|
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Ria had her earbuds in and was chilling. A hop here, a skip there, a jump at some point. She was just feeling the motions and letting herself work out stress and emotions.
It didn't help as much though, there wasn't a bead of sweat on her, and she didn't even seem to be breathing hard. She runs towards a ledge and jumps, flips, and lands still at full pace on the other side of the gap.
Asbolus:
As Ria landed and continued on to the next building a flash of motion off to one side likely caught her attention, taking the form of someone landing on the same rooftop from another angle. The sheer skill and fluidity of motion marked them as obviously supernatural, coupled by the fact that their features didn't fully register in her mind for more than a few moments.
There was a brief break in the flow as he spotted the other runner, almost visibly downshifting a few gears into a more human spectrum of ability before matching pace with her, giving a nod as they both eyed their next jumping point.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She blinked at the sight, almost shifting to be more defensive...seeing the break in the flow of the other runner didn't help. But then...there it was. The challenge. And a wide grin breaks her face.
The first jump was identically timed. Each runner a mirror of the other. Ria of course takes the opportunity to wink, catching a bar on other side to fling herself forward, dropping into an expert roll, springing up in one leap to the next ledge, and jumping across the next gap way faster than Asbolus could, before glancing back to check he was catching up.
She takes the opportunity to lean against the wall, along with a cocky response with a shit eating grin. Her eyes kept wandering from the form, and it was...kinda annoying.
"What took you so long?"
Asbolus:
Something shifted in his gait as Ria pulled ahead so effortlessly, the drive for the chase so firmly woven into his being by the Wyrd roaring into action. It was both methodical and feral, a hound keenly following the scent laid out before it with a smoothness that spoke to the intense focus on its prey.
...and then she stopped, and she got a full look at the Hunterheart in all his glory as he skidded to a stop himself, remaining in a low crouch as the blue-grey steel of his eyes seemed to peel back every layer of her being. It took a moment for him to find his voice again, the genteel British accent jarring in comparison to the air of intensity that surrounded him. "Didn't expect you to stop. Very impressive."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"As much as I like a race, I'd rather know who it was first."
She does look a bit offput by the intensity, taking a half step off the wall to be better prepared...and then recognition hits her face and she winces. Immedietly cowed.
"You um...were at the superbowl party. Right? Or am I mixing you up with someone else?"
Asbolus:
"Fair enough. Never know what you might come across these nights."
His position shifted slightly as she moved off the wall, ready to follow after her if she began her run once again, but as the recognition hit he made himself stand instead, shaking out some of the pent-up energy before nodding. "I was there, yes. Ria, correct?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods. "Yep. Sorry about uh...my outburst and everything. I have a letter I was going to drop off to you all to apologize I just...haven't gotten thoughts on paper, ya know?"
She shifts from foot to foot, a bit of nervousness but also like a child scolded.
Asbolus:
"That will be appreciated, I think. You and the others crossed a very firm line for our host that day, and recognizing such will be a point in your favor."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods.
"Er...are you not one of the people that live there? I didn't really get to...meet everyone."
She leans back against the wall.
"Vincent has been one of my best friends for like...7ish years." She takes a second to count. "7 and a half. I get uh...defensive over him and his sister. They're basically siblings for me. I didn't like the whole implication of him dying but...was still out of line. It was a party and I should have backed off and relaxed."
Asbolus:
"I do not, no. Asbolus, by the way; don't believe I introduced myself that day."
He moved to join her against the wall, nodding as she spoke. "Understandable. This city is very unique as far as its supernatural relations are concerned, and those with experience elsewhere know the 'true' nature of such interactions, one could say."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Valeria, but Ria works."
Despite their workout, she doesn't even look sweaty, or on any way tired.
"I've only been a part of this stuff since basically new years eve. And I've only been here. I'm glad its different cause being called a slave was... it hit a nerve. I'm...more of a student for my regnant if anything. Er...the vampire I get Vitae from. So...yeah, different than elsewhere. I have a better grasp on that now."
Asbolus:
He nodded quietly. "Being bound to others is a very touchy subject for those like us, even if it's beneficial. We worked hard to slip our respective chains, and seeing them cast upon others riles up old memories."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She grimaces.
"I can see why, yeah. And that's why I wanna send that letter, I was out of line."
Asbolus:
"You weren't the only one, admittedly. Good on you to recognize it, as I said." He offered another nod, looking Val over. "Have you been adjusting well to being on this side of the veil otherwise, at least?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She puts her hands under her biceps, making them look a bit bigger.
"It uh...took a bit of beating the message over my head. I'm a bit thick headed." She shakes a hand so-so. "Decently well I think. I've kinda just learned to roll with it and it'll work out. I'm just assuming most of the stuff is real at this point."
