Envoy's state in Gateway Town has been fairly noneventful, compared to how things often are with the "Aeolun" otherwise. Perhaps the most alarming event was when she approached some Titanians, and learned that when Titanians intend to "get smashed" at a party, it's best not to accompany them. Fortunately, Envoy emerged from the resultant catastrophe merely battered and bruised, and yet again her amazing regenerative powers have proven to come in quite handy.

At last, however, her letter of passage from the Khattan Emir has prompted the keepers of the Tower, however begrudgingly, to devote an opening of the gateway to allow Envoy passage to whatever world she wishes.

Envoy is alone in the Tower, and the glass "window" that shattered to allow her to enter has since sealed itself once more with her passage. Primus System is hers to explore.

Choosing the portal for Morpheus, Envoy steps up to it and waits for the connection to resolve itself.

The window showing the way outside dims and solidifies to a dull gray stone, while the stone surface in front of Envoy becomes translucent, and shows an image of the gray expanse of Morpheus, complete with crystal structures. The view is partially obscured by bars of Sifran crystal. The luminescent orb in the center of the room corresponding to Morpheus glows more brightly, and there is a faint line that stretches between it and the orb representing Sinai.

Envoy takes a deep breath and reaches out to the window, hoping the disorientation of transit won't be as bad this time as when she travelled to Fortunatis.

What follows is an interlude of being stretched out in ways that defy known laws of physics, and – aside from illusion – are beyond the ability of Sinai magic, as she knows it, to replicate. It is no more pleasant an experience than before, and perhaps the fact that she has done this before might be some small comfort … but somehow, it seems almost new … or as if she simply wasn't fully experiencing its true weirdness to quite the degree that she does now. It takes a while before she finally realizes that she is actually at the other end, in the crystal chamber on the world of Morpheus … and that the crystal "cage" surrounding the chamber is slowly receding, as shards split away and sink into the silty soil, freeing the room from its grasp.

Envoy focuses her mind on what she had for breakfast that morning, in order to make sure she's thinking in the present again. Once she feels oriented once more, she walks over to one of the unobstructed windows and presses her palm against it.

As it ought to, the window promptly cracks … and then the shards recede into the frame. The wind blows a cloud of "mist" into the window … which promptly settles on the floor, as soon as it crosses the threshhold and hits Sinai-level gravity.

Stepping out onto the surface of the planet, Envoy blinks and readjusts her balance to the different gravity. "Morpheus?" she calls into the mists.

Another gust of silty clouds reminds Envoy that it's probably a good idea to wear a cloth to cover the face. "Hello, Envoy," Morpheus says, his shadow separating from a cluster of crystal spires thrusting up from the soil nearby. "Welcome."

Envoy nearly jumps at Morpheus' sudden appearance, which in the lower gravity would have probably been pretty spectacular, since she was distracted by tying on a handkerchief to filter out the dust. "Oh! You startled me. Sorry."

Morpheus bows in a gentlemanly manner. "My apologies for the dust. I haven't such command over the physical part of my domain as I do over dreams."

Envoy blushes behind her handkerchief, much to her own surprise. "Really? I brought you a bar of Xocholatl, but I don't know if you can taste it or not. Are you physical at all here?"

Morpheus seems but a silhouette against the background, save for his glowing eyes, and the faint glowing whiteness of his teeth that make it clear when his mouth is open, so his expression is very difficult to read. Still, there's a faint shift to the shape of his eyes that, with some imagination, Envoy might suppose to accompany something of a smile at the mention of the bar. "That is very kind of you, but it would be of no use to me, save as a memento of your visit. I am physical here only insofar as my command of the elements is sufficient to make a form for myself … but I am not physical in the same sense as you are, dear Envoy."

The Aeolun seems to take a moment to consider this, then says, "Once I have my magic back, I'll see about making you a useable body then, in case you need one. Are you alright otherwise, getting your strength back?" She puts her hands behind her back and rocks on her heels a bit, since the handkerchief probably hides her smile.

"Yes," Morpheus says, and demonstrates, as the air seems to shimmer around Envoy, and, with a sound of wind chimes ringing somewhere unseen, a small table wrought of crystal and caught pieces of stone forms, and a couple of chairs. "I would offer you mateh, but I haven't any, and my ability to present such an illusion to the waking world is … unpredictable, at best."

