12-22-2016, 08:50 PM
The herbs had the desired effect. Veritas appeared to have recovered from the pain, at least enough to remain coherent, but now the real challenge presented itself. In the darkness of the ruins it wasn't hard to see what was happening to Veritas' hands and eyes, and the words of the apparition rang in Celestia's mind. Assuming it was speaking truthfully, and she doubted it was lying, this was how the curse attacked its victims, and ultimately killed them.
Celestia placed a hoof on Veritas' shoulder. Her preferred approach would have been to talk things out slowly and gently, but she wouldn't have time for that here. There was a life on the line, if Veritas' emotions couldn't be brought under control, he would almost certainly die. Or worse. “Veritas,” she said, “that is exactly what the spirit wants.” Even if it wasn't technically a spirit, and she knew that, it might as well have been for her current purposes. The image and the curse were sure to be both the will of the trap's creator, if nothing else. “If you succumb to your anger now, you will die, in exactly the way it intended.” Hopefully that would be enough for the short term, invoking Veritas' desire not to be controlled to snap him out of his current mindset.
The illusion addressed Celestia directly, and acknowledged her nature before passing on a warning, of sorts. The way it was delivered made her think that it was meant to taunt or demoralize more than provide any actual advice, but it didn't tell her anything she didn't already know. “Hmph, how vaguely threatening,” she said dismissively, after a moment.
Revan asked to see a map. As far as Celestia knew, they didn't have one, but ultimately that would be Veritas' responsibility or decision. He was the one with the book, after all, and if there were any maps to be had they would be in there.
Revan also expressed some concern over Veritas' ability to continue, as well as Celestia's own, which caused the alicorn to consider for a moment. “I think it would be best to press on,” she said eventually. She nodded toward Veritas. “His injuries aren't physical, and as such I believe the best course of action would be to continue until we have achieved something.” She paused in thought for a moment before adding, “or reach an insurmountable obstacle.” She thought it would be better for Veritas to see this through, as it could provide a safe means to vent, and a more positive ending would probably be overall better for his mental state. Of course if he objected or had a different opinion, she would listen, as he was one afflicted.
Celestia would wait for Veritas to stand up, and to show signs that he had calmed down enough to continue. If he did, she would move deeper into the ruins.
Celestia placed a hoof on Veritas' shoulder. Her preferred approach would have been to talk things out slowly and gently, but she wouldn't have time for that here. There was a life on the line, if Veritas' emotions couldn't be brought under control, he would almost certainly die. Or worse. “Veritas,” she said, “that is exactly what the spirit wants.” Even if it wasn't technically a spirit, and she knew that, it might as well have been for her current purposes. The image and the curse were sure to be both the will of the trap's creator, if nothing else. “If you succumb to your anger now, you will die, in exactly the way it intended.” Hopefully that would be enough for the short term, invoking Veritas' desire not to be controlled to snap him out of his current mindset.
The illusion addressed Celestia directly, and acknowledged her nature before passing on a warning, of sorts. The way it was delivered made her think that it was meant to taunt or demoralize more than provide any actual advice, but it didn't tell her anything she didn't already know. “Hmph, how vaguely threatening,” she said dismissively, after a moment.
Revan asked to see a map. As far as Celestia knew, they didn't have one, but ultimately that would be Veritas' responsibility or decision. He was the one with the book, after all, and if there were any maps to be had they would be in there.
Revan also expressed some concern over Veritas' ability to continue, as well as Celestia's own, which caused the alicorn to consider for a moment. “I think it would be best to press on,” she said eventually. She nodded toward Veritas. “His injuries aren't physical, and as such I believe the best course of action would be to continue until we have achieved something.” She paused in thought for a moment before adding, “or reach an insurmountable obstacle.” She thought it would be better for Veritas to see this through, as it could provide a safe means to vent, and a more positive ending would probably be overall better for his mental state. Of course if he objected or had a different opinion, she would listen, as he was one afflicted.
Celestia would wait for Veritas to stand up, and to show signs that he had calmed down enough to continue. If he did, she would move deeper into the ruins.