I was looking at a Riverbed

[baetiful]

WHO: imPorts!
WHERE: Maurtia Falls Memorial Library
WHEN: April 22nd, all day.
WHAT: Registration in motion at Maurtia Fall’s new and improved library. Come to see the grand unveiling and stay for the snow sculpting contest, fun costumes, or games. You might be encouraged to remain as quiet as possible in a library under normal circumstances, but just today, you can feel free to be as loud as you want!
WARNINGS: None anticipated. Let me know if that should be changed!

Although it’s April, Maurtia Falls is covered in a blanket of glistening snow. And whether the arrival of all these Westerosi folk is to blame for the prolonged winter or that pesky groundhog who saw his shadow, it seems as though spring will not rear its head today at least. But have no fears! A path has been shoveled and the large stone steps leading up to an even larger building are cleared, greatly diminishing the risk of slips (and lawsuits.) Welcome to the newly constructed Maurtia Falls Memorial Library!

Invited guests have been encouraged to come in costume -- dressed as either their favorite literary hero/character or author. And although imPorts are not necessarily book characters, they will find several mini-me versions of themselves running around from children who just wanted to use the day to dress up like their favorite imPort. Is that a tiny Rincewind with a lunchbox luggage? Look at that crazy cotton ball hair on that mini Doc Brown! And that little know-it-all girl is definitely playing a very convincing Kitty Jones!

The day begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which might fill imPorts who know Ambassador Baelish with dread because it means he’s going to give a speech. But it’s surprisingly short and concise, thanking everyone for attending, expressing excitement over what the library means for the city, and stating that this project is the result of everyone’s kind efforts and that it will be immortalized as a true testament of the things they can accomplish as a collective. However, simply because Ambassador Baelish isn’t as long-winded as usual does not mean the others who have been invited to speak will not be. Among such honored guests are Senator Mitchell Hundred and Count Dooku.

But once the ribbon is cut, the large doors are opened to reveal the common area of the library. And if you thought the main room contained all the books the library had to offer, surprise! There are at least three more side rooms that contain everything from comics to classic literature. ImPorts may notice many names fancily engraved into the stone pillars and archways. A little plaque hanging at the entrance indicates that these are the names of natives who have lost their lives in the city of Maurtia Falls and how you can honor the fallen by donating to the families at the front desk. Near that plaque and on display for the event are several signed copies of The Methodical Walter White by Doctor Frederick Chilton (available for purchase), The Luminescent Moon Trilogy which is a series from The City and was loaned generously by Kanaya Maryam (protected by magic seals to prevent theft), and in honor of the recently departed Dorian Gray -- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is accompanied by a framed picture of the actual Dorian Gray along with a pretentious inscription that says: Forever immortalized and never forgotten.

But books aren’t the only form of entertainment at this Swear In! In the Tony Stark Information/Technology Wing, imPorts are invited to try out a demo of the newest mmorpg ION (ImPorts Opposing Nations) -- a game where you can customize and create your own imPort character, give them a power/costume from a small list, and from there, choose to live heroically or villainously within the world’s setting of a highly corrupt set of nations. As you level up, you get the chance to unlock new powers and abilities or enhance the set you currently have. However, there are still many glitches to be ironed out, so don’t be surprised if your character turns the corner and comes out with the face of Komasan! Or if you encounter something even more unsettling.

If video games aren’t your thing, perhaps you’ll be more interested in heading to one of the classrooms for a featured game of Magic and Mayhem (an RPG table top game that hit the majority report back in February). Or maybe you’re feeling less adventurous and more generous. If so, there are many different money raising events going on with all proceeds donated to those many families who lost loved ones in this city. Feeling photogenic? You can donate your time to take pictures with children and fans at one of the many stations with silly backdrops. It only costs five dollars per picture to allow professional photographers to capture all your best sides and give away a happy memory to a fan. Feeling vindictive? A panel has been set up with popular fanfiction writers from across the country. For only about five dollars per fic, this team of writers will make magic happen and write up any pairing you so choose in any situation -- from as benign to as salacious as you want! (The more lewd it gets, the extra the cost.) None of these writers are profiting personally from this, of course! Oh no, no. It’s all for fun and charity. No lawsuits allowed! But that one writer cosplaying Jeff Winger will tell you it’s the premise of her next big fic, where all the male imPorts enlist Mr. Winger to help them win a huge lawsuit, and as a payment Jeff demands that they [CENSORED].