Envoy's eyes widen at the sight of crystal being so easily molded, and takes a seat in one of the chairs. "This is amazing! Could you do it to any Sifran crystal, if some you made here was brought into contact with it?" she asks, running her fingers over the surface of the table.

Morpheus shakes his head, and takes a seat in the other chair, shifting his wings as he settles down. "Actually, no. There are many varieties of Sifran crystal, I am inclined to believe. Even here, there is some of it that I cannot affect. Some of it forms a sort of network running through the crust of this planet."

Nodding, Envoy says, "I suppose that makes sense. That network is … well … you, I think. I wouldn't want to rearrange my own nervous system if I wasn't sure of the result." In a somewhat disappointed voice, she adds, "But I guess this means you couldn't affect the crystal the Gateway Towers are made from either?" Visions of repairing the Primus Gateway flit through her mind.

Morpheus shakes his head again. "I cannot do a thing about the crystal chamber." He points at the one housing the gateway Envoy just arrived from. "I can, however, surround it with more pliable Sifran crystal, thus restricting any unbidden visitors to only observing this world from its confines." He shrugs. "I honestly cannot say that it is beyond my ability. Perhaps, given time, given experimentation, and given greater power, I might be able to do more than I can now. But these are things unknown to me, and not even could I enter the dreams of all of Sinai unbidden would I find one to tell me of these things, I am fairly certain."

Envoy hmms. "Are you still afraid of contacting the Sifran artifact on Fortunatis?" she asks. "Now that you know it was the Babelite Mages harassing you back then, and not Fortunatis, that is."

"I am … reluctant," Morpheus says. "I would like to be more confident in my own strength before I tackle an unknown of that proportion."

"That seems wise," Envoy agrees, and clasps her hands together on top of the table. "Has everything else been alright? No nightmares stalking the place or intrusive Dream Mages? Nobody trying to worship you or start a new religion based on dreams or anything?"

"Not to my knowledge," Morpheus confesses. "I am not omniscient. My view of the world is only what is glimpsed through occasional pieces of dreams that come my way unbidden, and through the magical dreams of mages – likewise beyond my control."

Envoy tilts her head slightly, and asks, "Are you happy? Would you prefer a more coherent view of the world than what you get from dreams?"

"Having that as an option would be far preferable, I should think," the bat-cat silhouette says, putting a hand to his chin in a thoughtful pose, as he turns to look off toward the tower with the blinking red light atop it. "This may sound terribly strange, but during my captivity with the Royal Babelite Mages, I saw a great deal more of the world – however filtered it might be through Babelite eyes – than I do now, safely back in my proper place. I would never willingly go back to such a situation, even if I could, but I have to admit that it has caused me to miss that aspect of our little … 'adventure'."

Envoy grins behind her filter. "So, you can receive information from waking minds then, under the right circumstances? I was wondering if the … communicator … I asked you about could also be used to let you share my experiences. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be willing to do that … at least, plenty of Dream Mages anyway."

"The 'right circumstances' rarely present themselves," Morpheus says. "Alas, I do not think that I can create such a 'communicator'. However, I did make a token to take with you, in the hopes that you might find it useful."

Envoy perks up a bit. "I'll be able to reach you in my dreams without magic?" she asks, sounding hopeful.

"Unlikely," Morpheus says, and even though he is described by a silhouette, his body language is still enough to convey a hint of dejection at this. "It does not quite work that way."

Envoy hides her own disappointment, and says, "Well, anything is better than nothing! What can it do?"

The cat-bat leans forward, reaches under the table, then when he pulls his arms back out, he is holding an ornately formed box made of layers of thin crystal, faceted in so many ways that whatever is inside is thoroughly hidden. Simulated "ribbons" run across it, and the surface dances with glittering specks of light. The box makes a slight chiming sound as Morpheus sets it squarely down in the center of the table. "For you." He then releases it, and returns to his chair.

Envoy's mouth opens in an 'O', which her overall expression no doubt conveys above the dust mask. "You … you gift-wrapped it!" She draws the box to her and carefully tries to open it.

At Envoy's touch, the crystal "ribbon" breaks apart, making it considerably more easy to get to the lid.

Envoy slowly lifts the lid and sets it aside before looking into the box.

Teardrops of crystal rest within a framework formed by delicately carved patterns of intertwining lines of smooth gray-silver stone, glittering both by the reflected light of the stars and their own faint luminescence, forming a curiously shaped piece that seems at first to have little form to it, until Envoy recognizes it as a variation upon a crown … a variation designed to accomodate and accentuate the unique form of a ki'rin's horn.

