"The Dreaming will survive, whether I do or not. I hope to ensure that none come to harm beyond that for mine or its sake. Your willingness to sacrifice yourself though is noted." Lifting her hand to his lips he brushes a small kiss against the back of her knuckles. Dreams are, after all, a large part of how inspiration works. Her powers are intimately linked to his, and vice versa. Perhaps that is why both of them have been so drawn to artists and inventors over the years. To stories of all kinds. "I do not take your commitment or your passion lightly. However, if I am to accept your commitment to protect what is mine, then you must accept my commitment to protect what is yours."
He lets the back of his hand graze down her side, to define her form. That he loves her, and that he protects what he loves.
"The Dreaming would be honored to have you as its Lady." For some years now, though years are not long for either of them, she has split her time. Morpheus has seen how the realm responds to her. How his citizens welcome her presence. He has acted rashly in the past when falling in love, but it hasn't felt as such with Stella. Perhaps now is the right time to make this advancement. He does believe they are stronger together.
Leaning down he kisses her lips. He tastes of old parchment and haunting tales, of ocean surf off the coast of Greece and bountiful deep beneath the waves.
When they part he murmurs against her lips, "We should go, then. To the Dreaming. To prepare for our guests. They will be... impatient, no doubt."
“If it’s all the same, I would prefer you survive.” Can the Endless even die, really? She doesn’t like that it seems they must be able to, if he has gone through preparations to prepare. It worries her more than anything else about this. She would take the key to Hell herself if that’s what needs to be done.
“I shall accept your protection.”
The graze along her form is met by one of her hands moving to rest lightly on his hip. Their love was unexpected; but Stella would argue it was not rushed or foolhardy.
Stella tastes of vintage wine, fresh picked blackberries and the late edge of summer, just before a harvest.
“I would not be surprised if my Father graces your gates.” One more tiny kiss. “Let’s go then, you can tell me your plan for this gathering.”
An aspect of Dream had died before, not that he ever talked about it. When the last Dream Vortex happened. Dream had felt it happen, though feeling one aspect of himself die was admittedly not the same as ceasing to exist as this aspect. He was merely setting everything up with Daniel as a precaution. A contingency. He could not risk the Dreaming, it was merely that. Or was he just telling himself that?
He had changed so much, he kept hearing people say. How long until there was nothing of his old self left?
Or was there enough to survive whatever shape he needed to take now?
Questions for which he didn't have any easy answers. Reaching down he slid the key to Hell into his pocket. He moved to hold Stella close, cradling her head against his shoulder. "Then I suppose we are protecting one another." A faint hint of amusement came to his melodious tone. "Though Matthew will say that he is the one protecting us all."
A swirl of sand took them to the Dreaming's castle gates. His three mammoth guards bowed respectfully as he and Stella entered. Right now the castle held an Italian Renaissance style to it, though with Stella arriving, Dream's loving doting automatically made a few Greek tweaks to the design, and some sunflowers suddenly furnished inside the halls. "Oh, I would not doubt if your father did come, or some representative from his Pantheon."
Not awkward at all, to have the arrival of both his ex-father in law and his potential future father in law all in one. Although it could be worse. It could be his actual father.
"I tried to give the key to Death, but she refused. Wisely, I'm sure, on her part. So we will hear the petitioners, and see who among them is fit to rule." If any.
She fits easily alongside him, she has her own questions and worries. She will eventually ask for the wrong he was righting, but she trusts that it must be worthy of the trouble.
Stella takes in the changes to the castle, she quite likes the new look.
“What if I represent my pantheon?” He would not need to choose her, but she could be the representative.
“Your sister has plenty of work without a whole other realm. Though she would have been first on my list to ask as well.”
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.]
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]
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.]
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.]
"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."
“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.
"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.
“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.”
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.
She watches him go before turning to her duties. She has an ease in slipping right into making sure the banquet is suitable. Stella is at ease in the Dreaming and with all the residents so there is no difficulty in finding ways to be useful.
She can feel him before he is at her side, she tilts a bit closer to listen to his run down. “The castle will be very full this evening. Will we be dining with them in here?”
"I do not think I should. I will be watching them above on the balcony." Eating? He'll worry about it later. Days, weeks. Dream tends to not get as much nourishment and rest as even the Endless often do, which is seen in his rail thin figure. Everything is burned for the sake of his duty, and not replenished as often as it should. "What say you of mingling? You can either watch with me if you find it not beneficial, or mingle and then report back." Stella pointed out that everyone clocking her as the Lady of the Dreaming might silence them, too. Perhaps less than him? He'd discuss with her what she thought of the matter.
