The Market's First Day

Nicole stepped through Chang'an's towering gates, her green eyes wide with wonder. Silk banners fluttered overhead while merchants called out in dozens of languages. The scents of cinnamon and jasmine swirled around her.

"Lost already?" a boy's voice asked in perfect English.

Nicole spun around to find a boy about her age with warm brown eyes and black hair that stuck up in places. He wore a simple blue tunic and had dirt smudges on his cheek.

"You speak English!" she gasped.

"Hunter," he said, grinning. "My father trades with English merchants. You're not from here."

"Nicole. We just arrived from the countryside." She tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear, feeling her freckled cheeks warm.

Hunter's smile widened. "Want to see the best dumpling stand? The owner gives extra sauce if you ask in Chinese."

Nicole nodded eagerly, following him deeper into the bustling market, her heart beating faster than usual.

The Cricket's Warning

Hunter led Nicole through narrow streets where silk merchants called out prices and spice vendors ground cinnamon bark. The sweet dumpling scent grew stronger.

"There!" Hunter pointed to a small stall where an elderly baker rolled dough with flour-dusted hands. Steam rose from bamboo baskets.

Nicole watched the baker's quick movements. "How do you ask for extra sauce?"

"Duo yi dian jiang," Hunter said slowly. "But first, you should meet my cricket."

He pulled a tiny bamboo cage from his pocket. Inside, a black cricket chirped softly.

"His name is Melody," Hunter grinned. "Father brought him from the southern provinces."

Nicole leaned closer. The cricket's wings gleamed like polished stone. "He's beautiful!"

"Melody brings good luck to merchants," Hunter explained, then his expression grew serious. "Nicole, there's something you should know about Chang'an. Palace guards watch the markets closely. Foreign visitors like your family... they're often followed."

Nicole's heart quickened. "Followed?"

Hunter glanced around nervously. "My father says the Emperor doesn't trust outsiders. We should be careful about being seen together too much."

The cricket chirped louder, as if sensing the tension between them.