Closed Ghosts of Tonight and Past (Ingrid)

[Levi Remilian]

11th of Winter, 515 AV 21st Bell Night had fallen upon Lhavit, but for the city of the sun and moon that meant that the time for the moonlit life was just starting. The bustle of people was still present as Levi made his way through the crowds of Surya Plaza, in fact it seemed even livelier now that Leth's light shone. The chatter of talk and laughter spilled all around him. Gone was the polite and respectful air of the day, and now Levi saw the night life of Lhavit's dual nature. The crisp chilly air of the mountain winter seemed abated by the activity of the people and the glow of skyglass, the spiritist thought as he loosened his scarf from its tight knot. It had been a long day of a kind for him, the exploring and investigating of this city still underway for Levi. He had to get familiar with its layout if he was to be reliable when his skills as a spiritist became better known to the locals. That was indeed necessary if he was going to be able to compete with the other local spiritist he had met, the Myrian Rostam who Levi remembered with a distasteful annoyance. Not only was developing his own skill as a spiritist important, but so was learning where everything in this city is by exploring. So far the search for other ghosts in the city had been strangely unsuccessful. The best guess Levi had was the landslide site but that was thwarted by of all things the Okomo nudging himself and Djas away. That only increased his suspicion of something greater within the ruins. For now though, he had to look for other places. Besides, it was not like he simply wandered aimlessly, in great part thanks to Naya, right now floating next to him unseen but presence surely felt. The ghost had spent a great amount of her time seeing the sights of the city when not with the spiritist. Not to mention that she was much better with directions than Levi could possibly be which was surprising for her age and ghostly state. He chuckled at the thought of it, what would he have done without her? He stopped and frowned. What would he have done if Naya had not returned after dying? He would have still left Black Rock to travel as he promised her, but without someone to care for, someone to look after, someone to be family. Deep down, despite all of his outer thoughts of honouring the cycle of life and death and helping restless spirits let go, the one person he could not let go was Naya. It was not good for him to wish she would stay with him always, it did not go in accord with his belief in Dira and his own value. Even so... even so... "Brother! Hey! Levi!!" A sharp flick to the forehead shattered Levi's contemplation, the now materialized Naya hovering in front of him. "You okay? You look like you're worried." Levi shook his head, the frown that had etched itself shaken off. "I'm fine, I was just thinking." Indeed, one of the things that bugged Naya the most would be when the spiritist fell into his long moments of contemplation. Such moments Levi guessed seemed unnecessary to the spirit, more so that they took Levi away from her. "You get stuck in your head way too much and I think you're tired from walking around today. Hmm..." The ghost held her hand against her chin in thought before grinning. "I know!! You need to go drink at a tavern!" Levi was startled by Naya's answer, "Wait wait how do you know about drinking? You're a child!" "I'm fourteen now Levi!" Somehow Levi doubted that greatly. Mentally she was frozen at the age she died, a sad thought but one not for now. "Besides, I look around a lot when you sleep and I see lots of people drinking. Of course I know about that stuff!" She seemed miffed and crossed her arms while Levi stood still blinking repeatedly as he tried to process the answer he just heard, even as the passing people stared at him and the ghost. The ghost girl suddenly grinned, "Why don't I go into one? Catch up with me!" She giggled and with that blinked away. Levi sighed as he chased after the ghost he definitely knew for certain that this night was going to be a long one. A little ways from where the two were was the Scholar's Demise, one such establishment as mentioned by Naya. Tonight was a typical night for the tavern-goers, the light of blue flame dancing and people enjoyably socializing as drink was poured out and drunk. That warm atmosphere abruptly dropped just as an ethereal form blinked into the tavern with an equal abruptness, the abnormal chill permeating from the girl-like shape. The ghost giggled and waved at the staring occupants of the establishment looking at all of them, the expressions of various levels of surprise, discomfort, curiosity and apathy before it again disappeared, reappearing next to a red-haired woman. The ghost materialized to the best of her ability, now looking somewhat more human. She smiled at the woman, "You've got really pretty hair miss! I like you!" Hardly a moment later a white cloaked man ran in with a loud slam of the door, his eyes immediately set on the ghost. "Naya!" He briskly walked over her, ignoring the stares he was getting. "If you had just stayed put I may have come here without all this trouble of chasing you!" He sighed and noticing the woman bowed his head to her. "My apologies, my sister can be a little much at times." He took a seat next to her, the ghost floating by him. He extended his hand to the woman. "My name is Levi Remilian. I'm sorry for any trouble Naya caused for you." Said ghost shook her head, "I didn't bother her! Nope!" Indeed, it seemed like tonight was going to be a long night.

