Ariya groaned and rolled onto her back, staring up at a sky she did not recognize. It was too bright, too open, and streaked with silver lines that moved like silent serpents. The air smelled strange- metallic, sharp, and alive in a way she could not understand.
She sat up slowly.
Stone towers rose around her, impossibly tall and smooth, gleaming like polished blades. People hurried past in garment of unfamiliar cut and colour, their voices quick and clipped. None carried bows or blades. Some held small glowing objects, speaking into them as though to invisible companions.
No one looked at her.
Ariya's heart hammered. Her leather armour, her boots, her bow- she must have looked like a relic dragged from an ancient tale. Yet the strangers barely spared her a glance.
She rose cautiously, hand on her bowstring.
"First time here?"
The voice came from behind her.
Ariya spun, arrow half -nocked before she could stop herself. The man standing a few paces raised his hands in surrender, dark eyes wide but amused.
"Easy", he said. "I don't bite."
He looked nothing like anyone she'd ever known. His clothes were simple but neatly fitted, his hair falling loosely over his forehead. There was something curious in his gaze, as though he was studying her rather than fearing her weapon.
"Where am I?" Ariya demanded.
He tilted his head. "That depends. Where do you think you are?"
"I was in the forest," she said." Then there was light.... and now-- " she gestured sharply at the towering buildings. "This."
Understanding flickered across his face, followed by something softer. Not surprise--- recognition.
"You crossed a veil," he said quietly. "Didn't you?"
Ariya's grip tightened on her bow. "If this is some kind of trick--"
"It's not," he said gently. "You're not from this world."
The words hit her harder than the fall to the stone.