At first he's confused - why this? Surely Elidibus would know that such a reminder of where he comes from, what he's fighting for (because this is where The Book - the one that started his obsession with apocalyptic prophecy - lives. Where he and Moen met. Where he first summoned Amber. A hundred other moments, each one a step towards the Circle) is only going to stoke his defiance. If he's trying to intimidate him then...
... but that's not the play here, is it? Focus. Discern the stratagem. What does Elidibus stand to gain from this? Can it really be as simple as denying the Fears their succour?
His second instinct, then, is to protest - who would fear a foe they've bested twice? - but... well, that display rather puts paid to the lie, doesn't it? Because either Elidibus has fed on fear or he's able to use his powers without doing so which is a different sort of terrifying. The choice of vision becomes a double-edged sword - this is, after all, also the place where they met, the beginning of his transformation into the wretched unworthy creature he is now (my path is unchanged, a small voice cries out, but the one saying he knows what you truly are is far louder).
(And doesn't that rather neatly sum up the hopelessness of this situation? That victory hinges on being unafraid of things that are well worth fearing?).
It's... an interesting tactic. Sincerity. Candour. He cannot in good conscience say he would do the same; were the tables turned, he knows he'd be tempted to hoard that power Just In Case citing the good it could be put to later. And the knowledge that right now a twelve-forsaken Paragon, of all people, is a better man than him is the final push he needs.
He crosses his arms, and regards Elidibus as levelly as he can. "If such is what the salvation of this Star demandeth of me, Emissary" - since apparently they're using titles now - "then I have borne heavier burdens."
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... but that's not the play here, is it? Focus. Discern the stratagem. What does Elidibus stand to gain from this? Can it really be as simple as denying the Fears their succour?
His second instinct, then, is to protest - who would fear a foe they've bested twice? - but... well, that display rather puts paid to the lie, doesn't it? Because either Elidibus has fed on fear or he's able to use his powers without doing so which is a different sort of terrifying. The choice of vision becomes a double-edged sword - this is, after all, also the place where they met, the beginning of his transformation into the wretched unworthy creature he is now (my path is unchanged, a small voice cries out, but the one saying he knows what you truly are is far louder).
(And doesn't that rather neatly sum up the hopelessness of this situation? That victory hinges on being unafraid of things that are well worth fearing?).
It's... an interesting tactic. Sincerity. Candour. He cannot in good conscience say he would do the same; were the tables turned, he knows he'd be tempted to hoard that power Just In Case citing the good it could be put to later. And the knowledge that right now a twelve-forsaken Paragon, of all people, is a better man than him is the final push he needs.
He crosses his arms, and regards Elidibus as levelly as he can. "If such is what the salvation of this Star demandeth of me, Emissary" - since apparently they're using titles now - "then I have borne heavier burdens."