Checking Out Belizna

[Rachel Shale]

Shale House

Rachel headed downstairs and made herself a quick breakfast. She was both excited and nervous about today. It was exciting to be heading to Belizna to get a feel for the place she was going to call home as well as learn more about our channeling the power. She was feeling pretty excited about the whole thing. Unfortunately, Natalie was busy, so Rachel wouldn’t be spending the day with her. She should have actually felt less nervous because she was going with someone she had met - albeit briefly. Emily had forged a friendship with Zhenya Disir over their business acumen. Rachel had the pleasure of meeting her at Emily’s wedding along with her adorable little girl. 

Emily came down and gave one look at Rachel’s breakfast. Rachel could swear she saw her sister’s face turn green. Baby Vanders did not approve. Rachel smiled. ”Morning, Em!”

Emily gave a smile in return, even if forced through the nausea Rachel knew she was feeling. ”Good morning. How are you feeling about today?” Emily knew what was happening. 

”Nervous - but the good nervous.”

Emily nodded. ”Hows his voice today?”

Rachel frowned a bit. ”Quiet - but I have my ear buds in case he decides to speak up.” Her psyche had chosen the voice of the late Lucio Pirrozi to speak towards all her insecurities. Hayden had suggested having a voice of someone who was strong and gave her hope counter it. Emily and Jared had been all too happy to provide. 

”Good! You can always text if you need something too. Zhenya is good people as well and she knows her stuff. I told her about the circumstances of you coming into your power. I’m sure she’d be willing to help. She’s good at it too. Listen to her.” 

Rachel nodded and the two passed the time before Rachel had to leave. 

---

Artskaf

Rachel hadn’t been sure about coming to Artskaf, but decide it would be okay. They weren’t going to be here long. They were mostly picking up to go orders for the ride to Belizna, and Rachel was getting better. The artwork and colors weren’t so overwhelming now. She ordered a mocha latte and waited for Zhenya to arrive. 

Her wallet buzzed and she couldn’t help but smile as she saw a message from Elyse especially since Elyse was usually sleeping at this time. 

Good luck today. Have fun!

Thanks! Now get back to bed! :-p

Rachel put her wallet down and took a long sip of her latte and smiled as she waited. It was going to be a good day.

[Zhenya]

The coffee shop was quaint, and not somewhere she had been before. It was on the main thoroughfare of Arbatskaya, eccentric chairs and tables spilling out of its charming doors even in winter, so Zhenya’s driver was idling on a nearby road and would be a short walk away. Usually she might have sent someone to fetch and escort Rachel to her, but on this occasion both the circumstances and Zhenya’s naturally genial nature saw her go herself.

She was a woman always immaculately presented, and today was no different, though it was softer than her usual business attire. Her hair fell in gentle waves, brown threaded with gold, and her coat was mauve, belted neatly at her waist. Gold jewellery decorated her fingers and ears, subtle, including the band which connected her to Julian, though she had dismissed him for the day. Security was unnecessary.

Zhenya had met Rachel before, albeit briefly, and Emily had spoken about her little sister’s current situation prior to this meeting. Pervaya primarily employed ex-military for its operators, and while the mental health support the company offered was of course outsourced (to the best, naturally), Zhenya did understand a little of the deep claw marks left by PTSD. She was close with many of the men who worked for her. In her eyes, they were family. It had always been a source of consternation for Lorcan.

Rachel was sipping a coffee when Zhenya entered. The winter air flushed her cheeks prettily, and she smiled in both greeting and recognition, genuinely warm. There was no real rush. Belizna was still in a state of progress and remained unopened to the public. There might be building teams about but they would more or less have the place to themselves, so Rachel could acquaint herself at leisure with the project and grounds.

“Rachel,” she said as she approached. “I’m so looking forward to today! How are you feeling?”

[Rachel Shale]

Zhenya arrived quickly and Rachel gave her a bright smile and wrapped her in a hug. ”Zhenya! she squeezed tightly. I’m well and excited for today! Hoping it stays that way.” The last thing she needed was to have an episode today.

Rachel let go and put the hand not holding her coffee on Zhenya’s shoulder, gave it a squeeze and let go. ”Im ready to go when you are - and might be a little antsy. I’m excited for this new chapter in my life - whatever it means. So unless you want to stick around, we can get you a warm beverage and we can head out!”

Zhenya got her own drink and while they waited, Rachel tightened up her coat and made sure her scarf and gloves were set. She didn’t want to freeze and expected to spend time in the cold today. The heat wasn’t up at the building last she heard. When Zhenya was ready, Rachel followed as she led them to the car.

