(A/N): Alright guys! In this chapter we get to meet the Ishvalan side of Aria's family, isn't it exciting? I'm deeply fascinated by Ishval, I was since the moment I watched the anime, so when I decided to write this I just had to make Aria half Ishvalan. I want to explore this more exotic and foreign part of her life, and I decided to make her family sort of important for the tribe (I'm not entirely sure if the Ishvalans were considered a tribe but I think I'm going to do it because they were based on Arabic and Persian origins so I find it fitting).

I honestly hope you like my new OC's! I've wrote them with all of my heart!

Disclaimer: I don't own the universe of the Fullmetal Alchemist, although I would very much love to own Edward ;p I do own my OC's and the plot.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

"Eternal Snow"

Edward x OC

February, 1924

Coming on this trip had been a lot harder than she figured.

She needed someone to take care of her bookstore and Joseph had been extremely uncooperative, giving her excuse after excuse. It was obvious he didn't want her to go with Edward so he was trying to sabotage her. Aria was infuriated, he was acting like a spoiled jealous brat. Luckily Kara offered to manage the store (and keep an eye on Joseph). She would definitely remember to bring a gift from Xing for her.

Then there was her brother. He wasn't opposed to her going, quite on the contrary, but she was afraid that he would fall of the wagon during her absence. The last thing she needed was to get home and find Markus expelled from the academy or worse - in juvie. He had been behaving exceptionally since he joined the military but Aria didn't want to be too careless. So she asked Winry to check up on him every once in a while.

She also called her dad to let him know she wouldn't be reachable via phone for a while. He threw a fit. He didn't want her heading off to a foreign country alone with a man who still made him feel slightly nervous. Aria really didn't understand why her dad and Edward simply couldn't get along. Every time they were in the same room together it was like all hell breaking loose and Aria somehow always ended up in the crossfire. It was a bit funny though, she would admit that. When Edward was younger and way shorter, her dad had teased him so much he would have an outburst every time someone mentioned his height.

It had been a relief when they finally boarded and the train left the station three hours ago.

Aria sighed, leaning her forehead against the cold glass, watching the landscape flash through the window. She felt a pair of lips on her shoulder and smiled.

"What is that pretty little head thinking?"

"Oh I was just imagining what my grandfather will think of you when we get to Ishval," she said matter-of-factly.

"He will love me of course! He will thank me for taking such good care of his precious granddaughter and he will ask you to satisfy my every wish in return!"

Aria snorted. "You're delusional if you seriously think that's going to happen."

"It's not?" Edward feigned outrage. "But I want you to satisfy my every wish!"

"Stop being a pervert, Edward!"

"I wasn't even thinking about anything like that so you're the pervert! Take your mind out of the gutter will ya?" He joked. Aria rolled her eyes but she had to laugh. He was such an idiot!

Edward took her hand and pulled her, making her slide across the padded seat until she was flushed against his chest, in the middle of his legs as he had one propped on the bench and the other with a feet on the floor. Aria chuckled. She pulled her legs onto the seat and leaned her back against him, grabbing the end of his ponytail that had been resting over his shoulder and playing with it.

Aria twirled the silky tresses in her fingers lovingly. His hair was longer than she'd ever seen. She loved it.

"Al keeps telling me to cut it," he said, his breath tickling the back of her head.

"Don't." She kissed the golden tips. "I love it the way it is."

He chuckled, nuzzling her neck. "I figured."

"If you're going to be cocky about it, I'll take it back."

"No! You can't take it back!"

Edward tightened his hold on her stomach for a moment before launching into a surprise tickle attack. Aria squealed and squirmed, trying to make him stop but unable to since he was relentless. Only when she was crying and everyone in the train was staring at them like they were insane did he stop his torture.

They settled into an easy conversation for the rest of the trip, with Aria nestled in his lap.

Kanda was exactly as she remembered. No, that was a lie. It was more beautiful, more structured. The barren land that was once nothing but rocks and sand was now flourishing.

Ishvalan architecture was very different than post-modern Amestris. It was unique and ancient in a way that inspired respect. The houses were humble structures and even though each had a little personal touch they all looked pretty much the same. Aria knew it was because Ishvalans believed in equal assets for everyone because they were all the equals in the eyes of God.

