Mary Listened With Intrigue And Awe At His Explanation, Enchanted With The Thought Of This Almost Magical

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.

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

rxinbowtrxveler

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 yourworld, 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?”

Edward nodded slowly as he listened to the practice and myths of alchemy from her own world, knowing that he’d seen most of it first hand. He looked at the books she pulled down and collected each of them in his arms.

“It’s real in my world, that’s for sure.” he said, trying to be cautious with his explanation, “It’s used in many different ways, unfortunately very prominently in the military where I’m from. Other places focus on different aspects of it like medical sides and all that.” He held up the book on medical alchemy to back up his claims, “It can be dangerous, especially if you’re messing with anything associated with a philosopher’s stone.”

“Well...when you’ve got, like, no friends, you have a hell of a lot more time to learn stuff you’re probably never going to use. Other than work, I spent most of my time at the library...just...learning, I guess. I’d pick up anything that looked fascinating, and I tended to poke around the historical and scientific stuff the most. All the stuff about alchemy and what they thought was medicine and science, it was the coolest to me. I mean, some of it was pretty fucked up, but most of it was just....I can’t really explain it,” She answered, scratching at the back of her neck again, a tick of hers. God, she must sound so boring. Especially now, and considering Ed was just, so awesome. At the mention of the philosopher’s stone being so dangerous that Ed didn’t even want to let out what he knew about its creation, Mary’s eyes widened a little. Plus, the look on his face...

“Yikes...that bad, huh? Got it; no more questions about the magic, highly dangerous and possibly deadly rock. Especially considering how absolutely bonkers these guys are...” damn, what’s it made of? People? Might as well be, the way Ed was talking about it...

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.”

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...

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

rxinbowtrxveler

“Get my hands on them? They were already here when I arrived, actually. I guess they wanted to be prepared for whatever their summoner turned out to be, so they put a whole lot of different books in here. That and I think the prince mentioned that alchemy isn’t as common here anymore, as their last summoner hundreds of years ago summoned quite a few, but they eventually all passed, including the summoner, and they hadn’t passed the knowledge to use it on, only leaving the books…. so they kind of stored most of them in here to make room for the books they’d need more in the main library. From the looks of it, you’re the only one around now. That honestly might get you a room upgrade…” she prattled on as she spotted a book on the list, struggling to reach it (and being fresh out of ladder, this was going to be a task). Puffing her cheeks out in annoyance, Mary stood on the tips of her toes to grab it.

“I found one! It’s the one on flame alchemy! I’ve almost…got it…!” the girl told him, her balance wobbly as her fingertips just barely brushed the book. “S-So t-tell me, Ed! Is….is alchemy c-common where y-you’re from? I-If I recall, w-where I’m from, alchemy was brushed of as pseudoscience c-centuries ag-OH!” Mary had begun to ask, but as she got the book… she fell off the ladder.

The information she had to share about alchemy dying off was both saddening and a relief at the same time. It was good to know that he wasn’t up against many other alchemists and maybe alchemy would benefit him well. On the other hand, it was sad to hear that it was stowed away in some room away from everything else.

He wasn’t sure what all he would tell her about his alchemy knowledge. Clearly she could tell he had an interest in it from the obvious topic of books, but he thought it’d be best to keep any bragging about his abilities a minimum.

He watched her reach for the book and held onto the ladder when he noticed her instability. Just when he was about to answer some of her questions, he saw her slip on the ladder. With his quick reflexes, he was able to catch her before she could fall into anything, “W-Whoa! That was close, are you alright?”

Naturally, the room was rather...empty, save the bed, a dresser and the desk. A door to the right lead to a small bathroom, and on the bed sat a change of clothes. White, blue and gold, just as Mary had described. He too had a long, hooded coat, but as she said, he likely wouldn’t be forced to keep it up. A white tunic, and pants were similar to Mary’s sat beside it, but his boots were shorter than hers, and had golden metal bits wound around them. There was also a layer of scalemail like the three warriors Ed had already met wore, same golden color.

The desk already had blank paper, an ink well and an iron dip pen sitting on it. A few books sat there too, one of which, ironically enough, were alchemy books. Not that it was intentional, likely someone forgot them there when setting up a room for the new arrival...

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

rxinbowtrxveler

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…

It saddened Edward to hear her explanation on her outfit. To know that she had been forced to do such silly things in order to please them was fueling his fire even more. There were definitely somethings in this place that needed changing, and there was no way he was going to let them change him. If anything, the more he learned the more motivation he had to get moving already.

