[He...didn't speak it out that loud, did he? Immediately he straightened himself out and turned to address the speaker, only to come face to face with the tallest women he's ever seen in his life. Surprise coloured his face, but only for a brief moment before he quickly recovered and answered her politely.]

I fear that I may need more than a few drills to recover what I have lost, but I thank you for your concern, my Lady.

[A warrior woman; not very common in 200AD China. He knows only of the Princess Sun Shang Xiang from Wu, a fierce fighter in her own right. He's not very fond of the idea of women fighting (the gentleman within thinks it's too dangerous for the fairer sex to be engaged in such martial pursuits), but judging from this stranger's build she would have no problem holding her own in a fight. Keeping whatever thoughts he might have on the issue to himself for the sake of polite conversation and because he doesn't want to be skewered, he immediately brings two hands together and salutes her.]

My name is Zhang Liao. May I have the honour of knowing your name, my Lady?

[Never before had he heard such an accent in his life; not even the Southerners spoke with such a thick accent. It caught him completely by surprise, but the magic of Magnoshuttatt ensured that he could understand what the red-head in front of him was saying. It was not the proper way for young girls to address their elders in such a forward manner, and a slight disapproving frown crossed his lips.]

Young women should not be so forward to their elders, it is not polite. But if you have any suggestions as to an escape from this prison, then you have my attention and my gratitude.

Your mother is correct. The proper laws in society must be observed, otherwise the land will fall into chaos and corruption.

[Her answer displeases him, yet it is at the moment the most logical course. Still, what was he to do? How was he to attain this..."Magoi"? Through meditation? Prayer ceremonies? Sacrifices to the spirits? More questions that needed answers. Still, it is good to know that there are others who are in his position.]

So, you are saying that we should employ the tricks of the enemy and use them against the forces that hold us here?

[Almost immediately, his eyes snap open. Already on edge, the voice that comes from his left shocks him and he whirls around, hurling one of his axes at the direction of the interloper. It's not aimed at the person's head, but rather at the wall right beside him...her...whichever it is.]

Who goes there?? Show yourself!

If you mean me no harm, then you have nothing to fear.

[He's usually not so jumpy Poland, but given everything that's happened today he's just a little moody, that's all.]

All roads lead to death, boy.

[The cryptic tone is annoying; too reminiscent of Master Guo Jia. Zhang Liao could never tell when he had to take his lord's prized strategist seriously or not, and all the younger man would do is smile the same damn smile at him. Still, no need to get annoyed at someone just because they remind you of someone else. He's probably more annoyed at the lack of proper respect shown from a junior to an elder, but slowly he's realising that the children here seem more outspoken, that it appears to be the norm. This of course doesn't spare the brunet a slight lecture from Zhang Liao though.]

You need not concern yourself with such matters. It is more important for you to study hard so you may obtain a civil office and provide for your family.

[The young brunet is...a boy, right? A second look later and Zhang Liao still can't really decide. Silently, he wonders why gender roles are so confused in Magnoshutatt: the women were manly, and the men were feminine.]

[Now that caught his attention. He slowly straightens up to face the young person in front of him, calm but inwardly wary. It would not surprise him if his abduction was the work of mischievous spirits.]

And you are not human?

[Was he spirit, fairy, mystic, immortal or demon? Home for the being in front of him was definitely not where Zhang Liao considers it to be.]