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

[Text; UN: DemonsandSugar]

[cultivatingsin]

You're gonna lose your extremities.

[apogeal]

It's hardly that cold. Unless that was a threat, in which case I can only wonder what I did to deserve it.

[So soon!]

[cultivatingsin]

You know, I'm not sure! It could've been a threat. What will you do about it if it is?

[When in doubt, take the violentfun route!]

[apogeal]

Consider it a waste of time. What else is there to be done with it? I can't think of a thing.

[cultivatingsin]

Unless I follow through on it! Then you would be short an arm or two.

[apogeal]

I underestimated how bored all of you are this evening. No dancing and singing in the nude?

[cultivatingsin]

You wouldn't want to see me doing that, trust me.

But I am bored, you're right.

[apogeal]

I have little interest in seeing anyone do that, so on that, I do trust you.

Do you not have an answer to my question? I want to hear more of magic. Why not entertain yourself by being helpful?

[cultivatingsin]

Really? There are some I wouldn't mind seeing~

Is being helpful entertaining? I'll have to think about it.


Does Dark Magic interest you?

[apogeal]

All magic interests me. Dark magic may not be one of my disciplines, but that's only a temporary condition.

[It is though?!

He just ignores the first part. Dark magic! Onto the dark magic!]