Claire Keane

JVL

★
NASA
Alisa U Zemlji Chuda
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
dirt enthusiast
styofa doing anything
KIROKAZE
todays bird

#extradirty
Cosmic Funnies
No title available
hello vonnie
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"

@theartofmadeline
ojovivo
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
cherry valley forever

tannertan36

seen from Malaysia

seen from United States
seen from Vietnam

seen from United States

seen from Canada

seen from Iraq

seen from United States

seen from Albania

seen from Canada

seen from France

seen from Malaysia

seen from Malaysia

seen from Malaysia

seen from Türkiye
seen from United States

seen from Italy
seen from United States

seen from Taiwan
seen from United States
seen from Türkiye
@caia-sjofrid
"Well let's hope you don't regret that when your poor messenger bird is carrying a novel length letter across the Atlantic ocean," she replied. Atlas didn't want to make this difficult for Caia. She was mostly surprised that they had stuck around for so long. It might have been the longest stint they'd had with the elf in centuries.
The elf nodded in understanding. If there was one thing that Atlas understood, it was an obligation to family, so she did not fault Caia for needing to leave. "I'm surprised you're giving me so much notice. Normally you just disappear," they replied, hoping it sounded like a joke rather than an accusation. It had happened many times over the years, Atlas was certain that she was going to get to say goodbye but they never got the chance. "Why did you want to give me notice?" they asked, feeling it was very unlike the other elf to do so.
"They'll be fine. I'll send an extra hefty one," Caia joked lightly before they paused. They were not used to goodbyes, and especially not when they were being called out for simply disappearing.
"I..." they started, eyes darting away for a moment as a lock of hair fell in front of their face. "...thought I owed it to you this time." Caia looked back at Atlas then, that stray lock still hanging there. "To make up for all the previous times I just left. And for..." they lifted a hand to gesture vaguely at their temple before the hand dropped in defeat -- it was not as if Atlas would understand what the gesture meant. "Just take care of yourself, alright?"
EMMA D’ARCY | The Gambit Via Issue 204, The Beautiful Game
EMMA D'ARCY
photographed by Pip for Flaunt Magazine | The Beautiful Game Issue (June 4, 2026)
"I think it's likely ingrained into their nature," the witch answered. She didn't really care about deities when there's an elf occupying their attention instead. Lian tilted their head as Caia leaned close, curious to see how forward the elf would be. The witch had always been a good distraction for anyone who needed it and now the elf would be her distraction for the night.
"Oh?" she responded, already knowing where this was going. If Lian hadn't been willing, they wouldn't have joined the elf in the booth so this wasn't forward at all. Lian shifted closer, resting a hand on the elf's shoulder, moving their fingers down their arm. "I don't think you're being forward enough. Or are you waiting to finish your drink?"
"Oh, really? I mean I had to ask. Consent is sexy, after all," Caia chuckled and lifted their drink with their other hand to throw it back and finish it. They set the glass back down on the table and shuffled out of their booth, their other hand closing gently around Lian's wrist to help them out after.
"I hear they've got some nice igloos around the festival grounds that would be perfect for us," they suggested as they led them out of the bar, their hand slipping around Lian's waist.
Vivian's senses quirked up at Caia's demeanor shift, curious as to why the ruins could have created such a response. "If there's one thing i've learned from living in this city, it's that nothing about it makes any sense. But maybe it's because we're not asking the right questions?" she pondered out loud in response. "I think the bigger question right now is why don't supernaturals know more about those ancient supernatural ruins. Especially with Artemis on our backs, I think if there are any answers to find, shouldn't we be the ones that find them first? What if there's something down there that they can use against us?"
"I wouldn't worry about what they can use against us... Your lot up here have bigger things to worry about what with humans on the supernatural council now," Caia voiced out lowly from behind their drink. "You were all supposed to be a front line against human discovery, but that's all moot now that you've been discovered. I hear that word about what is happening here is being spread to other supernatural communities around the world...
"We're lucky that Artemis has not had a chance to enter those ruins..." Caia responded darkly, as if these words were something they wanted to get off their chest for awhile now. "I wouldn't look forward what I'd have to do if that happened..." they grumbled before they visibly started, realising that they should not have said that last part out loud.
Atlas had selfishly hoped that Caia would stick around this time. A cool history mystery could only keep the elf in one place for so long. They still just wished they had more time together. It left her with a heavy feeling in her chest, one that she couldn't swallow a round when the other elf spoke again.
