Hierarchal Asunder (open)

[Da Qiao]

When the echoes of war were nothing more than a faint murmur disguised by the sounds of the busy market, it was times like these Da Qiao could truly appreciate life. The young and the old alike scrambling around to fulfill their duties, the clank from the blacksmith, gently sawing sound from the carpenter and the shouts of cheaper food prices from all over as vendors compete for the attention of customers. Flowers were slowly beginning to bloom and her home of Jian Ye was no longer cold and damp from the winter, but in its early stages of spring. Spring was her most favorite season, it signified the beginning of a cycle, the beginning of life.

Roaming the markets was not something she was allowed to do, but because of how in touch with the people she was she would never listen. Of course, there was always the condition of having at least two armed guards with her at all times, and as much as Da Qiao hated it because it intimidated the people it was the only way she knew her husband and sister would feel more comfortable about her safety. Da Qiao giggled under her breath; it always made her happy thinking about her husband and sister they were amongst the most important people in her life; both so full of life you would never suspect the bloodshed both had witnessed in their lifetimes.

As she was walking amongst the people some stopping to bow the soldiers freezing and fixing their posture immediately as if she demanded they treat her in such a way. Sometimes, Da Qiao wished that they would stop the unnecessary bowing and formalities of ‘m’lady’ echoed through the crowds. It saddened her that she could not walk amongst her people as an equal, but had to be treated as if some divine deity which Da Qiao was not. Without warning one of the bowing older ladies sprung forward to Da Qiao’s feet kissing her robes “My lady please spare a few coins I am old and ailing and cannot feed my grandchildren orphaned, our crops are dyi…” but she was cut off my her guard shoving the woman off and drawing his sword, she knew he had strict orders not to allow anyone to touch Da Qiao, but she instantly raised her hand in front of her guard and dark look on her face. It was the look she gave when about to scold her adopted son or daughter even Xiao Qiao for misbehaving.

“How dare you harm an old lady in my presence, you should be ashamed of yourself!”

The guard immediately moved back and bowed his head in disgrace. Da Qiao placed a hand on his shoulder and replaced the look with a softer one.

“I understand you mean well.”

She whispered, but immediately knelt down to the poor old woman on the floor. The people around had stopped to watch and the usually loud street was replaced by hushed murmurs.

“How old are these children.” But she turned her head towards quickly approaching small footsteps and she saw two boys around the age of 9 and 12 rush to their grandmothers side, Da Qiao could only give them a weak smile.

“I will arrange for you to be brought to our home, you will be bathed and fed and treated well by my hand maidens, and you two can play in the gardens for as long as you want.”

The two little boys looked excited and were jumping up and down, the eldest brandishing a wooden sword. “I’ll be your personal guard Lady Da Qiao.” He said trying to sound brave and manly, it made Da smile brighten up. Leaning closer to the old woman she whispered.

“And I will arrange for a gardener to tend to your crops and these children will be given all opportunities to be whatever they want to be, even a soldier.”

And she winked to the eldest son who blushed and hid his face behind his hair. Turning to her guard there was a stern look on her face. “And as punishment for what you have done, you will take these people to where I asked and you will play with these two young boys for as long as they want and tell my handmaidens to prepare a bath and food for these children and this woman.” The guard nodded and immediately picked the poor women up who could not stop thanking and praising Da Qiao and helped lead her away in the direction of their palace. Before following their grandmother the two young children wraped their arms around Da Qiao which she warmly accepted. "Thank you my lady." they both chimed and ran off.

“You all may resume your duties, do not dally on my account.”

And as if nothing had occurred people immediately returned to what they were originally doing. Da Qiao sighed, she hated grabbing attention like this, but at least now she hoped people would be more willing to approach her and hopefully her guards will learn to not act our so maliciously again… or else they would be stuck babysitting; Da Qiao chuckled, what a suitable punishment.

[Ao Ai]

The markets of Jian Ye, were nothing like her home town, or even the busy streets of Xiang Yang. The river trade and its location near the sea made it such a busy port city. Traders from all such strange places coming and going to sell there wares. The smells are she walked from stall to stall delighting Ao Ai as he moved threw the market browsing on her latest shopping trip. She loved Jian Ye it always seemed so peaceful even though Wu might be at war like all the other states. She just felt safer and more at ease here than she did in most other places, although she was willing to admit it did help that her family had taken no side yet. There was something to be said to be being un noticed by the big shots when you were just looking to get in a good days shopping.

Today she was wearing a short purple dress, with her nice red shoes. She didn't really like the way it made her stand out but it was so pretty she could not resist wearing it. Really some times she longed for the nights she would dress in black and hide in the darkness. There was something about being hidden that made her feel safe unlike being in this crowd. It was silly as she was in far less danger now, only it didn't feel like it. Of course it was good for her to get out every now and again and Jian Ye was just the place for it. She had come almost alone, only bringing her maid Li Mei with her, mostly just so she didn't have to carry everything herself. She probably should have a felt guilty about that, but then she felt she was entitled to a few pleasures.

While she was inspecting selling fresh fruits her maid gently jostled her to make her aware of a scene unfolding behind her. A guard was about to strike a beggar who had been bothering another lady. Ao Ai was shocked, such behavior was way out of line, the poor could not help there own situation, they should be pitied not abused like that. Fortunately the lady stepped in and put a stop to that, to her surprise even going so far to help the beggar women and her children. Ao Ai smiled gently, now that was how the nobility should act, it was there duty to help the less fortunate not abuse them. Too many nobles took there station as a privilege without any duties attached to it, instead just making war on there neighbor's, if they didn't help the people what good where they. She herself tried to act like that at all times, even if she didn't always manage to live up to her good intentions.