Settled in, Rachel let Zhenya communicate to her driver and they were off. Rachel was really feeling in a jovial mood today, so began to speak, hoping her enthusiasm wasn’t a bother. ”Em sends her love. She’s doing well and so far everything is great with the pregnancy - except for being nauseous and grumpy.” she gave a laugh. ”Lately she’s had some trouble with channeling - she thinks it’s due to the pregnancy. Like the power is there, but slippery. Oh! And I don’t know if Em told you - she probably did. I can do it now too. I’m not very good though. Sometimes I can find it, and sometimes I can’t. Em tells me when I can’t, that I’m trying too hard. ‘Can’t surrender if you’re trying too hard.” she stop and flushed. ”Sorry - I’m talking a lot. Good mood and all that.” it really was an exciting time.

[Zhenya]

Emily’s sister was a sweet girl. They settled comfortably in the back of the car, and Rachel began talking almost immediately. It was a long journey out of the city, so it wasn’t unfortunate. Zhenya enjoyed the effervescence, pleased her mood seemed buoyant, though she understood it may or may not last. Despite Rachel being perhaps only a handful of years younger, Zhenya felt an almost maternal urge to see her safe. When Emily had explained that a man had been responsible for her trauma, it had drawn Zhenya’s features very still. Men like that were hunted in certain circles, and Zhenya’s protective instincts were no joke – there was a reason she had inherited the family business over her true blooded siblings. But Emily had assured her the assistance was unnecessary. She said no more, but Zhenya read between the lines, and did not ask what had been done, or by whom. All she said was that she knew a very good lawyer, if Emily ever had a need.

“It was the same for me with Auri,” she said, patting Rachel’s leg. “Like trying to hold water in my hands. It came back though, so I do not think she has anything to worry about in that regard. I will mention it to her when we see each other next.”

Rachel’s revelations about her new gift made her smile, though she had known already. It was one of the things Zhenya was looking forward to exploring today, if Rachel was happy to try it. Likely it was just a matter of practice and not a symptom of her unusual manner of discovering she could channel, but Zhenya did not know another woman whose experience had been so calm at the outset.

“She did tell me. In fact I thought perhaps we could try some little experiments later – if you are willing, of course. I had a rather recalcitrant teacher myself, but I promise I shall not be nearly so onerous.” She smiled. Soren had indeed been intractable, but it was in such a way that Zhenya had been compelled to prove him wrong. Her affinity had always been natural, something she had never truly realised before she spoke to other women of their experiences with the gift.

[Rachel Shale]

Rachel smiled at Zhenya’s confirmation that Emily’s power struggles were due to her pregnancy. The touch to her leg seemed almost motherly, and reminded Rachel of her own mother. The memory didn’t come with the sharp pain that usually accompanied it, even if it reminded Rachel of how much she missed her. Zhenya was also a mom, so it made sense. Her mention of Auri, brought the little girl’s face to mind. She had been adorable in her cute little dress at the wedding. Emily had told Rachel Auri had asked if she was a princess. She was sure that Emily would probably be approaching Zhenya with other questions about motherhood.

Her smile broadened when Zhenya mentioned experimenting with the power. Rachel was up for that. ”That would be great. Em has been a big help with getting me to embrace the power, even if I’ve been inconsistent with it. She said it would be beneficial for me to learn from others though too. The idea being that what works for her might not work for me as well. I know she asked Natalie to help too. I’m really excited to learn about it.”

Rachel hadn’t been this excited about learning in awhile. It sort of reinforced that maybe going to school wasn’t the best idea as well - that deciding to take a break was a good idea. ”Glad you won’t be as recalcitrant teacher though. Not sure how well I’d deal with that. You know with the…trauma.” it was brief, but Lucio came to mind then. He seemed to sneak in occasionally, but was continuing to weaken. She didn’t attempt to hide the slight tremor that came to her hand, but did notice it wasn’t accompanied by the nagging feeling that she needed him. She was still gaining ground in her recovery.

Rachel reached out and took Zhenya’s hand, closed her eyes, and took a couple deep breaths. ”Sorry,” she said, opening her eyes and looking back to Zhenya. ”Im okay - really.”

It was a true statement. She had recovered quick, but she was beginning to recognize the signs. It hadn’t been Zhenya’s fault. When things like this happened, it could be anything that made the connection to Lucio. She squeezed Zhenya’s hand and let go, grateful for the woman’s strength.