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kitkatpadywaks · 5 months

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Fantasy Guide to Building A Culture

Culture is defined by a collection of morals, ethics, traditions, customs and behaviours shared by a group of people.

Hierarchy and Social Structures

Within every culture, there is a hierarchy. Hierarchies are an important part of any culture, usually do ingrained that one within the culture wouldn't even question it. Hierarchy can be established either by age, gender or wealth and could even determine roles within their society. Sometimes hierarchy can may be oppressive and rigid whilst other times, ranks can intermingle without trouble. You should consider how these different ranks interact with one another and whether there are any special gestures or acts of deference one must pay to those higher than them. For example, the Khasi people of Meghalaya (Northern India), are strictly matriarchal. Women run the households, inheritance runs through the female line, and the men of the culture typically defer to their mothers and wives. Here are a few questions to consider:

How is a leader determined within the culture as a whole and the family unit?

Is the culture matriarchal? Patriarchal? Or does gender even matter?

How would one recognise the different ranks?

How would one act around somebody higher ranking? How would somebody he expected to act around somebody lower ranking?

Can one move socially? If not, why? If so, how?

Traditions and Customs

Traditions are a staple in any culture. These can be gestures or living life a certain way or to the way a certain person should look. Traditions are a personal detail to culture, they are what make it important. Tradition can dictate how one should keep their home, run their family, take care of their appearance, act in public and even determine relationship. Tradition can also be a double edged sword. Traditions can also be restrictive and allow a culture to push away a former member if they do not adhere to them, eg Traditional expectations of chastity led to thousands of Irish women being imprisoned at the Magdelene Laundries. Customs could be anything from how one treats another, to how they greet someone.

How important is tradition?

What are some rituals your culture undertakes?

What are some traditional values in your world? Does it effect daily life?

Are there any traditions that determine one's status?

Values and Opinions

Values and Opinions are the bread and butter of any culture. This is the way your culture sees the world and how they approach different life hurdles. These may differ with other cultures and be considered odd to outsiders, what one culture may value another may not and what opinion another holds, one may not. There will be historical and traditional reasons to why these values and opinions are held. Cultures usually have a paragon to which they hold their members to, a list of characteristics that they expect one to if not adhere to then aspire to. The Yoruba people value honesty, hard work, courage and integrity. Here are some questions to consider?

How important are these ethics and core values? Could somebody be ostracised for not living up to them?

What are some morals that clash with other cultures?

What does your culture precieved to be right? Or wrong?

What are some opinions that are considered to be taboo in your culture? Why?

Dress Code

For many cultures, the way somebody dresses can be important. History and ethics can effect how one is meant to be dressed such as an expectation of chastity, can impose strict modesty. While other cultures, put more importance on details, the different sorts of clothes worn and when or what colour one might wear. The Palestinian people (من النهر إلى البحر ، قد يكونون أحرارا) denoted different family ties, marriage status and wealth by the embroidery and detailing on their thoub.

Are there traditional clothes for your world? Are they something somebody wears on a daily basis or just on occasion?

Are there any rules around what people can wear?

What would be considered formal dress? Casual dress?

What would happen if somebody wore the wrong clothes to an event?

Language

Language can also be ingrained as part of a Culture. It can be a specific way one speaks or a an entirely different language. For example, in the Southern States of America, one can engage in a sort of double talk, saying something that sounds sweet whilst delivering something pointed. Bless their heart. I have a post on creating your own language here.

Arts, Music and Craft

Many cultures are known for different styles of dance, their artwork and crafts. Art is a great part of culture, a way for people to express themselves and their culture in art form. Dance can be an integral part of culture, such as céilí dance in Ireland or the Polka in the Czech Republic. Handicrafts could also be important in culture, such as knitting in Scottish culture and Hebron glass in Palestine. Music is also close to culture, from traditional kinds of singing such as the White Voice in Ukraine and the playing of certain instruments such as the mvet.

Food and Diet

The way a culture prepares or intakes or treats certain foods are important to a culture. In some cultures, there is a diet yo adhere to, certain foods are completely banned. With Jewish culture, pork is prohibited along with fish such as sturgeon, along with shellfish and certain fowl. Meat must also be prepared in a certain way and animal byproducts such as dairy, must never be created or even eaten around this meat. This is known as kosher. The way one consumes food is also important to culture. In some cultures, only certain people may eat together. Some cultures place important on how food is eaten. In Nigerian culture, the oldest guests are served first usually the men before the women. In Japanese culture, one must say 'itadakimasu' (I recieve) before eating. Culture may also include fasting, periods of time one doesn't intake food for a specific reason.

What are some traditional dishes in your world?

What would be a basic diet for the common man?

What's considered a delicacy?

Is there a societal difference in diet? What are the factors that effect diet between classes?

Is there any influence from other cuisines? If not, why not? If so, to what extent?

What would a typical breakfast contain?

What meals are served during the day?

What's considered a comfort food or drink?

Are there any restrictions on who can eat what or when?

Are there any banned foods?

What stance does your world take on alcohol? Is it legal? Can anybody consume it?

Are there any dining customs? Are traditions?

Is there a difference in formal meals or casual meals? If so, what's involved?

Are there any gestures or actions unacceptable at the dinner table?

How are guests treated at meals? If they are given deference, how so?

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kitkatpadywaks · 6 months

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My writing buddy.

Meet Madam. A huge pain the arse who loves cuddles.

#cats of tumblr #cats #cat #cute cats #ginger cat #writing #writing buddies #writing buddy #my cat

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kitkatpadywaks · 6 months

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The Start Of Something New.

Part 9 Of La Mechancete De La Vie.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 895

A/N: It's Back! I had this chapter in my drafts for months and just finalised it so I could post it. I will finally be writing new chapters for this story for the first time in 7 months- I initially tried to force myself to continue it at the time but instead burnt myself out (hence why this instalment is so short).

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Life's power booms. The surge is felt across the entirety of the universe, every realm and by all beings and people alike. Each entity, from Heaven to Hell, from Time and Night, and their Endless children, feel Life's power. They all look to the source, to the Void, and shiver.

Except for Dream of the Endless, he merely smiles sadly at the familiar feel of his lover, silently wishing her luck in her endeavours, whatever they are.

