forum “Grimm”dark Fantasy O/O Closed

Started January 14, 2021 by @lavender_ladybug group

tune

Adriano shrugged back, and then a little nod to show he understood. It wasn’t exactly nice to meet a Grimm, but she, at least, seemed to be courteous enough. Thankfully she hadn’t asked anymore questions about his personal business. He appreciated that greatly. That and the somewhat pleasant conversation this seemed to be turning into. “I…I really don’t know.” He shrugged again at her question, rubbing his forearm with a hand. “Running is really the only thing I can do, as far and long as I can. Hope they eventually give up.” Eventually he needed to flee the country, find a place where it would take a while for the Royal Guard to think to look for him.

Meghan couldn't help but let out a short laugh at his idea. “I’m sorry… Is that really your plan?” she asked incredulously. “Do you have any idea how much influence the King has? Even outside the kingdom? Chances are you're not going to make it very far. Especially with the soldiers putting your face everywhere.” she pointed out. “No offense but I don't think you're going to make it, even if I hadn't stopped you.”

Adriano blinked, taken aback by her response. “I—“ he stammered. Of course he knew the King’s influence, but being raised amidst it all he didn’t really know the true affect it had. How far it really reached. He brought a hand up to the back of his neck, rubbing some of the tension away. Although it never really went away, not when he was being hunted like a fox. “I don’t exactly have any more options than to run. Staying in one place is just as much a death sentence as going from place to place.” Someone would always be bound recognize him from the papers. No matter what town he went to, or how long he stayed. The thought had him shrinking into himself.

Meghan sighed, shaking her head at his stubborn helpless attitude. It was understandable… and maybe her last comment didn't help much other than to point out something she thought was obvious. “If it weren't for those stupid posters, I'd offer to let you stay…” she muttered more to herself than him. Though she wasn't really sure WHY she said that. Maybe it was the kicked puppy expression and general demeanor he seemed to have. Aside from being a Wesen, he didn't trigger any warnings or immediate self-defense reflexes… Maybe he really was being made a scapegoat.

Adriano’s wave of hopelessness soon shifted into confusion. A Grimm willing to let him stay with her? Save for the wanted posters, of course. The idea that in a different situation he possibly could, it was almost too good to be true. All except for the fact was he was Wesen, and she was still a Grimm regardless of the decency she’d shown. He could never feel safe in her house. “Well. With those papers staying anywhere isn’t a good idea. Leaving isn’t either, but…” he trailed off, finishing his sentence off with a shrug.

Meghan nodded, understanding his point. “You’re really in a mess, aren't you?” she asked rhetorically. There had to be a way around this situation. It was weird wanting to help a Wesen. She normally just ended up scaring them off just by looking at them… Whether she wanted to or not. She figured it was probably just part of being a Grimm. “I could probably hide you here… Say you ran off after the soldiers left. No one ever really goes up to the loft.” she said just thinking of random ideas. “It wouldn't be hard to sneak you some food…”

Adriano blinked, eyes widening after. She was truly suggesting that she could help him? Not that he wanted the help from a Grimm, but after considering all angles of the position he was in, it wasn’t really a matter of whether he wanted the help. It was that he needed the help, and she seemed at least open to the idea. “I—ah—“ he stammered—“you would really do that?” There was always the chance that the Grimm was playing some trick. That she could call on the authorities to arrest him. But, then again, did he have any other choice otherwise? That was a hard no.

Adriano’s eyes widened when the Grimm began recounting…practically his entire life. There were some details missing, of course, but she was correct about all of it for the most part. “I—ah, yeah. Yeah that’s all right. Pretty much. How do you do that?” His gaze narrowed again. Not so much aggressively, but warily. Curious. Then again, how she read him like calligraphy wasn’t as important as the deal they were in the process of making. He shook his head, much like an animal would flinging off water. “No, never mind that. I mean, I swear I won’t attack anyone. I’m not…good at that anyway.”

Meghan smirked a little when his expression and words confirmed what she had said was correct. “It’s a Grimm thing, I guess.” she shrugged, answering his first question even though he brushed it away as irrelevant. She nodded when he agreed to her terms even though he did say what was most important to him… Honestly, she couldn't blame him for wanting to protect that since she assumed that was most likely what he was doing. “Good.” she consented as she held out her hand to finalize the agreement.

Adriano glanced down at her hand as if warily comforting other options before sealing a deal. As if he had any other options. It was a habit, perhaps, watching the happenings and deals made around the palace. One was never made impulsively or without thorough examination. Finally, he took her hand. Establishing their agreement. The terms didn’t even appear to be very difficult ones to follow through on. At least on Adriano’s side. He’d never been one to attack. Just hide and flee. “How do I know you won’t alert the Royal Guard? You have your insurance, and I want mine.”

Meghan raised a brow for a moment but nodded. It was only fair of him to ask that. Though she was struggling to come up with something. “I can agree with that. Let's see… If I swear by my father's grave, will that be enough?” she asked as that was the most important thing to her. Besides, as a Grimm, she had no need for the Royal Guard… and she and her mother had enough money for the two of them, so the reward didn't sway her enough.

Adriano pushed his brows together in consideration. There was no sure way of knowing how important this Grimm’s father was to her, but as he searched through her expression, she seemed genuine enough. Especially if her father was a Grimm. That is, if a Grimm’s powers were passed down genetically like Wesen were. His mother had never mentioned anything regarding how Grimm’s were made. “Alright. Yes, that should be enough…Thank you.”

Meg gave a small smile and nodded slightly, glad that they had reached an agreement. She could read Adriano’s confusion regarding her father but it wasn't something she was eager to discuss. Especially with a complete stranger… and a Wesen. “Good.” she said softly before clearing her throat a little. “I’ll bring somethings in for you later. You can sleep in the loft… Oh, and don't bother old Shadow. He can be a bit of a grump sometimes.” she warned, gesturing briefly to the black stallion on the other side of the barn.

His expression finally relaxed into a soft smile, barely noticeable. Shy, yet appreciative for the unexpected kindness. He followed her gesture towards the black stallion, which only brightened his smile. “Aw. To be fair we all get a bit grumpy sometimes.” At first glance stallion reminded him of one of the horses they had at the royal stables. Excellently bred. “Thank you again,” Adriano added once he flicked his attention back over to the Grimm. “Actually, I don’t think I’ve gotten your name yet, have I?”

Meghan gently returned the smile, glad that they had reached a truce and that he didn't seem to be as scared of her anymore. “He was my father's horse.” she explained as she walked over to the animal and started rubbing his muzzle. “He usually doesn't let anyone else, but me and my father, ride him.”

Shadow snorted a little at the action, flicking his ears before bumping his head against her shoulder.

“Meghan. Meghan Hill.” she answered, a little unsure if she had given her name earlier or not. Even if she had, she wouldn't have blamed Adriano for forgetting it considering how nervous he had been. “And you're welcome.”