The King of Dreams

Morpheus Greek God of Dreams Mount Phoenix University Chair of Liberal Arts

[morpheusxmp]

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[zsww-moved-to-pillowfort-deacti]

[mpxarawn]

the god quietly sat reading as a woman passed by. his gaze followed her for a brief moment before he felt the air close to him change. a similar powerful aura to his, like a sort of god who's always there in the background of things. he quietly closed his book and set it to the side. the comment on his dogs made him smile and the celt simply crossed his legs with a quiet movement and for a moment, he gazed out quietly at their surrounding before finally acknowledging the god sat next to him.

"in this form, they are cute," he laughed, his accent ringing through the air. "in their usual form, they are truly the stuff of nightmares, but then I suppose you'd know all about that," he stated, his tone light and joking, the death god reached for the coffee cup next to his book.

"i wish i could have greeted you properly upon your arrival at the university, morpheus, but your arrival coincided with my sabbatical and alas, I deeply regret that I was unable to meet you there earlier," the Celt stated, turning his attention to the God of dreams next to him. "but now we have met. I must ask, are you enjoying mount phoenix?"

while the celt waited for morpheus to reply, he took a sip of his coffee, deep in thought. "i should be returning to the university soon and will resume my position as president and english professor. May I ask you another question?"

"What do you think the university needs more in a president?" he asked. Maybe the God of dreams, may have an answer to his dilemma.

[morpheusxmp]

Comments about the hounds in their true form brought an amused smile to his lips. "You should meet my neighbor's dog," he chimed in good humor. "He's an absolute beast. Adorable as fuck, though." He was, of course, referring to Cerberus, the massive three-headed hound who guarded the entrance to the Underworld, the island of the Oneiroi located just adjacent.

He continued to observe the university grounds from behind the dark lenses of his glasses, his hands clasped atop his crossed knees as his thumb idly grazed on another in slow passes. Regarding the lack of a 'proper welcome' and such, his shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug as they rolled, chuckling warmly. "No worries about that. I tend to prefer a discrete entrance." Indeed, the King of Dreams would much rather sneak in quietly than be met with any sort of pomp and circumstance.

As for his enjoyment of Mount Phoenix, Morpheus puckered his lips a bit in thought. "So far, yes. It is a fascinating place full of...intriguing minds," he confessed with a small smile; indeed, there were quite a few creative spirits on the island, having already met a few.

Upon learning the president would be returning to his position soon, Morpheus responded with a slow nod; he figured as much in any case, considering it was just a sabbatical meant to last for a couple weeks, wasn't it? The timing of his arrival just happened to fall within it.

"Shoot," he urged when asked if Arawn could pose another question. However, when the next question was asked, one of his brows perked curiously and he turned his head to look at the other deity, peering over the top of his sunglasses, dark eyes reflecting the stars of a night sky.

"Dude...I just got here," he confessed, a touch of sympathy lacing his tone. "I wouldn't know, but...if this is something you are asking of someone else, then it is obviously something weighing on your mind. The way you ask implies a concern that the university's needs are not being met with the current authority. So...what has given you that impression?" he asked, turning a bit more in his seat, lifting his feet from the ground to instead fully face his colleague with legs folded in lotus position, hands resting on his shins. He was listening and his attention appeared fully focused on Arawn.

[accio-victuuri]

xiao zhan for loreal pro

[moonjiminn]

[mpskadi]

Well, his son was adorable, what else could she do ? It had been amazing to walk with him through the woods and the mountains, to show him all her favourite places, the best panoramas where to take photographies. She didn't know how the other residents perceived Leto but she had officially adopted him, another one of her beloved protégés.

"It does. But I do not think that it is a bad thing as it is a wonderful reputation." She chuckled at his apologies. "The most important is that you are here now. You can be proud, we needed someone like him on the island." She was a mother too, she could relate to that pride, that infinite love for a child. 

 Skadi felt the soft pink dust spread on her skin, a lovely contrast with the blueish tone of her skin. Morpheus's eyes, full of stars and dreams, were bewitching. "Of course not" she answered, smiling. "As you can imagine, the cold and the winds do not affect me." She closed the door of her cabin.

"Would you like a little walk in the snow then ?" she offered. "We can have tea or mulled wine later."

[morpheusxmp]

Gentle laughter rumbled in his chest like a warm purr as she spoke further of his reputation. "A wonderful reputation," he echoed with an amused shake of his head. If only all of the Olympians shared that sentiment.

