Alina shivered as dawn's first light broke through the mist-shrouded trees. The dampness of the earth clung to her, her mind still struggling to accept the impossible reality—she had crossed into another world, another time. Her modern life had been left behind, replaced by the unknown.
Footsteps crunched on the dirt path nearby. Alina tensed, instinctively pressing herself against the trunk of a tree, barely daring to breathe. Through the thinning mist, a hunched figure emerged, carrying a bundle of firewood on their back.
It was an elderly woman, her weathered face partially hidden beneath a woven hat. She muttered to herself as she shuffled along, seemingly oblivious to Alina's presence—until she stopped abruptly, her sharp eyes locking onto the stranger in blue and ivory silk.
"You," the old woman whispered, her voice laced with surprise. "You're not from here."
Alina's throat tightened. How could she explain herself? Would this woman see her as an enemy? A ghost? An omen?
"I—" she hesitated, but the woman stepped closer, scrutinizing her with knowing eyes.
"There's no use lying," the elder said. "The heavens have a way of revealing those who do not belong." She sighed, placing her bundle down. "Come, child. Before someone else finds you."
Alina hesitated only for a moment before following. She had no other choice.
The small cottage nestled within the thick forest was humble but warm. A fire crackled softly in the hearth, filling the space with a comforting glow. The woman—who introduced herself as Madam Jia—handed Alina a cup of hot tea, watching her carefully as she sipped.
"You're fortunate I found you first," she murmured. "A woman appearing in the wilderness dressed as you are—many would call you a spirit, or worse."
Alina lowered her gaze. "I don't know where I am."
Madam Jia studied her, then nodded knowingly. "The Celestial Empire," she said. "Under the reign of the Eastern Dynasty."
Alina felt as though the air had been knocked from her lungs. The Eastern Dynasty. A time and place she had only ever read about in history books—one of the most powerful yet treacherous periods in ancient history.
"And you," Madam Jia continued, eyeing Alina's fine silk robes, "are not dressed as a commoner. You will not last a day outside without drawing attention."
Alina looked down at her elaborate clothing, realizing how out of place she must appear. "I—I don't know how I got here," she admitted. "And I don't know what to do."
The old woman sighed. "Then you must listen well, child."
For the next few hours, Madam Jia instructed Alina on the intricacies of the Eastern Dynasty's strict hierarchy. It was a world ruled by birthright, where nobles lived in splendour while commoners toiled under their rule. The imperial court was a viper's nest of power struggles and betrayals, where the wrong word could mean exile—or worse.
"People here do not question what they are told," Madam Jia warned. "A woman traveling alone without a family name is as good as a criminal. You must have an identity."
Alina clenched her fists. If she wanted to survive in this world, she had to adapt. "What do you suggest?"
Madam Jia considered her for a long moment before rising to her feet. She rummaged through an old wooden chest, pulling out a bundle of coarse linen clothing—simple, the kind worn by servants.
"You will be Lin Mei, a servant from the countryside seeking work in the capital," she said firmly. "Your silk robes will draw the wrong kind of attention. They must be hidden."
Alina hesitated but knew the woman was right. Swallowing her pride, she accepted the rough garments and changed into them. The fabric was scratchy, the fit loose and unfamiliar, but it was necessary.
Madam Jia nodded approvingly. "Much better. Now listen carefully, child. If you truly wish to survive here, you must learn not only to speak as one of us but to think as one of us."
Alina met the woman's gaze, determination flaring within her. She didn't know why she had been brought to this world, but one thing was certain.
She would not let it break her.
And so, Lin Mei was born.