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Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val came into Maddy's yawning. Yes it was noon, shhh. She went ahead and got some coffee and pancakes.
She was currently dressed in slacks and her riding jacket, hair a bit padded down from her helmet, and her Indian motorcycle outside the portal and across the way in some free parking.
Erik Samuelson:
As Val entered one of the tables was already occupied by a weary-looking Erik, holding onto the coffee cup in front of him like the lifeline to sanity that it was. Spotting Val he smiled and gave a quick salute, making an 'after you' motion to the other side of the table if she felt so inclined.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She sits down gratefully.
"You feel as tired as I look...er...the opposite of that, ya know what I mean. Late nights?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Mmhmm. Long day at work plus an all-nighter at a place in Germantown dealing with an unruly former resident." He took a sip of his coffee, letting out a content sigh before continuing. "I got everything squared away in the end, but I am looking forward to crashing when I get home."
"How are things going on your end? It's been a bit."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yikessss. Yeah that gets ya. Why did they call you in for that? You a landlord or something?"
She shrugs.
"Late shifts have been the vibe, makes my life easier cause I can sleep from like 3 am to noon pretty easily. Uhhhh... lots a little things so I don't even remember what things have happened since the last time we talked."
Erik Samuelson:
"No, former in the vitality-impared sense." He said with a small smirk, giving a nod. "Been good overall, though, I hope?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She pauses for a solid second then makes an 'oh' face.
"Gottttcha. Ghost stuff. I've...been learning a bit about ghost stuff. Like, just the basics."
She chuckles at the misunderstanding.
"Yeah, I think so. Turns out like...I can run 30 miles and not get tired which is cool but also kinda annoying."
Erik Samuelson:
"Oh?" He perked up at that. "How's that going for you?"
"That...is impressive. I can see the annoyance, though; hard to push yourself when the limits are that high."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Pretty good, I think. I know about like...uh...the things that hold the Ghosts here in Twilight are Anchors, and they're important stuff like the person's body or something important to them like uhhhh, fuck now I'm blanking. A family's house maybe? And then there's an Underworld and there's Gates to get to them but frankly it was sorta complex and I didn't get through all that."
She nods.
"But yeah. Sometimes I wanna tire myself out to know I did well, and I'm half worried I won't know my limits when the Olympic Tryouts come."
Erik Samuelson:
Erik nodded along as she spoke, smiling a touch when she finished. "Pretty good grasps of the basics, then. If you have any other questions I'd be happy to help "
"Hopefully you're able to find that line between then and now." He offered, stiffling a yawn before continuing. "When are the tryouts?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Look, if you wanna take the time to explain the underworld in a way my dumb ass can understand, I won't say no, but I know you also had like...a long as fuck night."
She nods.
"Beginning of October. Its the hope. We uh, we got some ideas, and I'm just hoping nothing goes wrong."
She idly rubs her left knee with a thumb.
Erik Samuelson:
"I'll see what I can do." He said with a small smirk, taking a sip of his coffee. "Let me get some food in me first, though."
"Best of luck. I'm sure you'll kill it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh yeah, for sure. Food first always. And like, no pressure. It can always be some other night."
She sips her own coffee.
"Of course I will! I ain't worried about that at all."
Erik Samuelson:
Speaking of food, one of the servers came by to drop off Erik's meal, which he took with a thankful smile. "What are you worried about, then?" He inquired, tucking into the food with polite gusto.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She bites her lip.
"I'm gonna stop being a Ghoul for a couple months, cause that's gonna be the safer option compared to me being a Ghoul on live television, unattended by my Regnant."
Erik Samuelson:
"Ah...makes sense, admittedly." He nodded quietly. "Hope that goes well for you."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That's the hope! And then hey, it'll be right back to normal after."
Erik Samuelson:
"Indeed." He gave another nod, a wry smirk crossing his features after a moment. "It's funny how your definition of normal can change once you're on this side of things, yeah?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Right? I'll be honest... I've felt more normal since being in all of this. Mostly cause I have things other than drugs to look forward to, like coming here."
Erik Samuelson:
"I get you there. Being a part of the wider community has been one of the definite perks of all this."
"On that note," he added as he snuck in a sip of his coffee, "you may want to check if you'll be able to come here while you're on break, as it were."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Definetly, being able to meet with all the people here, its pretty cool."
She pauses, subtle horror dawning on her face.
"Ohhhhh shit. I didn't even think of that."
Erik Samuelson:
"Glad I brought it up, then " he gave a little nod. "You might be able to talk with Maddy, maybe, and see if you can get a hall pass."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh, definetly yeah. I'll talk to Maddy....have you ever met her cause I haven't."
