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Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Ria was at a table. I mean most people here sit at tables. Thats the point of a restaurant. To sit at tables and consume foodage. Its a wonderful system.
It was just after dark, and Val went ahead and sent a selfie to....someone. I guess you'll never know who! It did mean she made a cute pose.
Erik Samuelson:
The portal did as portals do while Val was poking around on her phone, allowing the ingress of one (1) casually-dressed Erik who seemed to be finishing up a conversation with...something as he crossed through, although to the ghoul's eyes he was the only one walking through. "Yes, I know...we'll go tomorrow, alright?"
A faint scent of ash hit the air around him as a response, earning a smirk and a shake of the head from the Bound before he noticed that they were other folks in the diner already outside of the staff. "Hey," He said with a smile, giving Val a nod. "Having a good night so far?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val looks confused for a moment, but has started understanding she can't see a LOT.
She waves with a smile. "Just starting but yeah. Getting some food before doing night time stuffs. You?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Just got off work, can't complain. Name's Erik, by the way. Mind if I join you?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Ria, of course! Would love some company." She shifts her stuff to give him more room.
"Where do you work?"
Erik Samuelson:
He slid into the booth with practiced ease, glancing at the nearby menu briefly before looking back to Val. "Restaurant in Old Town called Fork, I'm the head chef there."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods. "Food service can suck. A lot of that is between the managers and customers. You seem chill enough though, I should swing by some time."
A gesture around with a fork. "Hard to beat all day waffles though."
Erik Samuelson:
"I try to be. Things are hectic on the line as it is sometimes, no point in me adding extra stress by being an asshole when I don't need to be."
"True enough, plus the company is usually pretty interesting." He said with a smirk. "Which side of the fence are you on, if you don't mind my asking?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Server or cashier." She gives a shit eating grin, knowing thats now what he meant.
"I'm...part of the Kindred. I don't know if you know what Ghouls are. You?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Hah." He chuckled, nodding as she continued. "Familiar enough, yeah, although I think you're the first one I've actually met. I'm one of the Bound myself, or Sin-Eater if you're more familiar with that."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"From what I'm gathering, we aren't all that common in Philly. Whole like...servant vibe is frowned upon. I have a different sorta relationship with mine. More like uh...teacher-student is the vibe we are going for."
She shakes her head. "Haven't heard of either of those. I've only been around for about a month though. Mind explaining? I mean...as much as you're allowed to."
Erik Samuelson:
"Ah...gotcha. Hope that's working out well for you so far."
He paused to catch a passing server and put in his order before looking back to Val. "We work with ghosts to help them move on to what's next for them for the most part. There's not a lot of us around at the moment either, admittedly."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"It is. Guy is a good dude. Keeps an eye out for me, makes sure I'm doing well. He saved my life the night we met so...even without the Bond I'd do a ton for him."
A nod. "That sounds cool. So like...an exorcist sorta? Any reason there aren't many of you around?"
Erik Samuelson:
"I...think I've met him. Dark hair, biker jacket, gives off big 'don't fuck with me' vibes?" He held a hand up to approximate the elder Gangrel's height for emphasis. "What happened that night, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Sort of, although we usually work more through resolving what's keeping them here than just kicking them out of this side of reality like that. Sometimes you do need a good banishing, though."
"That I couldn't answer, admittedly. From what I've heard from some folks it's a cyclical thing, reflecting the current turmoil among the dead or in the Underworld. There's a handful of us here mostly doing our own thing, but I've been making a point of reaching out to get more involved with the bigger stuff going on."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Yeah thats the one. He looks terrifying but is also super caring. Don't judge a book by its cover and whatnot. Granted...he could definetly kick some ass if you did piss him off, but I haven't seen that yet."
A nod. "That's all fair. Hand holding them across rather than shoving them? At least there's not a ton of turmoil."
A frown shifting to her own almost untimely demise. "Uh...was out with friends. Some big dude threatened my trans friend, so we took it outside. I was winning of course cause look at me, I'm a badass." She flexes an arm for emphasis, then puts it down. "One of the fuckers cheated and shot me. Guy was luckily right there and gave me a choice. Die there or...well to be fair I don't remember much of the details cause I was actively bleeding out, but he offered to Ghoul me with really fancy words trying to persuade me to not take it. I accepted cause...well momma didnt raise no quitter. After that, caught me up to speed, gave me clothes that were NOT soaked in my own blood, et cetera et cetera." She handwaves the rest.
Erik Samuelson:
"He seemed like a solid guy when we talked the first time I came here, so no judgement on that front." He nodded, thanking the server for his coffee when they brought it by before listening keenly to the tale of her own brush with death. He smirked at the arm flex, then gave a knowing nod as she spoke of the gunshot. "I had something similar happen, funnily enough, although it was a mugging gone wrong and a knife rather than a gun. I didn't have anyone swoop in until after I died, though, but when the offer was made I took it for similar reasons."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
There was a sudden look of understanding. "Ohhhhh...you guide ghosts across cause you DID die...thats kinda cool. What sorta offer did you make? Some like...deal with the devil type shit? Sorry you.. ya know... died and everything. Glad you're back with us."
Erik Samuelson:
"Thanks. I'm happier being on this side of the dirt as well, and I've been able to do some good work after the fact so I can't complain too much." He took a sip of his coffee without doctoring it, rocking his free hand in a 'so-so' fashion. "It's not a devil per se, but a potent ghost usually referred to as a geist. We both have business that needs handling up here so it's worked out pretty well so far."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods. "Near death... or I guess death death experiences really do change your perspective of the world. Feels a bit more enjoyable. Granted... mine is coupled with feeling like myself for the first time in forever."
