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"Oh damn, honey roasted? K, you're my kinda woman." Matthew happily hopped over to Kate's hand and began to chow down on the peanuts. Even Dream had the barest flicker of amusement on his face at how effortlessly Matthew thought nothing about literally eating out of someone else's hand. "And why were you about to snooze? This place is that boring? Or is it the weather?" Matthew craned his head to look at Dream. "I thought we'd leave the thunderstorms behind us!"
"Well, this isn't my realm's doing," Dream reminded him as he took a seat, his back still remaining perfectly straight. "I don't actually have control over the weather in the waking world."
"What if a storm nightmare got lose?" Matthew questioned. "I almost sorta thought I saw a face in one of those clouds on the way in."
Silence.
"Eat your peanuts, Matthew."
"Yes, boss."
Dream turned his gaze to Kate then, another silence stretching before he answered. "It came to my attention that I had committed a great wrong long ago. Once realized, I had to return to hell to fix it. Things did not go according to plan."
"That's because there was no plan." At Dream's look, Matthew retorted, "Yeah, yeah, you had a contingency plan for the Dreaming. We still worried about you." Dream didn't go anywhere without his raven. That was the job. That was the deal. It hurt Matthew that he'd been left behind.
That took Dream back. "I did not mean for any to worry." To Kate, "Anyway. The matter is settled. We must take accountability, must we not? Whatever the cost."
"Well, this isn't my realm's doing," Dream reminded him as he took a seat, his back still remaining perfectly straight. "I don't actually have control over the weather in the waking world."
"What if a storm nightmare got lose?" Matthew questioned. "I almost sorta thought I saw a face in one of those clouds on the way in."
Silence.
"Eat your peanuts, Matthew."
"Yes, boss."
Dream turned his gaze to Kate then, another silence stretching before he answered. "It came to my attention that I had committed a great wrong long ago. Once realized, I had to return to hell to fix it. Things did not go according to plan."
"That's because there was no plan." At Dream's look, Matthew retorted, "Yeah, yeah, you had a contingency plan for the Dreaming. We still worried about you." Dream didn't go anywhere without his raven. That was the job. That was the deal. It hurt Matthew that he'd been left behind.
That took Dream back. "I did not mean for any to worry." To Kate, "Anyway. The matter is settled. We must take accountability, must we not? Whatever the cost."
Her suggestion takes him by surprise for a moment, then his expression is thoughtful as he considers it.
"I would certainly have no objection. I could think of none better to represent your Pantheon." Is he biased? Perhaps. Yet even objectively, Stella is wise and mostly even-tempered, a child of Zeus yet without the ambition that befalls so many old gods and goddesses. "Would you wish to plead for your people to take over Hell, though? If you would want to take on that envoy duty, and your family permits it, then I have no objections."
He takes her hand in his. She knows that he wouldn't grant it to her simply because they are together, so he doesn't even bother addressing that fact. Instead he adds, "Yet if you are to act as envoy, then I would have to treat you as the other summoners while the deliberations were being held. To ensure they knew I was equally weighing all options presented." He couldn't have her at his side chatting about the petitioners, if she is one of them. "What do you think? Would you rather act as petitioner for your people, or aid me in judging the merits of those who do come?"
Although, he supposes, some might grumble either way of a daughter of Zeus has the ear of the King of Dreams, even if she is not pleading on behalf of her kind.
"Does Zeus want Hell, even? Or Hades? I suppose you have not had time for them to say."
[OOC: Awesome, how are you liking it so far? Also, I am 100% down for us altering things if Zeus wants to toss his hat into the ring. Totally up to you on that front. I figure Heaven will still get the keys back but I'm down for playing around with the guest list.]
"I would certainly have no objection. I could think of none better to represent your Pantheon." Is he biased? Perhaps. Yet even objectively, Stella is wise and mostly even-tempered, a child of Zeus yet without the ambition that befalls so many old gods and goddesses. "Would you wish to plead for your people to take over Hell, though? If you would want to take on that envoy duty, and your family permits it, then I have no objections."
He takes her hand in his. She knows that he wouldn't grant it to her simply because they are together, so he doesn't even bother addressing that fact. Instead he adds, "Yet if you are to act as envoy, then I would have to treat you as the other summoners while the deliberations were being held. To ensure they knew I was equally weighing all options presented." He couldn't have her at his side chatting about the petitioners, if she is one of them. "What do you think? Would you rather act as petitioner for your people, or aid me in judging the merits of those who do come?"
Although, he supposes, some might grumble either way of a daughter of Zeus has the ear of the King of Dreams, even if she is not pleading on behalf of her kind.
"Does Zeus want Hell, even? Or Hades? I suppose you have not had time for them to say."
[OOC: Awesome, how are you liking it so far? Also, I am 100% down for us altering things if Zeus wants to toss his hat into the ring. Totally up to you on that front. I figure Heaven will still get the keys back but I'm down for playing around with the guest list.]
Edited 2025-07-06 00:28 (UTC)
"I'm sorry, storm nightmares?" She asked as both Dream and his feathery companion continued, ironically, brainstorming about what was going on.
At the very least, Kate had grown used to some of Morpheus' moods. His so very expressive face. Right now? That stoic look was probably a good sign. One in which he was in no hurry to get a job done and instead he could encourage his bird to have a snack instead.
"Oh, so a quick visit to hell, nice. To fix a mistake." What kind of mistake could someone like Dream do? Kate's attention fell again down on Matthew as she dropped a few more peanuts from the packet straight to her hand for the raven to enjoy. "What did he do? Forced the devil to dream about Jojo Siwa's songs in repeat?"
Whatever it was, it sounded like Kate had not been mistaken when she worried for his life. His existence. Whatever it was that tied an Endless to the universe. Even Matthew had clearly been hurt as they were left behind.
"Everyone cared," Kate spoke more firmly. "Dream, taking accountability is awesome. I mean, shit, I wish more people in the world would understand that. But leaving everyone? You don't have to do things alone." What could she do for him in Hell though? It pained her, knowing she had no place in his fights. But surely someone, out there, among his siblings or other powerful beings, must be there for him.
