Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 21, 2014 22:46:18 GMT -6
To say Grimm was taken by surprise would have really underplayed what he was actually feeling at the time. Despite his best effort, he couldn't quite get any words out. It was something similar to being hit with a bat. He knew something was different about this woman, but he wasn't ready for something like that. It was hard for him to process all the things he was thinking into one clear sentence, but he knew he had to give it a shot. He didn't want it to be awkward, but he wasn't sure he really knew how to avoid it.
"I-I never head of House Gall before."
Welp, that was about the worst thing he could have said. He realized it even as he said it, but in his shock he couldn't seem to do anything but let the words slip from his mouth. He felt really bad afterwards, and immediately tried to backtrack into something that might have been better. He could see her sadness, and it killed him that he didn't have the words to help.
"I that's not what I meant to say... I mean. I-"
Losing hope in his words, Grimm did the only thing he could think to do. He moved in, and gave Elaina the best hug he could. He didn't know why he did it, and he sure as hell didn't understand what made him think this would even help, but it was all he could do. His words had failed him, so maybe this would show his genuine remorse for her situation. It was only then that the only words that could truly be said now came to him.
"I'm sorry."
He moved away, feeling bad for having stumbled so much with his words and actions. He had time to articulate a little more now though. He was able to respond to everything she said without feeling a lump in his throat. He would be surprised by just how much he actually did have to say now that he could do so without feeling an ever growing amount of pressure on his chest. I mean, he really couldn't think of a way to make a bigger fool of himself then he already knew he was.
"I'll take you to my friends, the other mercenaries. I-I'm not the leader so I can't tell you yes for sure, but I'll take you to them and I'll tell them to let you join. But... But I'll also make sure you are safe. Even before you join. I'll make sure ok? And I won't tell anyone!"
He added the last part a little quickly, putting together right then that it was best if people didn't know who she was.
"I'll... I- I mean..."
There it was again, the lump in his throat. This time coming from a new amounting guilt. He thought that, if he had known her situation when he landed, he could have done more to help her. He could have said things better, maybe been more friendly. It was maybe a stupid thing to start getting worried about now, but right now his mind wasn't clear. He was still young, too inexperienced at any of this. He was clearly at a loss.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2014 9:37:11 GMT -6
Elaina was more than a little shocked at Grimm hugging her. Did she push him away, let it happen? She'd never had a stranger hug her before. But then he pulled away. She had a genuine look of surprise. She wasn't embarrassed or upset just confused. "Well, if you've never heard the name then that's good. The average person won't know of me."
She thought a moment. "So, when we get to town lets get something to eat and maybe make a plan? I would request that your friends not know the truth of my identity. I felt I needed to tell someone but the less people the better."
She gave him a silent look. He was bothered by too much by his own sympathy. "Don't feel bad. It's not your fault these things happened. What's done is done right? That's what my father always said." She smiled.
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 24, 2014 21:04:22 GMT -6
Grimm felt dumb, that much was almost certain to have come. He just didn't know how to act yet. When he had left his home he thought that his life was truly about as tragic as it could have been, but he was learning now just how wrong that really was. Sure, he had lost his mother and father, but Vergil had never even known his and Elaina had both lost her parents and her previous life. Not only that, but both were able to smile and be assuring about all of it despite how awful Grimm's heart felt just thinking about it. He realized when she smiled, that life was much more complicated then what he had originally thought when he set off only a short while ago. When he had hugged her, he was thinking of what he would have done for Sarah back home if she had suffered that much. Now, he realized that life back home was so peaceful that neither he, nor Sarah really knew what pain could be.
This revelation didn't make Grimm feel any weaker, but instead stirred his desire to grow stronger. He was already starting to see the world more clearly then he had done back in his sheltered home, but he didn't see it wrong to be sheltered from it. No, Grimm was going to get so strong that he could give people that kind of shelter and peace from the pain of the world. His ambition grew, and from such a stupid thing as childish embarrassment and over-reaction. After he had joined with Vergil, he found he was inspired by a lot of silly and small things. Living like this was making him grow fast.
"I'm sorry... I just. I guess I didn't really know how to react. I won't tell my friends who you really are or nothing though. You'll like adventuring with us at least."
Grimm's voice had a sudden change in confidence reflecting his sudden realization of the world around him. He still felt bad for Elaina, but she seemed alright. He was certain the group of them would make a great team. Besides, it would be nice to have someone else with a mount around. No one minded Abroth, but he knew it was hard for the others to understand the troubles of a rider.
