introductory mingle: FLOWER FESTIVAL

[riverviewmod]

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Flower Festival Celebration
when: April 2nd - April 15th
where: In several different locations in the downtown area of the Inhabited City.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

flower festival

In the days leading up to April 2nd, residents new and old may notice advertising around the city, everywhere from digital screens to paper flyers pasted on blank walls, all advertising an upcoming holiday: The Flower Festival. Celebrating springtime, beauty, joy, and togetherness, the festival heavily features floral themes and dancing. The advertising mentions that on April 10th, a paid holiday, there will be a Blossom Picnic, as well as lists of various public dances at clubs or other open venues, and adult raves.

a celebration of spring

The Flower Festival's main event is the Blossom Picnic on April 10th, but it also features traditions of sharing food and drink, and dancing that span over the course of the whole two weeks. There are a large variety of events going on throughout the city, from dancing lessons in any wide variety of traditional dances, to old-fashioned sock hops, to adult raves complete with mild party drugs. Feel free to use the prompts below or create your own event at any point during the festival, and if your character creates an event and hosts it in a top-level, you can submit that thread for extra bonus points.

i. blossom picnic

The main event that kicks off the second week of the Flower Festival is the Blossom Picnic on April 10th. A relaxed and low-key event, it draws several thousand people every year to the spacious Riverview Central Park, where there is a generous lawn lined with various blossoming trees, and families, found families, lovers, and groups of friends are encouraged to lay out a picnic blanket and share food. There will be live bands playing (but not loudly enough to distract from conversation and peacefully watching the petals flutter in the wind), a variety of demonstrations of traditional cultural dances from many different realities and planets, and a ton of ice cream vendors. This is an excellent festival not only for celebrating togetherness with the people who are already important, but for mingling and making new friends.

Characters may either pack their own lunches or they can purchase pre-packed Blossom Festival lunches. Stores and street markets are carrying a wide variety of specialty food that is only available at this time of year - predominantly pastries, an assortment of types of candies, and ice cream treats all in various floral flavors, as well as a sort of ambrosia salad based around a sweet rose-flavored cream and a native fruit that is bright green and tastes like a combination of peach and citrus.

ii. dancing lessons

Starting on April 2nd, there will be dancing lessons offered almost everywhere you look! From partner dances to group dances to line dances; sexy and sensual or innocent and childlike - almost any type of dance you can imagine is represented, from any reality or planet that has people in Riverview Quarantine.

Additionally, the Riverview Central Community Center has multiple rooms blocked off so anyone who knows a dance from home can teach it to others in their community - sharing is caring, after all. Characters are welcome to block off one of these rooms and offer lessons in any dance they happen to know from home (and these sorts of thread starters would be eligible for the mingle AC Point bonus)!

iii. flower festival dancing

This is pretty simply what it says on the tin - in almost every club, community center, or other public space, there will be dancing at almost all hours of the day or night, formal and informal. Musicians bring out their instruments and play in the street for demonstrations of cultural dances and music at the same time as clubs are offering VIP cover charges for exclusive dances, and you can find anything in between.

There are also many low-cover-charge raves that allow under-18s so younger characters can stay up all night and dance like crazy. The legal drinking age in Riverview Quarantine is 14, and so anyone over 14 can enter and indulge in a few drinks, dancing, and playing tag with a non-intoxicating version of the colored powder featured at the adult raves. There is copious amounts of security on site to ensure that everyone is safe, as well as nurses and off-duty police officers to offer advice or care for anyone who overindulges out of lack of experience.

Grab a partner, a group of friends, or just cruise and mingle the various dancing events.

Characters may also notice that most of the street markets and clothing shops are offering clothing that features floral patterns, flowers as accessories, and that show a lot of skin - for men, women, and anyone in between!

iv. adult raves

Advertised on flyers and digital screens around the city, made to pop as if they were under blacklight, is a series of adult raves that are happening in various large empty warehouse spaces around the city, including one that is listed as the danger rave and hosted in an abandoned factory outside the inhabited city walls. With bouncers at the door to ensure that anyone entering is 18+, the raves are comfortably adult in nature. Clothing is optional, showing skin is encouraged, and there are a lot of neatly tucked away spaces for attendees to get some time alone with one or more than one person, as well as spaces intended for orgies. The atmosphere is sex-positive and non-judgemental, open to any orientation or preference, with various forms of protection available for free, however, to ensure that everyone plays safe there are sober security teams out en masse at all premises to oversee the events.

