[foreboding music rises]
[faint, muffled moaning]
[low growling]
[Azazel] Tomorrow you will make your announcement and give me the key.
Then I will quit this place and leave you with Nada.
Agreed?
I will take the matter under consideration.
- Under consideration? - Yes.
You want the woman, don't you?
You went to Hell for her.
Surely you'll trade her for a key.
Cost you nothing. You don't even want--
You will hear my decision tomorrow.
Now go.
[wind gusts]
[foreboding music subsides]
[Lucienne] May I just say a thing?
You may.
Without your getting angry.
I fear it is too late for that.
No, I mean angry at me.
Why not give it to Azazel?
Just for argument's sake.
Hell was his home.
He and the other demons have no place to go.
So, if giving them the keywould free you
and Nada,
then why not?
- I'm sure you have a million reasons. - No.
Just one.
Azazel will never be content to rule Hell.
He will use it as a foundation to conquer every realm, including ours.
He cannot be trusted.
Was Lucifer particularly trustworthy?
I will not be extorted.
No.
But where does that leave Nada?
And since you know you can't trust Azazel,
which of our guests can you trust with this?
[faint, rhythmic thumping]
[Cluracan] Oh, yeah!
Oh, God!
[moaning]
Oh, yeah!
Cluracan!
[Cluracan] Oh yeah!
[far-off moaning grows louder]
[light footsteps approaching]
[Dream] Is your bedchamber not to your satisfaction?
No. No, it is. It's... it's beautiful.
I just... [inhales sharply]
...I couldn't sleep.
I shall send word to Titania that you have been an exemplary envoy.
Have you made your choice?
Should I not have asked?
[sighs] I shouldn't have asked.
[Dream] It is an impossible choice.
Well, if...
anyone can do the impossible, Sire, it is you.
I've seen you do it before.
[bright, ethereal music rises]
Do you remember King Auberon and Queen Titania's
last visit to the mortal realm?
You were there?
- Forgive me, I-- - There is nothing to forgive.
We were nearly introduced,
but you had more pressing matters to attend to.
- It was but an evening's entertainment. - It was far more than that.
You see, I... I was told you were once a frequent visitor to Faerie.
For a time.
The two realms were extensions of each other.
But then your friendship with Queen Titania... changed.
Relations became strained.
So much so that the citizens of Faerie
were forbidden to even speak of Lord Morpheus.
And you were banned from our realm.
Until you did what I thought was impossible.
And healed the rift between our worlds.
[sprightly flute melody playing]
[excited chatter below]
You came, then, Will Shakespeare?
At your command, Lord.
Midsummer's Eve... by the Long Man at Wilmington.
It is an odd place for us to perform.
[Dream] Odd?
Wendel's Mount was a theater long before your race came to this island.
From before the Normans?
Before the humans.
Is it ready?
It is the best I've ever written.
I am sure of it.
The stage is set,
and the players are ready, my lord.
Then let us not delay.
What of our audience?
They await beyond a portal on the other side of the hill.
[Shakespeare] A... portal?
I will call them.
Go tell your fellow players to make ready to begin.
Thank you, Lord.
Wendel.
Open your door.
[distant rumbling]
[willowy, serene music playing]
[animated chatter bustling]
[serene music subsides]
[rumbling fades]
[distant chatter]
[jovial lute melody playing below]
[chatter dies down]
Welcome to you, Auberon of Dom-Daniel.
And to you, Lady Titania.
Greetings, Shaper.
Your invitation has provoked much speculation amongst our people.
[Titania] I must admit,
I thought we were quit of this plane forever.
Nothing lasts forever.
They say the seven Endless are forever, mighty Dream.
Until the death of time itself.
What say you to that, King of the Riddle-Realm?
Robin Goodfellow, mind your manners.
We are my Lord Shaper's guests.
I will not have him insulted by a hobgoblin.
Nay, good Auberon.
It is a fool's prerogative to utter truths
that no one else dares speak.
