Watching Over

Aeres Momma Bear Guardian

[guidingguardian]

emrysofembers:

Emrys felt cold for the first time in years, a chill that ran right to his core and encumbered his now-still heart. The promise of a simple evening was clearly too good to be true, and although he had believed the enchanter’s invitation to be genuine, he was now regretting ever leaving his Cairn. The mask had smelt of something ancient, and it was only as he washed the blood from his lips that he realized what he had become. He’d chosen a mask that was painted in black and crimson red, framed with slight gold accents and open at the mouth. Truthfully, the open-mouth had been his reason for selecting this particular mask, his mind automatically going to more amorous desires than fashion.

He’d smelt it before anything else - blood, blood that was made readily available for the what Emrys had assumed was the vampire attendees. Emrys tossed the blood pouch after he did his best to wash the evidence from his face and hands. He left the bathroom and searched for a familiar - anything, hoping to find someone he knew, or at least some answers to just what the hell was going on. As fate would have it, Aeres found him first and immediately Emrys felt a sort of relief as his eyes landed on her familiar frame. She was the best of them, or at least, that was the way he had always seen it. “I’m not sure, but I think the Enchanters did something to these masks.” Emrys said, “I haven’t been able to take mine off and it… Changed me.” 

"Changed you?” Her eyes immediately flickered over him quickly. Noting no changes but also noticing significantly less than she usually took in. She usually could notice even a small pattern on fabrics, the way the pieces weaved together... instead it just seemed much more plain. There was much less to take in and it was somewhat concerning to her. She reached up to see if her own mask could be removed. She hadn’t yet tried to take it off, not really sure why she would other than the strange way she felt everything seemed muted. Her fingers curled around whatever part of her mask she could find and tugged to no avail. It didn’t hurt to try to remove but it wasn’t going to be removed quite clearly. “I can’t... I can’t remove mine either.”

Her mask was simple, elegant. A white mask with a golden trim that went well with the gold detail on her green dress. “Do you think this is why I’ve been feeling a bit... off? Everything seems quieter or duller... It’s so strange... What did it do to you?” She questioned, honestly she wondered if she was missing something because she was so distracted by the dulled senses. It wasn’t even that bad, she could see perfectly fine and hear perfectly fine... but when one was used to the senses of the guardians it was rather dramatic to just lose a fair bit of the sense you were used to.

[guidingguardian]

dahlia-x-chea:

Dahlia herself was trying, for once, to enjoy the evening and kick back. She’d been away for awhile, trying her best to do what was best for Mathi, and she felt that she needed something of a break. She’d found a babysitter for the tiny, half- vampire, and made sure they had everything they needed before leaving.

However, now that she was here, and dancing along with the others, her mask was starting to feel a bit warm. Maybe the break wasn’t such a good thing. Maybe a break from the break. Or maybe Dahlia was just a little too drunk.

When someone tapped her on the shoulders, she turned a little too quickly and squinted. Everything was so . . muddy and unfocused now. Maybe it was the drink. “Nope, no idea. Sorry.”

Aeres was feeling something similar. Used to everything being much more... more. Sharper, brighter, louder, rougher, softer... but it felt like she was seeing and earing everything from under a blanket or through a few layers of dusty unclean glass. It was generally uncomfortable. 

She looked a bit disappointed at the response and nodded. “That’s alright..." She glanced down at her half full drink in her hand and set it aside. Wondering if someone had spiked it because she’d only had the one drink and it was barely at the halfway mark from when she’d gotten it. What else could explain why everything was so fuzzy. 

"Sorry about that. I had hoped to help but it seems they’ve sorted it now.” She gave a little shrug. “How are you doing?” She questioned curiously. Recognizing the woman from her cairn the other day.

[guidingguardian]

dahlia-x-chea:

With Mathi wrapped in various fabrics and wrapped in his sling across her chest, Dahlia ventured from her home in search of ingredients. Every now and then she needed to replenish the spices and vegetation that she stored and it seemed that today was the day. Normally, she tried to get a friendly face to watch Mathi while she went out on her own because it was quicker, but since she couldn’t find one, Mathi was going to have to help her gather. As much as a child could, at least.

She was kneeling near some blueberry bushes, picking an afternoon snack, when she heard the rustling of leaves behind her. Having gotten used to the sounds of Arain, Dahlia could tell that it wasn’t a person, but she that didn’t mean it wasn’t someone. “Hello?”

The reaction was neither one of joy or anger, it was simply neutral. This person didn’t seem to have a ton of experience with her kind one way or the other. Which was good for her. She would hopefully make a good impression. And there would be no hostility towards her. She preferred to avoid fights. However, she couldn’t hold a conversation as a rabbit so she shifted and in place of the little white rabbit with the red ears now stood a redheaded woman with a kind smile and gentle eyes.