He wasn't exactly sure whether or not it was truly important that he was on the island now. Leto could do and had done well enough on his own, after all. However, Morpheus did enjoy meeting his youngest son in the flesh for the first time--as well as the woman who had adopted him and treated him as her own without even the slightest bit of obligation. And while he intended to make substantial contributions to their lives to ensure they lived comfortably, he was not entirely convinced that his physical presence in Mount Phoenix was necessary. However, whatever praise this goddess had to give to his eldest, oh, Morpheus gladly absorbed those compliments with an ever-growing smile and twinkle within starry eyes.

And it was because of that son that he harbored such a deep interest in this wintery queen, prompting his visit and now a subsequent offer of his arm as she closed the door to her cabin. "My lady, I would be honored to join you for a walk in the snow," he assured her. Of course, warm refreshments could wait until after their jaunt in the fresh, chilled air.

"I saw the park," he continued, referring to the winter wonderland she had created, one that would be quickly dispelled to make room for the Spring decorum. "You do magnificent work."

[mpliuwei-deactivated20240403]

In a sense Liu Wei had to note that being around gods and demigods with powers tickled a part of him he had never really needed to face. His brain seemed to catch the fact there were powers affecting him, even trying to lull him into bending to them and yet the effect was not there, not fully. How he could explain it was close to a black hole swallowing up anything near it - his own internal endless chaos simply throwing a blanket of darkness over it all.

Still his spine tingled, parts of him suggesting for a break and to take time to look at the beauty of nature going through rebirth again as spring was arriving. With cocking his head from side to side, as if trying to get tension out of his system, Liu Wei ignored it and instead looked over his note. The Pomodoro timer flashed on the screen to take a break, leaving the slender figure to turn towards the man so eager to chat with him. Eyes narrowed he tried to discern if this man was a reporter, anyone trying to dig up something about his mother or current step-father. No, this man looked too smart to be fishing for gossip. Additionally why should he care if his mom got into trouble? She pushed him aside, why was there an urge to protect her? It didn't make sense.

"Too convinced of his brilliance and self importance," he spoke in his usual monotone tone, a bit lower and silent than usual as he did not want to disrupt others working around him. Though currently he had trouble finding any actually focusing - hopeless bunch. " Dali, I would argue, has had more of an impact on the art world than said ex-husband of my mother. However time has not passed enough to pass artistic judgement and my view is biased, meaning the input is tilted and unusable in actual academia."

Shrugging his slender shoulders, Liu Wei dismissed his own thoughts that way quite often as no one was a bigger critique of his own self than he himself. The slender figure was convinced the only way to focus on success and making it to the top was being always ones own harshest critique.

[morpheusxmp]

When it came to gossip, Morpheus wasn't particularly concerned; he was the sort who simply listened and nodded and only interjected with valid information that he had personally witnessed, not mere here-say. After all, his expertise delved not just into fantasy, but also into a person's memories and fears.

Truthfully, however, the moment this student volunteered information regarding similarities between a deplorable (though brilliant) artist and a personal acquaintance, the god's interest had been piqued. And now, as it appeared Morpheus had the fellow's undivided attention, he wandered just a bit closer to linger at the table's end, weightless form half sitting on the edge as he listened intently to the comparisons.

Facing the young gentleman, his hands folded upon his thigh as he nodded silently along, truly attentive to the verbalized resemblance and juxtaposition. Well, he found this bright mind to be fascinating, to say the least. He did not seem to pay any mind to the others present--though, it was also highly possible that none of them were even aware of the god's presence yet; or perhaps they were, but they hadn't physically noticed him. Morpheus did tend to have that effect on most people. Of course, he made no apologies for causing them a vast array of distractions by triggering vivid daydreams that may or may not make them late for their next class or study group.

"While you do pose a valid point regarding the passage of time," he began, his voice also soft and haunting, as though he was both there and not there at once, "one may argue that art, all art, is deeply subjective and dependent on the fancies of the beholder. Personal bias has been the catalyst for many 'impactful' artists. For example. I, personally, find Andy Warhol to be mediocre at best. And some may--appropriately--attest that the only reason why his art became popular and 'impactful' is because he had the connections with influential persons at an opportune time."

