Bouncing

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai chuckled as the praise seemed to lift the girl's spirits somewhat. He was glad for that, but not so glad when the question was redirected towards him. Of course, he didn't think the girl was trying to learn his deepest darkest secrets. But he despised talking of his past. Although Elsa seemed like a good egg. A bit like Robyn to be honest, although different in her own way. So he'd at least give her something of an answer. Just to all of it.

"Peace and quiet." He answered truthfully. "Things back home.... Not so good." He admitted with a shrug, his smile replaced by a neutral mask betraying nothing. Of course, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Memories unbidden and unwelcome, yet coming back with all the force of a tsunami. All he could do was stand and face them even as he stayed looking the same on the outside.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Peace and quiet. "I've heard," Elsa admitted. She wasn't the most up to date with the news, but she definitely kept her ears perked. It was simply part of what she did to make sure that she remained on top of the heap. You either kept informed or you ended up dead.

Unfortunately, the question brought forth a veritable barrage of thoughts. It almost felt as though Elsa were attempting to speed read a page while someone dragged it away from her. She had to steel her mind for a moment while she forced out another question, desperately needing him to start thinking of something else:

"I take it you're enjoying Kalispell though?" she said, raising her brows. "I can't say we've been the most quiet you can get, but, well, we have our moments," she said the last almost teasingly, then turned to the bartender. "Can I get something else? Nonalcoholic. A juice with a shot of bubbles will work," She rolled the glass toward him, and almost sighed when he took it. Maybe having the drink prop will help soothe her a bit more. She still needed to relax post-show, after all.