(I had a Meta post up wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New year but it was removed for improper use of the Meta. So I hope everyone who reads this to have a wonderful Lunar New Year!)

The moonlight shines down, bright and full on the scenery below. The city streets are full of revelers, people celebrating the coming of the Lunar New Year. Firecrackers pop with happy crackles and bright lanterns glow with cheery light, wonderful smells of food ranging from spicy to sweet fill the nose as you wander the streets. A wonderful festival that delights all the senses.

As you pass an alleyway a bean of moonlight falls, illuminating a door you were about to pass. The door is made of dark wood with a light red covering. 2 pillars line the entryway with gold filigree going up the sides. During the day the appearance may be gaudy but in the shadows and moon light of the night, he feeling is one of mystery, intrigue, curiosity. Almost as if you were drawn to it, you find yourself standing in front of the door. Your hand on the heavy brass handle that feels warm, tingling in your grasp. The door slides open smoothly and easily, strangely for such a heavy door.

Stepping inside you are struck by how quiet it is compared to outside, but it doesn't seem any less lively. Veils and curtains divide the room, creating hallways and enclosures. You can see movement and shadows through the gauzy views but nothing definable. Soft music flows around, filling the ears with a gentle tune that tantalizes. Filling your thoughts of a different land, a different time.

As you walk in a woman comes to greet you. Tall and thin, wearing a red dress, she bows and smiles in greeting. Her eyes glint in the low light from the inner lanterns and she opens her hands in welcome. "Hello honored guest. Welcome to the Palace of the 12 on this auspicious night. Not many are able to find their way here on this night, but those that do are rewarded beyond their wildest imaginations. Please follow me. Allow me to show you the possibilities."

Holding your arm in hers she guides you down the curtain lined hallways. The first room you pass you see a young man setting up gleaming ivory tiles on a table. His eyes are clever and dart back and forth, his features sharp and he looks at you with an inquisitive nature. A smile reveals sharp teeth and a wink, a promise of exciting times if a wager is made.

Another room contains a tall man, rippling with muscles. His hands gleam with oil, shining on skin of darker brown. His movements seem slow, but with purpose, strength, confidence. He has a massage table and as you walk by he gives you a courtly bow. There is already a woman on the table and he draws the curtain close. A moment later you hear a moan filled with pleasure, satisfaction, even lust.

A couple passes by you on your exploration. The man is tall and fair, and his eyes follow with a predator's gaze, blinking slowly and catlike. A lazy grin crosses his features as he looks at you and bows his head, an almost royal gesture without condescension. Leaning down he whispers into the ear of his companion. tilting her head up she listens before peering back at you. She smiles completely and utterly, cheeks full of mirth and her nose wiggles as she does. Walking past you feel a slight pinch on your bottom and when you turn to look she gives you an air kiss and a giggle. She wiggles her bottom suggestively and there is a veritable hop to her step.

Another room reveals a sumptuous inner bath. The ground laid of marble and a heated pool fills the area with steam and warmth. A gorgeous woman reclines half in the pool, a towel covering her more private parts. She lies sprawled out and looks up as you pass. Her face is thin, and she moves with a sinuous grace. Blinking slowly she inclines her head at your guide and to you, a thin tongue travels across her lips hypnotically. A man rises from the pool, throwing his head back and letting his mane of hair cascade back. He is almost as well muscled as the masseur from before, but less broad. He looks wiry, toned, every movement filled with barely restrained energy. Snorting the water from his nose he bows as you pass.

Following a skein of music you happen upon a stage. On it is an older man, grey but not old. He plays skillfully at an instrument you don't recognize. His fingers play over it with grace and surety, light glinting horn rimmed glasses. He sings along in an unknown language, voice rising and falling with the notes. A woman sits at one of the tables in front of the stage and she happily sings along, hefting a glass as she does. Her laugh is high and boisterous, pausing to clap in glee with the music. Her movements are quick and cheerful and she balances on her feet lightly as she stands to dance. She toasts the both of you as you walk by, never stopping her movements, her joy of being.

Eventually the two of you come to a gate of sorts. The entry way is framed by a large wooden barricade, carved delicately and beautifully. Two figures stand by conversing quietly and bow respectfully as you approach, The man has a full face and a pleasant snub nose. He is somewhat larger than the others but his smile is genuine and he offers you a tray holding some of the best smelling food you have ever been near. The woman smiles at you warmly and fondly. Her eyes are filled with bright light and she seems to be panting lightly in the heat. She sniffs deeply and eagerly motions the two of you past the gate, bouncing with energy.

Moving within your guide finally stops and gently releases your arm. "On this day the veil between worlds is thin and the 12 love to come and play with mortals here in the world. You may of course speak to whom you like, sample their tastes, and enjoy yourself. No harm will come to you this night. However it is custom for you to greet the one whose year it is first. I'll wait for you later." She gives you a deep bow and rises with unworldly grace, her eyes change color in the light and a waft of smoke leaves her nostril as she smiles toothily at you. She walks away with a sway, almost floating off the ground.

Moving further within you see a throne at the far end. A man sits on the chair and he looks to you with calm dignity and smiles with pride easy to see. Standing he greets you, voice loud and piercing "Hello and welcome to the palace! May your coming year be filled with prosperity and joy!" Throwing his head back he crows in sheer delight and your heart rises with the clarion call.

Hello! So I was inspired by the holiday to write up this little story/prompt. I hope you enjoyed reading it. I thought it would be a lot of fun to imagine a situation where you meet people that embody the traits of the Chinese zodiac and see what naughty ways they can fill them.

Feel free to message if you want to chat and set up a play! You can decide on who you want to meet and what kind of fun there is to be had. Let's see what wonderfulness we can discover together to bring in the New Year.

Gon Xi Fa Cai everyone!