February 15th, 1984 (Still)

::I can't believe we made it,:: Minxia commented, feeling only a slight bit of relief as she looked down the hill at the Yao Provincial Capital below her. They had made it to their destination, and in surprisingly good time considering the roads, and the cold, but now that they were here, she could only hope that the Yao were not inclined to side with Tiahuan, and that they wouldn't simply be captured and handed over to the enemy. Come on, Minx. We've got to trust someone, and Grandma says this is where we need to go. ::I hope you're right about this, Grandma.::

::Me too,:: Mei replied from the cart bed. It distress Minxia to see her grandmother look at all frail, but it had struck her the past couple of days, just how old her grandparents all were. ::Let's go have a talk with Ling Yao.::

::I hope he's not as crazy as I've heard,:: Thrakos commented quietly to Minxia from the driver's seat of the cart as they made their way down the hill openly.
Given the political situation, Minxia was surprised that they weren't stopped on the road in, but she did notice that at the entrance to the low walled town, there were gates, and those gates had guards. As they neared, Grandma Mei insisted on pausing long enough for her to get up into the front of the cart with Thrakos and Minxia, so they were all riding together, and she could sit up with a more commanding presence, or at least more dignified.

::What is your business?:: One of the guards asked as they came up to the open gates.

::We have urgent business with Shirong Yao,:: Grandma Mei said in her 'no nonsense' voice. ::Regarding the uprising in the Imperial City.::
That got the attention of both guards, who gave them even harder looks. ::Declare yourselves.::

::I am Mei Xian, Imperial Mother, former Empress of Xing, recent captive of Tiahuan. The Tiahuan Clan has committed the highest treason, and I come seeking sanctuary and offering council. This is my honored Granddaughter, Minxia Xian Elric, and Thrakos Argyros.::

All three names got minor starts out of the guards, who looked them over, but apparently could see no reason to disbelieve them. After all, Minxia was obviously mixed blood, and Thrakos clearly Cretan. If they did not recognize Mei, they would have to be crazy.

One of the guards went into the little guard post in the wall and, Minxia presumed, called his superiors. It was several minutes before he returned. ::Your escort is on the way. You will be taken to the Provincial Estate.::

::Thank you,:: Mei replied with only a slight incline of her head. An appropriate thank you that did not put her beneath the citizens of the Empire. Minxia watched, taking note of each subtle thing her Grandmother did. It was impressive and made her feel -despite her international travels and city-childhood - rather inexperienced.

So they waited, with Grandma sitting as if they had all the time in the world, looking patient and in control of the situation, all while sitting on the old dented wooden seat of a farm wagon. Thrakos, clearly less patient, took a few minutes to check the horses and their harness over. Minxia sat, trying to appear as calm as Mei.

Finally, an escort of eight armored men arrived. I wonder if that's an honor guard or a prison guard.

::If you will please come with us,:: the head guard -who was differentiated by having a plume on his helmet- said respectfully, and inclined his head as appropriately due the Imperial family. The rest stood at attention.

::Of course, Captain,:: Mei replied with all respect. She stepped down from the cart with surprising ease, and came up with Minxia and Thrakos. ::If one of your men will please see to these fine animals. They have done more in service to the Empire in recent days than many we used to call allies.::

That got a blink and then a, ::We will see to it, Your Grace.::

It was a quiet evening. The streets held few people as they were led through them, though a few curious faces peered out through windows. Minxia had never been to this part of Xing before, and she couldn't help but notice the subtle differences in architecture, the tendency for colored lacquers and not just black. Some of the wood was stained in shades she had not seen before, and the walls were thicker. More of the buildings this far north had a much sturdier construction, and fewer screen walls. She could see why, as much snow as she had been forced to deal with the past couple of days. A fresh fall had dropped three inches on their travels, and the town had a festive air. Though that might be Minxia's own childhood memories. In Amestris, snow and the winter season holidays went hand in hand, if they got it at all. While the holidays were well over, the snow still reminded her of home. For the first time in a very long time, Minxia felt homesick.

Thrakos gave her hand a squeeze. Minxia looked up and smiled at the understanding on his face. They didn't have to say a word, but she knew he had read her feelings, if not her thoughts. She missed him when they were apart. His offer from a few days before came to mind. She wanted to spend her life with him… but was she ready to give up her dream to stay in one place? Once they settled, it would be difficult to continue her work, especially after they had children… whenever that was. Minxia's insides fluttered at the thought.