Erik Samuelson:
"I have once, yeah. She was very nice, had a good conversation with her."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh sweet. I think Guy has too but I don't remember. I hope it'll go well and hey. Worst case senario I get people to come out to the Green Room more or bother you at the Spoon."
Erik Samuelson:
"Fork, but yeah." He nodded with a chuckle. "Still need to go by the Green Room at some point, I've heard good things about it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Fork! I was close. But yeah ya should. Cafe style spot, no alcohol or anything."
Erik Samuelson:
"Interesting choice there. It's one I get, though; know a good few folks who don't drink these days, so it's nice having that option."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah. Someone explained the reasoning to me at one point and frankly, I forgot. And like... didnt affect me all that much anyway sooo, yeah. "
Erik Samuelson:
"Fair enough." He took a moment to polish off his meal, looking decidedly more human now that he had food and caffeine in his system. "Enjoying working there so far, though?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She was about halfway on hers, talking more than eating.
"Oh definetly. Probably the best food spot I've worked at. My partner is a waitress there and one of the Lost, and my boss is a Mage. So he definetly gets the night shift requirements."
She taps her fingers.
"He's a tad nosy though cause he's super caring about his staff. Blessing and a curse that one."
Erik Samuelson:
"Good to hear." He nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Yeah, that's a fine line to walk. I'm pretty protective of my staff as well, making sure their concerns are heard and that things go as smoothly for everyone as possible."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah, he pressed about a personal issue that he wasn't meant to overhear, so we talked about it, had to set some boundries. In my opinion, he pushed a bit far. Maybe like...if I'd been working with him for a couple years it might be different, but I'm going on like...uhhhh...a couple months and that's it."
Erik Samuelson:
"Glad you were able to work it out, at least."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah. Its been chill since then. I'm sure it was either subconsious or how the cookie crumbled but I have had a couple less shifts with him...although...a couple more night shifts probably affects that too."
Erik Samuelson:
"Bit of both, maybe, him giving you some space combined with your own nocturnal duties." He offered a shrug. "Couldn't say for sure, though."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Not a clue, yeah. Kinda rough when like...all the people in your group that you reguarly talk to only wake up at like...8pm, 9pm, around there. There's not a lotta Ghouls."
Erik Samuelson:
"Yeah, I can imagine." He nodded quietly. "Is that normal, or at least normal for here?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Normal for here, other places ghouls are more common. And... well, treated more like shit."
Erik Samuelson:
"Hmm. I'm glad that's not the case here, at least. Then again, from what I've seen it's a pretty unique set up here in general."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"It is, yeah. And even for here standards, Guy is super great and caring. I lucked out a ton. I've heard some horror stories from other Kindred, and Vincent's tried to push that on me as a 'this is what happens', even though Guy is wonderful."
Erik Samuelson:
"Vincent's concerned for you, I imagine, but it sounds like he doesn't need to be. Just because something's the exception rather than the rule it doesn't mean it's going to revert back tothe rule."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Exactly. He's mostly worried cause he thinks Vitae is a drug I can't handle. I've handled a dozen and a half others, and this one I have a mentor for and I've gone through rehab. I'll be fine."
Erik Samuelson:
"You've got a good system in place and people supporting you, by the sounds of it. That'll do a lot of heavy lifting in the end."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Exactly. I'm more set up than I've ever been for this sorta stuff, he just doesn't see it that way."
Erik Samuelson:
"It can be hard to let someone you care about stand on their own even if they are able to handle it. Not saying he has the right to butt in and 'protect' you if you don't need it, mind you, but I can see where he's coming from as well."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She gives a long sigh. Like jokingly comically long.
"I know, he and I are protective assholes and at this rate we see each other as siblings. Of course that means he sees himself as the oldest brother with two younger sisters. AKA he's gotta be the big one even though his whole body is about the diameter of my arm."
Erik Samuelson:
"Naturally. I feel the same way with my siblings, so I get it." He said with a small smirk. "You've both been exposed to the wider world for a relatively short period of time, and with him getting pushed into the deep end first he's more concerned about how you'll fare in those depths than he might need to be."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"He also had a pretty shit start, way more than me. I also think on some subconscious level he's also jealous that I got a good Regnant and a chance to consent, meanwhile he basically got forced into this and for that his Sire got executed, and his adoptee was uh....absent at best."
