Final Trial

A myriad of things litter the floor. Gemstones, coins and even a handful of dice are immediately recognizable, among the debris that seems strewn without care. The wooden floor here is sanded and the stone floors scarred by years of impacts of some sort. Two lanterns hang against the far wall, bracketing a door...and the man who stands within a circle inlaid upon the floor. The inlay is a mix of some dark metal and glimmering crystal. The man seems relaxed and confident as he looks you over before speaking in a lazy voice. "To clear this room, you must find a way past my vigilance. There is but one key and I hold it. You must decide, of course, how to meet the challenge and I the one who will decide if your efforts will be rewarded."

She stares at him for a moment in consideration. "You hold the one key?" she repeats back. Slowly, she continues, "Would you, perhaps, consider a trade for the key?"

"You may dance with me in battle, bargain with discernment or dally with other options.  It is yours."

She pulls a golden chalice from her satchel and with a long pause also pulls a book out as well, holding them both to where the guardian can see. "I believe these to be very valuable, one in terms of money, the other in knowledge. Do you feel this adequate for your wants, in exchange for the key?"

The man looks down at Natsumi and asks slowly, "While I appreciate your sincerity, child, I must point out two flaws.  One, I do not know with whom I speak, for you have not introduced yourself.  Two, for a bargain to be worthwhile, one must trade something of themselves."

She flushes in embarrassment. "My humble apologies. My name is Natsumi. Who might you be?"

He nods his head slightly, not breaking the outline of the circle he stands within, "And I am Keltanin."

She returns a nod, still looking rather flushed. "For your second point, I cannot think of something that is of myself more than what I give in battle."

Keltanin smiles, "I do not mind the dance, though your kind are often tricksters and difficult to fight with.  I do know that what is given does not always have mortal value, nor does it have to have physical existence.  Knowledge, after all, is power."  As he speaks, Natsumi has a sneaky suspicion that he is hiding much of what he is. Thinking on it a moment, it dawns on her:  Keltanin is a kami often worshipped on the isles of her childhood. He is a Greater Kami of northern, chilly winds and with a temperament to match.

She breaks out into a smile. "An easy fight does not make for a good dance, one that is more difficult is more rewarding in the end. I can promise to you that I'll give you my all, Keltanin, if you would allow me."

Keltanin will smile, "Well then, let's dance."

The circle will flicker and die and he'll step out before launching an attack.

The battle was swift and fierce. Natsumi moves gracefully with her fans, and Keltanin moves just as quickly with his own blades. They both get hits in, both looking haggard, but Keltanin gets one hard hit against Natsumi’s chest and she collapses to the ground in a heap.

Even as Natsumi feels herself passing out, Keltanin reaches forward and touches her, dissipating all damage.  With a smile, he moves back to his circle and it flickers into place.  "Well done, child.  Now tell me.  Why should I let you pass?"

She blinks slowly and sits up. She looks herself over, and then looks to Keltanin seriously. "I thank you." She stands and says, staring steadily at him, "To pass... To pass will give me more opportunities to become even stronger for my people, and to prove to myself that my training is ready to continue onward. I feel I am ready, and that I know what imperfections I have and must look to perfect."

She gives him a small smile. "Although I fell to your hand in battle, I am proud knowing that I fought hard and with purpose." She stands straight and tall, then bows respectfully. "Regardless of what you determine for my fate, I truly am honored to have battled you, Keltanin."

Keltanin looks at her for a long moment before stepping forward and toward Natsumi, bending down as he reaches her to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.  "Little one, my children, your people, are beloved.  You are the true elementals of our world, even with the outsiders who shaped you.  I am pleased with your strength and wisdom.  May your destiny lead you where you wish it to lead."  He'll reach into a pocket and hand over a small, silvery object in the shape of a spirit dragon and beckon toward the door.  "Holding that item is the key to your passage.  Fare you well."

She gives him a wider smile, and she says, quietly, "I hope I will continue to do well and make you proud. I thank you." She gives another bow, and makes her way through the door holding the silver object close to her, eyes misty and smile still on her face.