There was a swirl of sand inside the apartment door, the grains slowly taking on the shape of Morpheus. Dressed in his usual black attire, one hand was oddly in his pocket as though fiddling with something. While uninjured, his expression showed both perplex as well as perturbance. Ancient blue eyes settled on Stella as he took a slow step forward. It was one of the rare times that Matthew didn't accompany him, the bird always trying to play escort to Dream in the waking world. "Forgive the intrusion." The words rolled out with their usual melodious precision.
He settled on the edge of the sofa, his back ramrod straight as usual. The very image of control, despite ruling the realm of endless flexibility. Or perhaps because of it. "I was hoping... I have need of your presence." A beat. "I've just returned from Hell. I went to undo a wrong, only... or perhaps you already know what transpired in the underworld." Did she? Would someone from her family's pantheon also be showing up in his realm shortly to plead their case for the realm of Hell? He had to get back to the Dreaming soon.
With a small, weary sigh, he reached into his pocket and laid the key on her coffee table.
He settled on the edge of the sofa, his back ramrod straight as usual. The very image of control, despite ruling the realm of endless flexibility. Or perhaps because of it. "I was hoping... I have need of your presence." A beat. "I've just returned from Hell. I went to undo a wrong, only... or perhaps you already know what transpired in the underworld." Did she? Would someone from her family's pantheon also be showing up in his realm shortly to plead their case for the realm of Hell? He had to get back to the Dreaming soon.
With a small, weary sigh, he reached into his pocket and laid the key on her coffee table.
Stella was not expecting him, though she is not startled by the sands. She can tell that something is wrong, and when he settles on the arm of the sofa, her head finds the side of his leg to rest against.
No one had come to tell Stella yet, she wasn’t exactly high on the Pantheon’s chain of command. Her breath catches for a moment.
“Oh, my love, what have you started?” She would not disagree with his choice, but with the incredible rashness with which he acted.
[ooc-ive gotten through episode one]
No one had come to tell Stella yet, she wasn’t exactly high on the Pantheon’s chain of command. Her breath catches for a moment.
“Oh, my love, what have you started?” She would not disagree with his choice, but with the incredible rashness with which he acted.
[ooc-ive gotten through episode one]
[OOC: TY for letting me know! I'll keep the specifics of ep 2 as a spoiler then minus Dream ending up with the key. We can just run with doing our own thing, anyway.]
"I don't know." The words come out with a hesitant unraveling, a phrase that Dream does not speak often. He's lived for eons. Since before many worlds even were capable of speech. He is often deliberate and confident, knowing precisely what he plans on saying at each moment. It takes a truly spectacular event indeed to knock him on the back foot. A moment in time like this one. "I was trying to right a wrong." What is that proverb? Let no good deed go unpunished?
No. He cannot blame this on his actions to free Nada. This is all from old wounds of pride, having been left to fester too long. His. Lucifer's. God's. Who knows how many others.
Long, thin fingers move to brush Stella's hair back from where she rests upon his leg. His knuckles caress her cheek as his gaze doesn't waver from the key. Such a simple design for such power behind it. Destiny would approve. Reality without the trappings of anything ornate.
"I am now the conservator of Hell. Those from all over will be vying for it. I doubt they will only turn up on my doorstep seeking an audience. I am sorry. For what trouble this will bring you. Us." Hell knew about Stella, of course. So many did. Dream's romances were never kept to just his counsel.
"I don't know." The words come out with a hesitant unraveling, a phrase that Dream does not speak often. He's lived for eons. Since before many worlds even were capable of speech. He is often deliberate and confident, knowing precisely what he plans on saying at each moment. It takes a truly spectacular event indeed to knock him on the back foot. A moment in time like this one. "I was trying to right a wrong." What is that proverb? Let no good deed go unpunished?
No. He cannot blame this on his actions to free Nada. This is all from old wounds of pride, having been left to fester too long. His. Lucifer's. God's. Who knows how many others.
Long, thin fingers move to brush Stella's hair back from where she rests upon his leg. His knuckles caress her cheek as his gaze doesn't waver from the key. Such a simple design for such power behind it. Destiny would approve. Reality without the trappings of anything ornate.
