a smirk lay upon his face as his head turned to the other side, to see him following behind. Was Sima Shi affected by the comments from Diao Chan? Of course not. Pride of being a true Sima washed over him, quite often. Tiny niggling comments often just slipped past him, as he would walk by.

As per usual Shi would walk through the crowds of officers, merchants, peasants and many more people that would litter his path, looking towards maybe one person every so often. Why would someone with such pride feel the need to look upon others, with a certain admiration? Sima Shi held himself, very highly. Pride that was never easily damaged. Soft, wet black hair clung to the side of his masked face, making it a little hard to see. A gloved hand reached up to move the wet hair out of his face, as his eyes moved to look upon the path ahead of him. Obviously not bothered by a little rain, the downpour continued, faintly running down his slender face.

Ah, yes. There seemed to be a guard that could make this easier, a lot easier. Moving to part from both the songstress and the vainly  over-confident one stood beside him, Shi walked over to a very serious and stern-faced officer. ”Would you be so kind as to escort…Lady Diao Chan to somewhere a little more…fitting?” Shi’s words washed over the soldier. A mix of assertive control and arrogance, as he towered over the soldier.

Funnily enough, it seemed this certain soldier did not fear him but respected Sima Shi, greatly. The stern face did not change as the soldier responded in a very military and respectful tone, towards Sima Shi. ”Of course, my Lord. Your orders shall be carried out, at once,” taking a respectful bow to Shi, he moved from his post and continued to walk over with him.

Once he had asked of the soldier to carry out this order and attend to the matter at hand, Shi returned to stand with them both again. A hand moved up to stroke the side of his face, the slender fingers running down the mask, smoothing down his cheek and sliding off the tip of his chin, once more moving back down to rest beside the side of his body. ”I believe this certain soldier will be escorting you..perhaps you both, if Zhong Hui would wish to follow? I shall leave that up to you, shall I? Ah, yes. It seems I did not mention that I have certain business to attend to. Lady Diao Chan, I hope you have a pleasant stay, of course, ” every word, every sentence lined with arrogance and pride. Although that was so, he had at least the manners and decency to wait for their responses, as he smirked back at them both, with the grin of a devil upon his face. Yes, he was definitely a Son of Sima Yi, alright. Often respected but at the same time feared for how he carried himself, with actions that were often merciless.

(via silks-and-skirmishes)

Thoughtful Rain (Open to anyone)

unmatched-perception:

deceivingdancer:

pridefulsuperiority:

(OOC: Don’t worry about it Diao, my posts vary in length. I can’t always write like that. I was on a roll. x’D I know, I know. It’s heartbreaking but I just have to keep in mind, that she’s resting peacefully now.)

Lord Sima Shi walked through the crowded streets, littered with idiot soldiers who obviously didn’t have the decency to stand aside. Shi indeed carried himself proudly and highly, as he moved. The fact that the men were disobeying him..by standing around like fools, annoyed him. A soldier stood directly in front of him, staring at what had caused the commotion, that of which Shi could not see, yet. Leaning over the smaller soldier’s shoulder Shi spoke. ”Is it your duty to stand around like a fool, hmm? Or perhaps you wish to lose your head?” A smirk crossed his face, as he watched the soldier jump out of his skin.

”M-My Lord!..I will return to my duties at once!” The soldier was obviously intimidated and startled by the presence of a Sima. The fact that he could have witnessed his end from his stupidity and ignorance, made him hurry off to the side and continue his training.

Shi’s brown eyes followed the soldier, as he noticed him looking back towards him, a smirk crossed his face forcing the soldier to look away, for good. Walking towards the direction of the commotion, he couldn’t help but laugh to himself. Father..I believe you truly to be the one that has taught me a great deal, in life but..why must I lead some of these idiots. The thought crossed his mind, as he noticed the woman from afar.

Oh, Zhong Hui was dealing with this woman, was he? Perhaps he would watch from afar with a smug look upon his face, she was definitely Diao Chan, alright. His father had told him quite a few stories of this certain woman and he knew well, that she was not one to underestimate in her thinking methods. Standing with his arms behind his back, he watched to see if Zhong Hui would live up to his name and his often over-confident, spoken words of his brilliance.

