riverviewlogs | introductory mingle: FLOWER FESTIVAL

Entry tags:

introductory mingle: FLOWER FESTIVAL

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!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ For a guy who goes trotting about the galaxy, you'd expect Jim to be a lot more jaded. Yet somehow he's managed to keep that childlike wonder of his that has him staring in awe at anything new or unusual. It's a feeling he'll never tire of. ]

Not something I'd expect from my other first officer, but sure. I don't think there are any regulations against it.

We could get around regulations anyway, me and you. [ Or Loki would and then drag Jim along for the law-breaking ride, he's sure he could make it fun. Fortunately, that's not a scenario bound to happen any time soon because, as Jim reminds him, their lives are very different.

He rolls onto his back, shading his eyes from the dappled sunlight that beams through the boughs above. Pink petals scruff into his hair where they fell on the blanket but he pays them no mind, loosening up around Jim like a relaxed cat. ]

Do you miss your ship?

You speak my language. [ The Norse god of mischief likely isn't the best person for Jim to relate to, but he does anyway, hearing him say that. Which is also why he knows that Loki would never be a good choice as his first officer, not really. He needs a balancing force, a solid weight to keep him grounded. If Loki's as likely to bend the rules and go with gut feelings, then it wouldn't be long until it all blew up in their faces.

But he sees no harm in a bit of mischief while they're here, provided they're not hurting anyone. Not for now, anyway.

He looks down at Loki, lips pursed as he shrugs at the question. ] Sure. But I already missed my ship even before I came here.

[ Truly, Loki would be the worst First Officer for Jim, but as adventurous bros go he can fill that slot neatly. Maybe he'll wear his gold t-shirt next time. ]

Ah, what happened to her? [ That ship is probably the most battered in the Omniverse. Cocking his head, he amends more gently, ] And to you? If I may ask.

[ That, he does welcome. Especially in a place like this. He's bound to get himself into trouble (like always) and he likes the idea of having someone come along who thinks like he does. ]

Oh, I'm just fine. [ He smiles. ] She crashed during a mission. She was totaled so we had to leave her behind on the planet. The Federation was just finishing up building a replacement when I came here. Me and my crew didn't even get to do the whole tour.

Five years. [ He nods, admitting he knows about the mission and all of that. ] That's not long, wouldn't you prefer to make it a ten-year tour? Maybe you'll fly right into Asgardia.

Yes. Well, we were only halfway through it. [ He raises an eyebrow at Loki, though, impressed that he knows about the mission. Not particularly surprised at this point, though. ]

I'm not sure how I'd cope being out there for ten years. Besides, Starfleet doesn't usually send out crews on missions that long.

Not even pretty poster boys like you? Ah, I mean ... experienced, thoroughly respectable captains.

[ Unrepentant as he chinhands across the picnic blanket at Jim. Those blue eyes are still as arresting as they were at the market, now attached to a brave hero-type who enjoys hurtling through the universe(s). What's not come-on worthy about that? ]

[ Jim can't help being amused by the nonchalant remark, shaking his head as he shifts around and lies back on the blanket too. The sun is warm and the ground is surprisingly soft. No harm in enjoying those small pleasures in life, even if he might've not chosen to be stuck here. ]

You might be joking, but I have a feeling Starfleet wouldn't be all that opposed to the idea of putting me on an actual poster.

I would never joke about all the interesting places into which your face could be put, Jim.

[ Chuckling about it and flopping back too, once more. ]

In my world, you have more fans than I do. [ One hand reaches up, swaying as Loki gets his bearings, and a gesture ignites a green light that transforms into the 1960's Enterprise; the translucent ship shimmers over their heads in a slow circle, glittering with details that also fire brightly in Loki's tired eyes. ] And your vessel is beloved by all of them.

[ Jim snorts, rolling his eyes at that. ] Oh, shut up.

[ His words carry an amused tone, though. He's not actually telling Loki to shut up.

His eyebrows raise when Loki summons an image of the Enterprise. Well... an Enterprise. The differences are minute and to most people she'd look identical, but Jim's not most people. And a few seconds are all he needs to be able to tell. ]

I think... your world might know of a different Jim Kirk. [ He reaches out towards the Enterprise. She's still gorgeous no matter what. ] My ship looks a little different. I'm not... technically speaking, I come from an alternate reality.

Should've been a coffee shop AU, that would've been better. Captain, manager, gold apron as you whipped up a cappuccino ...

[ A daydreamy tone wheedles through Loki's voice as he rolls onto his side, head cushioned on a curled arm. Although his lashes droop, the sparkly Enterprise passes through Jim's fingers without disintegrating and does a few more loops. ]

He was older like the rest of his crew, Spock was like a hot alien dad.

Sorry to ruin your dreams, but I'm not great at making coffee. Or anything that involves preparing food.

[ It's why they have replicators. Okay fine, it's not, but it's a damn great perk not having to waste time cooking anything. Bones would argue it doesn't taste the same, but Jim isn't quite as picky. Most times he can't afford to be, either.

He snorts at that, glancing at Loki. ]

Yeah... I met Ambassador Spock. Although he was more like hot alien granddad at that point. [ aka he was old. ]

Still hot, though.