In the Dreaming or in Hell's Kitchen, some fights were all the same.
"Shit, Dream. I woke up with freaking tears in my eyes. You know how worried I've been about you?" She knew it might be something, he must feel something. They were friends. Close enough for him to watch over her. Close enough for him to come say goodbye. And now, close enough for him to be true to his word. "Please, don't ever leave on your own again. You? You look after a whole sleeping universe. Let at least one person look after you, too."
At the very least, Kate had grown used to some of Morpheus' moods. His so very expressive face. Right now? That stoic look was probably a good sign. One in which he was in no hurry to get a job done and instead he could encourage his bird to have a snack instead.
"Oh, so a quick visit to hell, nice. To fix a mistake." What kind of mistake could someone like Dream do? Kate's attention fell again down on Matthew as she dropped a few more peanuts from the packet straight to her hand for the raven to enjoy. "What did he do? Forced the devil to dream about Jojo Siwa's songs in repeat?"
Whatever it was, it sounded like Kate had not been mistaken when she worried for his life. His existence. Whatever it was that tied an Endless to the universe. Even Matthew had clearly been hurt as they were left behind.
"Everyone cared," Kate spoke more firmly. "Dream, taking accountability is awesome. I mean, shit, I wish more people in the world would understand that. But leaving everyone? You don't have to do things alone." What could she do for him in Hell though? It pained her, knowing she had no place in his fights. But surely someone, out there, among his siblings or other powerful beings, must be there for him.
In the Dreaming or in Hell's Kitchen, some fights were all the same.
"Shit, Dream. I woke up with freaking tears in my eyes. You know how worried I've been about you?" She knew it might be something, he must feel something. They were friends. Close enough for him to watch over her. Close enough for him to come say goodbye. And now, close enough for him to be true to his word. "Please, don't ever leave on your own again. You? You look after a whole sleeping universe. Let at least one person look after you, too."
In terms of the Greek gods, Stella would be a good choice overall. She is committed to duty, but calm and generally very level headed. She would not make a bad ruler of Hell. She does not wish to be made so, but if it becomes the best decision, she would take it.
“Which would be more useful to you? If I am at your side I cannot as easily listen to what things are said when you are out of earshot, however at your side I can discuss things more openly.” She wants to be the most useful, it is no trouble for her to choose one or the other.
“My father is likely to want it if only to keep it from other pantheons. Hades would not wish to handle even more of the dead.”
[ooc- I’m liking it. It really has reminded me of that deep whisper voice that Dream has]
“Which would be more useful to you? If I am at your side I cannot as easily listen to what things are said when you are out of earshot, however at your side I can discuss things more openly.” She wants to be the most useful, it is no trouble for her to choose one or the other.
“My father is likely to want it if only to keep it from other pantheons. Hades would not wish to handle even more of the dead.”
[ooc- I’m liking it. It really has reminded me of that deep whisper voice that Dream has]
"He is having a jest," Dream assured Kate at the proposal of a storm nightmare. Not that they didn't exist, but he'd know if one escaped and was currently wrecking havoc above them. "I am afraid I cannot be blamed for the current climate in this realm." In the Dreaming? That downpour was, admittedly, his fault. It wasn't like it was always conscious, though. The Dreaming was him, he was the Dreaming. His inner turmoil sometimes bled out and affected the climate. Though he had reveled in letting himself get drenched.
"Uh." Matthew looked at Dream when Kate asked what wrong Dream had wanted to right. He wasn't sure saying Nada's name was really the right thing to do right now. "Not sure if now's the right time to dwell on that."
There was a deep look of pain in Dream's eyes before he let the night sky in his gaze swallow it. Nada had every right to walk out on him, of course. To not forgive him. To say his kind couldn't really love. What hurt the most was wondering if she'd been right about that.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused. However, it was my mistake alone to rectify. It would not have been right to put that burden on another." Dragging someone else to Hell, especially when thinking he'd be facing hordes of demons? No. He couldn't risk either his friends from the Dreaming or those on earth. "It is kind of you, though. That you care."
A pause. "Do you think all of your kind are capable of love?"
"Uh." Matthew looked at Dream when Kate asked what wrong Dream had wanted to right. He wasn't sure saying Nada's name was really the right thing to do right now. "Not sure if now's the right time to dwell on that."
There was a deep look of pain in Dream's eyes before he let the night sky in his gaze swallow it. Nada had every right to walk out on him, of course. To not forgive him. To say his kind couldn't really love. What hurt the most was wondering if she'd been right about that.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused. However, it was my mistake alone to rectify. It would not have been right to put that burden on another." Dragging someone else to Hell, especially when thinking he'd be facing hordes of demons? No. He couldn't risk either his friends from the Dreaming or those on earth. "It is kind of you, though. That you care."
A pause. "Do you think all of your kind are capable of love?"
It was a difficult decision. The first of many he'd have to make before the night was through. Stella was letting the choice be his, though. He considered for a moment, taking her hands in his. "If you are to be part of this realm, then let it be as a partner at my side. We shall discuss openly, and discern what truths are told to us." Was it the right decision? He had to have hope that it was, because it was made.
Leaning forward, he rested his head against Stella's forehead for a moment. "I suppose we must then make accommodations for our guests, including your father."
"Boss?" Matthew hopped in at their feet. "Uh, sorry to interrupt, but we've got guests coming."
Already.
"Thank you, Matthew." Dream heard the hammering at the door. Thor, of course. He looked at Stella to see if she was ready. "Invite them in. They are less dangerous as guests than enemies." Once Matthew flew away he asked Stella, "Did you want to help see to the banquet being set?"
[OOC: The voice is perfect! I really enjoyed how they've condensed the story so far, too. Love the depictions of all the gods and immortals.]
Leaning forward, he rested his head against Stella's forehead for a moment. "I suppose we must then make accommodations for our guests, including your father."
