Twila froze as Pea mentioned Floren asking. Had he told her? Did he tell her who was the one who helped Flynn? No. He didn't have to. Once the Spirit King found out, it had became public knowledge. Well, among the spirits. She glanced over at Maria. Though her mistress's face was calm, she sensed the rage beneath. If she ever found out that Twila was the one responsible....

The Curator smiled. "I can tell." He stated nodding at the excited spirit. "Thank you." He looked at the large boar. "And why, sir, should your mistress get the key?"

Aerok gave an answer about how she was kind to them, treated them like equals and how she deserved it. Though he was sincere, he was nowhere near Pea's enthusiasm. Apparently, having Pea there had been an excellent choice as her enthusiasm was clearly evident. Aerok was a fighter, not a passionate spirit.

The Curator nodded. "Those answers suffice." He looked at Maria. "I'm sorry. Though your spirit's reasoning was good, and you were honest and did not cheat, I cannot give you the key." She smiled politely but as soon as he turned she shot daggers at her spirit. "Though you were honest, and obeyed the rules, and respected by your spirits, I cannot give you the key." He told Amber. 

"Thank you for the chance, anyway." She told him smiling. She then closed her gate, knowing that Aerok probably was ready to move on.

Turning to Flynn, the Curator held up the key. "You have proved ingenuity, cleverness, the ability to balance a healthy life between magic use and not, honesty, and," he looked at Pea. "Your spirits love you." He held out the key. "I give you Zhar-Ptitsa, spirit of the Gate of the Firebird. Treasure it. May it stay in your family for generations to come." He handed Flynn the key. Work complete, he turned and walked away.

Amber smiled at Flynn. "Congratulations Flynn! You were my second choice for the key." She told him beaming. 

Maria scowled and turned. Going over to her spirit, she muttered something before closing the gate. Then stomping off, she went to find her comrades.