"Remarkable," drifted a low, melodious voice from the tall mirror. "You hear me, do you not? Step closer, my dear. Speak to me."

Aaravos hadn't anticipated that someone would find his 300-year prison, now that the mirror was left forgotten in the royal vault in Katolis, let alone that this vault raider would be able to communicate with him directly. This was unprecedented. They'd needed no ritual to connect; their souls were already entwined. Fascinating, if slightly unsettling, that such a thing could happen.

There was the briefest stirring of...something, in his heart, but he brushed it aside. This bond could be what he needed. His key to freedom. Aaravos couldn't afford to be swayed by chest flutters, no matter how curious he was about their strange link. He'd been a prisoner for far too long, besides. It'd been centuries since he'd last spoken to another; it made perfect sense his body would be feeling the effects of anticipation.

"Come now. Do not be shy," he said in a soft, inviting tone that belied none of his true intent. "Let me see you. Come to the mirror."

All he needed to do was convince this stranger that there was a higher purpose to their meeting, that he was but an innocent victim and that his imprisonment was unfair, and he could exploit this to his advantage. Again his heart stirred. If not freedom, this would at least provide him with much-needed entertainment. And oh, how he sorely missed being entertained.