"Arthur Inkwell here. I've no earthly idea how this thing is supposed to work, but leave me a message if you're so inclined. I'll retrieve it at some point or another!"
[What a remarkable place, and though Morpheus finds himself weaving though the mercantile streets of the city, he understands the shape of its skyline even from below — it reminds him, just a bit, of the Dreaming. Its castle spires, reaching high into the expanse of the sky, though Arthur’s dream is far more arid, warmer.
His clothes change accordingly—an amusing notion, given their last conversation—to whatever is best suited to this dream, to this weather. (Even if his colors are still very much done-up in black.) It does not take long for him to spot Arthur, the source of this dream itself, and Morpheus walks over to him, eying his conversation with another merchant.
For now, Dream just listens. What are they going on about?]
[ The woman is still ginning, her smile spanning from one pointed ear to another. ]
Of course, dear. You know I just love seeing what your mother comes up with for the celebration. We're always honored that you come to us year after year for our help.
Please, Mrs. Shori, you know the honor is ours. When it comes to ribbon, yours is second to none. Mother's decorations wouldn't be the same without it.
Ha! That silver tongue of yours must make you quite popular, Master Inkwell. Now, off you go.
[ She, with the help of another worker, plops a bundle onto the counter, spools of silken ribbon in bright colors poking out from the plain cloth they're wrapped in. Arthur offers her a small bow before sliding a pouch of coins over to her. He tugs on the leather lead held in one hand and a chocobo with royal blue plumage steps forward.
He takes a moment to lash the package to the chocobo's saddle and mount up, then they're off at a leisurely pace, winding through the crowd. ]
Though Dream does not interrupt, he is curious. What sort of celebrations would Arthur’s home have, on a plane so far from the one he knows? One in need of bright, colorful ribbons, a sight that the Endless appreciates from afar as they poke out from their parcel and flicker in the breeze.
Is he close with his mother, he wonders? It is not a foreign idea—many mortals are—yet the concept itself is distant enough that he finds himself compelled to follow and learn. He never planned to linger far beyond his presence, anyway.
The leisurely pace of a chocobo is still one with long, loping stride, and Dream does not want to find himself chasing after. He is here to test his power, and so here comes the first trial: a transformation into a large, black cat, all shadow and silver eyes. He keeps pace this way, winding through the crowd with the quickness of a feline, following, following.
Wherever they end up, somehow Dream is there first, sitting at the doorstep, his tail curled around him. Looks up at Arthur.
[ Arthur's chocobo bears him out of the bustling market and into the city's residential area - the very wealthy residential area. Sprawling estates line the road, some more ostentatious than others, and Arthur's journey takes him to a much more subdued affair at the end of a cul-de-sac. The building itself is modestly decorated, save for the bright splash of turquoise that is the front door, and the absolutely immaculate patches of flowers that adorn the lawn.
He circles around back to the chocobo stables, and so doing he crosses into yet more gardens. There are flowers everywhere, a vast rainbow of brightly colored petals reaching toward the sun. There are trees and vegetables as well, and a long greenhouse of foggy glass.
The chocobo comes up short at the stable's entrance when it finds there's a cat in its way. ]
Hm, what is it Aloysius?
[ Arthur leans over from the saddle to peer down. Ah. He dismounts, approaching the feline. ]
Hello there, little fellow. I haven't seen you around before.
[There are so many flowers, meticulously planted, a whole garden of color. Dream is a patch of four-legged night traveling past ad through, never bending even a stem. And when he finally sits waits in front of the stables, glancing up at Arthur with a gently undulating tail, the man dismounts his ride and walks over to—
Pick him up.
That was not quite what he intended—who just waltzes up to Dream of the Endless and picks him up?—but perhaps he should not be surprised. His tail flicks, but there’s no real irritation present. He’s a large cat, soft to the touch, and just as floppy as a real one when picked up.
[ WELL MOSTLY he's just going to move him out of the way, setting him aside on the half-wall around the stable. Then he takes up Aloysius' reins and guides him back into the stable. ]
Are you here to keep pests out of the garden? I'm sure mother will thank you.
[ Speaking of, from somewhere in the garden, a pair of large, fluffy rabbit ears perk up, and a viera woman stands from where she had been bent over tending the flowers. She brushes the dirt from her hands on the front of the well-loved apron she's wearing and wanders over. ]
I thought I heard you come in. Who are you talking to?
