Normal POV

It was quiet between the two of them as they travelled down the river for a couple more hours, pulling up to shore every now and then; to stretch their legs and mostly to scout out the terrains in case of more rapids downstream. They continued until they reached an outskirt of a small town due the upcoming waterfall and the water wheel being turned by the river. "It's too risky to pass through the town." Runaan said, "We'll have to go around."

Viren's POV

As I descend down toward the mirror, I'd half-expect Commander Gren to greet me. To be honest, I've wondered how he can possibly remain so cheerful in dire circumstances; if it weren't for his fluency with sign language and his medical skills, I wouldn't even know why a pacifist like him is in the Standing Battalion in the first place. I enter the cell where I last had the mirror, closing the door behind me. Relighting the candles, I removed the cover from the mirror. "Today is a special day, mystery mirror." I said, "It is the day you reveal your secrets to me."

Runaan's POV

As we gathered the supplies, I pulled out the map realized that the map was more water-damaged than we thought. Azura pulled out the book from her satchel and opened it to a page with the map drawn onto it, "I noticed that the map was a little outdated, but I'm not sure if this is even accurate enough." She said sheepishly. "You drew this? It's incredible." I complimented before realizing something, "But when did you…" I began to ask before Azura caught on. "During my time keeping watch after we left the Banther Lodge. But I just realize that a map is half as useful without a compass." She said, making me realize that unless we travel at night or know how to use the sun as such, neither of us have an idea on which direction's east. It was also that same moment I realize where she's going with that, "Oh, no. You better not be thinking about it." I told her, crossing my arms. "I already told you. It's too risky."

"Perhaps for a Moonshadow elf, but I can go into town, grab a compass, and get out without any suspicion." Azura calmly held her ground, though something tells me that this is a bad idea; and she knows it. Yet, on the other hand, a compass would definitely come in handy… "If you were to go in town and look for a compass, we'll lose out on time. Besides, we don't even know if they have compasses there." I said, knowing that Azura is still intent on getting a compass. "I know… I'll try to be in-and-out. Before sundown, at the latest." She said as she goes through her satchel, making me realize that she's planning to bind herself to her word. Once she found the ribbon, I place my hand on the ribbon and bound myself to the promise that she'll be back before sundown at the latest.

Azura's POV

To be honest, I was quite surprised that he was willing to bind himself. After the first time, he was very quick to refuse the truth binding. But perhaps… the reason that he's willing this time is because I'm going into a human town, and that he's worried that I would rat him out. That was about an hour ago; and before I left, Runaan gave me a couple gold coins– though he inspected them carefully; almost as if he was checking for something… I shook my head, still unable to figure out where did he get the coins from… From what I know, the use of actual currency is a rarity among the elves.

As I look at one of the coins, I couldn't help but have a feeling that I've seen something like it before; especially with the blank surfaces, and the strange runes inscribed on the sides. But at least, they're made of gold and looks almost identical to the Katolian currency… I shook the thought out of my head again as I entered the town. I need to find a compass and get out of there before anyone find out that there's a "witch" among them.

Normal POV

Deep in her thought, Azura inadvertently bumped into a fruit stand. "Oh! I'm so sorry, madam." She quickly gathered the dropped fruit and gave them to the fruit seller, "It's not every day you see the younger generation taking responsibility for their actions in this town. Your parents have raised you well, young lady." The fruit seller said as she gave two of her fruits to Azura. "I shouldn't…" She said, "Something tells me that you're travelling with someone." The fruit seller insisted knowingly. This surprised Azura for a bit before remembering, "You wouldn't happen to know where I can buy a compass." She asked. "I do, but I'd be careful if I were you. The storeowner is a greedy scoundrel who is notorious when it comes to young women like yourself." The fruit seller warned, but points Azura in the right direction.

Following the fruit seller's directions, Azura found the store. She kept having a feeling of uneasiness; when the fruit seller warned her about the storeowner, the older woman looked serious. Though she knows how to defend herself, the last thing Azura wanted is to have someone learn that she's a light mage. Taking a deep breath, she entered. Inside, the store was dark and musty. With boxes of contents all over the place, and the counter is at the other end of the room.

