December

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias stayed silent through her ramblings. Perhaps if he had been more perceptive and less involved in his own thoughts, he would have seen that she needed comfort just as much, if not more, than he did. However, he was stoic and self involved, allowing both Grimms to go without each other's comfort.

At her comment of drinking, Elias grunted in agreement, wishing beyond all else that he could drink his problems away, ameliorating them in a single night with wild dancing with the drink.

At her behest, the hunter offered his arm and took her formally, walking down the stairs in pace with his now fianceè.

The downstairs was quite, except for the sound of Nathan's quiet bickering to himself and the hard sound of boot on plank as the raging man paced back and forth in front of the empty fire place, his body language further betraying his poorly concealed hatred.

As the pair entered the room, Elias locked eyes with Nathan, having a silent battle of mettle for a long moment. Nathan refused to back down, so Elias eventually broke eye contact, looking over at Marcus. ”You requested out presence?”

Marcus drew a long sigh, resting his hands on his knees in an attempt to stabilize himself. For a moment, Elias could see the toll old age had taken on the man. His form was thin, his knuckles bony, and his hands shook as if he was stuck with fear. His eyes were sunken, and wrinkles covered his face, bunching up around the corners of his eyes. In all, the plague of decrepitness had seemed to have suddenly ravaged Marcus' body. Perhaps it was the drama, perhaps it was Nathan running his mouth, perhaps it was the journey here, or the sudden announcement of Alexis and Elias' engagement, or a combination of them all.

Elias wondered how this had effected his plans, however, his thoughts were interrupted as the man spoke.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

"Elias, are you really okay with all of this?"

Her words gave the Grimm pause, letting silence fill the room as he considered it. "Okay" was certainly not the word he would choose to describe his current situation and his feelings on it. In many ways, Alexis had robbed him of many freedoms and opportunities in his life. In others, she had opened new doors and provided an entire host of unique scenarios for him to explore. It was all a large amount to process, and it overwhelmed the man.

It had taken away his freedoms and liberties to do as he pleased when it came to combat, politics, social encounters, and even his sexuality. He would abstain, but it still troubled him. Would she be expecting him to engage in intercourse immediately upon marriage? He had decided to be patient with that, as Alexis' reputation had been at stake, and he truly wanted their relationship to work. And what about his hunting? Now he had a future wife and family to consider. If he got injured or killed while in combat, however unlikely he thought that outcome to be, it would have massive ramifications for the ones he loved.

As for his rage? How would he control that around a family? He was no man to raise a child, much less multiple, as Alexis had inferred. Would that affect his relationship with his wife? How would it all turn out?

Lastly, and perhaps most important, Elias felt a great sadness within himself. However unrealistic it seemed, Elias had always hoped that perhaps, one day, he would marry a man. Now that was never going to happen.

After a few minutes of silence, Elias sighed. "We must return to their company. I'm sure they're waiting for us.."

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias watched her pack her things, shaking his head as he exhaled sharply through his nose. Calloused hands ran through dark brown hair as he growled in frustration, glaring at the blackness of his closed eyelids. Yes, she had changed everything without even bothering to ask his consent. But given her situation, did he really blame her? It was either proclaim marriage to Elias, or suffer through the rest of her life kept away under the vindictive thumb of an abusive child in a man's body.

Letting his hands drop from his head, Elias opened his eyes to see her nervously standing before him.

"Okay, I'm ready to go if you want me to."

Shaking his head, Elias reached out and grasped the back, chucking it to the side. An odd, deep bubbly sound resounded from the barrier as it blocked the projectile, sending a shockwave throughout the dynamic dome of magic. "Even when you irritate me, I don't want you gone, Alexis."

Stepping forwards, the larger man wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head as he felt her rest against his own chest. Taking a deep breath, he gave her something to match her own breathing with to calm her down. "I'm with you until the end, my love."

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias decided not to speak during the entire process, allowing Alexis to talk unhindered. The magical dome around them altered gradients, providing a soothing aura that brought a small bit of peace to his mind.

For a long moment, Elias said nothing as Alexis trailed away into silence, giving way to the soft glowing aura of the orb around tehm as the only noise in the room. Finally, Elias took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "Alexis, listen... I'm not mad... Hell, yes I am."

Running his hand through his hair, Elias turned around and faced the magical wall. There was a deep rumble in his chest, from anger or frustration or exasperation, he didn't know. He considered punching the wall, but Elias had no idea if that would end well or anyone. "This changes everything, Alexis. We're bound now. Once and forever, no turning back"

Turning back around to face her, he searching for something in her eyes, an answer, anything. "Do you get that? Do you understand what you've done?"