A fool?
Well met, Lord Morpheus.
And you, Lord Cluracan.
Please, take your seats.
The diversion I have arranged begins forthwith.
[pleasant woodwind melody playing]
[overlapping conversations]
You have not said, Lord Shaper, why you have invited us here.
To witness what is to come.
Yes, but we are curious as to why.
Telling would spoil the play.
Now, fair Hippolyta,
our nuptial hour draws on apace.
Four happy days bring in another moon.
But, O, methinks how slow this old moon wanes.
She lingers my desires like to a stepdame or a dowager,
long withering out a young man's revenue.
Either I mistake your shape and making quite,
or else you are that shrewd
and knavish sprite called Robin Goodfellow.
[audience murmurs]
That's you, Puck. That actor person, it's you.
[actor as fairy] Skim milk and sometimes labor in the quern.
Bootless make the breathless housewife churn.
And sweet Puck, you do their work, and they shall have good luck.
Are not you he?
Thou speakest aright.
I am that merry wanderer of the night.
I jest to Oberon, and make him smile.
But room, fairy. Here comes Oberon.
[actor as fairy] And here my mistress. Would that he were gone.
Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania.
What, jealous Oberon?
Fairies, skip hence. I have forsworn his bed and company.
[actor as Oberon] Tarry, rash wanton. Am I not thy lord?
[actor as Titania] I must be thy lady.
I'd forgotten me what strange creatures mortals can be.
Oh, how I ache to make a sport of them.
No.
Do you behave, my servant.
[actor as Titania] ...you come to give their bed joy and prosperity?
[audience laughs]
Gentles, there will now be an interval
for you to freshen, or to stretch your legs.
Our tale begins again ten minutes hence.
- [audience applauds] - [animated chatter]
[gentle woodwind melody playing]
So you are the author of this... amusement?
I... I am, Your Majesty.
I... I hope it pleases you.
It strikes strange music. Methinks I should be displeased.
[chuckling] But I am not. It is most worthy work, sir.
[chuckles nervously] Good.
It is unlike you, Dream, to have such waking commerce with mortalkind.
I came to an arrangement some years ago.
The great stories will live for an age of man through his words.
Such was his dream.
His heart's desire.
But I fear he did not understand the price.
There is no price too dear to obtain one's heart's desire.
And once you have it,
the price of getting what you want is getting what once you wanted.
[Auberon] My dear.
You must meet the author. Come.
Of course.
[actor reciting lines softly]
"Do best please me that befall prepost--"
You played me well, mortal.
But I have played me
for a time out of mind.
[soft jingling]
[thuds loudly]
And I do Robin Goodfellow better than anyone.
[captivating melody playing]
How now, mad spirit.
What night-rule now about this haunted grove?
My mistress with a monster is in love.
Near to her close and consecrated bower,
while she was in her dull and sleeping hour,
a crew of patches,
rude mechanicals who work for bread upon Athenian stalls,
were met together to rehearse a play
intended for great Theseus's nuptial day.
The shallowest thick-skin...
You asked me why I invited you back to this plane.
During your time here, Faerie afforded me
much entertainment.
And enchantment.
[thunder rumbles]
And now you have left for your own haunts.
I would repay you.
They will never forget you.
King Auberon and Queen Titania will be remembered by mortals
till this age is gone.
We thank you, Shaper, but this diversion is not true.
Things never happened thus.
No, but it is true.
Things need not have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths
that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes
and forgot.
We are honored, Shaper.
And you will always be welcome in our land.
[Nuala sighs]
If we shadows have offended, think but this,
and all is mended.
That you have but slumbered here
while these visions did appear,
and this weak and idle theme...
[thunder rumbles]
...no more yielding than a dream.
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend. And...
as I am...
[audience gasps and laughs]
...an honest Puck...
[amused laughter]
[Puck] If we have unearned luck now to scape the serpent's tongue,
we will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all!
[laughing]
Give me your hands if we be friends,
and Robin shall restore amends.