"I am now the conservator of Hell. Those from all over will be vying for it. I doubt they will only turn up on my doorstep seeking an audience. I am sorry. For what trouble this will bring you. Us." Hell knew about Stella, of course. So many did. Dream's romances were never kept to just his counsel.
The little caress is needed, it soothes a hint of the weight that comes when she leans forward to pick up the key. It will be a huge upheaval on so many levels.
She sits back and looks to him properly, the key between her fingers.
“Just tell me what you need from me and it will be done.” She does not need more from him to have his back on whatever his latest quest is.
She sits back and looks to him properly, the key between her fingers.
“Just tell me what you need from me and it will be done.” She does not need more from him to have his back on whatever his latest quest is.
He does not stop her from picking up the key to examine it. There are few he would trust to touch it, and from that pool, even fewer still he'd feel comfortable burdening with it for even a moment. He and Stella however have grown closer over the last few years. A partner in many ways, if not in ruling name at his side. He knows that whatever story is unfolding now from Destiny's book, it will involve her. It cannot help but do as such, given their close ties in the past and present.
"As you wish." He's not very good at apologies, anyway. "I was hoping that perhaps you might join me in the Dreaming for the time being. To sort out whom should receive the key. To vet those who ask for an audience. Perhaps even to hear what will be said behind my back, with your ancestry and abilities." A dangerous game. Dream isn't one who enjoys politics, and this will absolutely involve that. It will tie into gods and mythical beings from all realms, perhaps including her own. "I know what it means to ask this. I know what old wounds may open, what dangers are inherent. I will not think less of you if you would rather not. I only ask then that you let me set you a guard duty detail, if you wish to remain here."
"As you wish." He's not very good at apologies, anyway. "I was hoping that perhaps you might join me in the Dreaming for the time being. To sort out whom should receive the key. To vet those who ask for an audience. Perhaps even to hear what will be said behind my back, with your ancestry and abilities." A dangerous game. Dream isn't one who enjoys politics, and this will absolutely involve that. It will tie into gods and mythical beings from all realms, perhaps including her own. "I know what it means to ask this. I know what old wounds may open, what dangers are inherent. I will not think less of you if you would rather not. I only ask then that you let me set you a guard duty detail, if you wish to remain here."
Kate was dreaming.
There wasn't time to search her out in the waking world. No, when Dream set his mind to something, very little could delay or deter him. After that family gathering, after the wrongness of his actions against Nada became abundantly clear, there was only one choice that could be done. A simple matter, really. Descent into Hell and free one soul. Face off against the First of the Fallen, against the hordes of Hades, against the demons and the damned. Face them all, even when in the back of Dream's mind, he knew that 10,000 years of pain could not be undone. What was that proverb? Let no good deed go unpunished?
No. He cannot blame any of this on his actions to free Nada. This was all from old wounds of pride, having been left to fester too long. His. Lucifer's. God's. Who knows how many others.
Dream was making the rounds, in case he didn't return from Hell. The Dreaming will survive, he'd made preparations for that. Still. He was afraid of what might come. Surely it wasn't stalling to say farewell, though? He owed it to his... friends.
He practically glides into Kate's current dream. He's perhaps influenced it to ensure this is a nice dream, so that her possible last memory of him was not an unpleasant one. He waited in the corner a moment, observing her with hands folded, before he spoke quietly. "Forgive the intrusion."
There wasn't time to search her out in the waking world. No, when Dream set his mind to something, very little could delay or deter him. After that family gathering, after the wrongness of his actions against Nada became abundantly clear, there was only one choice that could be done. A simple matter, really. Descent into Hell and free one soul. Face off against the First of the Fallen, against the hordes of Hades, against the demons and the damned. Face them all, even when in the back of Dream's mind, he knew that 10,000 years of pain could not be undone. What was that proverb? Let no good deed go unpunished?
No. He cannot blame any of this on his actions to free Nada. This was all from old wounds of pride, having been left to fester too long. His. Lucifer's. God's. Who knows how many others.
Dream was making the rounds, in case he didn't return from Hell. The Dreaming will survive, he'd made preparations for that. Still. He was afraid of what might come. Surely it wasn't stalling to say farewell, though? He owed it to his... friends.
