10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Sep 2 - Erised

The mirror showed nothing, as he had come to expect. He sighed as he stared at the mirror, his hand resting on it.

"Does something trouble you, my lord?" his maid asked. She stood by his chair, awaiting command.

"No, it's nothing..." he replied, stepping away from the mirror.

"... may I speak freely, sir?"

"Of course." he nodded as he returned to his chair, tucking himself neatly into his desk.

"I feel as though you miss the ability to see your reflection." she commented curtly. He nodded, smiling a small, bittersweet smile.

"You know me too well."

"We have been together for too long." she smiled gently. "Thankfully, I believe we have a solution."

"Do tell?"

"Human wizards have created a powerful artefact, said to display what the viewer desires most."

"I assume they have it well protected?"

"Unfortunately so, yes. However, if we explain the situation, I am sure you would be able to gain a viewing." he nodded.

"Wizards seem to be the most reasonable of humans. Bring my writing equipment."

"As you wish, sir." she curtsied briefly and left, returning shortly. She carried a small, wooden box in both hands, polished pine framed with silver decoration around the edges. She opened it with a smooth motion, revealing a black feather quill and parchment. She set the box down in front of him and curtsied once more, backing away as he prepared to write. The scribbling of the quill echoed through the room, broken only by the regular ticking and tocking of the clock on the wall. Eventually, he put the quill down. "Would you care to read it aloud before I post it?"

"Of course." he nodded, clearing his throat. "To whom it may concern. I am Lord Alexander, count of the province of Ferins. I have been afflicted with vampirism for the past two centuries, though I believe I am in control of the condition."

"Good." the maid nodded. "Showing you are in control and calling it an affliction indicates you are not proud of your status. Wizards appreciate humility."

"Alright." he nodded, continuing the letter. "It has come to my attention that you have recently created a mirror that is enchanted to show the desires of the viewer. I am confident that you know of the vampire's inability to view their own reflection. As the decades have not been kind to me, I wish to see my true reflection, and without such means available to me I would care to use yours." he paused, glancing up at the maid. She simply nodded.

"So far, so good." she complimented. "I trust the letter is approaching its conclusion."

"Yes, yes. It continues... If you are willing to grant my request, please send a date and time that I can visit your building in person. To reiterate; I intend only to view the mirror and see what it contains for one such as myself. Yours faithfully, Alexander Ferins."

"Marvellous, sir." she nodded her approval. "If they are reasonable, I am certain they will oblige."

"Good." he slipped the letter into an envelope and brought up a small stick of wax, melting it slightly on the candle. He pressed this against the envelope then applied his family's seal with his ring. "Send the letter as soon as the wax is dry."

"Of course, sir."