The attention, though she did not respond to it, was not unnoticed. Truly, everyday life was like this. People flocked to see her, the chance to see Diao Chan’s beauty; the very same beauty that made the very moon hide in shame was a prospect many were, apparently, willing to give their life for. With shameless eyes, Diao Chan watched a man with black hair and a facial mask scold a soldier. Did that mean these peons were led by fear? That wasn’t how it was supposed to be.. People were supposed to fight because they wanted too.. not because an arrogant jerk was shouting orders. Something close to anger was visible for JUST a single moment before her blue eyes held the same calm nature they were known for.

Distracted by Sima Shi, she did not see the irritated young man that strode over towards her. Rude first words, hm? Diao Chan was silent for a deadly second, mind twirling into action. Finally, she bowed her head in respect. “Zhong Hui.. I have heard many tales of your brilliance. You surely are a force to be reckoned with.” Gazing up at him now, she fixed him with a polite part of her plush, coral colored lips. A forced smile, one none could see through..

“I was traveling..” She began, trailing off to glance knowingly towards Sima Shi. Would he make himself known, or did he plan on watching to see how one of his generals worked. “Freedom is.. something I think most of us over look. It’s really quite nice to ride alone and experience the beautiful world we live in, even if it is twisted in this chaotic stage. Some places.. if you look really hard..lack any signs of turmoil. While looking and enjoying my time alone, this terrible thunder storm hit.”

Her tone was delicate, words soft like rose petals. Standing up, Diao Chan crossed her wrists at her stomach, bowing before the man. “I would be most thankful if you could escort me to a room for the night, or at least until the storm passes by.. Is that too much to ask?” Perhaps she could make a private, individual visit to the many soldiers scattered about. If they perhaps watched her dance, maybe it would make them all much happier.

A polite response. Oh good, it looked like she had manners. On top of which, she realized his brilliance. Oh, wasn’t she a smart girl. He would give her that much. With such a gentle, respectful response, Zhong Hui leaned back with his hand still present on his hip. Pleased, he backed off physically, though his eyes were still pinned down on her suspiciously. Her explanation was sound enough… Not to say that he fell for it to say the least, but it was an excuse he could accept. No immediate flaws or loopholes—well, actually there were, but he wasn’t about to pick them out. Perhaps he was feeling a little generous…? No, that couldn’t be. Since when was Zhong Hui ever kind? Folding his arms over his chest, Zhong Hui’s eyes shifted as he glanced to the side to spy out Sima Shi. Pushing his shoulders back and lifting his nose into the air, he parted his lips in response to her request for a place to stay specifically. Not that he personally had a problem with it. She was a lady, after all, and even Zhong Hui knew that they needed to be treated respectfully—as long as he wasn’t given any lip in return, that was.

“With the approval of my lord… Of course.” His reply was a little stiff, though a smile was ever present on his lips. Hah, who wasn’t knowledgeable of his talents? His confidence and ego rose tremendously hearing of such from the renowned woman before him… Not that they needed to be, or anything. He and everyone else serving the Sima clan knew damn well how far his capabilities stretched! Was there anything that he couldn’t do?

Taking a step back, his arms unfolded from around his chest as an arm outstretched to offer an open palm towards Sima Shi—directing Diao Chan towards the silent, observing leader. If offered respect, you were given it in return. That was how Zhong Hui worked. Though if said reverence was withdrawn, then his own would be as well… And God only knew if it would ever return. First impressions were of absolute importance, for the helped craft a future relationship.

Despite his constant irritation and short temper—of which was heightened during this abrupt change of weather. Unexpected rain never did sit well with him for aforementioned reasons—Zhong Hui seemed to remain relatively tame. Impressive. Perhaps this woman had more capability than he originally believed. If she could sweet-talk him so easily, providing her polite interactions remained, then certainly her request for shelter would not be denied even by Sima Shi. As he stood amidst the rainfall—with a polite hand outstretched, feet together and perfect posture—the wheels within Zhong Hui’s mind clicked and turned in thought. If she were to be submitted to remain within their encampment as a stranger and a vagrant, just what kind of trouble would she cause, if any?

Oh, she was definitely good with her words and the use of those beautiful eyes she had been blessed with, wasn’t she? Moving his eyes not once from her face, his smirk grew a little in size as he thought back to a time, when he was just a small child.

