previously a sound sleeper , since his accident garnet had found the realm of somnus a difficult territory into which to gain access : nights , which should have provided him with a brief escape from his disability , instead only served to mock him by their protracted length ; his legs which were now useless for supporting his weight - the muscles wasted and inactive - nevertheless were alive with shooting pains , from which only the oblivion of slumber could provide even the most temporary respite .