Leith's Mirror
Created by Clíodhna for Leith's parents, this is one of several magic mirrors in Tír na nÓg. The mirror is crafted of gold with a motif of roses. It currently resides in the library at Kilinaire.
The stand holding the bowl was carved into the shape of curving thorny branches and delicate roses. It reminded me of the Rose Gate, as did the faint buzzing sensation I felt now that I was close to it. I stared into the bowl, expecting to see my reflection, but the water stayed dark. I could see the bottom of the golden bowl, but even when I stretched my hand over the water there was nothing reflected in it.
“What is it for?” I could feel Leith at my shoulder, watching me examine the bowl. I touched the side gingerly, feeling the buzz more strongly. “Is it solid gold?”
“It is solid gold, yes. Gold is one of the best materials for storing magic. It’s why there are faerie gates in your forest. Your mountains were once rich with gold.” Leith hovered his hand above the surface of the water. “Gold is rare in our world, but it’s priceless for creating objects of power. A skilled crafter can create an object with a spell embedded in it so that anyone who knows how can use it. This one is a mirror.”
“Did you make it?” I trailed a finger up the carving of a thorny vine.
“I don’t have that kind of power, I’m afraid. It was created for my parents by Clíodhna, the Elder Fae who has watched over my kingdom since my ancestors ruled here, even before they joined the Seelie Kingdom. She’s always been fond of roses.”
“Impressive, but if it’s a mirror, why doesn’t it show any reflection?”
“It’s not that kind of mirror. It allows me to see my lands and to communicate with other mirrors. A more powerful magic user can scry events from the past and even hints of the future.”
From The Books:
I again noticed the windowed alcove with an ornate golden bowl on a carved wooden stand. I walked over to examine it more closely. The bowl was held at waist height for one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, but more like chest height for a short human girl. It was filled to the brim with water. Even one more drop and it would spill over.The stand holding the bowl was carved into the shape of curving thorny branches and delicate roses. It reminded me of the Rose Gate, as did the faint buzzing sensation I felt now that I was close to it. I stared into the bowl, expecting to see my reflection, but the water stayed dark. I could see the bottom of the golden bowl, but even when I stretched my hand over the water there was nothing reflected in it.
“What is it for?” I could feel Leith at my shoulder, watching me examine the bowl. I touched the side gingerly, feeling the buzz more strongly. “Is it solid gold?”
“It is solid gold, yes. Gold is one of the best materials for storing magic. It’s why there are faerie gates in your forest. Your mountains were once rich with gold.” Leith hovered his hand above the surface of the water. “Gold is rare in our world, but it’s priceless for creating objects of power. A skilled crafter can create an object with a spell embedded in it so that anyone who knows how can use it. This one is a mirror.”
“Did you make it?” I trailed a finger up the carving of a thorny vine.
“I don’t have that kind of power, I’m afraid. It was created for my parents by Clíodhna, the Elder Fae who has watched over my kingdom since my ancestors ruled here, even before they joined the Seelie Kingdom. She’s always been fond of roses.”
“Impressive, but if it’s a mirror, why doesn’t it show any reflection?”
“It’s not that kind of mirror. It allows me to see my lands and to communicate with other mirrors. A more powerful magic user can scry events from the past and even hints of the future.”
Fun Facts
Creator: Clíodhna
Previous Posessors: Leith's parents
Current Posessor: Leith
Magical Properties: Scrying and communicating with other mirrors
Previous Posessors: Leith's parents
Current Posessor: Leith
Magical Properties: Scrying and communicating with other mirrors