[Open Post] When the Wolves Come Out of the Walls...

[77th_emo_earl]

For the first time since his abortive attempt at escaping back in November, Titus no longer feels so much at home in this place. Something nasty has come out of the woodwork, and he's wondering now if trying to escape was the better course of action. He cannot be alone, not after nearly harming himself, and so he's headed for the kitchen, hoping to find *someone* who hasn't been affected by this madness...

Backdated to the night Morgoth tried to break his mind

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[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He gazes on the pendulum, watching the movement and slowly trying to empty his mind, something much easier said than done with his jangling nerves. But after a moment, he manages to calm his whirling thoughts and simply focus on the moving object.

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"On the count of three," Robin says, "you will close your eyes, and sleep."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He dips his head slightly, already consenting, his eyelids already blinking slowly and heavily.

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"Think of a happy place," Robin intones.

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

We're not sure if Titus has one...

Okay, that was a cheap shot at the emo earl. Moving right along...

He thinks of one particular time when he was riding through Gormenghast Forest, through the Twisted Woods and into the forest proper, when the sun shone through the leaves and branches, covering the ground in a patchwork of light and shadow. It's a glorious image he's carried in his heart for a long time, a place he's come back to mentally when he's simply wanted to get away from it all (when he wasn't daydreaming about the Wild Thing).

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"This place is your sanctuary," Robin says softly, though he doesn't know which it is. "No-one can touch you there."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He's breathing easier than he was before, considerably more at peace, relaxed in his chair, his mind far away in the woods, breathing in the scent of earth and leaves...

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"This place is the place where you go when your mind is invaded," Robin says again. "Repeat it after me, this is my safe place."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He draws in a breath, then murmurs, "This is my safe place..."

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"When I feel unsafe, I can come here, and nothing will harm my mind," Robin says again.

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"When I feel unsafe.... I can come here, and nothing will harm my mind," he repeats, breathing easier.

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"Good," Robin says, "and now, when I count to three, you will wake."

Pause.

"1. 2. 3."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He rises out of the trance slowly, still breathing evenly and slowly. "Hmmm... Oh... Peace once more," he murmurs, coming back to the present, his nostrils still smelling pine and cedar. "You may have saved my wits, Robin."

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

Robin grins. "No worries. I don't mind being useful once in a while."

And ready to wrap this up?

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"You are more than useful: you may well have been a life-saver. I owe you a favor for this kindness," he replies, bowing his head humbly.

Ready when you are!

[rob-fellows.livejournal.com]

"No sweat, buddy," Robin replies, and he reaches to pat Titus' shoulder. "You should go get some sleep."

On yours?

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"I will: I hope there are no more strange incidents or things going bump in the night," he replies. Then he adds, "But if there are, at least I shall be more equipped to deal with it than before."

FTB!