"Boss?" Matthew hopped in at their feet. "Uh, sorry to interrupt, but we've got guests coming."
Already.
"Thank you, Matthew." Dream heard the hammering at the door. Thor, of course. He looked at Stella to see if she was ready. "Invite them in. They are less dangerous as guests than enemies." Once Matthew flew away he asked Stella, "Did you want to help see to the banquet being set?"
[OOC: The voice is perfect! I really enjoyed how they've condensed the story so far, too. Love the depictions of all the gods and immortals.]
She nods and smiles at his choice. She quite likes the idea of being able to discuss with him. She gives his hands a soft squeeze.
“I suppose I will need to see him at some point or other.” Zeus has so many children, it’s luck if he remembers their names. Most of them are indifferent to the father they barely knew, others a bit more resentful. Stella is somewhere in the middle.
She glances to Matthew, amused by his apology.
“It is always Thor to arrive first. Or so his lovers have said.” Look, she wants to get in a little gossip sometimes.
She is as ready as one could be, and she gives a small nod. “I would be very interested to see what’s been put together.”
[ooc- I quite like the Loki, he has the right chaos vibe.]
“I suppose I will need to see him at some point or other.” Zeus has so many children, it’s luck if he remembers their names. Most of them are indifferent to the father they barely knew, others a bit more resentful. Stella is somewhere in the middle.
She glances to Matthew, amused by his apology.
“It is always Thor to arrive first. Or so his lovers have said.” Look, she wants to get in a little gossip sometimes.
She is as ready as one could be, and she gives a small nod. “I would be very interested to see what’s been put together.”
[ooc- I quite like the Loki, he has the right chaos vibe.]
She had to give it to Dream. Considering that gods were not known for taking criticism all too well in many stories? Not only he had taken Kate's words like a champ, but he did genuinelly seemed apologetic.
This wasn't the time to guilt trip him, was it? If anything, he'd gone to Hell itself to fix some mistake. That? It was huge, Kate reminded herself as she briefly focused on stroking Matthew's feathers. "Of course I care. We're friends. Just like I know you do. You wouldn't be here if you didn't."
Dream's question, however, surprised Kate.
"Humans? Well, I do know that even monsters can love." Fisk came instantly to mind. Matt had told Kate about Vanessa, his wife. The lenghts Fisk had gone to, to marry the woman and to make their marriage work. She was his everything. But was that love?
"Or maybe it's their twisted perception of love," she mused outloud. "I don't know if everyone is. Like, I know there's narcissists who lack empathy and their relationships tend to be pretty messy." Were they not capable of any kind of love, though? "Why?"
This wasn't the time to guilt trip him, was it? If anything, he'd gone to Hell itself to fix some mistake. That? It was huge, Kate reminded herself as she briefly focused on stroking Matthew's feathers. "Of course I care. We're friends. Just like I know you do. You wouldn't be here if you didn't."
Dream's question, however, surprised Kate.
"Humans? Well, I do know that even monsters can love." Fisk came instantly to mind. Matt had told Kate about Vanessa, his wife. The lenghts Fisk had gone to, to marry the woman and to make their marriage work. She was his everything. But was that love?
"Or maybe it's their twisted perception of love," she mused outloud. "I don't know if everyone is. Like, I know there's narcissists who lack empathy and their relationships tend to be pretty messy." Were they not capable of any kind of love, though? "Why?"
"It would seem appropriate to greet your father should he arrive," Dream agreed. "However tedious or unpleasant the task may be, though if it is, we can keep your interactions to the shortest the courtesy requires." Dream hadn't had too many personal dealings with Zeus, either. Some of course over the years as one monarch of sorts to another, and then again when he'd wed Calliope. That was expected though for him, he wasn't Zeus's child. Dream knew there was a different sort of response when it was a negligent or spiteful parent. Mother Night and Father Time could be quite the same.
He gave Stella a look at her quip about Thor, but there was also a faint expression of amusement behind it, too. "His impatience makes him quite unsuitable as a ruler. Though if the All-Father is present, he may have a more serious claim." Odin at least could be reasoned with to an extent. "Though it is neither Greek nor Norse Pantheon that gives me the most pause."
It was who from Hell would come to reclaim it. Everyone would have to be handled carefully, everyone had agendas, but Hell was born of malevolence.
"Very well. I will go and have a word with the guests, and join you in the hall to finalize setting it up. Lucienne can check everyone in."
He gave Stella a look at her quip about Thor, but there was also a faint expression of amusement behind it, too. "His impatience makes him quite unsuitable as a ruler. Though if the All-Father is present, he may have a more serious claim." Odin at least could be reasoned with to an extent. "Though it is neither Greek nor Norse Pantheon that gives me the most pause."
It was who from Hell would come to reclaim it. Everyone would have to be handled carefully, everyone had agendas, but Hell was born of malevolence.
"Very well. I will go and have a word with the guests, and join you in the hall to finalize setting it up. Lucienne can check everyone in."
"Yes. I suppose I do care." He rarely sat around and dissected his feelings, though the past few days it had certainly taken precedence. It bothered him that Kate had been distressed. That he had upset Matthew and the rest of his staff. A necessary evil perhaps, but still. Or was that just more excuses?
Her answer was nothing that surprised him. Nothing he hadn't sensed from humanity itself, though it confirmed what he figured from a human.
His jaw worked for a moment, debating how much to share. He was the Lord of Dreams, after all. Stepping down to rely on others was immensely difficult for him. It was stripping something back, something bare, to talk about his own troubles and doubts. "Someone once close to me has called into question whether the Endless are capable of it ourselves." The possibility that he could only feel what his siblings embodied, that it was all desire and love was outside their grasp, distressed him.
Her answer was nothing that surprised him. Nothing he hadn't sensed from humanity itself, though it confirmed what he figured from a human.
