video;
[ she knows there's a why somewhere, whether it's buried or not. elena doesn't need the why; she can understand one of the many hows. it's partially why she's quiet, a soft look in her eyes due to empathy and resounding compassion, only changed appropriately by the continuation of his story.
she doesn't understand what it's like to have that kind of brilliance, or even any at all, but that's a piece of why this is interesting to her. maybe hearing someone who has gone places, did things, lived life, is something of what she wants and she wants to hear about it.
she smiles somewhat, at the mention of a lifetime movie. it's clear this answer is personal to him, and while she sees through the subject change, she allows him that, and the look she gives him is knowing enough that he might notice she means to.
besides, it works. elena's well-read. if she has any passion, it's stories. reading, writing, the depiction of life and how it compliments the reality.
so hearing he knew mark twain... her expression lightens and honestly she's not surprised tesla knew him, though she is interested. ] His books definitely shaped some of my childhood.