val-of-the-dark

[val-of-the-dark]

Very wise words indeed.

We are everything and nothing at once, just as black is every color combined and dark is all light extinguished.

I thought your title was father not mother. mother rayner?

Technically, I can be whatever I want. Ancient tentacle creatures do not need to conform to human gender binaries.

[val-of-the-dark]

[The last letter doesn't receive any answer. However, Wednesday, at 11 AM sharp the doorbell at the aforementioned address rings twice. Standing at the door there is a short thin figure of what looks to be a teenager — however, judging by the wrinkles on their face emphasized peculiarly by overlapping shadows, they're not exactly what they seem. The strange visitor smiles and offers their hand for a handshake.]

Dr. Pembroke? Pleasure to meet you in person.

[Their hand is slightly wet to the touch. Under the cloth of a hoodie their short curly hair happen to be wet, too.]

We're Valerie Alenko. Some time ago we have reached you in order to make an appointment for... our health assessment. May we come in?

Hello, Dr. Pembroke.

We do not know each other personally, but we were granted an intel that you specialize in treating patients whose constitution is... far from ordinary.

What does one have to do to receive a medical advice on that matter? If an appointment is needed, please do inform us of your whereabouts and the earliest possible date for booking.

Best regards,

Mx V. Alenko

@val-of-the-dark

Mx. Alenko,

Please forgive my delay.

All you must do is ask! I have never been one to keep my knowledge behind lock and key. I am happy enough writing, but if you prefer to meet, I have no argument with doing such. While I have a select collection of patients, much of my time is free.

Is this a professional inquiry, or a call for treatment? If it is urgent, I will clear my agenda to make ample time for you. I will send along my location with this correspondence. Do feel free to come by as you need. My closest appointment is weeks out yet.

Best regards,

Dr. C. Pembroke

[val-of-the-dark]

Splendid! Alright, you call it since you're an expert and all.

[Reinforcing their earlier claim about trusting Oliver with the board completely, Val just listens and silently does what he tells them to. The space is too narrow to sit comfortably and the feeling of danger and uneasiness increases... so at the sudden "three!" Val lets out a high-pitch yelp and digs their nails into the board.

It is great. It is simply amazing. Better than in amusement park, for sure: nobody has to be too high in the air and nobody has to pay for anything. Miraculously, Val doesn't even mind the wobbling and also seemingly doesn't see anything or anyone around, being too busy with their own excitement.]

What! We didn't expect it would be so good! Honestly? When the board just started to move we were so, so sure we were going to end up on the ground!

[They laugh like it is the most impossible thing right now; despite having just been seconds from kissing the asphalt if not for Oliver's hand on their shoulder. The skateboard is in their hands once again.]

Yeah, don't you? Perhaps, this time we could try steering ourselves — that's what you were doing there, right? Or... or one of us could try standing up!

[They were absolutely right to admit their regret about not having a chance to try it when they had been a teen. Val looks like a happy overexcited kid right now: this dangerously human feeling reeks from under their shades like rays of sunshine. Not even waiting for Oliver to respond, they run up the ramp to try again as soon as they can.]

*The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham went as expected.

Any degree of help requires sacrifice, and Oliver had forgotten to consider that before going. Everything was too much, but he could handle it

He ended up drained, with half a headache and feeling extremely cold… even on a "sunny" day. As soon as they stepped outside, he put on his sunglasses*

Thanks for the invite, Val. It was great getting to know your team

I'm going to go take the Tube, unless you've got something else in mind. Clapham seems like a nice place to take a breather, and today's my day off *he chuckles while fidgeting with his hoodie strings*

- @askoliverbanks

[The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham did go as expected. All the formalities had already been dealt with earlier this week, all the team members (and, of course, Oliver) were present and actually knew their assigned duties — so the only thing Val had left to do was to actually join them.

However... When you're not exactly human for decades already, it's quite hard to visit a place full of misery and just... not. So while Oliver looks a little exhausted, Val's skin has become a whole new, healthy shade of white. Not that it's morally good or something. It just. Is.]

No-no, thank you for coming! You did so much today — and, well, it's a pity you had to be excluded from the morning group photo just because you're actually not our employee...

[They smile a little awkwardly and pat their bag which holds a polaroid camera.]

Hm... if you absolutely must go... may we suggest Clapham South station, then? You look like you could use a stroll. And, honestly, we barely spoke today, and this one is a bummer. What do you think?

[val-of-the-dark]

Mhm... perhaps, they simply mean you're a creative person and tend to stand out a lot? 'Cause you certainly do.

