⠀⠀星𝓯𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒅. ⠀⠀

Her enthusiasm is a bit contagious, though calmer at your age, there’s still some whimsy to your energy.

"Then, may you lead the way. I have never been aboard anything like this train… It far exceeds cargo starskiffs. Intriguing.”

You’re certain Jing Yuan would indulge her, and yourself, were he present here.

Her remark results in a good-natured chuckle. "Ah, but your ability to capture beautiful pictures far exceeds my own, miss Mitsuki.” Point further proven, were you to know of her award. +

The days pass by too quickly, or perhaps it's that I’m simply not given enough of them.

🍤 : yx is slowly meeting the whole express crew 🩶

What a pleasant group those young ones are.

With a journey as long and as rich as the trailblaze, you could build the universe in albums to hold in your hands.

( Your curiosity is piqued. )

May I…? Look at some of the photographs you’ve taken thus far?

( Not even your own husband has captured as many angles, you jokingly think to yourself.

A smile at her words, allowing for a few more snaps to pass before you respond. )

Mmm. Even if memories blur and fade, photographs will always remind you. +

"Thank you for caring for them, and for continuing to wield them not only for the safety of yourself, but for other precious lives.”

Stay safe, Dan Heng.

In a flash of bright lights, you will both awaken to your own realities.

After this, Dan Heng may come back into himself in the midst of present day Luofu streets.

If your future self were able to recall this as a tangible memory, perhaps some frustrations would be eased.

You smile. +

Well then, you would hope he keeps this compliment in his memories. That he will remember it, or any of this conversation, even in the distant future.

He needs not be Dan Feng to be treasured.

It’s you who’s flickering out. Like a shadow, or a figment of a dream that wasn’t ever really present. +

You only speak when you see fit during a small pause, as not to interrupt too soon. )

You have a remarkable passion for this art form.

May I ask, do you also capture photographs when you explore?

( How clearly her creative nature comes into light.

You understand, of twenty artworks, only one will be chosen as the final piece.

At some point during the flurry of shutter snaps, your eyes slip closed, smile still on your face, pose still held. +

🍤 : waking up to see HCQs in my follows 💯💯💯

🍤 : GOOD TASTE, it’s one of my mine too 🔥

🍤 : that’s so sexy of her

What a strange sensation.

You wake with a pounding headache.

"Ah.” Perhaps your time here is almost up.

"Whatever it may be that you set out to do, I hope that you find peace amongst the stars, Dan Heng.”

You find yourself wondering just why a presumed High Elder is wandering the skies, but this is just one more thing that isn’t for you to know.

That’s a turbulence you can’t know of yet.

Energy flickers, or your own consciousness flickers. The world around you both shifts. +

There is much to compliment, you know this is true. You will treat this strange meeting as the gift that it is, leave no stone left unturned.

"I see, I see. That is all I can ask for.” You reply with fondness in your voice. +

( Are these silly accessories always a requirement? Hurriedly do you pose. Your smile holds, but it’s somewhat awkward thanks to her… method of motivation. But you asked for this! )

… Pom-Pom !

( From this point, your faith is placed in her photography skills. )

"It’s a good thing you with me, and not in the heat of battle.” You give him a smirk.

With a huff, and a loosening of your posture, you make your way over to them. Mimi is given a pet, fingers through mane. Then your husband’s fluffy hair is given a similar affection, betraying your previous words. You can’t help it, it’s his smile.

"Is that so?“ You’re smiling too. +

I’m glad to know that mine haven’t.”

"I’m pleased, comforted to know that both that spear and armor have ended up in the hands of someone like yourself. When I crafted them, I knew they could quite possibly outlive their original owner.

No artisan wants for their creations to ever fall into the wrong hands, and +

"Well.” You begin, choosing to reword your request. "It isn’t so much a question as it is a...”

Your leisurely walk resumes, and it doesn’t pause for your words. You have to step around a few birds that hop on cobblestone, seemingly unaffected by people.

"…Compliment.” Your footsteps pause. +

( Smiling— Ten seconds?! 💦 With haste you pick out a tiny conductor hat, then jokingly place it atop your head. Ta-dah! )

May we participate in a photograph even if we’re only visiting?

Yet here in flesh and blood, he’s someone you find to have such a calming presence.

"I’m quite certain this is the only time we’ll meet, Dan Heng.” Your life is too short for many other outcomes. Though in dreams, perchance…

“Would it be meddlesome to ask you one more question?”

"It needs not be questioned too deeply. After all, you’ve already stated the answer yourself.” You turn to smile at him, genuine and soft.

Never in your wildest dreams did you ever think this meeting would take place. +

With papers still ( too ) tightly grasped, you cross your arms, watching him saunter over to the lion. "Don’t listen to a single word he says, Mimi. He’s trying to distract me from work. Work that won’t complete itself.”

A huffy tone, as if the big cat understands any of it.