Disclaimer: I do not own Saiyuki, and I do not profit financially from writing this story. Entertaining readers is my only reward for this.
Author's Notes: written for the now defunct LJ writing community, 04-seasons.
Pairing: Sha Goyjo x Genjo Sanzo
Warnings: yaoi, implied situations, language, alternate universe

The pine trees were covered in snow, and Goyjo thought them to be a very beautiful sight. He knew, if he were able, he could capture their imagery and paint them onto a canvas. Humans and demons alike would travel hundreds of miles just to see his works and how he could portray the very essences of life from trees alone. His skill was limitless.

However, Goyjo understood he could not stop to paint. For one, it was bitterly cold, and he sunk all the way to his knees as he tried to navigate the snowy terrain. His paints would freeze before he could dip the brush into them, and Goyjo felt certain if he did not continue his legs would grow numb. Such conditions were not appealing to the half-demon.

With a heavy sigh of longing, the redhead continued on his way. The prince of the realm expected him to arrive within the next day or so, and Goyjo did not want to disappoint. It was rumoured the prince possessed a heart of ice and nothing pleased him. Goyjo was one of many artists hoping to change such gossip.

As he trudged along, Goyjo wondered what could have happened to a person for him to become so bitter towards life. From what he heard, Prince Sanzo had been married to a gorgeous young woman. What happened to her? Goyjo was certain any woman could melt a man's heart.

A castle entered his field of vision, interrupting Goyjo's musings, and relief soared through him. He knew he had found the right place, thanks to some descriptions from the last village he visited. The demons there told him exactly what the place looked like. They also reiterated everything he had learned about Prince Sanzo and added something. He was not only cold and stoic, but he rid himself of those who displeased him.

Such gossip, Goyjo did not put in much faith. The town he left appeared well enough off and relatively productive. From his experience, most royalty did not mistreat their subjects if they wanted to keep their positions. Prince Sanzo's realm, from what Goyjo had seen during his journey to the castle, possessed a great clime for its people. Crops probably grew in abundance, and farm animals probably ate well, just their maintainers. A cold and unfeeling prince cared nothing for the land or its people, at least in Goyjo's opinion.

It took him about another hour or so, but Goyjo reached the castle with no problems. Heat greeted him as he entered, and the half-demon breathed a sigh of relief. A servant stood in the foyer, waiting for him, a man with brown hair and green eyes, and he bowed slightly when Goyjo stepped inside.

"You must be Goyjo," he said. "I am Hakkai, Prince Sanzo's personal servant."

"Yeah . . . How did you know?"

"You are the only half-demon Prince Sanzo has summoned," the man replied. He smiled warmly. "And you are one of two artists."

"And the rest?"

"Musicians and other kinds of entertainers," Hakkai replied. "The palace will be busy once again."

"Once again? You mean it hasn't been?"

"Not for a while," Hakkai murmured. "Not since the Prince's wife passed on."

"That's a sad shame," Goyjo said. One of his questions was now answered.

"Yes. She was quite lovely, and Prince Sanzo loved her greatly." Hakkai paused. "Please do not mention anything about her in front of the prince, not unless he wishes to discuss her. To mention her out of the blue is a sure way for you to be kicked out, and it is not something you wish to happen."

"Oh? Why is that?" Goyjo inquired. The two of them started to move, Hakkai leading him up a grand and winding staircase.

"It is the time of year when the worst of the storms hit," Hakkai answered. "You would freeze to death before you could reach the nearest town."

"So why tell me this?"

"Because I like you." The green-eyed man smiled once again. "Something in my heart tells me you'll be the one to help Prince Sanzo."

"Hmm. No pressure there then."

"You'll do fine," Hakkai assured him. "Just stick with what your heart tells you when it comes to your talent. Don't let anyone tell you to do anything different."

"Sounds easy enough."

"It is."

They walked in silence for the duration, and Hakkai showed him to a large room, lavishly decorated. Goyjo set his bags on the floor and moved his paints immediately towards the hearth. He needed to warm them before he began his work, and Goyjo noticed his room had a rather large window. He could look out and paint some scenery during his stay.

Once his paints were close enough to warm up but not cause a fire, Goyjo unwrapped his scarf from his neck. He felt much better for getting out of the cold and into a nice, well heated room. A meal was sure to follow.

Goyjo was about to head over to the window so he could look at the snow-covered pine trees once more. He wanted to see if a higher vantage point would give him a different perspective from which to work, but he never made it. A cold voice caught his attention, and Goyjo whirled around. In the doorway stood a tall blond with a pale face and violet-coloured eyes. The deep blue of his garb and the jewels upon his head told Goyjo who the man was. Simply put, he was breathtaking.

"You must be the half-demon artist. It's about time you got here."