Michael
*The hallucinatory hearings of Esme's voice. That of berating, degradation. The weight on his heart would begin to slowly press itself. It was true that he felt unworthy, but he pressed forward. He knew of the tricks these voices play, he had always endured the similarities of such voices ringing in his hear. That of his own, that which was deep within. What desired destruction, what stormed with festering hatred, trying to manipulate him as a tool of destruction. As servant to the darkness. Yet he was his own person, he desired his own individuality. Those voices all stating facts of his insecurities did not cease his efforts. 

His determination far surpassed his pessimism and what laid vulnerable within. The voice that spoke some truth of how he felt, yet in truth knew that he was entirely unworthy of any affection as a being born of darkness. Created from the very black that is the background to the universe. He continued on his pathway, his feet tapping against the cobble with a hasty sprint. The cruelty is what he considered to be truth, but that was his own pessimism weighing down upon him.* 

"I am unworthy... But I have to try." 

*He muttered, he had mere fragments of hope to attain that. His face slowly contorting to a smile. Hearing Esme's voice was pleasing to a certain degree. He knew that she wouldn't be cruel, but he also knew that he was unworthy. She was the light in his eyes, and he wanted to reach that light. Grab it. Hold it close to him. The warmth of its radiance. He shook his head a bit to maintain focus instead of beginning to day dream about Esme's delightful demeanor that was oh so sweet to him. Like honey. He had to accomplish the achievement of passing the trials. That's what mattered, if he were to see Esme longer...*
Orlando
"Unworthy... Unworthy... Unworthy!"

*The spirits chant as they dance around Valac. However, with every step he takes. It sounds as though they are getting further away, wisps fading one by one before he is completely secluded in darkness. The trees around Valac can be made out somewhat. Slowly, their leaves cinder into pure ash and long spanning silhouettes of an eerie nature surround him. The way back is gone and there is no longer a path. Just wilted grass and the smell of death in the air. Silence... A moment for Valac to be left with his thoughts and his thoughts only.*

*In this secluded place there is no solace to be found. Has he stepped in limbo? Impossible, the allotted time has not yet passed and not one of the lakes have been found quite yet. But the area around him feels like it spans eternally as the moon shows itself in full view. It's now blood state causes the light to reflect against the decayed grass a strange orange color. Even though it is not cold here, Valac may even see his breath form in a small cloud of frost in front of him. This place... Whatever it is goes against the natural order of the world and the magic here is so dense.*

"Imagine... The sweetest thing you can, the desire to hold onto it and never let it go." *Suddenly Esme's voice sings from behind him and the scent of rosemary returns.*

*Should Valac turn around he will not see her. Instead there is a vast lake that spans as far as the eye can see. It appears the maze is actively shifting and perhaps one of the lakes have been found, but which one? This is a crucial moment, a misstep can mean the end of the trials. Valac has gotten this far and again, he can hear the humming of Esme. It is oh so sweet, so calming... Inviting... Small footsteps can even be seen beside him though the owner seems invisible to the eye. Slowly, one by one, the steps make their way to the lake.*

*To follow or to not... The choice is present. But which one is truly correct? Just what lake is this?*
Michael
*That scent of rosemary, that lingered in the air. That scent which would play with his mind, engraving it with the person he... Likes... That of rosemary. With his turn to see if Esme was there, the vast lake was appeared. He looked bewildered, he began to inspect the area to see if there were any blossoms. Those that glowed blue in the moonlight. If they seemed apparent or existing, it would show that he was in the correct location. Yet within, he wanted to see if the lake was true. That of which his first trial would await. With his analysis of the area, his feet slowly strolled toward the lake. Grass grazing against his boots with each step, bringing himself closer to it.* 

"I guess I have to find out which lake this is..." 

*He didn't know if it was a mere image. Similar to dehydration in a desert, seeing an oasis nearby only to meet more endless grains of sand. His pessimism and skepticism grew, weighing upon him. He had already risked reaching this far, so... Why wouldn't he want to go? After all, he had really nothing to lose. There wasn't really anything waiting for him. Even his comrade Noctis had his own objectives. He highly doubted that he even cared. Yet that was all apart of what he thought. What he believed.

That isolating mindset. That he had nothing, and therefore he had nothing to lose. Knowing that his start, even after 200 years had been only bottom. The only direction he had was up, and regardless of what risks lay ahead. Ignoring that his life was at stake, no matter the risk. No matter the cost. No cost too great in order achieve his ambition. Nothing left. These thoughts swirling around his head, wanting what was that warmth he felt around Esme. The sensation of comfort, and driven desire.* 

"What... Do I do...?" 

*He was a bit clueless, if he had to enter the lake or if some sort of ritual that would take place. Once approaching at the edge, where the shore and body of water touched at its center, he stood staring at it for a few moments.*

*Utterly clueless as to how to proceed. Some anguish filled his eyes as he felt he came unprepared, and didn't ask enough questions. Though, he had to go with what was felt within his instincts.*