(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

From here.

The room is comfortingly neutral, warmly lit but without overt decoration. A couple of padded benches and a small bathroom, should they need it.

"Will this suit our need?" Sinric asks softly.

Comments

[manofbusiness]

To be fair to Sinric, not much gets past Childermass.

"When such thoughts come, start your count of breaths over. When you can reach ten uninterrupted, you may count the breath in and out as one, not two."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods again and counts, trying not to let the thoughts and visions snag him. Once or twice, he fails, the pain of it showing on his face as he forces himself to focus past it.

[manofbusiness]

"Good", Childermass says levelly. "Whether the thoughts come from within you or as images from beyond, make the counting your prime focus, and trust your golden net to catch the worst of them."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lifts his hands to rest on his knees, palms up as he breathes again, relief showing as he gains greater control.

[manofbusiness]

"The time will come when you can reach into the Pattern and pluck out what you wish to see", he says, speaking from experience. "Perhaps a channel might help you, as it did me, and then it will very rarely come upon you unwanted."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods, hopefully but not pinning too much on such hopes. The stain is starting to get to him and there's a slight tremble in his fingertips.

[manofbusiness]

"Time to stop", Childermass decides. "Endurance does not come immediately."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric frowns and breathes out slowly, forcing himself not to shake as he unfolds his legs.

"Thank you." His voice has a little of that tremble to it also. "You've been very kind to me."

[manofbusiness]

"Consider it paying a debt to those long dead." He studies Sinric. "Stretch your legs and arms, and your back if you wish."

[thewidewideworld]

He blinks, trying not to let the long dead behind those words surface too near him.

He gets up and stretches, his dancer's grace diminished by the pain and weakness in his body.

[manofbusiness]

"Have you seen a doctor since I fetched you in?" Childermass asks. "Or is it only that you need more rest?"

[thewidewideworld]

"One dear to me here is a doctor. He has seen to my wounds and advised me on foods to eat to regain my strength. What I have lost through lack of care, I can only regain with care and time."

[manofbusiness]

He nods.

"True enough. I trust you will follow his advice."

[thewidewideworld]

"I trust that he will remind me if I start to stray." He sighs, "I won't return to my world for some time. Not until I am sure I have regained what has been lost." In health and in sanity.

[manofbusiness]

"Likely for the best", he agrees. "Particularly if you have something to face there."

[thewidewideworld]

"I do." He lifts eyes that still harbour a core of darkness. "I have much to face, myself no less than them."

He shivers as that thread pulls at him. He clenches his fists, making the gold net flare for a moment. "Will you forgive me? I think it's best I rest now."

[manofbusiness]

"There is nothing to forgive." He turns for the door. "If you should wish another lesson, just send a note."

[thewidewideworld]

"I will." He steps back and bows deeply, a gesture of profound respect.

[manofbusiness]

That gets another faint smile.

"Until next time, then, be well."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods. "And you, sir." He turns and slips silently out the door.

{ooc: that was lovely, thank you. They make an interesting pair.}

[manofbusiness]

[ooc: they do!]