As she stepped out of the airport, Ale was surprised to learn the air smelled…different. It was hard to pin point what exactly was different. Perhaps she was used to the smell of the stone buildings back home, the smell of the aged rock worn and discolored with time. Compared to home, America was a much younger country, and it made her long for the familiar sights of Florence.

Flagging down a taxi was fairly easy, and after loading her few bags and suitcases, she was on her way through the city. She would not be staying in Sacramento, not knowing the layout and not being Acknowledged meant staying somewhere else. But at least the ride gave her a chance to observe the city. And while she couldn’t deny it was a busy and pretty city, it wasn’t home. She sighed, missing home but knowing she had to try and make this her new home.

Small talk was made with the driver, who seemed to love her accent and couldn’t stop asking her questions about Italy. She played along, acting the tourist, anxious to be visiting a different country. He then moved on to trying to convince her to stay at a nicer motel when she gave him the address. She wasn’t concerned with the rating of the motel, it was temporary anyways. And she did her best to reassure the guy, flashing him her winning smile.

After about twenty or thirty minutes, they arrived at a small hotel. It wasn’t fancy or expensive, but it was outside the city limits, and out of the way enough that she felt safe enough. She wouldn’t be truly feel safe until she got her own Haven, but this would have to do. And she managed to convince the front desk that she must not be disturbed during the day, night shift and all that.

Returning to the cab, she asked the driver if he would be kind enough to help her with her bags, claiming exhaustion after such a long trip. Seemed chivalry wasn’t dead after all, and he gladly picked up her suitcases and followed her. Instructing him to place them on the bed, she reaches for her messenger bag and pretends to be searching for a tip. Dropping the bag, she frowns then smiles as he reaches down to help her. Perfect, she thinks and goes for his neck. There was a brief struggle, which was quickly replaced by his body relaxing. She places him in one of the chairs near the door. Once he came to, she explained and acted concerned because he seemed to pass out, and helps him to his cab, with a little extra tip.

The room was paid for in advance, giving her a month to get settled with the Domain Officials. After securing the door, a few pieces of furniture were placed in front of the door for extra security, she dug through her bags, finding the blackout curtains she brought with her. The small window in the bathroom was covered carefully, each corner checked, double checked, and sealed with duct tape. And not that she really needed it, but the bedding and pillows were arraigned in the tub. Her guns were unpacked and loaded, placed beside the tub in the locked bathroom. She knew dawn was approaching, her eyes heavy and her Beast settling in for a sleep.