A mixture of emotions blends within Zhou Yu's smile. He is happy to have found love and admitted it. Though fear still tangles its gnarly roots at him, the strategist has decided to ignore them. Zhao Yun feels like the perfect match, and truly a lovable person. It feels nice to know he is saving his soul and love for someone very special. Yet there is sadness in his smile. He won't be able to see Zhao Yun for some time. He won't be able to create and feel the magic of love. Though… at least he has memories to cherish and hold close to his heart.
When Zhao Yun turns from his handsome white steed to wave, Zhou Yu waves in return. He can see The Little Dragon gazing at him with loving eyes. It's hard to see him go, but the strategist knows that they will meet again. Nothing is forever.
Zhou Yu faithfully watches The Little Dragon ride farther off. He stands idle and patient, not wanting to move until he can no longer see Zhao Yun or the Shu army. When all that is left is the settling dust and there is no longer any evidence except the tracks on the path, does the strategist move. Sighing, he turns to leave. Every footstep feels heavy and empty, but Zhou Yu knows he cannot—will not—despair. He has fallen upon something he hasn't felt for so long. He remembers Zhao Yun's determination and enthusiasm. The Little Dragon would not falter before the odds, even when he, himself, had trembled. Shaking his head in disappointment at his own broken resolve, Zhou Yu can feel that those cracks slowly mending when he thinks of how steadfast Zhao Yun had been, and continues to be.
The strategist forces a smile. It's hard to be happy when the love of his life has left. But Zhou Yu knows that he will see Zhao Yun again. He does not know exactly when, but he dearly hopes Lord Liu Bei will sent the General on the front so perhaps they can meet at the upcoming battle of Chibi. The thought is gratifying but also worries Zhou Yu. It wouldn't be safe on the battlefield. Even though The Little Dragon has admirable skills he still is at risk.
Wu officer sighs. He can't win at this game. It seems Zhao Yun and him will meet on some sort of battlefield, whether preparing for it or at the vanguard. In any case it was better than not seeing him at all wasn't it? Zhou Yu doesn't know for certain. The thought of Zhao Yun's life in jeopardy makes him shiver uneasily.
"Lord Zhou Yu?" questions Lu Xun. Zhou Yu jumps softly when he hears the voice suddenly. Apparently the youth had been patiently standing beside the building's pillar, yet the strategist had failed to notice him. "Oh… Lu Xun," Zhou Yu says, looking at the youth's curious face. "Apologizes, I was just… lost in thought. Is there something you would like to report?" He can tell the younger officer is holding back asking what.
"Yes," the younger strategist replies, "Lord Sun Quan would like you to inform Master Gan Ning and Ling Tong of any supply you will need."
"Gan Ning and Ling Tong?" Zhou Yu looks at Lu Xun curiously.
"Oh… they had a disagreement," the young warrior slowly announces. "Master Lu Meng thinks it's best if they work out their differences by working together," he adds with a thoughtful smile. Zhou Yu nods. That much makes since at least. "Yes, thank you. I shall inform them immediately." Upon seeing the wondering look on Lu Xun's face once again Zhou Yu adds, "I need to keep busy. You may accompany me if you like, though."
Zhou Yu normally does not directly take control of briefing on supply, but he knows there is little else to do. He needs to keep busy so he doesn't indulge in thoughts too much. The Little Dragon is undoubtedly the main focus of these.
Besides, Zhou Yu wanted to make certain that everything required is prepared. Knowing Gan Ning and Ling Tong, it is quite possible the two could become distracting in another argument. Although he can see Lu Meng's reasoning, Zhou Yu knows the two will need much more time before they stop ripping at each other's throats… completely or even half as much.
"Ya, ya, I know," Gan Ning nonchalantly retorts to Ling Tong. His arms are crossed in annoyance but he refuses to show it too much. Ling Tong, however, is quite angry by now. The two Generals are situated beside the barrack storehouse behind two wagons. Bags of food for men and horses are sit to the side ready to be loaded.
Zhou Yu can't help but to sigh as the two start to bicker. At least now he can have more empathy for what Lu Meng dealt with. "Shouldn't we do something Lord Zhou Yu?" Lu Xun questions anxiously. He watches the two warriors closely at Zhou Yu's side.
"Gan Ning, Ling Tong," Zhou Yu sternly calls out. The two Generals turn immediately. "Focus on the task, please." The two shoot undisguised looks of stubborn hatred at one another before storming towards different wagons. "They need time, but I'm sure they will come around," Zhou Yu softly notes.
"I hope so," Lu Xun replies. His eyes dart from both Generals, wary of their tenseness as they load the supplies into wagons.
It seems strange Lu Meng would request that only Ling Tong and Gang Ning would make preparations for the Generals. Zhou Yu figures the reasoning must lay behind a rather disappointing matter Lu Meng witness between the two Generals that Lu Xun had lightly mentioned.
For now the strategist feels the pace Lord Sun Quan has set for the Wu's army to prepare at is painfully slow, but he knows that patience is critical. Being a strategist, he ought know this best. Even so he can't help the cunning waves of restlessness that set against him.
Chibi will be a standing point of great importance and watching Ling Tong and Gan Ning work without aid, makes Zhou Yu feel as though the process will take longer than need be and Lord Sun Quan is holding back on precious time. The strategist knows that the most incentive reason that drives him to Chibi is to see Zhao Yun even if it isn't the most important. Foolish perhaps but he find it difficult to make himself put the reasons of war foremost.
"Lu Xun, find me five men for both Ling Tong and Gan Ning," Zhou Yu orders, "I want this prepared quickly." At first the youth seems to stutter at the thought of going against Lu Meng's idea, but his reply is swift nonetheless. "Y-yes Lord Zhou Yu."
Crossing his arms, the strategist watches the two Generals. He will try to quicken this process. The sooner preparations are completed the sooner the Wu army can be led to Chibi.
Thanks for the reviews Vovo and chitree2002! Glad you like the quote Vovo, it sort of just came to me while writing.
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