The stranger began to speak in a constant, reassuring, soothing voice as he looked down at her mangled hands. His tone did nothing to reveal the horror he felt at the sight, instead remaining gentle. With expert ease and care, he began examining the toothpicks.<br/><br/>"That's right... just relax. Let the peace of this place soothe you. Welcome it. Let go of everything else. Give your worries and care to me, and let me keep them. Let go of them. You do not need them here. This place is peaceful and quiet. Just enjoy. I want you to take a deep breath for me. Ready? In...." He took in a deep breath that she would hear, "...and out... that's right. And again. In... and out. You're doing very good, Aria. Very good. I just want you to tell me what you see. Look around you, and describe it to me."<br/><br/>He fought to keep her attention detatched and removed from her body so that she would not feel it as he began to gently, ever so slowly pull the toothpicks from her fingernails. One by one they slid free, some with effort. He knew they would likely have left slivers in her skin, but toothpicks were carefully made not to splinter, so they would be small, easily pushed free by the white blood cells in her system. He would need only to clean her fingers thoroughly when he was finished.