[ At first, Nikolai finds himself amused. How long ago could it really have been? Noah is a teenager. But then... he'd made that assumption about Brook and it turned out he was a century old. He keeps getting these reminders that he can't make any assumptions, here.

So, with a slightly lopsided smile, he asks: ]

Forgive me a terribly rude question, but how old are you?

[ Nikolai's face shows absolutely no recognition of Henrietta, or Virginia, or the United States of America. But he files the names away for the future, in case he meets others from the same place. ]

It's a sensible strategy. I appreciate the extra information, though I'm afraid I'm totally unfamiliar with that country.

[ Nikolai can't help a startled laugh when Noah asks what Ravka is like. A dozen answers spring to mind, none of which are appropriate for the conversation he's having and the intentions of the question. Nikolai has a complex, bitter, loving, honestly unhealthy relationship with his country. His entire life, before he was brought here, revolved around nursing it back to health, fixing the damage that had been done by his family and the civil war. Ravka demanded everything from him, and Nikolai knows it is never, ever going to be enough.

But he has to give some answer. ]

Ravka is... complicated. Perhaps I can tell you about it in person, while we transport the bed. If you send along the address, I can make my way to you.