Ariel blinked, entirely confused by what he was hearing. It took him more than a few moments before he'd ordered his thoughts well enough to speak. One thing at a time. His face grew hot, but not with anger. "The mere fact you can feel disgust is proof not only of the alchemical success, but also proof that you have changed in some fundamental respect. If you had become aware of such a fact a time ago, I can state with reasonable certainty that at the very least, you would have encouraged me in such a course."
His voice was soft, almost apologetic, fairly awash in shame. "The idea was silly, stupid, the act of a desperate and cornered madman." He had things - and people - to fight for now. "If i were still the praying sort, I would thank God for Mary every single day."