“Alright.” Ed nodded and watched her walk to her room. He made sure she was inside safely before checking on his own room to find out what he was in for. It was quiet when he entered the room and he let out a deep sigh. What an interesting day it had turned out to be… 

Mary, too, was fidgeting with a piece of home that sat beneath her cloak. A pendant, a ladybug on a sturdy chord reinforced with magic thanks to a spell she’d learned, to keep it safe as she was dragged along by the Order. Maybe she didn’t remember the details of home, but she remembered pieces. She knew that she was a performer; a dancer, singer and musician, someone who brought joy. Now? She was a professional kidnapper and battle strategist, but she knew she wasn’t meant for this, no matter what the Order said. Mary wanted out, and as of the moment, she didn’t know how she’d get there.

It wasn’t much longer until they reached the castle, and the scent of food immediately wafted out as the front door opened. Commander Anna and Princess Shareena were the first to rush in, but Prince Alfonse took a moment to look back at the two still outside.

“Please...try to make yourself as comfortable as possible, if you can. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns. When you’re ready, Mary will lead you to your rooms,” he spoke up before following the two women.

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

rxinbowtrxveler

Honestly, now that Mary was calmer not that anything was calm in this kingdom of crazy, but she digresses, she could notice things about the poor guy she accidentally kidnapped; he did seem strong, and intelligent and too fucking gorgeous to be remotely human, and she hoped to be able to talk to him at some point. Mary hadn’t been able to figure out herself how to get the hell out of Askr, but maybe if she and Ed put their heads together…

Maybe they could escape…

Ed was quiet the rest of the way to wherever they were taking him. He was focused on mentally repeating everything he could remember of what he’d been told. If he remembered the details, maybe they would lead to something helpful. He held his notebook tight. It was a piece of home, and the first chance he had he was going to write everything down.

Mary nodded with a soft sigh, looking over at Ed. “Yep, they sure did. Outta nowhere, I was just minding my own damn business! I was walking home from the bar when suddenly I felt that awful pulling sensation you likely felt...then I find myself here, listening to these whack jobs telling me some ‘you are the chosen one’ nonsense and handing me my kidnapper gun,” she answered, pointing to the pocket that held the offending relic. “That was six months ago, and they’ve been dragging me on their missions ever since, telling me to use this thing to kidnap them more ‘heroes’. The majority of them fit the part, but I’m no warrior or master strategist! I’m a performer, Ed! I sing, I dance, I play the music! My job was to make people happy, now I’m a glorified kidnapper! Risking my hide for their war!” the summoner ranted, steaming at the thought, but deflating a little at the thought of how long it had been.

“...I’ve been trapped here for six months, if I remember correctly. Maybe longer, I don’t even remember. I know it’s felt like forever, and god I hate it. And y’know what sucks the most? People don’t even call me by my name, most of the time. To most people ‘round these parts, I’m ‘the Summoner’. Only the commander, and the prince and princess call me by my name anymore. It’s like all they give a damn about is the fact I can basically kidnap people for them, they don’t actually care about who I am, who I was! Alfonse asked me about my world once, Ed. And when I asked how I was gonna go back? They dodged the question and said that this was my home now...” she trailed off, worrying her lip. “I’m so sorry, Ed. I’d send you right back to where you came from if I could...”

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

rxinbowtrxveler

Mary, too, was fidgeting with a piece of home that sat beneath her cloak. A pendant, a ladybug on a sturdy chord reinforced with magic thanks to a spell she’d learned, to keep it safe as she was dragged along by the Order. Maybe she didn’t remember the details of home, but she remembered pieces. She knew that she was a performer; a dancer, singer and musician, someone who brought joy. Now? She was a professional kidnapper and battle strategist, but she knew she wasn’t meant for this, no matter what the Order said. Mary wanted out, and as of the moment, she didn’t know how she’d get there.

It wasn’t much longer until they reached the castle, and the scent of food immediately wafted out as the front door opened. Commander Anna and Princess Shareena were the first to rush in, but Prince Alfonse took a moment to look back at the two still outside.

“Please…try to make yourself as comfortable as possible, if you can. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns. When you’re ready, Mary will lead you to your rooms,” he spoke up before following the two women.

Ed nodded in response to Alfonse, and waited for him to walk away before he turned to Mary. The smell of food was definitely tempting, but he felt disgusted at the thought of eating their food after what they’d just done, 

“So, they got you too, huh?” he mumbled and looked Mary over, “How long have you been  here?”