i_weavedreams Confrontation [Morningstar]
Dream had taken the time to prepare. He had set the Dreaming in order, and left Lucien in care until Dream returned - in whatever fashion he would be returning. There was no need to alert his siblings - the only one he wished to see, he would again, should the worst happen.
Matthew was his companion as they slipped back into the City. Ever-faithful, ever-curious Matthew.
"You sure you gotta do this, boss?"
"It would be rude not to respond to his request, Matthew. And unwise to defy it." Morpheus drew clothing from dreams, covered himself in more inconspicuous wear. The throb of the City pulsed in his veins, and he was reassured by the sense of the Dreaming so close, the dreams of the residents and of the City itself.
The bird was not convinced. "Who is this guy, to demand a meeting?"
"The Morningstar. The First. Apart from his Creator, the most powerful being in existence."
Matthew was unbelieving, and his tone implied that. "More powerful than you?" The Dreamlord's response was surprising and unsettling.
"Oh, yes. Much."
The bird was silent after that, sitting quietly on the shoulder of the Prince of Stories as they navigated the changing streets of the City. For Dream, the pattern was within reach, and he strode with confidence, turning as he needed, his route changing as the streets did. Soon enough, he arrived at the Lux, and opened the door to go inside.
From: [info]i_fellfirst Date: 03/20/2006 23:33:34
The Lux was empty. Generally speaking, this was a constant. Lucifer Morningstar was alone, polishing glasses that were already clean out of compulsion and boredom. The banality of it all was not entirely unwelcome, as it was a nice change from the Hell he'd been living in for nearly ten billion years.
"Morpheus," Lucifer welcomed the Endless with a pleasant smile. "I didn't expect Mr. Reynolds to follow through on our agreement. I suppose I owe him a favor next time that I see him. Would you like a drink? We have much to discuss."
He didn't returned the smile, but bowed his head in respect. The bird on his shoulder looked at the unlikely barkeep with a wary expression in his black eyes.
"It seems we do. I had thought my business with Hell completed with the fair return of my helm."
From: [info]i_fellfirst Date: 03/21/2006 13:30:36
"You would have liked for your business in Hell to have been over. Surely you must have realized that wouldn't be the case, for any number of reasons, really."
Lucifer yawned and stretched out his great, black wings that only a few on this plane had the ability to see. He looked at the bird with a slightly amused expression.
"I've been humbled, Morpheus. Deeply humbled. As amusing as the situation might be up close there are dire consequences, I'm afraid. You're probably the only one capable of doing anything about it, should you choose to."
Calmly, Lucifer walked around the bar. He did something quite personal, more so than the two had ever been. He gently took one of Morpheus' hands and placed the Endless' fingertips over the scars hidden in Lucifer's hairline.
"You weren't the only one that placed your power into symbols. They're gone, Morpheus." Lucifer released Dream's hand though he remained standing close. "After you left, they were taken from me. And that's not all of it, I'm afraid."
"I've hidden the key to hell. It was really the only option I had left. Do you understand what this means? Hell has no ruler. No real ruler. No keeper. No one to keep things in order and... no one to look after the souls left in its charge," he said slowly for added meaning.
Dream was surprised enough at Lucifer's touch, and the gently press of the Dreamlord's fingers to those scars. Eyes widened, and his mouth fell into an 'o' of shock. He understood what it meant, for the Lord of Hell to lose power over his reign. However, he firmly believed that he had no bearing on the situation the Morningstar found himself to be in.
"Prince, the conflict was between Choronzon and myself. We engaged in our battle, and I was the victor. My part in Hell ended then."
His expression moved carefully back to blank when Lucifer mentioned the sould within. Of course Morpheus could never forget the woman he loved. The woman he still loved. But was his forgiveness worth the price?
Never underestimate the power of denial.
"You are asking for me yo interfere with the order of things as you have allowed them to play out."
From: [info]i_fellfirst Date: 03/21/2006 14:35:20
"Morpheus, the conflict offended all of Hell, not to mention myself at one time. Your actions inspired everything which happened afterward, you are, after all, the Lord of Dreams. You should learn to give yourself more credit.
"I don't blame you if you're afraid to go, but I'm mildly surprised you're not a little more sympathetic. Did you simply allow yourself to be captured? Did you allow for your helm to be misplaced? You should know as well as I that some things happen without our permission.
"I don't even have the power to return to Hell, as you have clearly demonstrated you do. Retrieve my horns, and the key, and I will set the rest to right.
"You and I make up Hell's most unwanted. They've already done all that they can to me. As for yourself, well... you've made enemies there and they're quite aware they hold something of value to you. At least... they believe they do. I suppose that depends on what you're willing to do about it."
Dream was silent for a lengthy time. Matthew shifted uncomfortable on his shoulder as the moment stretched on, almost to the breaking point. Then the Lord of Dreams spoke.
"It will not be for you that I do this," Morpheus explained, his voice soft but commanding in it's own right. "But for the souls of those stranded and left to the whim of demons." One soul in particular. But Lucifer Morningstar knew that well enough. He had hinted strongly enough, at least.
"Where is the key?"
From: [info]i_fellfirst Date: 03/21/2006 15:28:50
With the fate of souls, a fallen angel, and an entire realm at stake, Lucifer was not one to state the location of the key out loud. Carefully, he leaned in toward Dream's ear, opposite of the shoulder Matthew was sitting on, and whispered.
Morpheus nodded at the location. He knew it. Beyond the grove of suicides, just before the blasphemers.
"Very well," he said, and drew his coat around him, as it slipped back into his usual cloak. "I will do this. And then, Lucifer Morningstar, I would hope we are to be considered even?"
From: [info]i_fellfirst Date: 03/21/2006 15:45:01
"Of course," Lucifer smiled.
"Not that I would be one to question your methods, but you do realize that there are any number of heros in this City whom might be willing to help?"
Pause.
"I just thought I would make a suggestion," Lucifer shrugged.