He practically glides into Kate's current dream. He's perhaps influenced it to ensure this is a nice dream, so that her possible last memory of him was not an unpleasant one. He waited in the corner a moment, observing her with hands folded, before he spoke quietly. "Forgive the intrusion."
The sun was bright above the world, even though Kate didn't even question why it didn't kiss her skin.
Her apartment? She recognized the loft about Herman's Hearty Slice, how could she not? But there was something different about it. It was more spacious, a little less grungier than how she had liked it when she first moved in. Were those the windows at the penthouse?
She didn't even question how New York's landscape, with it's usual blue sky and the top of the skyscrapers, they were gone. The blue sky was still there, but it competed with the bright green of fields that were familiar. Kate leaned into her father as he gave her a sideways hug, kissing the top of her head before he let her go. Kate didn't need to look back or hear the voices, but he knew her mom and dad were discussing something ordinary. Life simply went on.
As she finally opened one of the doors that led to one of the many balconies, Lucky shot out of the apartment, running freely through the fields. And yet something shook her to the core.
Suddenly, things made sense. Kate searched into her pocket for her phone, but even though she unlocked the lockscreen, she couldn't recognise words or numbers. It was then when he spoke up.
"Morph?"
Had her phone disappeared from her hand? Kate forgot about it and suddenly her hands were free of holding onto anything. There he was, after how long?
"I haven't seen you in ages!"
Cutting down the distance between them, Kate ran to meet him. She didn't hesitate, wrapping her arms around the King of Dreams himself.
"Where have you been?!"
Her apartment? She recognized the loft about Herman's Hearty Slice, how could she not? But there was something different about it. It was more spacious, a little less grungier than how she had liked it when she first moved in. Were those the windows at the penthouse?
She didn't even question how New York's landscape, with it's usual blue sky and the top of the skyscrapers, they were gone. The blue sky was still there, but it competed with the bright green of fields that were familiar. Kate leaned into her father as he gave her a sideways hug, kissing the top of her head before he let her go. Kate didn't need to look back or hear the voices, but he knew her mom and dad were discussing something ordinary. Life simply went on.
As she finally opened one of the doors that led to one of the many balconies, Lucky shot out of the apartment, running freely through the fields. And yet something shook her to the core.
Suddenly, things made sense. Kate searched into her pocket for her phone, but even though she unlocked the lockscreen, she couldn't recognise words or numbers. It was then when he spoke up.
"Morph?"
Had her phone disappeared from her hand? Kate forgot about it and suddenly her hands were free of holding onto anything. There he was, after how long?
"I haven't seen you in ages!"
Cutting down the distance between them, Kate ran to meet him. She didn't hesitate, wrapping her arms around the King of Dreams himself.
"Where have you been?!"
It was such a simple thing, to stand witness to that of which dreams were made. Morpheus had done it countless times, and still many countless more went on without needing his direct presence. He simply created the matter, molded possibility into make believe actualities. He set the stage for people to then hold whatever plays their minds wanted. He was the set architect, the costume designer, the props master. His dreamers were the stars and directors. He had sent the subtle tidings of a pleasant night Kate's way, and let her mind determine what form that took.
We do not manipulate them. If anything, they manipulate us.
He knew her father, of course. He knew Eleanor too, and Lucky. He held their dreams as well, past and present. Often they had dreamed of Kate, too. He would never know what that was like to have a family member dream about him. The Endless did not enter his realm in that capacity. Oh, they had day dreams, wants, hopes, and desires. They each intersected and overlapped in different ways, but it was never anything like this.
He was happy for her, to experience something of this nature.
Only humans could surprise him like this. When Kate barreled into him he hesitated, a little startled, before he slowly let his arms fold around her. It was awkward, clearly a gesture he did not do often nor well. "I have been busy." He said it as fact rather than apology. "There has been much to rebuild." A small pause. "And much still that needs mending. I have kept tabs on you, though. In my way." Surely that wasn't creepy at all. "I am pleased you remain whole in the waking world."
Who knew if she'd still be among the living by the time he returned.
His jaw worked, a faint haunted expression found in his ancient eyes before he kindly glazed them over once more. Musingly he said, "These are your homes combined, are they not? The penthouse, the apartment, the farm. Three in one."
