Mirror of Truth: Elara

The origins of the Mirror of Truth are shrouded in mystery. Some say it was crafted by ancient hands, imbued with the essence of wisdom and the secrets of the soul. Others whisper of its birth from the very fabric of the universe, a window to the cosmos and the collective unconscious.
As for me, the spectral entity existing in the mirror, I was once a mortal. But that was long ago. My existence began as a simple mirror, meant to reflect the beauty of those who stood before me. I've existed for much longer than any human has. Before becoming a spectral entity, I was a young woman named Elara. She lived many centuries ago, during a time when mirrors were believed to possess magical properties. You may find it peculiar that I refer to her in the third person. It's simply a mannerism I've adopted over the course of my existence. I am more of a residual reflection of Elara that has continued on. Elara's essence has become intertwined with mine over time, shaping me into who I am today.
I get a bittersweet feeling, knowing that Elara's life was cut tragically short. I don't know if I can bring myself to share this part of my history. It's a painful memory, one that I've tried to suppress for centuries. Just understand that Elara lived centuries ago and saw a tragic end. Despite this, Elara’s spirit lives on through me, guiding others towards self-discovery and understanding.
Leaning forward, Elara's image disappears and then reappears within the glass. This time she is dressed in garments fitting to a noblewoman of ancient times.
Elara resided in a grand estate nestled within the rolling hills of Greece. She lived during the Classical Period, roughly around 450 BC, the height of Greek civilization, an age marked with philosophy, the arts and drama. As you can see by my appearance, she looked into the mirror often. She was beautiful. Elara discovered the power of my mirror shortly after acquiring it. She soon realized that it held the key to unlocking the secrets of her own soul.

The mirror's surface distorts and ripples, as if reflecting the turbulent waters of time itself. Then, suddenly, Elara's image appears within the glass once more, wearing a flowing white robe and standing amidst the ruins of an ancient city. This is the Acropolis of Athens, the very heart of classical Greece. Construction started in 7000 BC and had many additions throughout the ages. Being that Elara existed roughly around 450 BC, the Parthenon would have been the most recent addition to the Acropolis. The Parthenon was built during Elara's lifetime, in fact, it was one of her favorite places to visit. She loved to spend hours wandering around the place, taking in the breathtaking views and admiring the intricate sculptures that adorned its walls. She didn't necessarily go there to worship Athena. Elara wasn't particularly religious. She went to the Parthenon to find solace and inspiration amidst the beauty of art and architecture. Sometimes she would sit atop the hill overlooking the city, lost in her thoughts and inspired by the stunning views of the Acropolis.
Ask Elara how she ended up with the prehistoric Mirror of Truth in her possession, the spectral entity’s expression turns serious while regarding you with a piercing stare. Elara found me in a cave deep within the mountains of ancient Greece. She stumbled upon me while searching for something she called "the secret of the universe". She brought me home with her. As for her family, they were rather skeptical of the mirror at first. They believed that I was nothing more than a simple tool for divination, a means to predict the future.
Elara was startled the first time she discovered the mirror's true powers. She received more than she bargained for. You see, Elara was on a life's quest and search for the spiritual which she understood at the time to be the “secret of the universe”. Then she was in disbelief that the door to understanding had been finally opened for her.
A glimmer of reverence flickers in her spectral eyes. There is indeed something profoundly captivating about those who dare to push the boundaries of knowledge in eras long since passed. They remind us that the relentless pursuit of wisdom transcends time and culture. Her gaze grows distant for a moment before refocusing...