wondered what had happened to injure her hand so badly.

had a little accident when she was out to the store. She didn't happen to see some black ice covered by snow and slipped, using her hands to brace herself. It all happened so fast that it took a while for her >

mind to acknowledge the pain with the swelling once she returned home.

figured there's a reason why rugged winter shoes are in production, but he understands it's an easily happening accident. He thought it a shame that it had happened to her drawing hand, if her skills were

similar to the male counterpart's, and hoped it didn't pain her much.

managed to overcome the pain rather quickly, it was mostly at the time of the incident that it hurt. It was a little devastating when she realized she couldn't hold a pencil or paint brush, but she got over >

that too. She was trying to take it slow now, though it was frustrating. She had patience for somethings, but not so much when it came to hobbies that she was passionate about.

could understand that.. He thought that perhaps if she had enough patience, she could use this is an opportunity to practise her other hand to be more skilled with a creative tool, in case this happened again.

had taken that into account. She wasn't the best writing or doing much of anything with her right hand, and it looked awkward when she wrote letters or notes down. She had taken it into account though, but >

when she started a painting with her right hand it didn't look how she imagined, and it discouraged her rather quickly... When what in her mind wasn't translated perfectly onto paper, it ruined her mood, sadly.

related to the situation, having a streak of creative skill himself. However he worked with wood carving, and it wasn't nearly as important to him as painting seemed to be for her. He wondered if he could _

see one of her paintings some time, if she didn't mind that.

guessed she could show him one. She felt a little awkward showing people her personal collection, compared to any that might have been in galleries in the city. She was proud of her paintings, sure, but she >

always a little bashful whenever people wanted to see them. She honestly painted because she enjoyed it, not for other people.

hadn't even considered the idea that she painted for others. Still, not hearing rumours of the Netherland's skills with a brush was almost impossible. He didn't want to intrude, though, so he'd only accept if_

she was certain..

did have one or two that she felt proud about, enough so that she could show him. She'd easily be able to get to them whenever he decided to visit her next. And to her knowledge, she had nothing planned for >

the rest of the day, and wouldn't mind if he showed up now. If it was convenient for him, that is.

might as well come over now that it suited them both. He hadn't been very productive lately, and would be glad to get out of the house. He informed her that he'd be there as soon as he could.

made sure that the house was in presentable conditions, though it almost always was since she made sure there was never dust. It was a curse at times, but she was proud at having a clean home. She quietly >

sat on her couch inside, massaging her hand to try and reduce some of the minimal swelling that kept creeping back. She didn't want to admit that she was a little nervous about the other visiting. It had >

seemed like a long time since she had seen anyone besides her friend Dorthe.

's mood rose as soon as he stepped out of the house; really, he'd been holed up longer than he should.. Which said a great lot, as he rarely complained over being left alone. With neighbours like his, it was _

rather a blessing. However, when even reading grew tedious the travel to another country was very welcome. When he knocked on the door a while later, he drew a small breath. Angelien had seemed a reasonable _

woman the times they'd met; he hoped this would go well.

jumped quietly when she heard the knock on the door, but didn't hesitate to walk over to it. With a slight groan from the door knob she opened it, not wanting to keep him waiting. "Hallo, Noorwegen." She >

would have become embarrassed if she noted how long she looked at him before stepping aside to allow him to enter her house. "Please, come in. Would you like some tea, or anything to drink in particular?" >

She knew it was a bit of a journey to her home, and because of her phobia of others it made it hard for her to travel for long periods of time.

hardly noticed, as he per usual stared at her (like he would anyone) for nearly as long while giving a tiny smile as he greeted her. He nodded idly as she made room for him and entered the house, casting a _

glance around while removing his shoes and jacket. "Thank you.. Eh, coffee?" He asked hesitantly and hung up his jacket. "I fell asleep on the bus, some wakin' up 'd do well."

closed the door behind him, noting his request. "I'll put on a pot of coffee for you. Make yourself comfortable, you can relax a bit in the living room before we go to the storage." She started to the kitchen >

gesturing on her way to where the living room was. She knew the other had the common courtesy to take his shoes off, so she didn't bother to make the comment.

gave a small yet grateful nod. "Thank you, 'sounds fine." When she had left for the kitchen, he bent to take off his shoes and put them aside. He glanced idly in the direction of the kitchen, but went to the _

living room as she'd said. As he seated himself on the couch, he absently looked around on what decoration and what-not adorned the room.

had a few nick-nacks on shelves and tables, but the majority of the room was spotless. Her philosophy on life was the less you had, the easier it was to clean up. Because of that she only had items she used >

regularly, were expensive (though that was rare and few in numbers), and gifts that had strong sentimental attachment.

thought it looked fine. He'd never really liked when a room was overflowing with decorations, it made it look cramped. He spent some time trying to read the titles of some books in a shelf, tilting his head to_

see better.

approached him soon after with a cup of coffee for him, and tea for herself. A small smile fell on her lips as she saw him with his head tilted. "Is the gravity here heavier than up North?" She crouched down >

to place his coffee on the side table near him. She went to her designated chair that was across from him and sat down. A moment after she brought her her legs up and kept them together, though off to the side.

blinked and glanced up at her, the concentrated frown easing into a lightly confused expression. "I--" It took him a moment, before he snorted quietly in amusement. "Dutch titles are trickier to read, 's all."_

