Welcome To Central City! Please don't feed the Alchemists.

[Shula Brighton]

The cool spring day was beautiful, the sky clear, bright and no longer weighed down by clouds that threatened rain or snow flurries. They were nice to look at and all, but they meant that Shula would be trapped inside, and she hated that. She'd spent too many years trapped inside and locked in, memorizing every book, knothole and tile. Central City was much bigger than South City, and infinitely larger than Meissen ever would be, and even Resembool where her papa lived was still so small in comparison. No, no. This was a city that needed exploring! She looked around the small townhouse and sighed. There were boxes everywhere and almost nothing had been set up or unpacked yet, and she started work in Central HQ tomorrow for her new boss, but at the moment.... all of that could wait.

Shula dug through her suitcase for something clean and quickly pulled out a tight sports bra and a dark gray sweater and pulled them both over her jeans and sneakers. She grabbed her thick wool coat and ran down the stairs as she pulled her hair into a high ponytail and was almost out the door when she heard her grandfather call her to the kitchen. She was immediately greeted by a tall glass of juice and a handful of pills. Shula sighed deeply, obediently downing them all. Two for pain, lots of different vitamins and minerals, some weird Xingese herbal pills to try and boost her immunity now that she was living somewhere new where her body wasn't used to the air and everything everyone had... The young woman made a horrible face as she downed the last of them, finally reaching for her inhaler and shoving it into her pocket just in case.

"Running away already? Just wait until you see the work tomorrow..." The old, retired alchemist laughed softly as his granddaughter buttoned up her coat and nodded playfully.

"Figured I'll go enjoy my last day of freedom. From what I've heard, my office is a disaster area. Besides! This is a beautiful city and I want to know my way around a bit better... I saw some great-looking shops, and a park!" Ulrich chuckled softly at the girl's excitement at her new-found freedom. Shula moved over to the old man and kissed his cheek sweetly. "Don't worry, Grandfather, I'll be careful and I've got my phone with me. Be back by dinner!"

Shula zipped out the door, not even bringing any music with her, exploring the city and trying to memorize every street she went down so she could get back home as she tried to find her way to the park.

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra sighed as he walked along the path. He had just been to the library. He hated spending half his time in books but if he wanted to be a state alchemist he would have to be the best he could. His shoulder bag was now weighted with several text books and microwave manuals. He couldn’t help but smile at his alchemy. It made a great party trick.

Scratching his jaw his let his eyes flick round to the people in the park. Couples cuddling on benches made him sigh again. He needed a girlfriend. He had ended it with his college girlfriend when they graduated. Seeing he was moving to central and she went elsewhere. He forgot the details. She wasn’t really what he liked in a girl anyway. He stumbled when he almost walked over a kid and there dog. He mumbled and apology and kept walking. He needed a coffee badly…or beer that was a good choice too.

[Shula Brighton]

The walk had been going splendidly. Shula didn't bring a lot of money with her to spend, but there had been a lot of nice shops with things she wouldn't mind getting at some point to put in the new townhouse to make it seem less empty. Her grandfather had promised her mother he'd come help her move in and then move up himself to look after her, but the place he'd found for her to live wasn't in the military apartments in the Central HQ building; Shula and her grandfather both felt it'd be best not to live there just to make sure they'd have less of a chance of knowing too much and jeopardizing her job. That, and it just didn't sit right to live where you worked. The townhouse was in a nice little complex, but she would be living there alone once Ulrich left....

Shula stepped along briskly, munching on a roll she'd bought and reading a very small book in her hands. The canvas on the body of the book was old and faded and wearing thin on the spine, and its pages were old, a light brown, and smelled of musty paper. Just what she liked best. She sighed, reading as she walked, the book's aged wisdom making her heart sing line by line, and completely not paying attention in the slightest to where she was going.

...Unless the Father provoke her with Many Goads;
Then she follows, and much demands
A Husbands company, with whom she cohabits.
She is covered and impregnated with the Embrace,
A clear Water is evacuated out of her Heart
With Blood, wherewith she is raised up
Now dying as it were, and is recreated...

Shula looked up from her poetry at a crosswalk, looking around a little worriedly as she didn't recognize this area at all. She didn't see the park anywhere nearby... Had she missed it? Sighing, Shula bookmarked the page and shoved the book into her coat pocket as she crossed the street, completely lost. She looked up at a taller man who didn't look to be too far out of his twenties.

"Excuse me, She said politely as she looked up at him. The older boy grinned broadly. "I was hoping you could help me! I'm a bit lost... I was looking for the big park on 21st St., but I think I've missed it somehow... Could you direct me please? The older boy grinned sweetly, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.