The temples were absolutely beautiful, built with columns, piers and horseshoe arches, organized and interwoven with alternating sequences of niches and colonnettes. Some were decorated with intricate arabesque patterns on the outside while others enjoyed more mathematical motifs. The only time she had visited the inside of one it was crumbling to pieces but it still had been something quite extraordinary. She had stood under the wide golden dome, staring at the painted figures on the ceiling, and she had felt a strange power touching her. The spirits of the past, her grandfather had told her. If the temple had been that overpowering in ruins, Aria wondered how it would be now that was back to all its glory.

Edward acted like a child the whole way to her grandfather's house. He couldn't stop looking at everything, as if his eyes wanted to commit it all to memory. It was flattering and endearing, she admitted. Since it wasn't as cold as in Reseembol, she decided to take them through the long way so he could see more. Ishval had a climate of its own and it was never too cold since they were close to the desert.

Some foreign merchants stood out due to their different colors as they called out enthusiastically to attract customers. There were several Ishvalans from other villages too, some she knew but not many. Aria was more acquainted with the people in Kanda and they all stopped working to greet her and talk to her. They were so happy. They made her happy too. Seeing them smiling and joking around, she felt as if she had done something wonderful by helping them in the five years she had called Ishval her home.

They stopped in front of a little house with a small vase with growing medicine plants. Before Aria could knock, the door opened to let out a tall middle aged man. His long white hair was pulled into a tight braid and he was dressed with typical Ishvalan robes with sashes striped with burgundy and gold. The corners of his crimson eyes crinkled when he flashed her a giant smile.

"Bluebird! You came back!" He shouted as he swept her off her feet and spun her around in the air.

Aria laughed. "Put me down, Mahir! I missed you two but you're making me dizzy!"

The man settled back on the floor with a grin. He patted Aria's head, saying, "you haven't grown anything, have you little one?"

"Don't make me regret coming here, old man!" She could hear Edward scoffing behind her. She rolled her eyes. Maybe she was spending too much time with him.

Mahir eyed the golden haired young man up and down, assessing him. Edward did the same, taking in his incredibly muscular frame and the black tribal tattoo on the right side of his strong face.

"I'd like you to meet Edward." Aria gestured back forth between Mahir and Edward. "Edward, this Mahir - my uncle."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," Edward said politely as he took the older man's hand.

"Same here, boy, but call me Mahir."

"Alright Mahir, in that case it's Edward - not boy."

Aria rolled her eyes as Mahir laughed at the snarky reply. "I like this one, Ari, you should keep him!"

"Oh great, now I have two insufferable men in my life!" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Where's jadda (1)?"

"He's at the school with your aunt, why don't you go meet him there? I bet those kids will love to see you," he said, giving her a cheeky wink. "I would join you but I was on my way to the military basecamp when you guys showed up. We're going to re-assign a few of the teams to Daliha and start planning the reconstruction of the new hospital."

"That's wonderful, Mahir! You think I could stop by later? I really miss everyone..."

"Of course, Bluebird, you're always welcome! See you later then! Have fun!" Mahir waved over his shoulders and walked off.

Aria led Edward through the lively streets. He turned to her and asked curiously, "what's a jada?"

"Not jada, Edward - jadda," she corrected, chuckling. "It means grandfather in ancient Ishvalan dialect. My mom taught me a little bit before she died and when I came here my aunt taught me the rest. She's a teacher."

Edward hummed in thought as he stretched his arms out, crossing them behind his head.

"It's so weird... we've known each other since forever and I feel like we've never really talked about your Ishvalan family before. I mean I'm completely in the dark here. I feel like an ignorant!"

"You're overreacting a little, but I know what you mean. I tend to be slightly secretive of them," she started, her eyes roaming through the white haired people. "Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm ashamed of my bloodline or anything, quite on the contrary actually. I guess I just never really know how to talk about it with y'know... normal Amestrians..." She paused, realizing what she had said and she groaned. "Oh God that sounded wrong!"

Edward shook his head, reassuring her, "no, you're right... as much as I hate it the truth is this country used to separate its people into 'normal Amestrians' - as you put it - and Ishvalans. It's completely normal that you wouldn't want to talk about it."

"Exactly and I never talked to you about it because you never showed any interest."