She didn't have much more time to dwell on the future, as they approached a large manor house that bordered on being a small palace. The dark green roof poked out of the snow at the bottom edges.

They were escorted indoors, and a wash of warmth such as she hadn't felt in over a week met Minxia at the entrance. They were led down dark-wood floored hallways until the guards slid open a door to their right, and led them into a room which contained only a tea table, a pot and cups, and not much else.

::There are dry robes in the closet.:: One guard stepped over to a wall and opened it. Minxia saw house robes hanging, and towels on a shelf. ::You are requested to make yourselves comfortable. Your host will be with you shortly.::

Interesting that they did not say who that was.

::Thank you,:: Mei said to the men. Once they were alone they shed their coats, and wet shoes, and put on robes of appropriate sizes and house-slippers that were warm and comfortable. Minxia hadn't realized just how frigid her feet had gotten. She chose a robe of purple, with white-and-black reed-and-cranes all over it. Grandma Mei took one in red, with white flower blossoms. Thrakos fit one that was deep green with scrolling gold dragons.

When their host had not yet appeared, they knelt down around the tea table. ::Is it appropriate to drink without the host?:: Thrakos asked, as he shifted, not accustomed to the position. He was big enough that Minxia expected he found it uncomfortable. His feet would fall asleep quickly.

::In these circumstances, we are not expected to stand on ceremony,:: Mei replied. ::Though if we wait a moment, I expect things will be tended to appropriately.::
Almost as if she could read the minds of the staff, a servant opened the door, nodded as if she had expected them to be dressed by now, and knelt down to pour them each a steaming cup of tea. It was a dark, spicy brew, that nipped at Minxia's nose even before they picked them up to drink.

Mei was served first, and gave a sip, then a nod of approval. The servant then served the rest of them, bowed, and exited. ::See?:: Mei smiled. ::They still know how to do things properly here.::

They spent several minutes in relative silence. Outside the room, Minxia could hear slippered feet moving down the hall in measured but quick steps… servants most likely. Outside the window on the exterior wall, snow was falling on top of the existing white, burying a garden with a tiny stone pagoda, a bridge, and a frozen pond.
Slower, measured, almost halting steps paused outside. The door opened, and Minxia looked up to see a very old man. That's not Shirong Yao. He was too old, though he looked even older than his age. Years had worn him down, and he was rail thin, though he held himself with a quiet composure, belied by a spark of life in his eyes. His mouth looked like it wanted to quirk up into a smug grin, though it remained a thin line. Once, it had probably done that often.

To her surprise, Grandma Mei stood slowly, and held out her hands to the man. ::Ling Yao, thank you for your hospitality.::

Thrakos' mouth fell slightly open. Minxia hoped she looked less startled.

This man did not look insane. Nor did he look like someone who would have led an attack on Amestris. He had been behind the war that Aunt Sara and Uncle Franz had met during… the capture and torture of Grandpa Ed and Jean Havoc.

Ling Yao extended his hands, and bowed as fully as he could manage. ::I see you, Mei Chan… Xian. You honor my house such as it has not been in far too long.::

::It makes me joyful to see you restored,:: Mei replied as Ling straightened again slowly, and took her hands. ::You were long lost.::

::I have too good a memory to forget,:: Ling admitted. ::While I cannot remember everything, I know that your kindness was more than I deserved. You and Edward Elric even restored my son to me. These past fourteen years have been a new life. I know that it was best how things turned out for Xing. There is no way we would turn you away, or your family.:: He looked past Mei at Minxia, then gave Thrakos a curious look. ::Though your arrival is unexpected. My son will join us when he has finished business. Until then, I hope you will accept me as a reasonable host.::

::Of course.:: Mei gestured to the table. ::Please join us.::

Unaided, if slowly, Ling lowered himself to the fourth seat with aged dignity. ::This is my favorite tea,:: he commented as Minxia took it upon herself to quickly pour him a cup. He looked at Minxia then, with surprisingly intense eyes. ::You are Renxiang's daughter.::
Minxia nodded. ::Yes.::

::I had heard she married into the Elric family. My son keeps me apprised of much of what I have missed. You are quite lovely.::

::Thank you.:: Minxia tried not to feel flustered. She had no idea where the conversation was going.