(CW: DRUG USE) In each location, there is one specific room where attendees can enter, and dance or play tag with brightly colored powder that contains small amounts of a legal party drug commonly available in Riverview, which is absorbed through the skin. Not much more intoxicating than having a few beers, the effects of the drug are a pleasant low-key buzzing euphoria, positive sensitivity to touch, a heightening of desires for intimacy, and a mild lowering of inhibitions. Once a character has been hit with the powder, the color lingers on the skin so other attendees can know who has partaken, but once the powder makes contact with a surface it deactivates, meaning that partakers can safely dance with non-partakers without sharing the intoxicating effects.

Please be sure to warn in subject lines for any threads involving drug use. And remember, there is always security to intervene and make sure everyone is safe.

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to set up headers for a communal floor, or threads open to roommates for the purpose of getting to know each other. Or if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set at the Flower Festival, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit: third image by Steve Goad; other images found on uncredited on Pinterest or Google images - please let the mod know if you find credit!

navigation

Comments

loki laufeyson, marvel-616 (ota)

[ikols]

i. picnic; like a thief in the night i'm comin for your heart.

[ Sprawled out on a blanket, surrounded with goodies stolen from all over (he dares you to prove he didn't pay) Loki munches through his meals over the festival in one preferred spot. Missed him one day? It's likely he will be there the next!

Better yet, he's almost always willing to share his fare. Come sit down and pick the petals out of his hair? ]

ii. adult rave; BANGARANG.

[ His sphere of godly resonance isn't the storm of Thor, it certainly isn't the purity of Balder, nor does it touch on the fear inspired by Cul. Mischief is whatever it wants to be, it's ... one big, sexy chaotic party, the heartbeat that tells yours Dance, dance with me, you want to be here for no reason other than you can and you're free. The horned figure amidst a crowd of enthralled (literally, soaking up his wilder, stronger influence) dancers is a handsome young man, a fierce woman, a rearing black horse, fox-faced; the blur happens in the corner of your eyes, smeared like a painting until the only constant if you force yourself to stare is green eyes like lamps in the night of flashing gobo rainbows. If Pan were around, he'd need to sit his goat-butt down.

Drugged (albeit consenting, he's not a total shitheel) minds contort into the waves of Loki's congregation as the god dances at the middle, splashed in golden powder that shimmers against his skin and clothing (flanks, fur), sold into euphoria.

It smells like rainfall around him, clean and startling, making it hard to focus. The air tastes like sweet magic. ]

i!

[burntbridges]

[Letha's seen the god around a few times, but this is the first time she's actually chosen to approach him. Why? Simple - this festival is supposed to be about meeting friends, and seeing as she's been doing a spectacular job of losing them lately she figures it's time to try and even the scales.

She announces herself by sitting neatly on his blanket, feet tucked under her, and taking one of his snacks casually as if they know each other.]

Of all the places to sit, why would you choose a place where you're most likely to get petals in your hair?

[ikols]

Don't I look picturesque?

[ She's so forward that for a moment he thinks she might be Verity, but no; no pink hair, no glasses, no climbing all over him instead of sitting politely. He squints over at her, rising up on an elbow, and a smile creeps over his lips unbidden. ]

[burntbridges]

[She looks him over with a critical eye, her nose wrinkling as she gives him a playful smile.]

Picturesque, yes. But I'd hate to be you when it becomes time to clean your hair. There could be bugs riding on those blossoms.

[Says the girl who wears animal bones in her hair half the time.]

[ikols]

What a mean thing to say, and here I am sharing all my grub with you!

[ Haha, 'grub'. More bug jokes. ]

We've not met at the raves, have we? I've been a bit nutsy at those, as of late.

[ It's hard to remember new faces when sometimes you're a surprise!horse. ]

[wingedman]

[ At some point in this chaos, Sam ends up dancing near Loki, although he's not sure if dancing is the right word for something so primal it resonates in his bones, for a movement that seems to turn the entire crowd into a single giant pulsating organism with a single mind (and that mind is, of course, Loki). Not drugged, the magic doesn't grip him the same way it does everyone else, the compulsion is less (but still there). His gaze lingers on the gold-splashed bare skin, and he smiles.]