She of course had no idea she was looking at Da Qiao, if she had known she would not have dare approach her, not wanting to draw attention to herself like that. Not knowing of course she just saw a kind and beautiful young women, one who she was just a 'little' jealous off. She looked at her hair, wondering why she could never get hers quite like that, oh well you worked with what you had right. Once the guard had left with the poor people he had been forced to help Ao Ai decided to walk over and speak with her. Hey perhaps she could even recommend the best places in the city to shop.

"That was kind of you, not many would have been as generous." Ao Ai said thinking that Da Qiao was just local nobility not the wife of a powerful lord. Which was perhaps fortune otherwise she might have been a little nervous approaching her in the middle of the street. She realized she should probably introduce herself instead of just standing there like a silly country girl, which she kind of was.

"I'm Ao Ai, i had just arrived but seeing that Jian Ye has people like you around, the people here must feel very lucky." She said, smiling gently only hoping her manners were still good. She had not been around important people for a long time. Her father would say, too many nights spent playing assassin and too few attending to her own duties. She really didn't care all that much for the whole court scene, it was just something she had to put up with. She took far more pleasure in her night time activities honestly.

[Da Qiao]

Da Qiao felt less held down now that there was only one guard to follow her around, and she was positive he would not make the same mistake as his comrade. Da Qiao was about to make her way to the fruits when she was stopped by the sound of a voice. Her guard stiffened but did not interject not wanting to cause another scene. The people nearby had returned to work and were once more too caught up in their daily lives to notice the stranger approaching their lady. Da Qiao was thrilled; were the people now going to be more willing to approach her for help? Of course, Da Qiao knew she couldn’t offer everyone such services their own supplies were limited and in the time of war supplies were crucial to the soldier, still Da Qiao and her sister were able to acquire a small portion of her father’s fortune, a fortune she did not need and invested entirely in the people and the soldiers whenever she saw fit.

As the young women spoke Da Qiao was surprised by the way she was greeted; while the girl was being formal it was almost like she was talking to a friend not a superior and it made her almost instantly warm up to the girl. ’Ao Ai’ it was a pretty name and she was a very pretty girl. She was about to introduce herself as Da Qiao, but if this girl was a foreigner, simply judging by the accent, even the traders had an accent she could recognize but not this one; it dawned on Da Qiao that the girl must not know who she was.

“My name is Tian Xue, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

It was the first name to pop into her mind; her guard was about to protest but Da Qiao shot him a quick look which made him immediately stiffen up further and completely avert eye contact. Da Qiao didn’t want to lie, she hated doing it, but this once she wanted to be treated the way everyone else was treated. Yes, it was naïve of her to think the ruse could last very long, eventually the girl would pick up on it or Da herself would slip up. Still she was happy with the result she clapped her hands together as if in finality.

“You must tell me more about yourself Ao Ai, while I show you the great fruit in this market. Walk with me.”

Was this girl alone? She wasn’t poorly dressed, but it definitely did stand out the colors were beautiful and it confused Da Qiao, who was this girl? Da Qiao believed that looks could be deceiving and this girl could quite possibly be more than just a seemingly kind girl. Still Da Qiao did not see any danger and she began walking past all the vendors to stop at her favorite one.

“The fruit here are always the best, please help yourself to one.”

Da Qiao passed the young girl coins who graciously bowed and uttered ‘m’lady’. Da Qiao hoped the girl didn’t catch it, it was such a tiny gesture that it would not raise suspicion. She turned to look behind her, the guard had his back to them looking around the area. Da rolled her eyes at how close he stood, why were they so over protective. Da did miss the freedom when she was growing up, but she accepted the responsibility and the position she was in.

Da watched the children run about playing games while their parents were working, every once in a while the parent would look up and smile then continue their work. Da wished she could raise her children like that, yes her daughter and adopted son were fortunate to have the beautiful gardens, their nannies and the children of nobility coming over to play, but sometimes it was the freedom and thrill of being around the public that appealed to her more.

Da Qiao swept her thoughts to the side, there was no need in wasting time wondering how life could have been, she loved the life she had now and her family she shouldn’t think such greedy thoughts and instead enjoy what she was fortunate enough to have.

[Ao Ai]

Ao Ai had a good feeling about lady Tian Xue, as she introduced herself. Generally a very trusting sort she had of course taken her at her word not even suspecting she wasn't who she claimed to be quite yet. She was more over polite and friendly, much as it was in Ao Ai own nature to be. She felt they would probably get along quite well. Smiling gently she was pleased to have a guide to the market she tagged along with Tian Xue, as she showed her the market.

Her maid servant Li Mi followed a respectful distance behind. Although she seemed a little intimidated by lady Tian Xue's guardsmen, perhaps because she seemed so suspicious always looking for a threat. Ao Ai tried not to notice that instead following just a step behind Tian Xue. Of course that was when she asked her about herself, always a difficult question.

