Mary Had Bathed, Switched To A Nightgown, And Was Singing Different Song At This Point While Trying To

Mary had bathed, switched to a nightgown, and was singing different song at this point while trying to braid her hair for bed by the time Ed had finished flipping through the pages. The four knocks on her door startled her a touch, but not much as she unraveled her hair and opened the door. Honestly, it was a good thing she had a cloak and mask on often, because Mary was a beautiful girl; soft, pale flesh, rosy cheeks and lips, thin fingers, a button nose, and thin, but gentle purply-blue eyes with long lashes. Her dark brown hair fell in waves down her back, and if it wasn’t for her nose, gentle gaze, and small bosom, she’d resemble a certain busty homunculus.

“Ed...? What’s the matter? You look so anxious, did something happen already? Do come in,” Mary spoke softly, moving so the alchemist could step inside. She was so worried for the man that she hadn’t even put on a dressing gown, wearing only her slip.

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

Answers Fullmetal sought, answers he would get. It seemed that in Zenith in particular, the flow of natural power was stronger than nearly any other world, it’s mana and mater easier to manipulate. Alchemy and magic in general was most effective there; even if someone off world had somehow lost their ability to use it, the powers that be were strong enough to breech the hidden barrier, or force open Ed’s gate once more, as it were. Even those who couldn’t use alchemy or magic before coming to Askr had the potential to learn, if they could learn to harness the flow of energy within the earth. The closer to, and longer you stayed Askr, the more in tune you’d be with that energy source. The stronger your transmutations would become. Some formulas and circle compositions were different, due to some elements of Askr being different, but most of it was just like the alchemy practiced in Amestris. There even seemed to be bits and pieces of alkestry in the mix, funny enough.

At the back of the book Ed was reading sat a reference sheet of different books on the subject of different branches of alchemy and where to find them in the main library, but some were listed as residing in the summoner’s room…

Ed flew through a lot of the book, and when he noticed the reference sheet in the back of the book he was even more motivated than before. Seeing all of the different tools he could pick up would definitely help. He was fascinated to read about the different ways that alchemy was used in this world, and he was going to learn ever bit of information he could. 

“The summoner…” he read aloud. A moment passed before a though crossed his mind and he collected the books. 

Four loud knocks sounded at Mary’s door. It took everything in him not to knock more than that as he anxiously waited for the door to open. He hadn’t even realized how much time had passed since earlier, and he still hadn’t even cleaned up or changed yet.

Mary immediately straightened up as Ed put her down, looking at the reference again and nodding. “Yep, all of them. Those titles definitely look familiar; I read a few of them out of curiosity, since alchemy is a historical pseudoscience where I come from, and I got curious. Couldn’t understand all of it, but some. In my world, alchemy is considered the forefather of modern chemistry. Other than that, none of it was proven valid where I come from. Some of it was just plain ridiculous; like people who ingested mercury thinking it was part of the key to longevity, or searching for some mystic amplifier called the ‘philosopher’s stone’,” she explained, pausing for a moment to pull a text on medical alchemy from the shelves, then a few of the advanced tomes on the general practice before continuing.

“They claimed it could turn scrap metal into riches, and extend one’s life by centuries. Some texts even claimed one man managed to make the damn thing; almost overnight, he went from a bookseller to being wealthy enough to open orphanages and give to the poor, some even claimed that he faked his passing. That he used the stone to live on with his wife, saying they spotted him at plays and such long after he passed, and that books were published in his name. Most believe the claims are false, considering the fact that, well, alchemy didn’t really work... but enough about my world and its lack therof, what about your world, Ed? If you’re so interested in all these books, clearly alchemy must be real there. What’s it like? Won’t you tell me a little before you go? Please?”

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

Mary nodded slowly, bashully smiling up at him. “Y-Yes, I am! Thanks to you! Honestly, I don’t think I needed another blow to the head; my memory’s been effected enough as it is, so thanks for the save,” she spoke, her cheeks red as she rubbed the back of her head. This had actually been the first time Mary had been in a man’s arms at all; she had whacked her head and been knocked unconscious during a battle around the time of the Múspell conflict, but Commander Anna had been the one to carry her back. Ever since then, her memories of people from her world had started to fade; not that she’d really had anyone to begin with, but still…

“Here’s one of the books, by the way,” she added after a moment, holding a worn, leather bound book with a startlingly familiar flame array on the cover. Now, it wasn’t a guarantee that the book was from an alternate, or past Amestris, but the contents would be similar enough. It was likely that these were the remnants of another flame alchemist’s research that was left behind upon death…

“U-Uh… Yeah, you’re welcome.” Ed mumbled. His face turned red a little when he noticed the blush in her cheeks, and he pulled away immediately. He already had so much going for him back home with a girl that even the thought of someone else felt like too much.