Life smiles as she walks across a field of lush green grass, brightly lit despite the black Void swirling above it. Her arms extend, and another burst of power explodes from her body, and flowers, plants and trees, never seen in creation, sprout at the edge of the field and expand as far as the eye can see.

The immortal beings of the universe shiver again, wondering, terrified, what Life is up to.

Destiny looks through his book, finding nothing, much to the irritation of the Kindly Ones, whose conversation Life interrupted with her demonstration of power.

Life laughs with glee, "I did it. I did it!" She jumps around, coming to a stop when she realises she's alone, her mood souring slightly. She ponders on the decisions she has made since her imprisonment, annoyed that, in a way, she's still playing by the rules made by the beings who want to see her fail.

Old habits die hard. Life supposed. But what could she do? Realistically, anything. But at what cost?

She could continue to play by the rules or make her own. Life is leaning towards the latter, as following theirs had already cost her a relationship with the one she loves.

Life freezes, the realisation making her mind race. I love him. Fuck. I love him.

Her mood sours even more as she thinks about how they left things and how to fix them. Though- she supposed she already knew how to fix it. But how much would change? Did she care about the inevitable repercussions she would have to deal with from the Kindly Ones and Destiny?

No, not particularly.

She feels a strange pull in her being, confusing her until flapping wings reach her ears.

So that's what it feels like when someone enters my realm.

"Hello, Matthew." She lifts her hand slowly, a tree growing from the ground next to her, stopping at her shoulder so the raven will be eye to eye with her when he lands on one of the three branches.

"Hey, Life. How you doin'?"

Life smiles at the raven as he shuffles awkwardly on the branch, eyeing the purple leaves attached to it. "I'm well. What brings you to my realm?"

"Your realm? Is this what all those bursts of power were for? To make your own realm?"

"Yes. Why? What did people think it was?"

"The end of existence."

Life laughs at that, the veins in the purple leaves glowing gold in response to its creator's amusement. Life looks at Matthew fondly, "You didn't answer my question, Matthew. Why are you here?"

"Boss has gone to have dinner with his siblings, and I was bored, so I thought I'd see what you're up to. And I was just wondering when you and the boss will make up." Matthew shuffles around and bows his head, feeling like he overstepped some boundaries. "He's been... upset since you left."

Life hums and clenches her fists, letting a beat of silence sit as she figures out what she wants to say, "I've been somewhat set in my ways, Matthew."

He looks at her confused, wondering where she's going with this, "How'd you mean?"

"I've changed so much over the years, and yet I still... I'm still abiding by rules that don't apply to me. I'm not sure what I'm doing, to be honest."

"What happens if you don't play by the rules?" The raven tilts his head.

"Certain beings will attempt to tell me off." Life smiles in amusement, knowing, as annoying as it would be, it wouldn't make a difference in what she does.

The raven stares at her, "Seems like you already know what you want to do."

Life nods and smiles at him, "I do. You're a good listener, Matthew. You're welcome to stay in my realm as long as you wish."

"Oh, thank you, my Lady." Matthew awkwardly bows, making Life chuckle.

"There's no need for that, Matthew."

"Right, okay, sorry. Oh."

Life raises an eyebrow at the raven, suddenly understanding what's wrong when she senses a second presence within Matthew.

"Boss is back." Matthew groans, "And wondering where I am."

The corner of Life's lips tilts up into a small smile, amused and unbothered as she has already blocked Dream's sight of her, allowing Matthew to choose to tell Dream about his visit.

Matthew sighs, "I should probably go. It was good seeing you, Life."

Life smiles fully this time, "And you, Matthew. You're always welcome in my realm. Visit any time you like."

"T-Thank you."

Matthew flaps his wings and takes to the sky, wanting to leave as quickly as possible so he doesn't have a chance to embarrass himself, knowing full well that if he could blush, he would have.

My realm. Life smiles at the thought, letting her power build once more. What should I add next?

Thanks for reading!

#morpheus #morpheus x reader #morpheus x fem!reader #dream #dream x reader #dream of the endless #the sandman #the sandman netflix #morpheus sandman #sandman #sandman netflix #the sandman x fem!reader #the sandman x reader #sandman x reader #sandman x fem!reader #dream x fem!reader #lord morpheus #fanfic

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kitkatpadywaks · 6 months

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In the spirit of encouraging people to comment on fanfics while also making it easier to do so, I feel obliged to share a browser extension for ao3 that has quite literally revolutionized the comment game for me.

I present to you: the floating ao3 comment box!

From what I've seen, a big problem for many people is that once you reach the comments at the bottom of a fic, your memory of it miraculously disappears. Anything you wanted to say is stuck ten paragraphs ago, and you barely remember what you thought while reading. This fixes that!

I'll give a little explanation on the features and how it works, but if you want to skip all that, here's the link.

The extension is visible as a small blue box in the upper left corner.

(Side note: The green colouring is not from the extension, that's me.)

If you click on it, you open a comment box window at the bottom of your screen but not at the bottom of the fic. I opened my own fic for demonstrative purposes.

The website also gives explanations on how exactly it functions, but I'll summarize regardless.

insert selection -> if you highlight a sentence in the fic it will be added in italics to the comment box

add to comment box -> once you're done writing your comment, you click this button and the entire thing will automatically copied to the ao3 comment box

delete -> self explanatory

on mulitchapter fics, you will be given the option to either add the comment to just the current chapter or the entire fic

The best part? You can simply close the window the same way you opened it and your progress will automatically be saved. So you can open it, comment on a paragraph, and then close it and keep reading without having the box in your face.

Comments are what keep writers going, and as both a writer and a reader, I think it's such an easy way of showing support and enthusiasm.

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kitkatpadywaks · 6 months

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New Story:

Aliens Of The Earth.

A Whitechapel/Doctor Who Crossover. And an instalment of my eventual series ‘The Quinn Chronicles’.

Formatted to read as ‘case files’ (I’m having a lot of fun with it, and coming up with my own aliens).

Synopsis:

Mission: Aliens Of The Earth

Status: Ongoing

Proceed with caution.