Speechlessly, she lifts it out of the box and slips it onto her head.

To the credit of Morpheus, it fits perfectly, though Envoy might have to adjust a few hairs of her mane blown astray and caught underneath the stone and crystal-work.

Eyes twinkling, Envoy asks Morpheus, "How does it look?"

Morpheus' eyes glow warmly. "You look spectacular."

Envoy runs a finger along the front of the crown, where it flows around her horn. "It's like a halo. Does this make me an angel?" She giggles. "You are a god of sorts, after all."

"If I am a god," Morpheus says, "then you may certainly be an angel. Do you approve?"

"Oh yes!" Envoy answers, nodding enthusiastically! "It's so beautiful and … dreamlike!" She nearly bounces out of her chair from motion, given the lower gravity. "Should I wear it when I sleep?" she asks.

Morpheus makes a faint sigh. "I do not think it will make the least bit of difference, unless you have a dream mage to assist you. Toward that end, it should make the connection more easy … but without dream magic to provide the link, this will not bridge that gap. As for the utility it may provide you … " He stands, then reaches over and waves his hand over Envoy's brow. The gems glitter and glow faintly. "It may react in interesting ways to magic – or to Sifran energies. It may be of use to warn you of the presence of such things where there should not be any."

Envoy's face brightens up. "That will be very useful! I'm sure my quest will lead me into places made by the Sifrans. And when I've got my power back, I should be able to learn enough Dream Magic to make the connection myself, right?"

Morpheus nods. "That would be my hope."

Leaving her chair, Envoy comes around the table to hug the silhouette! "Thank you!"

For a silhouette, he feels surprisingly solid, though the experience is best described as hugging an animate statue. He slowly and carefully returns the hug. "You are very welcome."

"I wish you could come with me to Abaddon," Envoy whispers. "I don't suppose you've ever seen a dream from there?"

"Alas, no, I have not," Morpheus says. "At the very least, not while the dreamer was actually there. I do … sense the other worlds. Magic in the sense that may be practiced on Sinai may not work there, but they are not unconnected – or else, I suppose, the Gateways would not work. But there is no connection strong enough for me to have much to do there, sad to say."

Envoy lets go of Morpheus, and says to him, "Eventually you will, I'm sure of it. Maybe by the time you've learned how to make an ansible out of Sifran crystal, I'll have managed to make a remote body for you! Then you could go anywhere you wanted!"

Morpheus nods. "It is something to look forward to." He holds Envoy's hand for a moment longer, then gently lets go. "I would very much appreciate it, if you could show me many things worth seeing. I have perhaps seen them through dreams … but dreams and reality are never quite the same."

"Well, at least my memories are still in high definition when I dream," Envoy says, grinning. "If nothing else, I can play them back for you. It's not as good as having your own experiences, but at least that way you'll know what to expect."

Morpheus says, "It's very considerate of you. I would appreciate that. Your perspective on the world is very different than most."

"That's just because I see what's really there," Envoy explains. "I'm not as good at filtering and massaging reality as most people are yet, but I can usually fake it," she says proudly.

"'Massaging reality'," Morpheus repeats. "An interesting way of putting it."

"Well, the first step to sapience is learning how to ignore enough to be able to think abstractly," the Aeolun says, then gets an odd look. "Although, frankly, that seems to suggest that ignorance is the route to intelligence. I'll have to refine that idea a bit more I think, before dropping it on some poor unsuspecting philosopher."

"It might be more palatable," Morpheus suggests, "if you described it as the ability to focus on a task, and putting aside distractions, rather than 'ignoring' in such broad terms."

Envoy brightens up. "That's much better, yes. I'll have to try out experimentally, perhaps with vermites. Barabbas can show me how."

"Experimenting … with vermites?" Morpheus echoes. "Are you deliberately trying to goad me into asking you what you are talking about?"

Envoy blinks a few times. "Oh, sorry. It's just that vermites are one of the special species Barabbas found. He's this ancient Nohbakhim Mage of Earth and Life, who discovered that some species on Sinai have a sort of … modularity … to them. He was able to create all sorts of new combinations of animals that shared the trait, and figured they were meant to be parts to some sort of mechanism, but he got sick before he could find the final key to the mystery and closed up his tower and set all sorts of challenges and put himself into suspended animation." Here Envoy pauses to take a deep breath.

