flesh & gold

— ❝ it is all a bit tragic, really, isn’t it? ❞

[hrcfnkelsdcttir]

location: CBD availability: closed | @eriksnow​

         「 ∘⡊ ▌ — The paper was smooth and delicate, the words scribbled smudged where her skin brushed over it. Ink stained her fingers, and Nikola settled her pen between the pages, her notebook balanced on her half stretched legs. There wasn’t a lot of space inside the front seat of the car, but she managed to fit, placing her feet on the dashboard and throwing her bag narrow back seat. The chilly air hit against her skin, her half-bun moving slightly as she raised her head and popped a mint into her mouth, eyes scanning the quiet street she was parked at. She could see her office from her spot, people chatting excitably walking up the sidewalk, could hear the faint sound of — 

Ravens. It was always the damn ravens, circling above her and the harsh grating sounds of their cawing making her skin break into goosebumps. Struggling to pull her gaze away from the streets, her eyes found the spectacle of a clear blue sky, no raven in sight. Green eyes dipped back down to meet a familiar form, tongue darting out to wet her lips as a small sigh fell from her tongue. Fingers twitched where they rested on the paper of her notebook, and she puffed her cheeks, scrunching her nose as she considered whether hallucinations were tormenting her senses once more — ancient visions she had buried deep beneath resentment and misery, a place so dark it could not flourish and she couldn’t indulge in reminiscence of old friends. But the overpowering scent of magic permeating her lungs was remarkably familiar, and Nikola closed her eyes for a moment, acknowledging the dread settling in her bones. Excitement also bubbled in her veins, buzzing loudly in her eyes and begging her to move, to defeat her cowardice. Spartans are no cowards, the ravens seemed to say — but Nikola hasn’t been a spartan in a long time. 

You are Hrafnkelsdóttir, her brain disputed, and she had no argument for that. Letting out the air she had been holding, Nikola allowed a defeated, "okay", to escape her lips before she jumped out of her car, taking sure but quiet steps towards the object of her apprehension. "You," she called out, voice firm in hopes of hiding the slight shake of uncertainty threatening to fill her tone. "I know you. Of you. I knew you. Did I not?"

[hrcfnkelsdcttir]

choileon‌:

LOCATION: Java Cafe

WHEN: Friday, around 7pm-ish

STATUS: open ( @astoriastarter, ) 

          ——  “Alright… this is my last masterpiece before I clock out.” Leon said to the person sitting by the brewing area, with an unusual cockiness that usually got to him whenever he started crafting and creating at his workplace. Sure, it was definitely different from what he had spent years dedicating himself, filling up pages, but it was worth it. He was less troubled when he was there. “Also… this is our freshest Arabica, so there will be an extra kick to it. I’ll be right back for my feedback.” He then proceeded to remove the cute black apron that was part of their uniform and stepped away to clock out, as well as to grab his things in the back. “Lay it on me. How was it?” He asked, adjusting his backpack over his shoulder.

         「 ∘⡊ ▌ —  The taste of coffee has never been much agreeable to Nikola. The bitterness it would leave behind on her tongue seemed to taunt her senses and overpower her particular buds. She glared at the affronting liquid, stirred it with the delicate spoon — as if the contents in her cup were an insult to her entire existence. She did not enjoy the smell, or the chattery invading her ears from patrons lacking the bare understanding of decency — didn't people know you do not speak loudly in get-togethers? your affairs are private. she didn't need to get thrown into their trivial chatter. And yet —

If she blew over the cup just right, the sound would be a familiar soothing to her old bones. Horns. Crossing one leg over the other, eyes closed to the world, hands holding the cheap cup as if it was a fragile jewel, she blew again. Oh. Her mouth curled into a satisfied smile, sadness hiding in the shadows of her mind as the was, once again, defeated by memories. Time does not come back. Nikola doesn't enjoy coffee in the slightest, but she despises bearing the burden of her grief alone. Slowly opening her eyes to finally stare at the poor barista who stroke a conversation with some other, her eyes lazily fell onto a familiar figure and she gasped, mouth parting in shock. "Choi Joon Wan?" Oh. "No — No. Who are you?"