[Ingrid]

It was yet another night of drowning her sorrows. Trying to forget the tragic death of her mother and father by way of alcohol. It had seemed an easy solution at first. Whenever she began to feel heavy of heart and thoughts spun out of control, take a drink. Only now it seemed she was inebriated more often than she was sober. Life had lost its luster. The days didn't matter. Her goals to improve as an animator seemed trivial amid such grief. "To make father proud," she said, feeling quite wretched.

It was her father who had turned her on to the magical art of animation at a very young age. She had been just a girl, imagining how wonderful it would be for her dolls to have a voice of their own. Countless days and nights in her father's workshop, watching, learning, animating. Those days were long gone. She felt empty inside, all her passions burned out like a candle in the wind.

She was warming up to brandy. Already the heat of intoxication was making it self felt throughout her. Her mind buzzed merrily, she felt like one of her constructs - invincible to mental pain. She decided golems were a lot better off without any understanding of loss. And if she ever pursued what was left of her career, she would make them numb to all such sensations. Her mind whirled suddenly when something insubstantial appeared in the tavern. Many of the patrons were pointing at it. Some, fear clearly etched on their features, others with only mild curiosity to whatever the phenomena was. Ingrid blinked. It wasn't the brandy making her see things. There was something there! A girl. Or so she thought...

Had there been any doubts before, she laid those quickly to rest when the apparition materialized at her table. Within touching distance. Ingrid immediately sensed a slight dip in the temperature around her - around the young ghostly girl. Only now she wasn't translucent, or at least much less so, only having slightly faded edges with the occasional flicker to give any evidence at all that she wasn't entirely real. "Zintila's word..." She breathed. "You're a ghost aren't you?" she whispered, overcast eyes like saucers. The sprite-like being exuded a playful vibe that was contagious. Ingrid let out a small belch, followed by a giggle. "Thank you. I like your glow." She said finally, her mouth curling upward in a smile. Something she did much too little of late.

Just when the animator was just starting to wrap her mind around conversing with an actual spirit, someone else burst into the Scholar's Demise. Ingrid jerked her attention to the door, wondering what other crazy happenings would befall her. But it was not another ghost that entered, but a man. A dark haired man with blue eyes, cloaked all in white. Coincidentally, he paid a visit to Ingrid's table as well, calling for a Naya. Ingrid realized the two knew one another quite well by the familiarity on display. The redhead was having trouble keeping up with the running dialogue, still somewhat shocked at being greeted by a ghost and now a stranger to boot.

Ingrid peered into her glass, wondering if someone had slipped her a drug or something. She shrugged after a tick or two and tossed it all the way back, imbibing what remained of the brandy. Her gaze latched onto the fellow. "Hello. Oh not to worry. Naya and I have been introduced. And I find her company most agreeable," she said almost indignantly. Her brow arched, "Sister? You two are related? I mean, my condolences. Wait, I didn't mean that exactly. I'm sorry Naya, I hope I haven't hurt your feelings. I've really butchered this whole thing haven't I? I'm just not used to talking to ...well you know! I'm sort of trying not to think of such things right now."

Ingrid sighed heavily. "My parents died in the Zintia landslide incident," she announced in a very small voice.