Just your new feline friend. I brought your order. Mrs. Shori sends her regards.
Delightful little woman. I'm only sad I couldn't go myself, but preparations have kept me busy. [ She moves to Arthur as he takes the bundle from his chocobo's back and offers it over. She takes it and, being a good few inches taller than Arthur, easily leans over to plant a little kiss on the top of his head, between his ears. ] Thank you, dear little Avi. The Twelve know I'd be lost without your help.
[ Arthur wrinkles his nose at her, but it's a fond sort of gesture. ]
[Morpheus watches from his new perch, eventually hopping down to wander quietly into the stables. An ear flicks as he views the exchange between the two — so this is Arthur’s mother. A clear fondness there, between mother and child, and he is glad to see it. This is a happy dream, and though he has tread across nighttime reveries of many mortals in the past, these are the sort that warms him.
In a bittersweet kind of way.
He walks over to them, a slow saunter, and meows again. Sits, looks up at the crinkling bag of ribbon, tail flicking.]
[Yes, her name does make itself known in his mind. So much of this place feels normal the longer he is nestled in someone’s dream — as if he is a cat, born on this world, following a stranger home and eying a package of colorful ribbons.
But he is not just a cat. He is Dream, and he intends to test his powers a little more, in a way that suits a feline. He gently influences three of the ribbons to slip out of their packaging with little more than his will. They flutter to the ground and he catches them in his open mouth, gently clamping down as not to crinkle them. And then he turns and slinks off and towards the exit.
[ Ava makes a startled noise as the ribbon falls loose and lands in Dream's waiting mouth. Arthur's ears perk in surprise, and he takes off in a light jog after the retreating feline. ]
[He bounds away, just far enough to slip out of sight — but not terribly far. Whether that is behind the trunk of a tree, or behind a dazzling array of flowers, or perhaps ‘round the bend of the greenhouse, cat-Dream is gone.
But, instead, Arthur will happen upon human-shaped Dream, crouched down with long, colorful ribbons resting in his hands. He lifts his head and rises to his feet, still donned in all black.]
[ Usually Arthur is quite quick on his feet, but this cat manages to keep eluding him somehow. When he comes around to the side of the greenhouse, he finds the cat... is not a cat?? He stops short, startled. ]
That I have. [ SQUINT ] Dream?
[ For some reason, he can't quite get a grasp on what the significance of him being here is. ]
[ It wouldn't be the first time a face from the prison inexplicably showed up in his dreams, and whatever bit of real-world knowledge Arthur was trying to grasp just flits away. ]
Oh, certainly. 'Tis no trouble at all.
[ He takes the ribbons with a smile. ] Would you like me to show you around?
That is the long and short of it, yes. A festival celebrating the women and girls in our lives, and especially for allowing the little ones to feel like princesses for a day.
[ He waves a hand in the direction of the gardens, ribbons fluttering. ]
My mother works with the city every year to provide flowers for use in the decorations. Ah, speaking of, I'd best get these back to her. Come on, I'll introduce you.
Thank you. I'm sure mother would be pleased to hear such an assessment.
[ He leads the way back towards the stable, where Ava is bustling around, setting aside brightly colored wreaths and bouquets in piles, presumably to be shipped off somewhere once they're done. She has the spools of ribbon set out and is comparing the colors to each arrangement.
Her ears swivel in Arthur and Dream's direction as they approach. ]
I've caught your wayward ribbon, and found a friend in the process. This is Dream. Dream, this is my mother--
Ava Rhen-Inkwell, at your service.. [ She offers a hand, apparently not minding that her palms are dirty with soil. ] A pleasure to meet one of Avi's friends.
[Dream takes her hand. The gesture is only a little stiff, a little awkward, but it isn't as though he's unpracticed with meeting new faces; though not always precisely in this way.]
The pleasure is mine. [He does not mind getting a bit of soil on his palms either, it would seem. Handshake completed, he retracts his arm.]
Your son has just informed me about the nature of Little Ladies' Day. You are making decorations for the celebrations? I might assist, if you like.
I won't turn down an extra set of hands! I'll have refreshments sent out and we can get right to work.
[ She grins broadly at Dream, motioning for one of the staff to bring something from the kitchen while they work.
