Big teary blue hues look up at Flynn. The fairy had already been showing the ring in her palm, but maybe he had old eyes. She lifts her hands higher and closer, almost to his nose so that he goes cross eyed. Maybe he sees the ring now. "I think he was going to propose." Navi says with a sniffle.

Faelan and Zeg check the reflections as they appear in the mirror in front of Navi. They look normal... like their current exact appearance. The mirrors on either side also seem completely normal, although all other mirrors beyond that on either side show subtle differences of younger and older, depending on the direction of travel. In fact, these three mirrors might be the only truly normal mirrors in the entire exhibit, although the frame and glass look identical in every way to all the others. Touching the images causes no shift or glitch in the illusion whatsoever. The reflection only reflects the four friends, with the backdrop of the inner tent wall, although the reflection is a little blurry, and both Faelan and Zeg notice that the glass surface is smudged with some kind of moisture... and a little slime.

It takes Flynn a moment to comprehend what Navi is talking about, and who the ring belongs to, but soon enough the penny drops, and he finds himself a bit lost for words. There's a melancholy verse that would perfectly sum up this situation, an original line of prose, but as usual it eludes the poor bard, stuck perpetually in the limbo of writer's block. Navi collects herself a little and is about to give a more complete account of what befell the jilted halfling, when two familiar figures emerge from the downstream end of the mirror tent (the 'older' end). Mister Witch and Mister Light don't appear to be in a hurry, but something about their gait or stance suggests tension and weariness. Mister Witch looks even more somber and grumpy than usual, and even Mister Light doesn't have quite the same vim and vigor as before. They do however seem surprised that the three 'troublemakers' have stopped exactly at this mirror, and that a weepy fairy is with them. Looking down at Navi, and with just a hint of pity in his voice, Mister Witch rumbles:

What is it little one? Whom did you see?

Flynn moves his hand (holding the fairy).protectively close.to his chest.  And for the first time of the evening his left hand moves to the hilt.of his rapier. And watches Witch.and Light cautiously

Zeg stands a bit taller and puffs his chest out a bit as the two approach but waits for Navi's answer.

Keeping an eye on the Bosses, in case they become a threat to his new friends, Faelan checks the mirror with their current image. He takes a small sample of the slime with his finger and smells it and studies it.

Investigation: 4

(SbjSDFhbvguIW SORRY! Didn’t realize we were waiting on Navi.)

”Sowpig…” Sniffles. “And the guy halfling…” She’d share the name if she remembers it.

(I don’t remember if Navi got the name or not.)

Faelan can't quite identify the slime, although it appears to be of a biological nature... his intuition tells him that he should probably have used a tissue rather than his finger.

------------------------

Mister Witch and Mister Light don't even look at each other, but it is clear from their expressions (their lack of surprise, mostly, although Mister Witch winces slightly) that the name of Sowpig is familiar to them. They continue to stare at Navi's teary face, but it is a blank stare, and their eyes are looking at though at a distance as they converse with each other:

Mr Light: So they have claimed another. 
Mr Witch: And so it must continue, for I cannot bear the alternative.
Mr Light: The agreement doesn't preclude others from interfering.
Mr Witch: Even if it is we who permit it? You know how they can twist the terms to their advantage.
Mr Light: I think it's time we ventured the chance. Every loss leaves a fresh stain on our dream.
Mr Witch: <sigh> Well, it's not as if this bunch are going to stir the pot too much. Let them seek what they lost.
Mr Light: You never know, Witch. Through small means are great things brought to pass.
Mr Witch: Let us hope such great things are not to our detriment.

They pause for a moment, and then look at the assembled group - the podgy Witch in his tweed suit and top hat, and the slender Light in his colorful jester outfit. Witch speaks for the pair:

Well, here we are, as you requested. Now, speak your terms. What is it you want from us?

Faelan steps forward from the group. “Well, apparently some’ ain’t right. We’ve got people gone missin’, and most importantly, looks like we all lost some’ too.” He looks at the other. “Ah believe that we’re supposed ta go to the other side and fix things. Whatever that may be. At the very least we’ve got names so, that’s a start. Ah know we ain't supposed to mention em' here.”

