12-07-2025, 08:56 PM
Rachel heard Zhenya's words, but didn't react to them right away, allowing herself to get composed as Zhenya placed her own hand over Rachel's with a squeeze. The words traveled through her body and Rachel felt them solidify into something. In a way, Zhenya had claimed her as one of her own with the statement. Moving here was more than a job or a way to learn her power. She was becoming part of something bigger - a family of dedicated women, and for the first time since making this decision, Rachel felt how right it was.
"Thank you," Rachel said, her voice soft not in consternation, but in reverence. She had no idea if Zhenya understood how much those words meant.
Rachel didn't ask for more when she mentioned her mentor being the challenge she needed. She had a feeling there was a story there, but not one she was entitled to. If Zhenya wished to share it, she would, and Rachel would gladly listen. Rachel was open with Zhenya on the way there, answering any questions she may have had about growing up with Emily. The two had always had the love/"hate" relationship that many eldest and middle children of a family tended to have. That had, of course, changed as they got older and they grew closer, especially after their parents' deaths.
Then she could see it. Belizna. She knew this had to be it. Her eyes kept to it as they drove closer, and when the car stopped, Rachel exited with an excited speed. Her breath shook in awe as she looked at it, the warm breath turning into clouds in the cold air. She looked around the grounds, taking all of it in, and then stepped forward, slow and reverent to the base of the stairs. Rachel stopped then and waited, not in fear, but in reverence. It was symbolic, but this was a step into a new life, and she wanted it to be perfect. She wanted to see it in all its glory. She reached for her power.
The first time it slipped her grasp. The second time, she held it, but only for moment before it eluded her. Rachel took a deep breath then as Emily's words came to her.
"You're trying too hard. You can't surrender if you're trying too hard."
Rachel took a few calming breaths and went back to the river and imagined herself there, floating into the warm clearing that was her power. She remembered not to fight it, instead letting it lead her where it wanted. Rachel felt the warmth filled her body. She felt more powerful whenever she held it. She noticed right away that the chill in the air was more prominent. The sounds of the workers in other areas of the building were louder, and when she opened her eyes, everything was clearer.
Rachel took a step forward to stand on the first step and spoke a single word. "Home." It was a simple word that carried a significant weight to it. With that word, Rachel laid a claim to this place - a statement that this was where she belonged.
Rachel turned and smiled, beckoning for Zhenya to join her. "It's perfect," she said, her joy radiant. "I don't even know what I want to see first, but I want to see as much as we can." she turned to face the building, waiting for Zhenya to catch up, so they could go in together.
"Thank you," Rachel said, her voice soft not in consternation, but in reverence. She had no idea if Zhenya understood how much those words meant.
Rachel didn't ask for more when she mentioned her mentor being the challenge she needed. She had a feeling there was a story there, but not one she was entitled to. If Zhenya wished to share it, she would, and Rachel would gladly listen. Rachel was open with Zhenya on the way there, answering any questions she may have had about growing up with Emily. The two had always had the love/"hate" relationship that many eldest and middle children of a family tended to have. That had, of course, changed as they got older and they grew closer, especially after their parents' deaths.
Then she could see it. Belizna. She knew this had to be it. Her eyes kept to it as they drove closer, and when the car stopped, Rachel exited with an excited speed. Her breath shook in awe as she looked at it, the warm breath turning into clouds in the cold air. She looked around the grounds, taking all of it in, and then stepped forward, slow and reverent to the base of the stairs. Rachel stopped then and waited, not in fear, but in reverence. It was symbolic, but this was a step into a new life, and she wanted it to be perfect. She wanted to see it in all its glory. She reached for her power.
The first time it slipped her grasp. The second time, she held it, but only for moment before it eluded her. Rachel took a deep breath then as Emily's words came to her.
"You're trying too hard. You can't surrender if you're trying too hard."
Rachel took a few calming breaths and went back to the river and imagined herself there, floating into the warm clearing that was her power. She remembered not to fight it, instead letting it lead her where it wanted. Rachel felt the warmth filled her body. She felt more powerful whenever she held it. She noticed right away that the chill in the air was more prominent. The sounds of the workers in other areas of the building were louder, and when she opened her eyes, everything was clearer.
Rachel took a step forward to stand on the first step and spoke a single word. "Home." It was a simple word that carried a significant weight to it. With that word, Rachel laid a claim to this place - a statement that this was where she belonged.
Rachel turned and smiled, beckoning for Zhenya to join her. "It's perfect," she said, her joy radiant. "I don't even know what I want to see first, but I want to see as much as we can." she turned to face the building, waiting for Zhenya to catch up, so they could go in together.