Asbolus:
"Not a bad way to go about it. I've been back about three years myself, and that initial adjustment period was...something, I'll admit."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I can only imagine. Olivia is my girlfriend, Guy is dating Petra, and Vinny is dating Avery so I know...some things? But not a ton. Just the broad strokes I guess?"
Asbolus:
"The details can vary between us depending on where they were taken and what they endured while there. I wager they'll appreciate what support you can give them, though; having that outside reassurance is always helpful."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I'm trying, Liv and I are still in that getting to know boundries and stuff. I've dealt with PTSD before so like...I'm just taking those same steps."
A pause. "Er, someone with PTSD. Ya know what I meant."
Asbolus:
"I do, yes." He nodded quietly. "Certain things can damage our hold on reality, moreso if they come from those we trust. Be truthful with her, and that will go a long way."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She gives a serious head nod. She was listening.
"I hadn't heard about that bit. The trust part. Anything else I should keep in mind?"
Asbolus:
"Effectively anything that makes one question what they see or believe to be true can cause stability issues. Reminders of her Durance fall under that as well."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Got it. Thanks Asbolus." A thankful nod.
Asbolus:
"Happy to help." He nodded with a small smile. "It can come out of nowhere at times, so being ready to support her through it will help."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Of course, yeah. I think of that like a girlfriend duty, ya know? If Ima be dating someone, you bet your ass I'm trying to help them if they're struggling. Fair weather friends and shit like that don't fly for me."
Asbolus:
"Good to hear, and agreed. I take care of those I keep close to me, no questions asked."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She smiles. "Good, same here. Although uh...my protective streak gets me into trouble. As we saw."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. I've gotten in people's faces for similar reasons, so I can't say much."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She frowns. "I regret not dropping the topic before it getting to that point. I don't regret standing up for my friend. I've gone bigot beating enough times, I'd do it in a heartbeat for Vincent. His partners too if I ever get around to meeting them."
Asbolus:
"Avery is a dear friend of mine, and Vincent seems to be a good partner for them. I've glad they've been able to find each other."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I'll admit, when I first heard about it I was skeptical, but Vinny has seemed happier. I'm glad they found each other too. This is also...the longest I've known Vinny to have dated someone, so I hope they are as happy as they seem."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. Avery has grown in leaps and bounds since they got together, and it's been good to see."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That's good. I was debating asking if Vinny was making them worse. If you ever need someone to get through to him, he listens to me...decently well at least. We are both stubborn and that's part of why we are best friends."
Asbolus:
"Will keep that in mind." He nodded, smiling a touch. "Having a friend like that is always a plus in my mind."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She smiles back. "I figure if I'm stuck with him for the rest of eternity, I might as well stay friends with him."
Asbolus:
"Not a bad thing, that." He chuckled quietly. "Were you aware of his current state before you came in under Guy's wing yourself?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"No, he basically disappeared on us for like a month and a half. I found out later when I went to have dinner with him...and Guy showed up. Whole moment of 'wait how do you know each other?'"
Asbolus:
"Ah hah...somehow that doesn't surprise me." He smirked a touch. "Dealing with that necessary break from the mundane can be difficult at times."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Like...we saw him on occasion but nothing really meaningful. A wave here or a late night text there, ya know?"
She shrugs. "He's been struggling with that balance, I'm trying to keep him on top of talking to his sister. I guess its a bit harder when you can't go out during the day."
Asbolus:
"True, but there are ways around that if you do it right. Claiming a daytime job that doesn't allow for free time, that sort of thing."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I love the dude but...I don't think he'd be able to do that well. He's working at it I think."
Asbolus:
"I wish him the best, then." He nodded, glancing upward to the night sky for a moment before looking back to Val. "What got you into parkour, out of curiosity?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I am...was a gymnast. Trying to work back up to it. Not sure how closely you follow athlete news stuff."
Asbolus:
"Considering the display you just put on, I would say that you're well on your way." He offered with a small smile. "Not too closely, I'll admit."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah yeah, I'm not as good as I used to be." She shrugs. "I'm surprised I was able to pull it off."
She takes a deep breath. "I almost made the 2020 olympics but broke my leg. News circled for a while and people still recognize me for it."
Asbolus:
"I'd say you're selling yourself short, but I have a feeling you'd think I was just puffing you up." He smirked a touch, although that mirth faded as she continued. "That is grim...sorry to hear that."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I'm not selling myself short. I used to be better. Just because I'm still good doesn't mean I couldn't be better." She shrugs.
"Vitae is...actually helping with the injury which is nice. And making me stronger. I need to probably get all the metal out of my knee at some point."
Asbolus:
"Fair enough." He nodded, glancing down to the knee in question. "Vitae being the...donation from Guy, I presume?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah. Too many fancy terms, its basically vampire blood."
