Nikolai followed behind Anastasiya hands clasped behind his back as he walked slowly behind her listening intently. He inclined his neck to take in the various pictures she gestured to, nodding in approval at her comment that such things were better suited elsewhere.

As she came to a large oak door he paused, she opened the doors with a flourish before stepping into a room lined with books. The warm colours of the room rushed to greet him and Nikolai felt compelled to rush into the room, to pour over the volumes, but he didn't. He remembered his manners and entered calmly listening quietly to Anastasiya's words.

'I should expect so' he replied as she inquired as to whether he and his family would be staying the night. She barely seemed to notice moving onto further questions. When asked whether or not he rode he was reminded about their discussion about weapons in the armoury. Of course he could ride, he didn't choose to in the middle of winter, he'd much rather be in a warm library with a good drink. But, he did know how to ride, another left over from his training at the academy. He remembered Cpt. Chekov's words [i]'Riding, shooting, and yelling my boy. That's what an officer does now days'.[/i]

'I don't ride often in weather such as this, but I can ride, please go ahead.' he replied smiling, glad the talk of socialists had been forgotten about.