[Val shrugs and smiles once more — they'd personally take the "theatre kid energy" as a compliment. It means you can sell whatever bullshit you want and people'd buy it. Quite a desirable quality for an owner of a restaurant which doesn't only feed its clients.]

Ohh! Let us look! She's so- sorry, he's so pretty!

[Their enthusiasm quickly goes overboard from just one quick look at the screen. Val coughs awkwardly and hurries to explain themselves.]

We used to have a very similar cat at the auto repair shop back in the days... We miss her a lot. She was a real sweetheart. Bet, yours is, too: he even looks like a true gentleman.

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

Absolutely! We've never been there personally, but my assistant spoke of it very highly — in regard to the rich assortment... and a very attentive guy at the counter.

[They chuckle quietly and wink, which barely but nonetheless still can be seen through their shades.]

Yeah, one could say that. Oh — maybe it's a part of the reason of why we're enamored by theatre and painting so much! While the masterpiece is all on display, true artists hide behind masks and lock themselves up in studios.

[Val lingered their gaze for a little longer before finally relaxing. They do catch the hint... but decide to play safe for now. Conviniently enough, they do have one very important question to ask...]

So, you have two cats, huh? What is the other one's name? Does it not like hanging around outside, like Willard does?

//ooc: this is supposed to be @/floral-demise 's shop :}

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

Oi, shush! Next time you show us how it's done, then!

[They playfully shove the board in Oliver's hands just a little harder than necessary and smile, but there is a little tiredness to it.]

Come on, it's your turn and you absolutely deserve to enjoy it to the fullest. Now, do you need a push?

[Regardless of the answer, Val cheers when Oliver finally goes down the ramp and gains speed. Somehow it doesn't really look safe, especially without any protection gear at all. For a moment they struggle to believe they've just done the very same thing and shiver involuntarily. However, it serves as a great distraction, and when Oliver's back, Val greets him much more optimistically and then finally lowers their voice as well.]

Okay, look, we don't want to give up such an opportunity because of... this. He's barely past his teen years. And we... tend to overreact when other people get involved. It's fine. After all, what's the worst thing that could happen? If he crosses the line, we'll just have to eat him, that's it.

[They smile, but their face doesn't fully engage in it, as if the last phrase was only half joke. After that they nod at the board.]

Do you think this thing could carry both of us? Seems unlikely... but we are so ready to try!

*The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham went as expected.

Any degree of help requires sacrifice, and Oliver had forgotten to consider that before going. Everything was too much, but he could handle it

He ended up drained, with half a headache and feeling extremely cold… even on a "sunny" day. As soon as they stepped outside, he put on his sunglasses*

Thanks for the invite, Val. It was great getting to know your team

I'm going to go take the Tube, unless you've got something else in mind. Clapham seems like a nice place to take a breather, and today's my day off *he chuckles while fidgeting with his hoodie strings*

- @askoliverbanks

[The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham did go as expected. All the formalities had already been dealt with earlier this week, all the team members (and, of course, Oliver) were present and actually knew their assigned duties — so the only thing Val had left to do was to actually join them.

However... When you're not exactly human for decades already, it's quite hard to visit a place full of misery and just... not. So while Oliver looks a little exhausted, Val's skin has become a whole new, healthy shade of white. Not that it's morally good or something. It just. Is.]

No-no, thank you for coming! You did so much today — and, well, it's a pity you had to be excluded from the morning group photo just because you're actually not our employee...

[They smile a little awkwardly and pat their bag which holds a polaroid camera.]

Hm... if you absolutely must go... may we suggest Clapham South station, then? You look like you could use a stroll. And, honestly, we barely spoke today, and this one is a bummer. What do you think?

[val-of-the-dark]

Ah, you flatter us.

[They smile briefly and move further, entering another room. The light there is dimmer and has a slight coloured shade to it as if to emphasize the atmosphere of surrealism. Val steps closer to the painting in the middle of the exposition but doesn't say anything at first and just tilts their head.]

Hm? We have been... around for almost as long as you have. However, we have surely never heard anything about either you, the Bazaar, or Baron before. Perhaps, our paths have simply never happened to cross? In the end of the millenium we used to travel quite a lot before finally choosing to settle here. You must've wandered around plenty as well, yes?

[Recent rain has left a small puddle on one of the tables meat to be used in the performance. In the middle of that puddle there lies a waterproof ziploc bag with two items neatly packed inside. The first one is an ace of spades. The second happens to be a card from Tate Museum gift shop with some painting of a cage dressed up like an adult male with two white doves inside on one side and some text on the other.

The text reads:]

"Hello, darling!