[Auberon] Come, my Puck.
Come. And now the time for our return draws near.
But leave, my lord?
When there are mortals to confusticate and vex!
Already Wendel opens up his gate. Thank you, Dream Lord.
Goodbye, Lord Shaper.
Farewell.
Go in peace.
- [Cluracan] Ah... - Will you introduce me?
Next time, sister.
[enchanting instrumental music fades]
[Nuala] You healed the wounds between our realms,
and the waking world still speaks of Auberon and Titania.
"Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths
that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes and forgot."
Shakespeare.
You.
I was seated behind you that night.
I heard every word you said.
I saw what you did, your play--
Shakespeare's play.
You held a mirror up to my king and queen
and showed them that they were the problem, not you.
And you made them love you for it.
Perhaps it is time to hold a mirror up to those who would impose Hell upon you.
And impossible choices.
[slow, meditative melody playing]
You have given me much to consider.
You flatter me, Lord.
But I shall be able to sleep now, having heard you say it.
[Dream sighs]
Good night.
Lady Nuala.
I'm glad to have met you.
Finally.
And I, you, my lord.
[bright string music building]
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd falls silent]
[Dream] Thank you all for waiting.
I apologize for the delay.
But I am sure that none of you would have wished for me
to rush into my decision.
I confess, I am tempted to accede to Queen Titania's appeal
that Hell remain empty.
But Lord Azazel has persuaded me
that the demons and the damned must have a home.
- A refuge. - [Nuala sighs]
But a dominion that may only be ruled
by one whose sole ambition is to serve them.
Just give me the key... and be done with it.
A leader with the wisdom
and acuity
to understand that Hell can never be a mere extension of their own realm.
For Hell is Heaven's reflection.
They define one another.
Without Hell,
Heaven has no meaning.
Which is why I am obligated to entrust it
with those that serve in Heaven's name.
Remiel.
[wings fluttering]
Duma.
[heavenly tones resonate]
The key is yours.
I have made my decision.
I hope it causes none of you undue distress.
What about the distress it's going to cause you?
I know your rules.
You offered us your hospitality when we arrived.
You can do nothing now to harm any of us.
Even if I devour the soul of your lady love.
[strained, unsettling music rises]
What you say is true, Azazel.
But... I offered my hospitality to all of my guests.
Those I knew about...
and those I did not.
So yes, you are under my protection.
But so, too, is Queen Nada.
And I will not see her hurt.
[scoffs]
Very well.
If you want her...
[inhales sharply]
[voice distorting] ...then come and get her.
[frenzied strings playing]
[deep, menacing growls]
[Nada] Kai'ckul!
[Nada gasping]
[panting]
Okay, come. Come on. I've got you.
[growling intensifies]
- [Lucienne] Come on. - [Azazel] I renounce your hospitality.
You are mine now, Dream Lord.
Mine to consume at my leisure.
[Dream cries out]
[Azazel] The creator is welcome to Hell,
for the demons now rule the Dreaming.
[Dream] Oh, Azazel.
[Azazel] Where are you?
[Dream] It was unwise of you to attempt to harm me.
Elsewhere, perhaps.
But not here.
[steady, resolute music playing]
This is my home.
My place of power.
Reality here conforms to my design.
Now,
does anyone else in this place... have a problem with my decision?
Good.
[music fades]
[Dream] How is she?
[Lucienne] She's with the doctors now.
She's sustained no injuries,
but she's traumatized, obviously, and exhausted.
May I see her?
They've given her something to help her sleep.
Perhaps when she wakes up and has had time to recover.
[Dream breathing shakily]
I'll let her know the moment she wakes up you wish to see her.
Thank you, Lucienne.
[sighs]
She'll be fine.
It's your other guests you need to worry about.
[dramatic string music playing]
Your Majesty, Lord Kilderkin has manifested a farewell message for you.
Thank you, Lord Kilderkin.
We's always more fun than cardboard boxes.