When it came to Ao Ai there was two clear sides to herself. The happy accommodating young noble women who was so carefree, the face she showed the world. Then there was the shy young girl who hide in shadow, who used her talents to serve the people as an assassin. She decided it would probably be best to introduce herself as the first, for one thing most guards didn't react well to knowing there charge was standing so close to an assassin. It tended to give a lady an unsavory reputation that they could not be trusted if people knew you could kill them in any number of different ways. Of course that didn't mean you would, she loathed violence as a general policy, still it seemed best to keep that side of herself to herself. At least until she knew this women a lot better, she really didn't like keeping secrets but some were just sensible to keep.

"Well my father is lord Ao Lin, a nobleman who used to serve lord Liu Biao. Now my family resides in Wu Ling, Jing province." Ao Ai said, was always quite chatty when meeting new people. It came from being very shy during her childhood, she had few friends so now she tended to over compensate by trying very hard. "I grew up on our estate by the river, its very beautiful there. In summer the peach trees are so wonderful in bloom. But i really had to get our every now and then, you see i love to travel and see different places." she was getting a little nostalgic when thinking about home. However she was not home sick, seeing such wonderful strange places like Jian Ye always kept her excited and made life fresh and enjoyable.

"Why thank you, i love trying new things. Its much better when they are tasty too." She giggled as she picked out a fresh plum. Biting into its tender flesh she found it was indeed very sweet. Better in fact than the fruit back home, probably because of the warmer climate they had around Jian Ye. Or at least that's what the scholar in her whispered, her tutors would be so proud. Now that was a thought to shudder about. She followed Tian Xue again simply pleased to have found someone nice to talk too.

She spotted one vendor who was selling a large variate of knives, as well as throwing weapons. She had recently used up her stock of those on, what might be called mid night excursion. Before she could help herself she walked over, not thinking what that would look like. Catching herself just when it was too late she blushed realizing her mistake, she quickly tried to think of an excuse. "Oh my ah, brother would really like those." She lied, since she didn't even have a brother. Her maid raised an eye brow knowing that all too well. She shot Li Mi a look that said 'shush' before turning back to Tian Xue.

"So does your family live here then lady Tian Xue? Oh it must be so exciting in a place like this. Please tell me about yourself." She said, rather hoping for a few stories about Jian Ye. She really like listening to local legends and just hearing about new places. That and tying out new clothes and food were what made traveling such a joy. Even more so when you had good people to travel with.

[Da Qiao]

It was nice to have someone walk with her talk to her like any other person; sure it was because Da Qiao had fibbed, but she could easily justify the reason why she had told the girl a lie. Da Qiao had lifted her own plum to her lips and took a small bite; no matter how many times she tried the fruit it always surprised her how sweet it could be.

Da Qiao listened carefully, averting contact with the girl but rather focusing on the fuit in her hand, but Da Qiao was listening very carefully. While not as smart as the other tacticians behind their armies, she was still fairly observant of how people spoke. She wondered why a former ally of the now fallen Liu Biao would speak so freely of it in Jian Ye? Had she no clue that Liu Biao was the reason why her husband and his siblings were left fatherless. Still she did not interject, but listened to the girl and continued to eat at the fruit eyes focused on the market in front of her. Every once in a while she would look at the girl and smile and she continued on about her life.

Da Qiao knew that most who served under Liu Biao either joined the Shu army or even ran away into neighbouring now Wu states such as Chang Sha. Yet, many kept themselves neutral not wanting to choose sides quite yet so they could continue living their comfortable lives.

The way the girl opened up to Da Qiao was surprising, but she herself would do the same. Da had been feeling so alone recently especially without her sister around, that she was craving the company of another woman.

“There is so much to see here in Jian Ye, the most beautiful is the setting and rising sun, the reflection upon the river is tranquil, makes you forget about the war beyond.”

Da Qiao’s face contorted into pain, it was sad to think that women were left widowed and children left orphaned by losing their fathers and even mothers either on the battlefield or as collateral damage. Da Qiao could never imagine leaving her daughter and adopted son without a mother or father. Even when she went out to fight she always thought about the potential of herself and her husband losing their lives and even though she knew her sister and her in-laws would take care of them she couldn’t bear not being there to witness their growth into great men and women.

“But I guess, despite all odds they all continue to smile. I think that’s the most precious jewel of Jian Ye.”

More so than the view, but the people of Jian Ye was what she looked forward to the most.

[Ao Ai]

It was so strange, Ao Ai was used to attracting attention in a crowd, she was after all a noble and she liked to dressed up as well. However it seemed like today there were a huge number of people looking at her, no that wasn't quite right. They were looking past her at Tian Xue like she was some kind of local hero or something. She felt a little confused, nobles would always attract attention for a lot of different reasons, but this was something unusual in her experience. Did these people know more than she did?

Ao Ai listened as she described what she loved about living in Jian Ye. She had to suppress a little jealously, while she herself lived near the river it wasn't something as wondrous as it was for Tian Xue. As Ao Ai had never learned how to swim she had always viewed it with as much suspicion and fear as awe, it was pretty but also dangerous. Well she supposed that description fitted many things including herself for that matter. She thought it best not to mention that to Tian Xue, growing up in a place like this she would doubtless thing it strange she could not swim. Besides for a noble women of Jing it was a little embarrassing anyway, no need to draw even more attention to herself.

"Oh you poor dear, did you lose someone in the war?" Ao Ai asked seeing the look of pain cross Tian Xue's face when she spoke about the ongoing war. The one thing that had claimed more lives than anything else in recent history. Not a day went by when it was not mentioned, it had been going on since before she had been born. Some times she was able to forget about it, her home was remote from the focal points of the war. Still she knew many widows and orphans who had lost husbands and fathers in the fighting. She had been fortunate that her own father had been a minister and not a warrior, if she had lost him? well she was sure it would have destroyed her, would she even be the same person she was today.

