#frostweaved

Raviel, pouting: it is my birthday today! how could you forget?!

Elion’s voice carried a hint of curiosity as he heard her speak about necromancy. It was something he never really did delve in himself, but it was something that he would still be interested in learning about. Magic is magic after all.

❝Hm, that sounds painful. Someone must have really angered you huh?❞

      As his attention was caught by the presence of the other, the Elvenking slowly circled her, eyes narrowing in on hers.

It wasn’t a surprise to see Zhen set up near the joint-training for the Eastern and Northern military forces. Being set up in East City, he was a good choice for help with any automail repairs and had enough equipment close by. After a couple of years having helped, he was able to develop a friendly working relationship with Briggs’ doctor.

This was all to be expected, but he hadn’t expected Layla’s insistence on helping him. It really shouldn’t have been that surprising though. She did want to become an automail mechanic someday too, so it was best to let her start getting some hands on training. Granted most of it for now was grabbing the tools and parts needed and observation, but Zhen couldn’t help worrying about the young teen considering her past with the military.

Layla, on the other hand, seemed to be making the most of her situation. She had focused her attention more on the equipment and work that needed to be done than the people they were surrounded by. It wasn’t too hard since there wasn’t any alchemy being used at that moment nor did she recognize the military officials she was working with.

For now, it was just the Briggs’ doctor taking care of Buccaneer’s arm. The large man’s size alone should have been enough to intimidate the petite Layla, but there was almost nothing that could take her attention away from helping. The doctor paused for a moment as she noticed another woman approach.

“Oh hey, Major. Take it General Armstrong wanted an update?” the doc spoke as she continued her work. “He’ll back out there soon. I’m just a-”

A crash caught the attention of the doctor, and she found a small mess of supplies at Layla’s feet. “Whoa kid, what happened?”

Zhen immediately turned his attention to Layla, “are you alright?”

Layla shook her head and began picking up the supplies she had dropped. “Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry about that. But, good news, none of it’s fragile.”

Zhen knew he couldn’t really talk to her about it there, not with so many officers around. “Why don’t you take five? I’ll clean up the rest of that.”

“R-right... I think I just need to sit down...” Layla agreed as she took a seat, but she couldn’t help gazing up at the major who had just approached.

Paris, France 1863

Brown pointy shoes clicked against the cobblestone. The moon was full, partially lighting up the water under the stone bridge. The sounds of the current fell on Equinox’s ears gently and sweetly. A feeling of tranquility washed over him while he walked over the bridge. He stopped at the middle and looked over the river. The River Seine was beautiful at night. Especially when no one was around, Equinox felt like he owned this view all for himself. 

He checked his pocket watch and let out a soft sigh before reaching into his pocket for his cigarette case and a lighter he’d bought in another timeline. It was a laser that shot out of a little tube and burned the end of the cigarette. He smiled to himself wondering how he’d found something so cool to keep with him through his travels. 

And then he was gone. With a flash he was gone and appeared elsewhere. 

As he stood on unfamiliar ground, his stomach began to turn and a searing pain ran through his head. He bent over slightly while the second-hand smoke from the lit cigarette filled his lungs. He took a drag, hoping it would ease his nerves. 

Slowly looking over to his left he saw the outline of someone looking in his direction. Something felt wrong about someone seeing spontaneously appear in one place-- it’s only ever happened once before and it landed him in deep trouble.