[OOC: Right? My heart. I'm here for playing it out and amending it for maximum fun for us both.]
He rarely eats, she knows this much about him. It has never concerned her, she doesn’t believe an Endless can starve to death.
“I will need to greet my Father or risk being seen as rude. Though I suspect too much mingling would have everyone acting as if you were among them. Depending on if they are observant, of course.” She has not been introduced, but her dress alone would mark her as being of the Dreaming. “It is a toss up as to what would be more beneficial.
[ooc- Stella really had gotten the best possible Dream boyfriend though. With his actual feelings]
[OOC: Bless him, he tries these days with apologizing and attempting to right his wrongs. It's not perfect and he absolutely doesn't always deserve forgiveness, but Stella definitely has met a Dream who at least is trying to improve.]
Stella is right not be concerned that lack of food will easily kill him. Dream can become weakened through being cut off from nourishment that he needs. It had happened before, when he'd been imprisoned. Like Stella herself he cannot die from lack of nourishment, but he can certainly feel hunger and need rest and replenishment to function well. The Dreaming had been falling into shambles after a little over a century without his touch. He'd nearly been the same.
She leaves it up to him to discern. He accepts her faith in his choices, hoping they are the right ones.
"Greet your father. Acknowledge those you know well. Then come see me in the balcony."
[ooc- worlds different than the one her sister married]
Feeling starvation for a long time will certainly make an immortal wish for Death to come pay a visit. After this Hell business is settled hopefully things can be calm for a little while at least.
“I will do exactly that. And I will see you upstairs.” She stands and presses a light kiss to his cheek.
"I shall see you then." He accepts the kiss, leaving a good deal of further intimacy for later. He checks in with his staff, ensuring they are prepared before he climbs the steps up towards the balcony. There he has a vantage point, and also, he has access to the few who dare to find him. At times it's other staff members, other times it's members who have come to petition him. The rest of the time he lingers and watches, ensuring that nothing gets out of hand.
He will be able to watch her as she moves through the crowd. She seems to garner some attention, and whispers quickly follow her wake.
She finds her father easy enough, and he even remembers her name (or has been briefed on it). It is polite, though otherwise there is little in the way of familial affection. She speaks briefly to any who request her, and a few are clever enough to recognise her potential to recommend their claim to the Dream Lord.
When she is finally able to quietly make her way back up to the balcony, she thinks she may be getting a headache herself. Now it’s her turn to slip up alongside him.
Oh, some stay on their best behavior, knowing he is likely lurking nearby. Most however lose themselves in their petty trivialities, revealing more than they knew. He watches it all, carefully calculating his responses.
Lucienne comes to discuss, as does Taramis. The latter also offers sustenance. Dream refuses, though he does make requests on Stella's behalf for when she joins him.
The only personal aches he feels are on Stella's behalf at her father's cordial but distant greeting, and how ancient Baste feels in a way that showed her age. He does greet the Fae, but most of the time, he watches and thought. He wonders about the one debt he does owe.
When Stella finally joins him he turns to her. "I believe some of my siblings would find it such." Entertaining, that is. "I find it all tedious." He has an inkling to reunite the key with its Creator, but he still intends to hear the pleas for it. To see if others might sway him.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-07-05 11:35 am (UTC)He lets the back of his hand graze down her side, to define her form. That he loves her, and that he protects what he loves.
"The Dreaming would be honored to have you as its Lady." For some years now, though years are not long for either of them, she has split her time. Morpheus has seen how the realm responds to her. How his citizens welcome her presence. He has acted rashly in the past when falling in love, but it hasn't felt as such with Stella. Perhaps now is the right time to make this advancement. He does believe they are stronger together.
Leaning down he kisses her lips. He tastes of old parchment and haunting tales, of ocean surf off the coast of Greece and bountiful deep beneath the waves.
When they part he murmurs against her lips, "We should go, then. To the Dreaming. To prepare for our guests. They will be... impatient, no doubt."
no subject
Date: 2025-07-05 06:43 pm (UTC)“I shall accept your protection.”
The graze along her form is met by one of her hands moving to rest lightly on his hip. Their love was unexpected; but Stella would argue it was not rushed or foolhardy.
Stella tastes of vintage wine, fresh picked blackberries and the late edge of summer, just before a harvest.
“I would not be surprised if my Father graces your gates.” One more tiny kiss. “Let’s go then, you can tell me your plan for this gathering.”
no subject
Date: 2025-07-05 07:23 pm (UTC)He had changed so much, he kept hearing people say. How long until there was nothing of his old self left?