"Good Afternoon.” Her smile widened in greeting. Taking half a step forward, hand making a move to put her hand out to shake but that quickly fell back to her side when she realized what the bundle was that the woman held. Smile still in place a small gasp escaped her lips and a hand darted to cover her lips. “Sorry. There are no children that I have encountered in Arain... I used to... work with children, and younger guardians in general.” There was something bittersweet about her words. “My name is Aeres.” She did now, offer her hand but upon seeing the child moved no closer. She would leave it up to the woman to move closer. Never one to impose on a mother with her child in a place that could be hostile.

[guidingguardian]

eirlysofembers:

Eirlys nodded once to the mentor who had known Mabon before she had, who knew him in a different way than the rest of them. There was so much that Eirlys found herself wanting to ask her, yet she could not bring herself to speak any of her concerns. Ignorance was bliss… AT least that was how the saying went. Eirlys was not so foolish as to believe it. 

❝I have been…❞ She allowed her voice to fade away. The guardian thought of all that had come to pass in the past year. Leaving the Embers and all that they had forced upon her, arriving in Arain, falling completely for Mabon, losing him, and managing to allow vampires into the forest. ❝I have been better.❞

❝I fear that I am not entirely meant to serve this forest as Emrys thought.❞ Feeling uncomfortable in her skin, she stepped forward and began to gather sticks between the two of them, her instincts traveling directly to the building of a fire to cope with the overwhelming feeling of awkwardness. ❝How were you certain that you belonged in this place?❞

Aeres waited patiently, allowing Eirlys to sort out her feelings. Decide on what best described her, of even if she wished to answer at all. She knew that so much had happened for the younger guardian and it likely was rather different from what had happened shortly before coming to Arain and that it would be hard to put into words.

This was always one of the reasons why shew as good with the children and younger guardians as well. She was patient and she let them be themselves, not what others expected or desired before they even had time to decide who they were.

“I was certain because I saw it in a dream. More than once. Admittedly though, I was not certain. I knew I was being called... but I liked where I was. I enjoyed my place teaching... but this forest seemed to need me here. So I came.” Aeres rarely bothered with a fire- not quite fond of it and finding fur adequate against the cold. However, she made no effort to stop Eirlys from doing as she wished. “Why do you believe your brother to be wrong?”

[guidingguardian]

✧ OPEN STARTER ✧ April Fool’s Event ✧

Only a short time away wouldn’t hurt... and honestly she’d been at the cairn so much it could eat away at ones sanity. So when the masquerade was brought up she opted to go. She would mingle. That could be fun. It didn’t take long to get a nice outfit and make her way to the event. She picked out a mask, even thought she and the other guardians would likely be fairly noticeable by their red hair.

However- not too long after putting on the mask she felt... odd. Different. Less... strong and magickal in her core. She blamed it on just being away from the cairn, more proving her point in not returning right away. She should be able to leave it for a short while without being too concerned. It wasn’t like she couldn’t track down people who entered anyway if she needed too. There were raised voices a short distance away, however Aeres couldn’t hear them with the clarity she usually could. She tapped someone’s shoulder gently and flashed a smile. “Excuse me do you happen to know what was going on over there? It sounded like someone was rather upset.”

[guidingguardian]

If you could visit the dead for a day, who would you choose to spend your day with?

“Her name was Rosemary. Though everyone just called her Rosie. She was the first one I... helped... cross over. She was so, so brave. This was many years ago... She had been sick for a while and the chill of the winter made it worse. Her body didn’t have the strength to continue. She was only six, with beautiful red hair. She was fascinated with mine. She loved the rabbit, chased me everywhere. She wasn’t quite ready to crossover. She knew she had to but ... we talked for a little while. She told me her whole story.. her few short years. She was so happy. I managed not to cry but she knew I was sad. She hugged me... She didn’t say anything at first. Just hugged me. Smiled up at me. And she said she was ready to go now. So I took her hand and we finished the journey. She was so brave... She knew where she was going. She knew that she had... died. But she never shed a tear. I broke down crying after that. I cried for hours. It would be nice to see her again.”

[guidingguardian]

What do you remember with the scent of sweat and sun/heat?

"I remember summers spent training new guardians. Running with them as deer over fields and falling into the high grass laughing. I remember sitting out in the sun next to ponds and just talking about the problems... hardships of being guardians. What they could expect or were experiencing. I think the strongest memory though... is when I myself was training. It happened to be summer when he decided to train me to fight, to protect myself or others. Even with the guardian’s healing abilities I think I nearly collapsed. It was... intense. But it was fun and built up my endurance in a fight.”

[guidingguardian]

coscarxkam:

Oscar had been on one his couldn’t-sleep-must-wander kicks that had blessedly begun to lessen. For the most part, Avery was the perfect balm to his soul and could slacken or drown out the darker impulses he’d had of late, but sometimes Oscar feared staying would do more harm than good, and it wasn’t like a walk in the woods was particularly dangerous. He’d run into the feared vampires more than once and found them to be rather pleasant company, the weres were a bit…wild sure, but none had ever sought to harm him. As long as he stayed away from the lake, he feared nothing from the forest.