Erik Samuelson:
"I can see that, yeah. I was on my own for a bit myself before one of the other locals tripped over me, so I know how that can go. They got me on my feet pretty quickly, though."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeahhhh, that just seems like it would fuck anyone up. I had Guy which is like...one of the good things about having a Regnant. Getting caught up on all of this stuff and someone who benefits from you knowing the stuff."
Erik Samuelson:
"Indeed. Admittedly I did have my other half, but he's not much of a talker and we butted heads for a while at the start." He glanced to his side briefly, half-expecting the shade to make himself known, but when he didn't he turned his attention back to Val.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh! Who are you dating?"
Erik Samuelson:
"No one at the moment, although I'm not opposed to the idea." He replied with a chuckle. "I meant the ghost that brought me back, in this case."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh! I uh...don't know how you all work in all honesty. My bad for assuming."
An eyebrow raises.
"What sorta people you into?"
Erik Samuelson:
"No worries. I wasn't totally clear, so it's an understandable jump to make."
"No real preference gender-wise. Having a solid passion for something is one thing I look for, along with the presence of mind to pursue it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Other half usually means like... married partner when I hear it."
She nods.
"Makes sense. You have your own passions and want someone that can understand that. Bi? Pan? Something else?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Pan, yeah. Haven't had a partner in a while, both from work and getting brought in on this side of things, but I'm open to it if I can find someone I click with."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I getcha I getcha. I thought I was Bi for a while. Then I eventually realized I liked the attention more than I liked being with the men. So... well... why not have the attention from the girls?"
She nods.
"I also thought that I was fine without a long term partner, then Liv came along and made me flustered as fuck."
Erik Samuelson:
"Fair enough." He said with a chuckle, nodding. "It's always interesting when that happens, no? Never comes when you expect it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah, I thought she wasn't interested and I was hitting on a straight girl. Then she flirted back the next time I saw her and gave me her number. I was a whole mess."
Erik Samuelson:
"Well, there you go." He nodded with a smirk. "Finding that person you can rely on is always a plus, though. I hope things go well for you both."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah, definetly. I'm hoping I can be someone she can rely on. The things They did to the Lost...just pisses me off. I wish I could give out hugs and stuff but like...they are rightfully wary of everyone."
Erik Samuelson:
"So I've heard, yeah. I've talked with one or two of them on it, it's not something I'd wish on anyone. I have to admire their ability to keep on going, though, find that spark in a new life after having so much taken from them."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah, most definitely. I dunno if I'd be able to keep going. And they don't talk about everything, you do gotta wonder what really fucked up shit they don't wanna talk about might be. I just....I wanna be there for Liv in any way I can to help her."
Erik Samuelson:
"You've made it through your own trials and tribulations, I'd say you're made of pretty stern stuff." He gave a quiet nod. "I wager she appreciates that."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I did, yeah. But their stuff feel like a whole other level. I was close uhhhhh.... friends with Ylva before she was Taken through that whole thing. I can tell how different and scared she is now."
She nods.
"But hey, if I can be a rock of stability for them, I will be. 's long as they are okay with me doing that."
Erik Samuelson:
"Sounds like a plan to me." He smiled a touch, polishing off his coffee and setting the cup to the side for a refill when the next server with a carafe came by.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val finally finished off her pancakes.
"Would ya be up for giving me a lesson now? Look, ya said to wait for you to get food into you."
A chuckle.
Erik Samuelson:
"That I did." He nodded with a smirk, settling back in his seat. "The layout for the Underworld can vary depending on where you cross into it, as the upper layers tend to reflect the culture and experiences of the dead in the area. As you go down you'll eventually reach your first River, which marks off the divide between the Upper Reaches and what are called the Dread Dominions further in. The Rivers also vary depending on the area, ranging from the big Greek five to ones from Mayan, Chinese or a number of other cultures. The Dominions are little pocket realms in their own right, ruled by their own laws which are kept intact by specific beings that punish those who break them."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That was like...a lot of buzz words super fast. Slow it down for me? Start with the uh...the whats it like near the surface maybe???"
Erik Samuelson:
"Apologies. The Upper Reaches are the parts closest to the surface, and will reflect the location where the Gate that let you in is: cemeteries can lead into what seem like catacombs, an alleyway into an underground tunnel with the thrum of traffic just out of earshot above, things like that. It's the first place that the dead without Anchors usually end up, along with the reflections of items and sometimes structures that have been destroyed topside and get washed down through the Gates."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"So its like...if you take a bunch of stuff through a sifter and see whats underneath. All the alive stuff is the mess you glob in, the Upper Reaches are the bits of dead stuff that get through. I...didn't know buildings could be dead, but I guess that makes sense."
