"That would be unusual," Elesse says. "But I think we could arrange it."

Wider grin. "Maybe a bit of an extra challenge, to make up for how - easier, things being at your hand makes everything."

(The most popular Trial nowadays is the thorough severing of the training bond between Master and padawan. An immensely painful loss, one Anakin would prefer to lose her limbs than face.)

There's plenty of other hardships she could endure, though. Other losses she could be stalwart before.

"Perhaps I'll keep the exact trial a surprise to you."

Hum.

...Anakin wants control. Wants to know it'll be okay, that it won't be too harsh for her - wants to suggest things, to squirm as Elesse considers them - 

"I trust you," she says, quietly and sincerely. 

"Thank you, Anakin."

"You will be strong enough to survive what I choose. I will not promise you that, because this quality is intrinsic to you."

Shiver. 

Strong enough to survive... She likes the sound of that. (Likes the implication of how far Elesse might push her.)

"I know," she says, throat dry. 

Elesse smiles.

"I think you might need to concern yourself more with the Trial of Spirit, young padawan."

"I've faced a lot of my demons already..."

"Then you should beware, for the ones that remain may be stronger than you think."

Slow, serious nod. 

" - My limits are more extreme than they were, and the Trials always push those."

"The path to Knighthood is not easy. But many have trod it before you."

"I'm confident I'll get there." Smile. "But - yeah, I know it'll be hard." Teasingly: "You'll make it that way, if nothing else."

"A good teacher is ever attentive to her student's needs."

"Gives them plenty of opportunities to advance themselves."

"Quite."

Grin! 

"Will you warn me when my Trial is coming up?"

"By at least five minutes."

"Very kind of you."

"I know."

"I'll be waiting until then."

Within the week, Elesse meets Anakin after one of her classes.

"It's time," she says as a greeting.

She bites back a yes ma'am. They're being subtle. Not creating any situations Anakin will have to lie about to avoid getting Elesse in trouble.

"Lead the way," she says instead, bleeding her eagerness into bravery.

Elesse leads her to a room, distinctly chill, with a bath of water in the center. There is ice floating in the water.

"You'll want to remove your robes," she says.

She nods, because if she speaks she might say things she really wouldn't want to say in a formal and probably remotely observed event. 

She starts stripping, motions quick and efficient and unhesitating. She starts breathing rapidly and deeply too, building an awareness of her body and blood and lungs - she can guess where this is going, and there's mundane tricks to extend how long a human can hold their breath. Her grasp of the Force helps already here, though, lets her keep her mind sharp even as her blood gets increasingly alkaline. 

She stands once she finishes, naked and without seeming embarrassment, skin alternatively flushed and pale, and pebbling in the cold. (Intensely aware of Elesse's eyes on her.)

Elesse makes a shoving gesture and Anakin is pushed back step by step until she teeters at the lip of the water.