The one who are three.
No.
Morpheus took a step forward to where the balcony set upon the open field and breathed in the air. It was crisp and sweet, a memory taken from real life. "You have lovely homes."
We do not manipulate them. If anything, they manipulate us.
He knew her father, of course. He knew Eleanor too, and Lucky. He held their dreams as well, past and present. Often they had dreamed of Kate, too. He would never know what that was like to have a family member dream about him. The Endless did not enter his realm in that capacity. Oh, they had day dreams, wants, hopes, and desires. They each intersected and overlapped in different ways, but it was never anything like this.
He was happy for her, to experience something of this nature.
Only humans could surprise him like this. When Kate barreled into him he hesitated, a little startled, before he slowly let his arms fold around her. It was awkward, clearly a gesture he did not do often nor well. "I have been busy." He said it as fact rather than apology. "There has been much to rebuild." A small pause. "And much still that needs mending. I have kept tabs on you, though. In my way." Surely that wasn't creepy at all. "I am pleased you remain whole in the waking world."
Who knew if she'd still be among the living by the time he returned.
His jaw worked, a faint haunted expression found in his ancient eyes before he kindly glazed them over once more. Musingly he said, "These are your homes combined, are they not? The penthouse, the apartment, the farm. Three in one."
The one who are three.
No.
Morpheus took a step forward to where the balcony set upon the open field and breathed in the air. It was crisp and sweet, a memory taken from real life. "You have lovely homes."
It wasn't a shock, how stiff Dream had been as she held onto him. But, as always, Kate didn't allow that to deter her. Morpheus? His robes felt so much more solid than even the ground on her feet, she could even feel the texture on his clothes, even if the black swallowed them from any chance of being visible.
And yet, like his very presence, Kate knew they were there. For as long as she dreamt, Kate knew he was there. It was a comforting thing to know, even if he didn't always make himself known as he did right now.
"I know you're a busy guy," she granted him as she finally let go. "But it's really nice that you came by."
Almost as if she was noticing the weight of their surroundings for the first time, Kate nodded. She moved, walking towards what would have been the edges of the balcony, now stone raillings that divided the apartment from this green sea of grass she was stepping on.
"It's like time has blended." Her mom. Her dad. And in the distance with Lucky...
"You would know about it, since you helped creating it." Well, with a lot of help from her memory, probably. Kate still was unaware of how Morpheus' creative process worked. "Do you wanna come in? Or we could go for another walk in New York if you want to."
And yet, like his very presence, Kate knew they were there. For as long as she dreamt, Kate knew he was there. It was a comforting thing to know, even if he didn't always make himself known as he did right now.
"I know you're a busy guy," she granted him as she finally let go. "But it's really nice that you came by."
Almost as if she was noticing the weight of their surroundings for the first time, Kate nodded. She moved, walking towards what would have been the edges of the balcony, now stone raillings that divided the apartment from this green sea of grass she was stepping on.
"It's like time has blended." Her mom. Her dad. And in the distance with Lucky...
"You would know about it, since you helped creating it." Well, with a lot of help from her memory, probably. Kate still was unaware of how Morpheus' creative process worked. "Do you wanna come in? Or we could go for another walk in New York if you want to."
"Little is linear in the Dreaming. Except, perhaps, the experiences of those who reside here permanently." Dinosaurs and i-Phones could co-exist peacefully, but neither Lucienne nor Matthew nor even Dream could unwind an unkind word said between them with a mere flick of time's table. There were limits on even what the Dream King could do, or else... or else what? If he tugged at a past mistake to make it appear as though it never happened, it would be to undo reality in such a way that might unravel them all. No. There were limits, and the cosmos were wife to enforce them. At times.
"I do know about it." Still, it was rude to talk for her about her dream. "Though it would not exist without your part in the exchange, either." The dream was only as meaningful, as exuberant, as the unconscious hopes and wants were behind it. "I am but a function, given form when needed." Though his all-black aesthetic when he did appear, that was admittedly because he liked it. A function of the universe could still have a personality, apparently.