[accio-victuuri]

enjoying the sunset with xiao zhan 🌆

[mpxangela]

Angela's thoughts were noisy, lots of different questions popped in her head. However, she silenced them the best she could. Time would answer everything. For now, she could only keep her gaze on the pair. Her eyes lingered on her son's visage. He clearly was happy, excited to be held by his father. Siwoo's joy was all that matter to the demigoddess. So as they approached a new normal, Angela welcomed what that was, even with her concerns.

Siwoo let the adults talk. As long as he had the god's affection, he could be patient. Even though young, he could sense some seriousness to the discussion, and Angela had raised him to be the most respectful boy ever. Angela found Morpheus's reasoning easy to follow, and she was appreciative of his willingness to indulge her. Even further, she agreed with everything, from his words about Leto to the about the brothers. Gods were a delicate breed to deal with, and she had done so with many as the owner of The Flower Mill. Morpheus seemed palatable.

"That could make sense." She reasoned, though she did not know anything about the powers of her son. Well, other than what she had seen in their encounter with Leto. "How funny. Siwoo's been waiting to see Leto too. He bought him a present while we were on a trip. What a nice reunion that will be." From friends to brothers, Angela was glad that her son had such a good influence by his side.

When her son talked, she let him have the conversation with his father. "Yeah! They all treat me the best. You have to meet them. There are so many nice people here." He spoke excitedly to the god. When the god looked over to Angela, she gave a small shake of her head. Nothing like that in any means. As a demigoddess who spent a lot of time helping demigods deemed bad, those demigods always took Siwoo as family, and he did as well. By now, many of the inhabitants saw to protecting the child as an extension of her love and his enthusiasm that the pair poured into them.

Angela set the dog down just moments before Siwoo rambled an explanation to his father on how he met 'Mr. Leto' and the dragon friend he met. The child was animated in everything he did. Small hands making waves as he spoke. Finally, a question peaked his interest. "Do you brothers have dragons too?"

[morpheusxmp]

What was both a blessing and a curse with being the king of dreams, meant that Morpheus was also responsible for the collective consciousness of the universe; this, in turn, enabled him the ability to understand what others thought and felt when they were personally unable to articulate such things. All of her questions, he would be more than willing to answer for her--but perhaps later. The most important thing he needed her to understand, though, was that he was not there to take Siwoo away. To Siwoo, Angela was his mother, and Morpheus knew this woman to love his son as though he was her own. No, Morpheus was not there to break apart this happy family. He could only hope to add to it. And to grant his youngest son some guidance.

"Well, I would imagine the two of you have much to discuss," he cooed toward Siwoo upon learning he had been wanting to see Leto again--and to give him something. Indeed, it would be a lovely reunion and he imagined his youngest son could learn many things from his eldest, and not just about how to use his powers, but about life in general. Leto was a very well-traveled and intelligent fellow who was also very good with children, so he was certain the young man could speak with Siwoo in a way that the boy could understand...and have fun doing so.

For now, however, he was deeply attentive when it came to listening to Siwoo talk about his other brothers. He gestured with his head toward the path, wordlessly inviting Angela (and the dog) for a walk while he continued to carry his son on his hip. Morpheus nodded along with Siwoo's story, occasionally adding a soft "ooohhhh" or "fascinating" or "how exciting!" when appropriate.

But when asked if his brothers had dragons, Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle warmly in his low baritone. "Mmmmhmmhmm, yes, some of them do. Some can even turn into dragons themselves! My brother Phobetor especially is very good at transforming into other creatures. Dragons, griffons, manticores, butterflies...and I have another brother, Phantasos, who is extremely skilled at turning into things like rocks and trees and mountains and sunsets and stars~..."

[mpxarawn]

The Death of Dreams ||

@morpheusxmp

Arawn had recently officially gone on break. He'd found a reliable, dependable former student to take over his English classes, and Athena had taken on his presidential duties as a vice-president. Everything was properly set up and under control, so Arawn could take the well deserved break. He'd worked as the professor of English Literature for the past 6 years now, and spent simultaneous two years on the council, and recently had taken over as president almost two years ago. The break was well needed, since the God found himself stressed and suffering an identity crisis since his credentials had been put into question.

He was glad to have the free time to rest and de-stress. It was a slightly warmer day and the God had found himself comfortable on a bench in the park. He watched his two dogs run around off leash, while he just sat back comfortably with a cup of coffee and a book by his side. He stood out, as he always did, with blonde hair heavily curled and pinned up around the side, both hands heavily ringed and laced boots, paired with his usual trench coat. He gazed out ahead at the trees around, rather enjoying the life around.