And work they do, as Ava gies the both of them tasks that range from gathering the flowers themselves to sorting the arrangements already made to tying bows of bright ribbon onto the bundles. Ava oversees it all with a gentle hand and a bright smile - it's clear she truly does love her work. Eventually, someone appears with a tray of iced tea and snacks. ]
I think you've more than earned a break. Go on, boys. I have some other business to attend to.
[Dream works with deft hands — he is, at his core, a creator himself, and he can put together bright bundles of flowers with little to no issue. His efforts are well-balanced and imaginative, floral arrangements that are sure to catch the eye. Or at the very least, they do not look out of place amongst the others.
When Ava arrives with iced tea and snacks, he mutters a low thanks. And, after she leaves to attend to her business, Dream sets down a few stems of flowers and remarks to Arthur—]
[ Oh, you know Arthur's mom is absolutely enamored with Dream's ability to make floral arrangements. Arthur doesn't so much help with the creative process, but he is kept quite busy nonetheless. ]
Hm? That I am. For a long time when I was growing up, 'twas just the two of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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His clothes change accordingly—an amusing notion, given their last conversation—to whatever is best suited to this dream, to this weather. (Even if his colors are still very much done-up in black.) It does not take long for him to spot Arthur, the source of this dream itself, and Morpheus walks over to him, eying his conversation with another merchant.
For now, Dream just listens. What are they going on about?]
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Of course, dear. You know I just love seeing what your mother comes up with for the celebration. We're always honored that you come to us year after year for our help.
Please, Mrs. Shori, you know the honor is ours. When it comes to ribbon, yours is second to none. Mother's decorations wouldn't be the same without it.
Ha! That silver tongue of yours must make you quite popular, Master Inkwell. Now, off you go.
[ She, with the help of another worker, plops a bundle onto the counter, spools of silken ribbon in bright colors poking out from the plain cloth they're wrapped in. Arthur offers her a small bow before sliding a pouch of coins over to her. He tugs on the leather lead held in one hand and a chocobo with royal blue plumage steps forward.
He takes a moment to lash the package to the chocobo's saddle and mount up, then they're off at a leisurely pace, winding through the crowd. ]
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Though Dream does not interrupt, he is curious. What sort of celebrations would Arthur’s home have, on a plane so far from the one he knows? One in need of bright, colorful ribbons, a sight that the Endless appreciates from afar as they poke out from their parcel and flicker in the breeze.
Is he close with his mother, he wonders? It is not a foreign idea—many mortals are—yet the concept itself is distant enough that he finds himself compelled to follow and learn. He never planned to linger far beyond his presence, anyway.
The leisurely pace of a chocobo is still one with long, loping stride, and Dream does not want to find himself chasing after. He is here to test his power, and so here comes the first trial: a transformation into a large, black cat, all shadow and silver eyes. He keeps pace this way, winding through the crowd with the quickness of a feline, following, following.
Wherever they end up, somehow Dream is there first, sitting at the doorstep, his tail curled around him. Looks up at Arthur.
Meow.]
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He circles around back to the chocobo stables, and so doing he crosses into yet more gardens. There are flowers everywhere, a vast rainbow of brightly colored petals reaching toward the sun. There are trees and vegetables as well, and a long greenhouse of foggy glass.
The chocobo comes up short at the stable's entrance when it finds there's a cat in its way. ]
Hm, what is it Aloysius?
[ Arthur leans over from the saddle to peer down. Ah. He dismounts, approaching the feline. ]
Hello there, little fellow. I haven't seen you around before.
[ Just gonna try and pick up this cat?? ]
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Pick him up.
That was not quite what he intended—who just waltzes up to Dream of the Endless and picks him up?—but perhaps he should not be surprised. His tail flicks, but there’s no real irritation present. He’s a large cat, soft to the touch, and just as floppy as a real one when picked up.
What are you going to do with him, bud.]
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Are you here to keep pests out of the garden? I'm sure mother will thank you.
[ Speaking of, from somewhere in the garden, a pair of large, fluffy rabbit ears perk up, and a viera woman stands from where she had been bent over tending the flowers. She brushes the dirt from her hands on the front of the well-loved apron she's wearing and wanders over. ]
I thought I heard you come in. Who are you talking to?
Just your new feline friend. I brought your order. Mrs. Shori sends her regards.
