1881-11-27 - Tak

Life, Trauma/ Loss

The morning greeted me with a somber gray sky, mirroring the mood that had settled over our family. As I made my way to Tak's residence, the crisp air felt laden with the weight of our collective anxieties. Today, it was Farhad's turn to stand watch, and I hoped his calm demeanor and wisdom would bring some solace to Tak.

Upon my arrival, I found Farhad in the garden, his thoughtful gaze fixed on the horizon. "Eirikr," he greeted me, his voice steady yet tinged with concern. "Any change in Tak's condition?"

I shook my head, feeling a sense of helplessness creeping in. "It's as if he's lost in a world of his own, Farhad. A world filled with grief and shadows."

Farhad nodded solemnly. "I'll do my best to reach him, to bring some light to his darkness." His resolve was a small comfort in these trying times.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy, each room echoing with the silent screams of Tak's tormented soul. I found him in the library, surrounded by books that spoke of ancient loves and tragedies – a poignant backdrop to his own heartache.

As I left Farhad with Tak, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of foreboding. The days were growing shorter, and with each passing hour, Tak seemed to slip further away from us.

The rest of the day was spent in discussions with Ashur and Agneya. We pondered over ways to breach the chasm of despair that had ensnared Tak. Ashur, ever the strategist, proposed a more direct approach, using our collective strength to shield Tak from his pain. Agneya, on the other hand, suggested we delve deeper into understanding his emotions, to connect with him on a more personal level.

As night fell, I returned to Tak's side. The house was quiet, save for the occasional crackling of the fire. Tak was seated by the hearth, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames, yet seeing nothing.

I sat down beside him, trying to find the words that might reach him. "Tak, remember the time we journeyed to the Northern Lights? The sky ablaze with colors, the world alive with magic?"

For a moment, a flicker of recognition crossed his face. "It was beautiful," he murmured, his voice distant. "But it pales in comparison to him... to Henry."

The conversation was a small breakthrough, a moment of connection amidst the vast sea of his despair. We talked for hours, reminiscing about past adventures, about the beauty and wonder of the world we had witnessed together.

As I left him to the care of Agneya, who had arrived for her shift, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were fighting against an unstoppable tide. Yet, the resolve in our hearts remained firm. We would not give up on Tak. We would stand by him, through the darkest of nights and the coldest of dawns.