Asbolus:
"We all have our own vocabulary when it comes to our respective experiences. It allows for better understanding and exchange of ideas when we all know what we're talking about. I am glad it's helping you, even with the downsides of such."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I get why, it just makes communicating new stuff hard sometimes."
A shrug. "What downsides? The only one is that its a drug and I'm pretty shit at holding myself back from addictions."
Asbolus:
"I'd consider that a solid one myself. I had a number of friends in university fall victim to such, and those as storied as myself can fall prey to it as well with our own respective source of power if we overindulge."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"After breaking my leg, I turned to pain meds, then whatever worked to numb the pain. For like 2 years I was trying to be constantly high. Trust me, I get it."
Asbolus:
"Not an easy place to be in, that. Glad you were able to turn it around, at least."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Vinny was one of the people that helped me out of it. He's a good dude...just a bit of a dumbass at times."
She stretches her shoulders.
"Frankly, I think Vitae is better than any of that stuff. It does more than just give a high, it makes me a lot better at a lot of physical stuff. The other things just made me dependant and feel like shit after."
Asbolus:
"I've gotten that impression." He nodded with a small smirk. "Perhaps, and you have the benefit of a good man being the one offering it to you. Small blessings, perhaps, but notable ones."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I'm glad it was Guy. I really am. Even without the Bond he's just a great dude and I trust him a ton. I'd rather it be him than anyone else."
Asbolus:
"I haven't spoken with him much myself, but I know Petra is a good judge of character."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val bites her lip.
"Petra doesn't like me, and I'm trying to figure out how to not piss her off by existing."
Asbolus:
"Ah...due to the bond or something else, if you know?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Probably? Ive had like 2 interactions with her. One was me sitting next to Guy at Maddy's and the other was me walking off after the superbowl party. Not a great start."
Asbolus:
"I see." He nodded quietly. "Has Guy given any recommendations so far?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods.
"Being honest and showing I don't wanna get in the middle of them at all. Hell, if I can I'd love to help her out with everything I can. I just don't know if she's willing to give me that chance."
Asbolus:
"You're never know if you don't offer, and the worst she can do is say no."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"It really is the worst she can say, cause what do I do after?"
Asbolus:
"Respect her decision. As I said before, seeing others bound is uncomfortable at best for most of us, even if the chain is a light one."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She frowns.
"Yeah I just...if it's not Guy, then who else? I can get Vitae from others but I just don't trust any of the others."
Asbolus:
"I can't give an answer there, unfortunately. That's for you three to figure out, but knowing what I do of Guy I'm sure he'll keep your well-being in mind."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She sighs.
"Yeah, I know he will. Anyway, enough of my sob story. What's going on in your end of everything?"
Asbolus:
"I've been assisting Avery with their current issues on our side of the fence, along with my more mundane work at the theater I manage and improving my own skills as able." He nodded towards the roof top they had just crossed, smiling a touch. "Having someone to run with does make that more interesting, though."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Ooo a theatre person, thats cool. I'm glad Avery has someone to help them as well. Sounds like we are both just hoping they are actually good for each other."
She thinks for a moment. "It does, doesn't it. I wonder if there are other people up for freerunning together. It's always easier to do it with others."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. I was an actor before my time away, as it were, and working behind the scenes has allowed me to remain involved without causing too many issues."
"I wouldn't be surprised. I know a number of folks on my side of things who are traucers, and there are likely others I'm not aware of."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh, yeah that makes sense. Being out in the spotlight is probably too public, huh."
She nods.
"Maybe I can put something up at Maddy's? See who else is interested?"
Asbolus:
"Mmhmm, especially these days with the growth of certain skills outside of human capabilities. I can reign it in on the day to day, but a slip-up can cause more problems than it's worth."
"Not a bad idea. I saw the posting for the anime watchers among us that Vincent put up get a good bit of traction."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Ahhh makes sense. I gotta be careful with that too. I'm more durable than pretty much any human can be. Not to mention its hard to actually get tired from working out anymore."
She nods.
"I heard it did. I'll chat with Guy about maybe putting something up. It would be nice. I got a couple friends who enjoy it. Vinny and Tommy mostly."
Asbolus:
"I can imagine. I went the more dexterous route myself, as you may have noticed." And indeed, even when standing still the Darkling's poise was immaculate, every movement overly fluid in a way that shouldn't be possible with human muscles. "It was a threshold worth crossing, but one that has its own ups and downs."
"I'll keep an eye out for it when you do post it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah it's...cool but weird to watch. I'll hit you up when it happens."
A smile as she glances off. "Anyway, we've been chatting for a bit. Wanna keep going?"
Asbolus:
"Certainly." He nodded with a smile. " I apologize in advance if I become a little too… overly focused while on the run. Part of how I'm wired these days."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"All good, three, two," and she bolts towards the next ledge, cackling.
Asbolus:
"Oh you sly little minx..." he laughed heartily, sprinting after her with a wide smile on his face.
|