Carefully, he took the book from her and looked over the cover, “Hm…” he flipped through the pages and nodded, “Alright, this is good too. I’ll get it back to you once I’m finished with it. Do you have… all of these?” he asked, holding up the book that was open to the references again and looking around her shelves.

Thought so, bingo. Mary nodded excitedly, beaming with joy. Ed actually believed she was capable of actually learning to use this wonderful science he could do, he thought she could help.

“Oh yes, absolutely! I will! Whatever it takes..and...if I don’t get something... you’ll help me figure it out?” She asked, nodding again. He could take whatever he needed, it was all fine with her.

“Of course, keep them as long as you need to. Come back tomorrow, everyone’s going to be at the Spring Festival, so we should have plenty of time to study uninterrupted,” she told him, giving him her first real smile in months.

“Gnight, Ed...and...thank you...”

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

Mary listened with intrigue and awe at his explanation, enchanted with the thought of this almost magical science existing. She did cringe a little at the idea that alchemy was prominently used in their military, and she could only imagine what kind of damage that could do. After all, she’d read the one on flame alchemy, and she knew there was something about bombs somewhere in the books she hadn’t pulled out for Ed yet… at the mention that the philosopher’s stone was a real thing, and it was the most dangerous form of alchemy they had…then what the hell had Nicholas Flamel made, if he’d even succeeded at all like the legends said.

“That’s…just… so amazing and terrifying at the same time. I mean, I’ve seen magic here, but…nothing like alchemy. It…makes more sense than sorcery, it’s the closest to true science you can get here…and the stone, I can’t believe it’s real for you…but…what’s it made of, if it’s so dangerous? Is it made of poisonous stuff like the ‘alchemists’ from the history of my world thought? Or…is it worse?” Mary asked, not meaning any harm by any of her questions…she just, she wanted to know. Even though it was mostly fantastical in her world, Ed’s world and its alchemy was the closest to her world in its own way, around here at least.

Listening to her excited rambling, he couldn’t help but think of a lot of the dark… and not so dark things that alchemy brought him. It had allowed him to fail his family, and bring parts of it back… And although it had destroyed cities overnight, it had also saved cities. It was a strange balance, and he’d learned to use the science in ways that others wouldn’t even think to. It was fascinating, and he would always find a way to study it, but what needed to be changed was the way it was used… and that’s part of what he’d been working on before he was sucked into this world.

“I wouldn’t have guessed you’d be so interested in alchemy.” He commented, “You seem to know quite a bit.” A small sigh escaped his lips as he set the books down on her desk, “Now, the stone…? I’d rather not be spewing secrets on something so powerful, so if one’s not been made here yet… it’s best we keep it that way.”

“I...have my doubts, but perhaps,” Mary murmured before stopping at the door to Ed’s room. Sighing softly, the summoner lowered her gaze before pointing down the hall. “I’m five doors down, left side of the hall. If you have any ideas, or want to talk to someone sane, I’ll be in there. Otherwise, the war room is a couple halls to your right,” she informed him quietly, drained from the day. Happy, that she finally had a true ally, but worn all the same from the guilt of another kidnapping.

“Do you need anything else before I leave you in peace? Prince Alfonse likely had clothes left for you inside, and the castle is magically heated, so you should have hot water available for bathing...”

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

“A word of caution, Ed. Many of the ‘heroes’ here are on board with this mess, so be careful who you talk to about not wanting any part of it. Some probably want to go back to their own worlds too, but I’m not sure which ones are which,” Mary explained, starting to lead him inside of the castle.

Usually, the more important you were to the ‘war effort’, the bigger and nicer your rooms. Since Ed was newer, and no one really knew how valuable an asset he was just yet, his room would likely be pretty simple; a bed, a desk, and a bathroom. Mary’s was nicer, and more stocked because of her ‘summoner’ status. Closer to that of what the commander was allowed as the order leader, but not nearly as nice as those belonging to the prince and princess. All the beds were wide enough for two, as it seemed that in this world, marrying someone somehow made you collectively stronger. Thus, the beds were more spacious then one would expect to accommodate for that….

“Right…” Ed noted her comment. It was both surprising and not surprising to hear what she had to say, “Maybe without meaning to, we’ll bump into others like us.” 

He was hopeful, but wasn’t counting on it as he followed her into the castle. He had to say that he was impressed by the scale of the town and the castle, but nothing could change the fact that he wanted to leave. There were no expectations for what he would get as far as a room went, he was glad to hear that maybe he’d have a bed to sleep in and that was about all he cared for.

