Grim was excited to see Mariam, since he actually had news about his black outs. It had been hard not just going into it all in their journal, but he felt news like this deserved to be in person, plus he’d missed their last meeting so he felt he needed to make it up to Mariam. He wasn’t the sort of person that made friends easily, though it wasn’t like he made them hard either. He was just shy around strangers and didn’t say much, so getting through his outer reserved shell took time.
That’s usually where the dogs came in, especially Cheese Ball, he was the super social one of the bunch between him, Floki and Cheese. Always looking for a handout from anyone that would give him the time of day, always putting Grim in situations that forced him to socialise with people he didn’t always know.
Today, he was grateful for Cheese Ball's outgoing nature. The dog's playful antics could lighten the mood and provide a distraction, making the discussion about his blackouts less daunting. Thanks to his friendship with Mariam and his dogs, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Grim had planned to meet Mariam in their usual spot, a small but cozy tavern nestled in the outskirts of the Free Marches. It was a place where they could speak freely, away from prying eyes and ears. He arrived early, accompanied by Cheese Ball and Floki, who were already exploring the surroundings, their tails wagging in excitement.
As he waited for Mariam, he found his thoughts wandering back to his recent blackouts. He’d have understood if a demon or spirit had taken up residence inside of him, but the idea of some ancient Elvhen self-proclaimed god was mind boggling. He ordered a drink and some scraps for the dogs, who laid down at their usual table and ate away happily, while Grim nursed an ale and waited for Mariam.
She had to cut an adventure short, but knowing she was going to get to see one of her longest and oldest friends had eased the sting of not taking a job she knew would be good money, but she knew she could make the money up another time. And knowing why Grim was facing those blackouts, well, knowing would be better than not, at least then there was a path forward, something to be done at least.
As she pulled up to the usual spot, she let her horse find it's way to the stables on it's own, he knew the way after all, and she was off to the front door, nodding to the bar keep and his elvhen daughter as she rushed for the dogs, giving them immediate love, except for Cheese Ball, she was rather hesitant, before giving them love as well.
Well, come on then, you old lug, gimme my hug already. She opened her arms wide towards Grim, waiting for the hug that she knew would set her mind at ease. Or am I gonna have to wrestle that from you as well? She teased gently.
04-28-2024, 04:43 PM
Grímkæll Alfarinsson
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Grim, seeing the familiar grin on Mariam's face, stood from his chair, a smile of his own spreading across his face. He walked over to her, his arms wide open, ready to return the friendly gesture. I wouldn't dream of making you wrestle for it, he replied, chuckling. Cheese looked up from his food when he heard Mariam’s voice, tail/butt wagging wildly and uncontrollably as he went over to stand at Mariam’s feet and wait as patiently as he was able for Mariam to turn her attention towards Cheese.
I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important, but I have news that I wanted to deliver in person. Good news! He quickly added, not wanting Mariam to worry about what sort of news it was, though based on how excited he was to meet up with her, it was probably pretty transparent as it was that the news was of the good variety.
The hug was needed, Mariam could count on one hand how many times Grim hadn't made a meeting before, and so the reassurance that he was solid, and there in front of her instantly put her at ease the moment his arms wrapped around her. And after the squeeze, she let go, leaning back and watching his face. Nah, nah, nothing I can't get back to easily enough, now that the eluvians are working properly in this part of the world. Don't you ever miss a meeting again Grim, I was outta my head with worry over ya.
She finally bent down and ruffled Cheese's head fluff some, a thumb stroking down an ear, Don't snip at me.. she cautioned, as she had a pet for Floki too. And once the animals were greeted, she settled down into a chair and then grinned up at him. The mood was easy to tell that he had good news to share for once, so she would be happy to find out what was going on. Alright, alright, you have me here, and I'm waitin with bated breath now Grim. She was all smiles for him, his mood contagious in the moment.
05-12-2024, 05:43 PM
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Grim took a deep breath, steadying himself before diving into the heavy topic. Mariam, I asked you here because there's something important I need to tell you. You know those strange blackouts I've been having? Well, I've finally figured out the cause.
