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?”