"It's not that I wasn't interested, Ari, but me and Al, we were kids when your mom was alive and I don't think we ever even realized she was Ishvalan until we grew up and got thrown into the world of the military. By then we all had a lot of other things in our minds so I never remembered to ask you about it."

Aria flashed him a smile. "I know, Edward, don't worry. So what would you like to know?"

"Well..." Edward furrowed his eyebrows, deeply concentrated. "How much family do you still have alive?"

"I have my grandfather, Hakim, he's an esteemed healer and a spiritual guide for the tribe. Then there's my mother's siblings: the eldest is my aunt Nuha who's a teacher; my uncle Sajjad, he's an Ishvala monk; and Mahim, who you met, he's one of the Chief's advisers and his protector. Oh, I also have three cousins, one my age, another who's seventeen and a third with fifteen - all boys, go figure. My aunt and I are pretty much the only women in the family," she joked, rolling her eyes. "They all went into hiding after the civil war ended but they're really happy to be working with the military for a peaceful future."

"That's wonderful." Edward smiled. It was incredibly rewarding knowing he had also helped to change the situation for the Ishvalans. "What was that tattoo Mahir had on his face?"

"My family comes from one of the oldest clans of Ishval, one of the very few with the power of alchemy. Before it was forbidden by false prophets, our men and women used it to protect the tribe and to ensure peace. Over the years the power in our blood became more and more diluted because we were no longer using it and my uncle is the first alchemist in three whole generations. Since alchemy is no longer forbidden, he uses it freely and he has taken his place as the Chief's protector. The tattoo is a symbol of his power," she explained. "My older cousin already has his and his brothers will get theirs once they finish mastering the art."

Edward was impressed. "Wow... your family is kind of a big deal, isn't it?"

"I suppose so. Why? Are you getting nervous from all the pressure?" Aria grinned mischievously.

"Of course not!" He pouted but Aria knew he was nervous, even if just a little. She grabbed his hand and laced her fingers through his reassuringly.

A few minutes later, they reached the school. It was small but it was newly painted, looking very inviting. The walls were beige and the roof was plane and made of light colored rocks so as not to attract the heat of the sun. There was a playground in the back, encircled by a wooden fence. That's where Aria took Edward.

Several children were sitting cross-legged on the floor in a half circle, listening attentively to the woman standing in the middle. She was tall and the pale blue dress she was wearing clung pleasantly to her curvy figure, the crimson and golden sash around her narrow waist accentuating her hips. Her hair fell over her shoulders and down her back in luscious curls that immediately reminded Edward of Aria's, and she had a golden ornament with hanging feathers pinning a few of the white strands right above her left ear, both of which were pierced with two also golden loops.

Edward could tell where Aria had gotten her sensuality. She might've not been as tall as her aunt, but they both shared the exact same sex-appeal that he, and a lot of other men, had grown to love. But Ari is still more beautiful, he thought with a smile.

"Hey, Aunt Nuha!" Aria called, waving her arm.

The woman and her entire class looked towards them. Before anyone could say anything, the children darted towards Aria shouting and laughing, jumping around her and hugging her.

"Big sister!"

"You came back!"

"We missed you, big sister!"

Aria laughed, feeling overwhelmed with joy. "I missed you all so much! You guys are so big!" She gushed happily. Edward watched her fawning over the kids fondly. They all loved her so much. It warmed his heart.

The older woman broke through the sea of children and brought Aria into a bone crushing hug. Aria returned the embrace just as fiercely, her eyes starting to tear up. Her aunt looked and smelled exactly the same. She breathed in her sweet cinnamon and vanilla perfume and, like every other time she had been in her arms, she was reminded of her mother. Aria held on tighter.

"Welcome home, aibnat rruhi (2)," Nuha whispered into her hair. Daughter of my soul... her aunt always called her that.

"I missed you so much, aunt Nuha!"

"And I missed you, my dear." She held on a moment longer and then pushed her away, not much, just at an arm's length, so she could take her all in. "Oh my, you become more and more beautiful every time I see you."

Aria blushed timidly. "That's not true, aunt Nuha!"

"Of course, it is! Right guys?" The children agreed excitedly, making both women laugh. Nuha glanced over her shoulder to shout, "oi, old man, get over here and hug your granddaughter!"

