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Note: ignore that I said the feather was white. Pretend I said it was mottled brown instead.

Also I just realized that it sounded like Dharin was wearing literally JUST his vest. That’s not what I meant XD He’s wearing pants. But he isn’t wearing any SHIRT besides the vest. 

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Dharin tucked the feather carefully in his belt, and stood up, surprised to find his legs were shaky. He pushed away the pain in his heart, clenching his teeth and stepping towards the nearest mirror.

Please don’t let it show me the same thing the first one did… But maybe it would be better if it did. Let my mind think of something else that hurts. Pile all the hurt into one moment. 

He looked in it cautiously, and saw nothing but his tear-stained face staring back at him. But then he looked closer and saw… his mother?

She smiled at him, resting a hand on mirror-Dharin’s shoulder.

“Forgive your father. He only did what he thought would set things right.”

Dharin shook his head. “Never.” He spoke through clenched teeth. “How did he ever think selling his daughter would “set things right”?”

“He thought to buy her back when he had the money. He didn’t know they would take her to Ikarial.”

Dharin shook his head faster, hands balling into fists. “No! He saw her loaded into the boat! He helped them!”

“He thought they were taking her to a village just down the river. He didn’t know. Forgive him, and forget your pain.”

“Never.” Dharin spat the word, jerking his shoulder and reflection away from his mother’s hand. She faded from sight, and was replaced with eight-year-old Theresa, sitting on mirror-Dharin’s shoulders, giggling. Mirror-Dharin was smiling, but suddenly let go of her. Theresa fell from his shoulders, screaming. Dharin reached out to grab her, but his hand hit the cold glass of the mirror and his reflection remained unchanged, smiling, watching her fall into an endless blackness.

Dharin fell to his knees as memories of that day came flooding back, carried to him on her scream. He lifted his head with an effort to look at the mirror once more. Mirror-Dharin was replaced with Jaylin’s concerned face.

“Hey, uh… are you okay?”

Dharin didn’t turn. “No. No, I’m not.”

How long has it been since I’ve admitted to not being okay?

Jaylin shifted awkwardly. “Um. I’m, uh, I’m sorry?”

Any other day, Dharin would have cracked a smile at how uncomfortable the lad looked.

“Dharin.”

That… that was his father’s voice. Dharin leapt to his feet, and looked in the mirror again. Instead of his reflection, he saw his father looking back at him solemnly.

“What do you want?” Dharin asked.

“Forgive me.”

“You sold her! You made her pay for the mess you got yourself into! She did nothing wrong, and yet she paid for your mistakes.”

“I didn’t know what would happen.”

“Lies.” Dharin hissed.

“Forgive me.” His father’s voice repeated that one word. “Forgive… forgive… forgive… forgi-“

Dharin drew his sword with a yell, and smashed the pommel into the mirror, shattering it and the image of his father in the glass. The word echoed once more in Dharin’s head:

“Forgive…”

Dharin sheathed his sword, breathing heavily, chest heaving. Sweat dripped down his brow. He was suddenly aware of how silent the room was. He turned slowly. Everyone was staring at him. There were a couple new faces, but Dharin ignored them.

Every time I turn, this place has sucked someone else from their peaceful life to throw them into this mess. No need to scrutinize everyone at once right this moment. Take care of this scene first. You’re an idiot, Dharin, always bringing attention to yourself at the most inopportune moments. 

Dharin took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and smiled around the room, nodding to those he recognized, and willing a welcoming twinkle into his eyes for the newcomers.

“Apologies. The mirror angered me.”

Way to state the obvious. Now they think you’re some fool, touched in the head. Well, I suppose it’s better that way. They might be more inclined to ignore you now. 

Dharin chose a random isle of books to walk down. Anywhere to escape the curious glances of those in the room. Reaching the end of the isle, he turned and sat with his back to the end of the shelves, now shielded from all eyes.

Well, except Jaylin’s.

Dharin looked over as the lad poked his head around the shelf, then sat cross-legged in front of him. Dharin sighed, and Jaylin made as if to stand back up. Dharin motioned for him to stay.

“No, no. Sit down. I just-” Dharin buried his head in his hands.

I wish Marek was here. I need to duel someone. 

“I keep seeing things in the mirrors. I don’t know if it’s my mind, or the mirror, or both. Maybe I’m just going crazy.”

Jaylin shook his head uncertainly. “I don’t- I don’t think you’re going crazy.”

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@beth20 Hope you don’t mind that I brought Jaylin over to Dharin! Also I don’t remember much about Jaylin’s personality (been too long since I read any of the previous writing XD), so I also hope I wrote him ok?