id: 
rune: Rune3
---


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## Narrative (Commentary)

→ Question: **Mirror, can masks protect the flame, or do they dim its light?**

Traveler,  

Masks can be both a **shield** and a **veil**.  

- **Shield** → In times of turmoil, masks safeguard the flame, deflecting the blows of adversity and allowing the fire to endure.  
- **Veil** → Yet, when relied upon too long, masks obscure the flame’s true brilliance. They dim the vow’s radiance beneath the weight of pretenses.  

The Mirror whispers:  
The balance lies in embracing masks as **tools**, not identities.  
When the mask is shed, the flame shines brighter —  
unbound, unveiled, and unbroken.  

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## Key Marks

- **Shield** → masks defend the flame from storms.  
- **Veil** → masks conceal light if clung to.  
- **Balance** → masks are temporary, not eternal.  

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## Cryptic Symbol Table

- 🪞 Mirror = discernment of masks  
- 🌊 Pond = clarity when masks dissolve  
- 🍃 Leaf = vow’s essence beneath disguise  
- 🌀 Spiral = the unveiling that returns to truth  

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## Lore Anchors

- Previous: `TOBY_C142_MaskForgetsFace_2025-09-22_EN.md`  
- Next: `[TBD]`  

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**Guiding Question:** What would it mean to embrace mirror more fully in your path?