[ Leaving that comment there with a smirk, he ruminates on how super-old his-verse Spock could have switched realities and in the end decides he doesn't much care. It happens enough throughout the Multiverse that universes collide and mingle (Battleworld) that a general explanation of 'shenanigans' is enough to satisfy Loki as he lies on a warm blanket in the spring sunshine, exhausted and dozing next to a good man. A cute man.

Jim's voice is a balm, although the godling keeps that to himself. His priority isn't picking apart their realities for this reality-warper; currently, he has other things on his mind, like how few people he has to hang out with beyond Earth-616's Tony Stark (and even then, they end up in messy situations that neither of them knows how to deal with).

The Enterprise dissolves, turning to glitter that falls apart in the breeze. ]

Since by your own admission you're a horrendous cook, allow me to invite you to dinner whenever I get my own apartment.

[ Jim doesn't answer one way or another, either, smiling more to himself than anything. No crime in finding people attractive; doesn't mean he's interested in doing anything about it, much less so with someone like Spock. No offense to the guy or anything.

His eyes follow the image of the ship instead, finding a weird sense of familiarity in it nonetheless, eyelids dropping when the image fades away. He blinks them open and tips his head a little to glance at Loki with a smile at the offer. ]

Sure. Sounds great. [ He wouldn't say horrendous. There's not enough evidence to support that. As in, he's never cooked anything. ] Planning on moving soon?

End of the month, maybe. Until then I have some babysitting to finish up.

[ More like it's been a while since anyone actively enjoyed having him in the same room and Tony has proved far more tolerant than most, surprisingly. It's probably because he's an emotional wreck too. Still, there has to be a limit to how much shit and shade anyone can take and Loki isn't keen on trusting his temper to stay in check around the others for an extended period, not when walking away and holing up somewhere quiet will save everyone the fuss of his baggage. Until then, he just ... wants to soak up more of that almost-companionship.

Reaching out, he walks his fingers down Jim's sleeve to busy his own restless, idle hand. Tweaks on fabric and tiredly returns Jim's smile. ]

What's your favourite dish?

You don't look like the kind of guy who'd do well with kids.

[ Jim smiles at the mental image anyway, eyes closed even as he feels Loki's fingers playing along the fabric of his sleeve. ]

Burger and fries. The greasier the better. And a milkshake. [ Or literally anything else that's food and delicious. He's not particularly picky. ]

So they tell me. [ His first life's children aren't exactly well-adjusted.

His fingers don't take Jim's when they reach them, curling up nearby. He doesn't want to assume anything but the warmth of Jim's mortal hand is a nice contrast to Loki's cool digits and so they rest close, lingering. ]

Hah, noted. I love milkshakes, too. [ Burger and fries, easy. He might throw in some hotdogs too for an authentic Manhattan meal, the kind he survived on until he learned how to cook. ] You need to find a proper sheath for Laevateinn, by the way. Don't slip with it and cut off a finger, I'll get the blame.

[ Jim wasn't exactly well-adjusted either, so really, it doesn't take much to be a bad parent. Sometimes all you have to do is not be there.

At any other point in his life he probably would've just shifted his hand himself and caught Loki's fingers in his own, but now, even as he feels the touch lingering close, he doesn't do anything. Not because he's uncomfortable with it, but simply because he has no intention of pursuing anything right now. ]

Mm. Just not strawberry flavored. I'm allergic— in case you didn't know that about me already. [ He cracks an eye open to glance at Loki. ] Yeah, I will. Don't worry, my fingers will all be perfectly safe.

I didn't know that about you, no. I'm sure there's a lot I don't.

[ High tales are all very well, ancient or TV-bound, but they don't represent a person ... especially from an alternate universe like Jim. He opens an eye to peek at him too, feeling the weight of a look. ]

Tell me something else that's news to me?

Good to know I still have some secrets.

[ He wouldn't call them secrets, exactly. Jim doesn't keep a whole lot of those, all things considered. Not that he'd get to anyway. ]

Don't know what would be news for you. Mm... Toilet paper is one of the weirdest things I've seen in this place so far. Does that count?

[ Demure as his pseudo-nap is, it breaks on a barking laugh and he rolls onto his back, holding his stomach. ]

Tough time pooping, Captain?

[ He's going to burst a lung, send medics stat. ]

[ Jim ends up laughing too, shoving a hand at Loki's arm. ]

No! That's not what I meant. I just— forgot that's how people used to clean up. [ Snorting, he shakes his head, tone warm and devoid of any actual offense. ] Idiot.

[ Shoved away with the push, he rolls back and sits up hugging his middle. ]

What did you do the first time? Sit there and wait for the space sharks to bite the bits from your bum? Captain Poop.

[ Snorting into a hand, giggling uncontrollably. ]

Are you serious? Our toilets have cleaning and disinfecting mechanisms. Jets, vapors, or even sonic pulse systems like the showers.

[ How the hell do people even walk around all day after having gone to the bathroom with leftover bits of— ohhh my God he is not thinking about that. ]

So am I to assume gods are still stuck in the ancient use of toilet paper, too?

introductory mingle: FLOWER FESTIVAL

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in honor of that dumb trek plurk I posted

sweet lord

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