I recently found a special treasure, a treasure of epic power. I've discovered a mirror, a magical mirror that man only speaks of legends. Many mock me for my childish imagination, but I merely brush them off as blind fools. I have studied fairytale after fairytale, gathering all the evidence I could to support my claim. But still, no one listens to my tale, thinking me mad or insane for believing in such things as magic and fairytales. But you, my curious adventurer, have taken time out of your busy life to hear a madwoman tell her tales of mysterious power and great heroes. For such a great kindness, I shall tell you the secrets of the mirror and stories of those who sought the mirror's power in times way before mine and yours. Don't worry, I shouldn't take but only a few minutes of your precious time.

Myths of old tell of a mysterious object with crystal surface so pure you could see past your reflection and into the soul. In could look past the deceiving façade that was the human face and reveal the strength or evil that lay behind it. Naturally, many sought to wield this power for themselves, even willing to commit the sin of murder to get one glance into the mirror's shiny crystal. It fell into the hands of many during the course of history before I came across this artifact and assumed possession of it, away from the prying eyes of greedy spirits and evil intentions. For this mirror has been drenched in blood and tears, witnessing horrors that our minds would never dare dwell upon. I think it best I have taken the mirror under my care, for it would be a tragedy if its history were to be repeated.

When I first looked into the mirror, I did not understand why wars would be waged just so one could stare into the shining crystal of this mystifying object. But as I gazed more and more into the eyes of my reflection, the mirror revealed its power to me. I could see the unseen and observe emotions I had never encountered before. I was able to shake myself from trance before it could assume full control over my mind. After that day, I went looking for answers as to why such an ordinary item could house such a power. I stumbled across tales, some old, some new, all warning others of the crystal's dark powers by telling the tales of its past victims.

One I had read told of a girl who was said to be the most beautiful human to ever walk the earth, and requested she look into the mirror to prove it. However, when she looked into the mirror, she was greeted with the horrid stare of a disgusting, mutilated demon. She tried and tried to change it, but the same grotesque beast stared at her in the mirror, making her less and less appealing each time. Out of grief for losing her perfect image, she threw herself into the sea, never to return. Another story spoke of a warrior king whose deeds were known throughout the land, and decided that the mirror should herald him as a hero. And he was correct, as his armor gleamed in the sun as he stood triumphant in his victory. But the mirror stained the leader's pride, his people booing him and rioting against him, marring this image of excellence. The king was furious, demanding that his subjects would love him no matter if raised the tax, took some of their land for his own, or he just waged war constantly. All these things the king did, and the mirror's prophecy came to fruition, as the citizens revolted and dethroned him, banishing him to live out the rest of his life in shame and dishonor. I was preparing to destroy the wretched artifact until I found some much more cheerful accounts on the mirror's history.

The scarring tales that had almost led to the mirror's destruction seemed like mere blemishes in comparison to the stories written to honor the mirror's great deeds. My favorite out of them all is when a lowly peasant found themselves staring into their crystalline reflection by mere accident. A noble had dropped it, so the powerless woman decided to return it out of the goodness of her heart. But when she looked into the shiny surface, she foresaw a lion trying to pounce upon her tiny frame in her mind, ready to deliver a killing blow. She no longer wanted anything to do with this bewitched object, and made haste to the noble's residence. However, the noble was not present. A great force was approaching the town, strong enough to wipe out everyone in it within mere minutes. The noble had been contacted to lead the king's armies into battle, so he was waiting for the enemy to arrive to snuff them out. She quickly ran to the front line, where the enemy was soon to approach. As soon as she located the noble and returned his precious mirror, she then realized the gargantuan force marching toward her town, yet she did not run. As each side drew their swords, she cried amongst the battle-ready soldiers, demanding that she be allowed peace as a lowly servant. Surprisingly, none dared to silence the woman, allowing her to negotiate a treaty between the two sides. She then realized that the king had waged war on innocent civilizations, leading her people to rise up against the corrupted rule. She took her place as the new queen, using her power wisely to restore the kingdom she called home. After I closed the book, I tried looking into the mirror again. But the only thing that I saw was my disappointed expression. Since then, the mirror has refused to show its power to me, as if trying to convey to me that I do not need its approval. However, I wonder what you shall see reflected in the mirror's surface.

I want you to gaze upon the mirror and try to see its powers. Try not to squint, as you may miss the crystal's message. Where is this mirror, you ask? Oh silly me, I forgot to mention that all of us have one, it's just that we don't all recognize we do. I bet you there is a magic mirror sitting in your bedroom as we speak. But what of the tales? These tales are of ordinary people who see something deeper in the mirror, like desire or greed. But I have faith in you, my faithful listener, as you may be able to see beyond your desires and truly see yourself. Now go on, I have finished my story and told my tales, for I believe it is time for your tale to begin and the stories of the past to end.