Edward acknowledged the short old man who had been standing by the entryway watching them with a smile. He was leaning half of his weight on a wooden cane for support as he made his way to them with slow steps. His white beard reached the top of his chest with a golden ring tying the middle, like a ponytail, but his hair was short. He was wearing something similar to Mahir but instead of trousers he had a tunic reaching down to his ankles. He had deep and kind eyes, he noticed.

Aria hugged the old man. She barely had to lean down since she wasn't much taller than him. "My heart sings for you, Ariana, my sweet granddaughter," Hakim said in a low baritone voice.

"And mine for you, jadda..."

When he kissed her forehead, Aria finally broke down and cried.

Back in Reseembol, Alphonse was at his clinic. He was studying his alkahestry notes since business was slow that afternoon but he was having a hard time concentrating. His mind kept drifting to his argument with Edward and he couldn't stop seeing him with Aria, picturing a thousand different scenarios where they were together. He really didn't want to be thinking about that, but he couldn't stop.

Before leaving, Edward had wanted to make sure that things between them were okay. They were, honestly. But Alphonse really did love Aria so he couldn't forget her as easily as he wished. He would think about her at night, dreaming he was the one kissing her, touching her, which only made him feel worse because he shouldn't be fantasizing about his brother's… girlfriend? Should he call her that now? They didn't exactly act like boyfriend and girlfriend. Maybe lover was more appropriate. That word made him flinch.

Alphonse shook his head vigorously, trying to focus his attention back on the notes. After reviewing them all a few more times he should get started on his paperwork before it started to pile. The bell rang as the entry door opened. He glanced up to see a slightly green-looking Kara walk in. "Kara, what's wrong?" he asked, standing up as soon as he noticed she was trembling.

"I don't feel too well…" she croaked, bringing one hand to her mouth. "I've been throwing up all the time since the last few days… I've tried water and saltines but I can't get anything to stay down…!"

"Okay, let's get you laid down so I can take a look at you."

Kara hopped onto the mattress, laying down obediently. Alphonse grabbed his stethoscope and listened to her heartbeat as she took deep breaths in and out at his command. He inspected her throat and he took her temperature next, but everything seemed to be okay.

"There's nothing wrong with you, K-"

She suddenly bolted, quickly grabbing a trashcan and throwing out fluid and bile since there was nothing more in her stomach to throw out. The bile burned her throat like acid but she couldn't stop. She felt a comforting hand on her lower back and another pulling her dark hair away from her face. Once she was finally done, Kara leaned back, heaving a sigh of relief.

"Thank's, Al," she mumbled, feeling exhausted.

"Don't need to thank me, it's my job." Alphonse stared at her closely as something seemed to click in his mind. He furrowed a brow. "Kara, how long have you been vomiting?"

She shrugged. "About a month I think. At first it was just in the morning but now it's all freaking day…"

"Alright, I want you to lay down again." When she did, he rolled the hem of her shirt so he could feel her lower belly, pressuring down on some points. He put the stethoscope against her skin and listened intently. His eyes widened. "Kara… you're pregnant!"

"I'm what?!"

"So you guys are going to Xing, huh?" Nuha asked as she ate a forkful of green beans.

After the meeting at the school, Aria and Edward had stayed until lessons were finished and then they walked home together. Nuha had cooked lunch and they gathered around the dining table to eat and talk, being joined by Mahir soon after they sat down.

Edward, who was sitting next to Aria while holding her hand on his leg under the table, nodded. "Yes, that's the plan," he answered.

"It's a wonderful country, I'm certain you will both enjoy it very much," her grandfather said.

"Thank you, jadda."

"You guys are lucky, the railroad across the desert was just finished last week," Mahir pointed out.

"Well and is this trip a something like a... shahr aleasal (3)?" Nuha wiggled her perfectly shaped eyebrows suggestively.

Aria choked on her wine and started coughing. Edward gently patted her back, looking at her worriedly but she waved off his concern and straightened herself after a couple deep breaths.

"It's nothing like that, aunt Nuha!"

"What is that?" Edward questioned curiously.

"It means honeymoon," Aria muttered under her breath, blushing.

"Oh." It took him a minute to interiorize the word. Then he turned beet red, making everyone at table laugh. "Ohhhh! N-No, it's nothing like that! I swear! It's just a birthday gift I got her!"