[Levi Remilian]

The ghost girl giggled at the woman's reaction; for once someone did not react with outright fright when she blinked in. It almost seemed like the woman appreciated her presence at that moment, like she needed to be cheered up. The little spirit thought for a moment; she noticed that most people drank either to have a good time or when they were tired. This person must be of the latter group. No time to think of that though, she succeeded in bring her brother over! And made him meet a new person to boot! The ghost girl nodded at Ingrid's answer to Levi. She tugged at Levi's cloak, "See? She likes me! She isn't even scared of me so I really like her!" The spiritist chuckled slightly, "I guess it is good that you and Naya seem to get along." Blue eyes examined the woman, with an air of analysis noticeable though he did his observation quickly. She seemed to have already been drinking a fair amount before the pair arrived but not to an intolerable level yet. Key word there: yet. This may only be the start of this woman's night for whatever reason she may hold within. Levi listened with an understanding countenance as Ingrid talked with the slipshod focus of the inebriated. It seemed like the woman had a lot on her mind, things that she was trying to deal with by method of forgetting, by the method of dulling, to simply pass the thoughts off to oblivion. The spirit tilted her head at Ingrid's apologizing, a little confused. "Why are you apologizing? You didn't say anything bad." She smiled reassuringly, "I died, I know that... I've been like this for a while..." Subtle sadness tinged her voice for a moment only to burst into her usual cheeriness, "But I stayed because I didn't want to go yet! I still had Levi to travel with cause he's my big brother." Levi smiled sadly at Naya and then looked at the woman, definitely feeling that something had happened to her recently if the matter of a ghost was not a matter of fear but a matter of difficulty to think of. Someone close to her had died. The quiet whisper was barely audible, but it put a certain stop to what may have been a long chat by Naya. Levi's guess was right. Not only that, but it was related to the landslide he unsuccessfuly tried entering with Djas a couple days ago. The spiritist furrowed his brows, held his hands together and spoke gently, "I am sorry to hear that. My condolences, I have seen and have heard of how terrible the landslide was." Even the normally energetic ghost knew now was a time to be considerate. She floated down next to Ingrid, sympathy poignant on her face, and lightly hugged her, trying to make sure the chill of her touch was not uncomfortable, though for all the attempt to control it the embrace would still be chilly to the touch. Death of family was never easily overcome, Levi knew that very well. He recalled from two years ago the day Naya died. She may have not been his sister by blood, but she was the closest thing to a sibling he ever had. Even for the adolescent Levi who devotedly learned of Dira's teaching, it was painful. There was no reason why such could possibly happen to her, for someone who so young to die. It was an accident, a cruel slip of chance that caused this. He hated that and wished for it all to be erased. The woman before him now was suffering that same pain and trying to dull it. He sighed sadly, "Death is never something one could simply forget... especially that of your family. To most people, DIra is seen as simply cruel and cold and for good reason. Death is a fate so many people try to deny. To those who remember we either accept it or drown it away by whatever means we have." He looked over at Naya briefly, remembered sorrow in his gaze before he turned to Ingrid again and bowed his head, "I'm sorry. I did not even ask of your name before all of this." A clumsy forgetting of manners on his part the man thought to himself. The ghost girl let go of Ingrid and looked up at her, "Landslide... that's where Levi tried to get into to look for ghosts..." An imaginary glowstone could be seen going off in Naya's mind as whatever consideration for careful treading vanished. "What if your parents became ghosts? If they did you could say bye to them!" She smiled hopefully, but Levi frowned at Naya's suggestion. Such words could only result in a less than favourable reply from most people he thought.

[Ingrid]

It had been a strange night to say the least. Her first actual contact with a ghost! Ingrid already adored the spirit-child. She had such a vibrant personality. A zest for life that put most living beings to shame. Ingrid could feel a yearning in herself to know more about the phenomena that was the current state of Naya. Her analytical mind conducted an unseen war with that of Ingrid's Coping Mechanism. That part of the animator that couldn't bear to ponder anything because that would only remind her of her dead parents. Safer was to slip the veil of intoxication over her eyes. She would feel nothing , but also, care little about things that had motivated her for the majority of her young life. Thus the conflict would not be resolved anytime soon.

Still, she found herself shaking off the effects of the alcohol, her thoughts absorbed with this entirely new and interesting concept. What caused ghosts to linger around on the material plane long after their bodies had rotted away? Naya described it as a choice, she had wanted to travel with Levi. Ingrid found her gaze moving to the young man, that Naya had put off completley dying, for. The redhead noticed the signs of sadness on the man's face, when Naya briefly spoke of her passing. It was apparent to her that these two cared very deeply for one another.