So when he felt he was being watched, he just stopped at a log and sat down, bringing out his flask and finally turning sharp eyes to the rabbit that was hopping nearly blended into the snow and watching him. “Would you care for a drink, Guardian?” He hadn’t realized he’d wandered towards a cairn again, but his last talk with the species hadn’t gone poorly, and while he knew they were sworn enemies of his love, it never hurt to make allies of those that guarded the way out. 

“Nice night, isn’t it?” he continued. “I, for one, can’t wait for summer but there is something soothing about a brisk winter night.” 

Aeres often ventured through the forest. Many times she’s crossed the other species... Some she had issues with but Aeres’ gentle nature made it fairly easy to befriend many that others may not. And those that wanted  fight... well- she was gentle in nature but that certainly did not mean that she couldn’t defend herself. Aeres was a guardian and things were not always simple for them. She could fight, just like the rest of them. So she was not too terribly surprised when a fae walked towards her cairn.

He spoke to her, even despite hiding as a rabbit against the stark white snow. Not terribly out of sight but she wasn’t just waltzing out. She hopped forward and as he spoke again her form shifted. From the small white rabbit to a human woman who was probably about as intimidating as the rabbit. A hand through her hair brushed it back from her eyes. She smiled and sat on the other side of the log. “Aeres. My name is Aeres.” She stated simply. “I’m supposed to keep an eye on the cairn and alcohol dulls the senses.” 

"It is indeed a beautiful night. I favor spring. Everything is coming alive again. Growing, blooming. Summer is nice too though. There’s just something special about spring.”

[guidingguardian]

eirlysofembers:

Eirlys had been leaving her cairn unattended much less often since the vampires had entered the forest, but knew that there were days that required her leave in order to maintain some semblance of sanity. It would do no good for her to lose it when she relied so very much on maintaining her senses.

Avoiding Macsen had become rather like a chore, but it was one that she intended to maintain, preferring avoidance when it came to matters of discomfort. Aeres, however, was a different story. Something in Eirlys pulled towards the other female guardian in a way that almost yearned for some sort of approval or guidance while still feeling resistant towards the acceptance of such.

In the form of a fox, she approached almost silently, with the knowledge that Aeres would easily be able to hear her. Eirlys looked upon her, weight upon her shoulder as she shifted into a more human form, but remained silent.

Eirlys. The young woman often kept to herself. So much so that Aeres worried about her. Then again, they all had their duties. Watching the cairns made it some what more difficult to visit and chat with one another. Though they all needed to step away from time to time. She was glad to see the other guardian approach.

She followed suit and shifted into a human form half a beat after the other did. “Eirlys. It’s a pleasure to see you.” She smiled warmly. Aeres always enjoyed speaking with the other guardians. She worked with young guardians before coming to the forest, so perhaps it was why she often checked in on and spoke with the young guardians. Not that she didn’t check in on Macsen, but they had a different sort of relationship when it came to looking out for one another.

"How have you been?” She inquired. Things had been chaotic in the forest lately. They’d been chaotic for quite some time but even more so recently it seemed. Vampires. Merfolk. There was a lot going on involving the cairns. All of the guardians had been busy it seemed. Which was unfortunate. So Aeres was pleased for the visit.

[guidingguardian]

Aeres was at her cairn, watching. Waiting. Keeping guard. Warmed by the fur that covered her familiar form. A white rabbit. The children were either just enthralled by a rabbit and wanted to play with her. Or they thought they were going to Wonderland. It made it easier- as easy as it could be she supposed. She always liked to make them comfortable. As best as she could.

However, today she was tucked away under the roots of a nearby tree. The snow melting but enough that she still was able to keep out of view. Watching the cairn, unassuming. Quiet. Warmed by the fur covering her. 

She hopped out as she watched someone approach. Wondering what they were doing. She didn’t go up to them but she made herself visible. Curious. Most knew of the guardians. Most knew they were being watched... so she waited to see their reaction.

[breadcrumbsrp]

Aeres is CLOSED.

AERES

Guardian || Appears 35 || Female  

Member of the Guardians of Arain

FC: Amy Adams

Personality:

✔ Steadfast, Nurturing, Practical

✖ Temperamental, Stubborn, Rigorous

History:

Aeres has always been regarded as one of the more caring guardians of her species. Her first experience as a guardian was more difficult than most. While many led humans into other plains as well as the afterlife, Aeres was often assigned to children. Her mentor told her that her first assignment would be the most difficult. What Aeres did not admit was that the task never became easier. She was known for changing shape more than more guardians in order to appeal to the many different children that would become lost in the woods. She took pride in her work and it was her dedication that eventually led to her being viewed as a leader to most other guardians.

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