Nobody clever be's cardboard boxes.
So I take it I've incurred the wrath of Chaos
from now until the end of time?
Oh, that. I just made that stuff up.
We didn't want Lucifer's realm. We just...
didn't want anyone else to get it.
Anyway, thank you for having me at your party, Mr. Dreamy.
I had a lovely time.
Lord Morpheus.
Lord Azazel is a warrior, not a diplomat.
His behavior was indefensible, but I assure you,
he only wanted justice for his people.
Lady Merkin, I think we both know that Lord Azazel's ambitions
lay far beyond the gates of Hell.
May I ask what you intend to do with him?
Nothing.
I will merely give him time to reflect.
And the opportunity to mend his manners.
Thank you, Lord Shaper, for showing mercy to Lord Azazel.
He would not do the same for you.
Lord Odin.
I am sorry I was forced to reject your offer.
You're sorry?
[scoffs]
[muffled shouts]
The trickster is unwilling to return to prison
and his wife.
Apologies for the fuss, Lord.
Time to put Loki back in his hole.
[Loki shouting frantically]
You were a fine host, Dreamweaver.
You are welcome at my hall of Gladsheim.
My house is yours.
My mead and meat are at your disposal.
Thank you, Odin All-Father.
[Odin] Hm.
Lord Morpheus, my brother and I wish to thank you.
Oh yes, Lord Shaper, thank you for a lovely night.
It was truly... epic. I mean--
We will send your regards to our king and queen, if we may.
Ah, sister, did I not tell you?
Not tell me what?
Would you excuse us a moment, Lord Shaper?
Of course.
Thank you.
What's going on?
Honestly, I thought you knew.
I thought you and Titania had talked about this.
Talked about what?
You won't be coming back with me.
You're going to be staying here.
With him.
Cluracan.
Lord Shaper, I will be returning to Faerie alone.
My sister, Nuala...
is a gift to you.
From Faerie.
[Dream] With respect to your queen, I cannot accept.
Reject the queen's gift, if you will, but she will not be best pleased.
Nuala, if she returns to Faerie, risks her severest displeasure.
She's yours now, Sire.
To do with as you will.
If the lady does not wish to stay--
[Cluracan] I am afraid she has no choice in the matter.
The lady does wish to stay, Lord.
I would far rather be received here as a gift
than return to a queen and a brother
who would think so little of me that he would give me away.
Very well.
It would be an honor to have Lady Nuala remain with us as our guest.
It was her diplomacy that led
to the abolition of Faerie's tithe to Hell,
to which the angels agreed.
Thank you, Lord Shaper.
In that case, perhaps Titania will allow you to come back from time to time
to see old friends, visit your brother.
- I have no wish to do so. - [Cluracan] Hmm.
Then I will come and see you.
Thank you again, Lord.
Till next time.
[gentle, ethereal music playing]
[Dream] Lady Nuala.
If you are to remain with us,
I would ask that you remove the Glamour that you wear.
I mislike little magics in this realm.
But Queen Titania insists that everyone in her court--
You are no longer in her court.
And her priorities are different to mine.
You have no idea.
All right.
[enchanting music swells]
[Nuala exhales]
[chimes jingling]
[in common accent] Is this all right with you?
[music dies down]
Your voice.
Titania always hated my accent.
She's very posh. God love her.
Lucienne.
Taramis.
The Lady Nuala will be staying with us from now on.
Is she?
How lovely.
I have a garden full of flowers, and now finally someone to eat them.
And Queen Nada?
How is she?
Recuperating nicely, but... she needs rest.
[Taramis] Do we have any other guests staying on
unexpectedly?
Or is that everyone?
[intriguing music playing]
[sighs]
[under breath] I hate those shoes.
[Dream] Lord Susano.
Leaving my palace without saying goodbye.
I... regret having to leave in this way.
I am unworthy of your hospitality.
Yes, I think perhaps you are...
Loki.
[ominous music rises]
You guessed.
