LOVE IN THE SHADOWS OF TIME l LINGORM

CHAPTER 2

The sun rose over Aveloria, casting golden rays through the sheer curtains of the small room where LingLing had been staying. She awoke to the sound of birds singing outside, crisp and cheerful, in stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions stirring within her. It had been a week since she'd found herself inexplicably transported to this 17th-century kingdom and rescued by a kind couple and their spirited son, Nop.

LingLing's heart raced as she recalled the festival from the night before. The exhilaration of blending in with the villagers stil echoed in her mind , but now the weight of her secret loomed heavily over her. She was an outsider in this time, a traveler with knowledge that could be both a blessing and a curse. Would they accept her if they knew the truth? The thought sent shivers down her spine.

After dressing in the simple yet lovely attire the couple had provided—loose-fitting trousers and a light linen shirt—LingLing decided to take a walk. The kingdom was still new to her, and a deep curiosity beckoned her to explore the lush landscapes surrounding the village. The woods were said to be enchanting, filled with vibrant flowers and sweet scent of pine. She hoped that perhaps they would offer a moment of respite from her swirling thoughts.

As she stepped outside, the sun kissed her skin, and she inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. Nop had asked her to teach him some games later, but for now, she yearned for solitude. With each step, the village faded into the background, and soon she found herself walking along a narrow path that led to a serene lake nestled within a grove of ancient trees. 

LingLing paused at the water's edge, captivated by the tranquility of the scene before her. The surface of the lake mirrored the sky, dotted with wispy clouds that floated lazily above. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves overhead, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her, and for a moment, the questions about her past and future faded.

As she sat on a rock by the water, she allowed herself to reflect on the peculiarities of her situation. How had she ended up here? And what was she supposed to do now? She grappled with the idea of a life far removed from everything she had known, from the city lights and the hum of modernity to this place that felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Then, a rustling in the bushes nearby caught her attention. LingLing turned her head, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. To her surprise a figure emerged—a young woman with long, light brown hair cascading down her back, dressed in a simple villagers dress. The woman move gracefully, seemingly unaware of LingLing presence.

LingLing's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the woman. Her ethereal beauty was striking; her features soft yet bold. The woman's movements held an air of confidence that drew LingLing in. "It was only then that she realized she had never seen such beauty in her life; the woman delicate features and gentle confidence made her looked like a goddess." At that moment, LingLing's heart raced faster than usual.

The woman paused at the water's edge, her expression contemplative as she gazed into the lake. LingLing felt a pull, a desire to approach her, but she hesitated, not wanting to intrude on a moment that seemed deeply personal.

Just then the woman spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "This lake has always been a place of solace for me. Here, I can escape the burdens that weigh heavily on my heart." She looked down, her reflection shimmering in the sunlight. "It's peaceful... for now."

LingLing's heart raced as she stepped forward, unable to resist the urge to connect. "It's beautiful here," she said softly, her voice tentative but sincere. 

 The woman turned, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she noticed LingLing for the first time. "Oh! I did not see you there," she exclaimed, her tone shifting from surprise to curiosity. "Who are you?"