He popped open the book he'd recently acquired. As much as the God praised the classics, sometimes, he just wanted to read a good dark fantasy novel. The God let himself zone out as he began reading, engrossed in the novel, as his dogs settled next to his feet, taing a break fro their running around.

One of the dogs, a white Shepherd dog (Rocco), let out a bark when he'd heard unfamiliar footsteps. The death god simply absent-mindedly petted the dog.

[morpheusxmp]

His arrival on the island had been unceremonious--in many ways, he was just there. As though he had always been there. And this situation proved no different. His arrival near the chancellor was also unceremonious, appearing as though he had been there all along. Silent, motionless. Because he was a master of illusion, because he was not truly in this world--only a projection--his footsteps would make no sound unless he wanted them to.

A woman walked by. The dog barked. The owner continued to read while patting its head. Yet as the woman passed the bench, she did not notice the sudden appearance of a second figure, clothed in a midnight long coat that reached to his ankles of sleek black boots, a subtle shimmer within the fabric like distant stars--and if one caught a glimpse of the lining, they would see the night sky with swirling galaxies and nebulas and constellations ever-shifting--his eyes hidden behind the dark lenses of sunglasses, his hair in a loose top knot and seeming to float as though the figure himself was submerged, adrift in a lazy river--a 'stream of consciousness', perhaps.

Just as quickly as he had appeared, his presence was known; powerful, of course, as a king of dreams may be tickling at the back of one's mind like a distant melody that lingered upon waking, that might be lost unless quickly recorded--yet in that moment, he remained with his scent of Greek lavender, heliotrope, and sweet vanilla subtle but present as it wafted about him. One leg crossed over the other at the knee, his hands clasped upon his thigh with long, slender fingers laced and folded over the backs of his palms.

"Cute dogs," he murmured in a haunting but soft, ethereal baritone, intoxicating as something from another world.

[littleliarstrg]

xiao zhan ; x9 avatars (+ galerie) — please fav and credit as little liars if used.

[mpliuwei-deactivated20240403]

Liu Wei wasn't sure if taking an art history class as an extra curricular was the bright idea or simply a way to bury himself under even more course work. However as they went through the classes, painstakingly mapping out humanities creative highs and lows in different artistic areas, he found the class comforting. Something about the lively debates and different viewpoints were akin to a sort of chaos that he had not seen before. The artistic spirit brought along with it an energy in which either brilliance or failure was born, logic never even coming close to driving it. It was bloody brilliant!

Now he was seated in the library researching for a paper on Dali and Picasso, who were in a race to the bottom. One seemed to have an overflow of talent and artistic merit, creating art like it was the air he needed to breath. However at the same time treated women like underwear, though by now Liu Wei was sure he changed them more often than the mentioned piece of clothing. Dali was not much better off in the eyes of the demigod, but managed somehow to stay married to one woman - madness took form in many ways.

Seated in an uncomfortable chair at the library table, books piled high around him, the slender figure had his laptop open with the paper. It for currently consisted of remarks, snarky comments and endless references to pages useful for his paper - a controlled chaos in its own right. Something told him a person was approaching, but couldn't quite focus on it as an early painting by Dali somehow had wrapped his mind in wonderment over the use of colour.

"Very much reminds me of my mothers second husband," he retorted with his usual empty tone of voice, not even looking up from his book as he made another note.

[morpheusxmp]

One had to give the student some credit, not being fully distracted from his work, no, not deterred at all; this young man seemed unfazed as he continued with his research. The focus was admirable.

Usually, when Morpheus visited libraries, it was a fairly common occurrence to come across many who would rather be daydreaming--and usually were--instead of writing or studying; but if there was a subject in which to immerse oneself and lose a mind to creative reverie, art certainly fit the criteria. And yet this one's mind remained steadfast.

Honestly, Morpheus was impressed this young man had managed to stay the temptation of a daydream, especially when the presence of the deity himself tended to inspire the wisps of theatrical imagination. This did not, however, become like a personal mission like in the days of old, when vindictive or bored (or both) gods decided to make a game of messing with a mortal for the sake of entertainment, for making a bet on who could distract this person first. No, Morpheus was truly interested in what made this fellow tick. Thus, the god took another silent step closer, peering over the demigod's shoulder to watch as he jotted another note with regard to his research.

