DISCLAIMER:

I don't own any of these characters except my OC/OCs. This is for fun, I hope you enjoy it!

Ember Galding is a human woman who was born in the year 1369. Since the day she came to life, she has been nothing but trouble. She worried her parents at first. She never cried when she was born into the world. All she did was look around her surroundings and wanted to touch everything.

She is always getting into places she shouldn't be since she could crawl. She explored and touched everything she could. It never changed when she started to walk. Her name is the most said word in her household with her mother and father.

Then, once she was old enough and she could get out of the house, they couldn't get her back in. Not without a fuss, there was lots of kicking and screaming. They eventually had to let her go outside on her own once she was old enough to take care of herself and play outside.

No matter what, she still came back with all kinds of new cuts, bruises, and scrapes. Calling them her battle scars.

Ember's urge to explore never left her heart. Every day, her goal was to venture farther from the house. She'd explore the far reaches of her family's property, even past the village, but she never could get too far before her parents intervened. They had to have an argument with her almost every night because she refused to go back to the house. The sun going down was her parents' only concern. Somehow, she managed to stay out past dark every time. She was very convincing.

It took a long time for her to be convinced that the safety of her house and sleep was a good thing.

Finally, something was able to tame her wild heart, but only temporarily. It was when she finally learned to appreciate sleep…

To sleep meant to dream, and in them, she was her own master. She could go as far as she wanted with no restraints. No nagging parents about her safety, and no one who worries over her. There are no restrictions or rules. Whatever she wanted, wherever she wanted to go was possible in her dreams.

So, of course, even in her dreams, she explored. She fought dangerous seas on ships, ventured to every island, treaded many terrains, had the grandest of parties, and was surrounded by fellow adventurers. Telling stories and making friends along the way. She even had friends that returned in her dreams night after night.

By that age, she finally accepted that she needed to listen to her parents when they told her it's time for bed. If It was the only way to have the taste of adventure she craved, for now. Not until she was an adult and free to make her own choices.

She did eventually become an adult, and she got to do everything she wanted…

She never changed, Ember was always eager to find her next adventure. She made a promise to do it all, and she did. She didn't stop being a kid. It's like she never grew old.

In fact, she didn't…

After all this time.

After all the tedious years.

After so many nights, she suffered.

After all the dangers and horrible things she was destined to see.

She LOVED living….

Ember outlived it all, and said "Fuck you" to Death herself.

Although, it didn't quite go like that…

Ember managed to live past her expected years. 600 of them to be exact. She captured the hearts of many, yet only found ONE she ever truly loved.

Only It was a secret to everyone, to him especially. One secret he should never discover. For their friendship will end if she did, if she confessed. He was too proud for that… to even think of being someone that would hold her in his arms…

As an immortal human with no magic, with nothing to possibly offer him. There was nothing she could give him. He didn't care for money or material things.

It was only a bet that has been going on between them as the only thing keeping them bound together.

The deal that kept him curious enough to meet her every 100 years at the same place.

Or maybe it was on the edge of collapse already. They fought last time they met, and it didn't end well. This century, he might not show up at all.

Ember waited anyway in their usual meet up spot. Even if she was skeptical he would return at all, but she still held hope. Her heart ached in worry over him the longer she waited.

He's an entity that is beyond human. So, he can't fear Death. Death is his sister and he is the creator of dreams. She only discovered that through her own research of legends and myths of him. He was very secretive and mysterious. A mystery that kept her inspired after all these years and made her long to get to know him more.

Yet, no matter how much she thought about it. The more she felt, he would never see her that way. After all these years of getting to know him in their brief moments.

He would never stoop so low…

He has high standards. Obviously it has to be a powerful entity he was into, not a mortal lucky enough to escape death. No matter how devoted she is to him and only him. He may never see her as what she wants him to… as an equal…

How could she ever even begin to win his affection?

Maybe the best way to answer that question is to go to the past. The day they met….

The year of 1389, when she was in her 20s, celebrated her birthday with her newly found drinking buddies. She rightfully earned their respect after spending time in this town. They knew her as the only woman to independently run into danger. Since Ember was an adventurer at heart, longing to touch every edge of the world and beyond. To brave every storm and fight every foe who chooses to pray on innocents. She taught herself how to fight and more in order to survive.

