Tales of Destiny

Bai Mingxia stood tall and straight, her pale white and blue gown, cut and embroidered to resemble cascading waters, shimmering under the light. She held her shoulders out and her chin up, her hands folded behind her back, her hands clasped within voluminous sleeves. She was eighteen now, and at the fifth stage of the third realm. She was, naturally, the picture of control and elegance, a proper young lady of the White Serpent, an adult, ready to take on the duties of the clan.

And because of that, today she was to be assigned her Xiao, her Black Viper. She was proud to be ready for the honor and responsibility, in her mother and fathers measure, to be ready to call herself a full member of their household. As a true Bai, she was well prepared for this day, to take her new shadow in hand, to take command. It was both her birthright and her duty.

She barely felt the qi that slithered down the hall, the creeping shadow of it upon the light paper and wood framing of the door. The sound of it sliding open and then shut was far more clear. Despite a lingering childish urge to turn immediately and greet them, her viper, she remained facing away as she listened to the rustle of cloth, a person lowering themselves into formal kowtow.

Only a full thirty heartbeats after all sound stopped, did she deign to turn.

The Xiao knelt with her forehead pressed to the polished wood, her long unbound black hair shimmering down her back, spilling from her shoulders, pooling upon the floor. It was very…pretty that hair and for a moment, Bai Mingxia wondered how it would feel in her hand. Would it be like her own, after a bath, before she bound it up into her braids, or smoother still…

“I welcome you here, who would swear themselves unto me. To serve and protect, to stand always by my side, as our ancestors did long ago. Give me the name of the one who will be mine,” she declared imperiously, looking down. Father had assigned her the family’s country manor for this week, to get to know her Viper. They were alone here, with only a handful commoners to clean and cook.

“This one is called Xiao Yan, honored Mistress. It is my pleasure to stand in the presence of a descendant of the White Serpent Queen. To be selected to serve you honors this humble maid beyond words.”

“To receive your loyalty pleases me, daughter of the Black Viper,” rarely had the formalities tired her so. “You may raise your head Xiao Yan.”

And she did, with a promptness that almost felt as if she had understood the thought before it had left Bai Minxia’s lips. She rose with perfect posture, her hands upon her lap. Xiao Yan was tall, Bai Minxia could tell, taller than her, standing. Her shoulders were broader than typical, but her features were as sharp and aristocratic as her own, with the vibrant yellow eyes of the clan burning with dutiful devotion as they looked upon her, beneath brows of sharp, gleaming scale.

Bai Mingxia took hold of her own heartbeat, and slowed it with a single act of will. She showed no sign of what she felt. Every child of the White Serpent thought of this day, of the one who would be sworn to them utterly. Who would carry out their will, hold their secrets, be no more capable of betraying them than their own hands could. Growing up, she had seen it, with Mother and Father. Where even then as husband and wife, veiled words and the seeking of advantage were necessary to maintain the balance and hierarchy of the household.

And she saw too, glimpsed in rare moments, what lay between them and their own shadows. To rule was a great burden, so she had learned every day of her education, for their lessers could be given foolish ideas by shows of weakness, and as such a true White Serpent was always above, always in control. This extended to their peers. She had met her betrothed, she did not think either of them had many expectations beyond duty. But other outlets were forbidden. However, with your viper the rules could be bent, just a little.

She stepped forward, one step then two and three, her gown switching across the polished floor. Unfolding her arms, she hid the tremor in her hands under her sleeves as she smiled softly, and raised her hand to cup Xiao Yan’s cheek. “Truly, welcome to my service, Xiao Yan. I am Bai Mingxia, and you may call me such where there are no other ears.”

Ah, there was something gratifying, about such wide, guileless eyes.

***

Xiao Yan felt warmth on her skin. Another’s hand, resting on her face. Her instinct was to dive away, to flinch back, or at the very least, prepare herself for the blow to come. But it did not. It was disorienting, in a way. To be touched without any intent to harm was beyond her experience.

Everything said of their Masters, the White Serpents, was true. “You do this humble maid far too much honor, Lady Bai Mingxia. But I will accept it, and strive to live up to your full expectations of me.”

Her lady's thumb brushed her cheek, and her breath hitched, Unfamiliar, alien sensation stirring in her stomach. Was she becoming ill? Impossible, her self regulation detected no toxins or malicious spirits. There was only heightened rates of spiritual qi generation. How shameful of her. But her Mistress did not seem upset with her, for all that she could certainly detect Xiao Yan’s heightened heart rate and ill-regulated blood flow. She didn’t wish to show such a face to her Mistress at all…

“I forgive it,” Bai Mingxia said, as if reading her thoughts. “Meeting one’s Master for the first time is an excusable time for a good servant's composure to lapse.”

Her instructors had said as much, the first time she had seen their cruel eyes grow softer in her life, but it was impossible to internalize such a thing. At least until her Mistress… until Lady Bai Mingxia said it, with such a soft and understanding voice.

She understood now, she thought, why they served. All of their training was worth it, the pains and the trials, if it meant she could fulfill this woman’s will, and receive that smile.

“I understand. Yes, this Xiao Yan is…. So happy to finally meet you, Lady Bai Mingxia.”

“I am pleased to hear that. Rise now, that I may better inspect my servant.”

Her heart skipped a beat, but looking up into those imperious eyes, she did not hesitate. Rising gracefully, she felt a small pang of regret as the hand left her cheek, and she came to rise over her Mistress. She was taller by almost a full head.

She had been mocked before, for being boa than viper, though they dared not say such things in the ring, where her spear could reach them. But if her Mistress disapproved… she was not certain what she would do, could do. Could one cultivate themselves to be more slender?

She stiffened as she felt lips brush her chin, and a hand on her chest.

“So tall and swift. I have gained an excellent maid. Let us retire now. The journey here, the humidity and the wind have unsettled me. Your first task will be to brush my hair, and help me cleanse myself.”

Her hands trembled a little, before she slammed down her control on her internal regulation techniques. “Yes, my Lady. Nothing would please me more.”

“A good girl. I will expect you to learn the manor tomorrow, but for now, follow. Do not leave my side.”

How wonderful it was, to finally have her purpose.