Delightful little woman. I'm only sad I couldn't go myself, but preparations have kept me busy. [ She moves to Arthur as he takes the bundle from his chocobo's back and offers it over. She takes it and, being a good few inches taller than Arthur, easily leans over to plant a little kiss on the top of his head, between his ears. ] Thank you, dear little Avi. The Twelve know I'd be lost without your help.
[ Arthur wrinkles his nose at her, but it's a fond sort of gesture. ]
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In a bittersweet kind of way.
He walks over to them, a slow saunter, and meows again. Sits, looks up at the crinkling bag of ribbon, tail flicking.]
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[ Arthur's mother - Ava, if the dream imparts such knowledge - glances down, and upon spotting the cat, a grin breaks out over her features. ]
My, aren't you a handsome fellow? I'm afraid you'll have to keep your paws away from my ribbon. This is for Little Ladies' Day, you see.
[ She reaches over with her free hand to give Dream-cat a skritch behind the ears, but otherwise her attention turns back to Arthur. ]
Help me with the wreaths, will you?
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But he is not just a cat. He is Dream, and he intends to test his powers a little more, in a way that suits a feline. He gently influences three of the ribbons to slip out of their packaging with little more than his will. They flutter to the ground and he catches them in his open mouth, gently clamping down as not to crinkle them. And then he turns and slinks off and towards the exit.
Follow him, Arthur! Surely you want these back.]
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I'll get it.
[ TIME TO CHASE A CAT ]
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But, instead, Arthur will happen upon human-shaped Dream, crouched down with long, colorful ribbons resting in his hands. He lifts his head and rises to his feet, still donned in all black.]
You have lost something.
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That I have. [ SQUINT ] Dream?
[ For some reason, he can't quite get a grasp on what the significance of him being here is. ]
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Yes. I’ve decided to visit.
[He will not expound further, unless Arthur realizes the purpose of his presence here on his own — which would turn this into quite the lucid dream.]
Is that all right?
[Holds the ribbons out.]
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Oh, certainly. 'Tis no trouble at all.
[ He takes the ribbons with a smile. ] Would you like me to show you around?
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[His eyes cast out towards the gardens, towards the stables, too.]
I hear there is a celebration to be had soon?
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[ He waves a hand in the direction of the gardens, ribbons fluttering. ]
My mother works with the city every year to provide flowers for use in the decorations. Ah, speaking of, I'd best get these back to her. Come on, I'll introduce you.
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A celebration worth having, I am sure. And it will be decorated extraordinarily well, if the flowers here are of any indication.
[But he nods.]
I would be happy to meet her.
[And he will follow accordingly, should Arthur lead the way.]
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[ He leads the way back towards the stable, where Ava is bustling around, setting aside brightly colored wreaths and bouquets in piles, presumably to be shipped off somewhere once they're done. She has the spools of ribbon set out and is comparing the colors to each arrangement.
Her ears swivel in Arthur and Dream's direction as they approach. ]
I've caught your wayward ribbon, and found a friend in the process. This is Dream. Dream, this is my mother--
Ava Rhen-Inkwell, at your service.. [ She offers a hand, apparently not minding that her palms are dirty with soil. ] A pleasure to meet one of Avi's friends.
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The pleasure is mine. [He does not mind getting a bit of soil on his palms either, it would seem. Handshake completed, he retracts his arm.]
Your son has just informed me about the nature of Little Ladies' Day. You are making decorations for the celebrations? I might assist, if you like.
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[ She grins broadly at Dream, motioning for one of the staff to bring something from the kitchen while they work.
And work they do, as Ava gies the both of them tasks that range from gathering the flowers themselves to sorting the arrangements already made to tying bows of bright ribbon onto the bundles. Ava oversees it all with a gentle hand and a bright smile - it's clear she truly does love her work. Eventually, someone appears with a tray of iced tea and snacks. ]
I think you've more than earned a break. Go on, boys. I have some other business to attend to.
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When Ava arrives with iced tea and snacks, he mutters a low thanks. And, after she leaves to attend to her business, Dream sets down a few stems of flowers and remarks to Arthur—]
You are very close to her. Your mother.
[An easy observation.]
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Hm? That I am. For a long time when I was growing up, 'twas just the two of us.
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You have no other family?
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