December 4th, 1985
"I think that's about all we can really do about it," Ed told Aldon as they sat around the table with the rest of the Resembool town council. He had spent a lot of time over the past weeks –him and Urey— carefully probing the land in the area with alchemy, and seeing what could be done to undo some of the damage to the ground itself done by the two alchemists who had been agitating the fault line for their own selfish purposes.
Not that it had paid out in the end. They, along with their boss, were currently in jail and on trial. It didn't look good for any of them, though the results would probably be a good long prison sentence and hefty fines.
"Will the earthquakes continue?" Orrin Jones asked from the other end of the table.
Ed shrugged. "I wish I could tell you no, but it seems unlikely. They've been pushing at that fault line. We're lucky they were stopped as quickly as they were, but there's only so much I can do to try and move landmasses. Starting an earthquake with alchemy is a lot easier than getting them to stop again."
"Will they get worse?"
"That remains to be seen, but I've done my best to relieve the tension on the fault." Ed leaned back in his chair. "So hopefully things will settle down again. We might get some smaller tremors for a while, but that's all we can really hope for I think."
"Well, it's better than what we were getting," Aldon agreed. "So what about our other project?"
"Making every building in Resembool earthquake proof?" Ed smiled. "Well, that may take longer, but it's good progress. I recommend you consider adding some new requirements to the city building codes for anything new."
Aldon grinned. "Already on it."
December 5th, 1985
There were many days that Gloria Fischer loved her classes. This afternoon was not one of semester was almost over, and every course had decided to have a major paper or project due the week before finals, on top of final exams. She had been working non-stop all week, in every spare moment between classes, after classes, and even once when she woke up in the middle of the night with an idea for the third paragraph of her paper for History of Amestrian Journalism.
It was Friday afternoon, and she ought to be feeling relaxed with the weekend ahead of her, but she wasn't. Not that it was anyone's fault but her own for taking a challenging workload. She had never been one to take the easy way out of anything. Still, the idea of starting right in on her projects was daunting. She poured herself a cup of fruit tea she had pulled out of the refrigerator they shared in the floor lounge, returned to her room, and sat down on her bed under the window, while there was still some daylight left, and opened her textbook, Writing for News.
Less than a paragraph into it, her phone rang. Gloria sighed, shut the book, and leaned over, grabbing the phone off her desk. "Hello?"
"Hello, Gloria?" a vaguely familiar male voice with an unusual accent said over the phone.
"This is she," she replied, wondering who was calling.
"Oh, good, she gave me the right number. I thought she might have been teasing me." The voice sounded relieved, and chuckled. "It's Alexei; Alexei Deviatovski."
Florence's half-Drachman cousin! That explained the accent. "Oh! Of course. How are you?" And why was he calling her?
"Well," he replied. "I just got into town, actually, and was wondering if you might like to join me this afternoon. I am going to be at the opening of the new Drachman Art exhibit at the museum. Afterwards, we could have dinner."
He was asking her out? Gloria had certainly enjoyed his company well enough the last time he came to visit, but that entire day had been spoiled for her by her mother's cancer diagnosis. She couldn't imagine she had been particularly pleasant to be around. Still, it was far better than sitting around her room feeling sorry for herself while all her friends were out on dates. "That sounds great," she replied promptly. "What time should I meet you at the museum?"
"The unveiling starts at six."
"I'll see you there."
Gloria felt an excited little flutter as she hopped off the bed and went to her closet. Just what did a girl wear out for a museum opening and dinner with her friend's older cousin? She couldn't even be sure this counted as a date, since he hadn't clarified if there was romantic intent, or he just wanted company to talk to. She knew Florence wasn't available; she was out with her boyfriend.
That didn't mean she couldn't look her best. Since it was winter, her options were limited, and Gloria eventually settled on black slacks and a fitted emerald green blouse. She put on her favorite gold pendant, which dangled right in the center of the V of the blouse. Then she wrapped up tight in her long black coat, and headed out. She should have just enough time to get to the museum and find him.
Thankfully the busses were running on time, and Gloria arrived fifteen minutes early. Eager, and curious to find out why Alexei was here for this particular unveiling, other than interest, she looked around for the tall, handsome blond with the hooked nose.
"Gloria!" He found her first, appearing out of the crowd, face flushed from the chilly air, but looking comfortable. He wore only a thick-cabled sweater in burgundy and cream, and tan slacks. "I'm glad you could make it."
"I needed a break from my books. Thank you for inviting me," she smiled back. His dark blue eyes were as deep and merry as she recalled. "So why are you here?" Gloria asked curiously as they moved towards the front of the crowd.
Alexei paused, then laughed and gestured to the badge hanging off the camera around his neck. "I'm here to cover the opening."
"You're with the press?" That hadn't occurred to Gloria, who had completely missed it if Alexei had told her what he did for a living during his last visit.
"I'm a writer," Alexei explained, "for Cultural Monthly."
