#etherealguard

[shrineofprophecy]

@etherealguard wants to play a game

"I've hidden 10,000 tiny, glow-in-the-dark rubber ducks in the Express. Can you find them all? Oh, and naturally, you have to find them in the dark. Once the electricity gets fixed, your time is up and you'll be in for a grand surprise!"

[lunaetis]

@ahogedetective KAYYYY !! THANK YOU SM AAAAAAAH !! my birthday was a lil uneventful bc work bUT ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES HAD MADE IT AWESOME !! CRIES THANK YOU FOR STAYING AROUND WITH MY CHAOTIC MUSES & SHENANIGANS !! hjklhjlhjkl i need to poke your muse with mine more one of these days !! THANK YOU SM FOR THE WISH !! I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY ON YOUR END AS WELL !!

@celesticlnstcrs HJKLHKHJKL it's more than okay !! waaah thank you for taking the time to drop me a birthday message ! ( also may i say how jingnyan as your dash icon makes me smile sm IT'S SO CUTE ! ) we haven't talked or written together in a while ( i should poke you more for that hjklhkl ) bUT I HOPE YOU KNOW SEEING YOU ON MY DASH MAKES ME SO HAPPY !! LOTS OF LOVE & HUGS FROM THE PUPPER !!

@etherealguard it was yesterday actually !! but LUNAAAA !! THANK YOU SM FOR THE MESSAGE !! cries you're right about that but hERE'S TO US CHANGING THAT SOON !! I'D TOTALLY LOVE TO INTERACT & TALK MORE WITH YOU !! & THE SAME SENTIMENT TBH !! i love seeing you on my dash or whenever i see you popping up in my notif from likes here & there ! ( pls let me throw my headache — i mean my muses at dan heng even tho he probably deserves peace & quiet HJKLJHKL ) BUT THANK YOU AGAIN I HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A GREAT DAY ON YOUR END TOO !! SENDING YOU ALL MY LOVE & SNACKS !!!

[soliloquics]

@etherealguard ─── x.

it   was   always   good   to   come   across   friendly   faces,   particularly   ones   that   had   assisted   him   so   much   in   recent   times.   the   astral   express   would   always   hold   his   favour   for   their   deeds,   although   he   could   not   help   but   be   particularly   partial   towards   their   archivist.   as   he   spotted   the   man   aboard   the   luofu,   he   approached   with   a   serene   smile,   head   gently   inclined.   ❛    dan   heng,   what   a   pleasant   surprise,   ❜   he   greeted.   ❛    have   your   companions   run   off   on   their   own   adventures   ?   ❜

[resolutepath]

DH STARTER CALL. // @etherealguard

"This is cruelty, even by your standards. Why will you not rest?"

There is a frustration in Dan Heng's tone as he stares upon the other, his own visage but older and wisened, somehow colder and more refined. He knows who it is, he wishes he did not. There are so many wondrous things in the galaxy, why must it instead be his past life come to haunt him again. Arms fold over his chest as eyes narrow warily, the itch to leave crawling up his spine.

Perhaps he has been running too long and the universe has decided to intervene, or this is the consequence of visiting the Luofu and awaking old memories. He knows not if it is dream or space between, or within the confines of his own head. It does not matter, truly, either way it is unpleasant but he must endure. "What do you want with me?"

[astrxlfinale]

🤨 what is happening over there with Lingsha

"%@%*@$()^ I-- ERM.." Try as he might. Words were refusing to word in this moment of time.

His throat clogged up, rationale and sense found themselves melting down. Lingsha's time with Caelus had led him into the proverbial corner. Right now was an instance where he was simply paying for the sins imparted. It lead the Trailblazer's mouth to briefly hang as he tried to desperately hobble together some brand of thoughts.

Yet as he attempts this, what snaps like lightning within his head is none other then Lingsha's... Lingshas. Settled protectively in that ornate garb as one piercing question drilled back into his head. All of a sudden, it felt as if Caelus was on a one way warpath of getting too curious about some details about the new Cauldron master.

"SHEEEEEEEE--! Was just allowing me to be more privy about some Alchemical brews! A vitality potion is what I was looking for, and in that time, she was simply giving me her ample guidance through fountain of knowledge! I was just shocked at my own lack of knowing here."

DEEEEEEP BREATH!

"Didn't I ever tell ya I liked good potions!?"

@etherealguard

[evervita]

Watching the Ambrosial Arbor bloom back to life was a nightmare that Magnolia could only watch come to pass. After the hardships she and her friends had gone through in the past to rid the Luofu of that monstrous thing, it was looking more alive than ever. It was a heartbreaking sight to even comprehend. She cursed her frailty, for if she was someone equipped to fight, she would have tried to upend those roots personally.

Thankfully, the passengers of the Astral Express was here just in time to help quell the crisis, the Arbor being sealed once more and the threat of the Denizens of Abundance going back into the shadows. Magnolia was given special permission to tend to the injuries following the battle with the Lord Ravager, despite her close connection with the Abundance. She has remained firm throughout her many, many years that she would never side with the Abundance despite the affection THEY have given her.