Morpheus nods, still listening through Envoy's monologue.

"Anyway," she continues, "I was on the expedition to his tower that finally succeeded, because I was an Earth Mage. The whole College pulled together and managed to wake up Barabbas and cure his illness then. And what with the Emir setting up a Zoological Garden and being very impressed with Barabbas, and needing more animals for the place, I volunteered to go see about capturing a Goliath from the Wandering Roams. Only instead we found the remains of an Exile expedition that mixed living forms and mechanisms together, and found out that they were the ones responsible for making all these strange animals. So that was the final bit that Barabbas had been looking for, you see."

Smiling, Envoy adds, "He's offered me his position, for when he's ready to … retire. And he gave me a seed I can use to grow my own home too. Once I get my magic back, I'm definitely going to go study with him."

"I see," Morpheus comments. "I wish you well in that endeavor."

"I'm sure I'll still be able to explore," Envoy says, looking thoughtful. "I mean, the Zoo will needs lots of animals from far off places, so I can go get them. Maybe even one of the big monsters from Levitha's Pearl, since I couldn't bring back a Goliath."

"I would far prefer it if you had gainful employment that would not jeopardize your longevity so," Morpheus comments, "but I suppose it is in your nature to be adventurous, and I cannot deny the appeal myself."

"I'm much better at being careful now," she assures. "Monsters are much less dangerous than people, in general."

"An interesting observation," Morpheus says, "and given my own experience, not one I would argue with."

"Is there anything you think I should watch out for on Abaddon?" Envoy asks, and carefully removes her crown to admire it a bit more … and also because she doubts it would be safe to wear back to Gateway City. No sense in giving people the idea they can get treasures from Morpheus.

"From what little I have gathered of it," Morpheus answers, "it is most dangerous in the canals. There is vegetation to be found there, but hazards such as disease-carrying insects, aggressive predators and parasites."

"The various nations there – at least, those near the Gateway – have an uneasy truce, and though they may not openly war on each other, it would seem that there are a great many bandits for lone travelers to be wary of," he cautions.

Envoy hmms, and nods. "I hope to find some direction there by studying the folklore, legends and other stories. I'm sure people have come across unusual sites, odd metals or metal related events … or dragons." She looks to the glittery box the crown came in. If she finds a plain looking one to keep the crown in, then maybe any bandits that stop her would be satisfied by the gaudier box alone.

"That sounds like a good way to start," Morpheus says. "I'm sure you will find something worthwhile."

Envoy smiles, glad her plan sounds viable. "I'll be going to New Zion to start. It seems one of the more … civilized cities. They seem to have a high level of general education there, and speak the same language, more or less, as Rephidim."

Morpheus nods approvingly. "That sounds good. Now then, I shall see about a place for you to spend the night. I think that the best place for you would probably be in the vessel. My mobility is limited there, but I have endeavored to tend to it and its contents. I have very little to work with here, after all."

"Is the garden still thriving?" Envoy asks, looking back towards the beacon light. "I wonder if any of the technology would work on Abaddon? Maybe I can trade it for information if it does."

"That is a distinct possibility," Morpheus says, "though I am reluctant to part with overly much of it. I consider myself more the steward than an owner. I imagine that, some day, Last-Daughter may return to reclaim something of her heritage, after all."

Envoy blinks. "I hadn't thought of that. Do you ever hear from her?"

"Yes," Morpheus says. "She still has nightmares, and they manifest as ghosts here from time to time. It is my sincerest hope that they will not disturb your stay."

"I think I'll stay in the garden then, just to be safe," Envoy says. "Do you think she'd mind if I collected some seeds?"

"Oh, I should certainly hope not," Morpheus says. "Seeds and plants come and go. If she has any objections, then I shall present myself as responsible for any possible transgression."

Envoy blinks. "I wouldn't want you to get into trouble. But you could let her know, and she can visit me in Abu Dhabi later on. Savanites on Sinai might enjoy trying some real Silent-Ones food, after all, if I can get it to grow there."

"That sounds like a worthwhile experiment," Morpheus says, nodding approvingly, and then he offers Envoy an arm. "Shall I show you the garden? Gardening is not my strength, but I would like to think that the garden looks better under my hand."

Envoy loops her arm through Morpheus'. "Lead on! I'm sure the garden will be beautiful, even if you do have a black thumb, so to speak."