His jaw worked for a moment, debating how much to share. He was the Lord of Dreams, after all. Stepping down to rely on others was immensely difficult for him. It was stripping something back, something bare, to talk about his own troubles and doubts. "Someone once close to me has called into question whether the Endless are capable of it ourselves." The possibility that he could only feel what his siblings embodied, that it was all desire and love was outside their grasp, distressed him.
With Matthew now apparently satisfied over that snack, Kate patted her own hands clean of any pieces of peanuts before leaning forward on her desk. Over her folded arms she watched Dream as he clearly went through one of those internal debates of his. Kate could tell. She had grown used to him going silent before dropping a big philosophical bomb.
"I don't think you'd be here if you were not capable of love." Sure, maybe duty had taken him down to Hell, Kate didn't have any details. Perhaps, the same thing could be said about this visit. Dream had, after all, promised he'd let her know if he was fine.
"You wouldn't have come to me to say goodbye, last time you visited." He wouldn't have offered a parting gift either. Or put up with Kate pushing for more, unwilling to let go of him and everything he represented in her life.
Well, aside of the Dreaming itself.
"What you did for me? I think that was an act of love." Of friendship. "Love is not reduced to romance, I'm pretty sure you know that."
"I don't think you'd be here if you were not capable of love." Sure, maybe duty had taken him down to Hell, Kate didn't have any details. Perhaps, the same thing could be said about this visit. Dream had, after all, promised he'd let her know if he was fine.
"You wouldn't have come to me to say goodbye, last time you visited." He wouldn't have offered a parting gift either. Or put up with Kate pushing for more, unwilling to let go of him and everything he represented in her life.
Well, aside of the Dreaming itself.
"What you did for me? I think that was an act of love." Of friendship. "Love is not reduced to romance, I'm pretty sure you know that."
"No. Love is not relegated to mere romance." He knew he cared about others. He wanted to think he knew how to show compassion and empathy. Was it all love? Perhaps there wasn't an easy answer. "Some clear answers evade even eons of time. Or perhaps become less clear over time. Either way, thank you for your insight. I shall take it under consideration."
Matthew shook his head and relayed to Kate, "It's been a long few days in the Dreaming. Getting out here and stretching our wings is probably the best idea. Literally and figuratively speaking. Though... I guess with the weather we probably can't go very far."
"There is always an update on your life to share." Dream carefully slid the topic away from him. "How are you, Kate?"
[OOC: Sorry for the short replies, I'm mobile for most of the day.]
Matthew shook his head and relayed to Kate, "It's been a long few days in the Dreaming. Getting out here and stretching our wings is probably the best idea. Literally and figuratively speaking. Though... I guess with the weather we probably can't go very far."
"There is always an update on your life to share." Dream carefully slid the topic away from him. "How are you, Kate?"
[OOC: Sorry for the short replies, I'm mobile for most of the day.]
"Hey, personally I think that following your instinct usualy can lead you the right way. Or maybe even thinking about the most obvious answer to that question." It shocked her a little, to realize that Dream perhaps wondered about his own capability to love. Or that he'd even come to her, trusting her with that question.
But in all honesty, the answer seemed too simple. He cared too much about others not to be able to love.
And speaking of love.
"Good, actually. Pretty good." Kate's whole demeanor became suddenly very optimistic, as her thoughts drifted towards someone that always made her days brighter. In a way, he made her glow.
"I'm, well, getting to know someone." Was that the best way to put it, though? They did know each other pretty well. Perhaps, it was more accurate to say she was getting to know him in other ways. "I guess you know about it if you've kept track of my dreams." Oh, God, spoiler culture is getting everywhere, isn't it? "His name is, hummm," her attention shifted briefly towards the raven. "He is a Matthew, too."
[ooc: No worries! It's all good! Thank you for taking time to tag back. <3]
But in all honesty, the answer seemed too simple. He cared too much about others not to be able to love.
And speaking of love.
"Good, actually. Pretty good." Kate's whole demeanor became suddenly very optimistic, as her thoughts drifted towards someone that always made her days brighter. In a way, he made her glow.
"I'm, well, getting to know someone." Was that the best way to put it, though? They did know each other pretty well. Perhaps, it was more accurate to say she was getting to know him in other ways. "I guess you know about it if you've kept track of my dreams." Oh, God, spoiler culture is getting everywhere, isn't it? "His name is, hummm," her attention shifted briefly towards the raven. "He is a Matthew, too."
[ooc: No worries! It's all good! Thank you for taking time to tag back. <3]
"What is obvious to one is not always evidence to another. Though I am pleased if such clarity is bestowed upon you." He meant it sincerely, if she could trust her instincts with conviction. He'd come to realize, especially of late, that sometimes what he'd thought were acts of logic and reason were in fact not. That he had changed over the years, even if a part of him kept wanting to deny it, and that was making him question parts of his past.
He noticed her brighten when the question was turned around towards her.
"I know what has been unveiled in your dreams, yes." He knew everyone's unconscious mind in that capacity. It did not mean he followed their every thought and feeling in the waking world, but day dreams and night dreams? They were his domain. He had to know them to help set a stage for them, and to protect them. "Though what words one puts to sentiments in my realm are not always identical to those one might use when woken."
"It's a good name," Matthew assured her. "And he better be a good guy, or else he's got a pecking coming towards him."
Dream didn't have to wonder if this was the man Kate had destined for the amulet, though he didn't press her on that. He merely said, "I am glad you have someone to stand by your side, and to find comfort in at night. Existence is a lonely road to walk alone."
He noticed her brighten when the question was turned around towards her.
"I know what has been unveiled in your dreams, yes." He knew everyone's unconscious mind in that capacity. It did not mean he followed their every thought and feeling in the waking world, but day dreams and night dreams? They were his domain. He had to know them to help set a stage for them, and to protect them. "Though what words one puts to sentiments in my realm are not always identical to those one might use when woken."
"It's a good name," Matthew assured her. "And he better be a good guy, or else he's got a pecking coming towards him."
