I took you by the hand and we stood tall

[buyan]

If Russia had to describe Hogsmede in one word, it would be: busy. From the moment they step out of the castle's doors, there's the chatter of excited students and the press of a crowd intent of getting out of the castle while they can and enjoy a day away from the oppressive air of war and uncertainty. In Hogsmede, they're just students on a free day, loitering about the stores as if they'd little else to do.

On a day like today however, where the air hangs heavy with the promise of rain, students stumble about gathering items and chattering before they fall into the warmer confines of restaurant and store alike. In the end, the street is left nearly empty as the clouds weep. There's a hint of urgency even among the idly hurried pace of the town's existence and Russia takes it as a warning, gait sure and fast. The other students and drafted might have found their ways inside to wait out the rain but as for Russia? Well, like always he's got a quest.

There's a few stores on his list, and once he's gathered a few items (somethings sweet, and somethings for Sveta, she'd never forgive him if he came back without a gift of some sort, silly owl.), he's off in the starting rain towards a more than familiar place. So maybe it's a handful of minutes later, but eventually Russia washes into the Hogshead right before the rain really starts pouring down. He hardly spares the customers who hiss at his wet appearance a second glance and merely wanders to the back where he's hoping Latvia's waiting for him.

Comments

cant be tamed

[za_rodina]

Sometimes he wonders at how easily he takes to magic, like a fish to water or one of those other inane metaphors. As it is, there's still a level of concern and curiosity Russia thinks he will never be rid of when it comes to magic. So when Latvia migrates down to join him in the warm room lit by a dying flame and blue moonlight, it's a bit of a reprieve from the texts he was pouring over. Russia had always been an attentive pupil, but now he is teacher and student both and that drives him forward.

Still. He looks up and greets Latvia with a quiet grin a match of the one upon his fellow nation's face.

"To magic, indeed!" A murmur, warm and pleased, gaze curious. "Nobody noticed?"

Not that he thinks they'd care, really.

[dzintars]

"Alois! But - he notices a lot." Anyone living with Latvia long enough would be able to tell the differences in the ways he quivers for something or other. He pulls out one bottle, two, whole, one for Russia and one for himself before sitting down in the seat beside him and working at the cork.

Charm it open he could, but this way just feels right (and gives his hands something to cooperate for). The first whiff of what's inside has him give a little hum before he tips it back, glancing the way of Russia's work before swallowing with a duck of his head, long after second year ought to, probably.

"We haven't tried this one, I think... familiar?"

Nothing like a taste test between feet of parchment....

[za_rodina]

"He's more perceptive than most think. Good thing to be."

Russia hums softly in response, jots something down to finish a sentence and carefully sets aside his quill so it doesn't drip everywhere. The two bottles garner a grin, because of course Latvia gets him. There's something familiar and relaxing in popping the cork from his bottle and Russia takes a moment to savor this, to savor the first taste of the alcohol upon his tongue.

"Faintly." Another swallow, brow quirked. "Not bad -- better than what we got last time I think."

His head turns, violet gaze fond as it lingers upon his fellow nation.