Mirror

Cheery conversations

Mason POV

I go into as much detail as I can manage to without scaring her off. I tell her that I was chosen a long time ago by a wandering woman. This woman gave me this mirror with a warning: guard this in these woods. It is a powerful object that has no sense of time or space. The woman described to me that it was a sort of passageway for chosen travelers to cross realms and time. I had asked her why she chose me, and as she snickered, she stated that it was due to my protective nature. I nodded my agreement and hung it in my bedroom at the back of the cottage.

Sadie looked like she was trying to take all of this in.

“Do you have any questions?” I asked her slowly and kept my voice low and soft.

“I am trying to process this. It makes sense, I guess. I do read a lot of fairy tale books.”

I am not sure what to make of that statement, but I made a mental note to ask her about that later.

“I should let you know that I am not sure which realm you came from, but it is clearly not one that is close to our time.” I started. “I will go into the village and grab you some clothes that are more suited. That way I can show you around without suspicion and we can try to find you a way home. If that is what you wish.”

I wait for her to acknowledge what I have just said. She just keeps staring into the mug in between her palms. I am sure this is a lot to absorb. If the roles were reversed, I don’t think I would take this well. I decide to leave her to her thoughts for a moment. I get up to take my empty mug to the sink and she quickly glances at me.

“How do I know I am safe here?” she asks, the worry evident on her face.

“I swear to the old gods and the new that no harm will come to you from me, and if I can help it, from no one else either. You have my word.” I do my best to keep my stare soft as not to scare her. She nods and then returns her gaze to her mug.