Taj fell silent a moment in thought, and then gave Persea's hands a reassuring squeeze.
"Only time, patience, and trusting that Hakeshna will lead you on your path will truly heal you," he said, "but I know of a few things you can to in the short term, things that can give you peace and sleep in the meantime. That can chase away the shadows."
He smiled at Persea reassuringly and motioned at a slave, signaling her to bring them a kerchief. When she did, Taj took it, offered it out to Persea, and whispered something else in the slave's ear. She bowed and took her leave, and Taj turned back to Persea.
"First, you must eat. You need your strength. You need to stay healthy during these trying times. This may be Hakeshna's temple, but your body is Her true temple. You must treat it as such. It's easy to neglect it and forget that when your mind is preoccupied. You may not feel hungry right now, but the next remedy I'm going to suggest will help with that, too."
As though on cue, the slave returned, carrying with her an ornate hookah. She set it down before them, and Taj motioned Persea toward it. "Have you smoked before?"