"Norwegian?" She'd never met anyone was Scandinavia. Did they all grow this tall? She felt like a little girl next to him. "You speak perfect English, but I've heard that the rest of the world teaches English as a second language from grade school because America can't be bothered to learn other languages." She could admit the shortcomings of her country.
"I'm from Boston," she offered. "It can get pretty cold there, especially during a Nor'easter. We lived in the middle of the city, though, so no fire pits but I'd love to get the chance to experience it." Oh god what did she just do? Was he inviting her? Did she just accept? Was this a date? God she knew NOTHING about any of this! GUH!
The awkward was forgotten almost immediately because he said he's help! With her research! He had no idea what he was in for. "Really? That would be great! There's all kinds of cryptids I've heard about in Scandinavia, Finland and Denmark. Trolls. Gnomes. But I guess they're called tomte. The world serpent. Giants. There was a whole study on Norse Folktales, mythology and stuff. It wasn't my thing, but I had friends who were making it their focus. Apparently, you guys were really in depth with the details."
Welcome to Pippin's hyperness, Ragnar.
"I got a car," she said as she fell in step beside him. "I'm not even sure how all of that worked. It's been baffling me ever since I was able to find that book for the person I was secret Santa-ing for. Why are you lonely? Don't you have any friends?"