DreamWeaver's Plane

Chapter 4: MYRRHA, THE MIRROR MAGE

Chapter IV

MYRRHA, THE MIRROR MAGE

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION was just around the corner so Myrrha began developing some of the photographs for the event. It would be best to check what she got so far so she could take additional photos in case she won't have enough great shots to showcase for the exhibit.

She spent almost an hour in the dark room. when she started reviewing the developed photos. She scanned each to see for any defects and if there is a need for her to reshoot some. She also checked those she captured using the digital camera. She was almost done with the batch of photos when her attention was drawn to the picture she took with Sergei and Valerie that afternoon.

She found a halo around Sergei's head. For any expert photographer this would appear to be a simple reflection of the setting sun caught by the camera lens. But Myrrha was no simple school photographer doing this for a hobby or what. She has keen eyes not just for the aesthetic features of a photo but for some other things not common to anyone. She can intuitively read signs, auras and even see beyond images caught on camera.

She looked closely at Sergei's photo and noticed the halo was iridescent, almost blinding to the naked eye. Anyone can easily dismiss this as just a simple play of lights. But she can interpret such things on a metaphysical level. She can sense Sergei got a very strong aura particularly in his head. A person with a strong mind or imagination which could indicate abilities not normal for a teenage boy. She can also tell that he will soon encounter other beings beyond this world.

Myrrha's ability rely solely in reflections on mirrors, glasses or any shiny or reflective objects in the mundane world. Sometimes her camera serves as a tool for her to capture things that can only be seen by intuitive humans like her.

Her previous readings revealed to her, she was what some myths call a Mirror Mage. Humans with the ability to read lights and reflections for divining people's fate and energies. In old stories they are either called seers or even witches with strong psychic abilities.

She sorted it out from the batch of photos she developed. She made a mental note to show this particular photo to Sergei. She felt the need to warn him of any possible things he might face in the future. It could help him if ever he may need explanation on some experiences. She knows how it felt when she first learned about her gifts. Confusion could overwhelm anyone not strong enough to understand their newfound abilities.

EARLY IN THE morning of the following day, Myrrha sat at the school bench taking notes. She needed to plan what additional photos she can include for the exhibit. She thought of taking photographs of some interesting people in the university. Professors, students, and other employees inside the campus.

She looked around her trying to get some inspiration on whom to put on her list of subjects for her next set of photos.

Someone unique and not usually featured in school photos could make her entry for the exhibit more interesting. The well-known personalities in the school for sure were already thought of by other participants for the event.

Myrrha noticed a plump girl eating her sandwich alone on the other side of the school garden. She was so quiet reading a book on her lap.

She peered to see what the book title was. She saw that it was a book about astrology. Then it dawned upon her who this girl maybe.

She was Esther. One of the writers in the school paper. Esther particularly writes features about Astrology.

Myrrha thought she could be a good subject for her exhibit. She could sense Esther preferred to be alone but Myrrha took courage to approach her.

She was almost near her when she saw the image of Esther that can be viewed behind the water on her glass tumbler. She could see a gloomy aura surrounding Esther's. Myrrha's intuition tells her, this was an image of a girl with a very sad story to tell. This could explain why Esther appeared to be aloof.

She was about to step back trying to respect the delicate demeanor she can read from Esther's. She did not want to invade anyone's space especially for someone as sensitive as her.

But it was too late because she was already noticed by Esther. She felt she need to explain herself standing close to her table.

"Hi! My name is Myrrha Shinemaid from the Photography Club," she introduced herself to answer Esther's questioning eyes.

"If you want to ask for a reading about your love life, I am sorry but I am not in the mood for that now. I am busy understanding what this book can offer," Esther snapped even before she could explain further.

"Oh no, no! I was just about to ask if I could take your picture for the school exhibit next month." Myrrha told her shyly.

"All the more I would have to decline. Sorry I don't feel like being featured on anything," Esther replied while she began to stand away from the table. " You can just read my column in the school organ if you like but taking my photo is a big No."

Myrrha could only sigh as she watched Esther walked away like a wild animal running from a predator. She did not want to surprise her but it was always courteous to ask permission from people before taking their pictures.

It would have been a wasted opportunity to feature someone as elusive as Esther who was well known for her accurate readings about her astrology column in the school newspaper.

Apart from that reason, she was more curious about the story behind Esther's personality. She knew it may not be a glamorous as the other known personalities in the University. However, she felt like she might be able to help this girl with very sad eyes.

Yet, you cannot just help anyone without them seeking it. She of all people respects anyone's privacy and she would not want to put them on the spotlight or anyone before her camera lens unless they wanted it too.