A cheerful yet nervous atmosphere cloaks the party. It is a time for celebration, yet when the guests serve beneath two different flags and have just recently come under an alliance, it will be uneasy. Of course even something such as this cannot break the excitement and interest in the atmosphere. Today Lord Sun Quan of Wu has joined in an alliance with Lord Liu Bei of Shu. The alliance will be forged on the marriage of Sun Quan's younger sister, Sun Shang Xian, to Lord Liu Bei. It is a bold yet necessary decision. With Wei forces so grand it would be difficult for the two smaller forces to thrash and bite at one another's throats then have an even larger enemy force needing to be watched.

Zhou Yu knows this. His gaze on the Shu warriors is watchful not disregarding or hateful. He respects their fighting styles and reasons for taking stand to conflict. Like his fellow Wu warriors he is making a friendly show. It is best to be on good terms with an ally. Besides, friendship can arise in the most unusual ways and later to prove to be most helpful. As a Chinese proverb said: Better to drink the weak tea of a friend that the sweet wine of an enemy.

For now Zhou Yu wanders about making short conversations here and there with his new allies. Lady Sun Shang Xian and Lord Liu Bei have already been bonded, and now enjoy one another's company as they partake in their marriage ceremony feast. Only family and close friends are present for this.

"Oops!" says the young lively voice of a man, having bumped shoulders with Zhou Yu. The strategist turns to find a Shu warrior with stark long black hair pulled into a ponytail smiling intently at him. His soft brown eyes seem to sparkle with cheerfulness. "It's alright," Zhou Yu excuses.
"I'm Zhao Yun," the warrior introduces. "You must be Wu's strategist Zhou Yu? It's an honor to meet you." The tall warrior bows in respect, to which Zhou Yu returns. The name seems familiar. And it doesn't take long for Zhou Yu to recall exactly who the warrior is. "You are The Little Dragon," Zhou Yu says finally. Zhao Yun's face lights up with another smile.
"So am," he agrees, "I proudly serve as Lord Liu Bei's bodyguard."
"An honorable status." Zhao Yun nods. The warrior's features are genuine, and Zhou Yu finds himself quite content to stay instead of continuing his drifting.

"It's quite different here in Wu," the Shu warrior notes after a moment of silence. The statement means no disrespect; it is simply a comment from a man observing something honestly. The Little Dragon pauses for a moment, but not to wait for a reply. "This country is beautiful. The people seem very content, and eager to fight for your lord's cause." A smile pulls at Zhou Yu's lips.
"Your words are kind, Zhao Yun," the strategist replies.

Zhou Yu normally can tell whether a man or woman is speaking a truth or merely hoping to gain favor. The Little Dragon speaks the truth, and quite frankly at that. But Zhou Yu finds this neither disrespectful nor annoying. In fact, he finds that he quite likes the way Zhao Yun notes things with blunt, yet polite honesty. It takes a certain personal courage to be able to state one's own opinion so openly, especially to a new ally.

"What are your thoughts on this alliance?" Zhou Yu questions. He wishes to know the opinion of a man like this, for opinions like these are the ones that matter, and for there is a spark of a liking. Although he almost wishes he could offer a different conversation. The chaos that had descended upon China lingers in the mind of every warrior, but that didn't mean all wanted to speak of it or matters relating to it constantly.

"It's necessary," Zhao Yun thoughtfully replies, offering no hints to dislike the conversations subject. "Wei forces are… impressive." Zhou Yu immediately considers The Little Dragon's face at the remark, but it harbors no jealousy or irritation at the thought only consideration, as though he wonders now if even Shu and Wu joined together can stand strong against Wei. "I hope we can remain in a peaceful alliance, it would sooner end this chaos," the Shu warrior adds with slight liveliness.
"As do I," Zhou Yu agrees. " A smile is the Shu warrior's reply. He seems settled to linger beside Zhou Yu even though a silence follows the conversation's ending.

Having lingered in the party since its beginning Zhou Yu soon begins to feel the heat and other effects of wine he's been carefully sipping on throughout the night. "You look rather red, care to join me outside?" Zhao Yun questions, showing his observance.
"That would be refreshing," Zhou Yu admits, with a thankful smile. The Little Dragon laughs good-naturedly at the response. And Zhou Yu finds that he, too, cannot suppress chuckling. Although, he is not certain if it is the wine or the friendly complaint, he prefers to believe it is the company.

Zhao Yun leads the way to the balcony that outskirts the heart of the celebration. "I've already come out for some fresh air earlier," he offers, when Zhou Yu casts him a questioning glance. "Celebrations are exciting... but I can only stay so long before it becomes too much," he more thoughtfully adds.
"I see," Zhou Yu replies. "I am the same." This earns a grin from the Shu warrior. It is something that Zhou Yu finds he quite likes.

Sighing with content Zhou Yu leans against the balcony's railing while gazes out into the night sky. He wondered if he would stand comfortable beside a Shu warrior when the alliance was decided. With Zhao Yun beside him he feels the unspoken respect and content of two warriors. He has no need to speak to entertain Zhao Yun nor does the later feel the need to do so; they are at equal contentment. Nether trying to gain favor or prove more worthiness.

"Do you know many?" Zhao Yun questions suddenly. Zhou Yu turns to regard the Shu man with question. A daydream like haze glows within The Little Dragon's brown eyes.

Sensing his companion's eyes, Zhao Yun returns the gaze. He laughs in sudden acknowledgement. "Ah, sorry," he says, "I meant constellations. I was distracted."
"By their beauty?" Zhou Yu simply questions. He doesn't specify what, but Zhao Yun knows. "Yes. I've always found the stars awing," he replies, turning back to stare up at the diamond-like sparking in the sky. "Do you judge everything by its beauty?" The questions comes to the strategist's mind because one can often find the heart's true desires and place with simple queries like this. Even if the Little Dragon's deeds speak valorously of him, Zhou Yu would like to see what kind of warrior and man he is for himself. Besides, he is curious.

Zhao Yun's gaze remains on the stars, but his reply announces he listens well anyway. "No. When I see the stars I am drawn to them because of their unquestionable ability to light up the night sky every night. Even when you cannot see them, they are still there. Somehow it reminds me of the morals of an honorable warrior." Zhou Yu finds admiration for this responds, and maybe slight surprise. He hasn't expected such a reply; it is spoken without hesitation.

"Finely spoken," he praises, looking at the warrior with esteem. "I had not thought of it that way, but it is a very possible indeed." A smile pulls at The Little Dragon's lips at the kind words. "Your words are too kind!" he replies. "Yet, it makes me wonder... what do you think of the stars, Lord Zhou Yu?" There is moment of consideration.
"The last time someone asked me that it was Lord Sun Ce," Zhou Yu quietly recalls.
"I'm sorry," Zhao Yun quickly says, "I didn't mean to—"
"No need to apologize," Zhou Yu interrupts with a short forgiving smile.

Zhao Yun quietly gazes deep into Zhou Yu's eyes with a sympathetic understanding. Normally shooing away others sympathy, the strategist finds that this is… okay. And he gazes back. Somehow it is not unsettling, but relaxing and quite agreeable. Zhao Yun isn't seeking favor like some might be inclined to do at a moment like this. It is very nice indeed.

This story is an inspiration from others that I decided to post. Thanks for reading, and please review (it really helps with updating)!