~Grim is nothing
less than an integral part of Aineslai, as necessary as any of its pillars
or archways
and about as equally disregarded. His presence is persistent
but only vaguely separate from the castle itself.
Grim is equipped with a dry, gray disposition, shuffling about inattentively
as if his mind were so secretly assiduous as to be actively sapping his physical
energy. He has a covert vitality, but it's cached for contemplation and hobby,
not for conviviality. The gaunt physical form that makes its appearances at
social events and council meetings functions quietly and vacantly, almost
wholly separate from Grim's intellect--which never hesitates to venture off
on its own in the direction of more engaging topics. Though he keeps proper
records of all official goings-on, those political matters never seem to cross
over into his realm of concern and scrutiny.
So little of his focus is required for his tasks as record keeper that most
of his attention is directed elsewhere. Despite the title, he is more a scholar--a
historian, physician, and naturalist--than he is Lord Secretary.