"He sounds like a peach~" he cooed in response, sarcasm lacing his tone in a playful and lyrical manner. "Which part? Reminds you of him, I mean." A genuinely curious question; perhaps a bit too personal to discuss in a public space, but then, the demigod had been the one to bring it up, so now Morpheus was interested in knowing just which aspect of Dali--or aspects, perhaps--had reminded this young man of his stepfather.

[mpapollo]

So far, with the building of the PAC, the island had been granted the pleasure of a variety of great plays, performances, and ballets. The musically inclined god with his absolute love for the arts had to grace the island with a chance to absorb such talent, especially as he had such a fondness for some of the works written by long lost friends. So, when it came time for Spring, he had his orchestra determine long before he had the group in his place.

To prepare, Apollo had placed one of the final flyers on his way out of the PAC, having prevented his assistant from having to make the trek as he was already on his way out. The focus did not allow the god to truly place the sneaking god. However, when Morpheus did speak, it was the briefest flinch of his muscles to show the slight startle.

Shooting the man a glare, his features immediately switched to recognition and warmth as he truly captured who it was that had done so. Though he had heard Morpheus was on the island, he did not expect them to meet like this. "I'm full of good calls." The god cheekily grins as he turns to address the other, holding out his hand. "When I met your son, I had a feeling you were not far behind, old man."

[morpheusxmp]

Even if the flinch had been subtle, he still took it as a small victory on his part; just a little bit of triumph over this grandly talented and bright (literally) god. To think, even after all this time, he still managed to startle Apollo. Adorable.

With his attention returning to the flyer itself, he studied it for a bit longer, his expression feigning innocence as the younger deity took to glaring at him. Oh dear, surely that ire was not directed at the king of dreams!

Oh? So Apollo was full of good calls? His nose scrunched a bit as he gave Apollo a doubting squint, a quiet click of his tongue. "Eeeehhhhh...some are debatable--" Like teaming up with Poseidon to overthrow Zeus, or flaying Marsays alive for losing a musical competition against him, or...you know...the whole...Daphne incident..."--but your calls in music are usually quite exquisite," he concluded with a cheeky grin of his own, slapping his hand against Apollo's palm and grasping it firmly.

"Aaaahhhh, yes, he was practically glowing when he told me you had met. A bit star struck, really," he said of his son, not at all fazed by being called an 'old man'. "And what about you? Any kids on the island? I mean, I couldn't help but notice there's a whole hospital named after Asclepius..."

[mpxesther]

She was relieved that the man did not seem annoyed or irritated at her for accidental... whatever that was. Once she finally got a good look at him, there was a feeling of familiarity, and it was a rather immediate understanding of the other's godhood. She was quite perceptive at times, though she reasoned what demigod walked around like this. Regardless, there was some embarrassment at another god that she had encountered awkwardly in the beginning, or at least awkwardly in her eyes.

When he spoke, she nodded her head with a polite smile until she became aware how strange it was for him to know her name. Her eyes flickered up to him, searching his face for something that would connect them. Was he someone as well that she had forgotten? But, as he continued, everything made sense, and there was a sense of relief that he was not another person lost in the missing archives of her mind. That feeling of familiarity was because of his son, someone who very quickly became someone she cared immensely for.

"Oh! Leto's dad!" She exclaimed. Finally, that smile touched her eyes, and what had been merely out of politeness now transformed into something with more warmth and interest. "The pleasure is all mine! Leto's told me all about you, but he hadn't let me know yet that you are here. What a great surprise!"

[morpheusxmp]

Perhaps oddly enough, Morpheus did not view this chance encounter as awkward at all. In fact, he found it rather charming--and fitting. Hadn't this been similar to how she met his son? Though, in that scenario, there had been physical contact and a loss of memory. This accidental 'bump' had resulted in no visions, no rescues, no amnesia--but really, overall, absolutely no harm done. Morpheus just smiled warmly at her with kind eyes shimmering with starlight.

When she called him 'Leto's dad', the god actually laughed--a haunting but rich sound, tones melodious as though from a distant dream; nevertheless, he was glad to see that smile reach her eyes, not just a mask that she wore but rather an emotion she truly experienced.

He chuckled a bit more to learn that his son had told this woman all about the king of the Oneiroi. Why didn't that surprise Morpheus? "Admittedly, I did not give him much warning that I would be arriving. Besides, I thought to sneak in just as he was preparing to leave for Milan with his...what does he call him? Adventuring buddy?" He shook his head with amusement. Friendly as his son may be, he knew that it was difficult for Leto to truly open up to anyone, let alone make two very good and close companions like Esther and Haoyu. He hadn't seen Leto that excited and happy to have friends in a very, very long time. "He can deal with the chaos of dear ol' dad being on the island when he gets back."

