And just like that, it was over.
The lion's share of the pain that had engulfed the girl's being disappeared as if it had never even existed, the only remnants found where damage had been done beyond the manipulation of her nerves. Even then, it didn't last long, the tender touch of the Proctor spreading throughout like a fresh rain after the drought until all that remained was a slight smear of crimson on the stone beneath her head.
By the time Proctor Urahil was finished, Marcia had never felt better, at least physically.
Not good enough.
Staring up at the treacherous mould spot that had offered little in the way of distraction, she allowed herself time for her self-doubt to settle to the bottom of her soul again like hateful sediment.
After a few more moments, the Initiate sat up, burying the heels of her palms into her eyes to wipe away any evidence of her tears. "I understand, Proctor," she replied, her tone muted in the aftermath. She felt no great accomplishment in merely passing as a sense of inadequacy lingered.
Without another word, Marcia slid off the slab and left the dungeons.
The lion's share of the pain that had engulfed the girl's being disappeared as if it had never even existed, the only remnants found where damage had been done beyond the manipulation of her nerves. Even then, it didn't last long, the tender touch of the Proctor spreading throughout like a fresh rain after the drought until all that remained was a slight smear of crimson on the stone beneath her head.
By the time Proctor Urahil was finished, Marcia had never felt better, at least physically.
Not good enough.
Staring up at the treacherous mould spot that had offered little in the way of distraction, she allowed herself time for her self-doubt to settle to the bottom of her soul again like hateful sediment.
After a few more moments, the Initiate sat up, burying the heels of her palms into her eyes to wipe away any evidence of her tears. "I understand, Proctor," she replied, her tone muted in the aftermath. She felt no great accomplishment in merely passing as a sense of inadequacy lingered.
Without another word, Marcia slid off the slab and left the dungeons.
