Zhenxing hummed as he walked down the street, eager to get to the Palace of the Weaver. Zhi Nu, the goddess of weaving, was responsible for creating all the garments of those who resided in the Heavenly Realm. She was usually quite cranky, but Zhenxing had managed to get on her good side a long time ago, carrying messages from her to her husband and children in the Mortal Realm.

He bowed his head to the gods and fairies that he passed, offering a smile to those who smiled at him. Most of them simply ignored him, but Zhenxing was used to that. It was better than the alternative of being mocked or played with by the gods and fairies inclined to toying with humans.

Of course, Zhenxing wasn't strictly human. However, he certainly wasn't a god and there were those in the Heavenly Realm who wouldn't let him forget it. It was only due to the Tiger Immortal's temper and power that Zhenxing was afforded any peace in the Heavens.

Another thing Zhenxing was eternally grateful to the Tiger Immortal for. A thing...he would soon have due to his own merit.

The thought sent dread and thrill through him as he wondered if he would be able to talk Hu Ye out of naming Zhenxing his heir. Zhenxing wasn't sure he wanted that kind of responsibility yet. He wasn't sure he was ready. His cultivation skills were strong, but nowhere near the level of a Zodiac. 

As it was, he wouldn't even have been able to ascend by himself.

Zhenxing shook his head, clearing away those thoughts. His Lord was stubborn. Trying to talk him out of anything was rarely successful and would only serve to put him in a bad mood.

Besides, even if he became the Tiger Immortal's heir, that didn't mean anything would change. The Tiger Immortal would remain as his Lord, and Zhenxing would continue to follow his orders. Their lives would remain the same, with the only difference being that Zhenxing would hold his own title.

Perhaps that would allow him to be a better attendant, helping his Lord in ways the lowly son of a hunter never could. The thought made his heart speed up and his steps quickened.

It wasn't long before he was at the Palace of the Weaver. He greeted the guards, who smiled and bowed their heads as he passed. The inside of the palace was not what most expected. Rather than the grand, graceful halls most heavenly palaces had, the inside of the Weaver's palace was more like the inside of a human farmer's cozy home. Though...several hundred times larger than any farmer's hut Zhenxing had ever seen.

The wooden walls held reams of fabric next to farming implements. The warm scents of silk and brocade mixed with the musty smells of grain and cow hides.

Fairies bustled around, weaving, embroidering, sewing. Happy chatter filled the air, rising in pitch as they caught sight of Zhenxing. Sharing the fondness that their mistress held for him, they flocked forward, twittering and giggling, tugging at his sleeves and stroking his hair like he was a wayward pet.

Zhenxing gently extracted himself from the young fairies. "Is your mistress available? She promised the order for my Lord Tiger Immortal would be ready around this time."

"Leave the boy alone!" A grumpy voice lashed the air and the fairies dispersed, sprinting back to their jobs, but not before winking and pinching his cheeks and a few other, ruder places on his body.

Face bright red, Zhenxing straightened his robes and cupped his hands before him, bowing to the Weaver. "Lady Zhi Nu. I hope you are well."

The goddess stalked into the main hall, blue robes fluttering behind her. She shot a deadly glare at the fairies, who all ducked their heads, suddenly very interested in their work. Then, she turned her attention to Zhenxing.

Lady Zhi Nu spared him a brief smile, her face pale and wan, her grief and loneliness etched into her flawless skin. Pity welled in Zhenxing, but he didn't ask her again if she was well. It had been a foolish question. This was a woman who was only allowed to see her husband and children once a year. Of course she wasn't well.

"I have your order for the Tiger Immortal here." She picked up a box bound in white silk and tied with a red bow. "I wove the silk and embroidered everything myself to your specifications. Would you like to see it first?"

Zhenxing smiled and shook his head. "I trust in my Lady's skill. You've never disappointed me. Or the Tiger Immortal."

She gave him a wry grin. "It is not I who have never disappointed Hu Shen."

Puzzled by this comment, Zhenxing bowed again before accepting the package, along with a letter for Zhi Nu's husband. With a promise to deliver both things properly, Zhenxing left the Palace of the Weaver.

Sure his Lord was beginning to get impatient, Zhenxing kicked into a run, using his qinggong skills to fly up onto the top of a wall bordering the broad street that would lead him to the Tiger Palace. Steps light, he ran faster, only slowing when the gracefully curved, red roof of the Tiger Immortal's home came into view.

As he approached the gate, he straightened his hair and robes, suddenly nervous for some unspeakable reason. A servant made of gold opened the door, bowing and greeting him as he passed into the main hall.

Handing the package to a servant girl made of amber, he directed her to hang the robes on a dummy and smooth any wrinkles or folds. She bowed, sparkling eyes unblinking and disappeared into the palace's personal quarters. With that taken care of, Zhenxing hurried down the broad halls toward the bathing room.

Amber and anthurium hung thick in the air. Zhenxing breathed deeply, letting the pleasant, familiar scent seep into his lungs. He pushed open the huge door, steam swirling out around him. Heat gushed out in a heavy cloud, instantly drawing beads of sweat to his brow.

Shedding his outer robe, Zhenxing quickly closed the door behind him to hold in the heat. He tied his hair into a high ponytail, binding his sleeves so they wouldn't get wet. Zhenxing squinted, trying to see through the thick clouds of fragrant steam that danced over the surface of the bathing pool.

The water was tinged pink with whatever bath salts the Tiger Immortal had wanted.

Zhenxing removed his boots and padded barefoot around the marble edge of the pool. "My Lord," he called softly. "If you soak for too long you'll come out all wrinkly."

True to his tiger nature, the Immortal loved to linger in the water, much to Zhenxing's distress.

There was no answer.

"My Lord," Zhenxing called louder. "You need to get out so your hair will be dry in time for the banquet." 

Now he could see the outline of the Immortal's broad shoulders and the graceful curve of his neck. Had he fallen asleep in the bath?!

Zhenxing hurried forward. "My Lord," he said in exasperation. "You can't sleep here!"

He touched the Tiger Immortal's broad, striped shoulder. The Immortal slumped to the side, nearly slipping beneath the water. Zhenxing didn't hesitate to splash into the pool, catching his Lord before he could be submerged.

"My L-Lord." Zhenxing stammered to a stop, his ears ringing. Despite being half-submerged, a chill so powerful it made his knees shake swept through him.

Now, he realized the water was bright red. Now, he saw the blood staining his Lord's lips and chest.

Now, he saw how dull and lifeless those beautiful, golden eyes were.

Now, Zhenxing screamed.

Word Count: 1259

Total: 3453