[ The gratitude is audible in Nikolai's voice. It's a relief that Brook isn't growing annoyed by his questions already. That had been a constant problem for Nikolai from a very young age. He was always infuriating people - his tutors, his parents, his brother, the staff at the palace - with questions. It didn't matter how hungry he was for knowledge; their patience for him ran out long before his curiosity was satisfied.
He listens, taking the information in stride. Brook had lived as a human, died, and been returned to life in a new body. It answers his question, and raises a dozen new ones. How had Brook died, where had he gone afterward, how long had he been dead, what kind a being could control demons and make new bodies...?
Nikolai bites those questions back for now. He feels a flutter of something like hope in his chest. Brook can control his demon. He's had a hundred years of practice. Surely he must know some tips he can pass along? And from the sound of it, this won't be his first time teaching such skills.
It occurs to him, when Brook mentions his associate Scarlet, that the name is unusual. Which is when he realizes... ]
Here I was, about to ask if you'd possibly consider helping me figure it out, and I haven't even had the decency to ask your name!
[ Nikolai says it with a laugh, but there's something a little frazzled underneath it. It's not like him, to be so rude. To miss something that big and not even realize it. He is putting the cart before the horse, just because he's so excited at the idea that someone, anyone, might be able to offer him some guidance. ]
I'm terribly sorry. My manners have become... appalling. I'm Nikolai. It's - truly good to meet you.
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[ The gratitude is audible in Nikolai's voice. It's a relief that Brook isn't growing annoyed by his questions already. That had been a constant problem for Nikolai from a very young age. He was always infuriating people - his tutors, his parents, his brother, the staff at the palace - with questions. It didn't matter how hungry he was for knowledge; their patience for him ran out long before his curiosity was satisfied.
He listens, taking the information in stride. Brook had lived as a human, died, and been returned to life in a new body. It answers his question, and raises a dozen new ones. How had Brook died, where had he gone afterward, how long had he been dead, what kind a being could control demons and make new bodies...?
Nikolai bites those questions back for now. He feels a flutter of something like hope in his chest. Brook can control his demon. He's had a hundred years of practice. Surely he must know some tips he can pass along? And from the sound of it, this won't be his first time teaching such skills.
It occurs to him, when Brook mentions his associate Scarlet, that the name is unusual. Which is when he realizes... ]
Here I was, about to ask if you'd possibly consider helping me figure it out, and I haven't even had the decency to ask your name!
[ Nikolai says it with a laugh, but there's something a little frazzled underneath it. It's not like him, to be so rude. To miss something that big and not even realize it. He is putting the cart before the horse, just because he's so excited at the idea that someone, anyone, might be able to offer him some guidance. ]
I'm terribly sorry. My manners have become... appalling. I'm Nikolai. It's - truly good to meet you.