The Endless Dreaming

Imperfect Host

Morpheus walks through the intricate halls of the Dreaming, seeking out Lucienne, the chief librarian and a trusted guardian of his realm. As he enters the grand library, he finds Lucienne amidst the vast collection of books, her eyes filled with concern and curiosity.

"Lucienne," Morpheus calls out, his voice echoing through the empty space. Lucienne turns, their gaze meeting Morpheus' tired eyes. They bow respectfully before speaking, "Lord Morpheus, it is a relief to see you once again. Morpheus, in your absence, much has changed," Lucienne begins, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination. "The dream realm has become a fragmented place, filled with chaos and unrest. Without your guidance, nightmares have grown stronger, invading the dreams of mortals and causing havoc in their waking lives."

Morpheus listens attentively as Lucienne recounts her own experience with the fading words and disappearing library. He can sense the weight of her loss and the dedication she held in his absence. Her words fill him with a mix of gratitude and determination.

"Lucienne," Morpheus says softly, his voice filled with appreciation. "Your faith in me, your unwavering loyalty, it means more to me than words can express. I am sorry for all that you have experienced. Losing the library, your home, and the words you painstakingly recorded... it is a great loss."

Lucienne's eyes meet Morpheus', her expression filled with understanding. "My Lord, it was an honor to serve as the royal librarian, even in the absence of books and words. I held on to the belief that you would return, that the dream realm would be restored. And here you are, standing before me. Now that you have returned I implore you to rest and eat your time away has weakened you has it not?"

Morpheus takes a moment to collect his thoughts, his gaze filled with determination. "Lucienne, I appreciate your concern for my well-being, but I cannot rest until I reclaim my tools. They were stolen from me, and without them, the dream realm remains vulnerable. I must find them, restore order, and bring back the words to the library."

Lucienne's eyes widen slightly, a mix of worry and determination shining through. "My Lord, the journey ahead is fraught with danger. But I will stand by your side, as I always have. Together, we will search for your tools, and we will restore the dream realm to its former glory."

Morpheus nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Lucienne. Your unwavering support has been invaluable to me." "There is only one sure way
for me to find my tools. I must summon the Three-In-One." Unnerved Lucienne speaks "Surely it hasn't come to that." Lucienne, with their profound knowledge of the Dreaming's history and its denizens, understands the delicate balance of power within the realm. They caution Morpheus against involving the Fates, recognizing the potential consequences that may arise from meddling with their ancient and formidable powers.

Lucienne desperately advises Morpheus against seeking the counsel of the Fates.

Morpheus, understanding Lucienne's concerns, acknowledges the risks involved but remains steadfast in his determination to reclaim his power and restore balance to the realm of dreams. He explains to Lucienne how, due to his weakened state, he must venture into the dreams of others to gather the necessary offerings.

With the crossroad from the Cambodian farmer's dream, the noose from the Japanese film enthusiast's dream, and the snake from the little boy's nightmare, Morpheus returns to the realm of the Dreaming. He carefully places the offerings on the ground, preparing himself to summon the Fates.

Calling out to the Fates, Morpheus invokes their presence, hoping to gain their guidance and assistance in his quest. He understands the gravity of his actions and the potential consequences, but he believes that consulting the Fates is a necessary step towards freeing his wife from her nightmarish slumber and reclaiming his stolen tools.

Lucienne, though hesitant, respects Morpheus' conviction and remains by their side, ready to offer support and guidance as they navigate the uncertain path ahead. Together, they prepare to face the Fates, knowing that their encounter may shape the future of the Dreaming and all who reside within its ethereal borders.

As Morpheus stands before the Hecate, he is met with a mixed reception. The crone appears displeased to see him, while the mother exudes her usual warmth, and the maiden exudes childlike glee. Speaking in unison, they express both delight and pity at Morpheus' presence, questioning his reason for calling upon the Fates.

Morpheus, identifying himself as the Dream of the Endless, humbly requests their assistance in recovering his stolen belongings. The mother, always gentle in her demeanor, asks how they could help him in this endeavor. Morpheus acknowledges the Fates' all-seeing nature, their ability to perceive past, present, and future, and believes that they must know the whereabouts of his lost items.

The maiden playfully responds to Morpheus' flattery, hinting at the potential repercussions his compliments may have with his queen. Morpheus, his smile contorted, speaks sternly, expressing the urgency of his need to find his belongings and save his crumbling realm. The Hecate, in unison, acknowledge their understanding and offer Morpheus one question and one answer, nothing more.

Morpheus proceeds to ask each sister a question regarding the whereabouts of his pouch of sand, ruby, and helm. The Mother of the Hecate, speaks first her voice filled with ancient wisdom and mystery, speaks in cryptic riddles:

"Within the realm of shadows, where secrets intertwine,
Lies the key to your sand, where destinies align.
A lover's house, cloaked in darkness and desire,
Where life force wanes, consumed by a hidden fire.

Seek the one with tricks and charms, the cunning Constantine,
Whose heart entwined with passion, basks in love's divine.
But beware, dear Dream, for in this lover's abode,
Your sand drains their essence, life's fading ode.

Within the depths of their weakening soul,
Your stolen treasure lies, its power taking toll.
To reclaim what is lost, you must intervene,
Awaken the slumbering, rescue from the unseen."

Next steps forward the Maiden. The Maiden of the Hecate, her voice filled with innocence and mischief, speaks in cryptic riddles:

"In realms of fire and brimstone, where darkness reigns,
Lies the key to your helm, where torment remains.
Within the depths of Hell, where souls writhe and scream,
A demon's prize, traded by a mother in her desperate dream.

Ethel Cripps, a name to remember, her plea for protection,
Trading your helm, a sacrificial connection.
Beware, dear Dream, the infernal domain,
For your stolen treasure dwells, bound by demonic chain.

Navigate the wicked, traverse the depths of despair,
Challenge the demon's might, with caution and care.
In Hell's unholy grip, your helm awaits,
Reclaim it swiftly, before it seals your fate."

Morpheus grows more confused, wanting to ask a following question but remembering the rules stated earlier.
The Crone steps forward The Crone of the Hecate, her voice filled with ancient wisdom and foreboding, speaks in cryptic riddles:

"In the realm of shattered dreams, where nightmares take flight,
Lies the truth of your ruby, stolen by madness' might.
John Dee, the madman, a puppeteer of souls,
From Ethel Cripps he stole, to unleash his dark goals.

Altered and twisted, the ruby's essence now vile,
Dreams and nightmares materialize, consumed by hellish guile.
Beware, dear Dream, for mortals' slumber is at stake,
As horror incarnate, from their dreams they'll wake.

Venture into the depths, where shadows dance and writhe,
Confront the madman's creation, before all hope takes a dive.
Unravel the nightmare's grip, reclaim what was taken,
Restore balance to the Dreaming, before it's forsaken."

Morpheus, his voice filled with desperation and frustration, pleads for clarity:

"Oh, Fates of the Hecate, grant me one final query,
In this sea of uncertainty, let me see what lies ahead, I beseech thee.
I stand on the precipice, lost in the labyrinth of my fate,
Just one more question, before it's too late!"

But alas, the Fates, like wisps of smoke, vanish into the ether.

Feeling the weight of his unanswered inquiries, Morpheus realizes that he must seek alternative paths and strategies to recover his stolen tools and awaken his slumbering wife. With Lucienne's guidance and support, he prepares to embark on a new journey, determined to restore balance to the Dreaming and reclaim what is rightfully his.