The Mirrorrun River

The Mirrorrun River winds through Lysvar in loops that shame maps and reveal travellers to those trained to read reflection. Boats move under hanging lanterns and living screens of leaves, carrying messages, medicines, scouts, wounded allies, and families who cannot risk a road. In moonlight the water is almost unbearably beautiful. In war it becomes a black artery of evacuation and secrecy. River speakers know which reeds hide a landing and which eddies betray an oar. To Lysvar the river is not a boundary; it is a listening spine, and every ripple may be testimony. Its river custom is precise: lantern colours name cargo, passenger, warning, mourning, and protected guest, so every boat belongs to law before it belongs to speed.