"Food and a plan is a good idea. I think we might need to work out a few things for traveling. Vergil and the others are a good bit away from here, so it might take us a while to get to them."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2014 21:37:40 GMT -6
"Got it." Elaina gave Grimm a curious look. It wasn't odd but more questioning. Something in Grimm flicked like a switch. Like he had a sudden revelation. She smiled. "That's a good look for you. One of confidence and knowing. You almost look like a leader."
She was glad he'd keep her secret for her. If she was to lead this new life then she would need to leave it all in the past. No more crying, no more fancy dresses, and no more restrictions. "I hope you're right." She thought back on one of the first things Cen said to her. "So, think we'll go charging into dens of bandits and fighting dragons?" She laughed before saying "Never mind. She wondered where Cen might be. She felt guilty leaving him behind that night but she didn't have a choice. In truth it was all so fresh in her mind and she felt like crying every time she thought back to it, but no more crying she had to be strong she told herself. If not for her then for Grimm too. He seemed to deal better with his own loses when she did too. How long would she be able to keep the ruse going though? It was only a matter of time, a ticking time bomb.
She grabbed hold of Grimm's arm by wrapping both her arms around it. "Okay, let's go!" She began to run forward pulling Grimm along with her, until she tripped. A tree root had surprised her and her toes crunched against it causing her to painfully fall forward. Of course she had Grimm as well and almost brought him down with her. "Ouch." She quickly stood again. "You didn't see that."
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 25, 2014 10:13:49 GMT -6
"Thank you."
Grimm couldn't help but laugh a bit when she mentioned about his new demeanor. He wondered if she was deliberately trying to embarrass him with complements like that. It made him feel good though, and gave him an even greater boost. He was excited at the thought of their ever growing group of mercenaries. He couldn't help but feel like everything was falling into place. He briefly thought about all of the cool adventures they would have when Elaina mentioned about running into dens of bandits and fighting dragons. She must have been on the same page as him, even if she ended the thought quickly with a, "never mind".
It was all still enough to keep Grimm smiling, and even back to a laugh when Elaina took hold of his arm and started to go. He let go of Abroth's harness as he was pulled along, knowing the beast would follow them either way. He couldn't help but admire her cheerfulness. He enjoyed running with her and keeping up.
"Haha, slow down! We're gonna f-"
He didn't even get time to say it before it happened. Luckily, Grimm had a slightly better footing on the ground, and was able to prevent them both from falling flat on their faces with some steady maneuvering. He used his arms to hold her off the ground till she got her footing back as well, laughing at the averted crisis. He smiled, not used to having this much fun on his adventures.
"You ok? Haha, you should be more careful. Next time we might actually fall."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 13:29:13 GMT -6
"Ouch," she could feel the pop in her toes. "I'm good I'm good," she said turning before tripping again and falling to the ground. She didn't bother getting back up. The unevenness of the ground and roots and other odd obstacles took her twice, back to back. She almost felt ashamed. So much for a lady if elegance and grace.
She got back up this time not laughing. She'd felt embarrassed. "Let's just go." She had a dissatisfied face for the better part of a mile. Up ahead was a town.
"It's so small!" She exclaimed. Elaina had never actually seen a town and judging from the gates it looked to fill less space than the property of her household. The truth of the matter was for a town out in the middle of nowhere it was decently sized.
Passing through the gates Elaina started running to various stands and windows looking at the goods. It was like a field trip to her. Getting to see how the other half lived. She saw a sign that read tavern.
"A tavern. A lot of famous adventures start in these! Let's go!" She had already begun running.
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 25, 2014 19:32:15 GMT -6
Grimm moved to help her up, still smiling, but this time in a more reassuring kind of way. He felt bad that she had gotten hurt, but he couldn't help but find her embarrassment cute in some way. She was a funny girl, and he enjoyed her company. He wanted to make sure she knew it was alright.
"It's ok. Don't be embarrassed. The ground here is rough."
It wasn't too far from then that they had managed to get to town. Grimm saw the place, and thought of how big it was compared to his home. It surprised him when Elaina exclaimed about it's small size. He supposed it was just the difference in where they were raised that led them to their different perspectives. He didn't mention the difference, instead letting her enjoy the experience. He remembered the first time he had come to a town different then his own. It was so exciting, and he could see her excitement now.
"Let's go check it out!"
Inside the gates, Grimm almost had to laugh again. Elaina was like a child in a candy store. He realized before that she must not have been used to this kind of thing yet, but it really hit him when he saw her running around between the shops. He gave her space to check everything out, not wanting to ruin the fun of seeing a town like this for the first time. Besides, he was having fun just knowing she was having fun. When she came up on the tavern Grimm was already beaming from the day so far.
