The last thing I remember is being in my room, looking at that odd pocket watch I had found. I hear the faint sound of crashing water in the distance. But we're nowhere near the ocean back home. I slowly sit up, squinting at my surroundings. I seem to be in some kind of field, with waist-high grass and weeds stretching out around me. In the distance I can make out the shapes of trees and what looks like small buildings. But none of it looks familiar.

I stand up unsteadily, still struggling to get my bearings. How did I get here? I pat my pockets, feeling for the watch. It's still there. I pull it out and examine it closely, though I don't dare open it again. What is this thing? Some kind of teleportation device? If so, where has it taken me?

My head is still foggy and aching. I need to figure out where I am first before I try using the watch again. I spot what looks like a dirt path not too far away that heads towards the buildings in the distance. Hopefully I can find someone who can tell me where I've ended up. Staying put certainly won't help me get back home. Do I want to go home? No, no, a thought for another time. Right now I need to focus. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I start slowly walking towards the path, the long grass swishing around my knees. The mysterious watch feels heavy in my pocket, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm getting into something I never asked for.

“Hello, young one,” a man says cheerily, waving from his stand. “Care for some replenishment? A snack? Something for the journey? Or are you staying? Haven’t seen you around here. Either way, one miha wouldn’t hurt.” He mentions something I haven’t heard before. “Mihu?”, I try, confused.

I stare blankly at the beaming man behind the weathered wooden stand filled with unfamiliar dried goods and fruits. His clothes are strange to me - simple tunic, leather vest, a round cloth hat.

"Miha," he repeats slowly, holding up a small cloth pouch. "Our famous travel cakes. Made right here in Lower Breelan."

Breelan? I've never heard of there before. My confusion must show on my face.

"Not from around here I take it?" the shopkeeper states, studying me curiously. "Please, sit and have some water at least."

I reluctantly take the offered wooden cup and perch on a stool by his stand.

"So...Lower Breelan, you said? Where might that be exactly?" I ask carefully.

"Why, Lower Breelan is a town located in the Northern Provinces," he explains. "We're known for our valleys and rolling grassy plains. This whole area is full of farms and agriculture. And Breelan itself sits right along the Kalis River that winds through the region. You must have come a long way not to know even that!"

The Northern Provinces? I've never heard of such a place where I come from. I'm more lost than I realized.

I gesture vaguely northward. "I did come quite a ways. Would you mind telling me more about this area? The surroundings and such?"

The man nods amicably. "Of course!"

As he describes more details about the geography and notable landmarks, a woman emerges from the back area behind his stand.

She's middle aged like him, with her hair covered in a scarf and a plain dress with an apron.

"Joric! Have you prepared the jars I set aside?" she asks.

"Right here my dear," he says, patting a box on the counter. The woman notices me sitting there and raises her eyebrows curiously. But Joric continues detailing the area to me, moving on to describe some of the basic customs and societal norms.

I interject an occasional question as I craft a mental map in my head.

As Joric describes the geography, he gestures fondly to the north. "My twin boys just set off on a journey in that direction not but a week past. They'll be passing through the Northern Valleys, seeing the mountains and highlands. Who knows, maybe you'll encounter them during your own travels!"

I nod politely, giving a slight smile.

Joric goes on to give me an overview of the social classes and royal dynasty that rules these lands.

"We've got King Ethlan on the throne now at the imperial palace in Breelan City. Reigns over all the Northern Provinces he does. Mostly fair and just ruler by all accounts. And Queen Esme by his side of course - known far and wide for her beauty but also her charitable works."

I try my best to commit the information to memory. If I'm going to find my way around, an awareness of the social hierarchy could be useful.

"The king has scores of lords, ladies and loyal banners sworn to him. And we common folk make up the backbone of course! Farmers, craftsmen, laborers - the land wouldn't function without us." Joric thumps his chest proudly at that.

I smile and nod, though so much is foreign to me. As we talk, I craft a mental map detailing both the physical and now social geography. If I'm to have any hope of navigating this strange land, understanding the people will be just as crucial as the terrain.

When Joric finally pauses, I realize over an hour has passed. As much as I want to learn more, I don't want to seem suspicious.

"Thank you for all the information, Joric. You've been most helpful," I say, standing reluctantly. "I should be going now though. I appreciate you taking the time."

Joric tips his hat cordially. "Of course young lady! Safe travels to you!"