But perhaps you’re feeling hungry instead? Lunch is served all day in buffet style. Catered by many of the most expensive eateries in Maurtia Falls, you can find piping hot food to all tastes -- whether it’s sweet and spicy wings from Wingin’ It to a bouillabaisse from Francey Meeting You Here. Lettuce Help has also donated a wide variety of fresh salads if none of the warm food meets your dietary requirements. And if you’re just looking for a hot drink on this cold day, the staff at Brewed Awakening is prepared to make you anything from cappuccino to cocoa. All of this is free of charge, but each of the companies have a tip jar out if you really like what you taste.

If you’re feeling competitive and don’t mind the cold, the largest event of the day is taking place outside. It’s a snow-sculpting competition! Participants are invited to make as large and elaborate of snow sculptures as possible. The grand prize winner will receive $1000 and get their sculpture made into an actual statue outside of the library. This will be handpicked by Petyr Baelish himself, so anyone incorporating mockingbirds will have a clear advantage! Of course, everyone’s a winner here, and there will be several small trophies and prizes handed out to anyone who participates. Do bear in mind you have some steep native competition. One sculptor in particular is making a very convincing (and anatomically correct) homage to recent newlyweds Hermann Gottlieb and Newton Geiszler.

And if none of the offered events catch your interest, no one is stopping you from enjoying what is probably the last snowfall of the season. Have snowball fights, make snow angels, be that jerk who puts snow down your friend’s back. The only limit to your fun is your own imagination! That and some of the killjoy imPorts who are attending the event as well. But hey. That’s not on Ambassador Baelish!

Comments

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor actually starts to POUT at that, not turning his head like Adachi had but still staring at the finger in his face. ]

Well that's just silly list of reasons why I can't be on bottom. What does blue eyes even have to do with it? Height I can sort of understand, but that's what pillows are for ...

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi let out a suffering groan, pinching the bridge of his nose. Did he have to be the one to say it? Did he? Couldn't one of the fan fiction writers pop in and say something? No, of course not, they were too busy looking at him and expecting him to come out with it. This is why he hated people, Viktor. This is why. ]

...b-because just about anyone would want... someone like that... doing that... at least once...

[ He's about ready to find some katsudon and feed it to Katsuki himself, as long as he promises it to be quick. ]

[fourlevels]

[ He tilts his head, considering that Very Seriously as if this was some academic debate. ]

Ah, I could see that. But then consider doing that to that person!

[sleight_of_hand]

O-of course I haven't considered it! I've never even had se--!

[ Nope, Adachi can't stop his rambling mouth quickly enough. There's a collective gasp from the table, and Adachi? Adachi just wanted to melt into a hole and die right now. ]

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor chuckles softly at the aborted confession, but there's not an ounce of ridicule in it, only genuine, innocent amusement. ]

That's okay too, you know.

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Nope. The damage was done. There were so many pencils scraping on paper now that the sound was all Adachi could hear. He let out a long, suffering whine, sounding more like Makkachin than a human being, especially when someone in the crowd of fan girls had the boldness to call out, "You're slacking, Viktor!" Adachi pulled his hood up again, looking like he had a rain cloud hovering over his head as he turned and walked away. ]

[fourlevels]

[ He blinks at Adachi's retreat, momentarily surprised by it. After a beat or two passes of Viktor watching him walk away, Viktor briefly turns back to the small crowd of fangirls, his prize-winning smile in place. He winks at them flirtatiously, playing up the hype but giving a vague reply at the same time: ]

It's not slacking when you have other priorities~

[ He sets the fanfics back down and beats his own retreat from the squeeing fangirls to follow after Adachi. His smile slowly fades into a look of concern the farther away he is from the crowd. ]

Tohru! Hey, Tohru, wait!

