Down in the Dark (Taime)

[Hatoful GM]

The floor was cool, but it was hardly comfortable. While it did allow Taime to slowly settle himself, there was still a vague sense of unease.

For most of the day, this was a Dark Side vergence, after all. Peace could not be found here.

[Taime Jorel]

He got up, realizing he was delaying the inevitable. He walked slowly out, hoping against hope he wouldn't see the disdainful Chriala of before or a dead village or who knows what else.

[Chriala Hulis]

Chriala was kneeling down exactly where she was when Taime had last seen him. As he came out, she rose to her feet.

"Taime." She said simply. Gently, she held out a hand. "Welcome back."

[Taime Jorel]

In a moment of loss of control, he rushed forward and grabbed at her hand, holding it like a lifeline. "I am...very glad to see you Master." He says, attempting to control himself with his words since he can't seem to stop his body at this moment.

[Chriala Hulis]

Chriala's lips parted, just for a moment. "Taime..." Her other hand came around, hold one of his between both of hers. She smiled.

"It's okay. You're back now. It's over."

[Taime Jorel]

His body begins to shake of its volition as she holds his hand. Clutching at it, he sinks to the ground as his legs give out. "But its not. Its not Master. Its still inside me."

[Chriala Hulis]

Concern lined Chriala's face, deepening as Taime sank to his knees.

"Oh, Taime." She said. She stepped closer. One hand released his, to gently hold his head instead, easing it to rest against her in a hug, of sorts. "Oh, Taime." She said again. "It's okay. We all have some darkness inside us. Don't let it overwhelm you."

[Taime Jorel]

He shook in her arms, like he'd just come in from the cold. "But that's...what it does. Overwhelms us. That's what they thought would happen to me."

[Chriala Hulis]

"It's okay, Taime." She said again, gently stroking his head. For a few moments, that was all she did, murmuring softly, touching him reassuringly.

She tilted her body and neck, doing her best to turn her face down towards his. "What we see in those visions can seem overwhelming. And they can linger with us. But let it fade. Warmth and light can wash away cold and darkness."

[Taime Jorel]

He tried to listen to her words and relax. The touch went a long way to soothing him, after the sterileness of the vision. "I will try Master. I will try."

[Chriala Hulis]

"Good." Chriala said, her tone still soothing. She still held him.

"Why don't you tell me about it?"

[Taime Jorel]

He shakes his head, not able to speak to her yet about what he's seen. Its too close and he's still afraid to look at her face. "Maybe...when it is less fresh. Do you have anything to drink? My mouth feels dry." He said, hoping to divert her attention.

[Chriala Hulis]

"Of course." Chriala said. Hand dipping into her robes, she handed him a thermos, warm water inside.

"Perhaps we should head back, then. I can fix us a fresh pot of tea."

[Taime Jorel]

He unscrews the lid, his hands still shaking slightly but not as badly. He takes a sip from the water, feeling it ease some of the chill inside of him. "That would be lovely. Just give me a moment to sip this and I will be ready to drive."

[Chriala Hulis]

Chriala tilted her head, regarding him. "If you wish, I can drive." She smiled. "My lack of eyes does not hinder my sight, I assure you."

[Taime Jorel]

He smiles faintly at her. "Maybe you'd better. I would rather be careful than boastful at this moment."

[Hatoful GM]

"Okay." She said, smiling. "I will."

Stepping back, she would help Taime up, to lead him to the vehicle.

(scene?)

[Taime Jorel]

/fade to driving.