Our name is Valerie. We haven't met before, however, we've heard a little of you and your artistic talents. Considering ourselves an admiring and caring patron of all sorts of arts, we would like to offer you our assistance in things not related to performing directly — for example, in catering. If you're in no need of some services, we would still love to meet you sometime. After all... было бы славно поболтать на родном языке [it would be nice to have a chat in our native language].

Best of wishes,

Mx. Alenko"

@val-of-the-dark

Spade has been busy for the last few weeks, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to ensure that everything is just right for when the show days come. So when he spotted the bag he was quick to snatch it up. Thinking maybe a performer had left it sitting out, or a merchant got mixed up with what goes where.

Though, upon seeing the card inside he couldn't help but investigate, even with other responsibilities. It was just too tempting.

Catering... huh- well.. could not hurt to inquire.

After appointing one of his siblings to watch over the Bazaar, and ensuring he had a few spare tickets to hand out, Spade makes his way to the Tate Museum, hoping that it was the right place to go.

[val-of-the-dark]

Oh, yes. That we can agree with.

[They nod and do not seem to question the version with the hairdresser gone out of business at all. Instead, Val opens their purse and spends some time in vain search for something before finally retrieving a business card of some flower shop and a pen. The name of the Etsy store they were talking about is swiftly inscribed on the plain backside.]

Here! This is not a link, per se, but we're sure you'll be able to find it just fine! And- by the way, that flower shop is pretty good, too. You seem like a person who would enjoy a nice flowery interior decoration.

[They smile and switch their attention to the earrings. Those are, indeed, very peculiar and good-looking, though, a little eccentric... which also isn't bad at all.]

We see what you're talking about! Oh, but they are so intricate! Wonder, how hard it might be to make a pair of those. And... perhaps, we gave you the wrong impression. The place is what takes the most spotlight, not ourselves, while our manager handles most of the PR work. Of course, from time to time we meet some people, too... but they tend to mostly mention our "quirkiness" and not much else. Apparently, it's some kind of a "hot topic".

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

[They smile and shake their head shyly while patting their bag lightly.]

Well, maybe not exactly amazing... Thank you. We spent a lot of time together with this thing, as well as with its predecessor; it's good to feel that we've at least mastered the basics.

[Val raises their eyebrow at the remark about entity and even opens their mouth to ask about that, but then Oliver starts talking to the kids... and they just decide to let it go. Perhaps, he indeed saw something they couldn't; being the servant of the Dark sometimes meant to take things as given and not pry further.]

Oh yeah! Thanks again. We'll take turns, then? Since we only have one board. And you know what? We could even bet on who manages to ride further! Though, you'd probably win this one, since you look heavier...

[They fumble with the skateboard for a significant amount of time before finally settling with putting their legs in front of them. There is also some trouble with pushing themselves off the ramp... but when they do it, they take right off with their hands in the air.]

Woooo! This is faaaaast!

[The board stops safely after a while and Val prepares to stand up, but a younger guy they've met earlier finds them first and gives them a hand.]

Woah, thanks man, you didn't have to... That was really cool! A little like sledging indeed!

[Val shouts the last part to Oliver. The guy grins.]

The guy's lucky to have such a cool girlfriend.

...sorry, what?

I mean, you're obviously also into skating, so you can do it together! That's cool!

Okay, you got it all wrong. We're not together.

You're not? How does your boyfriend feel about skating, then?

...oh no, please don't get any funny thoughts! If you want to flirt so badly, it would be better if you found someone your age.

But you look 25 tops! And that's perfectly fine with me!

Just. Don't. Okay?

[As the guy throws up his hands, Val takes the skateboard back up the ramp clearly looking uncomfortable.]

Hey! Here you go. Ugh.

*The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham went as expected.

Any degree of help requires sacrifice, and Oliver had forgotten to consider that before going. Everything was too much, but he could handle it

He ended up drained, with half a headache and feeling extremely cold… even on a "sunny" day. As soon as they stepped outside, he put on his sunglasses*

Thanks for the invite, Val. It was great getting to know your team

I'm going to go take the Tube, unless you've got something else in mind. Clapham seems like a nice place to take a breather, and today's my day off *he chuckles while fidgeting with his hoodie strings*

- @askoliverbanks

[The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham did go as expected. All the formalities had already been dealt with earlier this week, all the team members (and, of course, Oliver) were present and actually knew their assigned duties — so the only thing Val had left to do was to actually join them.

However... When you're not exactly human for decades already, it's quite hard to visit a place full of misery and just... not. So while Oliver looks a little exhausted, Val's skin has become a whole new, healthy shade of white. Not that it's morally good or something. It just. Is.]

No-no, thank you for coming! You did so much today — and, well, it's a pity you had to be excluded from the morning group photo just because you're actually not our employee...