Gloria knew the magazine. It published a wide range of articles on a variety of subjects: art, cuisine, architecture, philosophy, and fascinating historical topics. Sometimes there were even articles analyzing more current events. It was high quality writing, and she had read several copies. It would make perfect sense for him to be covering the opening of Amestris' first Drachman art exhibit. She wondered if she had read any of his previous work without knowing it. "That explains it," she admitted, feeling a little bad she had missed seeing the badge. He had to know she was majoring in journalism herself. "So I should expect to be able to read all about this exhibit next month."
"That's the plan." Alexei nodded as they reached the front of the gathering crowd and made it over to the press area. "We'll cover the opening ceremony, then I'll talk to the curator and we'll get the press tour. After that, on to dinner."
"Sounds great." Gloria was about to ask how she was going in when Alexei took something from one of the museum staff and turned, slipping a press pass over her head.
"Now, you are my assistant." Alexei winked.
It turned out to be a fascinating exhibit. Gloria stayed quiet and out of the way, following Alexei and watching him work, almost more than she found herself looking at the display of what was truly beautiful Drachman artwork and artifacts from their history. It was all on loan from the Imperial Museum of Drachma, which had been open for over three hundred years. It had certainly outlived several Drachman governments.
She was more intrigued by Alexei, who was not only scribbling furiously, and asking very specific, culturally relevant and pointed questions, but taking his own photos as well. She made a note to try some of the more unusual angles he attempted, and ask about the choices later.
The tour lasted an hour, and afterwards Gloria followed him back out into the street. "Thank you for inviting me," she said again, smiling. "I haven't had that much fun in a long time."
"I thought you would appreciate it," he beamed back. "Florence always says you have an eye for detail and artwork."
"Does she really?"
"No," he chuckled, looking slightly abashed. "But I thought it might sound odd if I said I noticed that about you the last time we came to the museum."
He had been paying that much attention to her? "If you noticed that, then maybe you can guess what I'm thinking about where we should go eat?" she challenged him, teasing.
He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then shrugged. "I'm afraid I'm not that good," he admitted.
Gloria shook her head, and tried not to shiver. It was dark now, and getting cold enough it felt like it might snow. "Then I should tell you that they just opened a little Drachman restaurant a couple of blocks away, and I've been very curious to try it out."
His eyes lit up. "Really? Now, that does sound interesting."
Having agreed on a place, Gloria was quite happy that they walked briskly to their destination, though Alexei seemed to find it amusing that she was cold. What did he expect? He was from colder climates than she was. Even though he hadn't grown up in Drachma, his parents lived outside of North City. At least, that was what she remembered Florence telling her.
The restaurant wasn't full, but it was doing good business. They were seated within a few minutes, at a table for two in a cozy back corner, far from the door. The decorations were minimal, and not nearly as pricy or authentic as what they had just seen, but at least they weren't tacky.
"Looks a lot like my Aunt Tula's living room," Alexei admitted. "Let's hope the food is good."
"I'm told it's good." Not that she would know authentic Drachman food if it bit her. Gloria looked at the menu. There were a lot of very interesting dishes on here, and while she had always been raised in a family that ate a wide variety of foods from different cultures, it was humbling to realize she had only heard of may half of the dishes on the menu.
"What would you recommend? I'll try whatever you think I'll like."
Alexei looked the menu over carefully, but didn't respond immediately. When the server came over, Alexei asked a question in Drachman, and she was startled to see the server smile, nod, and respond in kind. He turned back to her. "He recommends the cabbage and sausage soup, with a glass of the Petra red wine. That is, if you like wine."
"I do," she replied. She didn't drink much, but so far she liked wine more than beer, which had tasted foul to her.
He smiled and turned back to the server, who took down an order, and left. "I think you'll enjoy this."
The server returned quickly with the wine, which he poured for them, and a basket of what appeared to be relatively unassuming fresh hot bread rolls.
"Ladies first," Alexei gestured to the food.
Gloria refrained from making a comment about the gallantry, but she took a roll and bit into it- and almost dropped it. "What is that?" She stared down at her roll, the middle of which was full of warm, greenish…goo.
Alexei laughed. "It is cheese, with herbs. That's why it's green."
Cheese, of course. Gloria shook her head, then looked up at him. "You knew."
"Of course I did. They're some of my favorites." Now grinning broadly, he reached for a roll and took a large bite, chewed, and swallowed. "My father makes them all the time."
Now feeling a little foolish, Gloria took another bite, and savored the zest of the herbs, and the bright, flavorful cheese. The bread itself had a slightly crusty outside and a dense texture that went well with the cheese. "I can see why. It's delicious!" Probably terrible for you, but delicious. She followed it with a slow sip of the wine, which also turned out to be very good. Possibly the best she'd had.
"So, you write for a cultural magazine, enjoy museums, and your father is Drachman. That's really all I know about you."
He grinned. "Looking for an interview?"
"I just like to know more about interesting people, especially if they thought it was worth inviting me out to dinner."
"Fair enough." Alexei settled back in his chair. "Ask me a question; anything."
"Anything?"
"Anything you won't be sorry you asked."
Gloria couldn't remember the last time conversation had come so easily with someone she only sort of knew. By the time they finished the light salad source, she knew about Alexei's parents, and how his father had been a reluctant participant in the war to begin with, and how he had dared to desert in order to remain in Amestris with his mother.
