She knelt on the soft rug in the quiet room, seeing nothing and, also, hearing nothing. Her senses were muted under the heavy leather. No one spoke and even the fire’s robust crackle disappeared to nothingness. She wondered what was happening. Was anyone in the room with her?
After some time, she didn’t know how long, the silence, far more than the darkness, became ponderous. Her ears strained for something to occupy them. Her shoulders and knees began to stiffen. Even their persistent complaints seemed muted amidst her overwhelming, excruciating ennui. She felt as if her life drained from her body even as her resentment rose. She was not happy here and did not like Master Corbin.
Time dragged on and on. Her limbs ached and then became numb. The fire’s warmth stole comfortingly over her.