Then he looked at Thrakos. ::I did not expect the son of the President of Creta in my house. It is an unexpected honor. You would be the husband then.::
Thrakos' cheeks flushed slightly. ::Actually, no. We're-::

::Engaged,:: Minxia blurted out before Thrakos could finish the statement, drawing Ling Yao's attention back to her. She was sure that her own cheeks were blushing slightly, though her complexion was less prone to it than some. ::We're engaged. He came with me to Xing because I was working at an archeological dig... until we heard about the coup.::

A humorous little smile spread across Ling's face. ::I see. Well, congratulations. You are fortunate to have found a man worthy of a noble house of Xing.::

::Thank you, sir,:: Thrakos replied, though he looked unsure how to take the comment. He also kept giving Minxia confused sideways glances when Ling wasn't looking. Minxia ignored the curious expression on her Grandmother's face as well. We'll talk later, Minxia thought, wishing sometimes that Thrakos really could read her thoughts.

Ling broke the moment, thankfully, by turning his attention fully back to Grandma Mei. ::Now, you were captured by Tiahuan soldiers. How did you escape? Who is still captured?::

Minxia was relieved, and happy to let Mei explain everything that had transpired in the past few days. It felt like much longer.

::So any help that Yao would offer would be beyond our measure in thanks,:: Mei finally finished. ::Time is falling away quickly. If they cross into Tiahuan Province without being stopped, it will require military action to get them out again, and right now the majority of our military forces are on the other side of the Imperial City, dealing with the coup and trying to retake the city.::

::Of that I have been well apprised,:: Ling replied. ::While I will not speak for my son, I do not imagine you will find Shiro at all unsympathetic. His time working at the monastery made my son a wise and compassionate man. I admit they raised him better than I could have.::

::We have no comparison for that,:: a voice said from the door. Minxia looked up again and saw Shirong Yao standing in the entrance. ::Please, remain comfortable,:: the man said, joining them around the table with younger ease. ::It gives me much relief to see you alive,:: he said to Mei. ::And pains me to hear of the treason of Tiahuan. There have been skirmishes on their borders with other Provinces the past couple of days. They seem to wish to consolidate their hold on the lands between their Province and the Imperial City. Thankfully they have not yet turned their full attention to Yao. We are already mustering our Provincial guard to defend our border. It is not large, as most of our warriors have been sent to Imperial City for service these many years, but what forces we have are available to you if there is better purpose; as long as it does not leave us open to attack. I must protect those who cannot protect themselves.::

::Of course,:: Mei replied with an understanding nod. ::This will be an extension of that, if anything. We need a small, fast moving unit if we are to have any hope of rescuing my granddaughter, granddaughters-in-law, and great-grandchildren. We should leave at once.::

::Surely you do not intend to go yourself,:: Shirong said, clearly taken aback.

::Do you have anyone of my experience?:: Mei asked flatly. ::I am not only a healer, Shirong.::

::Fair enough,:: he admitted begrudgingly. ::But you are important. Your survival and freedom will stir even more the blood of Xing to rally to Tao. They feel defeated because they believe most of your family dead. Stay here, remain safe, and allow us to announce your freedom and survival. It will be a blow against Tiahuan.::
Minxia liked that idea better. Not that she intended to stay behind, but Grandma had not fared as well as she was pretending out in the cold. Charging fully into combat again seemed foolish at her age. ::I think that sounds like a good idea,:: she spoke up.

::Wise girl,:: Ling smiled approvingly. ::You are too important to risk further, Mei. Surely you see that.::

Mei sighed, and took a sip of tea. ::I understand your concerns, and while I do not like remaining here, I hear the wisdom in your suggestion. Very well then, I will remain here… for now. Do not, however, mention Minxia or Thrakos in your announcement. Make it seem I escaped myself. Do not give the enemy more information than they need. Let rumors be spread.:: She looked sharply at Minxia. ::You must bring them back. Both of you.:: That hard look went to Thrakos, who nodded once, and said nothing else.

::We will, Grandmother,:: Minxia replied, trying to sound sure of herself, when she suddenly felt less sure than before. The enormity of the situation weighed heavily upon her. They couldn't afford to fail. If they did, both their family, and their Empire, would be lost.

