citylogs | [closed] catch-all log for December

[ Hob is both surprised and curious. Dream doesn't have to give him anything, but insisting upon that won't change Dream's mind, he's sure. ]

All that is mine is yours, old friend. What do you require?

[ it would not change his mind now that he's decided on it, no. ]

Some bauble or trinket that you would not mind parting with.

Hm.

[ Hob doesn't keep many baubles or trinkets. Nothing like jewelry. A thought brings him over to the bookcaase where he keeps a few things for his guitar. When he returns to Dream, he offers a guitar pick. ]

Will this do?

[ he takes it, laying the blanket on the back of his chair for now, his thumb rubbing it while he holds it in his palm. ]

Yes. You've held this while in both focus and contemplation, infusing it with your thoughts.

[ his other hand closes over the badge, covering it completely. Morpheus says ... something ... and it feels like it's something Hob should know, like if he listens more closely he can parse the meaning of it. before he can catch it though, Morpheus's hands separate, now holding a chain with a pendant hanging from it. the pendant has a design of a yew tree in the center surrounded by some sort of wording that's difficult to read? or to understand? translate?

Morpheus holds it out to Hob. ]

Edited 2023-12-27 17:01 (UTC)

[ Hob watches with total fascination. He hasn't seen Dream perform magic quite like this before. He can't quite make out the words, but then it's done and Dream is holding out a pendant, instead.

Hob has to resist the urge to applaud. ]

Oh, it's fantastic. Thank you.

[ He accepts the pendant and holds it in his palm to study the markings. ]

What does it say?

"Standing the test of time."

[ he drops his hands once Hob takes the necklace. ]

It will allow me to locate you, should you be in danger. If you are ever in need, hold the pendant with your hand, and call for me. I will come to you.

[ Hob smiles at the words and at the true purpose of the necklace. Given what occurred only a month ago, he thinks it's a great idea. ]

Thank you, Dream. This gift is invaluable.

[ He looks down at it again, running his thumb over the etching, then lifts the necklace by the chain and places it over his head so it can hang against his chest. ]

[ he watches Hob put it on, only his eyes moving as they flick up as it goes over his head then down as it settles against Hob's chest. he gives a subtle nod when he sees it there. ]

I would ask that you keep its purpose to yourself, of course.

Of course.

[ He looks down at the pendant and holds it in his hand, as though to protect it. ]

Could I... tell Loki it's for protection?

[ A weak smile. ]

He gets a bit jealous, I think. Of you.

[ as he holds it, Dream's posture straightens a little more, like something just caught his attention. his eyes remain fixed on Hob's though. ]

Ah ... yes. Perhaps it would be best that he was made aware of its presence rather than finding my influence on you by his own power.

Thank you for understanding.

[ He hopes Loki won't be jealous that Hob received a gift, but he thinks the god will appreciate that it's meant to protect him.

As Dream's posture changes a bit, Hob blinks and looks down at the amulet he's clutching. ]

Oh, sorry. Did I activate it or something?

Not as such, but as close as we are in this moment, I am sensitive to your focus on it while being held. A different sensation to that than if you had actually called for me but felt nonetheless.

[ then Dream's eyes flick down to the pendant in his hands briefly, then even more briefly catch Hob's eyes before focusing back on the necklace. like he's suddenly hesitant about something. ]

Was he accepting of the other ... incident? I presumed as much, only you had never said after you went to explain.

I see.

[ He had better be careful about playing with it, then. To ensure he doesn't, Hob takes the amulet and drops it down into his shirt so it rests against his chest.

When Dream mentions the 'incident', Hob flushes a bit and nods. ]

Yeah, everything's fine. He saw what happened, and it bothered him, but I smoothed things over.

[ And got a hell of a kiss out of it. ]

I see. Was that the source of his jealousy?

Yes, but I reassured him, and everything is fine now.

[ What else would the source be? ]

I suppose it hasn't come up between you and Vanessa. Loki has such strong emotions. I think he could be easily hurt.

[ So naturally, Hob will take care to ensure that doesn't happen. The mistletoe was out of his control. ]

It has not, as I do not believe she was witness.

[ who knows what else the source could be, man, he seemed to have a problem with Dream before so. but he tilts his head just slightly. ]

Easily hurt?

Edited 2023-12-28 05:22 (UTC)

[ Hob can only hope that whatever has Loki on edge about Dream is starting to fade, at least a little. He did agree to get help from Dream, which is a huge step. ]

He may have a reputation, and perhaps he hasn't always made the right choices, but he has a tender heart. I don't want to hurt him.

[ that actually causes Dream to frown lightly, for some reason? ]

Are you aware of his ... status?

Status? What status?

[ Hob looks a little wary for a moment. Oh God, what if Loki were actually betrothed or something to another god back home? Or he was destined to be with someone specific? No, Loki would mention that, Hob thinks. ]

That is, his state before he arrived in this City.

His state..?

[ It takes Hob a few moments to realize what Dream means, but when it dawns on him, there's some sorrow in Hob's eyes, heavy enough that he looks away. ]

Yes, he told me. But he's not dead now, so I think he must have a second chance to do things differently.

[ Loki can lead a better life than he did before, right? That's a whole lot of hope Hob is placing on the unknown. ]

I see.

[ Morpheus raises his hand to Hob's shoulder, somewhat awkwardly, giving it a light squeeze. ]

It is good that he informed you then, so that you would not be blindsided later.

[ Hob is surprised the touch, meant to comfort, he thinks, even if it's a bit awkward coming from Dream. He appreciates the gesture, though, and lifts his hand to place it on top of Dream's on his shoulder. ]

I admit to being upset when I heard of it, but circumstances are different now. I have to believe that counts for something.

[ it's still a little awkward, but he keeps his hand there under Hob's instead of dropping it. ]

Have the circumstances changed?

Well, yes. He's here. Alive.

[ That's a very big change, Hob thinks. ]

This could alter everything, don't you think?

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