By the time the soup came, she knew he had two younger sisters, that he was a fan of Drachman hockey, but also Amestrian baseball, cheering for the North City team every year. Despite his large frame, he was apparently not great at either sport. He just showed his enthusiasm for watching them, and he was a fan of the ancient Xingese philosophers.
Over the flavorful sausage soup, which had not just cabbage but several other vegetables, and a thick dollop of cream that was meant to be stirred in, the conversation turned to Gloria, and she told him all about growing up in Central: her little brother, her parents, her plans for journalism. She didn't want to be just a reporter, or a pretty face on a broadcast; she wanted to do real investigative work, and write pieces that mattered.
"I think that's commendable of you," Alexei said as dessert was brought out. "Anything worth writing should make people think about the world we live in… and how they want to live in it."
Gloria picked up one of the little crescent-roll shaped cookies. His comment made her feel warm inside. "I couldn't agree more." She took a nibble, and found the cookie to be filled with honey, almonds, and dried cherries. "Wow. Is there anything about Drachman food that isn't good?"
Alexei's midnight-dark eyes twinkled merrily above his glass as he took another sip of his wine. "How much exercise I need to get to eat it on a regular basis."
Which had her curious. He had said he was bad at his favorite sports, but he was too muscular to spend all day at a desk. "And just what do you do for that?" she asked.
"Wrestling."
December 11th, 1985
The only thing that could possibly have made this afternoon better, Urey thought, was if Raina could have joined them. He and Yurian had been enjoying a father-son day since that morning, when they had attempted to build a dog out of snow in the yard. There had been a light fall in the night, which turned out to be just enough to scrape together to play with. After the snow dog-which was rather small- and an exuberant snow-ball fight, they had come inside, drunk lots of hot chocolate, and watched children's programming on the television until lunch. Now, having eaten with Grandpa and Granny, he was washing the dishes while Yurian was very determinedly working on a drawing at the table.
It would have been nice to have Raina here too. Perhaps she'd be sitting at the table grading, or working on her own class crafts. It was too bad she was swamped with work and had very apologetically insisted she needed the day to keep up with her work.
Urey finished the last dish, and wiped his hands on a towel. Now was as good a time as any. He joined Yurian. "What are you drawing?"
"Doggies," Yurian replied, pointing at several brown, yellow, and black and white animals that could have been dogs, or cows. There were also people, and a house. Judging from the blue flowers outside it, the house looked like Raina's. "That's me," he pointed to the smallest stick-person. "That's Miss Raina," he pointed to the one with long hair. "And that's you."
Urey looked at the picture, and laughed. "Hey, I'm not that fat anymore."
Yurian giggled.
Urey hugged his son as he sat down in the next chair. "Hey, I've got a question for you."
"Yeah?" Yurian looked up at him. "What's that?"
"I wanted to know what you'd think if Miss Raina was part of our family?"
His son caught on quick, and his eyes got bigger. "You mean, she'd be my mommy?" he asked very seriously.
"If she wanted to." Urey nodded. "Would that be okay with you?"
Yurian smiled. "Yeah! Miss Raina's awesome."
Well, that settled that question, not that Urey had been particularly worried about his son's being okay with Raina being part of the family. He adored his former teacher. "I'm glad. Now, this is a secret between us, okay? Until I ask her about it."
"Okay, Daddy." Yurian nodded vigorously. "I won't tell a squirrel."
"Squirrel?" Urey chuckled. "It's soul, son."
"Yeah, I meant that."
December 12th, 1985
The Elric family in Resembool was in a state of chaos for several days leading up to the winter holidays. Since Krista and James were finally having their family party-in-lieu-of-a-wedding-reception, anyone who could get off work and go, was doing so. Which meant that everyone was scrambling at once, Urey included. Grandpa Ed and Granny were going. His parents were going. Even Reichart, Deanna, and their brood were going. Thankfully his parents' friends Ollie and Kit had offered to watch the houses and pets while they were away.
There was just one person that Urey wanted to bring along that he desperately hoped would agree. He waited until after dinner at Raina's, while they were sitting on her couch, watching a movie. "Hey, what are your plans for the holidays?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Raina smiled and shrugged. "I'm going down to see Mom and Dad in a few days, why?"
"Well, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come with me to Central?" Urey hadn't been able to think of a smooth or sophisticated way to ask. "Just for a few days. You could still go down and visit your parents afterwards. I'll even come with you if you want. I'd just, really like to enjoy the holidays with you. So would Yurian," he added, grinning. "I have it on good authority."
"I'm sure you do." Raina looked thoughtful, and he let her think it over. "You know, I haven't been to Central since I was a kid. That sounds like fun. You're sure your family won't mind?"
Mind? They'd probably have been disappointed if she didn't. Urey was well aware that his parents, grandparents, siblings, all of them would be quite happy to see him happily settled again, particularly with Raina. "I'm sure they won't mind," he assured her, before she kissed him, and his thoughts went elsewhere.
Now, all he had to do was plan the perfect proposal.