[They smile a little awkwardly and pat their bag which holds a polaroid camera.]

Hm... if you absolutely must go... may we suggest Clapham South station, then? You look like you could use a stroll. And, honestly, we barely spoke today, and this one is a bummer. What do you think?

[val-of-the-dark]

Oh! Yes, sorry. Of course you're Amelie. And your memory is way better than ours.

[They laugh a little and nod on that pretty red cloud of curls.]

No wonder we haven't recognized you right away... To be honest, ginger has always been our favourite hair colour. It looks so good on you!

[Unsure, if Amelie's grin is more friendly or hostile, Val touches their sunglasses in a kind of protective gesture, but then just shrugs shyly. There is something... disarming about faer that just makes them want to overcome their hesitance and continue the conversation no matter what.]

Yes, good guess! The form of a droplet doesn't make it look exactly like a flag, but the colours are 100% right! We figured, since bloggers and critics already decided to call us "progressive", might as well look the part.

...you know, that Etsy store also has other flag-coloured enamel and resin jewelery pieces — if you'd like to, we could give you a link!

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

Well, the most crucial things are settled, then! We could discuss all the smaller but nonetheless important details later. The when, and the where, and the who... There won't be any written contract to sign; you seem like the kind of person who respects verbal agreements, and that is enough for us.

[Their lips form an enticing smile, as Val tugs off their right glove and extends their hand for a handshake. Their skin looks sickly pale white in this weird gallery light, and is cold and slightly wet to the touch, almost like an amphibia's.]

Договорились. [It's a deal.] Of course, it goes without saying that any side that attempts to break the agreement will suffer certain consequences. Well. Now...

[They make a wide gesture with their hand in an invitation to walk further into the next room.]

We're just a little bit curious. How long have you been performing? Your name certainly hasn't been widely spoken of... say, a few decades ago. At least, we haven't heard of you.

[Recent rain has left a small puddle on one of the tables meat to be used in the performance. In the middle of that puddle there lies a waterproof ziploc bag with two items neatly packed inside. The first one is an ace of spades. The second happens to be a card from Tate Museum gift shop with some painting of a cage dressed up like an adult male with two white doves inside on one side and some text on the other.

The text reads:]

"Hello, darling!

Our name is Valerie. We haven't met before, however, we've heard a little of you and your artistic talents. Considering ourselves an admiring and caring patron of all sorts of arts, we would like to offer you our assistance in things not related to performing directly — for example, in catering. If you're in no need of some services, we would still love to meet you sometime. After all... было бы славно поболтать на родном языке [it would be nice to have a chat in our native language].

Best of wishes,

Mx. Alenko"

@val-of-the-dark

Spade has been busy for the last few weeks, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to ensure that everything is just right for when the show days come. So when he spotted the bag he was quick to snatch it up. Thinking maybe a performer had left it sitting out, or a merchant got mixed up with what goes where.

Though, upon seeing the card inside he couldn't help but investigate, even with other responsibilities. It was just too tempting.

Catering... huh- well.. could not hurt to inquire.

After appointing one of his siblings to watch over the Bazaar, and ensuring he had a few spare tickets to hand out, Spade makes his way to the Tate Museum, hoping that it was the right place to go.

[val-of-the-dark]

[Val pauses for a moment, calling to their memories and looking at the stranger from head to toe... before they finally realize the stranger is not a stranger at all. They beam and click their fingers.]

Ohh! Right! You're that — that person with a cat! The librarian! You're Amy! No, no... Emily? Sorry, your name completely slipped our mind...

[They do a little gesture where they throw up their hands in a "sorry, that's just how it is" and then smile.]

But we remember we thought you were very nice. How... how are you? You look quite different!

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

[Val carefully takes another sniff to make sure that the wave of smells is slowly receding and casts a quizzical glance on the talisman hanging from Basra's neck. Some kind of cloaking artefact, huh? However, they ask no questions... yet.]

Well, good! Not a fan of this place ourselves. It tends to cause a nasty headache. And, perhaps, if it's so hard for you to actually enter the Institute... then you don't need to do it at all; however good their library is, in the end it's absolutely not worth it.

[They scoff, then shake their head.]

To be honest, at first we thought that this job was assigned to you by the Institute to help replenish their collection of artifacts. Glad to hear it's not. But if you were trying to pass it off as a dull one, you should know you failed tremendously.

[Val pauses for a second, wondering wether they should warn Basra or not, and find themselves stopping abruptly right before the doors of the pharmacy.]

Well... you're a lucky one if the scariest thing for you in those places is indeed structural instability. Some "abandoned" buildings actually still do have tenants. And various kinds of mould can be more dangerous than you think.