She nodded wordlessly in reaction to Levi's synopsis on death and loss. Though she knew he meant well, his words only echoed hollowly in her ears. None of that made it any easier. She found herself reflexively reaching for her glass-- but stopped midway knowing full well it was empty. Was she becoming an alcoholic? Or was it simply a reaction to the mind-numbing pain? Then the ghost-girl was at her side, offering her a chilly embrace to ease the pain. She was surprised to feel herself giving into that hug, tears spilled from her eyes and sobs shook her body. Though she felt slightly cold, Ingrid was happy for the sudden release and compassion from Naya.

Ingrid sniffled and peered up at Levi, half-hearing his apology. "Ingrid Rowley. It's nice to meet you Levi. You too, Naya. This whole night has been so unexpected...." Trailed Ingrid, overcast eyes widening a bit to hear Naya's latest idea. Her parents? Ghosts? The thought had not even occurred to her. Was it possible they too had stayed behind, in Lhavit, hoping to fulfill some last request before saying goodbye? Ingrid wiped her dewy eyelashes, looking from Naya to Levi. "Is that even possible? Could my parents be ghosts?" She inquired, awaiting confirmation from the man.

"How does one even find a ghost?" What would I say to them? The thought was both agonizing and amazing. She would do anything to see her parents again. Give up anything-- everything for just a proper goodbye. But what if they were ghosts? Could she bear to see them in such a state? Could they bear to see her in her current state? So many unanswered questions....

[Levi Remilian]

The young man knew well how empty his words sounded to the mourning woman, he knew very well that numb and silent nod. It was the same reaction Levi had after Naya's death when someone told him similar words, of how death is a natural part of the cycle, that it was not to be mourned to excess. To Hai with that thought, death was impossible for normal people to experience without pain and storming sorrows such as those that wracked Ingrid's mind now. And here he was now repeating those exact words he heard two years ago to Ingrid, knowing fully their futility in comforting her. It was agonizing to say the least, both to the grief-stricken woman and to himself who could not help her in this situation, unable to stop her from taking up the bottle of oblivion. The woman breaking down into tears when Naya hugged her was the least expected result that Levi thought would come of that action. That one hug was more powerful in comforting Ingrid than a thousand words on the nature of death could possibly wish to have. The spiritist sighed to himself as he watched Naya and Ingrid, with a knowing smile at Naya. She was still young, but her compassion and energy had hardly diminished, thank the gods for that. He knew that this evening may have gone a different path if his sister was not there with him. The ghost smiled comfortingly at Ingrid, an attempt to cheer the woman up. It was the very least that she could do. Hope, she wanted to give that to the woman. She nodded her head to Ingrid after letting go as she introduced herself. Both spiritist and ghost noticed her eyes widening at Naya's suggestion; Naya nodded eagerly to Ingrid, "Yup! If they really, really, really wanted to see you again, they would have stayed!" While the ghost girl affirmed with exuberance, Levi frowned slightly. Hope, it was a precious but dangerous idea. He could not blame Naya for blurting out such an answer to Ingrid, that was just how she was. She wanted to cheer up the woman and this was her way of doing it. However, this idea could become one that Ingrid would cling to with a final desperation; this could be something that might not end well for Ingrid. He had to approach this carefully since the seed of hope had already been planted in Ingrid's mind now. He spoke softly in reply to Ingrid's question, "Searching for ghosts depends on the searcher. For a normal person it will be often more common that the intended ghost will eventually find you if they wished to see you. Spiritists like myself though can sense their presence, making it easier for us to find them." The second and easier of Ingrid's questions was answered first. The first, whether her parents had become ghosts was a difficult question and one that had to be answered cautiously. He needed to be objective and logical, he could neither kill the hope that may have taken hold in Ingrid's thoughts nor make it grow needlessly. Either would be unfavorable for both Ingrid and himself. Levi crossed his arms, looking particularly thoughtful before continuing. "I cannot deny nor confirm the possibility that your parents are ghosts now. It is a matter of whether your parents actually would remain. You know them far better than I possibly can. Would they do such a thing as remaining as a ghost? Refusing the gift of peace that is death and rejecting the cycle of reincarnation? A ghost's existence is not peaceful, it is a restless and stagnant continuation. They can no longer sleep, no longer feel anything except for the cold chill of death. If left alone for far too long without guidance, the state of the mind will crack and descend into madness. Would they be willing to bear such a burden for the reason of saying farewell to you? Would they have the willpower to continue with that kind of an existence? You need to ask yourself these questions first before you go out to seek their spirits." Levi knew his words may sound cold and harsh, but they needed to be told. Ingrid may have got an incorrect general image of ghosts from seeing Naya. The ghost girl was an enormous exception to the general rule. For her age she held onto her promise and reason of remaining with incredible tenacity but it was only Levi's continued presence with her that kept the ghost's mind together. The possible future she could have had if he was not with her... he did not wish to even imagine it. Levi held his hands together on the table as he looked intently at Ingrid while Naya remained at Ingrid's side. Her green eyes had their gaze on Ingrid as well, but with less of the calm and collected intensity that her brother had and more with a gentle sympathy for the woman. She knew that Levi was empathetic to Ingrid's plight, but he never showed it explicitly. The caring was her job. The spirit gently took hold of one of Ingrid's hands and smiled at her in an attempt to console her. The siblings quietly waited for Ingrid's answer.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid spared a glance around the tavern. She noticed a number of stares remained on the trio. She could well imagine what they were saying. Likely much of it slanderous nonsense and the rest the usual Lhavitian curiosity. Nobody had called for a Shinya patrol, so that was encouraging. She herself had never encountered a ghost before, so she knew little of what to expect. If they were all as nice and bubbly as Naya, she thought it not such a bad occurrence at all, enjoyable even.