A woman had walked by, as Shi had walked with his father. He had noticed his father’s wandering eye and the woman before them had indeed pouted in a flirtacious manner, back at his father. Now obviously Sima Shi was too young to understand the way of human attraction, at such an early age. Speaking to his father he had remarked ”Father, that woman is really pretty, isn’t she?”

His father had obviously turned away from his son, to hide the smirk upon his face and clasping a hand over his mouth to hide his laughter, at his son’s innocent response. He had replied ”If you had ever heard rumours of Lady Diao Chan, although that woman was quite beautiful..you would indeed re-think that, my son,” a somewhat cruel response to his son but Sima Yi was a cruel man at heart, even though he cherished his sons.

One could say, no wonder Sima Shi was the way he had been raised. Turning his gaze to the beautiful Diao Chan, he proudly walked forward, towards her. In fact he was not intimidated by her beauty and ways of manipulative thinking..were the Sima’s not quite the same, in their methods? Gesturing for two soldiers to move either side of her, his spoken word followed. ”You shall refer to me as Lord Sima Shi. My Father was quite right. Lady Diao Chan, I wonder as to what brings you here, hmm?” Quickly waving away an unneeded response he spoke once more. ”I shall grant your request. It is indeed rare to meet such a woman, at this present time, ” Waiting for her to move forward, he would pace himself slowly and wait for her to add anything more to the conversation, as they walked. 

(via silks-and-skirmishes)

Thoughtful Rain (Open to anyone)

unmatched-perception:

deceivingdancer:

pridefulsuperiority:

Sima Shi continued to hold his palm up, as the rain pattered gently against his hand but once more he was needed, as a soldier rushed to his side.

”My Lord! A woman has been spotted in the camp, we know not of her intentions but we know that she goes by the name of Diao Chan. What would you-..

Holding his hand up to halt the man as if he were a dog meant to heel, at the action of his hand his spoken and arrogant tone followed. ”Ah, I wondered as to why there was quite a disturbance, in this peaceful rain..can I not think without something unworthy of my time interrupting my thoughts?”

”My L-Lord, I am truly sorry, please f-forgive me,” the soldier said bowing to his knees and continuing to bow his head, respectfully apologetic.

Shi had only wished he’d had his sword to halt the soldier further, from apologising but alas, he had not brought it out with him. He had only wished to gaze upon the rain, after all he had only just awoken. Closing his eyes, a sigh escaped his lips as he said no more words to the soldier and entered his tent.

Although it was time to vainly dress himself and attend to his appearance he would have to rush himself, to catch this..stranger. Quickly but neatly he arranged his hair so that the ornament sat neatly on his head. Then pulling on his armour, as fast as he could, he literally grabbed for his boots, pulling them on with such haste. A once over in the mirror told him he looked quite fine, as he grabbed for his sword. Lifting the tent flap and letting it fall down, after him he began to proudly stride through the rain. The fact that Shi carried his sword alerted other soldiers around him but he waved them away, as he had treated the other soldier.

The idea of resting had already taken it’s toll on the tired female. Though she had not walked, her entire body ached from the steady bump on her horse. It seemed this tented city was sprung up in place of a forest, for the ground was littered with trunks. Sighing, she sat herself upon a severed tree, head low. Somehow, she managed to look refined and elegant even sopping wet.

[Sorry for the short post.. XD… But considering nothing really happened to her~.. Sorry to hear about your pet, my dear. =/]

( ooc;; I’ll take you up on that offer, Diao Chan. ;D Please excuse the introductory length. OTL )

Despite the commotion stirring within the camp, Zhong Hui remained virtually uninterested. Instead of leaping to his feet like the irritable little soldiers running about to get a glimpse of the beautiful Diao Chan, he remained beneath a wooden overhang to conceal himself from the rain. He most definitely didn’t like the thought of mussing his hair from nature’s downpour; it’d only cause problems for his already wavy locks. Furthermore, the idea of his plated armour weighing down more than it already had was very unappealing. Soaking wet and heavy… It was most illogical, hence his temporary refuge, though the darkened sky didn’t seem to be showing any signs of letting up. Rolling his eyes, Zhong Hui sighed as a foot lifted to press up against the side of the barricade, though the nagging curiosity clawing at him from inside out was becoming unbearable, he’d remain to his thoughts away from the sultry woman’s entrance.

