The last rays of late morning light, filtering through the opaque screen doors that lined the chamber. Their golden glow cast long shadows over the couple, who could not be stirred from the sanctuary of the warm bed they shared. Blatantly defying the birds that chirped lively tunes from the branches of the trees beyond the sliding paper barrier, Shui Long could not be convinced to stray from the sleeping woman's side.
Awakened by the vapors of another cold day, which had crept into the room to mischievously tickle his nose. The water god rolled over onto his side to shield himself from the pesky inference to his sleep, only to find that his eyes were to be captivated by the creature laying next to him. Observing the lustrous hair that was sprawled across the pillow beside him and the lavish shade discovered beneath her eyelashes as if for the first time, Shui Long released a sigh.
Too enthralled by Jing Li's serene presence to close his eyes yet again, the god held his head in the palm of his hand. Settling into a relaxed position on his side as he continued to admire the peaceful countenance that nestled further into the cushions on the bed. Shui Long could forget the world, which still turned chaotically around them for a while. Basking contentedly in the warmth of Jing Li's gentle existence as she slept; the god could almost imagine a future where they were allowed to be free from turmoil and strife.
However, these daydreams were soon to be dismissed as a tentative knock sounded at the door. Failing to acknowledge the noise, which had originated from the wooden barricade. There was a pregnant pause, before the door was finally inched open by his anxious attendant. Shan Yu, appearing to understand the situation at a glance, choosing to scuttle into the room injudiciously. He at least attempted to modify the volume of his tone, so as not to wake Shui Long's sleeping bride as he spoke.
"I apologize for inconveniencing you, my Lord." he said, adeptly avoiding the annoyed glower that was so clearly displayed on the god's face with a bow, "However, I am afraid there is something, which requires your urgent attention." Able to elude the notable ire of the water god's glare, but not the vexation in his voice, Shui Long asked, "What disaster has struck us this time?"
"The Heavenly Court requests your presence." the attendant replied.
Regarding the man that was currently memorizing the pattern of the carpet at the foot of his bed, Shui Long produced a muffled groan of annoyance.
"I take it that this is not just to exchange pleasantries?" the god replied. The pronounced displeasure of this response, encouraging the attendant to sink deeper into his bow, he answered, "It is for a hearing, my Lord." Pressing his lips into a grave line as he contemplated this news, Shui Long answered, "You mean my hearing."
However, any vexation he displayed towards the unwanted appearance of his attendant or the disagreeable development that seemed to be unfolding, was about to be severely aggravated by Shan Yu's next statement.
"Actually, I'm afraid that they have also requested Lady Jing Li's attendance." he said from behind the cover of his long sleeves. The good's eyes, narrowing on the man standing at the foot of the bed. Shui Long was prevented from making a disparaging comment as he observed a movement out of the corner of his eye.
The sheets, moving as though she had been summoned from the depths of sleep by the mention of her name. The water god turned to witness the moment his bride's eyes fluttered open to meet the light of a new day. Pitying the blue eyes that blinked away the soft haze of a peaceful sleep to discover more misfortune. Shui Long leaned over to rearrange the coverings around her and place a kiss on the radiant skin of her forehead.
His arm poised on Jing Li's pillow; the water god caressed the silky strands found on Jing Li's head protectively as he resumed his conversation with Shan Yu. The tender movements of his fingers that moved over Jing Li's glossy black locks, fundamentally at odds with the marked displeasure of his tone, the god replied, "I should have known it was only a matter of time before those old goats caught wind of her talents." "That, I cannot say." Shan Yu said, finally venturing to raise from his exaggerated bow, "However, I do know that Lu Qi has reportedly visited a few members of the Court recently."
Evidently bewildered by the conversation, which she had unwittingly entered. Jing Li wiped the moist corners of her dazed eyes with fingers as she asked, "What has happened?" The innocent question, provoking an exchange of sheepish glances to occur between the god and his attendant. Shui Long bent to plant an apologetic kiss on his bride's lips, before he could bring himself to deliver the untimely news.
"The Heavenly Court has demanded our presence." Shui Long said.
Noticing that the confusion on Jing Li's face had morphed into concern. The water god felt a twinge of guilt pull at his heartstrings as he felt that there was no false hope to offer her. Seeming to understand the gravity of the situation in the silence that followed, Jing Li grasped Shui Long's hand. Squeezing his palm in a sign of mild reassurance; she withheld any other questions or reservations as she stared back at the god, who still bore the injuries of battle.