Dream didn't have to wonder if this was the man Kate had destined for the amulet, though he didn't press her on that. He merely said, "I am glad you have someone to stand by your side, and to find comfort in at night. Existence is a lonely road to walk alone."
Looks could be deceiving. In Dream's case though, there was something about him that left people hanging on uncertainty. Because he did look young and inexperienced, but then there was an aura about him that spoke of something ancient, something out of this world.
It was something Kate had never experienced before with another living being.
It was his words that often reminded her of unreachable wisdow. So much knowledge that he instantly accepted that there was always room to learn. "Yeah, you have a point. It's always easier to think we understand things when there's certain distance." She only hoped that, whatever it is that worried him, he would soon found answers to it. And that it would grant him peace.
At least now Kate could do little but smile at both her friends, eager to share with them more of what was going on with her life. "I don't always remember my dreams, but I'm pretty sure I've had a couple that match what's going on in this world." Her attention turned to Matthew then. "And trust me, he is a great guy."
Of course the raven would approve of the name, Kate was expecting that already.
"I hope I can introduce you guys to him sometime," Kate offered. "He... he was very thankful for the gift you gave us, Morph. It meant the world to us."
It was something Kate had never experienced before with another living being.
It was his words that often reminded her of unreachable wisdow. So much knowledge that he instantly accepted that there was always room to learn. "Yeah, you have a point. It's always easier to think we understand things when there's certain distance." She only hoped that, whatever it is that worried him, he would soon found answers to it. And that it would grant him peace.
At least now Kate could do little but smile at both her friends, eager to share with them more of what was going on with her life. "I don't always remember my dreams, but I'm pretty sure I've had a couple that match what's going on in this world." Her attention turned to Matthew then. "And trust me, he is a great guy."
Of course the raven would approve of the name, Kate was expecting that already.
"I hope I can introduce you guys to him sometime," Kate offered. "He... he was very thankful for the gift you gave us, Morph. It meant the world to us."
"Distance is sometimes helpful. Other times I wonder if so much stretching cannot skew things." He didn't find answers in his words so much as what if's, so he couldn't help but wonder what value his words had. He certainly didn't feel wise in this moment. "Unless you meant distance as in answers for someone else's problems and not our own." That he could see, although he thought his older sister Death still gave far better advice than he did.
"I am glad the gift was well-received. If I cannot tread down love's path myself, it is good to know that I can play my part in it happening for others." He could only presume that Kate's act had been one out of love. It was what he was meant to do, anyway. To act as a function for humanity, to serve their purpose. "May the world you share be full."
Matthew pecked at his hand, lest he get maudlin again, before turning to Kate. "So, what's on the lunch menu? Is it pancakes?"
"I am glad the gift was well-received. If I cannot tread down love's path myself, it is good to know that I can play my part in it happening for others." He could only presume that Kate's act had been one out of love. It was what he was meant to do, anyway. To act as a function for humanity, to serve their purpose. "May the world you share be full."
Matthew pecked at his hand, lest he get maudlin again, before turning to Kate. "So, what's on the lunch menu? Is it pancakes?"
“I will offer suitable greetings to all your guests.” (Or their guests?)
Dream is a very different being then he was back when he was with her sister, Stella likes to think she helped a little with his increase in generally better vibes.
She notices the hint of amusement, she has learned to read the tiny movements of his brows and the corners of his lips.
“Both the Greek and Norse are ruled by men who just want further power.” They would be useless for the purpose of actually ruling Hell.
“I’ll be waiting for you. And I’ll need assistance in fashioning something a bit better for all these deities.” Something more than the tee and sweatpants she was wearing when she left home with him.
Dream is a very different being then he was back when he was with her sister, Stella likes to think she helped a little with his increase in generally better vibes.
She notices the hint of amusement, she has learned to read the tiny movements of his brows and the corners of his lips.
“Both the Greek and Norse are ruled by men who just want further power.” They would be useless for the purpose of actually ruling Hell.
“I’ll be waiting for you. And I’ll need assistance in fashioning something a bit better for all these deities.” Something more than the tee and sweatpants she was wearing when she left home with him.
"Oh, I meant distance from someone else's problems," Kate was quick to clarify. And yet, Dreams words lingered with an unexpected truth. He did, as he did often, have a point there. Taking distance from our own hardships wasn't always the best of answers.
Was that why sometimes in her dreams Kate's legs felt so heavy and running, escaping, became a real challenge? What was she running away from? She didn't dare to ask Dream, tempting as it was. After all, she knew he would have the answer.
And, as she learned from what happened with her mother, truth is the one thing you can't ever run or hide from once it's revealed.
"It was a wonderful gift," Kate's gratefulness was something she wasn't shy to share. "It was so unique and--" Her hand found her chest, almost as if to stop her heart from swelling too much. "No pun intended but, something we could have only dreamed of."
Her attention turned to Matthew, as she remembered her promise to her staff. "Oh, right! Lunch! Humm, we can have anything you want, really. So, pancakes?" She looked at both the bird and his master. "I was gonna say, I know this place that makes the best sandwiches. Of course, we could always order pizza. And you can have pancakes too if you want, Matthew."
Was that why sometimes in her dreams Kate's legs felt so heavy and running, escaping, became a real challenge? What was she running away from? She didn't dare to ask Dream, tempting as it was. After all, she knew he would have the answer.
And, as she learned from what happened with her mother, truth is the one thing you can't ever run or hide from once it's revealed.
"It was a wonderful gift," Kate's gratefulness was something she wasn't shy to share. "It was so unique and--" Her hand found her chest, almost as if to stop her heart from swelling too much. "No pun intended but, something we could have only dreamed of."
Her attention turned to Matthew, as she remembered her promise to her staff. "Oh, right! Lunch! Humm, we can have anything you want, really. So, pancakes?" She looked at both the bird and his master. "I was gonna say, I know this place that makes the best sandwiches. Of course, we could always order pizza. And you can have pancakes too if you want, Matthew."