At least she believed Caia this time. They would write, it wasn't like seeing them regularly like they had been enjoying but Atlas knew this time would end. It felt like Caia had stuck around longer than the last time. "Okay, thank you. I'll try not to bombard you with my ramblings," they said softly. "So, when do you have to leave?" the young elf asked. It felt like Caia would disappear as soon as she blinked, knowing it wouldn't be the first time.
"You're welcome to ramble as long as you'd like in your letters. I'd look forward them," Caia said with a smile, one they hoped looked more playful, or perhaps reassuring, to offset the sombre mood.
"I was going to leave at the end of the week," they said as their eyes darted away from Atlas'. "I pushed it out as far as I could..."
The witch found comfort in interactions like this. People fell in and out of lust very quickly but those moments were easier than a more permanent connection. With the elf's invitation, Lian took their hand and moved into the empty space beside them. They could feel the heat of their body and Lian leaned into it, still seeking a way to shake off the chill in the air.
They kept hold of Caia's hand, greedily stealing the warmth from their fingertips for her own. "It's all a bit too whimsical," they agreed. The fake Christmas setting made the witch feel like they were the grinch and they liked Christmas. "I know," she sighed dramatically, playing with the elf's fingers. "I've already finished all my family friendly errands for the night. Now I'm not sure what else there is to do."
"Whimsical is one way to put it," Caia chuckled and placed an arm around Lian. "Who knew that deities had so much whimsy in them." They watched as the Lian played with the fingers of their other hand, eyes admiring the witch's beautiful porcelain skin for a moment before their eyes met and Caia leaned in, bringing their faces closer together.
"I could think of a less family-friendly past time we could get up to together," they whispered, the hand around Lian moving gently up and down her back. "If you don't think I'm being too forward, of course..."
Mira blinked. He tried to remember what it was like being a baby and the world was new. His first memories were full of fear and trauma. He didn't like remembering back that far. "Maybe. I don't know if I'd prefer it again or not." He smiled at the other. "I'm Mira by the way, I don't know if I introduced myself or not."
"Childlike wonder is not your cup of tea?" Caia asked curiously in return. Youth had been a much simpler time long ago. Caia was definitely not as fond of what their life had become since.
"Caia. It's lovely to properly to meet you, Mira," they said and reached a hand out for a handshake.
"You were one of the reasons I convinced myself to come back," Atlas admitted. Their childhood crush had been clear for centuries at this point and if Caia was leaving, they didn't need to hold back. Whatelse did this city still have for her? Her brother was happy, the theatre could go on without her. There was just Ayumu left and the spirit wasn't sure that was a good thing. Escaping again sounded very appealing.
Atlas knew it was silly to get her hopes up because as soon as Caia spoke, they knew that the chances of it happening was unlikely. "Oh," they responded, unsure how to hide her disappointment. Caia's lies had been more convincing when she was younger. Still, Atlas didn't feel ready to say goodbye to them yet. "Maybe we can write, if that's allowed."
There was something in Atlas' expression that made it feel like they did not quite believe Caia, not in the way the younger elf used to, and Caia took no joy in knowing that they were the one who put it there. Caia, unfortunately, had to pretend like it meant nothing and soldier on.
"Yes, we can do that," Caia nodded, wanting to give Atlas this concession at least. "I'll send you one of my guillemots after I leave. They will always know how to find me."
"I even take the phone off the hook." Caia deserved the time away from egos and tantrums. They worked harder than any of the talent. She genuinely believed if not for Caia, the movie might never have finished filming. She leaned into the touch, resting her head on Caia's shoulder. "And I will share each one with you."
END!
It would be brilliant to have some company. Daphne's original plan was to get some writing done while she was away, but having someone to spend time with would offer the sort of inspiration that staring at the wall simply couldn't compete with. Besides it was said that a bit of fun made work more fulfilling.
"I can't wait. You are going to love it there. It's like walking into a set come to life without having to deal with any egos." She itched to share the picturesque cottage by the beach. "I know how your schedule is. I'm just psyched that you are going to be there at all. We will have so much fun and so much wine."
"That's sold me already. Any place where I can kick my feet up, wine glass in hand and not have to deal with actors will already be the absolute best," Caia grinned and leaned in to sling an arm around Daphne's shoulder. "Thanks, Daph. You're the best. Remind me to buy you about five bottles of wine while we're out there."