Shan Yu, choosing to permit the couple a moment of intimacy before they were to confront the Celestial Court, quit the room at this time. Taking advantage of the brief privacy that was provided to them, Shui Long joined their lips in a prolonged embrace. Hoping to convey the promise of his undying love to Jing Li in this kiss, even though they may not have the future that he envisioned together. Their parting was more bittersweet than usual by the words that were left unspoken between them.
Reconvening only a few hours later to mount the vessel, which would deliver them to their hearing. They piled into the winged carriage along with Shan Yu and Xiao Yu. The four, sitting in excruciating silence throughout the entirety of the journey. They heard every agonizing phantom turn of their vessel's wheels. Until, their quiet misery was to finally come to an end at the gates of Tian Gong's estate. The wheels of the carriage, ceasing as the group was subjected to an inspection by the men standing guard outside of the ornate barrier.
There was a mumbled interrogation, before a command was hollered for someone to open the gates that would allow them entry into the estate. The wooden wheels of the carriage, lurching forward once more to roll cautiously over the threshold. They would continue to turn and pivot throughout the property's immense grounds. Before they were to arrive at the imposing stone building, where the hearing was to take place.
Their arrival met by the curious gaze of the onlookers, who lurked between the large columns encompassing the structure. The prying spectators, craning their necks in order to spy on each person as they alighted from the carriage. Shan Yu would be the first member of their group to be thrust into the mass of critical stares. Holding his head high as duty and rank obligated the attendant to step out into the crowd of observers. Xiao Yu followed shortly after, leaving only the main persons of intrigue within the wooden vessel.
An audible ripple of whispers heard throughout the crowd as the water god disembarked from the carriage with an embroidered patch now covering his left eye. He ignored this flurry of excited murmurs, as he turned to assist his bride down from where she was perched upon the precarious step of the carriage. Taking the thin hand that was extended towards him to guide her safely onto the smooth stones in front of him.
The gentle hand, which had been given to him, not parting from the grasp of Shui Long's cool palm as they waded through the sea of spectators. The water god felt the reassurance of Jing Li's warmth between his fingers, whilst they mounted the level steps that entered into the Court. They were to receive no reprieve from the opinionated glances of their audience once inside.
The deities collected within the structure separated to form a central aisle, which ran almost the entire length of the room. Shui Long did not allow himself to feel unnerved by the unfettered judgement of the familiar faces as they proceeded towards the long table at the far end of the room. The table extended to a practically absurd length, containing only the most prominent of figures behind its border. These gods, who were either distinguished by seniority or power, were all poised on cushioned seats; ready to condemn their faults.
Arriving before the ominous panel of judges, Shui Long and his party presented themselves with a defined bow. The group, not released from this subservient position, until the members of the gallery were asked to be seated. There was a hush that fell over the room as Lei Gong began to read from the scroll beneath his nose: "We, and the members of the Celestial Court, are gathered here today to judge the indiscretions of one of our own, Shui Long of the Xilian Lake and his human bride."
Evidently, concluding this opening statement, the thunder god paused to lower the long scroll in his hand, to ask, "But first, the Court would like to know how you came to be here today?"
"We were brought here at your summons." Shui Long responded calmly, "Therefore, perhaps you should know better than I, Lord Lei Gong." The intentionally obtuse remark, inspiring some obvious glares of outrage from some of the members of the gallery. These were overlooked by the thunder god as he tactfully reiterated his previous question.
"What vessel conveyed you to us, Lord Shui Long?" corrected Lei Gong, sounding slightly more aggravated than before. Sensing that he was already on thin ice with the jury of gods, Shui Long answered, "It was a carriage, Lord Lei Gong." This information received with an evaluative pause. There was a small satisfactory wag of the thunder god's chin provided, before he responded, "Very well. Shall we assume then; that the portal you so carelessly opened in the center of the Heavenly City on the night of the Mid-Autumn festival was due to an exceptional circumstance, and therefore this action shall not be repeated again by you again in the future?"
"You would be correct in assuming that, Lord Lei Gong." Shui Long answered. Neither god keen to reexamine the events that had transpired that night, Lei Gong picked up the scroll again in order to announce the following offense. "Moving on to the next item, then -" began the thunder god.
"Objection! We cannot simply overlook every crime, because of some obscure personal matter." interrupted an indignant voice from one end of the lengthy table.
Everyone's attention, turning towards the stout bearded man, who had contested the fairness of this ruling. There were a few eager nods and murmurs throughout the court, which ultimately led to Tian Gong's insertion into the conversation. "Lord Caishen is quite right." The Jade Emperor remarked, "Shui Long, I advise you strongly to reflect before you commit this transgression a second time." Responding to the calm authority of this statement with a courteous bow, Shui Long responded, "Thank you for your graciousness, Emperor Tian Gong."