Astrid nodded, agreeing with Nathaniel's statement. "Yea, technically the full term is teenagers but I just shortened it. It's actually exactly what you said it was, thirteen through nineteen, the worst years of everyone's lives. And that's so weird, most places like this have a ton of reckless, annoying teenagers flocking to it, then again, it's not very well known. I would've never came if my mom hadn't told me about this place. I didn't know it existed to be honest." Astrid winced, her eyes drifting around the place again, trying to scoop up every last detail into her excellent memory.

"My early years were spent training to join the army, getting an education, and learning how to manage my father's property and land. Later on, in what you call the later teenage years, I joined the military and began to rise in the ranks and prove myself to be a capable soldier and leader."

Although his years alive had been tough, it was not the worst years of his life. His life was very short, though, so there might not be a lot to compare those years to, "I suppose it makes sense there was not a lot known about the manor. Christian would have most likely tried to draw a lot of attention away from it, in case anyone found any clues that he was, in fact, the murderer, and not I."

As Nathaniel spoke of his teenage years, Astrid decided that her entire generation should shut up about how hard being a teenager was. Nathaniel literally joined the military and had to kill people. She shuddered at the thought, conflict wasn't her thing and it never would be. Unfortunately, humans tended to be rather violent beings. And she supposed that sometime soon there would be yet another war.

"Y-yea, I was just being dramatic, being a teenager in general is hard, horomones and drama and relationships. But I think it's obvious that your life was harder. I mean, I didn't have to fight at all, I-well actually yes I did but not like you did. As for this place, that's makes a lot of sense actually. Your brother was a jerk, it seems like he would be the type of king that erases his dark past from the books."

Nathaniel ran his fingers over the words marked boldly on the fragil sheet of paper. He couldn't feel it, but the movement made him feel more... human, "The life I lived... well not many rose up in the ranks as I did, but joining the military was a natural part of life. My life wasn't anything different than any other mans. I am certain that the life the youth of your time lead is difficult as well. My experiences do no invalidate yours." Nathaniel kept his eyes on the book, and with some concentration, flipped the page. Everything was so... strange, here. This was not his time. He was not supposed to be here, "Sadly, I can agree with you. Christian was not..." Nathaniel peered at the page in front of him, "How?...." He murmured faintly, "This is interesting information. I look forward to reading these books. Maybe they will reveal how a coward like Christian could have ever proved himself in war."

Astrid still could never imagine being in Nathaniel's shoes. Granted, if her history lessons were true, she wouldn't have been fighting in the military even if she was alive back then. Regardless, Nathaniel's life had most definitely been harder than her's, that was for sure. Astrid knew that she had had a rather easy life so far. She'd been adopted by two loving parents, gone to college, and made money doing what she loved. She had never once worried about war or hunger or anything important. She had it better than many, many people. and she knew that.

So although Nathaniel was trying to be nice, she wasn't quite sure if she really believed what he was saying. He was literally dead, she definitely had it easier than him.

"Then get to reading! I wouldn't want to disturb you. Besides, this book is real interesting and I can read it while you read that one!" Astrid gave him her famous smile, hoping that her speaking hadn't stalled him from doing what he was here to do.

Nathaniel tipped his head to Astrid gratefully, "Many thanks, dear Astrid. I shall do just that." He was slowly starting to piece information back together, and from the little he has read... well, Nathaniel was almost positive his life wasn't the only one wrongly lost in Christian's march to power.

-

ts?

To when? Nathaniel's done reading and Astrid's like eating or something? And he can ask her questions?

sure!

Silence had overtaken the two as they began to delve into the books, and by the time Astrid look up, the sun was setting. No longer having much light to read by, she opened up her bag and turned on her battery powered lantern, it's bright light casting squirming shadows on the decaying walls.

Astrid folded the corner of her page neatly before closing the book and looking through her bag again. Pulling out a decently sized lunchbox, which held enough food for tonight, the next morning and lunch tomorrow. She knew it wasn't much, but she didn't own a cooler and didn't want to buy one.
She opened it up and pulled out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and some potato chips from her other bag. Stuffing the lunchbox back into the bag, Astrid began to eat eagerly, she hadn't realized how hungry she had been.

Nathaniel attempted to close the book quietly, but once the cover was perpendicular to the ground, gravity took ahold, and it closed with a loud slam. The expression on the ghost's face was forlorn, and he murmured an apology. He turned his curiosity onto Astrid's food, "What are you eating?" He asked softly, "I understand a sandwich, but it's contents are odd, and the other food item I do not understand at all."