He motioned to the hall in the direction she had been traveling. "Would it be acceptable to join you on your journey to...wherever you were headed?"

[mpondine]

A home's shores were always the most beautiful, weren't they ? Ondine loved the soft sand of Mount Phoenix but she missed the beaches of Iceland, the blond and back sands often surrounded by hills, the sea reflecting the many faces of the sky. And, of course, the etheral beauty of Diamond Beach.

She was going to bring Keonhee there one day, to show him the world in which she had grown up, to introduce him to the Nordic sea's life that she adored and respected so much.

But for now, she was alone on the island's beach and as she returned to her painting, she noticed a small move in her peripheral vision. A fish. As tiny fish of golden scales was swimming near her cheek, she could almost feel its fin against her skin. What... ? she whispered to herself before discovering more small fish around her. She tried to touch them but they seemed to fly away from her, taking the direction of the sea.

A dream. I must have fallen asleep and I'm dreaming. It was vivid though, like those times she had dreamt of her little brother Keonhee.

And then... And then her painting was taking life, the coral-tree standing before her, the colorful anemones surrounding her. She smiled and then laughed as she was floating into her own art.

But, again, she had that feeling of being watched and she turned around again. There now was someone sitting on the beach, a man probably, clad in a coat of stars. "Hi" she answered, tilting her head to look at him better. "Are you the one doing all this ?" Ondine added, showing the moving scenery around her.

[morpheusxmp]

But the young woman wasn't truly alone on that beach, was she? With her--though she may not have known at first--was a deity who admired her creativity, who thought to bring it to life with such a vivid illusion that it was impossible to determine reality from imagination. But that was the joy and enigma of a dream, wasn't it? It was rare for most to maintain a level of lucidity while dreaming, making everything within it seem just as real as anything experienced in the Waking World.

And yet, as the young woman watched the scenery magically change around her, watched as her painting came to life--Morpheus was one to watch her. He watched her as the wonder came over her expression, as she smiled, as the smile became a laugh. Another satisfied customer.

He remained in his crouched position for some time, just watching the effects of his handiwork upon this demigoddess. Too often--far too often--he knew that the children of gods tended to have lives that were not the most pleasant; in fact, the memories of those lives often morphed into warped nightmares when they slept. It had been a strong reason behind why he pushed his own son to come to the island, to help those children--and so far, he thought Leto was doing good work. And Morpheus? Morpheus, indeed, was not too far behind, intent to provide some of the island with a respite in their sleep, gradually, one after another. But this did not mean that only the troubled would receive pleasant dreams.

When this demigoddess smiled at him, he just smiled back. Was he the one responsible? "Perhaps~" he chimed playfully. "You have a lovely imagination~"

[mpskadi]

Dreams, reality... The border between them were often thin and difficult to see. Her own dream were full of dancing lights in the sky, snow and ice glowing under the endless moonlight of the Nordic winters or the golds of Asgard shining under a bright sun. They were made of nature, of visions from what humans considered like folklore, full of the faces she had met during her long life.

Skadi watched as the other came closer, observing the coat of darkness surrounding him, stars shining in his eyes and his handsome face open, a gentle smile on his lips. He exuded kindness and she immediately felt at ease, his presence welcome in the whiteness of her queendom.

She bowed back, politeness needing to be answered with the like and her own lips turned up in a smile. The man was handsome in a ethereal way and even before he introduced himself, she knew in her heart who he was. The king of dreams.

"Leto's father" Skadi commented, moving just on the side, the light inside her cabin falling on the god and surrounding him with gold. "I have heard about you and I am glad to finally be able to meet you. You have such a lovely son." Her smile became a grin and she extended her arm towards her house. 

"Will you come inside ? The night is cold and the wind strong."

[morpheusxmp]

When she addressed him as Leto's father, Morpheus couldn't help but allow a warm chuckle to escape his lips, resonating within his chest on a gentle and ethereal baritone. It was amusing to him; she was the second one to refer to his parentage upon learning who he was. It truly brought joy to his heart, to know that his boy had such an impact on residents of the island already--especially such a revered goddess from another pantheon.