Though once the commotion at the main gate somewhat subsided—yeah right, none of these men have seen a woman in weeks; like they’d pass up a chance to take a gander at the woman who was said to be the most beautiful in all the land. She apparently out-shone the moon the last he heard—Zhong Hui watched as the surrounding men on duty debated risking a lashing for a simple glance. Of course, those decisions were dashed as Sima Shi’s presence became evident, and they all ducked back into their respective positions. Though once his back was to them, they leaned out from their spots, again, trying to see what was going on.

“Tch. Such is the nature of the beast…” The poet mumbled to himself as he pushed himself off the side of the barricade, finally stepping out into the rain. He couldn’t bear to watch this idiocy any longer. They needed to be put in their place, and Sima Shi never really had any interest in dealing with lowly peons, so you know who had to do it? Zhong Hui. No one else could do it properly, save for maybe Zhuge Dan… Though even so, he could be too soft-hearted at times. The poor, tragic idiot. His weaknesses would be the end of him. Surely he was never built to last.

Grumbling as he stepped out into the downpour, he found himself nearly hissing in discontent with his flattening, fluffy locks. As his hair flattened from the moisture, his bangs fell further into his eyes and proceeded to obscure his vision, making him particularly irritable. With his approaching frame, the curious soldiers once again fell back into line and averted their eyes from the seated siren taking refuge from the rain nearby. Once they obeyed Hui’s silent command, he turned from them and stomped through the muddy puddles collecting upon the ground of the encampment and approached the woman with the usual unimpressed expression upon his face. Setting a hand upon his hip, he leaned over to examine her face; gray eyes squinting through the rain as a single drop fell from a tip of his soaking hair, down the curve of his face and off the sharp point of his chin.

“Annnnd your purpose here is what, exactly?” Not that he had a say in what went on around here—although he thought he was privileged to—but surely she had more in mind than simply staying dry from precipitation. She was soaked to the bone; what good would it do her to dry up and head back out into the rain again? She was cunning—that much wasn’t hard to tell, especially from a strategist’s point of view. She knew what men desired, and she used that knowledge alongside her beauty to get what she wanted. How men across the land could ignore this factor, he could not understand. He needed to experience this woman for himself so to speak.

(OOC: Don’t worry about it Diao, my posts vary in length. I can’t always write like that. I was on a roll. x’D I know, I know. It’s heartbreaking but I just have to keep in mind, that she’s resting peacefully now.)

Lord Sima Shi walked through the crowded streets, littered with idiot soldiers who obviously didn’t have the decency to stand aside. Shi indeed carried himself proudly and highly, as he moved. The fact that the men were disobeying him..by standing around like fools, annoyed him. A soldier stood directly in front of him, staring at what had caused the commotion, that of which Shi could not see, yet. Leaning over the smaller soldier’s shoulder Shi spoke. ”Is it your duty to stand around like a fool, hmm? Or perhaps you wish to lose your head?” A smirk crossed his face, as he watched the soldier jump out of his skin.

”M-My Lord!..I will return to my duties at once!” The soldier was obviously intimidated and startled by the presence of a Sima. The fact that he could have witnessed his end from his stupidity and ignorance, made him hurry off to the side and continue his training.

Shi’s brown eyes followed the soldier, as he noticed him looking back towards him, a smirk crossed his face forcing the soldier to look away, for good. Walking towards the direction of the commotion, he couldn’t help but laugh to himself. Father..I believe you truly to be the one that has taught me a great deal, in life but..why must I lead some of these idiots. The thought crossed his mind, as he noticed the woman from afar.

Oh, Zhong Hui was dealing with this woman, was he? Perhaps he would watch from afar with a smug look upon his face, she was definitely Diao Chan, alright. His father had told him quite a few stories of this certain woman and he knew well, that she was not one to underestimate in her thinking methods. Standing with his arms behind his back, he watched to see if Zhong Hui would live up to his name and his often over-confident, spoken words of his brilliance.