Erik Samuelson:
"Not a bad way to look at it." He nodded. "If there's enough significance to the building itself it can linger in the Twilight up here, but eventually it'll fade out here and at least parts of it will end up down below. I have seen whole houses in some cases, though."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That's kinda wild! I'm guessing it was like...an old house that was important in some way that had to be torn down, right? Is that how it works?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Usually, yeah, or fell into disrepair over time."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Huh, that's neat. What's the coolest thing there that you've found?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Hmm..." He mulled on that for a moment, thanking a passing server when she refilled his coffee mug and taking a sip from the undoctured cup as he pondered. "There was a statue I came across on a trip down Below to learn one of the abilities we have access to which always stuck out for me. It had a serene expression on its face, the features mostly androgynous and wearing simple robes with its hands outstretched. The ghosts who lived in the caves nearby tended to it and gave it offerings, and on occasion they got something back in return: little trinkets with enough Essence to keep them afloat for a few days, bits of prophecy or rumor that helped them in future endeavors. I asked for what help it could provide in what I was looking for and it pointed me in the right direction. Haven't been able to find it or that encampment again, though."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh no. So it is like...a little tiny bit of a chance to live on though. Of course like...not live but...exist?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Somewhat, yeah. The ghosts down there make their own way the best they can, whether in little enclaves like that one or in the cities that are built up on the Rivers."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva had worked her slutty little butt off all week doing all the bullshit adult things of running two businesses. Now she wandered into Maddys as a little Fox and they plopped a fox cup on the table for her knowing her well enough by now.
She curled into Val's lap making a cute little ball of floof.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Gotcha gotcha. Now...got questions about the rivers. I know they're like...magic and whatnot so don't go in them. How do you keep them all straight? What happens if you do fall in?"
She pets the little fox in her lap, brushing the tail she can see. Like this was perfectly normal...wow, her definition of normal had changed a lot. But having Ylva on her lap wasn't a big change.
Erik Samuelson:
Erik's eyebrow arched curiously at the casually approaching vulpine, watching Ylva for a few moments before looking back to Val. "They're pretty visually distinct, normally. Falling in can be rough depending on the river, but issues can come up by drinking from them rather than just touching them."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva for her part just sat there happily. Just enjoying the closeness and gently sipping at her Fup. She gives Erik a wave and settles into Vals lap comfortably at the pets.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Ylva earns a chuckle from Val.
"Gotcha, thats cool to know, I'd probably still mess them up. What happens if you drink from it? I mean, I can guess what happens with drinking from a river of the dead, you die too. But anything else?"
Erik Samuelson:
He smirked at the wave, giving the fox a nod. "It depends on the river, actually. Lethe wipes away memories in exchange for knowledge you wouldn't have otherwise, others can heal, restore fertility, show how a certain event can succeed or fail...it's a mixed bag."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh, I thought all of them were bad."
She pauses, then suddenly perks up.
"Can they do that to vampires? Like heal and restore fertility and stuff?"
Erik Samuelson:
"I couldn't say, honestly. Never taken one down there, and I've only heard of those particular rivers rather than seen them myself, so tracking them down might take some work."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods.
"Can you take one down there?"
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva's nose is covered in cream and buried in the cup though she appears to be snoring slightly as the others speak.
Erik Samuelson:
"Probably, although I also couldn't say how they would take to the place. If it's a longer run then 'food' supplies might be an issue." Insert audible air quotes here. "Who do you have in mind?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val moves the cup so she doesnt suffocate.
"Well...they can go without drinking for a while, especially if they're older."
She frowns.
"Titania."
Erik Samuelson:
He nodded at the reply, thinking a moment on the name given. "Don't think I've run into her yet."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I frankly don't recommend it? She can be a lot. And very abrasive.... and doesn't exactly remember being human.... and its 800 years old. Okay, she's a lot."
A dismissive wave of the hand.
"And am I being a bit optimistic that she would even care? Yes. Do I know if she even wants that? No. But like...if she does, I wanna know if it can be an option and that may even help her.... ya know see the good in humanity or whatever optimistic bullshit, ya know?"
Erik Samuelson:
Cue a firm arch of the eyebrow. "Uh huh...noted."
He gave a slow nod as she continued, mulling a moment as he took a sip of his coffee. "Right. I can't say for sure that it would work for her, so I'd be leery about instilling that kind of hope only to take it away from her if it doesn't."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Cool, and there's my answer. Sorry. That was a bit much, huh."