They were given rooms in the guest wing of the Yao Estate, very nicely appointed ones that bordered on palatial. Thrakos was impressed. It seemed that most of the noble houses of Xing lived as well -or better- than his own family. Better, he admitted, since his family was not into opulence. Still, he was used to living well, and after weeks at the dig site and the past week trekking through the wilderness.

They were given time to bathe before they would be joining Shirong's whole family for dinner. Thrakos' room was to the right of Minxia's, which was to the right of Mei's. He felt a twinge of regret, a small one, that he wasn't sharing a room with Minxia. She had surprised the heck out of him during their conversation with Ling and Shirong Yao. Engaged? Did that mean she had decided to accept his proposal now… finally? Or was she just trying to save face? She had avoided the topic ever since the night he had brought it up, and he had been wondering if she had forgotten, or if she was finding a way to tell him no. He had no doubts that she loved him, but he knew how much she loved what she did as well. The last thing Thrakos wanted to do was make her feel torn, but they had been together for years, despite months apart at a time. He wanted something decided.

And now apparently a decision had been made in her head without him. At least, he hoped so. He just had to know for certain. When he finished bathing, he dressed in the clean clothes provided by Yao attendants -modern if conservative Xing attire- and went to knock on Minxia's door. ::Hey, Minx,:: he called out. ::It's me.::

The door opened, and for a moment he lost the ability to speak. Minxia stood there, hair down and still damp but half-dry from washing, wrapped in the robe from earlier, but clearly not dressed yet otherwise. She looked beautiful, somehow almost more striking than in the nude. The way the fabric hugged her curves. ::You can come in,:: she said after a moment.

Thrakos followed her in, then closed the door behind him and turned to face her. ::We need to talk. Did you mean what you said earlier?:: he asked without waiting for a response to his first declaration.

He didn't have to say what he meant. Her face flushed subtly. ::I love you,:: she said after a moment, her eyes meeting his. ::I know we don't spend nearly as much time together as we'd both like, and I know that a lot of that is my fault. I'm always traveling. That's why I asked you to come with me. Only… I didn't expect our trip to turn into a life or death battle.::

::Most people don't,:: Thrakos chuckled, moving in close. Minxia did not resist as he pulled her close in a hug. ::And you're a free spirit. It's one of the things I find most endearing about you.::

::You've waited so patiently for me,:: Minxia hugged him back tightly. ::When we get out of this… if we get out of it… I want us to go home, and get married, and I'll find something to do that I enjoy that doesn't involve running off to the opposite side of the continent without you all the time.::

::From now on, we only adventure together?:: He kissed her gently. ::Then let me try this again.:: He tipped her chin up lightly with one finger. ::Minxia Elric, will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your husband?::

She smiled. ::I wouldn't have it any other way.:: Then she kissed him again, and Thrakos put thoughts of where they were, everything that was happening, out of his mind. He pulled her against him, wondering absently how much time alone they had before they might be interrupted. The kiss deepened and he let his hands wander down, to the small of her back. His fingers caught in the tie of her robe. She felt so warm… so alive. So enticing…

A sharp knock at the door broke the moment.

Minxia broke the kiss, though her expression looked as disappointed as his. ::What is it?:: she called out.

::Dinner is in ten minutes,:: came the sound of a servant's voice.

::Thank you,:: Minxia replied. When the footsteps moved away, she looked back up at Thrakos who hoped, for a brief moment, that ten minutes was all they needed. ::I should finish getting dressed,:: she said, though Thrakos thought he heard regret in her voice.

::Right.:: Thrakos sighed, then he smiled and stepped back, his hands lingering briefly around her waist. ::Can't have you running around in that where others can see you.::

Minxia chuckled, then poked him in the chest with one finger. ::Don't get too possessive on me yet. We still have to get through all this.::

::I know.:: Thrakos had no intention of letting anything happen to either of them. Not now. ::I'll let you change. See you at dinner.:: As he left, he wondered where in the city he could find a ring.

