Going On A Tour

[Rachel Shale]

Rachel’s mind had remained distracted the rest of the night. It had even prompted a response from Emily when she had gotten home. Rachel had then told her that she had broken up with Cruz a couple of days ago. Emily hadn’t responded in an “I told you so” manner or anything. As always, she reminded Rachel that she was there for her sister. 

But Rachel couldn’t stop thinking about about Luk. That moment before they left the ice cream parlor she had wanted more. She had needed more. It was odd, but she had thought him attractive and he seemed sensitive too. That was what she had needed now. 

Rachel woke up the next morning, no thoughts on studying again. She probably should - it had been a couple of days, but she was distracted still. She called Luk in the after noon to set up their meeting. ”Hey! It’s Rachel Shale - from last night. I’d love to show you around today if you have time. Meet me at the Sanctuary of the Ascendant Flame in an hour?”

If he agreed, she would be there. She wasn’t a worshipper and had no desire to do so, she just thought it was a good location to start their little tour.

[Legione Sumus]

Lucio Pirozzi

Luk was not surprised to hear back so soon from Rachel. He expected it actually. He smiled broadly as she spoke and they set up a time.

He wished it were spring and not the middle of winter, the cold was annoying and today it was bitter with the wind. He hoped they could spend much of the time inside. But who knew where the tour would take them.

The latest religion was full of people who believed and followed the Ascendancy as if he was a god. He was a mere mortal with a great deal of power. Only the Atharim believed they were really gods. The whole family hated the Atharim. But that was for later. He had no ultierior motives at the moment but the Shale name did ring a bell.

The building was unique and Luk was early waiting in the bitter cold with a hot cup of coffee for both of them. He had to take a guess at what she liked his coffee was black and stout just the way he liked it.

[Rachel Shale]

There was much Rachel didn’t understand like how Cruz had so quickly left her mind. She contemplated that on her way to the sanctuary. It felt unusual - like there was something unnatural about it. Luk still filled her mind. She felt drawn to him in a way she didn’t understand. He was there when she arrived.

”I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” she both wanted and didn’t want to hug him. She felt confused in his presence, a part of her still rebelling against the feelings that had prompted her to call so fast.

She dove right into the tour, her cab still waited though. They could find out where to go soon. ”Well this is the Sanctuary of Ascensdant Flame. They worship the ascendancy. I’m not a believer myself, but to each his own,” she pointed out some other districts in the area. ”Anyplace in particular strike your fancy.”

Rachel really didn’t care where they went. She just wanted Luk to be there. She didn’t mind the cold either. After all, Luk could keep her warm. She felt a little embarrassed at that and it mixed with the confusion. Why had she started feeling this way so fast?