Ingrid chewed her lip. She saw Levi's reaction to his sister's exuberant answer. Ingrid really wanted to believe there was reason to hope, reason to believe it was possible for her to see her parents again - no matter the circumstances. "If they really wanted to see me they would have stayed?" She echoed, trying to take it all in. She looked to Levi, confusion in her eyes. "What is it? You know something. What is it she's not telling me?"

She was a rapt listener for everything the Spiritist had to say. How interesting, a man that devoted himself to knowing everything there was to know about these ethereal beings. He, in essence, said she was likely never to find her ghost parents (if they did exist) unless she resorted to his expertise. For they had not sought her out yet, and it had been many days..."Oh Levi, would you be able to help me? Find them I mean. "

Ingrid grew silent, listening to Levi expound much of what he knew on the subject of ghosts and what their lives entailed. To hear him describe their existence as a continuing stagnant restlessness that descended into madness caused her heart to break just a little. She never wanted anything like that for her parents. She was being selfish to hope their ghosts would linger around for her sake. But knowing what she knew now, she hoped they had found peace, even without a farewell to their only daughter.

Ingrid shook her head, red hair shifting slightly to cover the side of her face and right eye, which she absently brushed aside. "I don't know. My mother was always very stubborn and father was always understanding. I-I hope they didn't stay just for me. But if they did, I'd want to end their torment as soon as possible. I love them dearly. Some closure would be of great help for everyone involved I think...."

Ingrid smiled, clasping Naya's cold hand in her own. Though she wore a brave face, she was absolutely terrified of how the encounter would go. What would she do if they weren't her parents anymore? If their minds had somehow been damaged in the transition after death. Still, she realized it was worth the risk. Her gaze rested on Levi. "I'm willing to do it. Where do we start?" Ingrid reached for her money purse. "How much do I owe you for this...session?"

[Levi Remilian]

