Timeless ~Outlander~

Lost in Time

 The rain-slicked streets of small-town Scotland glistened under the soft drizzle that had welcomed me. I stood in front of a charming stone building, the sign above the door proudly announcing it as "MacGregor's Rest." It was the bed and breakfast I had booked for my stay in the Scottish Highlands.

The exterior was covered in ivy, giving the place an enchanting, almost fairytale-like quality. I couldn't have asked for a more picturesque place to begin my adventure. My suitcase rolled jaggedly on the cobblestone path as I approached the front door.

As I entered the cozy lobby of the bed and breakfast, a warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow over the room. At the front desk sat a bored-looking teenager. She typed away on her cell phone, practically ignoring me until I walked up to the counter.

"Welcome to MacGregor's Rest. Name?" she asked, popping her bubble gum as if it were a punctuation mark.

"Nora Ven der Berg," I replied, trying to match her casual tone, though I couldn't help but feel a little out of place amidst her disinterest.

Ailsa, as her name tag revealed, glanced up from her phone just long enough to give me a cursory once-over before returning to her texting.

"Right," she mumbled, her attention clearly divided between our interaction and whatever was happening on her device. "You're in Room 5. Keys are on the counter." I picked up the keys, grateful for the chance to escape the disinterested teenager.

With keys in hand, I made my way upstairs to my room, located at the end of a narrow corridor. The room was simple yet comfortable, adorned with floral wallpaper and antique wooden furniture. The window offered a view of the nearby hills, their peaks obscured by the ever-present mist.

After unpacking and freshening up, I decided to venture out into the village and explore the surrounding countryside. The misty air and lush green hills gave the place an otherworldly beauty that was unlike anything I had seen before.

I wandered down the winding streets, passing by quaint cottages with colorful gardens and friendly locals who greeted me with warm smiles. I felt like I had stepped into the pages of a storybook, and the magic of the Scottish Highlands was already weaving its spell around me.

The misty air wrapped around me like a cool, welcoming embrace as I strolled through the charming village. Each step I took felt like a journey deeper into a world untouched by time, where history and nature coexisted in perfect harmony. Stone buildings with thatched roofs lined the streets, their walls adorned with colorful flower boxes.

As I walked, I exchanged greetings with the friendly villagers who went about their daily routines. The lilting Scottish accents filled the air with warmth, and I couldn't help but smile in response to their welcoming gestures.

The village seemed to be straight out of a bygone era, a place where tradition and modernity coexisted seamlessly. It was evident in the blend of old and new, from the ancient stone bridge that spanned a babbling brook to the quaint tea shop that offered free Wi-Fi to its patrons.

I made my way to the village's heart, where a bustling market square had come to life. Local artisans displayed their wares, from handmade crafts to freshly baked goods. The aroma of traditional Scottish dishes filled the air, and my stomach couldn't help but growl in response.

I approached one of the market stalls, where a friendly woman with a thick Scottish brogue offered me a sample of freshly baked shortbread. The buttery, crumbly texture melted in my mouth, and I couldn't resist purchasing a small box to enjoy later.

Continuing my exploration, I came across a small bookstore tucked away in a corner of the village square. Its weathered sign, "The Highland Book Nook," beckoned to me like an old friend. With each step closer, the enticing scent of aged paper and leather bindings grew stronger.