Zhou Yu rises with the sun. It is a normal habit the strategist never breaks. His servants attend him with a early meal and tea, of which he has come to prefer to dine on in the silent serenity of his room. Zhou Yu finds it most peaceful to begin his day quietly observing the magnificence of the sun's ascent. The vibrant colors that bask the sunrise bring a calm sense over his form, one that he is able to maintain almost always throughout the day.

The strategist sighs softly in content. The party had gone well, or so he believes. The opinions of the other Wu officers are yet to be considered. And of course it is most important to know what Lord Sun Quan thinks. The young tiger is no doubt having a difficult time absorbing the knowledge that his young sister has become married to Lord Liu Bei and nonetheless must now abide in Shu. At least he will have time to spend with Lady Sun Shang Xian before she must depart, Zhou Yu considers.

Rising from his sitting position on a seating pillow, Zhou Yu feels the morning's chill all too well. Remembrance of last night's company guides the strategist back into the warmth of his bedroom from the balcony. He nods towards the servant that stands silently beside the door, who then hastily skitters to the balcony to gather the dishes.

Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun had kept him company for the remainder of the night. Zhou Yu could not forget the warrior's warm smile and bright eyes so easily. He had a likable character, and was someone Zhou Yu would like to know better according to how nicely they'd gotten along last night. The strategist is very certain the Little Dragon wasn't simply putting up a display of friendliness, but was actually enjoying himself. The thought is satisfying. It is nice to know one can get along with an ally who was just recently a precarious enemy.

The hallway bustles with the many Wu officers off to enjoy a morning meal with their guests. Zhou Yu walks amongst them, silently nodding to some and exchanging vocal greetings to others. He doesn't follow them to the officer's barracks, and most know why.

Lord Sun Quan is no doubt dining with his sister and Lord Liu Bei. There is no need to interrupt them. Although he is welcome to din with his lord, Zhou Yu prefers to do so only for the day's last meal. It his nice to speak and enjoy his fellow warrior's company otherwise.

"Good morning Lord Zhou Yu," calls a familiar voice. Looking around the strategist quickly finds the owner. "Good morning Zhao Yun," he greets. In truth he is quite happy to see the Shu warrior. Something about the man sets him at ease, a thing not so easily done.

"Last night's celebration lasted late. Hopefully you were able to get some decent sleep?" the Little Dragon friendly converses.
"The effects of the wine lulled me to sleep," Zhou Yu replies with a soft smile. The comment earns a humored laugh.
"It had the same effect with me, but it may have more on some." Sympathy hints in the Little Dragon's eyes foretelling a few will be nursing head pains and other discomforts. "Ah," Zhou Yu acknowledges.

"Did you come out to walk?" Zhao Yun questions.
"Yes, I find the fresh air awakens the senses," Zhou Yu simply replies.
"May I accompany you?" Zhou Yu smiles softly at the query.
"Weren't you on your way to eat with the others, though?" Despite that knowledge that the company would be welcome, Zhou Yu doesn't want to make the Shu warrior feel the discomforts of hunger. "Lord Liu Bei and Lord Sun Quan dined early this morning," Zhao Yun explains. "I was wandering about when I noticed you."

The faintest of blushes threatens to touch the strategist's cheeks. Although he is not completely sure why, Zhou Yu decides it is most likely because Zhao Yun had noticed him so easily. The strategist is used to being recognized for his strategic abilities, but it somehow doesn't seem to fit this case. "Very well then," he says, realizing his thoughts have caused him to be silent for a few curious movements. "You seem distracted," The Little Dragon comments, "Am I interrupting thoughts?"
"Not at all." Zhou Yu motions for the Shu warrior to follow him. "This way leads to the gardens. Although there is yet to be growth it still is a beautiful place to wander about," he states further, walking off. The hurried footsteps of a follower assure Zhao Yun makes to catch up with him.

The walk to the gardens is quite short. A quiet serenity cloaks the warriors, one that is neither awkward nor demanded. Zhou Yu feels content to keep his gaze to the path while Zhao Yun glances around observing the designs of Wu.

They pause at the opening to the gardens. Dried plants from last year's blossoms lay on both sides of the stone path. Servants move about hurriedly to clean the remains to prepare the soils for new planting and to make it a better sight. "Lord Sun Quan likes to see the snowfall on the greenery. Normally he does not have the gardens cleaned till new buds can be planted and others reborn," Zhou Yu says. "Yet he decided it would look more proper to prepare the gardens for the guests that may like to wander here."

"It's beautiful," Zhao Yun replies in a voice slightly hushed. Glancing at his companion, Zhou Yu sees the warrior's gaze is upon the gardens' main piece. "It was built in honor of Lord Sun Jian and... Sun Ce's remembrance," he quietly announces.

The statue is a masterpiece of a large tiger sitting proudly on a platform. It is a simple ideal cleverly created with great detail and care. Lord Sun Quan ordered this made soon after Sun Ce's passing. A sad sigh ushers from the strategist's lips.

"Would you like to look around?" Zhou Yu questions after a swift moment passes. Although the tiger is an awing creation to behold it unfolds painful memories for the strategist, even if they are old. "Alright," Zhao Yun replies agreeably. He glances at Zhou Yu with a smile betraying his interesting in exploring further.

"With such beauty in the early spring I can only imagine how this it looks in the summer," The Little Dragon chirps, looking about with a content smile as the pair walk down a stone path leading around the many small flower gardens. Zhou Yu can't help but to smile as well. "Perhaps you will be able to see it then," he softly replies. Zhao Yun glances at the strategist with a glimmer of surprise and glee in his eyes. "I would like that very much." By the way the words are spoken, Zhou Yu knows they are true. The two warriors' eyes lock in a gaze. The words spoken cause a friendly warmth to arise between them.

Special thanks to KairacahraFlower Goddess for the (first) review! And thank you everyone else for your support with following and favoriting. It's always nice to see those notices.

I tried to make this update as timely as possible. Thanks for reading, and please review! It always helps with motivation.