Thoughtful Gestures
Norway watched the young girl from across the room. She was practicing the violin just as he had taught, her small hands straying from the instrument only to brush away hair that had fallen over her eyes. Silently, he observed her, studying her form and listening for any mistakes she may make. He knew that she had much potential, and he was going to make sure that she became the best she could be.
As a teacher he was harsh, but as an older brother-figure, he was gentle and caring. He realized how her hair frequently found itself in her face, and her frustration at the unwelcome gesture did not go unnoticed by the older nation. Quietly, he put down the book that he had been previously reading and slowly made his way to his room. He rifled through a few of his drawers before finding what he was looking for, afterwards making his way back to the drawing room that the young girl was currently at.
He walked towards the girl, not saying a word. Noticing his approach, the young girl lowered her instrument and turned to face her caretaker.
"Ja…?" she asked albeit hesitantly, worried that she had made a mistake within her playing.
"Your hair," Norway replied simply, gesturing to the small portion that covered her left eye.
"Excuseer mij?" she asked, tilting her head just a fraction, not quite understanding what the other meant.
The barest of smiles made its way onto Norway's face at the young girl's cute expression. It had been a while since Norway last shared his home, especially with someone so young. He would not have admitted it out loud, but he was quite fond of young children. Bending down a bit, he carefully pinned the troublesome hair back with the small pin that he had brought from his room.
"There," he stated, standing up properly.
"Oh… Dankjewel," the girl thanked shyly.
She slightly turned towards the window, trying to examine the new accessory. Norway watched from the side, finding the girl's antics amusing.
"It's like yours...but smaller…" she observed.
"Ja," he affirmed, making his way towards his abandoned book. Looking back, he found the girl still examining the small pin. Softly shaking his head at his young charge, Norway watched with affection.
"From the beginning once more. Be mindful of the amount of pressure you are applying, ja?" he advised.
"Ja!" she responded with a nod, once more playing the string instrument.
Just a little something that popped out when I saw a picture of Norway without his cross pin in his hair...
The little girl that I mention represents the territory of Svalbard. According to Wikipedia: "The Dutchman Willem Barentsz made the first indisputable discovery of Svalbard in 1596...", so seeing as she is rather young here, around 6-7 years old, she speaks in Dutch rather than Norwegian.
I used a translator as well, so I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the phrases. If there is a better translation for anything, please let me know!
Ja: Yes
Excuseer mij?: Excuse me?
Dankjewel: Thank you