Trial of temptation

You find yourself in some kind of cave. The only light is a dim red glow from ahead of you, and behind you is a mountain of rubble, leaving you only one way to go. Cautiously, you move towards the light, hand on the hilt of your sword. Ahead of you is a doorway, beyond which the light seems to be coming. As you place your hand on the door, you hear a voice in your head, seductive and feminine.

“A strong soul approaches. Could you be the one? Am I finally to be reclaimed?”

You pause, and then push the door open. You step through into a room, clearly carved and smoothed, and in the center of the room is a rack of armor. The armor is beautiful, silver wired tracery, and set into the breastplate is a large red gemstone. The glow comes from the gem, and pulses slightly.

“Ahh, finally. A worthy champion! Come, wear me! I can aid to, make you powerful!”

You chuckle. “Such an obvious trap. Why would I ever do that?”

The voice continues whispering. “I have been locked away for so long. But it wasn’t MY fault. I am powerless without a wearer. I’ll admit to having done bad things. Perhaps you could be the one to tame me?”

You shake your head, approaching the armor. You can feel the power there, that was no lie. Part of you remembers that this is a trial. Another part wonders if your talent would protect you from this.

“I know nothing of any trial, human. But it is true, I cannot harm you. Take me! Use me! You are strong, but can you protect those you hold dear without help?”

You shake your head again. “Whatever you are, you’re clearly not interested in actually helping me.”

“Oh, you’re so wrong! I want to help you so much! Surely you could control me? Bend me to your will? I desire a true master…”

The voice is dripping with sensuality, and there’s a hidden promise of more than just power in the tone. You run your fingers over the surface of the armor, and the voice moans in your head.

“Ohhhh! Your touch, so warm….perhaps once you tame me, you could free me from this crimson prison. Then I could show you TRUE gratitude….”

You take your hand away and sigh. “I probably could. But I won’t. I can’t risk it. I am sorry, whatever you are, but I reject your offer.”

As you turn and walk away, the voice pleads with you. “Please! I’ve been here so long! I’ll do ANYTHING! I’ll serve you well, I swear!”

You don’t respond, and the world around you begins fading. Before everything goes black, you hear the voice once more, faintly. Distressingly, it sounds like it’s on the verge of tears.