Since he was already earning himself a one-way ticket to hell by simply talking to Anthony, Sorin figured he'd enjoy the ride. He walked over and sat down next to the other boy boldly, shoulder to shoulder so his body heat would drift. Plus, it would be fun if he could keep Anthony on his toes, wondering just what Sorin would do next.
"It is," he replied. "But to live in some places, you must be strong of body and mind. In the mountains of Transylvania, the winters are bitter and bleak. Death comes easily to the unprepared. There are wolves and - other things. And the government?" He shook his head. "Improving, but not good yet. That is why many say that people from my country and the countries around it are, what is the phrase, doom and gloom? It is not so. We love and laugh, but we are a hard people. Even the wealthy, like my family, know what it means to sacrifice."