druidsmagic

[druidsmagic]

"Thank you..." Tsung rasps, his voice defeated and weak. "I... never wanted to be the bad guy. The villain. Everything I am now, thanks to--thanks to *him.* I'm terrified of him, Lao. These scars he's given me, physically, mentally and otherwise... they hurt. They always--always--hurt. I'm terrified of myself. The things I've done..."

"You are not a villain, my brother." He was softly squeezing his hand now. Lao refused to ever see his brother when he knew the whole story. "You are an unfortunate victim just trying to survive his wrath. You still have a heart and a conscious. Those two things make you anything but a villain. I know inside is still the caring, compassionate person you have always been... I am sorry you are suffering. I only wish to be able to help you during these times of struggle, until you are freed from him."

[druidsmagic]

"... The Emperor," Tsung admits, perhaps partly reluctantly. "He puts so much stress on me, I..." He breaks off, shaking his head, free hand petting his snake still. "Sometimes I don't know if I can keep going, Lao..."

"I understand these stresses he puts on you. Even watching the things he does to you... It hurts me to witness."

He looked around briefly before speaking in a lower voice. "He will not be emperor forever. Someone with such a loud mouth never lasts ass long as they boast. I want you to be around and celebrate freedom with me when he is dethroned. Until then, you are always welcome to seek tranquility with me here, brother. I will always be there for you." He softtly smiled at Tsung.

[druidsmagic]

"I don't know. It was... it was a forest. A forest engulfed in fire. And I was trapped in the middle. The fire burned. I was choking on the smoke. I was going to die." Tsung's voice struggles to stay even, an upset tone taking on.

Lao carefully took Tsung's hand in his own, holding it one hand while the other gently stroke the top of his hand, all an attempt at a comforting gesture.

"It would seem this fire in your dream could mean something you should be aware of. In context such as this, destructive fires signify you may be losing your temper and allowing your stresses to consume you. Smoke, even, is a sign that you need to take some time to yourself so you can calm down. Of course, these are merely suggestions on what it could be, but perhaps you should take these into consideration. Could there be something going in your life causing these nightmares?"

[druidsmagic]

Tsung sighs, his brow creasing as he does. It takes him several moments to respond, a distant look in his eyes. "Nightmares," he says simply enough, voice hollow. "Fire. Not my own. So much fire. Consuming everything."

"You seem to have quite a many nightmares." Lao almost sadly mentions. He gently patted Tsung's bicep to let him know he was no longer dreaming, but in the real world in a safe space.

"Perhaps this dream could mean something concerning your life. An insecurity or concern. Often it is better to speak than let it plague your mind. Would you be willing to elaborate on this nightmare of yours?"

[druidsmagic]

The Sorcerer approaches his brother, a snake curled around his shoulders. He sighs, looking past his brother and stroking the snake. He does not speak, but seems upset.

Having had known his brother long enough, Lao seemingly had a talent for being able to tell when Tsung was upset.

"Pardon me, my brother. You seem unwell. Is there perhaps something bothering you that you would be willing to share with me?"