The village of Serenbrook bustled with life on this fine summer's eve. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the sweet fragrance of the wildflowers that adorned the cobblestone streets. Laughter and merry chatter filled the air as villagers went about their daily routines, kids frolicking around the village square, the elders gathering below the banyan tree discussing events from the newspaper, and the old ladies sitting in front of Lady Daehlia's porch, knitting and sharing gossip. It was just another fine evening.

As the sun set, the people slowly went back to their homes, the kids, sweaty and hungry, inquired what was for dinner. One after the other, lights started going out as the village descended into silence. People went to bed early here. By eight, everyone was almost asleep, the village now plunged in darkness.

Except for one establishment: the tavern.

The tavern not only provided drinks, but it also acted as an inn for the weary travelers that arrived at the village,seeking solace and camaraderie. It was a warm and welcoming place for all from visitors to local drunkards, to adventurers and mercenaries. This place would be full of men and women by the evening till the sun rose.

Inside the cozy establishment, wooden tables groaned under the weight of mugs, and jovial conversations echoed off the walls. This was where people shared stories, forged friendships, and occasionally raised a glass in celebration. Tonight, it was no different.

Amidst the jovial ambiance, a newcomer stepped through the tavern's entrance, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. Though the patrons gave her a brief glance, they soon returned to their own revelries, their attention consumed by the tales they shared and the merriment that flowed freely. Serenbrook was no stranger to wanderers, as visitors flocked from far and wide to experience the wonders that the village held: the legendary mirrors.

Aria looked around cautiously before making her way to the tavern’s landlady, entering the lively scene, her eyes scanning and making note of any important information she could make out. The sound of clinking glasses and cheerful banter enveloped her senses, drawing her further into the heart of the establishment.

As she weaved through the crowd, snippets of conversations reached her ears. Whispers of mirrors caught her attention, piquing her curiosity. Of course she had heard of the enchanted mirrors of Serenbrook.They were as famous as the ‘Fountain of Griselda’ that could make a person lucky for a day, or the ‘Apples from Northern Ridge’ that Aria herself had tasted more than an year ago.

As she reached the counter, couldn't help but overhear the landlady, a plump and cheerful woman, questioning the barkeeper loudly about the location of the "Mirror of Joy". The barkeeper scratched his head, responding with a smile. "Ah, I moved it to the far wall, near the fireplace. It's been quite the hit lately."

Even though it was summer, the nights here at Serenbrook were chilly. Hence the hearth was always burning in the evenings. Aria looked at the bright fireplace, spotting the crowd surrounding it. She rose onto her toes to get a better look,and there lay a simple mirror placed above the fireplace,nothing distinguishing about it other than the runic pattern around its borders. The pattern looked faded, barely able to make it out.

She watched as person after person made their way to the front of the mirror, and a sparkling light erupted from the mirror, just for a moment, before the person would move aside, giggling as if they were high on Merryleaf. But the mirror was different; it supposedly worked like a blessing, giving people only pure emotions. It had no apparent side-effects. As she observed, Aria couldn't help but feel amazed at the wonder of these mirrors,and this was not the only mirror Serenbrook held. There were more, each for a different emotion, distributed among the residents.

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Serenbrook was also called the 'the village where no one cries',or 'the village of Bliss'. And it was almost certainly because of the magic of these mirrors.Right then, the tavern lady swooped in and snatched up the mirror.

"Alright fellas, you have used it enough times, now go back to your booze or you won't see the mirror for a week," she scolded and walked back to the counter, noticing the look of amazement on Aria's face on the way.

"Kid, are you perhaps here to experience the wonder of the mirrors as well?" she lightly inquired. She had seen too many surprised individuals that it was nothing new to her now, in fact, it had become her job to introduce the newcomers to the magic of the mirrors.

Aria nodded absentmindedly, her previous caution nowhere. Too many thoughts passed through her mind after she had seen the mirror work by herself.

"Alright, here. Give it a try. Normally we charge for every use. Those fellas over there pay a weekly subscription to use the mirror, but one or two uses here and there is fine. Hold it, girl," she spoke, handing her the mirror.

Aria held it in hands, feeling its rough edges and observing the faded runic patterns. It looked strangely beautiful up close. The mirror had no frame and was just a piece of coated glass, simple. But it was neither sharp nor odd to hold, almost like wood. As she looked into the mirror, instead of her reflection, a bright meadow appeared in her view. Flowers and butterflies, she could almost hear the birds chirping in the sky. It was surreal, just like a dream. The next moment, she felt herself floating, all of her senses seemed to overload… and then there was nothing.The moment passed as quickly as it had begun.

The tavern lady picked up the mirror from Aria's outstretched hands and went back to the counter, leaving the young lady grinning widely like a fool.

Aria tried to snap out of it, but the feeling was just too intoxicating. She couldn't. Looking up, she followed after the lady. As she passed through the crowd, she caught more whispers, but her mind was not in listening to these people. She just wanted to have a great dinner and fall asleep now, maybe get back to that dream she had just seen. To that meadow.

In her reverie, she passed a group of villagers huddled together, their voices low and filled with lure. They exchanged stories, half-remembered legends of a supreme mirror capable of devouring all that lay before it. The description was vague and shrouded in mystery. The words only half-registered in Aria's mind, but they sparked her imagination and deepened her fascination with the mirrors that seemed to hold a prominent place in the village's folklore. The idea of a mirror devouring everything it reflected did not sound scary. Or maybe that concern did not even arise, as she was still under the spell.

Standing beside the counter, she caught the landlady's attention and inquired about the room availability for the night. The woman, her eyes twinkling with warmth, informed her of an empty room on the second floor, assuring Aria that it was the coziest one.

Accepting the key with gratitude, Aria ascended the creaky wooden stairs, her thoughts consumed by the tales and whispers she had heard. Aria couldn't help but wonder about the truths that hid behind the legends of the mirrors and how they intertwined with the vibrant life of Serenbrook..

As Aria settled into her room, she resolved to uncover the secrets hidden within the village's mirrored realm. It was her job‌, to discover and bring out deeply buried tales and secrets. She was an explorer, a magic rune researcher and a mythologist. And right now her sixth sense was telling her that there was some secret hiding behind the mirrors. This was her passion and job.

As the night settled, Aria decided upon her quest, her heart alight with curiosity and determination, unaware of the perilous path that lay before her.

......

In a corner of the tavern, hidden behind a cloak, a mysterious person watched the evening unfold, observing, but not interacting with anyone. No one noticed their presence, as the person sat still without moving a muscle. They had the ability to look past layers and walls and their eyes traced Aria’s steps, watching her ascend the stairs and enter a room. They watched the change of expressions on the explorer's face, something even the young lady herself had not managed to notice.

*sigh*

A long exhale. They stood up and left the tavern, with no one aware of their presence. Disappearing in the night, with only one thought on their mind.

'Finally, it seems I can begin with my plans.'