She made it a rather great distance so far, considering all she faced. She has yet to fear death. Her biggest dream was to see it all. But, life was too short to do everything, with everything being a risk.

So, after a couple of drinks and a lot of ideas that come to mind. She gets one that was the loudest of them all. Ember's drunk self paid little mind when she spoke with her fire and ice. Not caring who or what heard her "harmless" jest, at the time. After one of her buddies decided to talk about the black death plaguing the land recently. She then spoke out her drunken truth.

"Look, I've seen The Black Death. I watched it take every soul, young and old from my village without mercy. I've left out of fear of it, it's not like I don't know what Death is… but I'm sick of running from it. Death is… Stupid…"

The men at the table rolled their eyes at her antics, one across from her speaks as he tries to take her horn away.

"You are acting foolish, Ember. Maybe slow down on the drinks, yea?"

She clutches her drink to her chest before he could take it, her eyes sharply staring at him and her words shout with a sting of determination.

"NO! I'm thinking clearly! Nobody has to die! The only reason people die… is because everyone does it. They just go along with it. But from now on, I won't die. Not me. Death can't have me! I've made up my mind, I will never die!"

She shouted raising her cup to the heavens, her confidence glowing like the sun around her. Yet her cheeks were all flushed as she swiveled back and forth in place. The man next to her gives a small chuckle, that's led with a sigh as he speaks to her with denial.

"Ember, Death comes for every man. No woman can ever make that exception either."

She turned to him, her smile still beaming,

and only spoke more confidently.

"You can never know, I just might. There's always a first for everything, maybe this woman will finally set the bar for other women to think brave like me. I'll be one of the lucky ones! There is so much to do, so much to see: I will see it all, touch every land in this realm to the next, and tell amazing stories. I will live to see everything and tell everyone all there is in this world and beyond. Just you wait and see!..."

Not too far away were two very important entities that looked like normal folk from their disguises. However, they were listening to every human in this pub, but HER voice struck out the most. And it just so happened to pique the interest of Death herself… The man that was standing next to her was Dream, who accompanied her.

Dream was here to understand his purpose for his kingdom, the reason he had all his power, and why it was all to serve these… humans… So he was there to mingle among them, to see from their perspective.

His own power goes beyond mere jests, but this woman's statement made him question if she could really mean the words she said. The words of a mortal woman no less. So, his curiosity got the better of him when he spoke to his sibling. A small smile curving across his face in interest.

"Why would any sensible creature crave an eternity of this?"

"You can find out."

This piqued his attention entirely to Death, as his sister's lips twisted to a playful grin.

"How?"

He asked.

"I could grant her her wish."

A bigger smile gracing his lips in turn, this trip might not have been wasted after all.

"Do that, and she will be begging for death within a century. I assure you."

"This will prove rather interesting then."

For once he could agree. It was proving to be a rather intriguing little experiment. One he would be delighted to see it through personally.

He looked over to the woman once more, Seeming to fully take in her appearance this time.

Her gorgeous long red wavy hair, wild and free. Her bright green eyes reminded him of the warmth of Fiddler's Green meadows. Her skin was fair and bright. She could flash her lovely smile to get her anywhere she wanted.

Her dreams were always the ones with the grandest of adventures. Surprisingly she already had his eyes on her for a long time. She was a kind soul to others but still selfish deep down. So, she was already a curious creature to him, before she got death's attention. He turned out to be all too exhillerated to see what everlasting life will do to change her.

The man on the other side of Ember spoke up.

"What will you do with all that life?"

"I'll find better friends than you boys, I can tell you that."

They laughed together without a care of the outside ears and prowlers. Ember was only inspired by her false confidence caused by the overconsumption of alcohol. None of them were at all concerned or aware of one among them at the table… who just got her wish.

Her wish seemed harmless at first. However she was about to have the experience of a lifetime because of it…. Death was more than happy to see how it turns out.

"Are you going to tell her or should I?"

Death looked to her brother who's stare never left the mortal woman. She was honestly surprised to see him so eager to participate.

He meant it when he wanted to see this project through personally. He actually was excited for something pertaining to a human for once. He'd be damned if he'd let his sister take this experiment from him. Especially when it's been so long since he's had inspiration like this.

"I shall."