It appeared that Ingrid listened with careful attention to Levi's words and remained quiet in thought over them; good, if that was the case she understood what implications the possibility of her parents being ghosts created. As long as the facts were conveyed to her properly, he was satisfied. The description of what her parents could be experiencing must have been hard for Ingrid; no one would want to see or think of someone they cared for spiral into madness like Levi described. It was the unfortunate truth with very few exceptions; he recalled the spirit that he had encountered with Djas a couple days prior. A shade consumed with a twisted envy and hate, but at the core a misunderstood soul. Still, in hindsight it was a learning experience for him in the true power and danger of an enraged spectre. Ingrid was set on searching for her parents, Levi could tell even before she asked him for his help. He nodded, though he still tried to maintain a serious countenance. "Yes of course. I will gladly help you in searching for your parents." If it could help Ingrid with her loss and give closure, he would gladly take up this task without complaint. For all his seriousness, he still felt that the right thing to do was to help another person if they were in need. Levi crossed his arms and listened to Ingrid's description of her parents. There was not much information to take from it; the question of whether a person would pass on or remain was an extremely subjective matter after all. One person brutally murdered by their spouse might continue on to their next life while another in an identical scenario may remain to haunt their murderer until death. It was a fickle matter of personality. The sparse data was juggled around in Levi's mind. He was pleased to see that Ingrid did not wish for her parents to be in a ghostly state. Further proof his words had left a mark on her. He would still need to find out more about Ingrid's parents and Ingrid herself if he were to help her find them, but the right time to further ask will come. The spiritist looked with surprise at Ingrid, blinking as he tried to answer. The matter of payment had honestly not crossed Levi's mind until she had mentioned it. He had not thought of charging her anything, but considering he had failed to find hire for a spiritist in Lhavit, perhaps he could ask for a little. Even to the resolute spiritist, money was still an important aspect of life. He rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. "Owe? Well... you-" "Don't have to pay! My brother will do it for free because he wants to help you! Right Levi? Right?" The little ghost interrupted and with her words killed any attempt for Levi to charge Ingrid. Levi's mouth gaped as the words in his mouth sputtered out. Now there was no chance for any monetary gain from this. He just needed to continue on naturally. The spiritist cleared his throat and nodded to Naya and Ingrid. "Why yes, there is no need for you to pay me. Actually, I don't usually ask for payment unless I am hired at a spiritist's shop which I am not currently." Leave it to Naya to try and make him look good to others. It was all for the better he supposed. Levi stood up, although Naya kept holding Ingrid's hand. He smiled sincerely at the woman, "If we are to start searching we had better leave this place. I don't expect we'll find ghosts in a tavern." Naya looked up at him and seemed to sigh, "I guess you won't be drinking tonight... but maybe you could drink with Ingrid after this!" She smiled at the two and Levi couldn't help but chuckle and smile at her suggestion. He began making his way to the exit while Naya stayed by Ingrid's side. She tugged on her hand, "Come on Ingrid, let's go find your parents!" Once Ingrid makes it outside the Demise, she will see Levi waiting by the door, tightening his scarf. He turns and nods to Ingrid. "Now. Could you tell me more about your parents and yourself if you are willing? Their home was destroyed by the landslide I presume, but seeing as the guards prevent entry to that area we cannot go there. Are there any other places that were important to you and your parents and thus they could possibly be? Also, were you not in the city when the landslide happened? If your parents do not know you are here now that could be the reason why they have not found you yet if they are indeed ghosts now. However that is only my speculation." Once more a return to composed professionalism, for a new task for Levi was about to begin.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid noticed Levi's momentary loss for words when Naya interjected a freebie was in the cards. She stifled a giggle and raised a hand to hide a traitorous smile. Her countenance returned to a serious state when Levi began discussing the nature of the exercise they would soon undergo. She gave a single nod of her red curls to confirm her readiness to begin. Squeezing Naya's hand in approval of her optimism.

An optimism she wanted so very much to share. Instead though, she felt a mounting dread. What was wrong with her? She should be relieved and excited to find her parents again. She needed a proper goodbye. That would lessen the pain and allow her to live. Live and return to her career in Animation. That had always been the goal; her dreams were tied up in the magical creation process. She realized that a long time ago.

Ingrid left the warm interior of the Demise and stares in her wake. The night air was chilly despite the abundance of skyglass in the area. She wreathed her arms about herself, cinching her cloak tight. Her breath escaped her lips as a mist, the words chilled her to speak them. "I am... ready. I'm ready to find my ghost parents." Determination in her eyes, her mouth drawn tight in preparation for what was to come.

"I suppose I should offer some simple data for expediency. My father's name is--was Martin Rowley. He worked as an animator and taught me much of what I know of the profession. My mother was Aleiane, a practioner of Botany." Ingrid let out a sigh. She didn't realize it would be so hard just describing her parents. But it wasn't all bad, remembering them breathed life into them.