"You are not wrong in your assessment." The gods are, after all, reflections of humanity's beliefs. Throughout most of its history men have dominated, and as such, that power structure was often found within the pantheons. "They also have ties and loyalties to their particular families and followers." It would be nearly impossible to find someone, even aside from the Greeks and the Norse, who did not have that particular problem. Everyone coming would have an agenda and an angle to put themselves first. Hell's very nature was the intersection of power and torment, who would want that for the right reasons? Who would see it as a burden to bear rather than a chance at greater influence?
"Mm? Oh. Yes." She isn't dressed appropriately. Dream takes her hand, raising it above her head to let her spin. As she does so, a resplendent outfit that she has in her mind suddenly forms around her being. It is telling that he hasn't even thought to look at her trappings, instead so focused on her behind them. "There. Better?" His expression shows approval. "I shall meet you shortly." He kisses her hand and squares his shoulder, going towards the doors where Lucienne is desperately trying to keep things under control.
"Mm? Oh. Yes." She isn't dressed appropriately. Dream takes her hand, raising it above her head to let her spin. As she does so, a resplendent outfit that she has in her mind suddenly forms around her being. It is telling that he hasn't even thought to look at her trappings, instead so focused on her behind them. "There. Better?" His expression shows approval. "I shall meet you shortly." He kisses her hand and squares his shoulder, going towards the doors where Lucienne is desperately trying to keep things under control.
Dream gave a single nod, satisfied with her answer. That was what the Dreaming was for, wasn't it? To fill in the cracks of one's conscious mind. To let bleed out what cannot be, and use it to transform the world into possibilities. He hadn't kept a personal tab on how that night had gone for Kate and her consort, outside of his general awareness that his dreamers were fine, but the sense of fulfillment from the experiment hadn't gone unnoticed. "I am pleased the boon was well-received."
Matthew cocked his head then, studying Dream. "What would you want your boon to be, boss? If you weren't the King of Dreams."
"I am the King of Dreams."
Matthew rolled his eyes at Kate. "Then you outta all of us should be able to play pretend. If someone else was gonna give you a dream boon, what would you want yours to be? Me, I'd wanna be back in my old body. Win a really good round of poker, eat some good food, meet a lady and-" His gaze went back to Kate and he quickly ended with, "And do gentlemanly things together with her." Hopping over he lightly pecked at Dream's sleeve. "C'mon, humor me. Where would you want a dream to send you?"
Dream gave him a look, was silent for a long moment, then finally said, "To Greece."
"Huh." Matthew looked at Kate, then shrugged. "Why Greece?"
Ignoring that question, Dream said to Kate, "Anything you wish to order for lunch is fine."
"Get him a fried chicken sandwich," Matthew added, then at Dream's look he replied, "Like I haven't seen you maw down a bucket of fried chicken alone in your throne room?" Smirking as Dream had no comeback, Matthew added, "And if it's not too much trouble... yeah, I want pancakes. And updates on all our shows. Unless you haven't had a chance to watch since you're now a Boss Lady. Hey, are you hiring?" What? He's just asking!
Matthew cocked his head then, studying Dream. "What would you want your boon to be, boss? If you weren't the King of Dreams."
"I am the King of Dreams."
Matthew rolled his eyes at Kate. "Then you outta all of us should be able to play pretend. If someone else was gonna give you a dream boon, what would you want yours to be? Me, I'd wanna be back in my old body. Win a really good round of poker, eat some good food, meet a lady and-" His gaze went back to Kate and he quickly ended with, "And do gentlemanly things together with her." Hopping over he lightly pecked at Dream's sleeve. "C'mon, humor me. Where would you want a dream to send you?"
Dream gave him a look, was silent for a long moment, then finally said, "To Greece."
"Huh." Matthew looked at Kate, then shrugged. "Why Greece?"
Ignoring that question, Dream said to Kate, "Anything you wish to order for lunch is fine."
"Get him a fried chicken sandwich," Matthew added, then at Dream's look he replied, "Like I haven't seen you maw down a bucket of fried chicken alone in your throne room?" Smirking as Dream had no comeback, Matthew added, "And if it's not too much trouble... yeah, I want pancakes. And updates on all our shows. Unless you haven't had a chance to watch since you're now a Boss Lady. Hey, are you hiring?" What? He's just asking!
“There are few who would truly want to take on Hell for the right reasons. We have our work cut out for us.” She is a part of the puzzle now and intends to help Morpheus find the right claim to Hell.
She is charmed that he has been so focused elsewhere that he didn’t notice. She does a graceful little spin. The gown that comes into place is black, but with shimmering reflections of emerald green and deep navy blue. It’s the sort of swirling night patterns that she sees in his eyes.
“Yes, this is exactly what I need for tonight.” A dress to represent her place in the Dreaming. “See you.”
She is charmed that he has been so focused elsewhere that he didn’t notice. She does a graceful little spin. The gown that comes into place is black, but with shimmering reflections of emerald green and deep navy blue. It’s the sort of swirling night patterns that she sees in his eyes.
“Yes, this is exactly what I need for tonight.” A dress to represent her place in the Dreaming. “See you.”
"Wait, what'd you mean your old body?" Kate's attention was stolen by Matthew even though at the same time it remained divided and on Morpheus. Knowing Dream? He'd drop soemthing shocking in a blink and you'll miss it kind of moment. But what was that the raven said? Original body? She always thought she was happy to cuddle a talking bird! Not that she was petting some middle-aged man in feathers!
Of course, Dream did not disappoint. Greece of all places? "You mean the Greece from the Dreaming or the ancient Greece? Maybe the Olympus?" She wouldn't be shocked to hear those gods were real too and that they were old buds to him. "Because if the modern Greece works for you, we are one flight away from making that a reality."
It was a dumb offering, probably. She knew Morpheus could appear himself anywhere. But, as always, it felt natural to offer a hand to a friend.
Speaking of offering...