Death's curiosity was no longer with the mortal, for now it was held by her little brother. He actually volunteered for something, for a mortal woman no less. He seemed all too well and eager to be first to the project. Which was more than she thought she'd get out of him.

She saw that glow in his eyes once before, only when he looked at his past relationships before they became his lovers.

After all this time, is it possible? There was a mortal that made the exception once before, but that was a very long time ago…. Back when he loved the name Kai'ckul.

Something was different about this human…

A Human and an Endless in love was forbidden a long time ago, but laws are changing. Rules are so eager to be broken…

Ember made Death feel hope… for Dream… For her little brother to finally grow a heart for humans once more.

Death had high hopes for this woman. The air around Ember is so bright, it was like she was a living dream. Yet, she was completely human. So, the Lord of Dreams never had a reason to interact with this mortal, until now.

Is this a happy coincidence? Or maybe it could be Destiny at play… He never intervenes unless it's necessary.

He might decide to be kind to his little brother for once. Just maybe, Destiny set Ember on his path. It isn't impossible, but it would be a one in a million chance.

She could see Dream was intrigued by the mortal, he may do more than observe… Maybe he will indulge and participate in a little humanity of his own once more.

"Very well, Little brother…."

Dream left her side in a hurry

He was acting impatient, when he is normally all about patience.

He stepped closer to Ember's table, Death wandering off to continue her own tasks. Leaving him to indulge in this experiment freely. That never stopped Death from keeping her eye on Dream closely, never leaving a moment between them out of her sight.

The table was completely distracted by their own conversations. They didn't see the man walk up till he was right next to them. Ember who noticed him first, was effected by the sight of him alone. It shook her entire world. She felt like time froze. His deep dark eyes staring into hers. His serious face had a ruggedness she couldn't ignore. His clothes suited him well, as his physique fit it perfectly. Everything about him screamed "Out of this World."

She could bet her life on it…

He had many stories living within him...

She could tell.

When he spoke she was completely lost in him.

"Did I hear you say you have no intention of ever dying?"

Her "buddies" chuckled at his remark, most likely because they think this man is crazy. Unfortunately the only loon at this table was this foolish woman and her wish.

His deep voice made her body shiver in its vibrations. She could listen to him tell his stories forever. With a voice like his…

She had to wake up from her daydream and respond. So, she jumped and gasped silently as she realed herself back in to reply. She was lucky she could even form words.

"Uh, yeah… Yeah, that's right!"

Her heart was racing, she could hear its thrum in her ears. Her hands shook her mug as she tried to steady them. This man was charming her somehow…. Or maybe it's just something about him she can't help but be attracted to…

How is a single man having this much effect on her?

She calmed herself the best she could, starting with her breathing. Only for him to speak again and take her breath away by what he said.

"Then you must tell me what it's like."

Her breath returned only to leave her with a small chuckle that spread to the others at the table. Although, something was off… He seemed too serious for a jest. Then he spoke once more, making her question everything she knew before.

"Let us meet here again, Ember Gadling, in this tavern of the White horse in 100 years."

This strange man was being laughed at by the group at her table. But, it was all too serious for Ember now. She couldn't help but notice this man was unfazed by the notion. In fact, he looks overly confident about it. Like he would love to see the look on her face once she realizes what he had planned for her. He was actually serious. Which is rather odd for a normal man to be so confident about….

Who is this guy?...

And how did he know her name?...

The man then looks away for a moment and catches his gaze on someone else. Only to nod and return his focus back to her. She looked over quickly before he could spot her curiosity. A dark skinned woman was nodding back, like they knew each other. Was it a bargain… or a plan…

What is it? Is she going to like her involvement or not? Only time will tell, the suspense was eating at her.

Then the man across from her interrupted her thoughts as he spit his jest. The lack of faith in the unnatural blinding them…

"A hundred Years and I'm Pope Urban."

Ember's icy glare towards the man made his laughter fade, as if it wasn't there at all. She then calmed herself, and shook away all her fears. Ready to take on any challenge straight and true. Especially if it means she gets to achieve her dream!

With a smile that could woo the many others Ember has already encountered, she flashed one at this strange man. When it was just how she smiles when something sparks her flame of adventure. However, the handsome man was completely unfazed by her presence and response.

"Don't mind them…. So, a hundred years time, on this day?"

