Fullmetal Alchemist: An Unexpected Beginning 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. This is purely a Fanfiction.

Youth, Wisconsin USA; October 30, 1928

Chapter 4: Early Company

As soon as the lounge doors close behind Scarlett, Elle turns to Joe to say, “Joe, please get the others settled into their rooms and bring up a bottle of Merlot from our private store in the cellar afterward, while I attend to our unexpectedly early guest.”

“Of course, Miss Elle,” Joe responds as he takes the lead.

Elle addresses the others as she heads towards the lounge, “Go on, and feel free to join us when you're all settled.”

Noah, Al and Ed begin following Joe up the staircase, and Ed just catches a glimpse of the resigned expression on Elle's faces just before she enters the lounge. He begins to wonder if Elle had been understating things in regards to her friend's disposition, and groans internally at the possibilities of Scarlett's true nature before being pulled from his thoughts by Al's concerned voice turning to see Noah with an expression that's part confused part worried.

"Noah? Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Noah says dismissively as she surreptitiously glances at Joe, hinting that she would prefer to discuss what's bothering her in private.

Al turns to his brother, still concerned, and Ed just nods with a serious face to reassure him. Al gives a restrained sigh with a nod in response as they all continue on their way.

...

Elle closes the lounge door behind her as Scarlett starts making herself comfortable in a Victorian style chaise with purple upholstery that sits across from a matching settee, and adjacent to a matching lounge chair that sits opposite the bay window with a matching cushioned bench. A dark wood Victorian style coffee table topped in white marble sits at the center of the arrangement, with a silver 3-pronged candelabra set with fresh white candles as the centerpiece, and a matching tea table is set next to the wall behind the lounge chair.

Scarlett lets out a satisfied sigh after she finishes getting comfortable and asks, "So, doll, which of your guests needs to be saved from an untimely death this time, or are they all included in your Sight?"

Elle settles into the lounge chair as she says, "Your telegram said you weren't going to be here until tomorrow. What reason is there that you would come a full day ahead of schedule?”

"My telegram said I would arrive by tomorrow, meaning at the latest, and I asked you a question first," Scarlett presses stubbornly.

Elle gives a resigned sigh before answering, "Edward. Just Edward.

"Pity. Why must it always be the handsome ones," Scarlett says in mock lamentation.

Elle rolls her eyes before saying, "Your turn to answer my question. I know you well enough that the latest date you offer is the one you hold to, unless you've been sent ahead of your personal schedule. So what does my father want now?"

"Oh, very well. He has requested that I pass on his invitation to his annual Yule Ball that is to be held at the New York Estate this year, as an opportunity to meet with all the Keepers of the Americas. He's even covering the necessary costs and accommodations to ensure that all the Keepers will be able to attend."

Elle's eyes widen with surprise as she asks, "Are you serious?"

"Completely. I was just as shocked as you when he told me."

Elle blinks in shock, "He spoke to you in person?"

"Yes. He's hoping you'll attend, if not for him then, for the opportunity to meet all the Keepers of this region."

Elle is about to decline automatically, but holds her tongue as the memory of her previous conversation with Edward regarding his father crosses her mind. Scarlett contains her curiosity over Elle's hesitation to avoid ruining any slim chance that she might actually accept.

After a minute of thorough thought, Elle says, "I'll keep the offer under consideration for now, and decide after I have sent my guests on their way."

Scarlett nods as she says, "Very well, that's certainly more than could've been expected."

Elle gives a dismissive hum before changing the topic, "Shaking hands with Noah may prove to be a problem. My Sight warned me against physical contact with her, which I would have been able to warn you about beforehand if you had arrived according to schedule."

Scarlett quirks an eyebrows as she says, "Oh? Did your Sight happen to give you any details as to why touching her should be avoided?"

"Of course not, you know it doesn't work that way. However, I did eavesdrop on their conversation, after an encounter with a Blood Wolf back in Eldest, that leads me to assume that she has some sort of clairvoyant ability to see into a person's mind; but only through touch judging by the vague warning I received from my Sight."

Scarlett straightens up in alertness upon hearing Elle mention the Blood Wolf, and responds, "What?! A Blood Wolf entered the Eldest estate? Why didn't you mention that sooner?"

