Grimsley Rancour's Links
One of Grimsley's childhood friends. Aramis has been attached to Grimsley's hip since they were little. They have a strange familiarity, something akin to brotherliness... Aramis has always been the clearest voice of reason among the Checker Brigade, and he always seems to know what to say to put Grimsley at ease.
Aramis understands that Grimsley has become rather popular, but he still quietly maintains the notion that- it is he who is Grimsley's closest friend. He has doubts and reservations about their relationship, but Grimsley is one of the only few people in his life he genuinely cares about.
One of Grimsley's childhood friends. It seemed like she was always capable of finding the best ways to start conflicts with all of Grimsley's other companions. Now that they've both matured and mellowed out, Grimsley can appreciate Paisley's newfound patience with everyone. He seems to be the only one capable of talking her down when her mood gets bent out of shape...
She wasn't always Grimsley's biggest fan, of course, but that doesn't matter. They've been lumped together for a long time, having ran into each other regularly as children and growing up to be some of the most dangerous combatants in all of the faerie settlement. Yes, for a time, they had encountered some serious interpersonal conflicts, but somehow, since then, Paisley and Grimsley have regularly returned to one another. There isn't much she wouldn't do for him...
It's not every day that the legendary hero wakes up from her assumed to be permanent, death-sleep to kill you and attack your friends but- stranger things have happened, and she's now a welcome edition to your party and inner circle.
When Zia first awoke and escaped from her stone tomb, she was in a daze. She stumbled out and met Grimsley and his companions. In an aggravated confusion she mistook him for one of her old enemies and attacked him. Once they subdued her, she calmed down and was thus introduced into the modern world. After a few months of living again, she's quite embarrassed by her behavior, but they seem to be getting on great as friends.
It goes without saying that Grimsley loves his mother, but he'd be unpleased to overhear anyone referring to him as a "mama's boy." Odoye made it a point not to violate any of Grimsley's boundaries growing up, and helped him establish his identity. Whenever he made decisions, she would level with him, but ultimately encourage him towards his goals. For that he's truly grateful.
Odoye comes from a village of atypical people, but even then she still stood as one of the most free spirited and undaunted. Moving to the Faerie Settlement, falling in love, settling down with Huxley, and raising someone with King's Blood were no easy feats. Through all challenges of life, Odoye has found fulfillment. The hardest challenge now, is to watch as Grimsley grows beyond the safety she can provide for him- and let him go.
Grimsley is the first to admit that even though he dislikes Benvolio on principal, he's one of the few people on Grimsley's short list of equal combatants. Every so often the two of them go back and forth in wins and losses, as Benvolio is capable of giving Grimsley a run for his money on the training field. Still, Grimsley comes out on top, somehow, some way, even if it takes a lot out of him...
Bitter Rivals!!! Before Grimsley came along, Benvolio was the most popular one!! Ever since Grimsley's egregious attempts at self-actualization and fulfillment, Benvolio has been struggling to maintain relevancy!! What's a prince doing in the weapons quarters of knight's school anyway??? SHOULDN'T YOU BE CATCHING UP ON YOUR DIPLOMACY, YOUR HAIRINESS???
Ender is strange, but he always manages to put a smile on Grim's face. Ender's disposition of unwavering optimism and devotion is an odd one, but Grimsley understands that this is just the general make of the Moonlit children. His eye for positivity is often appreciated in the worst of times.
Grimsley might not be the king of the Faerie Settlement, but Grimsley is kingly, he has a regal bearing and sophistication about him that Ender cannot help but respect as his utter authority and leader.
In spite of their oppositional status as unit leaders, Verth and Grimsley get along surprisingly well, on and off the training field. Benvolio's annoying behavior melts away whenever Verth and Grimsley have a conversation. He's a reliable fighter and still- a reliable ally.
The leader of Benvolio's training unit and the object of Grimsley's attention. Technically they should be bitter rivals, as opposing unit leaders in different houses, but like their housemasters before them, they seem to be better suited as allies. Verth thinks Grimsley is honestly quite the catch.
Grimsley and Aramis scrambled to find a third for them to participate in the Knight's Games- but it was Ender who suggested Lynnore. Though Lynnore made it incredibly clear that she was not at all amused by Grimsley's prestige on campus as the triumphant underdog, he insisted she joined him. After a convincing time spent together, the three of them made for a tight knit unit.
The third member of Grimsley's unit and the final one they needed to participate in the Knight's Games. She initially didn't get the hype around Grimsley or his antics, but after spending time and having a heart to heart with him and Aramis, she learned their true natures and saw she wanted to belong with them. While she still isn't a total stan, they're friends, and her skills provide a much needed edge for their team.
Merlyn's beloved Grandson. Grimsley has always been incredibly close with his grandfather, from sleeping on his lap when he was little to spending time with them while his family was busy with their duties to the settlement. He learned of Merlyn's signature fighting style and trained rigorously to emulate it.
Grimsley's beloved Grandfather. Even in his old age he still has plenty of time and energy for his grandson. As Grimsley gets older, Merlyn more readily pulls back the curtain on their family's history and what duties that may entail...
(old) Grimsley and Huxley aren't the closest father and son duo, but they're on good terms, speaking terms, maybe even something familial. Huxley was always driven to his duty. Grimsley doesn't have a lot of memories of his father being soft and smiley. Mom always did bring out the best in him though... Grimsley finds his father's laugh to be very pleasant.
(old) Huxley loves his son, even if he's horrible at showing it. Grimsley probably only ever remembers his father being stoic, serious... strong. There were good times though too. Huxley made sure that there were at least some good times. No matter what, Huxley makes it a point to remind Grimsley that- he's always rooting for him.