The fire in the darkness chased the cold back, but not far, and not for long. Roy watched the fire and drank from the cup of strong dark tea, ignoring the lingering ache in his recently healed arm. The fighting today had been particularly rough, especially since he was with Fischer's unit fighting the main chunk of the forces at the north end of the city. They had almost managed to get to the walls, but it had been difficult, and costly. He had been fortunate enough to avoid the explosion near him that had taken out four of Tao's men, though he had gotten a shrapnel slash to his left triceps. He was grateful for the alchemical doctors with Tao's army. The cut would have been a couple of weeks in healing, and his arm longer for recuperation and strengthening afterwards without the healing assistance. Now it still ached, but the arm was useable immediately.

It didn't stop him from wishing he could spend the evening snuggled up at home on the couch with Trisha, or that there was something to spike the tea with. He had never been particularly fond of tea, even though this was better than most, which made it tolerable. Who ever heard of an army that doesn't drink coffee?

Across from him, his father-in-law was staring down at a stack of notes on his lap, working even though it was well past dinner and he had ordered everyone else to rest and take a little time for themselves tonight, before combat resumed in the morning. Which it would, because the plan was to push as hard as they could. The tactics were working reasonably well at deflecting the smaller rockets they had been hit with so far, as long as they managed to hit them. If not, the results were devastatingly effective.

Retaking the city was going to take a long time at this rate. Which was, of course, why Franz Heimler had his nose buried in his work, despite the hour. He refused to take breaks, working with an almost feverish fury at all hours. Having never worked directly under his command, Roy had always thought of him as Trisha's Dad and, after that, his father-in-law. Watching him be "the General" particular under warfare conditions, was a new experience, and somewhat disconcerting. He had never really thought of Franz as a warrior, despite knowing he had been a regular enlisted soldier before going officer.

Franz' tactics were not the conservative ones he might have imagined. While he wasn't ruthless, he was calculating, determined, and not afraid of necessary risks. He made use of the alchemists with no hesitation, trusting them to hold themselves in check as needed, or do what needed to be done. He wasn't rushing, but somehow he still felt like he was in a hurry, particularly outside of combat.

Roy knew where Franz really wanted to be. Pushing the Tiahuan back… and finding the Hashman Syndicate members who were here somewhere.

"You wanted something?"

Roy hadn't realized how openly he was watching, until Franz looked back at him, the firelight reflecting in his glasses.

"Wondering something," Roy admitted instead, glad they were alone.

"Well, what is it?"

If I don't come back, Trish, it'll be because your father killed me for impertinence. "Why are you doing this?" Roy asked, making himself look Franz in the eyes. "You've never taken lead of a battlefield situation before, and you practically shoved your way into this one. It… it feels to me like you're not here just because of this. I don't think you have ulterior motives but…"

"You want to know if this is a revenge trip."

Well, at least he hadn't had to say it. "Yeah. I do."

Franz didn't look away. "I want the Hashman Syndicate destroyed. I want them to pay for what they've done in Amestris, and elsewhere, for the state alchemists they've killed, and the innocents they've harmed trying to meet their own vendettas. And yes, that includes Sara's murder. They have to be stopped. They're involved in this civil war in Xing too, and that affects more of our family just as directly. But it's also about saving the Empire and keeping it from falling back into the chaos it was in when I was a boy, and when I enlisted. All of this needs to be done. It's for the betterment of the world around us. If it allows me to get revenge on Sara's killers at the same time, well that's just that much better for me. However, it doesn't mean I'm going to risk other people just to get what I want. If I have to let them walk away… well I'll go after them when it's all over instead. Sara would never forgive me if I let anyone get killed just to bring her murderers to justice."

"I never thought you had this kind of thing in you," Roy admitted after several moments absorbing everything he had just heard. "I mean, I'm impressed, but you're a much more aggressive General than I expected."

"If Belle were still here… I probably wouldn't be," Franz took off his glasses, cleaning them on a scrap of cloth from his pocket. "But she's not, and the men on the other side of this fight will be very sorry they messed with us."

Roy nodded. He couldn't say this hadn't changed him either. He still remembered the threats he had leveled at Hashman himself, and how coldly he had managed to pull off that bluff. If he had actually had to do the things he had insinuated, he would have been equally guilty of cruel and unusual forms of torture. "We'll make them pay," he agreed quietly. "I just had to know where you stood… mentally."

"I understand," Franz replied. "And if you ever see me doing something irrational, or ordering people to do something Sara would never allow… stop me, by whatever means necessary. This isn't worth doing if I'm not better than they are in the end."

That he could live with. "I can do that."