ataraxion | video; 3

While all of you are no doubt rather busy with your reunions and other such things, I believe it is prudent to take this moment to offer the services of myself or my colleague, Miss Sommers, in dealing with any of the issues that many of you have been confronted with in the last few weeks.

[ Hannibal is all neat collars and cuffs as usual, his black hair neatly groomed back, the lights adjusted so that the red in his black eyes stays hidden; the kindly and professional Dr. Fell, that's all. But for those who received memories from him, there might be a rumble of some familiar evil that menaces them; perhaps something they can't quite put their finger on. ]

Memories, particularly those of the kind we experienced, are difficult enough to overcome when they are indeed our own. Emotional conflict, losses, and for most the absence of friends and family that is not even your own to mourn, can be devastating if not turned in the appropriate direction. Some of you have been the victims of more vicious and unsettling images, such as may conflict with your own peaceable nature. I urge you not to combat these on your own. The psychological impact may be more grievous than you might at first imagine, and in those cases, the experience of a professional is a crucial tool in your continued well-being.

You are welcome to drop in any time. Please do not hesitate. If a confidential meeting or 'home visit' is required, please contact myself or Miss Sommers directly. Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...That's a joke, right?

Not at all. I also make very good tea.

And that's enough to get people to spill everything to you?

Humans are very mouth oriented. Give an infant a toy, and more often than not the first thing that he will do is place it in his mouth. Often food is an emotional trigger, something we reach for when we desire comfort. Some foods, such as chocolate, even result in a hormonal pleasure response. Others have calming effects. Taste can be as efficient a link to memories as touch or scent.

It is easier to inspire trust in people if you first subdue their anxieties, yes. It is not always the case, but it hasn't failed for me yet.

You're saying the way to a person's heart is through the stomach?

[It sounds so basic that he wonders if this guy is messing with him.]

It can't be that easy.

Lex parsimoniae. The simplest theory, until disputed by evidence to the contrary, is very nearly the best.

It won't apply to all people, but it is generally the best place to start.

I wish.

[He's found that things are hardly ever as simple as he'd prefer to have them.]

But still... That seems kinda manipulative to me.

If you didn't consider it in at least some small way to be manipulative, I'd have to insist on taking you on as a patient. Fortunately, you seem quite sane to me.

[He worries sometimes, which is why he sounds so defensive.]

Of course I'm sane.

So you're totally fine with that?

[He's surprised by how the guy owns up to it.]