The stranger's smile widened, eyes twinkling. He gently massaged the pressure points in her hands as he spoke, hoping desperately that he would be effective enough to put her at ease.<br/><br/>"That is perfect... and I quite agree. The night sky is enveloping. I recall the sky at night in these woods is most remarkable. As you watch it, the black becomes deeper, and the stars seem closer, almost within reach. Can you picture it? Imagine it in your mind. Picture yourself there. Can you hear the breeze though the trees? Can you feel the cool air on your skin? It almost feels like the wonderful, refreshing water of a gentle stream..." he took a breath, thinking of the best way to begin putting her into a trance deep enough that she would feel no pain, then continued, "Take a deep breath. Can you smell the woods? Look up at the stars. Isn't it beautiful. Keep watching them. You'll see what I mean. As you watch, it feels like you are flying. You can almost feel yourself leaving the ground, floating gently upward toward the stars..."<br/><br/>As he spoke, he watched her closely, with analytical attention. He watched for the signs of a trance in her eyes, her expression, her bearing, silently hoping it would work. Not all patients were receptive enough. He hoped for her sake that she was.