"I've always felt the nobles of the land take the people for granted. Its our duty after all, we are supposed to look out for them. To me that does not mean fighting wars for personal gain but righting social wrongs and making sure they are happy. This fighting has left them even more vulnerable than ever." Ao Ai said unable to quite hide that streak of fire that lived just under her skin. When ever she thought about such things it came out making her more the assassin and less the noble men she hid that identify behind. Tian Xue's words about the people being her greatest joy had just sparked that part of her for a moment. It seemed they had that much in common as well, their joy came not for themselves but when they helped others instead.

She realized after a moment she might have gone too far, looking a little embarrassed she looked away turning her attention toward the next stall. This one was selling cloaks, she pretended to be interested in a blue one, she only wished they had purple but it was a very difficult color to find.

[Da Qiao]

Had Da Qiao not glanced to the side towards Ao Ai she would not have caught the glimmer of confusion in the girls eyes. Da didn’t know what it was that could have caused the girl such a reaction and then felt ashamed as perhaps the girl had heard the vendors formality. When Da looked around however, she realized that as they passed by men and women would turn their heads towards her some whispering once they thought they were out of earshot. Da gave Ao Ai a shy smile; sometimes it was almost impossible to stay ambiguous especially with the little display earlier.

“I’m not completely innocent Ao Ai, I have wronged you the right of truth, but I ask that you bear with me and these people.”

It was the least she could say to explain what Da tried to remain clueless towards; but sooner or later the girl would have found out and perhaps it was best she knew there was a reason at least behind her lie despite not exactly coming out and telling the truth. It would probably become clear sooner if not then later.

“Must I lose a close relative to feel pain for my people?”

It was a rhetorical question, but Da gave a short pause before continuing.

“My husband lost his father many years ago to battl,” to Ao Ai’s fathers own former lord. ”And I have seen with these eyes the faces of the fallen ally and enemy alike.”

Da Qiao’s featured hardened and her eyes seemed distant as if picturing the cold and lifeless eyes staring back at her.

“Sometimes I see my husbands face and the faces of my family, then I realize these are the faces of someone’s husband, someone’s child… I believe that to be loss.”

Da blinked quickly and shook her head, she turned to look back at Ao Ai and mustered a small smile. Perhaps she burdened the girl with such depressing talk, but with the recent circumstances, it was hard not to.

“Perhaps then we need more nobles like you in our kingdom. Voices like yours up lifts the morale of the people and even the soldiers.”

The girls words touched Da that her mind had pushed away the negative feelings and were replaced by appreciation for Ao Ai. Da herself believed that for a country to function it needed its people just as much as it needed it’s nobles; if only most didn’t abuse their powers the lands economy would be impacted positively

Da placed a hand gently on the girls shoulder, a bright smile flashing on her features, she ignored the cloaks completely; and walked forward in front of the girl more than an arm length away. Her head was turned more towards her home her mind racing…

“Please do not shy away from expressing yourself, we may be robbed the freedom of peace, but do not allow yourself to be robbed of speech as well.”

It didn’t occur to Da that they had paused to long in one place and the group was getting more attention than necessary. “Come along, I’m sure it will be much easier to speak without the whispers.” Her voice was low for only Ao Ai to hear and she urged the girl to follow, she set out to go to a more remote part of the market; towards the same direction where their home was separated from the market by the natural barrier of trees. While there was a path, there were many guards concentrated in the area and Da knew it meant she was going to have to submit her temporary freedom; at least she could speak freely. Waiting for the girl to join her she spoke in a clearer tone not fearing being overheard by anyone.

“Now, I wish you to be honest with me as I will be with you. Why would a noble-woman be left alone to travel from land that is quite a distance away accompanied only by a handmaiden? Surely you would not be left alone without some sort of armed assistance?”

Da Qiao was not a fool, there were certain pieces of information that could be put together to form a logical question. Da’s guard was taken aback by her statement and his hand immediately twitched towards his sheathed sword. Da raised a hand to him, while a person who would be less willing to use force, she didn’t believe that her life was threatened, but there were still many holes that were left unfilled in the girls story; a person just needed to pay attention to the details.

[Diao Chan]

Living in Wu wasn’t unpleasant, but it was difficult for Diao Chan. She was here, more or less, a spoil of war. She often had to avoid the younger generals in the place who only knew her for her history with Lu Bu. It was worse when she entered town. Villagers would surround her with either questions or threatening stares. It didn’t help that she felt an immense pressure from people who looked to her as a way to help Sun Ce unite China by having tea with court officials. Most of the time she locked herself in her quarters, making daily visits only to Sun Ce and whoever called for her. Even eating was awkward, Diao Chan having to keep a smiling face with anyone who dined with her. The people were respectful, but she could still detect the hostility in their eyes. She didn’t have much communication with the other women in the kingdom either, the selfish ones fearful she would steal their husbands and the kind ones worried she would look down upon them. She wasn’t a Siren! As if she would even bother with most men here!

