video; un: x; 12/21 (during the Solstice)

[apogeal]

[The video opens onto a long shot of singing people dancing around the base of a huge tree. Naked singing people! Not all of them, but many of them, though some are wearing white robes instead of going totally nude. That's right, it's the majestic and emotional climax of the Nicnevin Solstice tradition, apparently being liveblogged by someone who is not participating in the naked musical antics.

The shot holds for a few solid moments, and then the phone camera swings around to a large, muscular man sitting a short distance from the action, under a tree, also naked—except for the black wrap tying up most of his hair. It takes him a second to steady the camera and aim it well at his face, but only a second. He actually seems to be decent at working this thing.

He says:]

So, this is "magic"? I want to understand. This ritual is more than a symbolic gesture of bonding? Is there proof? Or is this simply what people accept?

And if there really is more here than symbolism, how have they done this to us?

[His body jerks in a tiny shiver against the cold—boy does it look cold out there, but he's trying hard not to show it, and with that little tell, he turns off the camera with a flicker of annoyance. Cold!]

Comments

[apogeal]

I simply don't see the point. You have no answer for me, but you also lack dedication to mocking me. Are you only bored? I am as well.

[hitokiri]

what the fuck "dedication to mocking"? i gotta look u in the eye for that or somethin
maybe ur the weird one ever think of that

[apogeal]

I would rather you inform me than entertain me, but if you must persist, try a little bit harder.

and then he swaps to video because... he's just that easy

[hitokiri]

I ain't here to entertain ya or anybody else. An' I don't need magic an' shit t' take care of anybody who thinks they can get away with laughin' at me...

[ he did turn the camera on though, to make a point. ]

The way yer goin', I guess the answer is "jus' stupid" then.

we love the man

[apogeal]

[He swaps back himself, with a smile. The typing really is kind of annoying, he's decided. The letters are so small!]

Then why are you here? Perhaps I am stupid! You know nothing of use to me, and you aren't here to entertain me or yourself. Nor even to mock me. I don't know why else you might have introduced yourself, Manslayer.