The memories all came back in a tidal wave that slammed into her mind and nearly sent her reeling. Her mother's failed attempts at trying to teach her awkward daughter to dance. A father arriving at her bedside to offer her shelter from horrible nightmares. Presenting her with an animated doll for comfort. Countless other memories blurred on by in a torrential mental overload. She shuddered and reached out a hand to grab Levi's arm to steady herself. After a moment she released her hand and muttered an apology. "Sorry. I have a lot on my mind..."

Ingrid peered up, trying to focus on the face and words of Levi. "Myself? Well...there's really not much to tell. And no, I wasn't here for the landslide. I traveled to Sahova to learn the masterful techniques of the Nuits in the field of Animation. By the time I got back....they were already gone," she said sadly, her eyes downcast. "I really don't know." Why hadn't her parents sought her out if they were indeed ghosts? Did they believe her still to be in Sahova? Had they gone there in search for her? Perhaps they were not ghosts at all, but had simply moved on as most normal people did. Levi had many questions for her, but she had few answers to give.

"That is correct. The wreckage site is off limits to the general public. Believe me, I tried. The place is crawling with Shinya," informed Ingrid with a vexed look. "What's our next move? Forgive me, but I am utterly clueless when it comes to spirits. Is there anything else I can do to help with the process?"

[Levi Remilian]

The chill of Lhavit's winter night chilled Levi, but he listened to Ingrid's information with a careful attention. There was still more that he needed to know if he was to have a chance of finding the location her parents could possibly be at, but it was a start. The determination that now replaced the woman's prior inebriated sadness was evident to the spiritist, solemnly nodding to her. He only hoped that said determination would be satisfied. What if her parents had already passed on? What if this all turned into a fruitless chase after phantoms long gone? The thoughts pierced into Levi's mind again, his eyebrows furrowing at the sudden worries on his mind even. It was still too early to make such conclusions he berated himself. The possibility still remained yet against it was the chance of the better alternative. He could not help but hope that reality would show the latter. "I see, a botanist and... animator." Levi spoke the last word with an odd inflection, one of puzzlement. It was a word that he had not heard often. Animate meant to give life or movement, what could it be. That was not important at the moment. "Perhaps we could-" A shaky grab on Levi's arm ended that sentence and the spiritist looked at Ingrid with concern. There must have been a lot on her mind as she spoke of her parents again, that must have been the case. He shook his head at her apology. "It must be difficult to think of your parents and the memories of them. I'm not offended." Ingrid's further explanation about herself made a considerable amount of Levi's speculations clear now. However at the mention of the Nuit the spiritist frowned. He did not know much about them, but the stories he was told of them described them as a kind of undead. As a follower of Dira, the matter of undeath was one he had great distaste for. It was unnatural unlike ghosts, a perversion of life and outright rejection of the cycle. It was Death's true enemy. Again, distracting thoughts. He spoke up, "Let us talk while we walk. At your pace Ingrid." Levi walked slowly while Naya stayed by the woman's side. The topic of animation came up again, was it some kind of craftsmanship? Or even magic? He may be spiritist but the young man did not know much about the other disciplines of magic. He did not even consider himself a mage in the first place. Levi succumbed to the curiosity. "It seems you followed your father's footsteps. May I ask what this... Animation is?" "I bet it's magic Levi! Like what you do with making soulmist and stuff." Naya piped in with a very accurate guess. "I heard my parents talk about that Sahova place too. They had docked there once while travelling. They said it was an island with lots of wizards and really creepy.." The ghost looked up at Ingrid, "You went there! Could you tell me more about it?" Levi chuckled at his sister. Leave it for her to voice the curiosity they both shared. He waited for Ingrid to answer.However he could sense the little ghost's soulmist depleting after having remained materialized for several chimes. It was perhaps a good distraction of the mind for the woman too. Levi heard Ingrid's question of what she could do to help and turned to the ghost. "Naya, you must be tired. I think you should dematerialize." Even to Ingrid it was easy to see that Naya's form was flickering more. The ghost nodded and gave one last smile to Ingrid before the ghost seemingly faded out of sight leaving only a few curling wisps of white soulmist. Levi took this chance to further explain what they had to do. "Most ghosts can only stay visible for a few chimes at best unless they are particularly powerful. You may not see Naya now, but I can sense her presence floating right above my head." As if on cue the flash of green eyes and a ghostly visage smiling at Ingrid appeared above the spiritist's head before vanishing again. Levi continued, " I can allow them to stay materialized longer than they could normally with my soulmist. However I can sense ghosts only in my vicinity, if say one was on this street or in a nearby building. As of now I only detect Naya nearby." The young girl's giggle echoed, further proving the fact. Levi looked at Ingrid intently, "I need your help in deciding where your parents could actually be right now, then I can enable them to stay visible for you to have a conversation with them." There was only so much the spiritist could do with his level of ability, at best he could only rely on guesswork from information Ingrid gives him and his own ethereal sense.