"Chicken sandwich?" Kate couldn't help but scrunch up her nose in amusement as she imagined Dream sprawled in that imposing throne and with a KFC bucket on his lap. Damn, if she could rule anywhere, that sure would be the way to go. "And pancakes. And updates," she agreed. "Let me check out there if they have the list of what they wanna order. Drinks?"
Kate, of course, wasn't gone for long. And even though New York continuned pouring itself and tapping the windows of the building with rain, everyone's moods seems to have improven. Kate could tell that people were curious, though.
Soon, as she made it back to the office, Kate handed Morpheus a packet of Skittles. "All ready now, lunch shouldn't take long. Trust my Boss Lady word," she teased Matthew. "So, how's Lucienne? And the Dreaming? Trust me, if you want my feedback, everything seems to be running smoothly."
Of course, Dream did not disappoint. Greece of all places? "You mean the Greece from the Dreaming or the ancient Greece? Maybe the Olympus?" She wouldn't be shocked to hear those gods were real too and that they were old buds to him. "Because if the modern Greece works for you, we are one flight away from making that a reality."
It was a dumb offering, probably. She knew Morpheus could appear himself anywhere. But, as always, it felt natural to offer a hand to a friend.
Speaking of offering...
"Chicken sandwich?" Kate couldn't help but scrunch up her nose in amusement as she imagined Dream sprawled in that imposing throne and with a KFC bucket on his lap. Damn, if she could rule anywhere, that sure would be the way to go. "And pancakes. And updates," she agreed. "Let me check out there if they have the list of what they wanna order. Drinks?"
Kate, of course, wasn't gone for long. And even though New York continuned pouring itself and tapping the windows of the building with rain, everyone's moods seems to have improven. Kate could tell that people were curious, though.
Soon, as she made it back to the office, Kate handed Morpheus a packet of Skittles. "All ready now, lunch shouldn't take long. Trust my Boss Lady word," she teased Matthew. "So, how's Lucienne? And the Dreaming? Trust me, if you want my feedback, everything seems to be running smoothly."
"Oh, uh..." Matthew preened a few of his feathers, suddenly feeling the awkwardness in the air. "I, uh, used to be human. Until a few years ago. I died in the Dreaming, and instead of becoming worm food, I became this." He spread his wings wide, indicating his raven form. "It's not all bad. I mean, immortality doesn't always suck. And I'm not being a kiss ass to say I like the gig. I still remember what it's like to be human though, you know? I miss it sometimes." As always, Matthew spoke from the heart and off his sleeve. A part of Morpheus wondered when the time would come when that veneer of humanity, that longing for what once was, would slip away. It always did, for the ravens. Yet that inherent loyalty, that truthful center, that would remain. "Dream had another raven before me, but nobody talks about them."
"It is the past, Matthew." Dream's voice rolled out like soft thunder. Striking, but not with the singular intent to harm. If anything, he was trying to be kind. To close Matthew off from questions with answers he might not truly want. "It does not do to dwell on it. For your sake."
If only Dream would take his own advice.
His hands remained clasped on the desk, but they tightened a little at the following questions about Greece. "The Greece I once knew. I have not been there in a very long time. There is no reason now to visit." Not now that his son was wishing for death, and he was no longer married. He supposed in his answer he'd let slip that it was therefore someone, or someones, there that had been the draw, rather than the country itself. "It is a pointless game. I cannot grant myself a boon, anyway." Or rather, he would never use his power in that manner.
"Wine," was Dream's immediate answer to what should be drunk.
"You don't drink wine in an office, boss," Matthew stage whispered to him. "Fried chicken and wine nights are just a throne room thing." He was admittedly playing it up a little for Kate's amusement. Dream was so tightly wound he did not let himself indulge in lounging in his throne room with chicken and wine often. It was just when he was completely exhausted and in desperate need of refueling that those nights happened. Still, secretly, Matthew loved those moments. Not to see Dream depleted or upset, but because they made him seem... well. Almost human. Who didn't want to eat shit and get drunk after a rough day?
Dream was exactly as Kate had left him when she returned, like a statute that hadn't moved. Matthew was hopping around her desk inspecting everything on it. Dream gave Kate a perplexed look when she handled him the Skittles. He stared at the package like he was almost unsure what to even do with it. "Lucienne is well. The Dreaming is functioning adequately. We recently had many visitors, so everyone is a bit worn out from that experience."
"It is the past, Matthew." Dream's voice rolled out like soft thunder. Striking, but not with the singular intent to harm. If anything, he was trying to be kind. To close Matthew off from questions with answers he might not truly want. "It does not do to dwell on it. For your sake."
If only Dream would take his own advice.
His hands remained clasped on the desk, but they tightened a little at the following questions about Greece. "The Greece I once knew. I have not been there in a very long time. There is no reason now to visit." Not now that his son was wishing for death, and he was no longer married. He supposed in his answer he'd let slip that it was therefore someone, or someones, there that had been the draw, rather than the country itself. "It is a pointless game. I cannot grant myself a boon, anyway." Or rather, he would never use his power in that manner.
"Wine," was Dream's immediate answer to what should be drunk.
"You don't drink wine in an office, boss," Matthew stage whispered to him. "Fried chicken and wine nights are just a throne room thing." He was admittedly playing it up a little for Kate's amusement. Dream was so tightly wound he did not let himself indulge in lounging in his throne room with chicken and wine often. It was just when he was completely exhausted and in desperate need of refueling that those nights happened. Still, secretly, Matthew loved those moments. Not to see Dream depleted or upset, but because they made him seem... well. Almost human. Who didn't want to eat shit and get drunk after a rough day?
Dream was exactly as Kate had left him when she returned, like a statute that hadn't moved. Matthew was hopping around her desk inspecting everything on it. Dream gave Kate a perplexed look when she handled him the Skittles. He stared at the package like he was almost unsure what to even do with it. "Lucienne is well. The Dreaming is functioning adequately. We recently had many visitors, so everyone is a bit worn out from that experience."
