[ he glances up as he's addressed, startled blue eyes finding the stranger, then dropping to the notebook in his hand. for a few moments, he's a little surprised by the question, and has to contemplate an answer. why had he chosen this one, other than because it felt good in his hands?

realizing he's lapsed into silence, he breathes a small laugh, glancing back up at her and dipping his chin in an apologetic bow. ]

Forgive me, my lady, but.. truthfully, I suppose I chose it only because it feels suitable. [ he lets it fall open across his palms, thumbing over the leather cover and letting the pages turn, the sound satisfying to his ear. ] I do not need something decorative, as it travels with me, and it must be easily bound shut and stored when necessary. [ he shuts it again, and offers it out to her to take if she wants to handle it for herself. ] The paper must accept ink without bleeding through, and the whole of it should be small enough to keep on my person at all times if I wish it.

[ he pauses, and looks just a touch embarrassed. ] I am.. something of a historian. At home, I travel and research extensively. [ at least, he had. ]