Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

I'm in a good mood. So, I think I should share my good mood with everyone! [In one of the ruins by La Llorona, Roa sat with his back to his locket, a number of the twisted trees with human-like faces shifting uneasily in his presence. He carried a lute with him, playing a few notes, interrupting the eerie silence that had otherwise been uncharacteristic of the swamp-lands. Not a toad croaked. Not a mouse squeaked. There was the lute for a moment, before a number of pallid looking spirits rose from the trees, moaning and writhing in front of Roa.]

This is a song from my world--a good one for the moment, I think! Now, before I get complaints about the lyrics-- it's more about the motif than the context...

[The ghosts wailed as Roa raised one hand to interrupt his lute-playing. He curled his fingers and they rolled in pain at his command.]

Like we practiced.

[The ghosts--in bad tune and tempo, all began singing Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'. It was disjointed, lacked timing and none of the spirits understood the keys that had to be taken. Roa didn't mind it, though. He played his lute to set the beat and tempo even if the ghosts failed to accomplish the same. He stopped playing when the song was done, turning to give the locket a lazy sort of smile.]

Terrible, but we've got plenty of time to practice some more.

[The locket cut out.]

Comments

video;

[snakeskin_magus]

You could argue they definitely aren't.

They're borderline tone-deaf.

Re: video;

[digophelia]

I'm sure that they have been dead for quite some time and as a result lost some ability to sing better.

[ But wait. ]

Where did they come from?

video;

[snakeskin_magus]

The local flora.

[Weird, right?] Weird, right?

The trees are loaded with vengeful ghosts. You'd be surprised how distracted a spirit like that can be when it thinks all you can do is quiver at it.

video;

[digophelia]

But why gather them up in the first place other than teach them to sing? You're not that bored, are you?

video;

[snakeskin_magus]

I am that bored. I've been busy this whole time, you know? Doing these dumb little things to learn more about this odd little world and yet, I've hit my capacity for the moment.

It's torture!

video;

[digophelia]

[ Suddenly, she's having flashbacks to the Mad Hatter. He just happens to be a bit more coherent than him. ]

Perhaps you should start intermingling yourself in social settings with people who happen to be alive. I can't imagine they're very good conversationalists.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Hmmm? I'm doing that perfectly fine, here. I'm normally not the type to go out and socialize, really.

I've got bad practice at it.

Video;

[digophelia]

You would rather spend time with the dead?

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Hmmm. Well, you know--I'd just rather not die, I guess.

Video;

[digophelia]

...

[ You know what, she has not stopped being so blunt, she won't stop any time soon. ]

That's a bit cowardly, don't you think?

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

So? Plenty of folks are scared of dying. Even weirdos such as myself.

Video;

[digophelia]

Death is inevitable. Unavoidable. It is in every faucet of life.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Oh, yes, I know that better than anyone.

Yet, I've seen total immortality, before. That unfathomable, alluring and maddeningly, nearly totally impossible to achieve dream...

Well, y'know. I've seen it a few times here as well, after seeing the rulers. I imagine if I get lucky, I might reach their level in some time.

Video;

[digophelia]

You're essentially sticking your head in the sand.

[ She's not even sure why this irritates her so much, possibly because she's been so close to death so many times. ]

No good comes out of being cowardly. I'm sure not even the monarchs will live that long, not even forever. Those sort of notions are absolutely childish. Nonsense.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Hmmmmm. No, I don't suppose you could understand. [Not that he would ever reveal his trump card to a stranger, nope.

Roa could see sources of 'life'. The rulers? They were bottomless.]

It's tough for someone raised with that concept in mind to diversify their thinking. You just haven't had the right timing, pal.

Video;

[digophelia]

I've had plenty of timing, which is why I don't fear death. I think it's absurd.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

No--your scope and viewpoint are too narrow. You're thinking of natural laws as if they're inescapable.

Video;

[digophelia]

That is because they are. Hasn't anyone told you if you struggle, you're only making it worse?

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Hmmmm. Well, before I answer such a thing, I'll ask you a question of my own:

How many times have you died?

Video;

[digophelia]

I have been close to death many times, which is why I don't fear it.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Mmm. I take it you may have met the Black Shuck. Funny thing--that creature is pleasant compared to the reality of death.

But, you're just a kid. You'll only be able to talk to me about these things after you've died at least once.

Video;

[digophelia]

The Black Shuck is, indeed, a tame variation of death. Death is not limited to age, so I hardly see what my age has anything to do with it. What about you? The way you clutch onto your bloomers, I doubt you haven't put yourself in dubious situations.

[ Which is her way of calling him a coward. ]

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Only an idiot fears death. [The smile he wore earlier vanished.]

Wear arrogance on your face all you want. Youth will make idiots of us all. When you're in your worst place, then you'll know my fear isn't hollow.

Video;

[digophelia]

Now you're just being over-dramatic.

Video;

[snakeskin_magus]

Then, you think nothing of it? Come--if you don't care about your life, then give it to me.

I'll put it to good use.