Mission Introduction:

Statement Provided By: Ms Quinn Darnell- Specialist:

When I was younger, I had a lot of ideas of where my life would go. However, I never thought I would be helping the Whitechapel police, or any police, solve crimes with possible alien involvement. I, especially, didn't ever think I would fall for another human- not with my inevitable immortality hanging over my head.

Mission Introduction: Statement Provided By: DI Joseph Chandler, Whitechapel Police:

I never allowed myself to give much thought to the possibility that aliens had come to London- my life was chaotic enough, I didn't need to think about the universe, but when Quinn Darnell- a woman who still technically doesn't exist, came storming into my life convinced our, at the time, latest murder had alien involvement- a specific sector of the British government backing her, my eyes were quickly opened. And my life was never the same.

Read on my Wattpad(Up now) and AO3(Coming soon)-

Aliens Of The Earth - Ryn - Wattpad

#fanfic #fanfiction #whitechapel #doctor who #alternate universe #crossover #new fanfic

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kitkatpadywaks · 8 months

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calm down please

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kitkatpadywaks · 8 months

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@thepaintedlady00 @endlessbittersweetdreams

Please share! Not everyone has Netflix and therefore hasn’t seen this amazing show.

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kitkatpadywaks · 9 months

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Reblog if reading someone else’s fanfiction has helped you get through a hard day

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kitkatpadywaks · 9 months

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I never had people draw fanart for one of my fics or write something based on it, but I just know that that is such a high honor and show of love. I once had someone ask me if they could translate my fic in Chinese and I was like, wow, they love it enough to want to put time and effort into it to show it to more people.

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kitkatpadywaks · 10 months

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DO NOT ENGAGE WITH BLUE CHECKS

Elon Musk is paying blue checks for ad revenue in the replies of their Tweets now. He is only paying "verified" accounts for this, even if the account in question has hundreds of thousands of followers.

Do not reply, quote-tweet, or retweet any posts made by a user with a blue check.

Spread the word. Quit Twitter.

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kitkatpadywaks · 11 months

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So it turns out that ChatGPT not only uses a ton shit of energy, but also a ton shit of water. This is according to a new study by a group of researchers from the University of California Riverside and the University of Texas Arlington, Futurism reports.

Which sounds INSANE but also makes sense when you think of it. You know what happens to, for example, your computer when it’s doing a LOT of work and processing. You gotta cool those machines.

And what’s worrying about this is that water shortages are already an issue almost everywhere, and over this summer, and the next summers, will become more and more of a problem with the rising temperatures all over the world. So it’s important to have this in mind and share the info. Big part of how we ended up where we are with the climate crisis is that for a long time politicians KNEW about the science, but the large public didn’t have all the facts. We didn’t have access to it. KNOWING about things and sharing that info can be a real game-changer. Because then we know up to what point we, as individuals, can have effective actions in our daily lives and what we need to be asking our legislators for.

And with all the issues AI can pose, I think this is such an important argument to add to the conversation.

Edit: I previously accidentally typed Colorado instead of California. Thank you to the fellow user who noticed and signaled that!

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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AO3 Etiquette -UPDATED

Based on both decent and not so decent replies, I have made some changes to my original post below.

It would seem a whole new kind of AO3 reader/writer is emerging and it is becoming clear not everyone quite understands how the website community works. Here is some basic guidance on how most people expect you to go about using AO3 to keep this a fun community archive that funtions correctly:

As well as likes, kudos is for when the story was interesting enough to make you finish reading. If it sucked or was badly written, you probably left. If you finished it, you liked it - so kudos.

If you really liked it, you should try to comment. It can be long and detailed or a literal keysmash. Writers don't care, we just love comments.

No critisism unless the author has specifically asked or agreed to hear it (so use your notes to say if you want some constructive feedback). Even constructive critisism is a no-no unless an author note tells you it's okay. No, posting it online is not an open invitation for that. Many people write as a fun hobby or a way to cope with, among other things, insecurity and just want to share. Don't ruin that for them. I've seen so many authors just stop writing coz they can't handle the negative emotions the critism brings, and it's only meant to be a fun thing shared for free (pointing out tagging errors is not included in this).

Do not comment to ask the author to write/update something else. It's tacky and off-putting and will probably have the opposite effect than the one you want.

There is no algorithm, it's an archive. Use the search and filter function to add/remove the pairings/characters/tropes etc. you want to read about and it will find you the fics that fit the bill.

For this to work, writers must tag and rate stories. This avoids readers finding the wrong things and missing the stuff they want. I don't care how cringy that trope is in your eyes - it gets tagged.

The tag exception is if you don't want to tag a million things or spoil your story, you can rate it as "chose not to use warnings," and maybe tag the bare minimum.

Don't censor tags. How can someone exclude a tag if the word isn't typed out correctly? There are no content bans for terms so don't censor them.

If the tags are mostly content/trigger warnings, especially if they are things considered very fucked up or graphic, you might want to use "dead dove - do not eat" to ensure people know that you're not messing around with tags and what they get is exactly what you've warned them about.

Character A/Character B means a ROMANTIC or SEXUAL relationship of some kind. Character A&Character B is PLATONIC, like friendship or family.

Nothing is banned. This is an rule because banning one thing is a slipperly slope to banning another and another, until nothing is allowed anymore. Do not expect anyone to censor for you. Because of the tags system, you are responsible for your own reading experience.

People can create new chapters and sequels/fic series any time after they "complete" a story. So it's considered perfectly normal to subscribe, even to a finished story. You can even subscribe to the author instead just to cover your bases.

Do not repost stories or change the publishing date without an extremely good reason (like a complete top to bottom rewrite or an exchange youve written for going public). It's an archive, not social media. No one cares what's the most recent, only what fits their tag needs.

Instead of deleting a story you wrote if you hate it - consider making it anonymous or orphaning it so others can still enjoy it, without it being connected to your name anymore. If you still want to delete it, fair enough.

It's come to my attention that metaworks ARE allowed on AO3, which is something I wasn't aware of. So if you do post an essay or theory, please tag it as such so others can choose to search for it or exclude it. Art is also allowed.

The only reason this archive works is because NON ONE PROFITS. Do not link to your ko-fi or patreon or mention monetary gain in any way or you violate the terms and risk having your account removed. If anyone does link, it leaves the archive open to people claiming it's for profit and having the whole thing removed.