Standing on the outskirts of the public market, Diao Chan was almost unrecognizable. She had snuck out, feeling tired from things back in the palace. On her body was a rough farmer’s skirt, with patches here and there. Her face was covered by her manglely hair, which she had taken time to pull at and unshaped into a wild beast. She had faked marks on her face and bit on her lips until they looked white. The whole makeover had taken her nearly all morning to do but it was worth it. Diao Chan barely left her room, much less the entire palace itself. Mind you though, underneath her rags she had slipped on her usual silk and satin. Even on a day like this she couldn’t bear to be without something underneath. It would be like being naked.

Feeling pleased with her work, Diao Chan began wandering the streets, avoiding making eye contact with people. She wasn’t really out to shop, but instead out to see the busy sights and sounds of the outside world. It went without saying she felt even better that she was out here alone, instead riding in a closed chariot from which she couldn’t see anything through the window gaps. After a bit of walking she became more confident and began to peer at shopkeeper’s stalls, marveling at all the interesting things people sold, fans, jewelry, food and clothing of all kinds. Why didn’t she have access to any of these things? And she was supposed to be the rich one!
A display of expensive looking jade caught her eye and Diao Chan quickly made her way over. The owner noticed her but kept silent. It was a good sign her disguise was working on the common man. ”How much for this one?” She said holding up a rather large Buddha made entirely out of jade. The stall keeper smirked at the question. ”I’m sorry old woman, but I doubt you can afford such things.”

This caused a frown on Diao Chan’s face. Old woman? Cannot afford? The thing would barely cost a coin or two. Was it because she looked the way she did? It was shocking to see how people judged solely on appearance. Finding herself disguised with the mean she quickly reached into the sleeve of her clothes and pulled out a bag of coins. Taking two gold pieces out (almost twice of what she suspected the Buddha was worth), Diao Chan thrust them into the stallkeeper’s hand and grabbed the Buddha, quickly turning and fleeing the scene. What a terrible man. He had caused her to act out of emotion, and a gesture like that could reveal who she really was. She was going to have to be more cautious next time.

Hurrying far away from the jade stall, Diao Chan was moving too fast to notice where she was going and bumped into a man carrying turnips. The man turned and swore at her, causing her a headache at the thought of what society was like. Is this what people were like “outside?” Rude and temperamental with more swears than she could count. Finding it too difficult to stop she kept racing forward, one hand clutching her newly bought Buddha and the other grabbing her farmer’s skirt to the satin underneth from sliding out and revealing itself. She just wanted out of here; the market was no place for someone like her. But where was she heading? Did the place even have an exit? Diao Chan began to get impatient and increased her pace. Coming here was a mistake. She was better off locking herself in her room and giving private dances to Sun Ce. This marketplace was horrible.

In the midst of her rush, stopped looking at where she was heading. Soon another accident happened and she found herself smashing into a guard, with exceptional looking armor and horrific looking weapons. She had to stop and catch herself as she fell back. It was like hitting a brick wall, or a steel plate of armor. Blinking twice she noticed she wasn’t exactly in the market anymore, and was now surrounded by burly men dressed in armor glaring at her. Uh oh.

[Ao Ai]

Ao Ai had not realized she was quite so transparent, then again she was a trained assassin/ninja her skills at this sort of thing were not what one might expect from a court noblewomen. She bit her lip as Tian Xue clearly noticed her reaction to all the people looking at them. What she had not expected was an admission of dishonestly. Tian Xue more over promised her the truth, if not immediately then soon. She was not quite sure why but she believed her, even after having been lied too. There was a real sense of sincerity and kindness in this women that put her at ease, she reminded her a little of her mother in fact. There was certainly a maternal side to this women that was so clear she could not believe that she had not noticed it before. Smiling she simply nodded accepting her at her word, for the moment she put the peoples strange reaction out of her mind.

Putting down the cloak she had been looking at she was surprised to feel Tian Xue's tender hand on her shoulder. She was comforting her, letting her know that she appreciated her sentiments. Still not sure if she had given too much away Ao Ai was simply pleased to have made a friend. Even if she knew there was something more here she was not aware of, she still felt a connection to this women. She was even kind enough to suggest that her country needed more women like her around, coming from someone who was clearly adored by the people that meant a lot.

"You really mean that? your so sweet." She exclaimed taking Tian Xue's hand in her own and holding it for a moment. She wanted for a moment to give her a friendly hug but here with everyone looking at them. Well she would have felt way too self conscious to do that, she was embarrassed enough already at being so complimented. Still it occurred to her that this women didn't really know her. She had another side of her that she kept to herself, if she saw that she would reject her, at least she thought Tian Xue would. It was not appropriate for a young lady to do the things she had done, even if she felt she had been justified.

"I wont hold back then. Its just well, most of my friend's in Jing province. They didn't respond nearly as well when i told them hold i felt. Your a really unique women Tian Xue." Ao Ai admitted thinking back to the reactions she had gotten the last time she talked like this. Her friends who were quite happy living in seclusion away from the common people had not been pleased. They had derided her as being a foolish county girl, which had really hurt her feelings. She knew why they had reacted in that way, they didn't like anything that suggested they were not doing enough to help those who had nothing. The way Tian Xue reacted, even going so far too encourage her made her feel for once she like she was special. It was nice to know there were other people who cared. It explained a lot, like her reaction to that beggar. Most ladies would have brushed her off letting her guards handle it. Instead Tian Xue had reacted with a lot of kindness, even going so far as to invite them to her home.