He paused, watching her reaction before continuing. It turns out, I'm possessed by an ancient Elvhen goddess who calls herself Ghilain'nan. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but bear with me.
Grim leaned in closer, lowering his voice. I met some folks in Arlathan who think they can help me get rid of her. It'll take some preparation, but they seem confident. In the meantime, I've managed to communicate with Ghilain'nan, and we've come to an understanding. She's agreed to stop trying to take control of my body.
He sighed, relieved to finally share the burden. I wanted you to know because you're one of the few people I trust completely. This isn't going to be easy, but knowing you're in my corner makes it a little less daunting.
Mariam slid further down in the chair, lady spreading under her skirted chain, a deep breath drawn in as she thought about his words, with a nod of her head. She couldn't help the twitch she felt, around her eyes as he explained the elvhen goddess. She knew with Gabe, his was some sort of spirit, if she remembered correctly. He had explained it to her once, but since it wasn't really her sort of thing, she was fairly certain that it had gone in one ear and out the other. No, their adventures were demon hunting. And one in particular.
Is getting rid of her going to leave you pretty much whole? Like it's not gonna take half of what makes you you out and dump it to the side? She was all for solving his black out problems, and if the old elf wasn't going to cause any problems in Grim's head for the mean time, she could be patient, but taking a spirit or demon, or elvhen goddess outta someone, was that even possible? Did they just fade away back into the ..
Weight off ya shoulders, huh? Ya big lunk, you know you could have told me sooner, I wouldn't have been off half way across the world on a boat worried I was never gonna find ya again. But I appreciate not sending all this through the journal, I wouldn't have handled that well, and pretty sure Gabe would be mad at ya for scaring me so badly. She sat up and took one of his hands. You know you have me, bow, sword, shoulder, or ears, I'm yours in this journey. I won't have you doing it alone.
Grim leaned back in his chair, eyes softening as he listened to Mariam’s words. Her concern and loyalty touched him more deeply than he let on. He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his struggles momentarily lifted by her presence and unwavering support.
You’re right, Mariam. I should’ve told you sooner, Grim admitted, his voice low and sincere. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems, especially with everything we’ve got on our plates. But I realize now that keeping it from you wasn’t fair.
He looked down for a moment, as he gathered his thoughts. Getting rid of her… it’s not going to be easy. And to be honest, I don’t know what it’ll do to me. She’s been a part of me for so long, five years now. But I know I can’t keep living like this, not knowing when she’ll take over. And is it really fair to her to live smoohsed in someone else’s body.
Grim’s expression softened further as he continued, I’m glad I told you in person. You deserve to know what’s going on, and I didn’t want to cause you any more worry than necessary. Gabe… yeah, he’d probably have my head for scaring you. But I had to be honest with you, Mariam. You’re too important to me. Gabe too!
Well, we'll figure it out together. I'm not gonna let you go through this alone. Mariam's voice was softer, there in the tavern, as she reached across the table and cupped his cheek, her eyes held to his as she nodded, searching his own for any fear, or anything else she needed to know that his words weren't telling her. Grim was her family, if it hadn't been Gabe, then.. perhaps in another life, Grim would have been the one she wanted to grow old and white with, perhaps.
But as she searched his face, she knew that the apprehension she saw there was just fear of the unknown, and she could be brave enough in the face of the unknown for them both. It was sort of what she did -- be the brave one, so that those she loved more than life itself could have the grace, the space to be afraid. But she patted his cheek, with a grin, Not cause me any worry, is that it? I see how it is, make me worry when ya vanish on me for several weeks, no letters, no journal entries, nothing ta let me know you were alive, but old elf mage riding shotgun, that I would worry about. The entirety of it was a tease, No, I don't think so, not your head at least. He had to listen to me whine about how long it took to get here. He'd done pretty good at not being angry when I complain
She nodded once, and then went to pick up a mug of ale that was set down in front of her, trying not to disturb Cheese as she went. It didn't dawn on her, and wouldn't yet, why her complaints had been tolerated. So, what's the plan?