"It is your dream. We may go where you wish." He hesitated a moment. "Though I'm afraid I don't have much time. I wanted to see you before... I am going away, and it may be for quite some time."
"I do know about it." Still, it was rude to talk for her about her dream. "Though it would not exist without your part in the exchange, either." The dream was only as meaningful, as exuberant, as the unconscious hopes and wants were behind it. "I am but a function, given form when needed." Though his all-black aesthetic when he did appear, that was admittedly because he liked it. A function of the universe could still have a personality, apparently.
"It is your dream. We may go where you wish." He hesitated a moment. "Though I'm afraid I don't have much time. I wanted to see you before... I am going away, and it may be for quite some time."
DD would be so disappointed if she hadn't had tea on hand.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowtruths
- 2025-07-07 20:03 (UTC) - ExpandIf the tea was really gone it would be his own doing/giving Kate the habit of drinking more tea ;P
hawk_shot
- 2025-07-07 20:54 (UTC) - ExpandHe'll petition for a separate tea cabinet. It's a normal thing for a home/office to have.
shadowtruths
- 2025-07-07 21:22 (UTC) - ExpandThere's one in both offices, the penthouse and the apartment. Also, werewolf!tea 😂💜
hawk_shot
- 2025-07-07 21:58 (UTC) - ExpandI have both a tea pantry at home and Bella Luna tea so I couldn't resist, LOL.
shadowtruths
- 2025-07-07 22:40 (UTC) - Expandwith the coconut, how could you resist? XD These perfect little details give me life <3
hawk_shot
- 2025-07-07 23:01 (UTC) - Expand[OOC: Continued from here.]
She wishes to locate our prodigal sibling. Our first attempt at the searching did not go well.
When was the last time you sought something? Person or otherwise.
She wishes to locate our prodigal sibling. Our first attempt at the searching did not go well.
When was the last time you sought something? Person or otherwise.
I take it this sibling doesn't want to be found, then?
I get a little stir crazy when I'm bored and lonely. Not too terribly long. Cats chase mice, birds, and pretty little distractions.
I get a little stir crazy when I'm bored and lonely. Not too terribly long. Cats chase mice, birds, and pretty little distractions.
No, he very much does not.
Tell me what distracts you of late in the waking realm. I can account for those in dreams.
Tell me what distracts you of late in the waking realm. I can account for those in dreams.
Oof. Yeah, that explains why she seemed so sad. I could swear I've seen her somewhere before, probably from around the time I was doing waaaaay too much Molly.
This and that. Sometimes the little ghost detective boy drops in for a visit. I've managed to completely refurbish the witch's den into a cat sanctuary.
You're not in need of a new crow familiar, are you? Or is it a raven you use? I get them mixed up.
[They're all just birds from a cat's pov]
This and that. Sometimes the little ghost detective boy drops in for a visit. I've managed to completely refurbish the witch's den into a cat sanctuary.
You're not in need of a new crow familiar, are you? Or is it a raven you use? I get them mixed up.
[They're all just birds from a cat's pov]
It is possible you have spent time in her realm. You are fortunate to have then left it as intact as you are. ... she has been through a great deal in her existence. More than her share.
Have you? Perhaps I shall see it sometime in person. It has been some time since I have visited a cat sanctuary.
Raven. I still have Matthew, why? Did you try out a familiar of your own?
Have you? Perhaps I shall see it sometime in person. It has been some time since I have visited a cat sanctuary.
Raven. I still have Matthew, why? Did you try out a familiar of your own?
<3 If you prefer prose just lemme know, I can switch.
shadowtruths
- 2025-07-15 13:35 (UTC) - Expand[OOC: Continued from here.]
Most loathe and fear me for their nightmares, rather than finding purpose in them. I understand the distaste, even if nightmares are not born out of malice.
I know my dreamers well, yes. Though I keep their counsel private. Even for the Endless there are rules, and for good reason.
If you can say the cost was worth the endeavor, then you are ahead of many. Though I do not wish hardship upon you for it.
Most loathe and fear me for their nightmares, rather than finding purpose in them. I understand the distaste, even if nightmares are not born out of malice.
I know my dreamers well, yes. Though I keep their counsel private. Even for the Endless there are rules, and for good reason.