Mahir patted him on the back, laughing boisterously. "No need to get embarrassed, son. Any man who can make our little bluebird smile like you do is more than welcome to become part of the family!"

"Oh geez..." Aria rubbed her face dramatically.

Edward felt his chest swell with pride. He grinned wildly and his hold on her hand tightened ever so slightly. Aria propped her chin on her fist, looking at him with an elated smile, shaking her head at his silliness. The three Ishvalans watched them lovingly.

"How is everything going around here?" Aria chimed in suddenly. "Were there any more troubles with those Anti-Ishval thugs?"

"They show up every now and again but between the military soldiers and me they don't have the chance to do much damage." Mahir smirked.

"As far as how things go... well, love, I'm happy to tell you it's getting better," her aunt added. "We have more merchants coming every month and we've recently begun shipping cotton and wheat to other nations too. The farms are finally giving us good crops, we've developed a new deep irrigation that allows us to grow a wider variety of cereals and vegetables. Also the voluntary center you opened has been really helpful with the people who don't have a home yet, a few street orphans are still refusing to sleep in the old bunkers... I think they're scared, it brings them bad memories."

Aria nodded sadly. "It's normal... maybe we could ask the High Priest to set up a tent or something, it would be provisory of course, just until they have an appropriate place to stay," she offered.

"That's a splendid idea, habibti (4). I'll make sure to ask him." Her grandfather smiled appreciatively, his granddaughter mimicking him.

"What about the government and the military?" It was Edward who asked, drawing everyone's attention. "I mean, they are upholding their promises, aren't they?"

"Yes, sweetie, they are," Nuha answered truthfully. "I must admit that we were all suspicious of their good-will at first... after everything they had done, who could blame us? But Fuhrer Grumman has been nothing but supportive and understanding, and that handsome General Mustang has been amazing."

Edward was felt the faintest twinge of pride for the man he had served. Roy's antics and strategies might've been dubious and hard to believe more often than one would prefer, but he was a man of honor. Roy loved Amestris with an admirable fierceness and, Edward knew, he would always do whatever was in his power to maintain peace.

"To create change, one must change first. To receive kindness, one must also give kindness," Hakim quoted wisely.

Edward smiled at the older man. "My brother and I came up with a new rule based on that notion: if we receive ten percent and give ten percent back everything stays the same, so if we receive ten we must add one percent extra and give back eleven. Even if it doesn't seem like much, when we add all the extras the world begins to change."

Aria touched his arm, beaming at him. "That's wonderful, Edward, how did you think of that?"

"You, Ari," he said with a voice laced with honesty. "You give more than eleven or twelve - you give everything you can to those who needed it the most and you never expect anything in return. Even when you don't have anything to give, you find a way to help. Like you did to me... you gave strength when I was weak and you showed me light when all I could see was dark... You inspire the people around you, Ari, you are made of kindness."

The room was silent, almost as if everyone had stopped breathing. Aria's gaze filled with an unspoken multitude of emotions and she held on to his hand like her life depended on it. It was too much. Her feelings were too much. The older siblings exchanged meaningful looks with matching smiles. Hakim, however, stared closely at the golden eyed man, seeing more than most people would. Then, he smiled as well.

"We have an expression for what our little Ari means to you, Edward," he started, catching their attention. "Hayet albi enta (5)." The words echoed with a strange power, resonating deep inside both of them. "It means 'you are the life of my heart'." Aria and Edward blushed. "I've Seen inside your soul, Edward and it's quite a sight. I like you. You are welcome here anytime you wish, hafidi (6)."

(1) - Jadda means "grandfather" in Arabic

(2) - Aibnat rruhi means "daughter of my soul" in Arabic

(3) - Shahr aleasal means "honeymoon" in Arabic

(4) - Habibti means "my dear" in Arabic

(5) - Hayet albi enta means "you are the life of my heart" in Arabic

(6) - hafidi means "son" in Arabic

So, as you may have noticed, I decided to use Arabic for the ancient Ishvalan dialect. I thought it brought a little something to the story. Also, in the anime the original Ishval had three main nations, Kanda, Daliha and Gunja and I kept it that way.

So, what did you guys think?

Love,

Moon Princess.