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[drawsblood]

// username: joric

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XIMILIA

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[deaddrop]

[That's a more loaded question than he probably knows. Natasha does like the outdoors. She's also had some survival experiences she'd rather not repeat.

People contain multitudes, and Joric probably doesn't need to go too deep down that rabbit hole.]

Sometimes. I like being active. I like the view. More fun to go rock climbing on real rocks than a man made wall.

[drawsblood]

You do that? A dangerous activity, but I can see the appeal.

[ But then he digests that and gives her a curious look. ]

They make fake walls of rocks?

[deaddrop]

It is, it's true. I'd say that's part of the fun, but we also have better gear.

[The question gets a nod though, and a look of consideration.]

It's safer that way. Pads on the ground and plenty of safety equipment. I won't say no one ever gets hurt, but it's a good way to learn. I could show you in the sim room, sometime?

[drawsblood]

Hm. Sure, why not? It could be a useful skill to have on a mission someday.

[ And he's no stranger to pain, so falling down isn't much of a fear. ]

[deaddrop]

Put those long arms to work.

[Lightly, then shrugging and giving him a curious look.]

What about you? I already know you prefer the outdoors, but I'm sure you do more than just amble.

[drawsblood]

Oh, I like to fish, hike, do some whittling.

[ He mimes the action of whittling down wood with a knife. ]

Though I'm not any good at it. But I'm used to spending most of my time outdoors unless it's the dead of winter. Being inside is stifling.

[deaddrop]

Claustrophobic? It's when you're afraid of or uncomfortable in enclosed places.

[Helpfully. It can be hard to gauge what knowledge people have from other times or worlds. Usually Natasha just goes ahead with what she'd normally say and lets people ask if they have questions, but she can be thoughtful. For a friend.]

What do you whittle? You could give what you make as gifts.

[drawsblood]

Well, I suppose it's uncomfortable sometimes, but I'm not afraid. At home we have to spend the whole of winter indoors except for quick trips outside so one likes having the freedom to not be confined by four walls anymore.

[ He appreciates it. Since his arrival he's said "I don't know what that means" so many times that he's started to let it go and just changes the subject instead. ]

Oh no. No one would want anything I make. It's just animals or runes. And I mean it when I say I'm not any good.

[deaddrop]

Didn't we just cover that friends will be happy to receive any gift you made for them. It's not like they're even mittens—no one would have to wear it if you carved them a little... fish? Maybe a duck.

[Would a duck be difficult to whittle?]

Maybe a fox?

[drawsblood]

[ He briefly laughs at her suggestions. ]

Never tried a fish before. That might prove simpler than a deer or horse.

[ Shrugging, since he really doesn't go out of his way to get wood to whittle, he adds: ]

If I ever pick it up during a dull moment I'll make you a fish.

[deaddrop]

Maybe for next Christmas?

[Very much teasing. Who knows if they'll even be here in six more months?]

I be you'll make a really neat fish.

[Also kind of joking, but in a gentle way.]

[drawsblood]

Yes. By that time I'll have more people to give gifts to.

[ A pause. ]

Unless they leave or this whole thing ends. Not the best thing to think about.

[deaddrop]

I think for the time being it makes the most sense for us to assume we'll still be here. If not... [Natasha shrugs as she pauses, considering her words.] Plans change. I'd still rather make them.

[drawsblood]

[ He nods slowly, considering her point. ]

I suppose it doesn't hurt to be optimistic. You'll be the first person I make something for, since you inspired the idea.

[deaddrop]

I'll take the blame for that one, sure.

[Natasha's not sure she'd call herself an optimist, but she does know something about not giving into despair.]

If I take up knitting, we can make it a trade.

[drawsblood]

Sounds good to me.

[ Who knows? He might even wear it. One shouldn't let something warm go to waste just because of how it looks. ]

It will be nice to have more activities to do in these quiet moments.

[deaddrop]

It will be. And as boring as they are... to keep getting quiet moments.

[Since they don't know how long they'll last.]

[drawsblood]

What, you don't like battles while flying in space or storming a castle where a man transforms into a dragon?

[ Just to recall a few things he's been through. ]

[deaddrop]

I guess they must have gotten boring since that's just an average Tuesday around here.

[Ironically, though there may be some truth to it. Not that it's boring, but it's a little more commonplace than one would expect.]

[drawsblood]

I hate to break it to you, but I doubt knitting will be a step up from that.

[ He gives her a bit of a smirk since obviously he's joking around. ]

But I suppose it's not a bad thing to fill our days with activities so we don't go mad while waiting for another mission to start.

[deaddrop]

It's either that or try to guess what the next mission is going to be.

[Knitting is probably better.]

Who knows? Might be somewhere cold.

[drawsblood]

[ Natasha, you just said the magic word. His eyes positively light up. ]

I'm hoping it is! I will be in my element and can have a good laugh at the rest of you feeling it.

[deaddrop]

I'm Russian. You think I can't handle a little cold?

[She might had defected, but that doesn't mean she doesn't take a little offense at that.]

We'll see whose coat I steal when we're all snow and ice now.

[drawsblood]

[ He gives her a look that suggests "You serious?" ]

I'd have to know what Russian even is before I can answer that.

[ He's not from Earth, after all. ]

Not mine. I won't even need one.

[deaddrop]

A person from Russia—known for long cold winters.

[Not something she expected him to know, but all the same.]

So I can expect you walking around outside in the snow in nothing but a henley? Maybe a flannel.