I KNOW there's plenty more I missed but I'm trying to cover most of the basics that people seem to be struggling with.

I invite anyone to add to this, but please explain, don't berate.

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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GO LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT RIGHT NOW

If you manage an account for a small business or a personal project, go log into your account right now and back up your work.

Things are getting worse on Twitter by the day and the suspensions are not rumors, they are happening. Please make sure to make copies of things you don't want to lose forever.

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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The next part of La Mechancete De La Vie will either be up at some point during the week or next Friday, depending on when I finish it.

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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Revenge As Sweet As Her

Part 8 of La Mechancete De La Vie.

Warnings: Revenge. She Talks With Calliope. It Bothers Life. Dream Asks About It And She Gives Him A Choice. Angst.

Word Count: 2.4k

A/N: I started this chapter with no intention of making it angsty, but I've been extra depressed these last few days (I'm writing this Tuesday), so here we are. The next chapter shouldn't be as much of a downer.

Previous | Masterlist | Next

Life is very aware she's been procrastinating.

Her power has long since restored itself, and she has a plan, yet, she hesitates to leave The Dreaming to fulfil it. She knew she was tired. More tired than she had ever been, but she was free. And that, she feels, made it worth it.

Life sighs, catching the attention of Dream, who sits beside her on their room's balcony.

"What ails you, my love?"

"Revenge."

Her deadpan answer makes Dream shakes his head in amusement, "Then, perhaps, you should forget about your revenge."

"No," Life turns her head to frown at Dream, "To stop now would allow Janus and any of the others who seek to sabotage me to get away with their back-stabbing ways."

"I understand you can't allow that." Dream grabs her hand, "I only wish you would stay here with me, so I wouldn't have to miss you."

"I don't want to miss you either. Which is why I've been putting off leaving." Life sighs again and leans over to quickly kiss Dream, then pulls back, "But I can't keep putting it off- otherwise, certain beings might start getting ideas."

Dream nods, becoming sad as he watches her stand, "How long will you be gone?"

"Not long, hopefully. I don't intend to linger."

Life leaves the Dreaming, finding herself, once again, on the beaches of Greece, following the string of the God that made himself her enemy. She glares at the hunched-over figure of Janus, the glare intensifying when she notices more Gods materializing, attempting to stay hidden behind the rocks. She walks closer to Janus, stopping out of arms reach of the Roman God. "Janus."

"Life." He croaks, continuing to stare at the sea.

"Are your friends here to ambush me or witness your punishment?"

Janus gulps, the air crackling with her power, "Witness. They've been eagerly waiting for this day."

Life raises an eyebrow, humming in response. She turns to face where the Gods are hiding, "Either show yourselves or leave!"

There's some startled muttering before they start to disappear from the beach, the remaining Gods walking out from behind the rocks, their faces emotionless but their strings screaming with fear.

She eyes the Gods as they all stand a significant distance away from her and each other, understanding Izanagi, Osiris, Freyr, Wakan Tanka, and Daga's reasons for sticking around- as it seems Life is not the only one who wants revenge. Her eyes linger as there's more movement behind the rest of the Gods, seeing the appearance of Aphrodite and Calliope.

Interesting.

Aphrodite waves happily at her, Life watching in amusement as the rest of the Gods eye the Goddess strangely, previously unaware of Aphrodite's fondness for Life, being the only one who sees her authentic form, whereas everyone else sees the one they desire the most.

Life tilts her head as the Goddess's physical appearance ripples, briefly changing into a man with messy black hair and eyes that quickly switch between blue and silver. Aphrodite looks at Life with confusion, noticing the change, before the Goddess perks excitedly, understanding someone has captured Life's heart for the first time in the entirety of the existence of the universe.

She turns her head away from Aphrodite before she can say anything and looks closer at Planes, Ra, and Zeus's strings, finding the Greek God and Titan's pleasure at Janus's imminent demise, the Greek and Roman Gods still feuding to this day, and Ra's curiosity at what she's to do, the Eygptian God making a point to stand between Planes and Zeus, the animosity between the Greek powerhouses evident even if Life wasn't to have her powers. "Can't say I expected an audience."

Janus whimpers as she steps closer, her powers swelling and pulling at the Void where her prison lies. She feels it click, a door opening. The world reacts, red lightning crackling across the sky, and torrential winds knock against the immortal beings. Janus's head finally turns towards her before he vanishes from the beach, and the Void closes behind him. Life reaches inside herself, viewing the Void and smirking when she senses Janus inside the prison, panicking, much like she did when she was first trapped.

She ignores the Gods as they look between her and each other, disappointed at the lack of flair and confusion about where Janus went. Calliope stares at her, unbothered, clearly not on the beach for Janus.

"Where is he?" Zeus asks.

"Where he belongs." Life chuckles under her breath when she sees the Gods shiver. Her face shifts into a glare. "Spread the word: should anyone go against me, they will suffer the same fate. You can all leave now."

They do as she says, leaving Aphrodite and Calliope.

Aphrodite is the first to approach her, an excited bounce in her step, "Hello, darling! It's so good to see you!"

"Hello, Aphrodite." Life says, the corner of her lips twitching up in amusement. She keeps an eye on Calliope- the Muse patiently waiting for their interaction to cease.

"You know, it doesn't bother me that you don't see me anymore," Aphrodite smiles up at Life, "I just want you to tell me who you see! Who captured your heart!?"

Life's hands grab Aphrodite's wrists as the Goddess attempts to cup her face in her excitement, Life's eyes taking on a white glow in warning, "It's none of your concern who captured my heart. And I do still see you."

Aphrodite smiles sheepishly, fear flowing through her veins- but a twinkle of happiness in her eyes from Life still seeing her. "My apologies, Life."

Life lets go of Aphrodite's wrists, the Goddes clasping her hands behind her back as she steps away from Life, briefly bowing before leaving the beach, leaving only Life and Calliope.

The Muse steps forward.

Well, aren't I popular today? Life suppresses a sigh and smiles politely at her lover's ex-wife, "Calliope. We haven't met, but I see you already know who I am."