The summoner wore a rather...simple outfit; a white coat with a hood, and gold Askran embellishments (much like the alchemist’s red coat back in his heyday, but much larger to completely cover her head and face), loose pants that matched the coat, a blue tunic also trimmed with gold, a brown belt, and brown boots with golden accents, plus a black and gold mask that covered her eyes. It was as if the outfit was meant to erase all sense of identity and self outside of being the summoner.

“Right? Can’t mess up hair like that, it’d be a tragedy,” Mary joked along with him, before answering the questions she was sure he had. “I don’t think so, your clothes will likely be a lot closer to what the royals and Commander Anna wear. Only I’m not allowed to have my hood down, unfortunately. I’m pretty sure at this point those three have forgotten what I look like without it, and like it that way. Can’t say I’m anything but what they want me to be if I don’t have a sense of autonomy or identity, right?” She joked, but it was easy to tell how much it wore on her. All you could really see was a few of her dark chocolate waves, really. Nothing else that defined her as Mary.

“Alright... I’ll be going, then. Knock on my door four times, so I know it’s you.” Mary instructed before turning away from the man and leaving for her own private rooms. Oh, if only she could change these awful, ugly clothes, even just a little! Maybe then she’d feel herself again...

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

“I…have my doubts, but perhaps,” Mary murmured before stopping at the door to Ed’s room. Sighing softly, the summoner lowered her gaze before pointing down the hall. “I’m five doors down, left side of the hall. If you have any ideas, or want to talk to someone sane, I’ll be in there. Otherwise, the war room is a couple halls to your right,” she informed him quietly, drained from the day. Happy, that she finally had a true ally, but worn all the same from the guilt of another kidnapping.

“Do you need anything else before I leave you in peace? Prince Alfonse likely had clothes left for you inside, and the castle is magically heated, so you should have hot water available for bathing…”

“Maybe I’ll swing by later.” Ed said. His eyes darted over her outfit and he wondered what in the world he’d be forced to wear. The idea of being left alone in a completely new world was definitely strange, but he knew a few hours alone might do him some good. “I’ll be alright. I hope I don’t have to wear a hood up all of the time too, it’ll mess up my hair.” he joked.

“A word of caution, Ed. Many of the ‘heroes’ here are on board with this mess, so be careful who you talk to about not wanting any part of it. Some probably want to go back to their own worlds too, but I’m not sure which ones are which,” Mary explained, starting to lead him inside of the castle.

Usually, the more important you were to the ‘war effort’, the bigger and nicer your rooms. Since Ed was newer, and no one really knew how valuable an asset he was just yet, his room would likely be pretty simple; a bed, a desk, and a bathroom. Mary’s was nicer, and more stocked because of her ‘summoner’ status. Closer to that of what the commander was allowed as the order leader, but not nearly as nice as those belonging to the prince and princess. All the beds were wide enough for two, as it seemed that in this world, marrying someone somehow made you collectively stronger. Thus, the beds were more spacious then one would expect to accommodate for that....

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

“I’ve tried, they check every morning if I have it,” Mary muttered angrily, recalling every time she’d tried to loose it in a battle, or bury it. Every single time, she was thwarted. She even saw Commander Anna dive for it once, and every time she’d get a lecture about how precious that monstrosity, and ‘she’ was to their cause. Only once did she feel this thing had done something remotely good, and that was when Princess Fjorm of Niflheim used it to perform the Rite of Frost to defeat King Sutur of Múspell to stop him from torching every realm he could get his claws into. However, hearing Ed’s resolve to free them both gave her some measure of hope.

“I’ll try to slow things down at least, but for now, tossing it seems to be out of the question. We might have to take it with us when we escape, so they can’t use it,” she added, knowing everyone was in the banquet hall anyways. The two were completely alone. The kingdom had been preparing for the Spring Festival all week, and tonight, everyone was resting and recouperating for the tourney come morning.

“…so…do you even feel like eating? Or do you just want to show me where you’ll be staying? I could even bring you a plate later, if you don’t feel like looking at them. That’s what I do sometimes…” Mary spoke after a few moments.

Ed was glad to hear that she was on board with the plan. He hoped they’d be successful in slowing them down, but if not there had to be something that would stop bringing these innocent people here and allow everyone to get home.

“I think I’ll wait to eat.” he said and looked toward where the rest of the group had gone, “I’ll go by later and check it out. I’m interested to meet some of these other ‘heroes’ they dragged in and figure this place out.”