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias decided not to speak during the entire process, allowing Alexis to talk unhindered. The magical dome around them altered gradients, providing a soothing aura that brought a small bit of peace to his mind.

For a long moment, Elias said nothing as Alexis trailed away into silence, giving way to the soft glowing aura of the orb around tehm as the only noise in the room. Finally, Elias took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "Alexis, listen... I'm not mad... Hell, yes I am."

Running his hand through his hair, Elias turned around and faced the magical wall. There was a deep rumble in his chest, from anger or frustration or exasperation, he didn't know. He considered punching the wall, but Elias had no idea if that would end well or anyone. "This changes everything, Alexis. We're bound now. Once and forever, no turning back"

Turning back around to face her, he searching for something in her eyes, an answer, anything. "Do you get that? Do you understand what you've done?"

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias slowly straightened his back and took a deep breath, mentally steeling himself. Either his life was changed forever, or Alexis suffered for the rest of her's. It was an unfair ultimatum, yet instead of the normal rage Elias typically felt, there was... numbness. Stronger than sadness and heavier than anger, Elias was familiar with this feeling, as it afflicted him for months after Taric's death.

The Grimm could feel all eyes on him, and he had to acknowledge them. Meeting Marcus eyes, Elias faked confident expresssion. "It's true. A few evenings ago I asked Alexis to give me her hand in marriage."

There was a small gasp from someone in the room, though Elias couldn't tell who. Perhaps it was one of the many servants that thought they weren't detected, listening to the conversation around corners and behind closed doors. The silence stretched on for a few moments longer before Elias spoke again. "I don't intend to allow Broussard to see Alexis again. That boy is vile, volatile, and repulsive. Inform him an actual suitor has claimed Alexis' hand and that he will never touch her again."

With that, Elias turned and left, his boots echoing loudly as the only noise in the hallway. As he made his way up the stairs, he saw three servants, one being his own personal helper, quickly scrambling up the stairs and out of sight. Disregarding them as he went, the newly engaged man turned right at the top of the stairs and swiftly walked towards Alexis room. Without bothering to knock or request entrance, he opened the door, shutting it behind himself.

Alexis was waiting for Elias, sitting on the edge of her bed. Before she had the chance to say a word, Elias gently grasped her shoulder, leaning in close with a soft whisper. "If your magic can make us unheard from prying ears, I suggest you do it."

After speaking, he pulled away as the numbness overtook his body, making reality feel inauthentic as he moved to the window and gazed outward.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Alexis claim was bold, and Elias immediately stiffened at her words. He wouldn't abandon her, but who was she to claim that about him? It not only took away his life, but also his choice. He would be locked in marriage to her if he wanted to save her.

But I do love her... And it's going to be a cold day in hell before I let her marry this bastard of a child.

As his eyes came into focus, he registered the new threat. As Nathan raised his fist, something coursed through Elias. It wasn't adrenaline, or hormones, or anything else that would normally affect him during combat. It was something... new, yet familiar. It was like there were two souls of one mind in his body, raging to stop the attack.

Without a second thought, Elias and the new force stepped forwards, catching the crook of Nathan's arm with his own forearm. While instinctively Elias sought to strike Nathan in the solar plexus, the new mind displayed disapproval, instead guiding Elias' right hand towards the soft, tender part of Nathan's shoulder. Instead of a full powered fist, a light, gentle jab of straight fingers was dealt, pulling back as soon as the mind gave the approval to do so.

The Grimm's next move was to strike Nathan's throat, however, once again, the new mind goaded him into a different course of action. Repeating the first strike, yet this time on Nathan's left side, Elias meekly jabbed once more, entirely contrary to his regular, rage-induced fighting style.

For a moment, a second look of horror crossed Nathan's face as his arms fell limp to his sides, no longer responding to his movements. His fingers were twitching wildly, yet there was still no response from the upper arm.

Smirking confidently, Elias stepped forwards and thrust his knuckles into the inside of Nathan's left inner thigh, following it up with two more close hits down the leg.

