And The Shadows May Follow

Caedes watched her closely, his expression calm and focused, like he were piecing together a puzzle while choosing his words in the same breath. And really, that's exactly what he was doing.

“It must feel like a betrayal,” he said plainly. Not one to shy away from hard truths, the brute continued in a low rumble. “Your mind is reacting to something it cannot process. You will be constantly on edge, paranoid, and if you continue on this path you will lose touch with reality. You are no less strong, or resilient. It is a different kind of battle, one that wears you down slowly, and that is why it feels so overwhelming.” He thought for a moment that he might offend her, but he was clinical in his thinking, trying to convey to her the facts. As he speaks, he traces her features, emeralds flickering distaste at her dark circles.

He shifted slightly, lowering his tone to emphasize his point. “Right now, what you need most is rest. Not deep, dream-filled sleep, but enough to let your body recover and your mind calm. That is where the trial comes in. I have been working with cannabis. It is not a perfect solution, but it might block the kind of sleep where dreams take hold. The dosage will take time to perfect, and perhaps it will be… enjoyable.” Frankly, he was saying don’t knock it till you try it.

Caedes let the sound of the waves fill the pause as he studied her reaction. “A temporary solution, hopefully. That it works first of all, and that it may be pleasurable.” he continued, his tone practical, an attempt to persuade. One massive paw moved to brush against her cheek, to stroke down her jaw and lift her chin. “If we can manage to get you a good night of sleep, and give your body and mind a rest—we might be able to solve the content of the dream together.”

His gaze softened, but his words remained direct. “The decision is yours. I am not going to push you into it. But I think it is worth trying. Even if it does not solve the problem, it might help you feel a little more in control.” Caedes straightened slightly, finishing up his speech with the faintest edge of resolve in his voice.