Zeg nodded in agreement.  "We want the password to cross into the faerie realm.  We know enough and we know you need the help.  We tried to offer our help and you turned us down.  Now we demand it."

Flynn watches the two intently still holding the fairy to his chest

Mister Witch looks on with a stoic, stern expression as Faelan and Zeg declare their demands. Mister Light on the other hand winces as though in pain, and presses one clenched fist up close to his face. It is Mister Light that responds though, and in a tight and strained voice he says: You're right, of course. You must think us monsters. But allow me to explain...

Our history is long and full of sorrow, but suffice to say we were once the owners of another carnival, one with a much different atmosphere, in our native Shadowfell. Many years ago we happened to encounter the Witchlight Carnival from the Faewild, and struck a friendship with the eladrin owner. One night, after much wine was consumed, we could not agree on which carnival was the better of the two, so we decided it would be fun to swap until the two carnivals should meet again. Taking the names of Witch and Light, we found a joy in this Carnival such as we had never known. We lost any desire to return to our gloomy old carnival, and dreaded the day when we should again cross paths.

Then the problems came. The Hourgl.. the ones who must not be mentioned... knew what we desired, and made us an offer we couldn't refuse: They promised to ensure that our two Carnivals would never meet again. All they asked in return was to allow them to steal something precious from anyone who entered the Carnival without a ticket, as well as to accept anyone who was willing to leave. Should we renege, then the meeting of the Carnivals would be assured. This seemed at the time like such a small and fair price to pay to maintain our dream and ensure our eternal happiness.

However, since that time, so many have come to our Carnival and gone away unhappy, or gone missing altogether. The joy we receive from bringing delight and wonder to so many is now perpetually tarnished by the pain we feel from the loss and disappointment of others. And yet we cannot bear to risk losing what remains - surely it is better to endure some sorrow than to risk total misery. <sigh> Such is the fate of all who bargain with evil.

Mister Light pauses and looks imploringly at the group, as though his tale might sway your emotions one final time, and persuade you that everyone would be better off overall if the situation was left alone. But it is also clear that he isn't convinced of this himself, and that deep down he clings to a hope that somehow everyone might be able to live happily ever after. Finally, with one last nod from Mister Witch, Light leans in close and lowers his voice...

Everything you seek and more lies beyond this mirror. If you mean to step through, then stand in front of the glass and repeat this rhyme: "Hither, thither, here and there; wander yonder, show me where." But be warned! The mirror is a one-way portal only. Once in Prismeer, you must find your own way back to the world.

Flynn looks to the others.  "I can't choose for you but I for one am going through. One way trip or no,I am at least willing to go"

"A greater price than you ever dreamed.  A price that grows larger and larger every day.  What you thought was so small was ,in fact, quite large. One that will never be satisfied.  We seek what is lost.  I will take my chance and cross the one way. We will find a way back."

Zeg looks at Flynn and nods.  "Try it then and it if works I will follow you."

IF

If Flynn, or one of the others, tries the words and is successful in opening the portal, or being sucked through Zeg turns back to Mr Light and Witch.

"I had taken this from your wagon to bargain with, to force you to give us this information.  Now I return it for it really is not mine.  I bear you no ill will and may good fortunes be with you. We will see what happens in the future."

Zeg takes out the miniature gold treasure chest that is studded with tiny jewels and places it on the ground before stepping through the portal or speaking the words to pass through the portal himself.

Flynn releases the fairy and goes to the mirror. Says the words  then as he steps through tosses the wand towards witch and light

"Couldn't figure it out anyway"

Fairy clings. She was coming with.

Flynn smiles. "I didn't want to make the choice for you Navi. But thank you" he gives her a better perch to sit on

"Wait up Doc." Faelan tells Flynn. "Lemme go first." With that said, he recites the passage and goes through the mirror.

Quote from Paladin54 >>

"A greater price than you ever dreamed.  A price that grows larger and larger every day.  What you thought was so small was ,in fact, quite large. One that will never be satisfied."

That is the question, replies Mister Light in his most dramatic voice. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, to rather bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of.

Having received the verse that would unlock the portal, Flynn steps up to the mirror, and with the practiced skill of a lyrical expert, the bard recites the words:

Hither, Thither, Here and There, Wander Yonder, Show Me Where!