Perhaps the most jarring thing was the appearance of Dan Heng, who the woman instantly recognized as Dan Feng's incarnation. Magnolia knew they were different people, but it was hard to ignore the aura of a friend long gone.

"Excuse me, are you injured?" Magnolia approached the Vidyadhara, trying to ignore the complex feelings in her heart. She never wanted to be back here, by the draconic roots of the Ambrosial Arbor, but her work took precedence. "My name is Magnolia. Are you feeling any fatigue, brain fog, sudden aggressiveness?"

@etherealguard

[draconicfool]

"Tell me somethin', sugar." Eros' voice was quiet as he looked out through the window of the parlor car. A rare visit to the Express for him. And a rarer moment of peace in it all. For him to relax and just go about his day. Jarilo-VI looked so small from up here. He'd never get used to this view no matter how many times he traveled. It would still be so foreign.

"How d'ya do it..? I mean- does it ever get tirin'? Runnin' from place t' place...solvin' everyone's problems. 'm a doctor and even I need a break sometimes."

@etherealguard || sc.

[zorkaya-moved]

"How do you do it?" He murmurs, leaning over the railing and staring off into the horizon. "You seem to always keep your head held high.. how do.. how do you move on?"

@etherealguard

Discipline, Aponia's words are still strong on her existence after millenia. Fifty thousand years. Origin's blessing. A smile of an Aeon who just wants the world and all what is beautiful to continue existing. A promise given to 14 people and the inability to protect just 2 people.

The maiden of winter sighs, eyes closing for a moment. The memory of several people echo, too vividly as they cannot be erased even if she wants them to be. From horrors to beauties, they are ever-existing and ever-persistent in her mind. Dan Heng would remember something and he would not remember something else, it's how the mortal mind should work: forgetting is a part of life. But not in case of existence like hers where mental chains created by those who killed Gods would be placed upon her, once-destroyer and once-traitor of humanity.

"Unlike you, I have more chains around my neck than you do to keep me looking forward," she explains, joining him in leaning over the railing and looking forward. Zarina doesn't smile or smirk or say anything that brings out any sense of comfort. "I forget, but I am forced to remember several memories because of a [discipline] placed upon me, to force me to fight, to move on, to continue."

It's morbid. She cannot offer him comfort or salvation on this journey. Origin will keep her alive until there is no way back, until (Nanook) Destruction will find Origin and strike her, spilling blood of the purest maiden and spirit in the galaxy. Does Dan Heng really want to know how she keeps it together? Zarina doesn't think it's worth it, she thinks it won't be his way and his path. Everyone has different reasons to move forward and continue existing.

"My way won't work for you, Dan Heng," she glances at him then, a soft yet sad smile crossing her features. "You don't have fifty thousand years, and I'll never wish them upon you."

[wingsoar]

@etherealguard s.c

"With   all   the   chaos   surrounding   the   Charmony   Festival,   I   never   had   the   chance   to   formally   introduce   myself   to   you,   I   sincerely   apologize   for   that."   Her   words   are   as   gentle   as   the   flap   of   a   dove's   wing.   Dainty   hand   resting   against   her   chest.

"You're   ...   Dan   Heng,   right?   Your   companion's   speak   very   highly   of   you"

[grislyintentions]

How hard is it for you to approach new people you want to interact with?

Meme || Accepting

[Truth be told, I had a really awful time during my first few months here. I wasn't aware of what was brewing behind the scenes - bc I was a newcomer and in a vulnerable spot irl, so I ended up thinking that people just aren't fond of multimuse blogs or me in general. So I stopped following others first or trying to dm first. Even now, I still have issues getting past that mental hurdle of doing so.

But if I were certain that there are people who do want to write/interact with me, then I absolutely have no problem approaching. Be it via dms or sending starter memes etc. ^^ I'm in a happier spot now and I am very grateful for being able to make friends with wonderful people here, including you!]

[shrineofprophecy]

"Miss Lingsha please provide me a task to do for the afternoon so I can get away from people."

"Are these people not the friends that you travel with?" Lingsha chuckled. "But you're right. Sometimes it's good to give your mind a break."

"If you insist on working, there are a few ingredients I require for making incense. I'd appreciate it if you could buy them on the market for me. Oh, and be sure not to run into Jiaoqiu. I have no doubt that he'll try to make this situation worse."

[lunaetis]

@etherealguard replied to your post :

..... Pats her head. What do u want eden

─「エデン」─  oh, she managed to get a pat ! mission accomplished ! well, half of it, at least. amber hues brightened as she grinned wide, looking all content as a puppy getting attention from one of her favorite people. " i heard there's a new food stall opened on radiant feldspar. want to try them with me ? " from the way she looked at him all hopeful, it was more of a please come with me than a question of whether he wanted to come or not.

[resolutepath]

[ cherry ]  what is one thing you love about yourself?

I think I would have to say my creativity. Writing obviously comes into this, it's been a massive part of my life since I was a child. But I have also indulged in other creative hobbies, the biggest ones being cosplay and tabletop games (particularly in the creation of my homebrewed world and the lore there).