Like a sack bag, Nathan crumbled, wailing as his fall resulted from his limbs betraying him. Standing tall, Elias growled menacingly at the man, glowering down intimidatingly. "I don't believe you'll be finding a partner in Ellesphere today, Brusselsprout." (I forgot the name of the city okay)

Turning back to face the woman behind him, Elias locked eyes with Alexis' magic fueled eyes. His body was blocking Nathan from seeing the spectacle, however, blue and purple energy churned in her irises as Elias came face to face with the secondary mind that had guided him during the fight.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias watched in irritation at the entire display, looking blatantly disappointingly at Marcus as Nathan dragged Alexis from the room. After a moment, he heard Alexis cry out in pain. Crossing the room, Elias glared at his Uncle. "You've truly proven yourself to be spineless, Marcus Grimm."

Entering the hallway, Elias witnessed Nathan forcing himself upon Alexis, pinning her against the wall as he raised his hand to strike her again. Without thinking of the consequences or even of the action itself, Elias produced a chain from his waist and lashed out, narrowing his eyes as a faint blue energy imbued the chain with magic as it curled itself around the abuser's wrist. With a harsh jerk, Elias pulled on the chain and forced Nathan to stagger backwards at the immense amount of strength he used. As Broussard stabilized himself, surprising the Grimm with his incredible balance, Elias ensured the magic was no longer imbuing the chain, pleased that Nathan had been so consumed with his actions that he had failed to notice the cerulean energy.

[color=royalblue]"You might think you hold some sort of sway at home, pretty boy, but here, in this city, I have the power," Elias barked, stepping forward and glowering down at the shorter man. "Whatever 'whorish' tendencies you think she has developed is quite insolent of you. I wouldn't hesitate to be honest about our relations, if they existed, and your lack of class and tact is-!"

"Elias, enough!" Marcus boomed, entering the hallway with Jean close behind. "You've overstepped your bounds. You will stand down."

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

As soon as Nathan stormed out of the room, the boy that had been attempting to stop him poked his head in, hurrying to apologize.

"I-i'm so sorry, Master Elias, I-!" He stopped as Elias stood and held up a hand, his face firm but kind.

"It's okay, Damien, asses are stubborn creatures." Elias said, grabbing a towel and beginning to dry himself off. Damien's eyebrows raised at Elias blatant disrespect of a noble, however, he quickly put the thought aside and rushed to get Elias clothing.

Within seconds, Elias was dressed in a pair of leggings and a rich blue tunic, finishing it off with a pair of black hunting boots. Moving past Damien, Elias instructed him to wait out back for Alexis and inform her of Broussard's detestable mood. Without glancing back, Elias rushed down the stairs, silently approaching the front room where Nathan's roars were echoing outward from. Casually moving into the room, Elias leaned against the frame of the door, his arms crossed and a look of judgement on his face.

"Really, Marcus, this is the best you could find?" Elias scoffed, shaking his head at the childlike outburst. "Men of the West would never let themselves lose control like this. It's-!"

Elias was cut short by some kind of curse from Nathan, but he just raised an eyebrow and looked between Marcus and Nathan. "Alexis is above him, Uncle."

Wayne

---

Wayne gently checked up on Sophie to ensure she hadn't been injured in the fight before brushing off her returned concern, pretending that he hadn't taken a glancing blow to the ribs. "We need to find Alexis. I don't think letting her near humans unchecked is a wise idea. Her magic is uncontrolled and disruptive, and you and I both know the hell that will be raised if the Downworld catches whiff of a rumor that there's a Hexenbiest in upper human society."

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@Wick

Elias

---

Elias had to repeatedly hold his tongue from lashing out at the other man, reminding himself that any form of direct aggression would get him nowhere. If Nathan were to be inhibited, it would require tact and verbal proficiency.

"Brusselsprout, I find it disconcerting that you will believe any wild servants tale that happens to make its way from the kitchens to your overeager ears," Elias casually responded, making sure to never give Nathan his gaze. "If you find yourself searching for a bitch of whorish tendencies and disreputable behavior, I would advise you go back and search in the same gutter that you pulled that forsaken pair of boots from."

Shifting his weight so that he could scrub his back, Elias cast an arrogant glance at his unwelcome guest. "Please, at least try to show some class when speaking of a woman such as Alexis. Count your blessings that you find yourself able to set foot in this respectable establishment despite your obvious disregard of proper conduct, as well as the knowledge that I have never sought after or engaged in intercourse with Alexis, for if I did, I know she'd find your actions and stamina in bed quite underwhelming in comparison. After all, I fear that your pompous lifestyle has robbed you of physical vigor and a woman's touch in exchange for a soft hand and a strengthened right arm."

Elias snorted derisively as he returned to his own hygiene, mentally preparing himself to not break the bastard's nose.