alwayskayaking | Duplicity Inbox

[ After their discussion on the network, Anduin makes certain he gets up a little earlier than usual to prepare for his potential guest. While he's not certain what methods Tim will be most comfortable with, there are a few they might try. One of the benefits of having so many mentors was that there were a far greater number of ways to reach out to the Light, to still one's mind and find that sense of inner peace.

Surely, one of them would resonate with him.

When Tim finally does arrive, he's greeted by a very solemn-faced young man, who nevertheless gives him a respectful nod and opens the door further to allow him inside. ]

You must be Mr. Stoker. Please, come in.

[ The room inside doesn't really speak to having been lived in long. There's almost nothing in the way of personal effects, saving a gleaming sword sitting to the far side of the room. Some rolled mats sit to one side, along with a handful of plush pillows laid against the couch, in case he'd be more comfortable on the floor.

And of course there's water, sitting with empty glasses waiting and what appears to be mint drifting in a strainer within. ]

[Tim has decided his usual dress of a loud Hawaiian shirt probably wasn't the best choice for mediation. Instead he's put on a comfortable dark blue sweater for this occasion.

He smiles warmly when the door is opened. Nodding his head and offering his hand for shaking.] Tim's fine. Good to meet you in person. [Tim does look around the room as he comes in. It looks a lot like his own as Tim didn't spend much time in his apartment and so not a lot of time decorating it.] So! [He claps his hands together in excitement. The early morning hour doesn't seem to be hampering his energy level at all.] Where do we start?

Tim. I'm Anduin.

[ There's a pause before he tentatively shakes his hand, like it's a gesture he's not quite used to, before allowing him in and closing the door behind him. ]

Are you thirsty at all? Hungry? It's best to tend to those things before we begin.

I had some eggs before I came over. Bit of toast as well so I'm alright.

[He looks at the cushions and raises an eyebrow.] So is this the type of thing where we sit with legs crossed going: 'Ohm?'

Some people do.

[ There's a flicker of a wry smile, there. ]

I thought I would ask how you'd feel most comfortable. It's likely you'll be staying as you are for a long while, so. We can use the couch, or the floor, or you could lie down if you prefer.

I dunno; I've never done anything like this before so I guess... the couch? Or maybe lying down? Are we sitting quietly? I'm not so sure I want to be put into any sort of hypnosis trance. I'd like to get to know a guy before he has me clucking like a chicken.

[ Not that he can't. But that rather defeats the point and purpose of this. Still, Anduin can't help a small chuckle. ]

Fair enough. And it won't be anything like that. You'll be completely in your own mind, and in control. If you want to stop at any point, we stop.

You're safe here. I promise.

Thanks. [It has been a long few weeks since Tim has felt safe. He's not so sure he feels safe yet here, but it seems like maybe one day he could.] So I suppose I should sit down? [He moves towards the couch and starts to sit down.]

That's a good start. Get settled in as comfortably as you can.

[ Once Tim has picked where and how he wants to sit, Anduin moves to join him, though giving him a fair bit of distance for the time being. ]

You can close your eyes or keep them open. I found the former to be more helpful for concentrating, myself.

Alright. I'll give it a try. [Tim closes his eyes. Body language probably giving away that while physically comfortable he's still a bit uptight. Possibly even feeling a little foolish.]

First, you need to clear away whatever's at the forefront of your mind. The things you know are troubling you. Whatever keeps you awake, whatever nags your thoughts during the day.

You can say what they are out loud, or you can stay silent. Just so long as you can see what they are.

That's easier said then done. [He does his best to keep that from sounding sarcastic because he doesn't mean for it to be.] If I could just tell my thoughts to go away then they wouldn't keep me awake at night.

It's alright. Just focus on what they are, right now. Mastering your own mind takes time, and practice, but it's possible. Don't be too hard on yourself, just try.

When you fear the unknown, what's the one thing that can give you power over it?

[Tim can't help the very brief, but bitter laugh.] Killing it? C4? I hear I do great things with C4 against Strangers.

[ Anduin sighs. Well. He didn't sign up for this because it was going to be easy.

Light, grant him patience. ]

Nothing everything we're afraid of can be killed.

Are all the things you're thinking of right now monsters that can be slain?

Not here. [He admits.] They just come back to life here like everyone else.

[ That's a start, at least. ]

How many?

More than I'm comfortable with. [So more than 0.]

Give it a number. The ones that stand out most to you.

Several. I lost track of how many vampires feel safe enough to announce themselves on the network.

[ It's probably a good thing he's not keeping count. That would speak to an intent he's not sure he's ready to combat yet. ]

Alright. We can categorize them as one. Vampires. There may be many, but the potential danger and fear they represent can all be seen as one.

See them in your mind's eye. What does that fear look like, to you? Describe it.

Death. Pain. Heartache. Destruction. Misery. Shall I go on?

Those don't sound like things you can kill.

No, but I can kill vampires. At least back home I can.

But you can't here.

And it was different when there was something physical to attack. You can't kill heartache or misery, but something that represents those things, with a physical form that you can harm, that's something you know. Something you can control.

That makes you feel better, doesn't it?

Backdated to beginning of December

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