Rising Moon

Chapter 3

 Coming morning, Macaque awoke to chatter and movement of troupe members awakening and starting their day. He slowly arose from the pile of younglings that had migrated closure to him in the night for warmth. He made sure to cover them up with his blanket once he arose as it was still early morning the sun's rays had only just begun to set.

He walked around to the closest troupe member, a human woman that was cooking over the lit fireplace stirring a huge pot of food and asked if there was something he could help out with.

" Of course we could use the help ~ , my name Min it's so nice to meet you" she said, beaming at him with open warmth and excitement.

" It's nice to meet you, my name's Macaque, what do you need help with ? " he replied with a small smile directed at her.

" Ooooh~ aren't you just a charmer~, I'll need help chopping up some veggies for the pot but until the pot starts boiling it's a waiting game" she replied to him. She then let out a surprised gasp that caused Macaque to give a small startle and smacked her face as if she just remembered something.

"But first let's send you to Madam Lin to get you cleaned up and some new clothes, that charming attitude has to have an even gorgeous male hidden underneath all that grim" She replied as she wiggled her finger at him and proceed to give him directions to go to Madam Lin a Fox demon that is in charge of clothes in out and out performance.

" Thank you very much miss Min, I'll be right back to help with those vegetables" he said as he turned around and went on his way to Madam Lin.

" Don't worry if you can't make it back, Cutie, Madam Lin likes to take her time ~!!" yelled Min as she went back to adding the meat and other seasoning and waiting for the large pot to boil.

Padded through the bustling camp of the mixed troupe, his eye scanned the vibrant pattern of tents that housed an wide-range of mixed demons and humans. The air had the smells of roasting meats and spices, the distant sounds of laughter and music a stark contrast to the solemn silence that usually surrounded him.

Finally, he reached Madam Lin's tent, the crimson fabric fluttering in the evening breeze. The name was stitched in gold thread, glinting like a treasure beckoning him closer. His heart hammered in his chest as he approached, unsure of what to expect from the woman who wielded the needle and thread with the authority of a general. He had heard whispers of her, a designer known for her ability to transform even the most ordinary into the extraordinary. Her tent was like a fortress of secrets, the walls whispering of fabrics and fashions that could make or break a performance.

The flap of the tent parted, and Macaque stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the soft glow of candles and the organized chaos of fabrics that surrounded him. Madam Lin looked up from her work, her eyes sharp and assessing, sweeping over him from his pointed ears to his prehensile tail. Without a word, she snapped her fingers, and a brigade of assistants sprang into action, gathering silks and satins in a rainbow of colors. Macaque felt a twinge of unease, the glamour that usually shielded his true form seemingly forgotten as he was prodded and measured.

Madam Lin's skin was a canvas of beauty and power, a mosaic of white and dark patches that danced across her features. Her hair was pulled back into a severe bun with placement of beautiful ornaments to highlight her beauty, and her eyes were a piercing shade of jade that seemed to see right through to his soul.Her fox ears and tails held beautiful patterns like an arts made each stroke with an ink brush on a white canvas. She looked him up and down, her expression unreadable. "You're going to need a bath,and better medical attention for that eye" she declared, her voice as firm as the fabric she held. "Follow me.