Viv mulled over Caia's words, shaking her head slightly. "I just don't get it. I understand wanting to preserve human life and all, trust me, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this, you know?" she took a careful sip of her blood as she met Caia's eyes again. "First those weird ruins opening up in the city, and now this? I mean, you can't tell me it's not all connected somehow. Now that my research lab is ahead on a few projects I've actually been thinking about getting a team together to survey down there. Maybe get some samples and run a few tests. Figuring out what was going on down there, might give us a key to what Artemis is trying to distract us from." Viv didn't know why she was saying this all out loud to Caia. Maybe it was the jetlag, or possibly feeling good to share her ideas out loud to someone who would listen.
"The ruins?" Caia's brows rose at Vivian's words, their heart rate picking up a tic. "What makes you think that it's related to Artemis? Seems like a stretch... What would humans know about ancient supernatural ruins?"
"No the temperature of the water hasn't ever been an issue for me. I can adjust easily." Mira preferred the water to be warmer, but didn't mind the cold. It helped to clear his head when it was feeling foggy like it was today. The nightmares from the night before were fresh in his mind. The elves from his childhood coming to find him finally after all these years. Taking him from his warm, safe bed and murdering him the way they had done to his parents. He shook his head as if to clear the images like an etch-a-sketch. Mira glanced down at the book in his hand and back over at the woman. "It's just for fun. I've mostly read non-fiction books throughout my whole life, so now I'm reading whatever I want. It's interesting how everything is so confusing for Alice while she's in Wonderland, but if you think about it, that's how things are for children all the time." He smiled and thought about how much he related to Alice in the book now, even though he was several hundred years old and most definitely not a child.
"Yes. Seeing the world for the first time. Being bombarded by the sights, sounds and colours. We've all been through that, but not many of us remember it once we get used to the world around us," Caia responded as they looked towards where the sun was rising and painting the sky all sorts of different colours. "It'd be great to be young again..." Something that would have been centuries upon centuries ago for Caia themself.
"Fine, I guess. Are you satisified that you've seen?" The elf asked. Something didn't quite add up but Atlas guessed it didn't matter now, not if Caia was leaving again. She wasn't sure what she expected, maybe more questions about the trip rather than an interrogation about her drinking habits. Maybe it was easier this way, she wasn't meant to keep crushing over someone who clearly had no interest over them.
"Can I come visit you?" they asked. It had never been an option before but Atlas wasn't afraid of leaving the city anymore so why shouldn't she be able to visit Caia instead? "Or are you the only one allowed to show up unannounced and disappear when you like?"
"You'd leave V.C. again so soon?" Caia asked in return knowing that this trip Atlas just returned from was the young elf's first big one alone. They were usually much more of a homebody.
"My people..." Caia started as they debated on what to say. "They wouldn't take kindly to new faces..." They did not want to see Atlas disappointed though, not after what Caia knew she'd been through. "But I could try talking to them."
"Yeah, like Black..." She couldn't disagree that she was certain that there was something really fucked up going on and she didn't have enough evidence to do a damn thing about it. "I.. yeah," She hated being so much younger than most of the people she spent time with. "You're right," She leaned back her head resting against the bench. "I should let this be shouldn't I?"
She sat back up properly and sipped the last of her coffee, "Not much. Just that there was the bunker with blood wines. There was siren research, and the spirits said that they use the world around us to influence the dream which is what started the digging into things. I guess the Phantom Creek had a bigger toll on me than I originally thought."
"Hmm..." Caia's face twitched at the mention of what the spirits said about Phantom Creak. "Because of us killing each other? Or was it those creatures the dream turned some people into?"
"I think a booth would still be more comfortable than a stool. I don't want to fall from your lap," they replied with a shrug. As tempting as the offer was, Lian needed at least one more drink in them before they started sitting in elves laps. At least in public. The witch had already enjoyed the offerings that the festival had and seen their nephews. Their only plan now was to relax for the rest of the night, and they would take the company of a pretty elf instead.
They followed Caia into the booth, slipping into the spot beside them rather than sitting across from the elf. "It's been a night," they mused. The witch crossed their legs and angled towards the other with a small grin. They went from flirting, back to small talk but Lian could oblige. "Despite it being in the name, it's been surprisingly cold. I thought I'd take shelter in here and warm up a little. And how about you, Caia?"
Easy flirting was always the best, Caia thought as they watched Lian slide into the booth beside them. She was clearly as interested and Caia was not about to make things difficult.
"Warm up? Why don't you sit closer?" Smooth, Caia. They gestured to the spot right beside them and reached a welcoming hand out to the other. Caia could be a shameless flirt if they wanted to be. "It's been alright. These deity parties tend to be a bit too family-friendly for me, but I make do," they added with a clearly flirtatious grin.