"My ex-husband's new lover."

Life hums, not bothering to reply.

Calliope shifts on the spot, Life's silence getting to her, "Oneiros couldn't hide his newfound affection even if he tried."

"But he didn't?" Life raises an eyebrow at her.

"He was honest when I asked."

Life's eyes flicker to Calliope's string, moving back to look the Muse in the eye, "You didn't come here to talk about Dream."

"No, I..."

"I can't do what you want."

Life's interruption makes Calliope frown, "You are the most powerful being in existence- and you expect me to believe you can't do it? My son may live a half-life, but he still lives. That is your power- everything in Life, is it not?"

"I cannot change Orpheus's predicament, Calliope. If you had come to me before the events transpired as they did, I could have influenced the event as it came to pass, but I cannot change the way or the condition of beings and people that live in their existence."

I'm not being entirely untruthful. Life thinks as she stares blankly at Calliope as the Muse starts shouting at her.

I don't think I'm supposed to like this.

Life tilts her head at Calliope, suddenly becoming aware of her attraction for the Muse, similar but different to the attraction she feels for Dream.

"... I think you can. I think you just won't." Calliope states, her chest heaving from all the shouting.

Life snaps out of her thoughts, sifting through Calliope's string to see what she was shouting about. Life narrows her eyes when she sees a lot of talk about jealousy and her harsh thoughts on Life's 'inability'. Her temper flares- and Life chooses to reply carefully. "He's your son, so I understand you're upset, but that's not how I work."

Calliope feels Life's power flare but swallows her fear, "Then change how you work."

She stares at Calliope as she walks away. Life's already changing purpose is being questioned by someone who knows nothing about her or her powers. Life scoffs, annoyed and confused at the guilt of lying to Calliope and, by extension, Dream, knowing full well she could help Orpheus- but choosing not to so her plans can go as she needs them to.

I'll make it up to them after.

Life leaves the beach, appearing in her and Dream's shared chambers and flopping down on the bed, staring at the room's ceiling. The Dream Lord enters soon after, having sensed her come back.

Dream pauses by the bed, "I would be right to assume Janus is taken care of?" He sits next to where she's lying.

Life nods, forcing herself out of her thoughts, "He's rotting away within the prison he helped put me in."

Dream's somehow not surprised that's what she had planned for the Roman God, "I can't say why, but I would have thought my siblings and the Kindly Ones destroyed it after they learnt of your escape." He analyses his lover, wondering what else is so clearly bothering her.

"Oh, they did. But I got the inner workings and the process of making it from Destiny's string when I visited him. And then I remade it after gaining enough power." She smiles up at Dream as he looks at her in mild surprise.

"From what I understand, that's a rather difficult process."

Life smirks smugly, "For anyone else, yes, it is. But for me. Well, I'm infinite, my love. There's nothing I can't do, given the time." The sudden weight of what she just said weighs on her, making her feel guilty about Calliope again.

Dream chuckles, "And you think I'm arrogant."

"It's not arrogance if it's true."

"I suppose not." Dream smiles warmly at Life, who sees his string overflowing with affection- for her. The guilt deepens. "How long will you keep Janus imprisoned?"

"Honestly? I don't know. Time works differently in the Void than it does in this reality." She purses her lips, "At least, it did for me. We'll have to see how it is between my time and Janus's."

"Different, how?"

"I was trapped there for over five centuries, but it didn't feel like it. My time imprisoned with you felt longer, I felt the years pass by slowly, but in the Void, maybe because I was alone, I put myself on standby while my powers worked to free me." Life frowns as she remembers, her voice becoming airy, "It went by so fast. One minute I was in the mortal world; the next, I was in the Void, and then I was in some human's basement. It felt like mere moments had passed. And yet, it was centuries. It was the most disorientating thing- I didn't know how much time had passed, but my diminished powers quickly let me know. Can you imagine? Five hundred years straight of actively using your powers. Exhausting."

Dream leans over and presses his lips against her forehead, silently offering her comfort, which she accepts, pulling him down next to her, her body relaxing against him as her arms wrap tight around his waist.

"You want to know what I hated most?" She whispers into his neck.

"What?"

"I forgot what the sun felt like. I forgot warmth and what it was like to feel comforted by the night and its endless stars." She looks into Dream's eyes, "You helped me remember."

He smiles softly, flattered, "I can't say I have ever had anyone describe me as warm."

Life chuckles, "First time for everything."

"I suppose there is." Dream adjusts the both of them so she's looking at him, "What else is on your mind?"

Life sighs, sitting up, knowing he caught onto her less than-pleased mood, "A lot of Gods came to witness Janus's punishment... including Calliope."

"What happened?" Dream slowly sits up with her, not knowing what to think.

"She was quite mad at me." Life mutters, sensing Dream's unsaid questions. She turns to face him, "Do you want me to be completely honest with you, or do you want to have a clear mind and continue developing our relationship?"

Dream frowns, not liking the sound of what she just said, "I want you to be honest with me."

"Okay. Calliope wants me to help Orpheus and return him to his former self."

Dream looks at her, shocked, his head spinning with questions and emotions he can't decipher. "Can you?"

Life stares at him, not wanting to confirm. She does so anyway. "Yes... But I won't."

"Why?" Dream frowns at her, pushing down his flaring temper.

"You heard what I said to Matthew, how I see everything." She pauses, waiting for him to confirm before continuing, "There is a certain way I need things to go and to extend my help now would disrupt everything,"

It clicks in Dream's mind, and thunder rumbles across the Dreaming in response. "You won't help my son because of this event you can't tell me about!"

Life doesn't stop him from standing from the bed, "I know, and I'm sorry. But there will come a time, one day, when you will see what I'm doing. I promise you- it will all make sense."

Dream looks at her in disbelief, "Do you think your revenge is more important than my son?"

"That isn't what this is. I'm protecting all of you! You, Orpheus and Calliope!" Life feels even that is too much information.

Dream stares at her, seeing her panic, desperation, and honesty. He shakes his head, conflicted. "I believe you, but..."

Life's eyes tear up, "I understand. He's your son."

He sighs, their relationship's quick downfall disappointing and heartbreaking for him, "I'll stay in another room."