Giving Bowie a run for his money, are you?

[ikols]

The magic danced long before he picked up his first eyeliner, Sam.

[ Side-stepping around Sam to the beat, he shrugs through a twist and leans in with eyes that glow in the half-light, gold-dust on his body detailing where he is as the rest falls into the shadows.

Loki's laughter causes an uprising of the same in the surrounding throng. ]

It danced for me.

[wingedman]

Ooh, is that supposed to sound ominous or seductive? Or both?

[Sam grins, and the curve of his lips holds a promise, or the potential of one. An appreciation for what's in front of him, at least, and one that's hard to miss.]

And you didn't even have to steal any babies, either.

[ikols]

I'd use them as ammunition against you.

[ De-cloaking somewhat as he steps into a more visible state, he draws a line down Sam's chest with a gold-spattered finger and leans in. ]

Don't you have enough Avenge-hyped partners to shimmy upon tonight? Everyone in bed by nine?

[noassgardian]

[Eventually, even Billy gets in on the dancing. It's a wonder what a few drinks will make you more comfortable doing-- and it's kind of the point of a rave anyway, right? It's easier to get lost in the movement of bodies, the rush of movement and the beat of the music than he might have initially thought...

And eventually? He winds up next to Loki-- covered in gold. Somehow that feels appropriate.]

Guess you've been having fun.

[He gives a brief smile as he looks him over.]

Wanna dance?

[Which is kind of what they're doing, but the with me is pretty implied, he thinks.]

[ikols]

[ Star-speckled Billy is always welcome in Loki's personal space. He snatches up his hand and reels him in, close enough to sway as if they might waltz but in ways that would definitely lose them points.

Gold-dust smears on Billy's pretty shirt from the godling's bare chest, oops. ]

Make it a demand and I'll still say Yes for you.

[noassgardian]

[He lets Loki pull him in, huffing out a laugh when that just gets him smeared with dust, but it really doesn't stop him from stepping in, settling his other arm around Loki.]

Dance with me, Loki.

[Billy is plenty fine with being demanding, if Loki isn't going to discourage it.]

[ikols]

Aye, Mister Wiccan.

[ He drapes his arms over Billy's shoulders so he can nuzzle in with a laugh, seeking out the beat of the music to carry it between their hips. Loki's green eyes are darker than usual, dilated, and he watches Billy like he can't decide whether to eat him or ...

All around, the people happy to bask in Loki's influence start pawing at each other, kissing hard and lazy, but with Billy he behaves and descends into none of that. ]

ii

[suckstobestrange]

[Already riding the pleasant buzz of the powder that was being flung freely around the room, the energy all but rolling off of the small crowd was like a magnet to Stephen. It was easy enough to slip into the throng of bodies, following that tug of magic like the pull of tides, ebbing and flowing, but all leading, in the end, to Loki.

Not that he minded this in the least at this point, willingly moving into Loki's space with a lift of brows, an amused smile on his face. Loki would definitely know that this was the most relaxed the sorcerer had looked since he'd shown up.]

Room for one more? [Looks like someone was having fun tonight. He was even dancing, surprising as it might seem.]

[ikols]

[ Spreading his hands in a would-be shrug, a flash of green snaps out to loop around Stephen's waist and reel him in. If he'll obey Loki's magical whip, that is. ]

How much room do you plan on taking up, hm?

[suckstobestrange]

As much as I can get away with. I can be pretty greedy when I set my mind to it.

[For the moment? Stephen had no problem whatsoever in letting himself be drawn in closer to the god, smile slipping to something more amused as he did.]

[ikols]

Oh, really?

[ The whip fades as Loki holds his hands behind his back, chin jutting out in a challenge. ]

Why am I being sought out, over and over, only to be expected to lead each dance? You can go where others can't, Stephen. I expect more from you.

I.

[leadintheyoung]

[ If there's anything that's guaranteed to catch Líadan's attention at the picnic, it's a blanket with a single occupant. As someone very much lacking her important people and rather missing them should she let her mind wander, she's keen about mingling and making new friends, which sees her flitting from blanket to blanket with a smile, an offering, and a spring in her step when she's not exploring the stalls and observing the performances in the streets.