"What better way to start our own adventure out huh?"
He walked toward the tavern, holding Abroth's leash tight so she didn't wonder off much. He found people were more easily accepting of his beast if they saw he was keeping her close and held tight. He knew it was just people natural presumptions about wyverns, and for that matter people from Bern. When they got close to the tavern, Grimm made sure to tie Abroth up outside. She was used to this by now, and just sat down.
"Ok, let's go inside huh?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 21:58:52 GMT -6
Elaina didn't wait on Grimm per se, more like looked to ensure he was still coming. While he tended to Abroth her excitement had the better of her and she rushed indoors. Inside it was bustling and with a large crowd. It was just like she read. Down to the awful smell and unhygienic people. IT WAS GREAT!!! In time she'd quickly find it less appealing.
There in the front was a man retelling a tale straight from a book she'd read. Word for word he spoke. His eloquence and emotion was perfect. It was just how she had imagined it in her own head. "Wow." Suddenly the man paused.
"I'm afraid the rest is a mystery. The tale ends there." he shook his head regretfully. That wasn't right she thought. It continued on and finished in the tragic deaths of everyone. That was the very reason the man stopped retelling. He could read the crowd and a sad tale was not their desire. "Would anyone happen to have a story of their own to be retold her today?"
Elaina hesitated looking for Grimm. Should she go up there? She was eager to tell a tale but nervous as well. She bit her lower lip.
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 27, 2014 9:31:28 GMT -6
Grimm came inside, sitting down at a table ordering a few drinks and food for him and Elaina. He hadn't been in many places like this yet, but he was already starting to get used to it. The smell and lack of person hygiene didn't bother Grimm much at all, his growing up on a farm was most likely the cause of that. The novelty of places like this still got to him though. He liked seeing all of these people, all with stories to tell. Speaking of stories, one man in particular seemed to be telling one right now. Grimm of course had never head the story before. It was pretty good though, and he could tell that Elaina liked it a lot too. When he finished Grimm saw Elaina turn to him, and could tell right away what she wanted to do.
"You should go up! I bet you know a lot of great stories."
He raised his glass a little for her as well to signal his approval both verbally and physically. He was actually really excited to hear her story. Grimm loved this kind of thing, and if he got a chance to socialize a little as well he would really be in paradise. It was things like this that made him start adventuring in the first place. Seeing the world, hearing its tales.
"You'll do great!"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2014 16:01:03 GMT -6
After a moment of looking Elaina spotted Grimm. He could read her thoughts and said something. You should gup? Oh wait. Go up. She smiled at him and nodded in return to his glass raise. With a twirl around she resolved herself to start. "Oh boy." She walked forward and to the story teller. "I have a tale."
"Do you now? Alright LETS HEAR IT!!!" The crowd cheered and followed with shouts and whistles. It was a mix of desire for stories and for some it was for a young woman on stage.
Elaina looked at Grimm one last time almost as cinfirmation it was safe before beginning her tale.
"This is from an old poem but it's also a story. It's called the ice demons." She began to speak. At first by telling the poem. "They say they went up with not even a cup, but when they came down one bore a crown, he had become a king, of which the bards would sing. He conquered the land him and his band. Yet he was cold of heart and soon fell apart becoming the chill of the wind."
The crowd was mostly quiet. It was a poem they'd never heard before. "What's it mean?" One man asked.
Elaina had a large smile. She had the crowds interest. "Well it tells the story of a conqueror. Long ago he and his fellow soldiers climbed to the far unknown north. When he was there he met an entire civilization of monsters." She began to on and on. The more comfortable she became the better the story was. To anyone relaxed the words painted images that lulled them away. It was almost like magic. The girl had a talent and the crowd agreed.
The tale was coming to a close after a full two hours but none left. The crowd only grew. "His brother hounded him into his mountain fortress where he pleaded and begged. He didn't want to battle his brother but their differences could not be resolved," she told of the conquerors end. Whether the tale had any truth in it or not it played a role for fictional history.
"He fell from his tower with his Ivey sword plunged into his chest. The conqueror never hit the ground but rather dissolved into the air. A gale of winds blowing the fortress apart in his vengeance. The lands froze over. This is the place that has come to be known as Ilia."