Azura's POV

"Hello? Anyone in here?" I called out as I look around, how can anyone find something in this mess… "How can I help such a lovely young lady?" A male voice rang up, causing me to face the counter and see the storeowner. He was a short and portly fellow with a thin mustache and wiry grey hair. Not to mention an obviously unpleasant air to him, and the way that he looks at me; I found it extremely uncomfortable just being in the same room as him… The sooner I get a compass and get out of there, the better; especially since it's getting a little close to sundown. "I'm just looking for a compass, sir." I answered, keeping my cool. "Ah!" the storeowner nodded as left the counter, "You've come to the right place, sweet-cheeks."

I had to fight the urge to gag, "Although, I think a bonnie lass like you might be more interested in jewellery." The storeowner said as he pulled out a small box and opened it, revealing an intricate, gold band with a sparkling sapphire embedded in it. "The moment I saw your stunning eyes, I knew this ring would be perfect for you." He added; I mentally shudder with disgust, but remain calm. "I said I was looking for a compass, sir. Nothing else." I told the storeowner, earning a small chuckle from him. "Playing hard to get, are we?" He asked, as he got a little too close for my comfort– just for a brief second before he laugh and back off. "Just joking." The storeowner said, though I have a feeling that he's insincere when he said that… "But I have to admit, you drive yourself a hard bargain." He added as he went behind the counter, and return with a beautiful silver locket with an embossed, eight-pointed star.

Normal POV

Azura looked at the storeowner guardedly before he spoke up, "I know what you're thinking. 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.'" As he said it, he open a locket– revealing a compass inside. Grateful, Azura walked over to the counter and ready to pull out the coins Runaan gave to her– until the storeowner stopped her and gave her the locket. "It's on the house. Something tells me that you are travelling, but I honestly hope that you have someone travelling with you. A beautiful woman travelling alone is often an easy mark." He said; causing Azura to resist the urge to gag again as she quickly left the store. Once she was outside and a good distance away, Azura let out a sigh before opening the locket and turned around, testing the compass inside. Content, Azura put the locket on around her neck and made her way back to Runaan– unaware that she was being followed by someone will lewd intents.

While trying to figure out what to do with the coins, Azura got the feeling that she's being followed, and she could even guess who it was. A shiver ran down her back, she knew she had to shake her stalker before whoever tailing her either does something to her or sees Runaan. As soon as she saw the woods at the outskirt of the town, Azura quickened her pace. Catching a glimpse of her truth binding, she knew that Runaan wouldn't be pleased with her fulfilling part of her promise to him.

Runaan's POV

Glancing between the setting sun and the binding on my right arm, I waited not far from the boat for Azura to return. As I readjust the satchel with me, I could see the binding disintegrating– albeit partially… something is not right… I spotted her in the distance, only to stop and looks around nervously; almost as if she knew that… she's being followed. She headed for another part of the wood with a quickened pace, only to see a short and portly man with wiry grey hair and a look in his eyes that tells me that this human have ill intents in his mind.

I quickly moved through the branches in order to get ahead of Azura; and while I wasn't too happy with her at the moment, I knew that she would need my help. I moved to a branch overlooking a clearing just as Azura entered, with her looking around before she saw me. The look on her face indicate that she was sorry before hearing something behind her, "Don't be shy, little kitten. I was just trying to make sure that you have a big, strong man to take you on your moonlit stroll." Azura looks completely disgusted before our eyes met again, earning a curt nod from me. With the sound of the man's voice getting closer, I silently encouraged her to hide before dropping down and wait behind a tree. The man approach the clearing, "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty. Come to Papa." He called as he passed the tree I'm hiding behind.

Normal POV

Like a shadow, Runaan crept out of hiding. The Moonshadow elf carefully made his way to the man before quickly striking the back of the man's neck, causing the latter to crumple to the ground unconscious. "You can come out now." Runaan told the woman before she came out of hiding a few feet away and quickly erased the man's memories of her, "I hoped that your detour was worth it." The Moonshadow elf said as he spotted the locket around Azura's neck. "It was." She opened the locket to reveal a compass, "Though I could do without a pervert on the side." She glared back at the unconscious human before pulling out her book and opening it to where she drew the map. "Since the town's there and we're here," Azura said as she pointed on the map and comparing it to the compass, "We should go north by northwest in order to go around." She pointed in a direction.