If you can say the cost was worth the endeavor, then you are ahead of many. Though I do not wish hardship upon you for it.
I've often found meaning in my dreams. They are telling of our lives and every one reminds me that I am still here to breathe through another day.
I appreciate that. I imagine that is partly why I sought your counsel above all others. I don't have any true friends left. When you were raised with assassins who can all be bought, it isn't easy to find anyone loyal.
You are kind. I will either live through this or not. I will fight, for that's what I do, and there are the lives of young children at stake as well. Their futures aren't set yet, and maybe they can escape the life I have.
I appreciate that. I imagine that is partly why I sought your counsel above all others. I don't have any true friends left. When you were raised with assassins who can all be bought, it isn't easy to find anyone loyal.
You are kind. I will either live through this or not. I will fight, for that's what I do, and there are the lives of young children at stake as well. Their futures aren't set yet, and maybe they can escape the life I have.
Indeed. I would not exist if dreaming did not serve a purpose. Once there are none left who dream, I will have completed my function.
Loyalty is hard to come by in many places, I am sorry to say. I am glad though that you have found respite in the Dreaming. I have tried to do right by those who enter my realm.
Even knowing Destiny well, I can say that the future is not always clear nor what we think will unfold. No one person must walk the path of those that came before them.
Loyalty is hard to come by in many places, I am sorry to say. I am glad though that you have found respite in the Dreaming. I have tried to do right by those who enter my realm.
Even knowing Destiny well, I can say that the future is not always clear nor what we think will unfold. No one person must walk the path of those that came before them.
Do you think there will ever come a day when there are none who dream? I can't imagine it, maybe if artificial life takes over.
You're a source of comfort in a world where I've found very little. Thank you for that. You also have a very unique perspective on the world that I would never think about without you. I'm always in need of broadening my horizons.
No more truthful words have been spoken. We can't walk in any other footprints other than our own. Life is unique to each of us.
You're a source of comfort in a world where I've found very little. Thank you for that. You also have a very unique perspective on the world that I would never think about without you. I'm always in need of broadening my horizons.
No more truthful words have been spoken. We can't walk in any other footprints other than our own. Life is unique to each of us.
All things must end, even the Endless. Though I do not know the details of it, that is for Destiny's purview, I do know that the day shall come. My sister shall lock the universe up behind her as the last of us. Perhaps my time will come before even that, be it from A.I. or otherwise.
Life is indeed unique. Though you are not alone in wanting better for those that come after. I hope that you find likeminded souls in the waking world, too.
Life is indeed unique. Though you are not alone in wanting better for those that come after. I hope that you find likeminded souls in the waking world, too.
[OOC: Continued from here.]
I think I'm well. I was looking for it before I came here. You seem like you're fitting in here. We talked about you, you know. At our last family dinner. Dream didn't like it.
[She's quiet finally, noticing how silent Dream is being. Hesitating, she plays with her sleeves.]
I was hoping we could talk. And I know, there's a gallery for that, but you don't always answer. And I really wanted you to answer. So... I came. ... please don't send me away.
[Dream sighs, glancing at Stella, then back at Delirium.]
Very well. Come inside, we can talk.
[Delirium brightens, bouncing to her feet and taking Stella's arm.]
I think you're making him less grumpy.
I think I'm well. I was looking for it before I came here. You seem like you're fitting in here. We talked about you, you know. At our last family dinner. Dream didn't like it.
[She's quiet finally, noticing how silent Dream is being. Hesitating, she plays with her sleeves.]
I was hoping we could talk. And I know, there's a gallery for that, but you don't always answer. And I really wanted you to answer. So... I came. ... please don't send me away.
[Dream sighs, glancing at Stella, then back at Delirium.]
Very well. Come inside, we can talk.
[Delirium brightens, bouncing to her feet and taking Stella's arm.]
I think you're making him less grumpy.
I didn’t know I was brought up.
[she gives Dream a little glance as a ‘someone didn’t mention’ look.
Stella finds it sad how badly Delirium wanted to speak to Dream, to feel the need to come here.
Stella is pleased by his answer and is quickly swept up by his sister]
Well, I try at least.
[she gives Dream a little glance as a ‘someone didn’t mention’ look.