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Thankfully the fan girls were too busy flailing and gushing over what they just witnessed to follow. They missed out on Adachi looking absolutely miserable at the check his mouth just wrote that the rest of him couldn't cash. ]

What...?

[ His voice came out in a whine even. At least he slowed down for Viktor to catch up, not that he really needed to. ]

[fourlevels]

[ He does catch up easily, falling into step with him. ]

What's wrong?

[sleight_of_hand]

Nothing.

[ He let out a sigh, trying not to sound so sullen and failing miserably. It was a moment before he let up on his hoodie, slipping his hands in his pockets. ]

...just my mouth ran off without my common sense. That's all.

[fourlevels]

Are you ... embarrassed or something?

[sleight_of_hand]

Oh... nah.

[ The sarcasm started creeping into his voice, though it seemed weak. ]

Ending up spouting feelings I haven't completely sorted through myself in front of the person I'm crushing on isn't embarrassing at all.

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor actually stops walking at that point. ]

... Wait, so you do have a crush on me?

[sleight_of_hand]

[ It took a moment for Adachi to stop too, and he glanced back at Viktor, the sight of his red face just barely seen behind his hoodie. ]

...y-yeah. I know it's a problem. I've been trying to ignore it.

[fourlevels]

[ Now Viktor has the decency to look a bit chagrined at what just happened, a hand rubbing at the side of his neck. ]

Oh ... I hadn't realized. I'm not really good at recognizing that sort of thing.

[ There's another moment of hesitation before he adds: ]

I haven't made you uncomfortable, have I?

[sleight_of_hand]

...no.

[ Adachi looked away, hunching his shoulders. ]

...sorry. I should have controlled myself better. I'm sure they're not going to leave us alone now.

[fourlevels]

Ah, I'm not sure I helped with that, for that matter ...

[ Viktor glances back to where they left the small crowd, seeing Inanna* there now, approaching the group when Viktor and Adachi had left. ]

But it looks like Inanna may be helping us out with that at least. I'll have to thank them later ...

[ Then Viktor's eyes widen as he just realized something else. ]


(( *ooc note: Inanna's player gave permission to namedrop here, and will join this post later! ))

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi looked back at that, spotting a familiar explosion of glitter in the form of a person. Oh thank goodness; at least Inanna might be able to lessen the damage, then. He turned to say something more, but paused at the look on his face. ]

What is it?

[fourlevels]

So ... when you said you wanted to kiss me that time, that was—it wasn't because of the relief you felt when you had calmed back down?

[ Like Viktor had apparently thought it was? With no romantic or lustful overtones at all??? ]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi let out a squeak at being called out like that, wrapping his arms around his stomach. ]

...I was still confused about how I felt then, but...

[ He swallowed, not feeling ready for this. He didn't think this would happen at all, but... ]

After I had time to think over what happened, I realized that you mattered a lot to me.

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor's expression actually relaxes a bit at that, taking on a softer edge. ]

You've actually told that to me before.

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi swallowed, nodding slightly. ]

I know. I just... didn't realize how much until you came after me, despite what a bad idea it was.

[ He paused a moment, rubbing at his face. ]

It doesn't matter, though. I wasn't going to act on it anyway.

[fourlevels]

Ah ...

[ Viktor's mouth worked then, about to say something before deciding not to do so, falling silent instead. The softness in his expression remains, but it shifts towards something hinting at sadness or regret. ]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi glanced up at that, feeling uncomfortable. ]

D-don't make that face. I was keeping it to myself, because I really don't want to butt in between you and Katsuki-kun. It's obvious he loves you, and you love him. I've got no business trying to shove myself in the middle of that.

[ He paused a moment, a faint smile coming to his face, though it was a little sad. ]

...besides, it doesn't matter. The fact that you helped me realize I can feel something like this matters more to me than you feeling the same way.

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor looks back up from where it had slide downward to meet Adachi's gaze and smile. ]

It does matter though. I'm just sorry that—even if you were able to feel something like that, that it also comes with ...

[ With pain? Rejection? Unrequited feelings? Saying any of those outloud sounds harsh and absolutely not what he intends despite their inevitability, so he lapses into silence once more. ]