[Ingrid]

The three walked the star lit streets of Zintia where activity was still going strong even at the late hour. Lhavit truly was the city that did not sleep. There might be lulls in the hustle and bustle to allow for the occasional nap, but that was all. The winter cold saw hands to pockets and exposed flesh quickly covered by the thick wool provided by the Okomo. Ingrid walked beside Levi and the female apparition, relating information that might prove helpful in the search for her parents.

"I truly do not know where they might be. By logical reasoning, I would place them at a location they dwelt-- our home - or if not there, then a place of importance to them. If they sought me out in Sahova...." Ingrid trailed off and shook her head, shutting her eyes. "I fear I shall never see them again if that is so. The island is far and is not safe for even those passed on. There are things there that I never saw, but I felt their presence. Vile and cold things, ancient and horrible. Even the Nuits would not discuss all that dwelt under the fortress. I fear it had something to do with the evacuation. Though I suppose we shall never really know for certain."

Ingrid was grateful for Levi's assertion as it put out of her mind, the disturbing thoughts of Sahova. She nodded her fiery-haired head, allowing her lip to curve a fraction at the memory of her father and her continuing his legacy in the field of Animation. The mere mention of Animation burned away much of the numbing quality that alcohol had temporary clouded. Her overcast eyes sharpened, red brows lowered pensively. "Animation is the creation of life," she said simply to start. Ingrid tilt her head to the side to view Naya and listen to her excited words on the subject. The redhead let out a little laugh before resuming her explanation. "Aye, it is magic of a sort. We practitioners of animation craft souls out of Djed. We give inanimate objects existence. The being can be the simplest of constructs whose only function is to tell the time of day or night, or it can be highly complex and take many years of pondering and tinkering and the result is a golem that is for all intents and purposes, a truly living entity that can react and move in the world as we do."

Ingrid did not readily reply to Naya's comments and queries regarding Sahova. But she felt a connection to the ghostly girl and did not want to disappoint her naturally curious mind. "Tales fall quite short of describing just how scary that place can be," she admitted. "Oh, but it was worth it," she went on, her eyes appearing far away with the return of memories. "Nuits are such fascinating creatures. Imagine if you could live for centuries. How much knowledge you could amass. All the hypotheses you could test...."

She blinked and noticed her audience was gazing a bit speculatively at her. "Oh don't look at me like that you two. I know some may find their existence morbid and unnatural, but I can honestly say I was only awed and intrigued by their existence. I know the stories of how they continue their existence, but if their research saves lives in the long run....surely it is worth the sacrifice. From what I gathered, the Nuits can only enter a host that is already a corpse. And most of the bodies are donated to the cause," she said, though wondering why she was defending Nuits in the firce place. Did she have some sort of obession with the undead race? As justified as she was for sticking up for many Nuits, she knew there were some that would not blink twice at causing an immediate end to a life in order to expedite the process of unlife.

"I understand..." Ingrid was sad to see Naya dim from sight, though her presence was still very close. She listened to Levi speak on soulmist and how he was able to tap into his own reserves to aid Naya. It was truly an interesting subject, and one Ingrid would not mind delving into.

She nodded. "My uneducated guess would be that they are still at our home. But as I said earlier, the area devastated by the landslide is off limits and is closely watched by the Shinya. Is there some procedure for tracking down spirits you are unsure of their current position in the physical world? Is it possible to call them here by name?" she asked aloud, brow arched inquiringly.