Isolated Beauty.

I sense condescension.

Not… particularly. I was referring, by the way, to animal blood. I am clumsy with my kills.

Have you forgotten that a human is just as much an animal as a deer?

[chuckles] Perhaps you would like some help with that problem?

His face twisted in surprise before calming again. He always forgot she was many years older than himself. Ivan slowly came forward to her, reaching her hand and patting it gently. “Hey, you’re not alone now,” he offered as cheerfully as he could, hoping to take her mind off the worry that dug inside her. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you something!” He started, waiting for her attention before continuing.

Natalya recoiled at his touch, the surprise pulling her out of the small daze she had fallen into. She looked down as he spoke, offering the faintest of smiles as she wrapped her small hand around his. She hoped he wouldn't mind, but she needed to find some way to ground herself. Afraid that she would shut down. "Oh? What is it?"

Ivan watched her quietly, trying to read her expression. She did not seem too sad… Probably wistful. But for what? He searched vigilantly before realizing she had begun to hum. The tune familiar, he hummed along, hoping they were thinking of the same song.

Natalya stopped as she found the number she was looking for. "It's been over twenty years now..." She mumbled softly, more to herself than to him. She hadn't realized it had been so long since that day, and yet the guilt that she felt then had only grown instead of shrinking.

He felt her short reply a sign he had offended her and averted his gaze. He looked around the room, examining its contents and the like. “So, you live here alone.” His words came out softly, as if a suggestion rather than a statement.

Natalya looked up at him, tilting her head so it leaned against the back of the couch. "Yes that's right." She studied the ceiling carefully, as if it held the answer to some secret. "It's been like that for a really long time now..." She hummed softly trying to count the years that have passed without her living under another's roof.

kongeriketnoreg-a-deactivated20

And then

We became strangers

again.

#dear diary

His brow furrowed in worry at seeing her reaction to his reaction. He stepped forward, ruffling her hair. “Hey now, I wouldn’t say it was sad. I’ve been surrounded by snow for the majority of my life so I’m just not as impressed as others. If you like it, you like it.”

She chuckled quietly, but a small smile made it's home on her face. "My land's are often just as frozen over as my brother's." Which reminded her she really shouldn't enjoy the cold as much as she did, but even in her weak state it made her happy to see the world look so quiet.

Hmm. Snow’s fine, but it picks up blood like you wouldn’t believe.

Well of course it does, stupid.

Do you not think the snow looks pretty when splattered with blood?

"Oh." His voice was soft, almost of disappointment. "Oh," he repeated once more. Winter was very pretty, he could admit, but his house was already surrounded by the chilling snow. At times, the pale substance was tiring. He gave a soft smile. "Yes," he added, "It can be quite lovely."

#hogwartsivanbraginski #{{Ahh public speaking is scary}}

Natalya looked at him softly. "I guess such a sad season would be my favorite," She mumbled to herself. A season of dying, and cold. Harsh Russian winters that would leave her starved in her younger years. Yet it was also the time of year she was born, it reminded her of her mother and the innocence she once had.

Alright. Rude.

I’ll humor you. Why is it your favorite?

I enjoy the snow, and the quiet that comes with it.

"Phenomenal," he replied. Excitement was bubbling up inside him but he dared himself not to. Instead, he settled for a controlled smile and a pat of her shoulder. "Spasibo. Let’s start off with how the times have been treating you." He paused a moment. "How has that garden been coming along?"

#hogwartsivanbraginski #{{Oh my}}

Natalya smirked making her way to sit down comfortably on her couch. "The garden was lovely this year, but with cold weather beginning to set in the flowers are starting to die." She smiled a little as she fixed the skirt of her dress. "I don't mind though, winter is such a lovely time of year."

Poetic, but it’s just winter. What’s got you excited?

What a stupid question, winter is my favorite time of year.

Besides it's much harder for big brother to run through snow than it is for him to run across grass.

He grinned at her, taking out his finger and frowning sillily. “Well, obviously I’m not.” He looked up. “Is there anything else you need me for? If not, can I stay over anyway?” In all honesty, Ivan had needed a break from school work. He loved it but it was rare he had periods of rest.

#hogwartsivanbraginski #{{It's already caught me so run while you can}}

She gave an airy laugh. "No apparently not, but you're tall enough to reach where I can't." Natalya placed the knife back into it's holder, which had been hidden away on her thigh underneath her skirt. "I wouldn't mind the company, it's been rather quiet."

Ivan frowned, sticking the finger in his mouth. "Yeah, alright." His eyes, however. seemed to light up from her gratitude and he tried to calm a small smile. "Just make sure you be careful with that. I hope you know what you're doing."

#hogwartsivanbraginski #{Yeah same here junior year is a killer so far}}

Natalya chuckled. "Of course I know what I'm doing with it, I'm an expert when it comes to knives." She puffed her chest out a little bit, her expertise with the weapon was a pride of her's. It showcased the strength she did have.

Ivan looked at her in complete confusion but complied. “Alright…” It took him a couple tries but he was able to bring it down. “Here- Ow!” Ivan frowned at his finger tip where blood started to emerge. “Curse it.”