"My reputation precedes me," he mused softly with a small shake of his head in dismissal. Nevertheless, he was relieved to learn that she was glad to finally meet him. "Apologies for the wait, then. But thank you. I am very proud of him," he admitted. To say that he was proud of Leto was actually an understatement.

While the invitation to enter her cabin was certainly welcome, his silent steps did come to a stop at her side, the eyes of night sky gazing tenderly upon her with a smile reflected upon his lips. "Is that a bad thing?" he asked with a slight arch of his brow when she mentioned a cold night and strong winds.

Yet again, he recognized that he was within her kingdom here. While certainly an honor to enter her home, was it not even more of an honor--and respectful--to remain within the winter of her domain? "I would not be opposed to enjoying your company while also enjoying your season before it ends." Because, yes, Spring was fast approaching.

[mpathena]

Ahtena's new Parthenon was beautiful. And exact copy of the original, full of bright colours, antic decors and modern comfort for anyone who would like to visit it. Morpheus could have his own bedroom there if wanted. Of course, it would never replace the one reigning over Athens but it was better than nothing. She couldn't wait for spring, to see her gardens full of colours and flowers.

She didn't mind. She knew it was the only way in which she could truly touch him, to feel him against her and smell his scent of night. Such things had not happened in so long that she was going to enjoy it for as long as Morpheus would allow her to. However, now that he was there on Mount Phoenix, they could indulge in such meetings more often.

Athena smiled at his answer and they remained silent for a while, admiring the sight before them. The white houses and their roofs of red ocher tiles. And beyond that, the sea and its deep blue under the purples and oranges of the sky. "I am sorry that I did not call you more often, my friend" she said, her voice almost a whisper. "But if I did, would we have this perfect moment ? We have all the time to catch up now."

The goddess chuckled. She could see some of the father's traits in the son, especially the beautiful, dark and starry eyes. Dreams made humans. "Your son is wonderful, you can be proud of him. Did he tell you that he was following my self-defence classes ? He is quite good at it." She nodded at his comment. "The island is full of wonderful persons. Our own pantheons has quite a few interesting ones."

Athena considered his next words. She knew of a few who could find reassurance in his presence on the island, and not only Leto. Children full of nightmares and restless nights. There was a particular one she wanted to tell Morpheus about, someone needing guidance with his powers. "I did my best. Fortunately, most of the demigods are open to receive the help they deserve and need."

[morpheusxmp]

Morpheus may have been the king of dreams, but he did not sleep. To have his own bedroom would have been sweet, but unnecessary; this was not to say he did not enjoy relaxing, however; and it would certainly be appreciated to have his own space; but again, unnecessary. He already had an apartment on the island...which was curiously completely and utterly barren unless he was physically present to transform it into a wonderland of a space however he saw fit. His tangible body was primarily within the Dreaming, only arriving in the Waking realm on occasion. Nevertheless, he was content he could share this moment, this vivid memory of the Parthenon with his dear friend.

Standing at her side, he enjoyed the views of an ancient city from so long ago as though the past had become the present once again, breathing in the clean air with the sweet scent of nature, the salt of the Aegean Sea, the beautiful colors of sky through air so clear.

"Likewise," he replied to her apology; reaching out extended both ways after all. When she spoke of this perfect moment, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, then gently lifted it so that he may press a gentle kiss to the back of her fingers, lowering her hand once more to softly pat the back of her palm. "This perfect moment is available whenever you desire, my friend."

Yet another praised his son and he could not help but smile a bit more, proud father that he was. "Thank you," he quietly replied, accepting of her praise for his child. Another light chuckle escaped his lips at the mention of Leto in her self-defense class. "Did he tell me?" he muse. "My dear, the day he met you, that was all he talked about. For more than a week. Stories about you were always his favorite," he added, giving her shoulder a light nudge with his own. "Thank you, Athena. For being so kind to him." And he genuinely meant his appreciation. He knew some gods on the island could be a bit egotistical, and though Athena did have a little bit of a history being just slightly proud herself, he could trust her to make wise decisions regarding their children.

But speaking of those other children...

He did not miss the fact that she had said 'most' of the demigods being open to receiving help. "Oh?" he started curiously, turning his head a bit to look at her with a small lift of his brow. "Have you met a few in trouble who still need help?" He knew that not everyone would be open to seeking council from the goddess of wisdom, nor the professional emotional and mental support from his psychiatrist son, but perhaps there were some he could reach...beyond the conscious realm.