It's more the style of her dress than the colors that sees her stand out a bit. Her apparel consists of robes and a hooded cloak she's held to in spite of the heat colored primarily with greens and browns with a bit of yellow and black in accent. The dagger sheathed at her side, the bow and quiver full of arrows at her back, and the authenticity of the leather boots and the satchel at her side speak more strongly of a young culture. A head of braided hair doesn't do much to detract from the impression and she's a quick thing, quiet and nimble as she navigates the site.

Single occupant blanket spotted, Lí claims a seat atop it as surely as though the place had been meant and held for her and she was, perhaps, a minute or two late. Depositing her own varied collection of treats to the side with his, she'll pause and reach to gingerly pluck a few petals out of his hair with a smile. Really, the color seems that much brighter against hair so richly dark. She looks at the petals for a moment, then drops her gaze to him. When she speaks, and she speaks as naturally and fondly as though he were a good friend, there's a hint of an accent there -- Old Gaelic, should he be familiar. ]

With as many petals as you're collecting, I should make you a crown. It'd suit you, you know.

[ikols]

I wouldn't be opposed to wearing one, should you make it.

[ He spots her dipping from blanket to blanket in the picnic area like a colourful bird, harmless and chatty. That Loki remains where he is, hopefully expect of a visit at his own picnic, is invitation enough; he stays still when she cleans off his hair, chinning a hand where he lies on his side.

A nod is given to her treats, spread beside his own pastries. ]

You're busy. Money to burn?

[leadintheyoung]

Enough for this adventure, I think. People trade goods and services for goods and services where I'm from. Money is... new to me.

[ And new isn't bad, but money is a bit awkward to her. Sure, she gets it. One uses money to buy goods and services, but what's actually worth what and is a hard day's work really matched in worth by something like these units? She didn't miss his initial statement, though, and she's turning her eyes up and around at the branches of the tree closest to them in search of the best flowers among the boughs. She may have just sat down, but she's comfortable enough to forgo climbing for the moment. ]

A moment, if you please!

[ And really, a moment or two is all she needs to breathe a wordless, but lively little magickal melody to pick the flowers of her choosing with an invisible hand along with a few choice pieces from among minor, flexible branches. They'll be dropped gingerly into her hands as she finishes her little tune and just like that, she's setting to work on that crown with a smile. ]

Líadan Ní Donnabháin, by the way, and you are...?

[ikols]

[ ... Well, look at that. ]

Loki of Asgard, God of Mischief. [ Glancing from her hands to the boughs and back again, he doesn't hide how impressed he is. Enough to tease. ] Are you a flower-weaver on command, too?

throws a shadowbb at

[deathkid]

[ nico's not typically the type to participate in events like this. in truth, he'd rather stick to the shadows, maybe even skulk around a bit. but it seems that today, he can't really hide away when everything is bright and colorful. he certainly sticks out a bit in his all black clothing and the fearsome sword at his hip. plus, he's a bit hungry, and as he wanders, a figure catches his attention, making him do a bit of a double-take.

dark hair, green eyes... but no, it's not percy jackson. frowning to himself, nico tentatively approaches, peering down at the spread. it's not exactly mcdonalds, but it does look a bit appetizing.

there are petals in his hair, much like the stranger, and he makes an effort to shake them free, but it's not as effective as he'd like. and as he shakes his head, he notes something. the other man is definitely not human. there's an aura to him that nico faintly recognizes. it makes him squint a little as he stands over loki's sitting form. ]

You're a god, aren't you.

catches!!

[ikols]

I'm also a brunette, Sagittarius, and elite hi-score holder on Galaga. Hi.

[ Reading the magical resonance of the young man before him, Loki tips his head in consideration of the oddness and had to rake black bangs out of his eyes. The spring breeze rippling through the boughs above dapple the godling's face as he peers up, reclined on his blanket. ]

What's up with you?

[deathkid]

Galaga, really? Even in Vegas?

[ somewhat distantly, distractedly before he regains focus. his brows furrow as he reaches out with his senses again. the god's aura is decidedly weird. like it's mirrored or something. despite this, he holds out his hand in greeting. ]

Demigod. Which pantheon?

[ikols]

Vegas?

[ This is a moon, Mister Teenager, what are you talking about. ]

Norse flavour, God of Mischief. [ Taking the handshake, he tugs on it to get the boy to sit down; stop looming!! ] You're not my otherverse kid, are you? That could be awkward. I don't even own a goldfish.