(via silks-and-skirmishes)

Thoughtful Rain (Open to anyone)

deceivingdancer:

pridefulsuperiority:

Lord Sima Shi had been sleeping for quite some time, when the sound of light, falling rain began to hit his tent, with a gentle rhythm. Turning his head to the side, a small sound left his mouth. ”Hmm…Would you really deny me, of a few more minutes rest…?” he whispered in an irritated tone. Still keeping his head turned to the side, those brown eyes slowly fluttered upon. A sleepy gaze adjusted to a certain area of his tent. Staring into that same spot for a few minutes, a certain something came to his mind. You’re still there..you always will be..perhaps it is time I covered you..reminder of foolishness…closing his eyes, as if to banish the thought, it would not be so easy once he looked upon the reminder.

In a sluggish manner, he moved to get up out of his bed, lifting the silken covers from his body and setting his feet down onto the floor beneath him, as bare feet hit the floor with a small thud. He didn’t wish to look upon his reminder but..it was something he had to do every morning, covering his damaged pride and dignity if anything. Finally moving from the bed, he took a few tired steps towards his desk.

There it lay upon his desk. The mirror that showed him how foolish he thought himself to be. Slowly picking up the mirror in his hand, he hesitated for a moment, the same routine and the same reaction he would act out, every morning. Once more he looked upon his reflection. Firstly he studied every inch of his face, putting off looking at the scar for as long as he could, checking to see if his appearance suited him, even if he wasn’t dressed properly yet. Lastly his eyes moved to the side. He would have to look upon it, to cover the…mistake. Brushing the soft black hair from the side of his face, he winced closing his eyes for a moment, letting a sigh escape through his lips. Reaching down for the mask, he put it on, slowly opening his eyes he was happier to see the something he hated,covered once more. A smirk crossed his lips as he let the mirror be pushed aside. Much better..I feel..much better..the thought left his mind.

Finally making his way to the opening of the tent, after his vain routine in the mirror he lifted his hand to the silken flap. Moving it aside to look upon the falling rain.  The rain before him seemed to be light still but a sheet seemed to cover everything outside, as it fell upon its surroundings. Gazing towards various directions, Shi thought maybe..this could be a sign of ill omen. Closing his eyes for a moment he thought Father..is this my sign? My sign..that I am the one..to rule upon this land? A laugh quite like his father sounded from his mouth, as he thought to himself.

Shaking off the thought, a sense of laughter still continued to escape his lips. If there was one thing the Sima men often had issues with, it would have to be power. Once the small thought of power or any hint that they would assert power came to mind, this was often Shi’s reaction or his father’s reaction. Stepping to the side of his tent, he held a hand out to catch the falling rain in his hand. It seemed the smirk now upon his face would not disappear for awhile, after the thought that had crossed his mind.

Rain had been something Diao Chan found to be more beautiful then anything else, and just as powerful as her beloved Lu Bu. Back home(although home didn’t seem to be the right word for this. Homes were full of love, kindness, fun and happiness.) at Hu Lao, it had been one of the few things of interest to her. She spent her days locked in a private room. The room was pretty, walls garbed in transparent pink silk, a large, extra padded cloth bed which was as dressed up as the walls. That was enough to keep her attention for perhaps a day and a half.

But then the loneliness came, frigid tendrils of desperation wrapping slender fingers around a troubled heart. Worry for her.. lord, for lack of better word. Initially it had been worry about how she would be able to pull off the plot without someone like Lu Bu… But that, like the fascination of the room, lasted for a short while. He had somehow managed to matter to her, those callused and rough hands against hers had meant something, hadn’t they? Every time she began to remember those bitter sweet ideas, the sky had replied with rain. Had her despair been enough to make the sky grumble?

These thoughts accompanied Diao Chan as she rode in the rain, the air silent save for the pattering of hooves mixing with rain. ‘My heart. The sky feels your struggle. Just a couple months. Dong Zhou will be dead and nothing else will matter.’

Though the rain was beautiful, it was a bitter reminder of her time spent at Hu Lao. She needed to stop. she couldn’t afford getting ill, or having an accident with the wet roads. Thankfully, a city camp was seen closing in, in the near distance.


“HALT!”

Diao Chan and her horse skid to a stop, the harsh noise fitting of the cold rain.
“What business do you have here?” The peon dressed in blue asked, and in reply Diao Chan fixed him with a powerful glare. “I’ve been riding for hours in this rain. My name is Diao Chan-” She didn’t need to pause to hear the man gasp in reply. “Could you perhaps let me rest here for the remainder of the day?” The man nodded enthusiastically, taken aback by the beautiful Diao Chan’s simple request.