The man nods in silence with a small smirk that graces his face and sends shivers down her spine. Her breath caught and her voice threatened to fail her once more. Her usual outgoing self seems to crumble under this man alone. She held her head high as she spoke.

"I will see you in the year of our Lord 1489, then."

His smile grew wider as he nodded to her once more. Slowly backing to leave, his gaze lingering on hers. Till finally he turned around and disappeared among the crowd.

Her eyes never left him, her smile fading as he left. Her own head swirling with questions wanting answers. Fantasy and reality were arguing in the back of her mind.

"Who was that, Emi? You're a new man?"

She shot the man next to her his own icy glare that shut him up and made the others laugh. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself, letting the alcohol take away the self-doubts.

"Haven't the slightest clue. Highly doubt he could handle a woman like me anyway. But tell you what, I'll ask him in 100 years' time!"

She boasted as she chugged the rest of her drink. Her companions' laughter drowned till there was only silence in her world. Completely getting lost in her drunken thoughts. That were surprisingly more concerning, than she liked to think about.

Who was that?

Was he serious?

Was it all a jest?...

Will she see him again?...

That last question stayed with her over the years.

As her friends grew older… and her face and body never aged a day. Only her hair changed as did her personality as more time passed. For every year that goes by she always stayed the same. She eventually learns to use her first fake name.

There were times she definitely should have been dead, but always woke up just fine. Once she woke up in a grave that she dug herself out of after a week in it.

Over and over she kept questioning it as each day passed…

each month…

and each year…

Then decades…

She suffered and healed over and over. Yet Ember's fire never dimmed. She was always bright and still wearing her smile.

She did rather well for herself, she became a traveling blacksmith. She took to the art of sword making, at first many were skeptical for the first ever woman blacksmith. So it took a long time of convincing for most. Yet eventually they all came to worship her swords one day. For she learned the secret to make them balanced and lightweight. Some thought they were magic swords, infused with luck or charms. But she just put a little of her heart and soul into each one. Making every new sword entirely different from the last sword.

Some were long or short. Some were curved or straight. Some had intriguing designs or intricate extensions, but all were entirely unique.

It became her art, and most came to love it.

She loved traveling to a new place every day, using her knowledge over her years of experience. Impressing even the oldest of blacksmiths.

Her wisdom and smile brought people in. Her swords went with them when they left.

There were some that were skeptical, thinking she was using magic to bring them in and spend their gold. But, in all truth she was inspired to make each sword as if it was a piece Ember going with them, keeping them safe. She spoke from the heart and inspired others to listen.

She even stayed in some towns, enjoying the company of the people. She never stayed too long, only once she stayed till they questioned why she never aged. She never did again…

Life kept moving on, yet she never changed at all.

Till the year finally came to meet him once more. The hundredth year on its cusp. The day of her 120th birthday is only seconds away. She was all too eager to meet him once more, so she sailed there the week before. She visited every night to prepare herself. Then she stayed at the tavern from the day before till it was THE day.

Then when the moon was at its peak, and the new day on its freshest second. Something incredible happens as she is graced by a presence that was all too familiar. Ember only saw his face once a long time ago, but she could never forget him…

His face haunted her waking moments all the way to her dreams. She swore she saw traces of him there.

It was impossible for her to not notice his presence as soon as he walked into the room. He was who Ember had been looking for after all this time. Ever since the moment she realized he spoke the truth to her. She wanted to see him everyday, but she kept patient till this day. She was very glad it finally came.

Her heart pounded like it did before when they first met, maybe harder this time. They didn't have anyone to interrupt them. The people who knew of their deal and all the people she once knew in this village were either long dead or barely holding on…

He was the only one she has ever seen that has never changed after all this time, except for when she looked in her reflection….

He walked right in, with a big smile that grew wider the closer he got to the table. He pulled out the seat and sat down. His every movement and every expression is carefully observed by the woman in front of him as she stares at him with curiosity. Silence between them was long enough that he raised his eyebrow in question. Probably not understanding why the long silence after not seeing each other after 100 years. He figured she had hundreds of questions.

She did, she just didn't know where to start. She finally stuck with a couple and went with it. Because she was determined he wouldn't leave till she got all of them answered.