Stella finds it sad how badly Delirium wanted to speak to Dream, to feel the need to come here.
Stella is pleased by his answer and is quickly swept up by his sister]
Well, I try at least.
The night was not a topic worth entertaining.
[At least, talking about his family's dinner hadn't been a topic Dream had wanted to delve into, from Desire's heckling to the realization about Nada to Destruction's departure to Stella. Not that it matters. Delirium and Stella have already moved on, sweeping into the castle.
Dream walks after them, Taramis guiding them to the long, elegant dining table. She takes any requests and leaves to prepare. Dream settles at one end, Delirium at the other. Delirium's hands twist together as she looks around the space.]
Has it changed much, since you've been here? I can't remember.
[Talking to Stella is less scary than Dream, though she knows Dream will get impatient about why she's here before too long.]
[At least, talking about his family's dinner hadn't been a topic Dream had wanted to delve into, from Desire's heckling to the realization about Nada to Destruction's departure to Stella. Not that it matters. Delirium and Stella have already moved on, sweeping into the castle.
Dream walks after them, Taramis guiding them to the long, elegant dining table. She takes any requests and leaves to prepare. Dream settles at one end, Delirium at the other. Delirium's hands twist together as she looks around the space.]
Has it changed much, since you've been here? I can't remember.
[Talking to Stella is less scary than Dream, though she knows Dream will get impatient about why she's here before too long.]
I’m sure you would have told me anything important.
[are you sure, Stella? Are you really sure?
Stella happily walks arm in arm with Delirium. It’s an awkward set up, the long table and seating at either end. It a cold space, formal and so unlike the warm and inviting rooms they had left.]
Not much, I have some rooms that I’ve taken. You must have something important to talk about if you’ve come all this way.
[are you sure, Stella? Are you really sure?
Stella happily walks arm in arm with Delirium. It’s an awkward set up, the long table and seating at either end. It a cold space, formal and so unlike the warm and inviting rooms they had left.]
Not much, I have some rooms that I’ve taken. You must have something important to talk about if you’ve come all this way.
I... yeah. Yeah. There's a reason. [She sneaks a look at Dream. It's clear that as much as she wants her brother's help and guidance, she's also a little afraid of him. Not his power, she has abilities of her own, but his curt dismissiveness.] Are you in a bad mood? You must be, with all the rain. [To say nothing of the dark, depressive room. The candles. So theatrical, but in a macabre manner.]
Must I?
I knew you'd be this way. You're always so scary, so I'm really trying to be good. But you're still just sitting there being all horrid and silent and probably laughing at me behind your face like always.
[Eons of hurt, of worry, of miscommunication bubbling to the surface. Dream glances at Stella, a little mystified, as if he didn't even realize this is how Delirium has seen him. His gaze flicks back to his sister.]
I have been distracted of late. Many things have happened, including Stella moving in with me. I'm not angry with you. I'm sorry.
You apologized. You never apologize. [Why did even that feel a little wrong?] I've been thinking about things. How it all feels wrong. It hasn't felt right in a very long time, has it? Not since he left. Everything is out of control and... look what happened when you left you realm. [Her hand snakes across the table to grip Stella's in earnest.] I need help finding him. Please. I really will be very good. I... want our family to be whole again. Maybe then we won't feel so broken all the time.
Must I?
I knew you'd be this way. You're always so scary, so I'm really trying to be good. But you're still just sitting there being all horrid and silent and probably laughing at me behind your face like always.
[Eons of hurt, of worry, of miscommunication bubbling to the surface. Dream glances at Stella, a little mystified, as if he didn't even realize this is how Delirium has seen him. His gaze flicks back to his sister.]
I have been distracted of late. Many things have happened, including Stella moving in with me. I'm not angry with you. I'm sorry.
You apologized. You never apologize. [Why did even that feel a little wrong?] I've been thinking about things. How it all feels wrong. It hasn't felt right in a very long time, has it? Not since he left. Everything is out of control and... look what happened when you left you realm. [Her hand snakes across the table to grip Stella's in earnest.] I need help finding him. Please. I really will be very good. I... want our family to be whole again. Maybe then we won't feel so broken all the time.
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