He nodded his thanks and took the coffee cup, taking an approving sip. "Not bad.. Thank you."

hid the slowly growing smile behind her mug as she took a sip herself. "I've learned from Dorthe on how to make it for Gjertrud. I'm not sure if you take it the same way, I just sort of assumed..." She had >

hoped that she got it right, not wanting to have offended or turned the others taste awry.

hummed in understanding, "I'm not 'sactly sure how these.. counterpart similarities work, but there seems to be some with the pairs I've met. Good thinkin'." He appreciated the thought, and took another sip. _

Glancing back towards the shelves, he waved a hand airily in that direction as he picked up the conversation again. "You read a lot, or..?"

read over some of the names on the books. "I read more than I used to, you could say. I'm still handy with my art, but compared to the past I have more time on my hands."

drank quietly of his coffee while he listened to her explain. "Mm, 's fair.. D'you mind if I ask which genres?" He shifted closer to the armest to rest an elbow on it, slowly growing more comfortable.

turned her attention from him to the shelf as she scanned what was shown there. "I wouldn't be able to put my finger on it, really. I've read many 'How-to' books, mystery, comedy... if I were to say now >

however it would be fantasy. I blame Dorthe for her obsession with that Danish author. But it is nice to think of a fantasy land now and again. No work, no stress, just the environment and creatures that don't>

exist in real life here." She took a sip of tea after, feeling like she talked more than she should have. She didn't understand, normally she was silent around people unless they were a close friend. But this >

just felt... comfortable.

hadn't expected such an extensive response, though for once he wasn't displeased with the chatter. The surprise didn't show on his face, however, and he listened attentively. He nodded mostly to himself once _

the connection to fantasy was brought up; Andersen, of course he knew him and the Dane's obsession. Seemed that was another parallell trait. A small frown creased his brow when she said that the creatures in _

the books weren't based on reality: He was confused at first, then chided himself mentally for not remembering the common nation's disability to see them. "It's a lot like askin' music taste, I know. 's hard _

to choose," he began, and the fact that she had time to read was certainly confirmed, "I prefer crime and mystery, mainly. Comedy's a nice break, though." The corner of his lips twitched upwards, and he sipped_

of the coffee again. He hardly doubted he could comment on fantasy and sound entirely sane, so he let it be for now.

had no experience with any sort of supernatural being, so naturally she was blind on the subject. "Crime... I should read more on it. There's only petty crimes here half the time, so to really >

experience it I'd have to read books." She took another small sip of her tea before resting it on her lap. "So I take it you read a lot as well?"

lowered his hand to the armrest and lightly tapped the porcelain of the cup with the fingers of his free hand. "You almost sound disappointed," he hummed, though admittedly one of his reasons to read it was _

much the same. Things were more exciting before. "Yes." He confirmed, not really having much to say further on the subject as he'd already told the genres he favoured.

finished off the last sips of her tea before she lowered her legs to stand. "Once you are done, I can show you a few paintings. There's no rush, however." She then walked to the kitchen to wash her teacup.

nodded. He was nearly done, but he lingered behind a minute after she'd risen before going to join her in the kitchen. Finding it rude to assume that she'd wash his cup too, but neither finding it in his place_

to do it himself in her kitchen, he cleared his throat while holding the cup gingerly between his fingers.

only drying her cup with a cloth before she put it away. She nodded in thanks as she took his cup and washed it. She was very protective of her kitchen, and never let anyone else cook in it. Not that she knew >

anyone well enough in that sense to let someone into such a personal space. After she washed the cup she dried it off in the same manner as her teacup before. "Are you wanting to go now?"

put his hands in his pockets once she'd taken the cup, and occupied himself with glancing around the clean kitchen while she washed. Looking back to her when he heard the sound of her putting it aside, he _

nodded with the hint of a smile. "Sure." He was genuinely curious about how her art looked.

made sure everything was back in place as it was before and gestured for him to follow her. She brought him to a cellar door and opened the door before she flicked a light on. "Be careful, the stairs down are >

frail. Also, it wouldn't hurt to duck." The way down was narrow, though not in an uncomfortable way. When she got to the bottom she pulled out an old key and used it to unlock an equally old looking door. >

Once the door was open she walked in swiftly and put her hand against the wall. The only light in the room was the ambient lighting from the previous area. "Close the door behind you, then keep your back >

against it."

followed after her without a word, casting a few curious glances around as they walked through her house. He returned his attention to her though when they stopped, and took note of her instructions, nodding. _

He took his hands out of his pockets in case he'd have to catch himself for a fall, or her for that matter, as he went down the dubious stairs. He hadn't really noticed it upstairs, but he quickly realised_

now how old this house must be. Stepping into the dark room and hearing what she said, he couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the scenario. "As you say," he muttered, and did as she told.

watched as his outline faded with the light, almost finding comfort in the darkness. She reached out, knowing exactly here her surroundings were. She got hold of a large candle with a handle and took out a >

lighter from her pocket to light it. Once lit she walked down the narrow pathway, her left hand gracing over the tops of canvases covered with paint. She needed to decide on which one to show him. After a >

few quiet moments of walking her hand gripped onto one frame and she stopped walking. She kept her hand on the canvas but turned to face the other and held out the candle. "Would you...?" She needed both >

hands free so she could get a good grasp onto the frame. It was a heavier picture due to the amount of acrylic on the canvas. She was glad he didn't question the environment, and why it was almost pitch black.