A curious look. "Geist, that's always been a fun word. Pretty mutual relationship? Or more case by case thing?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Here here." He lifted his cup in a small salute. "It really makes you see the little things you missed the first time around. There's a French term that's the opposite of deja vu called jamais vu where the familiar seems new, which was my general mode for a good while after coming back."
"Case by case, yeah. We butted heads a lot in the beginning because he's an angry son of a bitch and I try to talk things out for the most part, but we've gotten on the level with each other over time."
Another puff of ashen air swirled around the Bound at that, who looked to his side with a wry smirk. "Tell me I'm wrong."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She lifted her water in return. "Yeah, all that stuff. Like...I always hung out with my dad before, but now its easier to enjoy...just knowing how easy it is to lose."
She watched the air for a second, and blinks. "Wait wait. The Geist is here? Glad you two talked it out at least." She gives an awkward wave to her best guess of where the thing was.... which wasn't a great guess.
Erik Samuelson:
"He is, yeah. We basically merged after the Bargain was agreed to, but he can manifest for me and others like me, as well as other people with a bit more effort on our combined part. He's not always 'out' but he's with me, if that makes sense."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She does a 'so-so' manner. "Im still learning about the Kindred stuff...and a bit of the Lost....okay and admitted a bit of the wizard stuff...so most of this is new to me and doesn't make much sense. I've sorta come to the conclusion it doesn't gotta make sense. Its just sorta there and I'm vibing with it."
Erik Samuelson:
"Not a bad way to go about it. I've seen some of the Awakened at work and it's impressive, and I know I've talked with a couple vampires, Guy included. Haven't met any of the Lost yet that I'm aware of."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I've always sorta been a 'things happen, just keep moving' kinda person...took a bad turn about 2...almost 3 years ago now, trying to get back in that mindset."
A nod. "I've been introduced to a fair few Vampires...my bestie has apparently been one for a few months, my old babysitter is a wizard, and one of my old uh...not quite sure how to describe her...lets go with friend is apparently one of the Lost."
A slight blush. "And I got a date soon with another of the Lost so...hoping that one goes well."
Erik Samuelson:
"Best of luck. That can be rough to do, but usually worth it in the end." He nodded along as she continued, smiling as that blush took hold. "Here's hoping. Been out of the scene for a while myself, whether due to work taking too much time, adjusting to what happened or both."
Ylva Theodulus:
Is it a really fucking awkward time for the 'friend' to wander in. Yes. But it's funny as heck.
Ylva is wearing her usual outfit of a skirt and a jacket.
She wanders in and confidently strides over to Ria patting her head and waving to Erik.
"Hey cutie and hi there."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She shakes her head. "It's the dumbest thing. I know I'm a sex addict. I've gotten...mostly better. 6 foot butch lesbian that looks like she could rip a phone book, can by the way. Girls think I'm hot as hell but...she just makes me flustered as all get out."
Ria isn't the most perceptive, so straightens up in surprise when Ylva touches her head. "Fuck! Hey Mrs. Theodulus. How much of that did you hear?"
Erik Samuelson:
"Not a bad thing, that, and nothing wrong with seeing where it goes." He looked towards Ylva as she approached, giving her a quick once-over and a nod. "Hey there."
Ylva Theodulus:
"You can call me Ylva" she says to Erik. A poke to the cheek of Ria. Sliding over her lap into the booth.
"Oh. Enough. Can confirm your cute as hell. And you fuck really well. My cute little sex addict of a play thing."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Ria was still blushed as hell, pointing to Ylva. "Friend... like I said. Complicated."
A look to Ylva. "TMI girly. Wayyyyy too much TMI."
Erik Samuelson:
"So I see." He replied with a chuckle, taking a sip of his coffee as Ylva got settled. "Erik, good to meet you."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva leans her head into Ria with a smile and a poke to her cheek.
"I know. But your so cute when your flustered."
She smiles to Erik with a nod.
"Nice to meet ya Erik."
A nod to the servers and they bring her a pot of coffee and start on her bacon and eggs.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Ria rolls her eyes and elbows Ylva.
"Hey Ylva...do you know an Olivia in the Lost? Wolf kinda?"
Erik Samuelson:
Erik's own order was brought over along with Ylva's coffee, a simple but satisfying corned beef scramble and plain pancakes. He remained quiet for the moment, both to let the ladies talk and to eat some of his meal.
Ylva Theodulus:
She cuddles into it barely flinching at the elbow.
"Hmmm. I don't think so. Is that the cute lost your going on a date with? I'll have to meet them."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Hm...nevermind then. Was just asking to see if you knew like...any tips or whatnot for her? Food places, that sorta stuff. Trust me, you don't need to go digging into it. Already got Tommy AND Vinny on me for it " She shakes her head.
Erik Samuelson:
"Why are they 'on you' for it?" Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow from the Bound.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
A frown. "At least for Vinny, the last person I had a long term relationship that wasn't just sex, it was my dealer at the time. Not the healthiest thing there. For Tommy...probably more just keeping an eye on me."
A sigh. "Self restraint is...not my strong suit. Olivia just gives me...so many butterflies though."
Erik Samuelson:
"Ah." He nodded quietly. "Well, this sounds like a different situation and you're aware of possible issues, so I'd say you should be alright. Have to live a little while you have the chance, right?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Right, right. Just trying to stay cleaner. Guy would...probably not take kindly to that happening to me either." A thought and she checked her phone. "Oh fuck...he's probably awake by now. I should probably get going to I can see if he needs anything."
Erik Samuelson:
"Sounds good. Was good meeting you." He lifted his coffee cup in a salute. "Have a good rest of your night."
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