COLOURFUL INTERVIEW.

[astrxlfinale]

❝ a less trusting person might think this all sounds very suspicious. ❞

"But how long does it take for a less trusting person to be a big fan of paranoia?" Caelus couldn't help but challenge, his lips twisted into that same measure of uncertainty. The temptation to let questions be drawn upon questions grew thicker by the second. While he's certainly aware that glancing behind veils is a pivotal skill, as it stands, it feels like the situation at hand set before him rings a scale of higher importance.

In the end, he allows a dramatized exhale to puff from his nostrils. The thickets of danger were no new territory for the Nameless, in fact, the idea of approaching the scenario with a touch of Astral Express flare sounds too important to his intuition. It prompts hints of a smile to grow. "Let's look at it this way, if there's enough masterminds and a half workin' up their plans here, why would they need the Express Crew of all people to join in on that?"

"It's the specialties of the Nameless they'd like to take the stage. So, why don't we do what do best and tack a crowbar to the situation, tugging a few openings while we're at it?" He adds in, giving Dan Heng a companionable nudge of the elbow. The Xianzhou had a chapter that required another brand of rhythm to the equation, something he was all to happy to supply.

"Which! Means I'm gonna need you at the top of your game too, can I depend on that, Dan Heng?"

@etherealguard

[elysialm]

🌷 beloved @etherealguard asked the origin:

"Oh, evening." It takes him a moment to give her a second glance and see that she was someone unfamiliar, putting his papers down so he can properly look at her. "You're familiar with Lady Zarina, aren't you? I think I've seen you both together before."

The blessed child of dragons and reincarnation, a young man speaks to her and the maiden of life listens. Her intrigued and curious gaze finds him right away, elvish ears perking up with attention. Her pink hair sways behind her when she turns around on her tip toes, letting the fabric of her clothes to do a twirl. It's eccentric, but energetic as Elysia has always been a woman with a lot of energy sitting inside her. All will be enveloped in her love, gentleness, and warmth for Origin will always embrace who stands before it. All will begin from somewhere and she'll listen to the wishes while she can…

Ah, HIMEKO and Mobius always scolded her for that, tugging her hand from going back to those everlasting days where she'd be offering such a gentle touch. But they're no longer here… Not how it was. Eden will not sing, Aponia will not drink wine with her, Griseo will not draw, Kalpas will not cook, MEI will not chuckle softly, Su will not let her tell jokes to him, Hua will not listen to her silly advice.

"Hi~ Yes! Rina and I go back a long time ago! We are best of friends." The woman laughs, delighted to speak about her old friend and companion who's been there with her for so long. Even if time is no longer a concept to her, she treasures those memories when she was but a mortal… If such could be said. She is the daughter of the Imaginary Tree, the maiden of blessed purity and tulips blossoming under the tender touch of sunlight. "You are Dan Heng, right? She told me about you! I'm so happy you came over, Rina said you can be a bit shy," she giggles, bringing her hands to her face to stiffle her adoration. "Bu~ut who would be shy before such a maiden like me? I am as petite and sweet as the first bloom after long winter."

Her poetic speeches are not lost despite the years of being an Aeon, her journey has been endless for Origin does not have a finale to attend. There will only be beginning, the origin will always grant new chances to those who wish to pursue it with love and genuine kindness in their hearts for Elysia loves humanity and humanity will never respond in the same manner. But it is alright, her ascension has been enough to prove the type of person she'll remain.

"My name is Elysia. I'm the Aeon of Origin. Nice to meet you, Dan Heng!" Just like that, huh? But why would she hide it from someone who is so close to her beloved companion from eons ago. Zarina trusts him, the grumpy and the cold Zarina Sokolova who taught Kevin and so many recruits trusts the archiver. There is no need to hide from him. All people on this express are friends, comrades. "You can call me Ellie! All my friends call me that."

[draconicfool]

@etherealguard asked: ❛  i'm tired of pretending everything's okay when it's clearly not.  ❜

"I don't get why y'feel th' need t' keep pushin'-!" It wasn't like he meant to yell. No, when had he ever so much as raised his voice when it came to talking with Dan Heng. But- suppose that when one pretends to be alright, eventually things are going to bubble up and spill out. They'd both been dancing around different topics, hadn't they? Different things they didn't want to have to explain to the other. Didn't want to come to terms with. Not like their friendship was fragile, it was anything but, but there were certain things they were all too aware of. Things that, on Eros' end at least, he worried would end the happiness they currently held. The days spent together where they could end it looking at the sky when the Express' guard came to Belobog to see a little doctor pretending to be human.

And more than that- why would he ever want to admit those things? Why wear his heart on his sleeve when it came to anything but the love he chased? Why allow other people in so easily when it always ended up with him getting hurt?

So regardless of how obviously frazzled he was currently, he'd put his hands up as if in a surrender. Staring up at the other as if standing a ground he didn't need to protect. His eyes glossy, as if any moment he could fall apart.

"Everythin's fine! What reason-- do I ever have-- t' be anythin' but perfectly content?"

emotional damage || accepting