Chances are pretty strong that not many people know Jungfrau Maleen - hell, the only reason I know it is because of Book of a Thousand Days and my almost ten years of studying German. If you aren't familiar with the story, I highly encourage reading it, either before or after reading this, because it is utterly fabulous. It's one of the various tales collected by the brothers Grimm and is fascinating in one of those 'wait, the parent did WHAT NOW' kind of ways. But I've been contemplating starting a series of Grimm/Sherlock crossovers and where better to start than one of the ones that is lesser known? So here, have my attempt at Grimming up Sherlock.
Jüngling Sherlock
Prologue – Introductions
The first time they met, the incident was far from spectacular. Sherlock, the precocious six-year-old that he was, spent much of the visit pestering his brother and ignoring the curious stares of the then nine-year-old John. The one time they were forced to interact, Sherlock tested the tolerance level of John's normally patient dog, uncovered Harriet's secret stash of liquors hidden in the nursery wall, and managed to make the nursemaid cry - twice. Needless to say it was a fair amount of time before the two families willingly interacted face-to-face once more.
The second time, though far less stressful for everyone overall, was no more significant. This time John's family came to Sherlock's, their fathers crafting plans for a possible treaty while the other members of the family attempted not to cause a minor war amongst themselves. Mycroft may have been the same age as Harriet, and therefore an ideal candidate for a possible marriage had they not both been the heirs to their individual thrones, but their personalities clashed as horridly as oil and water forced to mix. The pair spent most of their time sending the other icy glares over the top of their younger siblings' heads. Sherlock occupied much of his time with books, his raven curls poking over the edges of the binding as he blatantly ignored John's various attempts at conversation. John had grown into a determined teenager, however, and never failed to engage the younger boy in a rather one sided discussion. At the time, Sherlock was twelve, and John fifteen.
It was not until their third encounter, on the occasion of Sherlock's eighteenth birthday, that the situation grew interesting. Though the idea of a ball sounded dull beyond comprehension to the young prince, Sherlock's father insisted, inviting anyone nearby to attend the festivities. As he rested his angular chin in the hand propped by the arm of his chair, Sherlock's previously bored eyes lit upon a short yet sturdy gentleman. He stood surrounded by other young men and women, obviously listening with little interest to the discussion while refraining to comment himself. When called upon, he would provide a small smile or nod, quickly covering his indifference in a gulp of his drink before he once more lost the thread of the conversation. Abruptly his head rose, navy eyes meeting Sherlock's own, and a genuine grin broke across his bright face. Sherlock soon lit upon him and snatched him away, keeping John's attention for the rest of the evening.
Once John returned home, they continued their friendship through exchanged letters. Sherlock astounded John with his various analyses of those around him and John intrigued Sherlock with his extraordinary normalcy and temperance. Hardly a year into their correspondence, John sent word of his intention to ask for Sherlock's hand. Surprising to none more than himself, Sherlock found himself eager to accept. Sherlock's father, however, found the situation less than ideal.
Thus begins the tale of Prince John and his own Jüngling Sherlock.