"No." Life shakes her head, hating this will force her to get on with her plans, having previously been using her powers to push the events back, "I won't stay in the Dreaming."

"Where will you go?" Dream can't help but ask, knowing he can't change her mind about staying, though the Dream Lord is still concerned for her, despite his inability to get past her dismissal of his son's suffering in favour of her plans.

"Where I need to be."

Life hesitates but goes with what she wants to do, kissing Dream on the cheek before backing away and fading from The Dreaming, leaving a heartbroken Dream Lord.

She takes a deep breath, looking around at the darkness surrounding her, her heart heavy and burdened. Another deep breath filters through her unneeded lungs, her power swelling for the second time that day. Her powers explode from her body, making the corners of her lips turn up slightly as she watches the darkness conform to her wishes.

The Void is mine now.

Thanks for reading.

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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If I Were To Dream, I Would Dream Of You

Part 7 of La Mechancete De La Vie.

Warnings: Dream Helps Calliope. Life Gets A Bit Self-Conscious. Dream and Life Define Their Relationship. Fade To Black Sexy Times. Life Contemplates Her Next Move, While Matthew Esencially Interrogates Her. She Gives A Little More Insight Into Her Powers.

Word Count: 1.4k

A/N: This is the last chapter set within the Netflix show. All the chapters after this will be based on the comics.

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The succession of events that was the Vortex, the reveal of Desire's meddling, and Dream's threatening of his sibling in response; had left very little time for Dream and Life to spend together.

Though this time, Life didn't mind the distance as much, as she had come to accept this would happen when she realised she fell for the King of the Dreaming.

Who enters the room she's staying in, his room- he has yet to provide her with one of her own, not that she minds- as Life finds a lot of comfort in being surrounded by him.

She senses his eyes on her, watching her read on his balcony. She turns her head to look at him, causing the Endless to walk towards her, onto the balcony and sit next to her. Life looks at him, really looks at him, "Go."

Dream looks at her, surprise in his eyes.

"Go. Calliope needs your help." She smiles softly at Dream, "Go."

He kisses her, causing a surprised sound to leave her mouth. Dream parts from her, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Concentrate on helping Calliope." She says as she watches him stand, her eyelids blinking more rapidly as sand envelops him and he disappears.

Life can't help but wonder why he was surprised. Was it so unlike her to encourage helping someone? Or was it something else? She lingers on the memory, dissecting the moment.

What was he worried about? Did he think I would be jealous Calliope re-entered his world of existence? Am I jealous? What does jealousy feel like? I don't feel any different.

Life sighs, casting it out of her mind and continuing her book- The Mark of Athena, finding the author's characterisation of Greek and Roman Gods rather amusing and surprisingly accurate.

It's a few days before she sees Dream again. The Endless devotes himself to freeing Calliope, something she can't help but admire about him, how much he cares.

She feels him enter the Dreaming, his string telling her Calliope is now free. Life rises from her chair in the library, nodding to Lucienne as she passes her on the way to the throne room. She enters just as Dream does, "How is she?"

Dream jumps slightly, having not sensed her or realised she was close. "Calliope is well. She's on her way back to Greece."

"I'm glad." She smiles at Dream, "And the author?"

"He has no memory of Calliope or myself."

Life raises an eyebrow, "Merciful, considering what he's done."

"She asked I let him go, so I did."

"Hmm, no desire for revenge, that one." Her head dips as she chuckles, something twinging inside her- before raising it again, "Cute."

Dream hums, admiring Calliope's ability to forgive, before he tilts his head at Life, sensing something amiss with her.

She smiles at him, amused and confused. "You did think I'd be jealous of her coming back into your life."

"You're not."

Life shakes her head. "I have no reason to be."

"Then what bothers you?"

"You admire her ability to forgive, her lack of want for revenge. I have often thought my need for revenge troubles you. And it confuses me, considering how quickly you got your own on Alex Burgess."

"I understand why it would, and I admit it has bothered me."

Life hums, annoyed at the hypocrisy, but knows he has more to say, so she waits for him to continue.

Dream eyes her, sensing her emotions. "I know you intended to kill everyone involved in your imprisonment. And as much as I disagree with what they did to you..."

"They're still your siblings."

Dream nods, glad she understands, "Why didn't you? Kill them. Any of them."

"Because it would hurt you. And that's something I never want to do. Ever." She smirks as a thought crosses her mind, "Though I'm perfectly content with pissing them off on occasion."

"I dread to think." Dream chuckles, "Thank you."

Life nods, watching Dream move closer, then stopping a breath away and pressing his lips against her forehead in a soft peck. "Why did you think I would be jealous of Calliope?"

"I often forget this is new to you." Dream's hand reaches up to caress her cheek, "Jealousy can happen in relationships sometimes, even when there is no need for it."

"We're in a relationship?" She raises an eyebrow at him, making him frown. She continues, "We never defined what we are. And I know that's supposed to be a part of the process."

"I suppose you're right." Dream chuckles, relieved her remark was only out of confusion, "Will you be mine?"

Life grins at him, feeling cheeky, "I already am yours."

Dream huffs playfully, "Will you be mine and mine alone? Forever?"

"Ooh, that's a long time." She teases him, giggling when he wraps his arms around her waist, lifting her and spinning them around slightly with the ease of an Endless, "Only if you're mine forever."

"Deal." He seals it with a kiss.

Life sighs in contentment and wraps her legs around his hips as she reciprocates, pleased when the Endless grips her tighter, and their kiss becomes heated.

The night is long and full of warmth as the two beings consummate their relationship. The day that follows in the Dreaming prospers from a mix of Dreams and Life's powers in the form of a beautiful day and happy and lively scenery, making the resident rather curious about what caused their sovereign's cheerful mood.

Life chuckles, amused, as their strings sing their confusion, observing from where she sits in the palace garden, looking out the window overlooking the Dreaming as she becomes lost within her thoughts, as she had been on and off for the past few hours, thinking about and planning her next moves.

She's quickly pulled out of her mind when a flurry of flapping wings gets closer, stopping next to her. She watches in her peripheral, amused, as Matthew shifts his feet, where he's perched on the back of the bench.

"The boss man sent me to check on you- said you've been here a while." Matthew caws nervously.