"Alright lead the way." Ao Ai said following a few steps behind her as Tian Xue lead on to a more isolated part of the market. Was she finally going to find out why everyone was acting so strangely around her. She noticed there were even more guards around as well, even if there were more alone than before. She felt a little nervous, she didn't think they would react well if they learned what she was. Still they didn't know right?

Oh damn she knew, some how she had puzzled out that she wasn't normal. Was that why they had gone some where with so many guards. Was she going to be arrested now? not thinking logicaly she went all red getting nervous. Her natural instinct was to run and hide, looking for shadows to conceal herself in. Wait no she was over reacting, Tian Xue only knew something was different about her, she didn't know what. Some self control returning Ao Ai took a deep breath. Now she had to decided what to say. Should she try to lie? that might really back fire if she was caught out. Also she really didn't want to lie to this women anymore, she had promised to be honest her self as well. The question was did she trust her with the truth?

Tian Xue's guardsmen didn't help her nerves any she practically jumped out of her skin when he reached for his sword. Things had been going so well, now she was in deep trouble. She could always run, she was half tempted too. But she also felt this women who had been kind to her deserved the truth, maybe she could handle it? just maybe. Taking a deep breath she prepared to come clean.

"I'm so sorry, really i didn't want to deceive you. I'm just so used to keeping my secret. Please i didn't mean you any harm honestly." Ao Ai said still really nervous as she reached out taking Tian Xue's hands in her own. Her eyes getting big with emotion as she looked nervously at all the guards. She was really on edge getting ready to run if things got bad.

"I really am a noble women. Its just....well I'm more than that. I could not stand to see all the bandits and murderers praying on the helpless so i...stopped them. In my own way." She was speaking really fast almost mangling her words as she looked left and right, picking out the best escape routes. If it wasn't for the way Tian Xue was so kind almost like an elder sister she would never have told her. She was so serious and calm, quite unlike Ao Ai who was more energetic and now panicky as well. Still deep down she was less afraid of being attacked and more afraid she would hate her instead.

"You see...I'm an....Assassin, what you might call a kunoichi."
Finally the truth had come out, when with some others she had always kept that secret to herself. She had begun to think she was a skillful liar, but so quickly this women had shattered her illusion. She felt helpless now like a little girl before a stern parent or teacher. Now her facade was broken she felt like she needed a shadow to hide in.

Pulling up the hem of her long dress she revealed her legs, which had two very wicked looking knives strapped to them. Her own arsenal and the reason why she didn't need protection was now very evident. Looking down at her feet, ashamed at being caught lying she awaited to be judged.

[Da Qiao]

Da Qiao didn’t have any intention of hurting the girl, but with the new piece of information she tilted her head to the side, an assassin who went after bandits. Da Qiao wondered why a nobleman who used to serve Liu Biao would have such a talented daughter. Was Ao Ai sent to finish what Liu Biao’s men had not and be rid of the Ce family? No, she highly doubted it, most had already defected and those who were left had only minimal wealth; the smart ones stayed unaligned keeping their families and their wealth while living under the radar, she wondered if Ao Ai’s father was the same.

Da Qiao wondered how able Ao Ai was in battle, Da remembered being just as young, but then she was more afraid of battle than ever sometimes preferring to stay back at the main base as defence, it was only when she grew older was Da able to take a more opposition like role. Da showed her appreciation in a simple thank you to the girls honesty something Da valued more so than any other trait.

“So you are not here to cause harm to my family….”

It was more so a statement even though it sounded like a question, but it didn’t matter the girl didn’t seem to have ill intentions and while usually her guard would have sprung to action he was aware that if this girl wanted to harm them, she could have long ago. That and while she may have been able to take a few guards, it would be too hard to take all the rest out. Feeling reassured at this she lowered her guard.

“My name is not Tian Xue, it is Da Qiao and I am the wife of Lord Sun Ce ruler of these lands under the red banner of Wu.”

While Da felt a sense of shame once admitting to her true identity, there was still a stronger sense in pride at the mention of her husband. Da may not have cared for power or glory, but whenever she thought about her husband and his achievement there was always a swell of pride that showed in her tone. There was a sheepish smile and even her guard’s lips seemed to twitch into a smile, but he was no longer facing Da Qiao, his back was now turned to them hand on the hilt of his sword, the sound was loud enough for them to hear. It wasn’t very far, she could see a figure in the distance quickly closing in on what seemed to be another peasant woman. Da heard one guard accuse the woman of being an ’Intruder’, but somehow Da highly doubted it. Hurrying towards the woman she immediately told the group to stop one reaching over to grab the woman.

Da didn’t speak, she stood back, the men blocking off her view making Da grit her teeth. Why were they so overprotective, how could this person be an intruder… and yet there was the question of what she was doing so close to their home?

“Do not harm her!”

Da said out loud hoping they would back off just a bit, but she could not see the wall of armor to thick. Da turned to Ao Ai and frowned; moving to the side, she pushed through the men stand between one and the woman. Who was she, she was in rags hair a mess, face filthy and scarred, but still there was something very familiar about the woman, under all the dirt there was a very beautiful woman,; if only Da knew who she was looking at.

Da’s eyes went to the Jade Buddah; how could someone in such rags afford such a thing, for someone like that a coin or two was nothing, but to the peasant it would be a lot. It then dawned on Da that the guards might see the Jade as well and assume the woman stole even if Da herself did not want to suspect something that could be just as much a lie as the truth; Da prayed none of the guards would notice.

