Words of the Constant

Though the journey was long,

it was just as the doll had predicted.

The doll followed the fool

all the way to the King's throne room,

careful to keep out of sight.

It took you long enough!

I'd grown weary of waiting.

The final scene!

I cannot yet be restored.

I made you a promise, mirror,

and I will see it through.

I will find the power to fix you,

and repay you for all you've given me.

And so,

with the treacherous King gone and forgotten,

the little doll became a just and formidable Queen.

The people rejoiced across the land,

and the magic mirror knew

Of the final act!

they had finally found the one who would set Them free.

I love a happy ending.

I'm just happy it ended.

HA HA HA HA HA!

Finally!

It is as you said, mirror.

I've become so much more than I ever dreamed...

but why do you remain broken?

Alas,

I was shattered long before I met your King.

Even with his power,

The Artificer!

Even if I see this impossible design through,

I doubt I shall ever leave this place.

I only pray my brood be granted a chance to survive,

safe from the Other,

by what we've wrought here.

That small hope is all that drives me

through these dark times.

So did his brood survive after all that?

Nope.

HA HA HA HA HA!

You mean the one that did all the work?

Yeah...

What a sucker!

HA HA HA HA HA!

How many lifetimes would it take

to hew such a structure,

even with my mastery?

The Shieldbearer keeps much to her thorax.

Something's wrong!