Using script to link multiple files to respective text node, using relative path

I am trying to create a script to link individual jpg files (hundreds) to respective text nodes (geographically unique), using relative paths.  For what it is worth, I am generating the script using XSL against XML file(s) that contain the position and content for the text nodes, and I want to link a photo (filename.jpg also in XML file) to the node.  I have a working script, that will create a text node in a unique location, and create a link between the jpg file and text node, so long as I use the full path to the file.

The method I am using that works is:
element create link file drive:/folder/project/photos/filename.jpg

I have tried that does not work is:
element create link file ../photos/filename.jpg
where the dgn file is located at drive:/folder/project/dgn/filename.dgn

Does anyone have any thoughts on how to correctly use relative paths in this instance?