She scratches the back of her head.
Erik Samuelson:
"No need to apologize. I said I was willing to answer questions you had on things down there." He replied with a small smile. "Anything else you're curious about, on that front?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Uhhhhh... that is a fantastic question. Uhhhhhhh, what are the cities you were talking about like?"
Erik Samuelson:
"It can vary from city to city, similar to the Reaches that they draw from. Everything tends to trickle downward there, and the cities are where people tend to gather after a while. They're harsh places, very survival of the fittest, but you can find things there you might not be able to track down elsewhere so they're worth the visit more often than not."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That's... huh. Sucks is survival of the fittest? Er... is it survival at that point? Like...why are people being like that after, ya know, you all died and shit. You'd figure they would have some compassion. Guess that proves me wrong."
Erik Samuelson:
"Compassion is still a thing, don't get me wrong. There are good people down there, but the Underworld itself is made to take rather than give. Essence is a literal lifeline, so to speak: if their tank runs dry they basically get sucked into the walls and consumed over a number of days until there's nothing left." He didn't look happy about that fact, mind you, shaking his head as he frowned. "Hence why keeping a solid source of it is important to the dead there, and why they fight so hard for every bit of it they can get."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She looks vaguely horrified.
"Gotttttt it. That... well suddenly everything makes a bit more twisted sense."
Erik Samuelson:
"Yeah. Sorry for that mental image." He let out a quiet breath. "It's part of why I work with the dead the way I do, helping them to resolve what keeps them here so they can move on rather than just destroying their anchors outright and sending them down instead."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah that's fair, and I'm glad you do it."
She shifts in her seat.
"Uh...I dunno how familiar you are with the Kindred, but the little group im in is like...heavy into research and stuff. And the little cult I'm in specifically does ghost and spirit stuffs, and they have a bunch of candles dedicated to ghosts that have helped and stuff."
Erik Samuelson:
"Not too familiar, I'll admit. Most of the folks that I've met locally have either been mages or Lost." He perked up at the mention of the candles, though, giving her a curious look. "Really...interesting."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah, that's fair. I haven't met too many Sin Eaters....I think you're the only one?"
She nods.
"Yeah. It's really cool to see. I still can't see them or anything though." A solid few seconds pause. "OH FUCK! The candles probably become Anchors, huh."
Erik Samuelson:
"There's a few of us around doing our own thing." He nodded quietly, smiling a touch as the realization hit. "Most likely, yeah."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Makes sense. Any guess how many?"
A nod.
"That's cool that they dedicated the whole thing to giving them a place to exist. Cause I'm guessing Anchors do the whole essence thing, right?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Three that I can think of off-hand, although I haven't talked with them directly in a bit." He sipped his coffee, nodding at the question. "They do, yeah. They create little safe zones for them to exist in here, for the most part."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Oh jeez. Yeah, there really aren't that many. I hope the community here can at least give you any support you need, help ya out and stuff."
A nod.
"Cool! Any way to like... make anchors more effective for the ghosts?"
Erik Samuelson:
"So far so good. I've spoken with a few other folks who deal with the dead in the other groups here and had some good conversations." He nodded, thinking a moment. "Somewhat. Depending on the abilities of the ghost in question there are ways to help them attune better to the Anchor and form a closer tie to it, allowing them some further protections within its sphere of influence."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods, glad he had some help.
"So if we can't see the ghost, shit outta luck?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Not necessarily. It makes it easier, of course, but you can still work together towards conditioning the anchor over time."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Cool cool. I'll talk to Flo and see what she thinks. Maybe that'll be something we work on."
Erik Samuelson:
"Sounds like a plan. And if you need an external consult feel free to point me her way, too." He replied with a smirk.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I...was about to ask that actually, I think I got your contact number, would you be against me sharing it with her? I'm sure she'd love a Sin Eater helping out."
Erik Samuelson:
"Not at all. I can give you my number again just to make sure you've got it."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She checks through her contacts.
"Uhhhh, yeah sure. I dooo gotta run in likeeeee 5 minutes tops though so I'm not late for work. And you need some sleeps, sir. I'll talk to her and see if that's something she's interested in!"
Erik Samuelson:
"True indeed." He nodded with a chuckle, giving his number again just in case. "Hope your day at work goes well."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods, jotting it down.
"Oh, ya know. Just as long as there aint Karens and I don't touch a hot stove, should be great. Oh jeez, I'd have to ask Guy for some Vitae after that, that would be embarassing."
She chuckles.
"Hope you sleep good! Cya."
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