She released control of her horse to a stable hand, stepping quietly into the camp by her lonesome.

Sima Shi continued to hold his palm up, as the rain pattered gently against his hand but once more he was needed, as a soldier rushed to his side.

”My Lord! A woman has been spotted in the camp, we know not of her intentions but we know that she goes by the name of Diao Chan. What would you-..

Holding his hand up to halt the man as if he were a dog meant to heel, at the action of his hand his spoken and arrogant tone followed. ”Ah, I wondered as to why there was quite a disturbance, in this peaceful rain..can I not think without something unworthy of my time interrupting my thoughts?”

”My L-Lord, I am truly sorry, please f-forgive me,” the soldier said bowing to his knees and continuing to bow his head, respectfully apologetic.

Shi had only wished he’d had his sword to halt the soldier further, from apologising but alas, he had not brought it out with him. He had only wished to gaze upon the rain, after all he had only just awoken. Closing his eyes, a sigh escaped his lips as he said no more words to the soldier and entered his tent.

Although it was time to vainly dress himself and attend to his appearance he would have to rush himself, to catch this..stranger. Quickly but neatly he arranged his hair so that the ornament sat neatly on his head. Then pulling on his armour, as fast as he could, he literally grabbed for his boots, pulling them on with such haste. A once over in the mirror told him he looked quite fine, as he grabbed for his sword. Lifting the tent flap and letting it fall down, after him he began to proudly stride through the rain. The fact that Shi carried his sword alerted other soldiers around him but he waved them away, as he had treated the other soldier.

Thoughtful Rain (Open to anyone)

Lord Sima Shi had been sleeping for quite some time, when the sound of light, falling rain began to hit his tent, with a gentle rhythm. Turning his head to the side, a small sound left his mouth. ”Hmm…Would you really deny me, of a few more minutes rest…?” he whispered in an irritated tone. Still keeping his head turned to the side, those brown eyes slowly fluttered upon. A sleepy gaze adjusted to a certain area of his tent. Staring into that same spot for a few minutes, a certain something came to his mind. You’re still there..you always will be..perhaps it is time I covered you..reminder of foolishness…closing his eyes, as if to banish the thought, it would not be so easy once he looked upon the reminder.

In a sluggish manner, he moved to get up out of his bed, lifting the silken covers from his body and setting his feet down onto the floor beneath him, as bare feet hit the floor with a small thud. He didn’t wish to look upon his reminder but..it was something he had to do every morning, covering his damaged pride and dignity if anything. Finally moving from the bed, he took a few tired steps towards his desk.

There it lay upon his desk. The mirror that showed him how foolish he thought himself to be. Slowly picking up the mirror in his hand, he hesitated for a moment, the same routine and the same reaction he would act out, every morning. Once more he looked upon his reflection. Firstly he studied every inch of his face, putting off looking at the scar for as long as he could, checking to see if his appearance suited him, even if he wasn’t dressed properly yet. Lastly his eyes moved to the side. He would have to look upon it, to cover the…mistake. Brushing the soft black hair from the side of his face, he winced closing his eyes for a moment, letting a sigh escape through his lips. Reaching down for the mask, he put it on, slowly opening his eyes he was happier to see the something he hated,covered once more. A smirk crossed his lips as he let the mirror be pushed aside. Much better..I feel..much better..the thought left his mind.

Finally making his way to the opening of the tent, after his vain routine in the mirror he lifted his hand to the silken flap. Moving it aside to look upon the falling rain.  The rain before him seemed to be light still but a sheet seemed to cover everything outside, as it fell upon its surroundings. Gazing towards various directions, Shi thought maybe..this could be a sign of ill omen. Closing his eyes for a moment he thought Father..is this my sign? My sign..that I am the one..to rule upon this land? A laugh quite like his father sounded from his mouth, as he thought to himself.

Shaking off the thought, a sense of laughter still continued to escape his lips. If there was one thing the Sima men often had issues with, it would have to be power. Once the small thought of power or any hint that they would assert power came to mind, this was often Shi’s reaction or his father’s reaction. Stepping to the side of his tent, he held a hand out to catch the falling rain in his hand. It seemed the smirk now upon his face would not disappear for awhile, after the thought that had crossed his mind.