Session 69: Mirror, Mirror

General Summary

The Crown

51st of Spirende 22nd year of the Second Era
As the mirror fell on The Regulators, they found themselves falling from the cieling in a reflective recreation of the court. Firo Islewink's voice reverberated across the hall form an unknown source saying "It is said that you don't really know someone until you fight them. So how can we possibly ever know ourselves, or our friends?"
They noticed after a few moments that their reflections were only visible on one surface. Meara was the first to investigate and was attacked as a mirror version of herself came from the wall. In turn mirror versions of each of them joined the fight, and Firo themself appeared to observe and occasionally participate. 
When all of the mirror Regulators were defeated, they appeared back in the court with the shattered mirror at their feet. Firo seemed impressed with their performance and moved on to asking about their reason for stealing the crown. Rupert Wasser interjected explaining the need for the crown and apologizing for the theft, explaining that they did not know the crown still had an owner. 
Firo was taken aback by Wasser's humility and explained that the crown was useless anyway without the accompanying agreement with Firo themself. They reiterated that Wasser would have possession of the crown and control over the stone army for any use he wished until the time when Orcus is defeated, at which time he would have to give up the crown. 
Malcolm asked Firo if the catch was the crown they were refereing to is Wasser's place as monarch. Firo was again impressed and admitted, that previous user of the crown and his kingdom were turned to stone not because he woulnd't give up the stone crown, but that he wouldn't give up his own. 
Wasser was startled by the revelation, but agreed that he would step down from the throne when the crises was over, turning the Kingdom of Palhas into a republic. 
With the matter settled, Meara took a moment to speak with Ethed about what had happened between her and Echo. Ethed did not feel betrayed, but was still confused about her place in Meara's life. Meara clarified that her feelings for Ethed were more than carnal, but the same went for Echo. Meara hoped that Ethed would consider a non-monogomous relationship going forward. Ethed admitted it was a new concept for her, but she would rather give it a try than give Meara up. 

The Trap

Avoiding the awkward discussion between Meara and Ethed, Echo returned to the Archives of Udal to see what had been found on the mysterious figure from her visions. She was taken to a private study room and left there, but when she opened the first book in the pile, she realizied she had been led into a trap. She found herself surrounded and under aim from several members of the Cormanthor Gisiae. The leader asked about her relationship with Zuko, What she was doing in the Mortal Realm, and why she was seeking information on the "Queen of Shadows." 
She was honest about her visions, and the leader let his guard down. It was Myrin and he explained that the Cormanthor Gisiae is partially responsible for regulating incursions from the Fae Realm. One incursions they were told to keep an eye our for was the Queen of Shadows. An Arch-Fae that had once been a benevolant ruler, but after a betrayal she became a vicious tyrant. while she could not be destroyed, other arch-fae were able to force her to reincarnate about the same time Echo was born. The Cormanthor Gisiae was warned that if she ever came to the mortal realm, her past life memories could return. 
Myrin mentioned how much Zuko had changed after spending a short time without his own memories, and that perhaps regaining the memories of the Shadow Queen would not doom Echo to return to her old ways. For the time being, he would put his faith in her to keep her darkness under control one way or the other. 
To Be Continued...

Report Date

08 Dec 2022