His grip on her hands tightened when she stumbled, but she caught herself before the need for him to stop or catch her arose. "After my mother left, my father was practically never at home. Even when he took me on business trips, I was left to fend for myself." He gave a slight shrug. "Reading was a way to entertain myself. I enjoyed things that few others seemed to know about, the more obscure topics." Most of the texts hadn't even been in English, but it was just another excuse to practice foreign languages. "Most of it comes from centuries upon centuries ago, but it is quite interesting once you can manage to piece things together. The Norse believed that there were nine worlds - I always wanted to visit Asgard, because of Valhalla, the hall of the slain warriors and heroes." He realized that she probably had no idea what he was talking about, laughing at the way he'd started to ramble.
"Turkey has a very rich history, and to be able to actually see remnants of it would be fascinating." He smiled at her expression, tugging gently on her hands. "Perhaps someday you will end up going, Helena."
Vlad considered her question as they walked, his arm draped around her waist. "My taste in music makes me seem so old," he commented, wearing a look of mock discontent. "Wagner and Schubert are two of my favorites. Still, I am not completely against music that came after the 19th century. What I cannot stand, however, is rap music. My neighbor plays it constantly, and I think he only does it for the attention."