[Eden] - I

The boisterous commotion stirred me awake from my sleep.

"Mmh," I moaned as I turned around on the hard surface. I paused, frowning.

This is not my bed.

That thought instantly woke me from my dreamy stupor.

I sat upright on the bed and looked around. I was on a bed if you can even call it that. Above me was not the chandelier but a normal wooden roof. Below was bare stone. The only light was the dim glow coming from outside the window. It was night, I concluded. And this was most certainly a commoner's house. My nose scrunched in confusion.

I remember I was at a ball... Did I drink too much? That was the Baron's most prized bottle of wine after all. That cheap bastard, he only served it because the Earl was there.

But what am I doing here? Did I run away with a maid perhaps?

My lips curled in disgust at that thought. Then... Did I lose my chasity to a mere maid?!

What in the world?! I screeched in my mind.

I hastily removed the blanket and stared. I was wearing a white undershirt and pants similar to those worn by the peasants of England. I felt the rough texture of the fabric, it wasn't soft like silk. It felt as if I was wearing cotton, and yet I knew that it couldn't possibly be that kind of fabric.

Who dared to change my clothes?!

I will kill them. This is dishonourable! But I didn't have any honour, to begin with.

...

Now is not the time to think about that Albion. I need to get away from here.

I stood up and started searching the room for anything resembling an exit when I saw a bright piece of paper stuck on the wall. A map? What the hell?

Without hesitating, I took it down and unrolled it. A small town had been drawn along the top corner. Unrecognisable continents and kingdoms were spilt across the map.

Is this... not earth??

On the opposite side were some markings, like names or numbers. They weren't labelled. I scanned the list until something caught my eye; I read it aloud.

"Tristan de Bury.

Garrison town of Kalsham.

Druids of Kalsham."

What...? Druids?? I must be dreaming... They are just folk tales.

My hands caught my eyes, instead of the veiny, large hands I'm used to I saw the palms and fingers of delicate hands. The nails were painted black, which contrasted sharply against the fair skin. My breath hitched, and my heart beat wildly.

No matter how hard I tried though, the more I tried to recall what happened before I fell asleep, the more my memories failed me. It was like the moment before I lost consciousness had never occurred.

How the hell did I end up in this strange place?

If... My hands aren't my own... What of the rest of me?

That thought evoked a panic I had never felt before. It felt as if something was squeezing my throat so tightly I could barely breathe. I clutched the parchment to stop myself from falling over.

Am I... dying?

I shook my head vigorously to dislodge such a ridiculous idea. I closed my eyes and attempted to calm myself.

Think... Think! Mirror, I need to find a mirror.

If my reflection is truly who I think it is, then I may just come to terms with this situation.

I made my way over to where the table was set against the wall. On it was several mirrors. Some simple, some expensive looking. One was a simple oval mirror with gold edges with a silver frame, it looked like a standard one. The other was a larger oval mirror with a golden frame. It was also plain, but it had a beautiful design etched into its surface.

I picked up the smaller mirror and examined it closely. It was a simple oval mirror with a gold frame. There was no inscription on the back. But... The face that was staring back at me, was not my own.

Jet black hair with bangs that were swept to the sides. The hair was long enough to reach my neck, and a part of it was tied in a ponytail. Soft round, brown eyes, that seemed to sharpen were framed by long eyelashes and double eyelids. A straight nose and lips that were well proportioned, coloured a unique coral pink. Pronounced cheekbones and fair skin made the features seem a mix of masculine and feminine.

Who...Who is this beautiful hermaphrodite?!

I dramatically fell to the ground, the mirror falling from my hands and clattering loudly on the floor. I gasped for air as the tears threatened to spill.

What happened to my masculine features?! My glamorous blonde hair, emerald green eyes, pale skin, and sharp jawline... It was all gone now. I was left with feminine features. How could this be happening!?

A sudden chill ran through me, and I felt my entire body shudder. My well-toned body is gone now and replaced by this... this porcelain doll.

I sobbed loudly as my chest heaved. I buried my face into my knees. Why? Why did this happen to me? Was the universe playing some cruel joke on me? Did I sin too much, God? Am I facing your wrath?

The thoughts swirled within my brain as my breathing slowed down. Eventually, all my crying stopped.

My head felt heavy, and my muscles ached painfully. My eyelids were drooping. The last thing I remembered was going to the ball. Maybe it is just a nightmare, but it feels too real.

Suddenly, a knock came on the door. I heard voices speaking in a foreign tongue. I listened intently to make out their conversation.

"He's a freak..." A man said in a low voice.

"We'll burn him." Another answered with a much higher tone.

I heard footsteps approaching my room.

Burn who now?!

I looked around the room and gathered all the things that were deemed useful to me. The map, the mirrors, and a bag that hung on the edge of the bed.

I placed the bag over my shoulder, and slowly opened the door to reveal two burly, bearded men holding torches.

As soon as I stepped outside, they rushed toward me.

They were so quick that my reflexes kicked in and I ducked under the first torch's grasp. I rolled underneath the second torch and swung the strap over both of their heads, making them drop the torches.

The next torch came my way and I managed to knock it down before taking off in a sprint outside.

Several doors lined the hallway, seems I was at an Inn.

"Catch him!" A voice shouted.

More footsteps sounded behind me and I ran faster.

Just as I reached the staircase, I tripped and tumbled down the stairs, hitting my head on the landing.

"Ouch!" I groaned as pain flared through my skull.

After a moment I pushed myself up from the floor and began limping.

"Are you alright, sir?" A sweet voice asked. I looked up to find the waitress.

"I am absolutely fine, young lady. Would you be kind and show me towards the door?" I stood up straight and gave her a dazzling smile.

She nodded with a red face and guided me to the right way.

Seems like I haven't lost my charm. Well, at least one good thing came out of this.

I thanked her again and hurried past the others.

Once outside, I quickly ducked into an alleyway and began navigating through the maze of alleys of this strange world.