Passing a farm on his way to the nearest village he found himself being invited in for a meal and a change of clothes. Her late husband and he were roughly the same size after all. After trying to refuse her a few times he gave in and accepted. Meeting her eldest son, Grismore paid back the kindness by helping them fix the farm by helping irrigate it. During his stay he learned that there had been a conflict between some farmers and a few bandits. During the struggle the man she had married was killed and most of the crops they had was burned and the livestock was taken or killed and left to rot. After the raids had ended they had managed to reclaim their lands and replant for the following season. The entire section was given a chance to reclaim their livelihood. Some, however, chose not to continue as farmers in the same area.

Helping the family set up a few security measures he watched as the younger boys tested it and burst out into giggles as trap after trap sprung to life. Resetting them he looked to the boys and explained they had to be careful around them. They would spring for anyone and they didn't want to get stuck in them.

Saying his goodbyes and learning what year it was he decided to make his way to France. On his arrival to Paris he learned a few of the citizens there remembered him from the brief battle that had taken place not twenty years before. Taking to explaining that he was his own father Grismore found work as a book binder helping out an older gentleman who seemed a bit overwhelmed with the work load that had flooded in. On becoming established in the city Grismore found he had more business flooding in letting the elder man retire. Though he could do the tasks on his own Grismore hired an apprentice and even began spending time with a woman named Marie.

"Gregorie, we are going to be late my dear." Marie called from the front parlor of the shop.

"Yes dear, just one moment. I want to finish this..." He called back stitching the last three stitches into the spine of the book. The sounds of heels clicking against the hardwood floors drew his attention from the book.

"My love, it will keep until tomorrow. Just leave it be and let us be off." She pushed again moving around his desk to nibble at his neck. The brief feel of lips and teeth on his pulse made him remember the previous night they had shared. It was one of lust and passion and a night neither would soon forget. A smile crossed his features, it had been too long since he had the attention of a woman.

"I am nearly done. I do not want to quit my work when I am so near finishing it." He said in a hushed voice as if loud noises would ruin the stitching. On completing the last stitch he stood and set the book off to the side of his desk to rest. "Now my dear. We shall be off." Grabbing her hand he smiled and rushed from the building and out into the streets. There was a celebration to be had, streamers and people crowded the streets greeting each other and laughing. Following Marie to her father who had stationed himself halfway between Grismore's work and her brothers.

On their arrival her father smiled and greeted both of them making sure they had a place near him to watch the show.

"Madam Carpe is going to put on an act for us. I do hope you will be able to stay through the entire show this time Gregorie." He stated giving him a look of suspicion and untrust. Nodding his head Grismore agreed he would indeed be staying the entire show. When the show started Grismore instantly regretted staying. The show itself was centered around the very battle that had nearly killed him. Watching the show that was eerily accurate he couldn't help but notice a few people glancing his way. Particularly the elder generation who were most likely there when it happened.

Marie seeing him uncomfortable took his hand and smiled as if to reassure him he was alright, of course she and her family all bought into his father having been the one that was there and not himself. There were others who refused to believe he could look so much like his father. 'Almost identical' they had claimed. After the show Grismore was bombarded with questions of his "fathers" death. Unwilling to answer them but also not wanting to be rude he looked to Marie for help. She as always stepped up and explained the subject was still a sensitive issue with the Grismore family. Then she apologized for dragging him to the celebration as she had no idea this was what they had planned.

Later that same night Grismore had purposed to her, only she had turned him down.

"My dear, I know you are an honorable man. Marrying me is the right thing to do after we...but as much as you care for me, you do not love me. Your heart belongs to a mysterious Annika." When he tried to interrupt her she simply places a finger to his lips then kissed him. "Shh, don't argue when we both know it is true. I care for you so much Grismore, but even I have to admit I do not love you. I want to marry for love. Not for fondness. I once told you I have made my own mistakes in life, I have been with others and each gave me just as much as they took. I also know the lifestyle you live is...not one I can adapt to. Watching while you remain as you are and I grow old? Do not ask that of me, my dear." She whispered wrapping her arms around his waist to hug him. Pulling her into his own embrace he inhaled her scent, powder and flowers. It wasn't the scent he wanted to fill his lungs.

"How did you know?" He asked quietly.

"I have been with you for over a year Gregorie, I have noticed nothing changes. The elders here whisper about your likeness to your father, but your stories when you get excited about your father do not match up to anything you look like. You are not a good liar when you get close to people. Father knows as well and your secret is safe with us. You saved Pa on his wedding day, mama was so upset that the wedding was ruined but so grateful when you ended the horrid peoples plan to kill us. Papa watched you sacrifice yourself to kill him. I am honored to know a hero as I do. But you shouldn't stay here much longer. You should travel, your word proceeds you. Perhaps you could be a traveling book binder." When he agreed and refused to let her go she pushed against him lightly and looked up at him. Her hands grazing his cheek.

"One last question.." She whispered and waited until he nodded. "How old are you truly?"

"I am currently three hundred and twenty three years old." He admitted forming a large white rose in the palm of his hand. "Here, it will never die." He stated and tucked it behind her ear. When she smiled sadly and turned to leave she left him a letter on his desk. "Be safe Marie. I will see you again." She nodded and left without another word.