[SE] where the spirit meets the bones

I can survive well enough on my own

Embracing the compliment, Elizabeth dipped her head politely. "I'm glad you like it. You're always welcome to stop by for another." Although she often traveled for work, she still found time to be here when people came looking for her. So she always had beverages and baked goods at the ready with the fireplace burning bright. 

Gratefully allowing him to take her mug, Elizabeth stooped to pick up the next strand. "That's a good question. Most literature supports that incense and other smokes can purify spaces but that the fire doesn't actually harm them. It's more the 'ritual' aspect of it that clears the space. Since spirits don't have physical forms, there is no evidence supporting the idea that flames can cause them damage." Arranging the bells along the fireplace, she hummed lightly. "However, the world is full of mysteries and contradictions. Everything we know could be wrong." She gave Hadama a wide smile, unbothered by the idea that so much of their knowledge could be false. One of the excitements of living was discovering new things and being able to study them, not that she wanted to study spirits in her house. Hence the bells. 

Elizabeth offered him the other end of the string again as she asked, "Have you had many interactions with spirits?" Just because the Underwater City didn't get many otherworldly visitors didn't mean the merman hadn't met any on land.

Elizabeth

if given the proper reading material

He inclined his head in acceptance of her offer, emerald eyes sparkling brightly at the opportunity for more delicious homebaked food and drinks. He was in Halo a little more often now, and it was nice to have more than one friend to see when he came visiting.

But they had not yet finished warding the house, and he listened curiously to Elizabeth's explanation as they moved on to the final protection. He was particularly interested in the use of smoke to purify - a concept utterly alien to a Mer, even one who had grown up learning seasmithing. "Mmh. But that does not mean there is not some truth to them," he rumbled contentedly as they held the bells over the mantel and his hostess went to work on her side. "I have encountered several, yes. Benign, mostly, or servants of Safrin. One lead me to a treasure." He paused, a moment's hesitation as his mood dipped slightly towards sorrow. "Though my younger brother was cursed by a spirit at a shrine." And given the lightness of their conversation otherwise, he left it at that as he took the hammer and tapped the last nail into place.

Stepping back, he surveyed the handiwork and then gave Elizabeth a small smile holding a hint of mischief. "I do not think any spirits will dare to trouble you, now. May we celebrate with another cookie?" It would go rather well dipped in the remains of his cocoa, he thought.

I can survive well enough on my own

Placing her own nail into the strand, she stepped back to scrutinize the work with a shrewd eye despite the smile on her lips. "Precisely my thoughts." Tales and myths had to originate from somewhere even if the truth had been skewed along the way. 

She listened quietly as he shared his experiences, and although she wanted to ask about his brother, she felt that it was the wrong time. Maybe one day. For now, she hummed softly in understanding. "Hmm. Sounds like a mix of good and bad. It seems that spirits are similar to humans in that regard." Which was all the more reason to protect her home against those who wished it harm. So once Hadama had secured his end of the bells, Elizabeth nodded her head in satisfaction, pleased with the new layer of security it provided. 

Laughing warmly at the question, Elizabeth returned to the tray of drinks and goodies, offering one to him. "We can have all the cookies you'd like." She would go on to offer him another hot chocolate and as many snacks as he could comfortably (or uncomfortably) fit in his belly, sharing stories pleasantly around the fireplace until he ultimately decided to depart for home. 

[FIN]

Elizabeth

if given the proper reading material