Da waited for the woman to speak, the guards unable to attack or seize the woman for fear that they could hurt Da Qiao in the process.

“Please speak.”

[Diao Chan]

Normally when faced with an army of soldiers, Diao Chan would have smiled and glided her way through, ignoring any and all attempts of contact with her. Today though, things were different. Even as herself she would have been embarrassed to bump into a guard like that so it went without saying she felt like a deer in the headlights. Eyes darting from one angry face to the other Chan tried to retrain her dignity and stand still. These men wouldn’t hurt an innocent old lady like her right? Well not old, of course, just her makeup. Chan had to mentally remind herself of who she was for a moment. The shock had thrown her a bit off course and she wasn’t feeling like herself.

Luckily the soldier’s attentions were averted as a figure emerged through the crowd of men. Diao Chan took the moment to step back and regain her standing. In the midst of everything she had forgotten to watch her clothing, and the rags she had on slipped down, exposing pink silk and ribbon. It wasn’t until she felt a chilly breeze when Diao Chan looked down and rapidly stuck her exposure back into the rags. Hopefully no one had noticed as everyone she could see had their eyes on the figure, which as Diao Chan could see upon glancing up, was a head shorter than everyone, a figure Chan wasn’t unfamiliar with as she often found herself looking upwards when being surrounded by army men. She couldn’t be sure but through the gap the newcomer had created, Chan could see even more people in the distance. Great. First she was mentally abused at the market and now she was going to be bruised and beaten outside of it. This place was not her lucky place.

Hold on. As the figure emerged Chan could feel her eyes widen. The sun shone down on what appeared to be the (infamous in her own mind) Queen of Wu, looking as traditional as ever. Chan was sure of it, there was no mistaking Sun Ce’s wife. She had seen her more than once coming and going from Ce’s bedroom, after afternoon tea or a lighthearted discussion about politics. She had purposely avoided the Queen simply because things were likely to become awkward, especially if they met during a bad time. But now…

Faking a bad cough, the former Luoyang princess avoided the demand to speak. What could she say? Come clean and admit she dressed herself in rags just to escape the prison that was Jian Ye castle for a day? What kind of impression was she leaving? But she couldn’t say she was just an old lady, what if they found out she wasn’t! Things only went downhill. This was a lie she couldn’t get out of, a first in many many years.

”I..” Diao Chan started but stopped herself. She sounded too young for someone who looked like herself. Trying again she attempted to sound more her “age”. Pardon me your highness. I did not mean to disturb you.” Diao Chan bowed, remembering this time to hold onto her rags. ”It is because of my foolishness that I stand before you. Please accept my humblest apologies for interfering with your soldier’s duties and for taking much of your time.” She was reciting sentences she had said so many times before, back when she and Lu Bu still traveled the lands, perused by the villainous Cao Cao. It brought back memories of her past life as a Lu Bu’s vassal. Nothing was different in the situation she was in now. If she said something incorrectly, it would mean the death of her.

Daring to look up, Diao Chan stared directly into Da Qiao’s eyes. She shut off the surrounding officers and onlookers. She wanted to see what was in the Queen of Wu’s eyes. Was she the kindred spirit everyone said she was? Or she was she something else, a sinister snake who would cut off Chan’s head without mercy. The thought of someone as frail as her holding up the executioners axe was slightly humorous. Chan’s hand still held onto her Buddha, as she had no intention of giving up something she had worked so hard for to buy. Her other hand however was inching towards her sleeves, ready to throw off her rags and become herself if needed. To the untrained eye she probably still looked very normal. Only a master assassin or a person with keen, straightforward eyes would be able to tell what her real thoughts were.

[Ao Ai]

Seeing that Da Qiao was neither going to hurt her, or even really seemed to hate her now, Ao Ai relaxed a great deal. It was like a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She acted in fact quite like that was the case. Ao Ai sank to her knees dropping the hem or her dress back down, or the moment not caring if it got a little dirty. She could probably just buy a new one, she perked up at the thought. Maybe now every thing was out in the open Da Qiao would show her the best places to get a new dress, assuming she still wanted to be friends. Da Qiao she still could not believe she had been speaking with the queen of Wu. She realized of course why she had pretended, she didn't want to be treated like all the shop keepers can treated her. All that bowing and scraping must get really old very quickly. She felt sorry for the poor girl, and she had been so nice too. She looked up at her wondering still if she wanted to be friends or if it was over now she knew what she did.

"No, i didn't come here to hurt anyone. You don't hate me do you?" It was a silly question of course she didn't hate her. Looking at her actions so far she doubted Da Qiao was even capable of hating someone. Still she really needed to here her say the words anyway. She saw all the guards were looking at her, like she was some kind of scene now. She knew why they knew she a kunoichi a deadly killer, she was no longer just a sweet innocent girl in their eyes. She looked down at her now dirty dress almost feeling ashamed although not sure why.

It was then to her obvious pleasure that the guards found a new plaything to be all suspicious about. A old women had made the mistake of entering there little sanctuary without permission. Quickly she was pinned against the wall...really these guards needed to chill way down. She was just an old women right. Really old in fact, she didn't know why a old women would be walking around the market without someone to help her. At least that's how it looked to someone as young as Ao Ai. Da Qiao mean while had left her to put a stop to that, and keep her guards from causing this elderly women harm.