Viren's POV

After spending most of the day, the serum is ready. Standing in front of the mirror, I removed the stopper from the bottle. "This true-sight serum will strip away all illusions, and allow me to see you for what you really are." I said before I begin chanting, "Neddih si tahw laever eye gniees eurt." The dark liquid bubbled as I brought the serum above my eyes, and place a drop in each of them. The pain of this spell in unbearable; but if it means I finally learn the mirror's secrets, then it will be worth it. I blinked a couple times before looking at the mirror, only to see my reflection staring back.

"Nothing? Nothing. Nothing! Oh, you're powerless, useless. I thought you were going to be something special, something important!" The frustration is too much, and without thinking; knock over everything in anger. The flames from the candles spread before I realized what I have done, and calmly put out the fire before it could leave the cell. It was only then, when everything is dark, the mirror decided to reveal itself. I gasp when I saw a room unlike any I have ever seen, "What is this place?" I wondered aloud.

Runaan's POV

It was quiet between us as we walked, especially after the truth binding finally disintegrated. "Here are the coins you gave me. I kind of got it on the house." Azura broke the ice, causing me to look at her with surprise before taking the coins from her. As I was pulling the pouch out, Azura's eyes widen. She took the pouch and pulled out the coin holding a vague silhouette before the silhouette completely faded, leaving a blank surface. Placing the coin back and handing the pouch back, "Where did you get this?" She asked.

I kept quiet as I added the coins she gave me, "Back when we first met, I originally went down there to avenge someone." Azura began, causing me to think that she meant me… "I didn't wanted to be alerted, so I signaled to Commander Gren; the soldier I released; to keep quiet, so that he wouldn't see me. But as I was about to pull my dagger, I saw him grab the staff and prepare to use that spell." At that moment, I then realized that the High Mage is her quarry.

Azura's POV

"I thought as a 'light mage', you value life. And if you're intent on taking one, then why hesitate?" Runaan asked, "You may not know that with dark magic, you cannot attack a mage when they're in a middle of casting. There are some spells that can implode on a living creature used for the spell, and killing them in the process. I just didn't any collateral damage." I bluntly told him, not liking him calling me out for my 'hypocrisy'. "Well, you didn't need to hesitate. I am already dead." He said, irritating me enough for me to give a quick jab at his left arm before he could stop me. As expected, he clamped his arm and gritted his teeth in pain despite hiding the fact. "You wouldn't have felt that if you're already dead." I deadpanned, "And I thought Moonshadow elves are renowned for killing without second thoughts. So, you could imagine my surprise when you knocked that man out instead."

I instantly regretted saying the last part, because that was a low blow, and we both know it. "If I wanted you dead after you helped me escape, your corpse would have been discovered by now." Runaan countered, making me realize that he has a point. "Then why hesitate?" I echoed him before losing my footing. The Moonshadow elf reached out to grab me, but we both slipped down the side of the cliff we were on. Thankfully, neither was hurt from the fall. But as I got up, I took notice of the field we're in, a field that is all too familiar. "I know this place…"

Normal POV

Runaan was about to tell Azura off when he noticed the unnerved look on her face… "When you mentioned the Dragon Prince, I take it you saw the egg." The Moonshadow elf was confused, but nodded. Azura sighed before she spoke, "About two months ago, a Moonshadow elf and an Oceanmist elf came to Katolis. They were looking for a dragon egg that was stolen from Xadia, and they only managed to find it when the daughter of a light mage stumbled across it by chance. Realizing the situation, the mage and his daughter decided to help the elves escort the dragon egg back to Xadia. But the High Mage, Viren– he discovered what happened to the egg and sought to get it back. To make sure no else know that the Dragon Prince lives, Viren used dark magic and trapped their souls in the coins you carry."

Runaan look at the pouch in surprise, but there was only three unless the mage's daughter was the silhouette that faded… Knowing what the Moonshadow elf is thinking, Azura continues. "While Viren is certain that every member of the party was dead, he didn't realize that the light mage lied to him about his daughter being killed. Upon realizing that he was on their trail, the two elves decided to continue as the light mage buy them time; but not before the mage pleaded with the Moonshadow elf to create an illusion to hide his daughter from Viren. Apparently, the light mage knew that Viren will make sure that no one live to tell the truth about the egg." At this, Runaan realize. "The light mage's daughter is still alive, isn't she?" he asked, causing Azura to nod and adding with anguish in her voice "And you're looking at her."