Mirror of Erised Meme (because we missed last friday!)

[fabricaketions.livejournal.com]

The Mirror of Erised Meme

The Mirror of Erised, of Harry Potter fame, doesn't show the reflection of whoever looks into it. It shows them as they would be achieving their heart's deepest, most desperate desire whether or not it is possible. For instance: an orphaned boy who never knew his parents sees himself surrounded by the biological family he could never know, the oft-overlooked youngest son of a large family sees himself having his day in the sun outdoing his brothers, and the happiest man alive would look into the mirror and see only himself.

What would your character see in the mirror? Feel free to post reactions ICly or oocly, whatever is fun for you.

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[8wings.livejournal.com]

She looked into the mirror and saw a metal garden. Glowing holographic grass, trees and flowers and arching trellises all crafted from the most costly metals, every leaf and branch and vine a masterwork, decorated with exquisite gems in every color imaginable. Tiny robot birds flew from branch to branch, their songs mingling in an endless stream of music; robot insects soared on crystal wings, their camera eyes watching everything, their venomous stingers ready to attack any intruder. Shaven slaves stood at attention, or bore trays of sumptuous foods, or waved fans to stir the air. Around the garden were metal walls, force-field barriers, repulsor grids, the protection of a modern fortress. And the fortress was there as well, standing tall and proud, beauty and strength perfectly mingled.

She saw herself, dressed in the elaborate robes of the Living People, her long hair bound with golden ribbons and elaborate hairpins. She commanded the slaves with a glance and a gesture, sending one here with iced drinks, one there to serve as a footstool. And Eri! Her Eri, he was there, he was alive, tall and strong, blond hair gleaming in the sunlight; and they stood arm in arm, glancing at each other with the loving warmth of a long-married couple.

There were children playing, laughing, practicing their lessons in grace and bearing; and the Children's Cage was full of swift leaping shapes. So many children, hers and Eri's....

No. No! None of this was-

"No!" she finally ground out, covering her eyes as though to avoid a burning light. No, she couldn't want that, not after everything she'd done to escape that life. In her heart of hearts, was she willing to give up everything to become a dutiful wife in a golden cage, borne along by the poisoned power of the Ninth Empire?

"No...."