Elle answers matter-of-factly, "Because I don't wish to speak of such matters when there is the risk that my guests could overhear, especially Edward. If not for my Sight, that Blood Wolf would've been the death of him."

"Well, it's obvious he has been saved so you'll be able to send them off soon after the Ball," Scarlett says, but upon seeing Elle's grim expression asks, "or is there more?"

"More, unfortunately," Elle answers, "Soon after I prevented his death from that vision I ended up receiving another, which I will explain to you at a more appropriately secure time and venue."

Scarlett concedes with a sigh, "Of course. I suppose this will be good practice for me, interacting with your guests."

"Yes, and remember to avoid contact with Noah. We don't want her to discover the truth prematurely."

"I'll keep that in mind," both Scarlett and Elle glance toward the door as they detect the sound of the others approaching, and Scarlett adds, "Well, it certainly didn't take them long to get settled."

"No. They live an unusually rushed life, especially for foreigners of countries they have traveled from. They seem to be on a personal mission of sorts from what I overheard them speaking about when I first encountered them, and they are exceedingly careful not to share sensitive information regarding it. Especially Edward."

Scarlett raises an eyebrow and responds, "Curiously cautious. It's no wonder you seem to be so taken with him. I never imagined there would be a match for your own cautiousness," Scarlett's expression turns into a sly smirk as she finishes.

Elle rolls her eyes towards Scarlett ending the action with a deadpan expression, "Don't even start."

Before Scarlett can respond, Ed, Al, and Noah enter the room followed by Joe carrying a tray with glasses, crackers, and the requested Merlot in ice. After the guests take a seat, Ed on the bench of the bay window with Al and Noah taking the settee, Joe sets the tray on the table and begins to serve drinks.

After taking the glass of wine offered to him, Edward says, "I thought alcohol was illegal due to the Prohibition, though I guess it’s safe to assume your family's wealth would offer plenty incentive for authorities to turn a blind eye."

Before Elle can respond, Scarlett heads her off, "Oh indeed. It's very useful, but the Demetri family isn't known for hosting frequent parties and such. Of course, being what many nowadays refer to as ‘old money’ tends to carry with it a reputation of class and dignity that helps as well. While some of the long-rich may attend such illicit parties and speak-easies, they are too respectable to run such establishments themselves."

Edward responds, "Probably because they know better not to get caught up in it, not mentioning their better tastes. We had the opportunity to try some of that moonshine made by bootleggers, and I’ll be honest I prefer this Merlot despite not caring for wine."

Elle speaks up before Scarlett, "We've had an opportunity to try it in the past ourselves and, while I can't speak for Scarlett, to me it was something akin to drinking acid."

Scarlett adds, "In taste and feel."

Edward scoffs, "Perfect description. Isn't that right Al? Oh, wait. You blacked out after the first swig," he finishes in a joking manner.

Al sighs before responding, "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"

Edward answers, "I will when you stop being a lightweight but, seeing as you have no intention of drinking enough to develop the tolerance that, won't be anytime soon."

Al asks calmly, "Can you blame me if I don't want to risk a repeat of the last time?"

Before Ed can answer, Scarlett asks, "What exactly happened the last time?"

Ed nearly chokes on his wine as the faces of both Al and Noah flush crimson. The two begin stuttering incoherently, but are drowned out by Eds burst of roaring laughter.

After recovering, Ed answers, "As much as I love giving my little brother a hard time, I care enough to hold to my promise to take the details to my grave."

Scarlett presses her lips into a line momentarily before responding, "I'm not sure whether to find that revelation more disappointing or sweet."

Elle gives a light laugh before saying, "Sweet. Definitely sweet."

Ed rubs a hand behind his head, a light blush covers his cheeks, as he changes the subject, "Anyway, did you have a hand in designing this estate, too, Elle?"

Elle averts her eyes to the table wearing a longingly sorrowful and wistful expression as she answers, "Yes. The design is inspired by the home my mother grew up in."

Scarlett casts a sympathetic look towards Elle as the others share an understanding empathic look.

After a moment, Scarlett breaks the mood, "Good tastes run in the blood. Anyway, since we'll be sharing each others company for a bit we might as well share a bit about each other," turning her attention to the guests with a smile, "Do you want to do the sharing first, or shall I start?"

To Be Continued...