[center][color=#8f344f][h1]Li Zhao[/h1][/color][/center]

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Cheers and laughter filled the command tent. Despite her contributions, Zhao had not expected to be dining at her father's table among all the army commanders and generals. She had proven herself instrumental in defeating the Imperial Army, recruiting soldiers from villagers along the way and leading raids on their caravans and camps ahead of the rebels. When the two forces clashed, the Imperials broke rank and retreated after a single day of battle. She felt so honored by the recognition that she found it difficult to hide a smile. Even the stoic generals and retainers had a more relaxed expression, while many of the others wore merry grins and boasted about the greatness of the rebel army and Li Yuan, her father, the future Emperor of China.

Shimin, her older brother, rose his cup and began toasting to their recent victory, when Zhao heard a rustling behind her. She turned, catching a glimpse of an arrow tip through the fleshly torn slit in the wall of the tent. Her hand grabbed the sword resting beside her. "Assas-" The words barely had time to escape her mouth as she leaped to her feet to meet the assassin.

The last thing she remembered were shouts and screams, and the pale face of her brother, Shimin, as she looked down at the arrow buried in her chest.

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Zhao awoke under a bright blue sky. She blinked and shook her head, feeling groggy as if she had slept for hours. Sitting up, she noticed the rolling green plains stretching out from her in every direction. Memories flooded into her, fresh and visceral. Immediately her hand moved to her chest. There was no arrow, no blood, nothing. She looked down at her clothes in disbelief.

[color=#cd758f]"But I died..."[/color] She mumbled quietly as she looked back at the sky. [color=#cd758f]"Have I ascended to heaven?"[/color]

Movement to her side caught her attention, and she quickly turned. There were several other people around her as well. All of them wore strange garb and many appeared to be foreigners. A few of them were having a heated discussion that Zhao didn't understand.

[quote]"Translator level 1 acquired!"[/quote]

A smooth, sibilant voice chimed in her head.

[quote]"Welcome to Kairelith. Your new life begins here. Please accept the goddess Kaireth's blessing as a commemoration of your arrival."[/quote]

[color=#cd758f]"Goddess... Is this really heaven then?"[/color]

[quote]"Decide your path. A second chance was given to you by the merciful goddess, use it wisely."[/quote]

Before she could even process what was happening, dozens of armor-clad warriors appeared in a rapid procession of flashing lights. One after another they materialized around her, quickly forming ranks into a small army. What she assumed was their leader marched down the hillside towards them. 

[quote]"This place is under the jurisdiction of the Froviel Empire." Barked the man, one hand against his sword. "Explain yourselves! Who are you? Where did you come from? Are you spies from another country?"[/quote]

Froviel Empire? She strained to recall any such place existing in China. Zhao had memorized many maps while serving in her father's army, and was well-acquainted with the neighboring territories as well, but this was new. Whatever the case, she was being stared down by a battalion of imposing soldiers and being barked at, yet again, by someone with an ounce of authority. She thought for a moment, unsure of what to say, or what the others would do, but she did remember the Goddess's blessing. She had never heard of Kaireth before, but surely anyone would yield to a messenger of Heaven. It was a gamble for sure, but it was all she had. There was no way she could escape that army.

She drew herself up, holding herself with the same poise and confidence she carried into the battlefield. [color=#cd758f]"Spies? Are the people of Froviel so ill-mannered that they would disrespect an envoy of the Goddess? Only a fool would invite the wrath of Heaven."[/color] Zhao spoke calmly, but firmly, pretending to be annoyed at the leader's questions. [color=#cd758f]"We have questions as well, so for the sake of your men and their families, I urge you to stand down."[/color]

[quote]"Charisma Level 1 acquired"[/quote]