Edited 2025-07-07 16:23 (UTC)
Oh, okay. It wasn't like it was creepy. It certainly made way more sense than magical ravens that could talk like humans and knew the rules of poker. This was Matthew. Her friend Matthew. Human in mind still, not creepy because he sometimes rode on her shoulder.
"Well, if it helps, we can still play cards digitally?" Without hands holding cards certainly sounded tricky. "Maybe I'll get you a stylus to hold. I doubt the beak and a touchscreen will go together well." It didn't even agree with gloves at times.
Once Kate walked out of the office, Dream's words echoed in her head. There was something he clearly longed for. Something that, unlike mortal beings or those who could indulge in dreams, he would not be able to experience. Hell, there had to be a reason why he got so broody and enjoyed his friend chiken and wine. Dream claimed he did not want to dwell on what was lost. He could not grant himself a boon to head to the past, but then, would he dare to look forward and into the future?
She hoped those Skittles would allow him to have more colorful thoughts for now, at least.
"Yeah, I don't have any wine in here, sorry." In all honesty, Kate wasn't all that big into wine herself. It was only recently and thanks to Matt, that she agreed to taste it while paired with certain meals, following her partner's suggestions. "But you can have soda or water or sparkly water. Tea or coffee?"
At least, she was glad to hear Lucienne and the other friends she'd made at the Dreaming were doing good. "You mean this experience you had. When you went away?" She teased him a little, but didn't push too much for anwswers.
"So," claiming her seat again, Kate rested her chin on her palm, her elbow on the desk. "We established you can't grant yourself a boon. Or travel in time to the Greece you loved." Or to meet the people she figured he'd once loved, back in the day. "But if you could have a human experience these days? Go to the theater or watch a game maybe? Get shitfaced at a KFC?" Her attention fell on Matthew, the raven who had once been a man. "The Balloon Museum?"
"Well, if it helps, we can still play cards digitally?" Without hands holding cards certainly sounded tricky. "Maybe I'll get you a stylus to hold. I doubt the beak and a touchscreen will go together well." It didn't even agree with gloves at times.
Once Kate walked out of the office, Dream's words echoed in her head. There was something he clearly longed for. Something that, unlike mortal beings or those who could indulge in dreams, he would not be able to experience. Hell, there had to be a reason why he got so broody and enjoyed his friend chiken and wine. Dream claimed he did not want to dwell on what was lost. He could not grant himself a boon to head to the past, but then, would he dare to look forward and into the future?
She hoped those Skittles would allow him to have more colorful thoughts for now, at least.
"Yeah, I don't have any wine in here, sorry." In all honesty, Kate wasn't all that big into wine herself. It was only recently and thanks to Matt, that she agreed to taste it while paired with certain meals, following her partner's suggestions. "But you can have soda or water or sparkly water. Tea or coffee?"
At least, she was glad to hear Lucienne and the other friends she'd made at the Dreaming were doing good. "You mean this experience you had. When you went away?" She teased him a little, but didn't push too much for anwswers.
"So," claiming her seat again, Kate rested her chin on her palm, her elbow on the desk. "We established you can't grant yourself a boon. Or travel in time to the Greece you loved." Or to meet the people she figured he'd once loved, back in the day. "But if you could have a human experience these days? Go to the theater or watch a game maybe? Get shitfaced at a KFC?" Her attention fell on Matthew, the raven who had once been a man. "The Balloon Museum?"
The dress suited both Stella and the Dreaming, an indication of how well she might fit into the dreamscape. Morpheus gave an approving nod, letting her slip from his fingers as he faced what was going on in the entrance hall. It took but a few minutes to establish the ground rules, to ensure that his guests both knew they would be treated properly under his protection but also that he would be swift to deal with any who attempted harm under his domain. Lucienne looked already over the whole ordeal, but she resolutely began to check in the guests, waiting for the banquet to begin. Morpheus heard small tidbits of conversation on his way out, but of course, everyone was on their best behavior while he was in the room.
The banquet hall had not existed prior to some minutes ago, but it was already well underway with preparations. Mervyn was there, as was Taramis, and several other workers. Long, elegant tables with delicate candle and floral arrangements were being put into place. A raised dais with a stage was being constructed. From the attached kitchen Dream could smell items already simmering and cooking, dishes that were to him both appetizing and revolting, but would suit each of their guests individual tastes.
Already Dream felt what would only be described as a tension headache if he'd had a body, a faint rush of nerves that he was trying to keep buried deep beneath his placid surface. He found Stella directing the banquet decoration and design, moving to rest a hand on her back. Low to her ear he said, "So far I have seen representatives from Order and Chaos, along with the Norse Pantheon. Bast is here, as is Susano-o-no-Mikoto. There are demons from Hell. And yes, I did notice your father. He and Odin were sharing something resembling a greeting, for them." A beat. "There were still many, many more waiting to enter the hall."
Waiving to Mervyn, he gave the order for more guest rooms to be constructed, per the needs of those on Lucienne's list.
The banquet hall had not existed prior to some minutes ago, but it was already well underway with preparations. Mervyn was there, as was Taramis, and several other workers. Long, elegant tables with delicate candle and floral arrangements were being put into place. A raised dais with a stage was being constructed. From the attached kitchen Dream could smell items already simmering and cooking, dishes that were to him both appetizing and revolting, but would suit each of their guests individual tastes.
Already Dream felt what would only be described as a tension headache if he'd had a body, a faint rush of nerves that he was trying to keep buried deep beneath his placid surface. He found Stella directing the banquet decoration and design, moving to rest a hand on her back. Low to her ear he said, "So far I have seen representatives from Order and Chaos, along with the Norse Pantheon. Bast is here, as is Susano-o-no-Mikoto. There are demons from Hell. And yes, I did notice your father. He and Odin were sharing something resembling a greeting, for them." A beat. "There were still many, many more waiting to enter the hall."
Waiving to Mervyn, he gave the order for more guest rooms to be constructed, per the needs of those on Lucienne's list.
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