Chapter 2: Violet Eyes of Insanity
The city of Dublith is almost perfect: it isn't nearly as busy as Central, but it still has enough tourists to keep it interesting. There aren't too many state alchemists in the area because there are rarely any problems that can't be fixed by Southern Command. It seems to be one of the most peaceful cities in Amestris, thanks to its distance from the border. Verona Jacobssen, a former state alchemist, resides in this tranquil city with her aunt, Carlotta. When her parents perished abruptly while doing research in Xerxes several years ago, Verona decided to turn in her pocket watch and enjoy a simple life in Dublith with her father's sister. She wanted to stay away from danger as much as she could, not only for her sake, but for her mourning aunt. To be quite honest, Verona never cared much about her own safety until she realized that her risk-taking could affect the lives of others.
She was interested in alchemy at a very young age, and her parents always enjoyed teaching her whatever they could. They were even more elated when she told them, at age 10, that her goal was to become a Dog of the Military. The title wasn't too flashy, but she knew that alchemists played a huge part in keeping the country safe. That being said, Verona's main concern had always been the welfare of others; she wanted to help as many people as possible. At age 16, she began to do just that by becoming a state alchemist. Four years later, she gave up her title as a state alchemist due to her parents' demise. Just as her parents died, her bravery and courage seemed to have died along with them. Not long after, she began her intensive research on the Philosopher's Stone, hoping to one day find a way to bring her parents back.
Verona waltzed down the dimly lit street carelessly, placing her small gladiator boots delicately on the sod ground with every step she took. Her strawberry blonde hair and dull gray eyes glistened whenever she crossed paths with a streetlight. The breeze quivered against her champagne summer dress, causing it to brush up against her pale thighs. As always, she was sporting her transmutation circle tattoos on the backs of her hands, both of which she had since she was 14. She never felt the need to cover them up; she wanted everyone who laid eyes on her to know that she was an alchemist.
Just an hour ago, her childhood friend Rosaline was calling her, asking her if she wanted to join her and a couple of old friends at the local tavern for awhile. Verona was delighted to spend some much-needed time with her friends, considering her aunt had been rather depressing to be around lately.
The tavern was full tonight. The booths were filled with stunning, young women and handsome men, all of whom were at least a little bit drunk. Luckily, the bar was huge enough for a few more people to be seated.
Verona was suddenly faced with her bubbly blue-eyed friend, Rosaline. "Verona! We're sitting down here, come with me!" She began to tug gently on Verona's hand, leading her to the far end of the bar where their other two friends were sitting. There was Kira, the introverted, dark-haired book worm from North City, and Xiu, the lovable Alkahestry nerd from Xing. Kira and Xiu were always closer to each other than anyone else, no matter where their lives took them. Verona liked to believe that her relationship with Rosaline was similar, but she never knew for sure exactly how close they were. Ever since her parents died, Verona distanced herself from most of the people she knew, even her closest friends.
"Hey guys! How are you?" Verona happily greeted them, then soon after became aware that the two girls were already drunk, considering their joint response was basically just a bunch of inaudible slurs and giggling.
Rosaline rolled her eyes at them. "Sorry Verona, I guess they decided to start the party before you even got here." Verona gave a small laugh, although she was pretty annoyed. "Oh its fine, I wasn't expecting them to be too sober, anyway."
Rosaline slams down the once-full shot glass with all of her might. "Ha! Verona, let's see if you've still got what it takes to out drink me!" Verona begins to laugh hysterically, alcohol clearly coursing through her veins. She picks up two full shot glasses, one in each hand, and dumps them both down her throat, trying her hardest not to taste the vodka's pure bitterness. She sticks her tongue out in disgust, while Rosaline's jaw drops in disbelief. "You bitch! I can't believe you! You can still drink more than me!" Rosaline shoves her friend playfully, all while holding back the urge to vomit. Verona smiles victoriously. "I'm the heavyweight champ, as always!" Without warning, Rosaline jumps up out of her seat and hurries to the bathroom, vomit already dripping through the corners of her small mouth.
The front door to the pub flies open as an angelic looking man steps through. He has short, dark brown, gelled-back hair, just the right amount of stubble and porcelain skin. He pauses for a moment as he begins to scope out the area. His mysterious, violet eyes come to a halt when he catches a glimpse of the person he was looking for. She was sitting at the far end of the bar, gazing off into the distance. The transmutation circles she exhibited on her hands gave her away. Much to his surprise, she looked rather stunning in the short, simple dress she wore. Everything about her seemed simple, yet so complex. He gaped at the way her long, soft-looking hair fell so gracefully onto the small of her back. Her eyes were a plain, gray color, but that just made him all the more fascinated with them. "I wonder what kind of horrors those dreary eyes have seen," he speculated thoughtfully. He began to get lost in her modest beauty. He saw strength and elegance in the contours of her frame, which made it even more difficult for him to stay on task. "I can't do this… What am I thinking? I need to do what I was sent here to do. I can't be fantasizing about this girl, she's just an insignificant human."
Verona, drunkenly staring out into space, is snapped out of her daydream when she feels a tap on her right shoulder. She turns her head, and to her surprise, is gripped with a view of the most gorgeous man she's ever had the pleasure to look upon. She becomes captivated by his hypnotic gaze, his heavenly violet eyes subduing her into a state of desire.