I understand the desire for discretion when discussing my occupation, but if my friends could find a different way to explain my profession besides 'he provides...certain services...for the Scions', I think that would result in less. Confused people, knocking at my door.

Thank you~

//what if your therapist looked like this

You may consider reinventing yourself.

The Scions would still keep an eye on you, for reasons that are obvious.

But you would not need to introduce yourself by your past deeds everywhere you went.

Are you determined to cling to your identity?

It sounds like you have a passion for the craft itself, not just the use of it.

You might enjoy a role that involved teaching these skills to others.

What draws you to it? What is it about it that you enjoy?

[Mazen tilts his head, tail flicking as he ponders]

Do you enjoy the martial arts, or was it something you did because you were good at it?

Exiting his clinic to take a seat on one of the benches in the Mor Dhona plaza.

He takes in a deep breath, and then heaves it out, slumping a bit.

That is for you to discover, not for me to tell you.

The Warrior's primary duty calls for them to fight, and yet they still find other ways to make themselves useful to the Star.

You are not merely a weapon. It is more than possible for you to find purpose outside of violence.

[a small smile]

You and many, many other people on this star.

Being uncertain of what to do with one's life is a very, very common strife.

Kindness is often baffling, in that context - when it's towards someone who has offered no kindness in return.

Did it make you view Sundered differently?

I recognize that what you're hesitating to say may be of great discomfort and perhaps even shame for you.

But that is what this place is for.

My job is not to cast judgment.

One may be surrounded by people and still ache for companionship.

Only you could say why.

But after so many years being isolated from most of humanity, due to your goals, it would make sense that you would become lonely.

The essence of forgiveness is that it is undeserved. It can only be given.

[He cocks his head]

Are you envious?

//yeah man

Yes.

Anger is a normal response to grief.

I would have you release it.

*Within reason.*

You are not required to justify your actions to me, Nabriales. That is not the point of your being here.

No. I do not.

I don't believe anyone could.

The loss you have suffered is uniquely terrible in scope.

[a quiet sigh]

[he closes his eyes, taking time to think]

Is there more you wish to say on the matter?

Mm. I'm afraid that is not grieving. That is denial.

And it has barred you from healing. A foreign object in an open wound. It will not close until you remove it.

Have you allowed yourself to grieve?

>> workings of your own mind.

What is it that causes you the most despair, to think about?

Your future? Your past? The present?

I think you may have more of an idea than you want to believe.

Unfortunately my work is very rarely painless. Being here forces you to look inward.

Many people come here hoping that I can simply tell them what is wrong and how to fix it. But I will never be more informed than you are, about the >

>> reason.

The heart and mind do not act separately. They use and influence each other to inform the best decision.

So what do we think your mind might be trying to tell you through your heart?

I think it is unproductive to view them as weaknesses.

The heart may seem like a chaotic entity driven by irrational impulses, but behind that is a very practical machine.

Emotions are not useless, or we would never have evolved them so strongly. These feelings you have...they are there for a >>

Your real reason for being here.

Now we can properly begin.

[a smile]

There it is.