So. Shall we?

[As Val walks out, they see someone with a bag slung over their shoulders, wearing a mask of sorts walking out. This would normally be normal, but the crows that circle around their head gives them a distinct impression that whoever this is, they’re further from normal than one may initially expect.

The person notices Val, before stopping, the crows still circling over them and around them]

“Hello?” - @basra-of-the-crows

[This strange encounter finds Val in quite a good mood. Today's delivery went without any excesses and that influencer guy's visit to the restaurant was only scheduled for tomorrow, which left them with an evening to spare and a bathtub full of bubbles... However, you can never know what comes next (even if you're serving the Eye, ironically), which is why instead of going straight to the nearest shop to buy a bubbly drink for the occasion Val just... stops where they stand and stares a little. And then a little longer.]

Um. Hello? Can we help you? You look sort of... lost.

[They look sort of weird. Val smiles and decides to continue with a joke just for the heck of it. Worst case — they will part ways, the end.]

Or maybe you are a ranger on an epic quest, and the crows do all the scouting for you?

[val-of-the-dark]

Someone bumps into Val, someone very tall and smelling of lavender. An odd feeling washes over them at the same moment.

Ow!

[Val catches themselves from falling and limps for a second before finally gaining their footing once more. How come they keep bumping into strangers these days? Perhaps, they really are slowly going blind. The smell, however... They frown.]

Sorry for that... Um. Wait, do we know you?

[val-of-the-dark]

The Pitch Black says: any pronouns should be accepted and respected.

Everyone is equally loved in the Dark.

Happy pride! 💛🤍💜🖤

Happy pride month to everyone!

My TMA OC joins the celebration for nonbinary umbrella! As a nonbinary artist/author, I, too, wish everyone happy pride! My heart is and always will be with entirety of the queer nation.

Look below for the version without shades.

Made in Freeform, iPhone

[val-of-the-dark]

Happy Pride Month

This is just a friendly reminder that the ever-oppressive darkness that yearns for ownership of your soul does not care about your gender identity or sexual orientation. The Peoples Church welcomes those of all backgrounds and identities into our flock. In a world without Sight, there is no such superficial differences between us. All are welcome to suffer in It's name.

[val-of-the-dark]

What, with this thing? Absolutely not!

[They squint in a mock distrust and then laugh, shaking their head.]

Okay, it's time to try it out, then! We'll just see how things go, and if we knock someone off... it's obviously not our fault.

Oh, but first wait a second.

[Val just remembers they forgot something and takes the board back to its owner, to the place where they both sat a little while ago, where their bag is and where their Polaroid lies. Only now they check what the second photo of Oliver looks like. This one posesses a different kind of energy to the contrary of the aerial atmosphere of the first one — the silhouette of the man being much more clear-cut and static, and his face beaming with determination. Not knowing he's about to fall, and not going to.]

Hey, come, take a look! We'd love you to take one of these, pick any one you like.

[They wait for Oliver to choose one and finally pack their bag to take it along with the board up the closest ramp. From up there, Val casts a glance on the guy that decided to take a nap and smirk, lowering their voice.]

You know... you could get away with stealing this baby. You definitely weren't on any of official lists of volunteers we got signed there. Just joking, of course. ...hope, he'll be okay, though.

*The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham went as expected.

Any degree of help requires sacrifice, and Oliver had forgotten to consider that before going. Everything was too much, but he could handle it

He ended up drained, with half a headache and feeling extremely cold… even on a "sunny" day. As soon as they stepped outside, he put on his sunglasses*

Thanks for the invite, Val. It was great getting to know your team

I'm going to go take the Tube, unless you've got something else in mind. Clapham seems like a nice place to take a breather, and today's my day off *he chuckles while fidgeting with his hoodie strings*

- @askoliverbanks

[The visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham did go as expected. All the formalities had already been dealt with earlier this week, all the team members (and, of course, Oliver) were present and actually knew their assigned duties — so the only thing Val had left to do was to actually join them.

However... When you're not exactly human for decades already, it's quite hard to visit a place full of misery and just... not. So while Oliver looks a little exhausted, Val's skin has become a whole new, healthy shade of white. Not that it's morally good or something. It just. Is.]

No-no, thank you for coming! You did so much today — and, well, it's a pity you had to be excluded from the morning group photo just because you're actually not our employee...

[They smile a little awkwardly and pat their bag which holds a polaroid camera.]

Hm... if you absolutely must go... may we suggest Clapham South station, then? You look like you could use a stroll. And, honestly, we barely spoke today, and this one is a bummer. What do you think?