Why Lord Susano?
Why shouldn't he replace me on the Earth?
It's not as if anyone's going to miss him.
- Because he was my guest. - [Loki] So am I.
And would you send me back... to an eternity of torture and pain?
Hmm?
I cannot allow Lord Susano to suffer in your stead.
Then free us both.
I'll do anything.
Whatever you ask.
I could create a dream image of you and leave it in his place.
Both of you would walk free.
No one need ever know.
[Loki gasps softly]
Would you do that?
If I were to do this thing, Loki...
you would be in my debt.
Do you understand this?
I will be under obligation to no one.
Well, then I will be under obligation to inform Lord Odin of your deception.
[scoffs]
What would you ask of me?
[Dream] Nothing.
Yet.
All right. Fine.
I reluctantly agree to your terms.
Very well.
Let us talk.
[music fades]
[waves crashing]
Are you enjoying your retirement?
I was.
Are you here to gloat about your victory?
A victory suggests having won something.
I'm here to gloat about having lost something.
I'm quite sure you did not lose it.
I gave it back to its creator.
Did you?
Well done.
Are you disappointed?
That you gave God the key?
I wish I had thought of that.
You swore to destroy me.
I was angry at God.
God's a cunt.
[somber string music playing]
Farewell, Lucifer Morningstar.
[sighs] Dream, did you succeed in finding Nada?
I did.
But...
What?
She does not wish to see me.
Ah.
Well...
If I can begin again...
perhaps you can too.
How is she?
She's been given a suite in the East Wing.
I've asked the Fashion Thing to attend to her.
Is it too soon to ask if we can talk?
I shall ask.
[contemplative music playing]
[loud whoosh]
Kai'ckul.
Nada.
Please,
be seated.
Thank you.
[contemplative music fades]
Are you...
I mean...
I suppose you must be hungry.
I was very hungry
the first few thousand years, but...
after that, it ceased to concern me.
I have no true body anymore, after all.
I'm one of the dead.
- I warned you-- - If you ever...
You were saying?
[Nada] No.
You first, Kai'ckul.
I think you have something to say to me.
[Dream sighs]
Ten thousand years ago,
I condemned you to Hell.
I now think...
I think that I may have acted...
dishonorably.
I think, perhaps, that I should apologize.
You think perhaps you should apologize?
- I-- - I spent 10,000 years in Hell.
I burned by day and froze by night.
Glass shards cut my flesh.
I starved and hurt.
And wept and waited.
All that because of you.
And you think perhaps
you should apologize?
Look at me.
- Look at me! - [gasps]
[seething] You struck me.
No one may strike me.
- I should-- - What?
What will you do to me this time, Dream Lord?
Or will you just send me back to Hell?
No.
I...
I am sorry.
[sighs]
I will live with eternal regret for what I did to you.
[slow, mournful melody playing]
To dwell on the past
is a Hell on its own.
One I wouldn't wish on anyone.
Then perhaps it is time that we discuss your future.
Are you certain this is what you want?
A chance to see the mortal world.
To live again.
[Dream] The mortal world is not as you remember it.
Humanity itself--
Have I not just spent the last 10,000 years with humanity?
- Let me come with you. - [Nada] Kai'ckul.
It is treacherous there.
More so than Hell?
[Dream] Perhaps...
when you have seen the world...
you might come back.
No, my lord.
But I love you.
No, you do not.
I know you believe that you do.
But I wonder if you...
If your kind is even capable of love.
How can you say that?
How could anyone who truly loved me...
do what you've done to me?
I have changed.
It is the same as the last time I refused you.
I think perhaps you merely want what you cannot have.
That is not love.
That is desire.
Desire?
There is no shame in it.
No.
You cannot tell me what is in my heart.
I love you.
But I do not love you.
Fare you well, Kai'ckul.
[dramatic instrumental music rises]
- [thunder rumbling] - [doors close heavily]
[music peaks, fades]
[ethereal vocals playing]
[music fades]