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You make your way down the Lighthouse corridor and knock on Emmrich’s door. The sound is straightforward. Every breath you take is a struggle. Your heart is racing; your muscles are stiff. You weren’t sure where to go, but your steps brought you to this door. You hear his familiar stride approach from inside the room and the door opens. Emmrich answers with a smile, which soon disappears after seeing your current state.
“Oh, dear. Is everything alright? Please, do come in.” He opens the door wider and gestures inside.
You make your way inside his quarters and take in the fireplace, the spiraling staircase, and seemingly endless bookshelves. The shelves are filled with objects related to his study of death, but the room smells of books and sensible (but not overbearing) cologne. Emmrich motions for you to sit near the fireplace as he pulls up a chair. You sit, and the warmth from the fire feels like a comforting embrace.
“I have just brewed some tea. I find that tea is best shared with company. Would you like some?”
You nod.
“Very good. I will return in but a moment.”
He walks away to prepare your cup, and you stare into the fireplace. The flames are hypnotizing and give you something to focus on.
Emmrich returns, handing you a delicate cup decorated with blue flowers. The saucer matches. “Lemon, to help ease the nerves.”
You take a sip and find it is the perfect temperature. The warmth spreads through you as you continue to stare into the fire.
He continues. “I am glad you sought me out. No one should endure such terrors alone. What we are aiming to achieve is not easy. It is only normal to feel the effects of such pressure. I have seen similar reactions in my own students, especially when the curriculum covers the heavier aspects of our craft. Please allow me to help put your mind at ease.”
He pauses to take a sip of his own tea, and you do the same.
“If I may, I shall begin with a sample of general reminders. You are safe. You are surrounded by the love and companionship of your friends. No one is angry with you. You are not alone in these emotions – I, too, often feel terrors of the heart, but we are not speaking of me at this time. Now, please look around this room and list five items that are blue.”
You gaze about the room until you find five blue items, and you list them for him.
“Excellent. Please do the same for the color green.”
You repeat the exercise, gesturing toward him as you list the last green item.
“Ah, yes, my vest,” he says with a chuckle. “One of my favorites. The next time we visit Nevarra, I shall have to introduce you to the tailor.” He pauses and clears his throat before continuing. “Let’s try that exercise one last time with the color mahogany.”
You point out his desk, chair, staircase, bookshelves, and a specific book sitting on the third shelf.
“You are doing quite well. Now, please close your eyes. Relax your mandible. Take a deep breath and count to four. Hold said breath for a count of four, and release for a final count of four. Then repeat twice.”
You follow his instructions, and he breathes through the exercises as well. There is a silence, but it is not an awkward one.
“You may open your eyes.” His voice has taken on a deep, comforting timbre.
When you look about you, you see green magic floating in eddies and fractals in the air.
“Stare into these reflections of the deeper Fade. No two patterns are ever the same, in the manner of snowflakes or fingerprints. An apt metaphor, indeed: the fingerprints of the Fade.”
You stare around the room in awe, surrounded by the beautiful lights. You continue to take in the sight as he continues.
“This situation has no doubt caused much hardship, but you are capable of meeting this challenge, even if it does not seem possible now. We must not forget to take a step back and allow ourselves to see the beauty that surrounds us, even if it is not immediately visible. Beyond the beauty, permit yourself to embrace your emotions. Acknowledge them, then return those feelings to the Fade.”
You take another sip of tea and meditate on his words. The two of you sit in calm, companionable quiet. The only sounds are the crackling of the fire and the breezy whirring of the magic around you.
Emmrich breaks the silence. “Finally, I want you to practice that breathing technique one last time. Inhale, hold, and release, each for a count of four. I will do the same.”
You both inhale, hold, and exhale simultaneously. As you exhale, you visualize your worries leaving your breath and returning to the Fade. You feel calmer.
He gives you a gentle, friendly smile. You can feel the energy of his compassion and empathy. “You were fantastic. Oh, it appears you need more tea – no need to trouble yourself, I will fetch it for you. I coincidentally have nothing on my agenda today, so please feel free to remain here for as long as you need.”
He stands and you hand him your cup. Your heartbeat has calmed, and your breaths are even. Emmrich returns with more hot tea, and you take in the warmth of drink, fire, and friendship.