Although she didn't say anything Ao Ai was wondering what her status was now. Was she a prisoner? a hostage being her for ransom? a dangerous criminal? or a friend to the queen of Wu. Given the choice she knew which she would prefer of course. In the end she decided to followed just behind Da Qiao, since no one lunged forward with a sword to stop her, she assumed that was alright. Up close she got a better look at this old women while she was talking with Da Qiao.

Ao Ai training as a kunoichi had sharpened her senses greatly. She could see and hear much better than nearly anyone she knew. She also noticed things others tended to miss. Like the way this women's face just wasn't quite....right. She looked old but it looked more like a mask than anything else, also her voice wasn't exactly that of a peasant. More like a noble who thought they knew what common people were like, she had seen that enough. All her fancy friends who parades around there private palaces having tea parties for there pretty friends, thinking they knew what the real world was like. She had been forced to attend enough of those to make her head spin, that was what she saw in this women. Besides the jade statue, a dead give away. It meant she was either a noble or a thief. Ao Ai knew the kind of instincts it took to be a good thief, you had to be quick agile and smart like an assassin. You didn't go around stealing jade statues and live long, and certainly not if you were an elderly women.

"If your really an old peasant women....well then I'm the queen bitch of Wei." Ao Ai said perhaps revealing with her slightly rude language that her own back ground had been a little more rustic. Country nobility and all that, as the nobles of Xiang Yang would have referred to her family. She usually manged to hide that quite well, but today had been a little too exciting even for someone as high strung as she was.

"The silks are much prettier i don't know why you bother with the rags dear, they don't match your eyes nearly so well." Ao Ai said sweetly giving her a cute little girl smile. Now she didn't have to pretend, well she saw no point in hiding her skills either. Her sharp eyes really didn't miss much. She looked back to Da Qiao curtsying once polity and hoping she had not been out of line.

[Da Qiao]

Da Qiao was suspicious of the woman instantly, the way she initial spoke and the sudden change threw Da Qiao off, but she wouldn't think much of it. The guards were physically orienting themselves towards Da prepared to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger. It was frustrating because Da could defend herself now. Unlike years ago when she first went into battle she was a young teenage girl, not yet introduced to the chaos of war; now she was a woman who could not only hold her own in battle, but had grown to be quite knowledgeable in battle tactics as well; all so that she could support her husband to her fullest extent.

As the woman spoke, Da Qiao tried to pinpoint what it was that was off about the woman, but she could not quite figure it out; she tried to listen to some sort of slip up or anything to indicate that the 'old lady' was hiding something. It wasn't until the woman made eye contact did Da catch something. The eyes she saw were not those of an old woman, there was wisdom and intelligence and Da could tell the woman was older than herself, but not by more than a decade.

It wasn't till Ao Ai spoke did it occur to Da Qiao that her suspicions were true; she wasn't just an old lady. In fact she wasn't old at all, well not as old as the woman tried to be. Despite the questionable use of language, Da appreciated Ai's insight in fact such a perceptive eye could be quite useful...

Turning back to the woman Da Qiao's expression was quizzical, who was this woman and why did she lie about her identity? Da Qiao moved forward till her face was an arm’s length away from the woman’s. At first, she was struck by how beautiful the woman was, but upon further inspection she gasped and moved back, recognition clear in her eyes. The confusion only grew when it became apparent who the woman was. The guards were looking at each other confused what did Da know that they didn't.

"Is my husband’s treatment of you so ill that you would hide in rags and run away?"

Da wasn't quite sure how she felt about Diao Chan, she didn't hate the woman knowing that Diao Chan was taken as an attribute to their home having information valuable to her husband and their army. Yes, because of this woman Da sometimes did not have the opportunity to see her husband some odd nights, but it wasn't enough for her to feel jealous. Still Da felt offended on her husband’s behalf, they had been nothing but hospitable Da never complaining since the woman was brought into their home and now she wanted to flee, or was Da seeing things wrong.

"I was thinking the day I had the courage to introduce myself to you we would be in better circumstances."

It was odd Da was the one too shy to meet Diao Chan; perhaps it was because she was afraid to see in the woman what her own husband saw. Da Qiao wouldn't deny that she felt self-conscious around Diao Chan and not because of her beauty, Da and her sister had been given their own titles for how beautiful they were, but because there had to be something the woman had that Da lacked, why else would her husband insist on making Chan his concubine.

With one look Da dismissed the guards; they were hesitant at first a lot of the guards and soldiers did not trust Diao Chan believing she would do to their lord exactly what Diao Chan had done to her past two lords, betray and abandon them. Slowly they began marching away a few lingering not too far off to keep an eye on their lady and her new friend.

"Perhaps over a cup of tea and finer clothes than rags would you not agree?"

Da urged Ao Ai to come closer, it was the girls keen perception that made Da realize who the woman was and Da wanted the girl close perhaps she could persuade the young woman to join their force.

Turning back to Diao Chan, Da Qiao brought herself to her fullest height (which wasn't very tall) and gave Diao Chan s soft look, not wanting the woman to think she hated her for that was not true.

"Yet, you are dressed this way which has arisen my suspicions; I do not make it a habit to pass judgement on someone based on their past, but in this circumstance I wish to know why you are sneaking out like this?"

Da Qiao was only asking because she feared for her husband, her family and her people. Da didn't wish to find out that Diao Chan was leaking information out... her husband would be angry and Diao Chan would surely not lead a pleasant life after that, but Da was willing to accept any explanation as long as it sounded reasonable.