[hrcfnkelsdcttir]

gunnarlev·:

open starter ~ @astoriastarter·

The night had progressed slowly and he had seen a few people that he would consider regulars at this point, make a beeline to their usual spots. He slid past the other busy bartender as he wiped the counter top down before he began to start serving. Gun had been working at Blackout for a little while now, and while it wasn’t what he really wanted to be doing he knew it payed well. So for the mean time, he would be a bartender. He looked up at the stranger, “What can I get you?” he asked the patron as he threw a cloth over his shoulder. 

          「 ∘⡊ ▌ —   Eyes intently followed her drink as she stirred it with her thumb, tremendously fascinated by the dark liquid. the words of a pythía cannot be obtained through wine, she had once heard — and now, as the voice faintly haunted her mind, Nikola brought the glass to her lips, swallowing down the remains of her drink in on gulp. A poor choice, she mused when the world spun faster than what her eyes could see once she abruptly raised her head to look at the other. Blinking, Nikola could only nod as she puffed her cheeks and exhaled, eyes squinting slightly as the watched bartender’s every move. O positive, she thought of saying, but her words got caught up in a stream of giggles escaping her lips, and Nikola shook her head. “What you recommend to forget the past?"  It has been a long time since she has felt the true dizziness of being drunk, but the sweet taste of alcohol still made her feel dazed. "Actually  — What’s your favourite drink? I will want a glass of that.”

[hrcfnkelsdcttir]

jameshorton‌:

set: saturday night, around 7pm location: outside, near his place at hearthstone bay neighborhood availability: open | @astoriastarter​

“Mom, don’t worry… I’ll take Maya with me next time I get some time to visit and she won’t be eighteen, trust me, or so I hope because she’s aging so fast. And mi casa es tu casa, you know the drill. So if you’d like to visit us, I’m always grateful to have your company. Okay? I love you.” Making his way outside of his place, James finally reached the end of his call. It was always great to have conversations with his parents, in fact, he was thankful that they had such a great relationship. Taking a last glimpse at the door to make sure it was locked. Maybe it was because he was still with his mind on her call, and once he noticed someone approaching his first impression was that they were trying to talk to him. Perhaps it was just the fact that throughout his days people were constantly trying to talk to him. “I’m just leaving but, I…” He stopped for a second, laughing. “Were you talking to me or did I just approached you for no reason at all, besides embarrassing myself?”

        「 ∘⡊ ▌ — lying atop the hood of her yellow car, back against the front window and leg dangling from the side as she took a long drag from her cigarette, nikola watched the movement around her with disinterested eyes. there were plenty of charming things about astoria, she could admit that — but the place was painfully mundane, in a strange way considering its population. the horrid feeling of tediousness and monotony has begun to wrap around her lungs like tightly deadly vines, and her fingers twitched for more. nikola wasn’t one to settle down roots, to stay still and unmoving in the same place for more than a few months. but she had settled, and now her heart ached for more. lovers, secluded castles filled with gold, fighting against an army and conquering — “huh?“ turning to face the other, her lips parted slightly as her brain caught up with the words. getting the cigar out of her mouth, she clicked her tongue and continued, “no reason at all -” she clicked her tongue, the corners of her mouth tugging into a smirk, “your lordship. Now, I know nothing of making a fool of yourself, but I suppose it is what happened, no? — May I offer you a ride, despite this awkward circumstance?”

[lena-luthor]

x

[wnq-music]

…Swallow your pride, you will not die, it’s not poison.

Bob Dylan, “Tombstone Blues,” Highway 61 Revisited   (via gulfinspo)

[goodgirlargo]

[kara-luthors]

“I can’t rely on my eyebrows and distracting jawline forever.”

[bpdvoid]

a bad person? who, me? that would be correct,

[lucifergifs]

[pocmuzings]

“I have survived, but I have not been spared.”

— Deathless, Catherynne M. Valente  (via charwrites)

[sleepybucky]

You have been hollow for so long, you can’t remember what it was like to be whole. But don’t be afraid, darling. Having an empty heart leaves more room for the love to get in.

you’re not alone anymore // k.s. (via bexrps)

[charlizesource]

Charlize Theron in Gringo (2018)

[sjdjfjvifieifigigirje-deactivat]

[bubbagumps]

[uhhcleo]

what the fffffffffffffffheck

me trying to be more family friendly (via gnarly)

[hrcfnkelsdcttir]

[   .tags drop  ]