"You can tell him I'm fine, just thinking."

Matthew nods, wanting to leave but pausing and then shifting on the spot, uncomfortable, as he gains the courage to ask the question that had been bugging him for a while. "Why didn't you help with the Vortex?"

She looks at Matthew, making him flinch back slightly. "I didn't need to interfere. I knew everything would work out just fine."

"How could you know that for certain?" Matthew can't help but ask, despite fearing pissing her off with his questions, her quick temper quite notorious at this point in time.

"I see everything, Matthew. All that was, all that could have been. All that is and what could be." Her voice trails off, almost overwhelmed by her power as she's come to embrace it to its full extent, something she had never felt the need to do before, leaving herself blind for most of her existence.

"I think that would drive me insane." Matthew stares at Life as she smiles, understanding, not for the first time, why Morpheus is so infatuated with her, despite the raven's prominent fear of her. "I thought seeing everything was Destiny's thing."

"And the Kindly Ones. But like every being of power, theirs was a gift from me- it's partly why no one can see me, why I can hide from everyone if I so choose."

"Is that why everyone is afraid of you? Because you can..." Matthew pauses, unsure how to continue.

"Because I gave them everything? And could just as effortlessly take it away? Yes, I imagine so- if they came to that conclusion." Life goes back to staring out at the Dreaming.

"Would you?"

Life looks at him with confusion. "Would I what?"

"Would you take their power? Anyone's?" Matthew asks, tilting his head, wondering what Morpheus makes of their conversation as he makes himself known in Matthew's mind, urging the raven to leave Life alone as she slips in and out of her thoughts.

The Dream Lord feels her mind wanting to distance itself from reality from the other side of the palace, where he's redecorating the two anthropomorphic being's now shared chambers, filling the space with plant life of his own making, figuring out a while ago that she likes the creations of nature the most, but leaving room for Life to do her own thing, should she want to.

"I could, but no, I wouldn't, 'cause then I'd have to take on the responsibilities connected to those powers, and I have enough of my own." Life looks towards Fiddler's Green, only able to see some of him from where she's sat, but enough to enjoy the scenery. She hears Matthew fly away, losing herself in her thoughts once again.

Thank you for reading!

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kitkatpadywaks · 1 year

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Life & Death

Part 6 of La Mechancete De La Vie.

Warnings: Life Finally Talks To Death. Dream Is Nearly An Entirely Silent Observer. Life Finally Says Why She Is The Way She Is. It Makes Death Realise Some Things, But It Doesn't Matter. Life Leaves Her With An Ominous Warning. Dream Confront Her About It. Life Gets A Bit Sappy Because Dream Sees Her.

Word Count: 2k

A/N: Life and Death finally talk! I've been impatiently waiting to write this chapter as I've had their conversation planned since the day I came up with this series. Hope you enjoy it!

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The two beings materialise in the mortal world under a willow tree, Dream stumbling slightly, staying upright only because of Life, whose way of travelling is quite different to his own.

"Shall I speak in this encounter, or would you prefer I remain a quiet observer?"

"You can if you want or should you feel the need to."

Dream nods, their intertwined hands swing between them as they walk through the poppy field, where Death waits in the middle, glaring at Life.

"Hello, Death." Life stops walking when she sees Death tense at her proximity, only relaxing when she sees Life won't be getting closer.

"Life." Death keeps her voice emotionless, "Why is my brother here?"

Life smiles at Death, making her more unnerved than she already is, "We need to talk, there are some things he needs to hear, and I rather not repeat myself- you know I despise to do so."

"What's there to talk about? You murdered people."

"Oh, everyone loves to bring that up." Life laughs, Dream squeezing her hand in warning, "I am incapable of ending someone's existence 'before their time'."

Death scoffs, "Even if that's true. Who are you to decide that?"

Life takes a deep breath, quelling her temper, "I am the only one with the knowledge, capability and power to decide that. I have always, always been the one to make those decisions."

"You still killed innocent people, Life!"

"Innocent!?" Life scoffs, "They were going to watch an actually innocent woman burn! Do you know how many they had already watched die!? How many more they'd watch!? And that's just the village people!"

Death flinches at the volume of Life's voice, her body tensing when she feels Life rein in a burst of power, but not before the poppies surrounding them double in height and size.

"Do you know how many people lived because those Witchhunters are dead? All the women and children that got to live."

"I can't deny humans can be horrible. But we don't interfere, ever. We let humans go about their lives as they see fit, even when it's hard to watch. You may be the only one with the power, but it shouldn't mean you decide."

"Then who should?" Dream interrupts, feeling awkward from watching the 'friends' fight.

Death stares at her brother in silence, making Life laugh.

"So much to say, and yet you have no answers." Life mocks, making Death glare at her.

"I only know it shouldn't be you."

"Don't be mad just cause you can no longer dictate my existence." Life snaps, clenching her jaw and staring into the distance to stop herself from losing her temper as a thought dawns on her, "It pisses me off it took me so long to realise; we were never friends. You didn't care about me- you only cared about controlling me."

"That's not true..." Death starts.

Life scoffs, knowing Death truly believes it- if only she could see what Life sees, "Do you know what my entire existence has been, why I exist?"

"Life, I don't..." Death shakes her head, exasperated.

"To be used, to fuel the visions of others. I didn't exist to have anything for myself. I don't have a realm. I don't have my own creations. I'm not allowed, friends or love." Life's voice cracks. "I can't have anything. Because what? It shows favouritism. We can't have anyone's realm or existence thrive more than others. Like I can't control my own power!? Do you think me so incapable of controlling myself!? I have done nothing but control myself for as long as I have existed!"

"Life..." Death whispers, surprised at the tears falling down Life's face. She had never thought about it like that, but she supposed that was the point- she'd never thought about it.

Life inhales a shuddering breath, turning her head to look at the surrounding poppies to calm herself, to stop showing what she perceived as weakness, something she didn't want Death to see. "Who are you to decide what I can and can't have? Who are you to decide that I should be completely and utterly alone?"

Dream squeezes Life's hand and turns his head to stare his sister dead in the eye, waiting for her to say something.

"I'm sorry. I really am. But I don't believe it gives you the right to take lives as you have."

