It had been an early afternoon when ZZ had left her new apartment. Aldenville wasn’t exactly her preferred city, but she had been asked for a favour and had agreed to do just that. She missed the feel of New Orleans, partially because of how familiar it was and partially because of the variety that she had grown used to sense. There was variety in Aldenville too, but frankly it was a different sort. This place felt like a black hole to Zuri because of its ability to create tension so easily. Zuri wondered how unnoticed her appearance would be, since it was rumoured that the power players of this place had a rather good information network. To Zuri it meant little – she was as independent as one could be, even acting outside the witch’s council.

She moved slowly, her cane struck in front of her, helping her navigate the unfamiliar area. Thankfully her magic and the energy of things and people around her made it easier for the blind woman to navigate when walking. She couldn’t see with the clarity of a person that had their eyes in good condition, but at least she wasn’t bumping into every lamp post in the close proximity. Ayo, her dog was at home, he had been restless and fell ill few days ago and so she let him rest on the couch after feeding him some herbs. He had always been of great help to her and she loved the animal to bits.

Zuri had made it to Norridgewood without too much of a difficulty, though she could sense people staring at her. It was as if they had never seen a black woman in their life, or maybe it was her being blind that put them off. Or maybe they were just close-minded and didn’t like seeing new people around. Whatever it was, it made her slightly irritated, because she was used to familiarity and relaxed friendly atmosphere of her quartier in New Orleans. Mentally she felt like berating herself for agreeing to come to Aldenville, but since she was already here she might as well wrap up what she came to do.

The woman walked at her own pace, unfazed too much by the looks she was surely getting, but instead enjoying the smell of approaching rain and the nature around her. It was so different from home where it all smelled like sea, whereas here it was the trees and the forests they made up. It would rain soon, Zuri knew and realised she hasn’t brought her umbrella with her. Intelligent was one thing and Zuri was that among other things, but the force of habit made her forget to bring one. Hopefully there was going to be some cafe she could fall in and order some tea to wait out the rain.