"How did you know… that I'd still be here? Who are you? A wizard? A- A saint? A demon?! Did I make a bargain with the devil?"

"No."

He spoke calmly and clearly, his voice still the most beautiful sound to ever grace her ears. Then one question came to her quietly, but still wasn't left unspoken. She kept a tight grip on her words this time.

"I didn't realize, I never asked for your name. I'm sorry. What is your name?"

The question itself gave her an unexpected reaction from him. His smile disappeared as he went serious and he looked like he was thinking about his response. Till he finally sighed and then he answered.

"I go by many names… If there must be one you will refer to me as. It is Morpheus."

'What an incredible name, it suits him.'

She thought

"Well then, Morpheus, why aren't I dead long since? Is this some kind of game?!"

Ember was able to use venom in her words, trying to make it clear he will never frighten her. Even if he holds power over her life…

or if he's one hell of a dreamy man…

She did her best to compose herself as she prepared for his response. Which took a moment to reach her since he was lost in his own world of shock. Silence was in the air for a couple seconds as Morpheus seemed trapped in disbelief over her vigor. Suddenly his voice broke through.

"No game."

His voice this time was full of his own venom. But it was only in annoyance, he seemed like he wasn't actually angry. If he was the reason she was alive, he's definitely not in any position to be intimidated by her.

"But why?! Who are you, really? Why are you here?"

"I'm here because I'm interested."

He didn't hesitate in his response, and what it did to her after was definitely a different experience. He stole her breath once again, but this time her stomach was full of butterflies.

"I-In me?"

"In your experience."

His eyes were staring into hers with pure concentration. He wanted to know how she felt about her life so far. Was he really sure this wasn't a game to him? He looked pretty committed and eager to hear her answer.

He shouldn't say such things to a woman…

or maybe just to her…

She ends up reading things deeper than what they really are…

Then came her next question.

"What do I have to do?"

She prepared herself for anything he could say. Whatever challenges she will be tasked with, she felt more than ready to take on. Not only could she craft swords but she mastered the art of wielding them as well. Not to mention she couldn't die, so she was eager for whatever he could say. No matter how much she prepared herself, his answer still shocked her.

"Nothing. You live your life as you choose."

She was speechless. Out of all the things she expected… it was never this…

Could this all be a dream?

It was her wish, she shouldn't be surprised. However, she was. Not just by him, but by her own reaction. It was unexpected but a laugh escaped her, and it didn't stop. She was in a full fit of laughter, she was… actually happy.

The man in front of her was even more shocked, he looked worried. Like he just broke her unintentionally. Ember recovered quickly though, and responded with a bright smile.

"Then on this day, every 100 years, we will meet, because you wanna know what it's like?"

His face still held slight concern, but he chose a silent nod to her question. She was all too enthusiastic to confirm that she would get to do this for another 100 years. Her excitement couldn't be contained as she spoke with a bright and endearing smile.

"All right! I'll tell you what it's like! It's incredible!"

That changed his face into an expression she never saw on him before. His eyes grew wide and his mouth was relaxed. He looked at her with utmost curiosity.

"All of it, everything I've gotten to do, I treasure all of it. Even on nights I suffered and the times I was betrayed by those I trusted. I learned so much, I met so many incredible people. I even got killed once!... Or at least I thought I died, I woke up in a grave! Want me to tell you the story? It's a really good one!"

Her enthusiasm lit up at the table, her eyes sparkled with passion. Her smile was wide and spirit was glowing. Ember was waiting in anticipation for his answer.

His face was riddled with surprise. Morpheus couldn't believe that this mortal was so pleased to be talking about her life. Even after the pain she said she endured.

He watched her from her dreams, but didn't watch her waking life. He was evaluating how she was based on her dreams. They were grand at first but then they became dull and empty over the decades. He figured she was losing her passion for life and it was reflecting into her dreams…

But then he couldn't see them at all after a decade…

He assumed she hated life entirely….

However It seems the opposite… If his new evaluation is correct… Ember was enjoying her waking life so much she abandoned her dreaming one….

And for some reason… that pissed him off….

But he kept calm as he gave a slow nod. To confirm, he wished to hear her story. Maybe talking about her life will make her realize how dull it really is…

I hope you all enjoyed this. I like it, I might continue. Let me know if you think I should. Until next time my lovelies!