Dream can't help but look at his sister with disappointment, wanting more than anything for his favourite sibling to make up with the woman he loves. But he can see now- there is too much history, bad blood, and pain for that to happen.

"Your belief doesn't negate the truth." Life uses her free hand to wipe the tears from her face, her body aching from her emotions. "No one in existence can replace me, do the things I do- the way I do."

"We'll see."

Life rolls her eyes, squeezing Dream's hand to ground herself, "No, we won't. You know, I really wanted us to be friends. But I can see that's not possible. You will never understand me or my true purpose."

Death raises her eyebrow, feeling Life's powers swelling, and she snaps before she can even think, "What's your plan, Life?! You can't kill me, Destiny or The Kindly Ones. Everyone says you're going to get your revenge. But you can't touch us. You didn't even kill The Gods. And they're nothing to you."

"Oh. I have a plan." Life smirks at Death, purely to make her squirm on the spot when she sees the same look in her eye she had just before they locked her in her prison, "Janus will get what's coming to him, as will anyone else who tries to move against me. And as for you, Destiny and the Kindly Ones. Well, you'll have to wait and see."

Death frowns at Life and then at Dream, who watches Life with admiration and adoration she hasn't seen him feel for a long time. She tries to get Dream to look her in the eye to warn him and to ask him how he thinks a relationship with Life will end and what she'll do to him when it does.

Life tilts her head, "You think so little of me."

Death glares at Life, "Stay out of my head!"

"I wasn't in your head!" Life snaps before taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, "Your thoughts are just incredibly noisy; I'm surprised the whole world couldn't hear them."

Death rolls her eyes, "So what will you do? Huh? How will you get your revenge? What will you do to my brother when things end badly between you?"

Dream frowns at Death, not liking the implication that their relationship will inevitably end. He knows he hasn't always been the best at relationships, but that doesn't mean Dream can't eventually get it right like he wants to; with Life.

"If things end badly, I won't do anything..." Life ignores Death's disbelieving scoff, "I have and will never have any desire to harm Dream."

"How do you know that?" Death raises an eyebrow at her, "How do you know your feelings won't change?"

"I know everything, Death."

"You didn't know we were going to imprison you." Death can't help but dig at her, smirking.

"Yeah, well, that was more bad judgement in trusting you than a lapse in my power." Life smirks back at Death, "You won't ever have that advantage again- I can tell you that with certainty."

Death's smirk drops, and she looks away from Life, a sense of dread washing over her, "And your revenge?" She tries to stop her voice from shaking but fails, making Life amused.

"You're wrong- I can touch you. I can kill you if I want."

Dream looks at Life, alarmed, not expecting her to even think of crossing that line.

"But I won't. I won't do anything to you, Destiny or the Kindly Ones." She gives Dream a quick smile, "Except make you watch me spend the rest of my existence in happiness, free of you. And there will come a time, in the not-so-far future, when I will make you mad beyond imagination, but ultimately, you will thank me for it. Goodbye, Death. I truly hope you find peace in your existence."

Life tugs on Dream's hand, signalling she wants to leave. Dream nods at Death, following Life as she walks away from the confused Death.

They walk until they reach the willow tree they originally arrived under, and Life stops to look up at the tree as sunlight filters through the leaves, taking in a deep breath of fresh air.

I've missed this. Life thinks, closing her eyes.

"What did you mean?" Dream asks, the corner of his lips turning up when she hums in question, too busy enjoying the sun to speak, "When you said you would make her mad, but she would thank you?"

Life opens her eyes and looks at Dream, her spare hand lifting to move the strands of hair from his forehead. She smiles at him when he gently grabs it and presses his lips to the back of her hand. "You'll see."

"You won't tell me?" Dream pulls her close, startling her, his hands moving down to grip her waist.

"I can't. To tell you what happens, this close to this event happening would change things, and I can't see a way for me to intervene like I want to."

"It has to do with me, doesn't it?"

Life reluctantly nods, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "How'd you figure that out?" She says with a teasing grin on her face.

Dream smirks at her, "What else would make my sister mad but my involvement with you?"

Life wishes it was that simple, but she smiles nonetheless. "Fair enough." She pauses, her smile dropping, "I'm truly sorry I have to keep this from you- it's not something I ever want to do."

"I trust you."

Life tears up at that, not realising until that moment how much it would mean to her to be trusted by someone she cares about. "Why?"

Dream pauses, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts, "When you showed me your powers, I didn't just see what you see. I felt your emotions, your desire to be left alone to do your job without interference, and how little you care for the feuds and trouble. I felt how you want to exist without being perceived so you can finally live without someone wanting to control you. I know all you want is some peace and quiet, so I know you wouldn't do something to anger people unless it's fundamentally important to you."

"I didn't know you could access..." Life shakes her head but continues when she sees Dream's confused look, "I've never let anyone see how my powers work- I didn't know you could see all of that. I didn't know it was possible."

"I thought you could see everything?" Dream can't help but tease her.

Life shrugs, "I've been trying not to access your string, realised it was pretty intrusive, and I don't want to violate your privacy."

"I appreciate that, but like I said- I trust you, so I don't mind you looking into my string."

"Thank you." Life smiles at him and runs her hand through his hair.

Dream leans forward, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before pulling back, "Back to The Dreaming?"

She hesitates, temporarily disconnecting from her consciousness to evaluate how much power she has stored away. Life reemerges to see Dream looking at her with concern, "For a little while. I have enough power now to give Janus what he deserves."

"Will you come back?"

"Yes. After I've talked to the Gods again."

"You mean threatened them."

Life smirks at Dream, shrugging innocently. "Same difference. Now, are we using my way of transportation or yours?"

"Mine. Definitely mine. I'm never travelling your way ever again." Dream pulls her closer.

Life laughs, thoroughly amused by his resolute tone, as sand surrounds the two beings, echoing across the nearby fields. The crops grow in size, and flowers of all kinds, extinct and not, sprout from the ground as the trees perk up, their broken branches healing from the damage of humans. The two beings disappear from the mortal realm, leaving it a little brighter- Life's happiness making the world so much more alive than it had been in centuries.

Thank you for reading.

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