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Aug 28, 2014 17:28:34 GMT -6
Everyone gathered and listened to Elaina's story, and Grimm was no different. To Grimm, it was as fascinating a tale as he had ever heard, and like everyone else it was one that was new to him. The most Grimm had heard before hand were small stories of Bern, nothing like this. He got engaged in the chatter and fun of it all, whispering excitements and drinking with a few of the others listening in. It was about as much fun as he had ever had at a tavern, and like many of the other patrons listening to the story, Grimm was also sad to hear it end. He was almost hoping it never would.
When she finished her last sentence, Grimm was one of the first to clap. Others would follow his lead, along with whistles and cheers. She really helped make the atmosphere of the place tonight. Grimm couldn't help but feel proud just to know the lady that made everyone's night better. He took the first chance he saw to make it to the front of the crowd so he could congratulate her.
"Wow, I didn't know stories existed that were that exciting to hear! That was amazing!"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2014 21:20:25 GMT -6
Elaina's face turned cherry red at all the praise. "Th-thank you so much. I'm glad you liked the story!"
A man somewhere across the bar remained hidden to her sight save an overflowing mug that raised from a huge burly arm shouted out, "An asshole to the end! Freezing over Ilia!" He laughed.
"Give us another!" Came a voice followed by more and more shouting. It seemed she was gaining popularity very quickly.
"Uh, uh, uh..." Elaina started to look for a way out. It was all too much. Suddenly Grimm somehow managed his way through. Did he have the strength of an ox or the body of a sea cucumber? He too praised her story. Elaina grabed his hand and pushed into him getting close so he could hear her over the crowd. She didn't know how her actions would make a man feel. The entire time she had been acting in a way that would make most men get the wrong idea but she was innocent in her mind. Hopefully Grimm knew. "Can we get out of here. This is all a bit much." Suddenly a man put a bag of coins in her face. "Huh?"
It was the tavern keeper. "You drew me a mighty crowd young lady. I feel you deserve this. Come on back again you hear."
"Thanks!" Elaina took the bag a little confused but she was grateful.
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Grimm
Squire
Posts: 78
Profession: Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Link
OoC Alias: Grimm
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Post by Grimm on Sept 3, 2014 20:03:17 GMT -6
When the cry for more came across the room, Grimm was half tempted to join in. If she didn't seem so unwilling he might have liked to have heard another of her stories, but he could tell she was done. He didn't really blame her, all of the people here were starting to get back to their unruly selves without her stories keeping them in a pleasant trance. It was time to move on anyways. With his hand outstretched, he took Elaina's and brought her in close to him so she wouldn't feel so nervous about navigating the crowd. He didn't think much of her getting close to him, maybe a bit too oblivious. This time maybe for his own good.
At this distance he could hear her pretty well over the crowd, and smiled as he started to move them out of the crowd and to the exit. She almost didn't have to say anything at all really, he had already known she was ready to leave from her expressions. Having the two be so close made it easier for Grimm to shield her from the rowdy crowd. It also helped that Grimm had spent his time talking to a lot of the people here during their stay, and was at least on a half friendly status with most of them. In fact, when he saw the keeper coming over Grimm hadn't even thought much of it. That was until he was holding a bag of coin in front of Elaina. To be honest it even surprised him.
Pushing just a little more, Grimm managed to get the both of them outside again, where both of their mounts waited patiently for them.
"That was pretty exciting, and you did so well you even got payment for it. That had to be a nice first experience with taverns."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 23:14:29 GMT -6
Elaina was relieved to be outside of all the chaos. Oh wow, it was something else but, did she really get paid for retelling a story? "uh, so, are story tellers really that valuable?" It was a novel concept to her having grown up reading books her whole life. One of the few escapes she had from the manor. It was suffocating being there. Poor Cen, he really should have been the one to take her into town first but she was scared. Still, this is still quite a good time. She sighed again, no matter how much she distracted herself she kept thinking back to her home, and last night. No, no, NO MORE CRYING!
She avoided looking at Grimm and quickly mounted peanut. "Where to, Sir Grimm?" She had to keep occupied in order to not feel the pain. If she kept it down and buried it then she could forget about it right? Move on and not have to deal with it. That was stupid but, she had to do it. She thought she had to do it. "Maybe I could tell stories all over. Keep traveling and telling stories in all the pubs and taverns I see. I could be a troubadour." She looked to Grimm to see if he approved. "Perhaps I can share many of them with you and your friends as well. Ah, I know, I can sing your praises once I bear witness to your awesome might in battle. It will be a tale for the ages." Despite not actually eating she urged Peanut forth and headed out of town.
[END THREAD]
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