Of Liquids, Clothes and States of Existence

"You think so? If the smell is so strong, I would guess that it is what the liquid is for, and that it is intended as a perfume. Or even, since you say that the smell is so strong, for use in the privy to disguise less pleasant odours."

"Oh. I was hoping that it might be something more interesting."

"No doubt." Castellan suddenly changed the subject. "The spirit who seems to be your companion, who is she?"

Astra stepped forward - though given her incorporeal state it was more of a glide. "I am Princess Astra of Aqualaria, Castellan - or perhaps I should say that I once was."

"Aqualaria? I do not recognise the name. A realm that was founded after my time, I assume. Down here it is hard to get much news of the world above. I take it that you were naked when you died, since a spirit normally retains a spectral replica of the clothes that they were wearing at the time of death. Since any attempt to don material clothing would be futile, as it would fall right through you, you are condemned to nudity for all eternity, which is rather unfortunate. Unless you can find a way of changing your state, that is."

"Such a thing is possible?" Astra said.

"At least in theory. One way would be to find a priest and have yourself exorcised. That would mean that you would no longer exist as a spirit. The snag, of course, is that you would no longer exist at all, which you might not consider to be an improvement. Another possibility is that you might be able to possess a living person's body, if your own mind is stronger than theirs. Of course down here one only very rarely encounters a living person... So I intend to make the most of this unexpected opportunity."

The image of Castellan suddenly flowed forward and enveloped Fred, who - taken by surprise - found his mind under assault.

1. Fred manages to fight off Castellan's attempt to take him over.
2. Castellan succeeds in wresting control.

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