[Eloquence] You roll a 12 (required 10). Success!

You tell the judges that you drew a portrait of your friend Moonflower, and argue that it is beautiful because of who it represents: a pony who is beautiful both inside and out.

You explain that the young Oracle comes from a tribe of ponies who have lived as outcasts for centuries, and that she was chosen by the stars to end their exile. You recount how she journeyed far to accomplish her mission: even beyond Earth itself.

And on that mission, you recall, after you were injured in battle, she stayed by your bedside until you awoke. More than that, she helped make the medicine that nursed you back to health, and shared her recipes with the local healers.

You recognize that the bat pony's eager selflessness has ever been a source of inspiration to you, and that this time was no different. Thanks to her — for both lending you her crayons and for modelling for you —, you were able to create something beautiful.

Master Steelwind nods as you finish speaking, then looks over to Blade Dancer.

Blade Dancer: "The composition is simple yet effective. The technique is... interesting; the colours blend together like shadow and light to create a convincing illusion of depth. The details are imprecise yet deliberate. The vivid highlights bring a natural warmth to the image. Overall, I find it rather beautiful."

The Kirin then turns to Tsu-Ko.

Tsu-Ko: "The emotions imprinted on the canvas are surprisingly decent. The pose is patient and relaxed, the eyes convey affection and loyalty, and the wax itself is infused with gratitude. There's a few impure memories in there, but they're mostly academic if I'm being generous. Put together, it serves as a token of hope. I guess there's something beautiful about that."

With the other two judges in agreement, Master Steelwind comes to a decision.

Steelwind: "Your style is outlandish, but respectable in its own right. As for your reasoning, you've expressed yourself well enough; you value resolve, gallantry and benevolence. That is good.

In proving that you have the ability to perceive the world around you, and the will to change it for the better, you have passed the second trial. Now, onto the third. Come."

You follow the master and his student across the training ground and up a stone flight of stairs, then enter the building at the top. Past the building's sliding doors is a large empty room with sunny windows and a matted floor. In the centre of the room is what appears to be a circle of magically floating coloured crystals.

Steelwind: "Each of these crystals is enchanted with a different aspect: holy, fire, lightning, sound, wind, ice, water, earth, force and void. You must use magic to change any property of one of these crystals, but you cannot cast spells with your horn. Blade Dancer, if you will."

In a flash of her horn, Blade Dancer casts a spell on you. You suddenly feel a familiar emptiness on your forehead, which distinctly reminds you of being an earth pony. You touch your horn just to make sure that you can still feel it — and you can —, but you are otherwise unable to use it at all.

Steelwind: "When you are ready, choose a crystal. Take as much time as you need to prepare. You have three attempts."

You turn your attention to the ten crystals around the room, each with a distinctive feature: either glowing hot or frosted over, shining brightly or black as night. You take a moment to think this over.