Or was there enough to survive whatever shape he needed to take now?
Questions for which he didn't have any easy answers. Reaching down he slid the key to Hell into his pocket. He moved to hold Stella close, cradling her head against his shoulder. "Then I suppose we are protecting one another." A faint hint of amusement came to his melodious tone. "Though Matthew will say that he is the one protecting us all."
A swirl of sand took them to the Dreaming's castle gates. His three mammoth guards bowed respectfully as he and Stella entered. Right now the castle held an Italian Renaissance style to it, though with Stella arriving, Dream's loving doting automatically made a few Greek tweaks to the design, and some sunflowers suddenly furnished inside the halls. "Oh, I would not doubt if your father did come, or some representative from his Pantheon."
Not awkward at all, to have the arrival of both his ex-father in law and his potential future father in law all in one. Although it could be worse. It could be his actual father.
"I tried to give the key to Death, but she refused. Wisely, I'm sure, on her part. So we will hear the petitioners, and see who among them is fit to rule." If any.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-05 10:43 pm (UTC)Stella takes in the changes to the castle, she quite likes the new look.
“What if I represent my pantheon?” He would not need to choose her, but she could be the representative.
“Your sister has plenty of work without a whole other realm. Though she would have been first on my list to ask as well.”
[ooc-finished episode 3]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 12:26 am (UTC)"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.]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 09:57 am (UTC)“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]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 01:14 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 02:25 pm (UTC)“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.]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 04:04 pm (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2025-07-06 10:50 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-07 12:48 pm (UTC)"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.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-07 01:53 pm (UTC)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.”
no subject
Date: 2025-07-07 06:31 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 05:35 pm (UTC)She can feel him before he is at her side, she tilts a bit closer to listen to his run down. “The castle will be very full this evening. Will we be dining with them in here?”
[ooc- up to date on season 2. Had a little cry]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 06:08 pm (UTC)[OOC: Right? My heart. I'm here for playing it out and amending it for maximum fun for us both.]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 07:38 pm (UTC)“I will need to greet my Father or risk being seen as rude. Though I suspect too much mingling would have everyone acting as if you were among them. Depending on if they are observant, of course.” She has not been introduced, but her dress alone would mark her as being of the Dreaming. “It is a toss up as to what would be more beneficial.
[ooc- Stella really had gotten the best possible Dream boyfriend though. With his actual feelings]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 08:03 pm (UTC)Stella is right not be concerned that lack of food will easily kill him. Dream can become weakened through being cut off from nourishment that he needs. It had happened before, when he'd been imprisoned. Like Stella herself he cannot die from lack of nourishment, but he can certainly feel hunger and need rest and replenishment to function well. The Dreaming had been falling into shambles after a little over a century without his touch. He'd nearly been the same.
She leaves it up to him to discern. He accepts her faith in his choices, hoping they are the right ones.
"Greet your father. Acknowledge those you know well. Then come see me in the balcony."
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 08:13 pm (UTC)Feeling starvation for a long time will certainly make an immortal wish for Death to come pay a visit. After this Hell business is settled hopefully things can be calm for a little while at least.
“I will do exactly that. And I will see you upstairs.” She stands and presses a light kiss to his cheek.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 08:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 09:38 pm (UTC)She finds her father easy enough, and he even remembers her name (or has been briefed on it). It is polite, though otherwise there is little in the way of familial affection. She speaks briefly to any who request her, and a few are clever enough to recognise her potential to recommend their claim to the Dream Lord.
When she is finally able to quietly make her way back up to the balcony, she thinks she may be getting a headache herself. Now it’s her turn to slip up alongside him.
“Entertaining up here?”
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 10:10 pm (UTC)Oh, some stay on their best behavior, knowing he is likely lurking nearby. Most however lose themselves in their petty trivialities, revealing more than they knew. He watches it all, carefully calculating his responses.
Lucienne comes to discuss, as does Taramis. The latter also offers sustenance. Dream refuses, though he does make requests on Stella's behalf for when she joins him.
The only personal aches he feels are on Stella's behalf at her father's cordial but distant greeting, and how ancient Baste feels in a way that showed her age. He does greet the Fae, but most of the time, he watches and thought. He wonders about the one debt he does owe.
When Stella finally joins him he turns to her. "I believe some of my siblings would find it such." Entertaining, that is. "I find it all tedious." He has an inkling to reunite the key with its Creator, but he still intends to hear the pleas for it. To see if others might sway him.