The surface of the mirror shudders, making the reflections waver. Even as the mirror itself returns to stillness, the reflections continue to waver, sending ripples of colour across the image. The colours split and merge, weaving patterns almost beyond the power of the eye to watch, until the surface of the mirror is replaced with what appears to be liquid, like the sheen of a lake, reflecting the light of a multi-hued sun, and as though disturbed by the faintest breeze (albeit on a vertical plane).

Faelan eagerly hops forward, and repeating the words of the rhyme (although it has no additional effect), the harengon hops right into the watery surface and disappears, his passage leaving not a hint of a splash, although the appearance is like one dropping into a pool. 

Quote from Paladin54 >>

 

"I had taken this from your wagon to bargain with, to force you to give us this information.  Now I return it for it really is not mine.  I bear you no ill will and may good fortunes be with you. We will see what happens in the future."

As Faelan and Navi follow Faelan into the mirror (the wand clattering to the floor as they do so), Zeg turns to Witch and Light, placing the chest on the floor, then turns to step into the mirror. But just before the owlin can vanish into the unknown, a comment from Mister Witch causes him to stop and turn back.

This is not ours, either!

Looking back in wonder at the two carnival owners, Zeg can see Mister Light looking at the small token in Mister Witch's hand, puzzled expressions on both of their faces.

You say you took this from our wagon. I can only suggest it belonged to the former owner, Isolde, the eladrin of which we spoke. I would prefer not to keep it - it can only increase the chance of our reunion with the shadow carnival. Please, take it!

Mister Witch tosses the small chest back to Zeg, as Mister Light ushers Zeg closer to the mirror, returning to his thespian style of speaking.

Good fortunes go also with you! Mayhap you shall return from Prismeer, that undiscovered country from whose bourn so few return.

As Zeg steps into the mirror, Light also calls out, with arm outstretched: Seek Zybilna! Free the dormant queen at last!

And at the very last, as Zeg slips beyond the point of no return, the last muffled phrase calls out: Mind the Rule of Three!

---------------------------

Just as a lengthy dream can take place in a single nod of sleep, the seemingly long passage through the portal in fact lasts only a moment. As each of the intrepid adventurers step into the mirror, their vision goes dark. There is a sensation of movement, of fast travel but without any visual cues. At one point in the journey there is a sense of reaching a three-way split in the 'path', but with just the faintest thought about one of the three options, each member of the group find themselves travelling down that one path. Memories of the descriptions given of Primeer by some of the Carnival denizens such as Northwind the treant sapling (as well as the brief vision that Navi saw in the mirror) fill the mind with anticipation of an enchanted land of light and vibrant colour, and gradually the darkness gives way to dimness, which grows steadily until...

SPLAT!

Your feet feel damp as you find yourself standing in a dirty brown puddle. A light rain falls around you, and looking around, you find you are standing high on the edge of a raised and broken causeway under a hazy, twilit sky. The causeway, which is built from pale stones that glow faintly from within, towers over the surrounding landscape, but large sections of it have crumbled away. The parts that remain in place are separated by large gaps where portions have collapsed.

Looking down from the lofty stone structure, a fog-shrouded swamp spreads out below you in all directions, and up from its murk wafts the smell of rotting plants. Also rising from the swamp is the music of nature—a discordant symphony of croaking frogs and crying birds...

Zeg takes the box back.  "So be it then.  Isolde is it?  We will see what happens."

Zeg then steps through the portal.

As he lands in the puddle of water he looks about.

"Well, not exactly what I expected.  But then we do seek hags.  Don't they like to live in swamps?"  He looks about for a moment.  Let me make a quick recon and see what the land around us looks like. "Before I stepped through they told me to seek Zybilna. They also told me to mind the rule of three."

Zeg then launches into the air to look around.  He stays close to the other, just flies up higher to get a look around.

Perception 22

He'll report back to the others what he sees.

"Ah guess we made it. It ain't that different from home." Faelan looks around, trying to make sense of where they are. "Gimme a few, ah'll be right back..." The Harengon looks around the area for any tracks, so that they may have a direction to go to.

Survival: 22