"Of course I can," the young man replied warmly, guiding Shula down the street politely. "It's not too far from here.. In fact, there's a short-cut, right through there!" Shula beamed, stepping ahead of him and turning into the alley without a moment's hesitation. She stopped several feet in when she realized that the alley was a dead end and turned around, only to find the exit to that alley blocked by the man who'd guided her there and two of his friends. Shula frowned darkly.

"That's not funny, lying to someone who's only just moved here! Good day!" She let out a soft huff as she was pushed back several feet, not allowed to leave the walled-in box. The three young man laughed quietly, stepping closer and pushing Shula back further into the alley and away from the street and the people walking by.

[Theo Chulainn]

Yes coffee would be very nice right now. Acra taught as he checked on his phone what needed to be done. Scrolling through with his blonde brows furrowed in concentration. “ Ah nothing…” He said as he placed it away. Maybe he go to a nice café get some good coffee and study. He took a step forward as he saw a small blonde girl walk by reading.

“She seems young…” He murmured to himself. Sighing as he was not working today he followed her to tell her to get back to school. Damn these kids on playing hooky all the time. Keeping his distance he saw that she seemed lost and watched as she asked a rather shady guy for help. Pulling out his phone he put in the police emergency number ready to dial and locked his phone sliding it into his pocket. Looking up his eyes widened. They were both gone. The small school girl and the shady guy had vanished while he was busy staring at his phone. He cursed the touch screen under his breath.

[Shula Brighton]

"Cute find"

"Very cute!"

She was pinched and pushed, pulling her coat tighter around her body as the three tall young men tugged at the thick wool, insisting she should take off her coat and stay a while since they were all friends now. Shula stepped further and further back until she felt the heel of her sneaker hit the wall and she let out a soft, agitated gasp. She curled into herself, glaring up at the three men.

"Back off and let me OUT of here now, or you will regret it!" The three men stared at each other for a long moment before laughing, closing in on the small sergeant, one lunging at her. Letting out a small breath, Shula grabbed the collar of his jacket and yanked down hard as she brought her knee up hard and fast, the young man yelling out at the feeling of the teeth she'd just cracked. The girl was little, but she had a pretty hard kick, and seeing the opportunity of one man currently on his knees, Shula took the chance to run like hell. She let out a surprised cry as she grabbed by her wrist and swung around, her back hitting the side wall angrily, her arm held high against the brick.

"That HURT! We've been nothin' but nice to you, and this is how you repay us?!" He squeezed Shula's wrist a little tighter, turning it to look at the silver webbing of her bracelet, his eyes widening a bit before narrowing. "An alchemical array in your jewelry... Clever! But you didn't think of something, kid!" She cried out again as he was jerked off from the wall, one of the other men holding her other wrist far and away from her body, the third with the cracked teeth pushing his hand over her mouth. "Got yer hands! So tell me.... What do you call an alchemist who can't move either of their hands...?"

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra panicked looking round for the small girl. He panicked when he couldn’t find her. You hear about children going missing all the time. And it was saddening to think of the poor mother at home waiting for her daughter to return. Then of course what would happen when they found her the person to see the girl was from the military. Oh goodness what will the papers make of this. He’d never be a state alchemist and his life would be filled with scandal. He had to find her fast! Taking a quick pace he followed his gut instinct.

When he passed and alley hearing shouting and cries of distress. He quickly pulled on his gloves and he walked in. Luckily all three men had there backs to him so none of them could see him. He casually rubbed his palms together heating the air around the group to a un natural heat even for summer. Standing right behind the guy holding Shula he lent over a little and whispered in the guys ear. “Lucky to have someone nearby to help...heat things up.” he said in a low whisper a small chuckle.

[Shula Brighton]

Ohhhhh BOK! Bok bok BOK! Shula's brain screamed over and over that she was as good as dead, even as she struggled to get either of her arms free. If she could just get ONE of them free long enough to strike against the bricks, it would make a spark and that was all she needed, ONE little spark! Shula pulled and jerked every way she could, no longer given the option for screaming for help by the mam right in front of her, his grip over her mouth quite unyielding.

She was almost starting to believe that this was where her train stopped and that by the end of the day if she was lucky, she would be in the hospital, but more than likely she would make tomorrow's news and the weekend's obituaries. Shula was almost ready to accept that this was her fate, when cool spring air in the alley grew warmer. Her eyes opened wide as a very tall young man was suddenly in front of her, standing behind the men holding her in place. All three turned to look at Acra, the grip loosening on her mouth long enough for her to bite hard into the flesh of his hand. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't dignified, but Shula's teeth sank in as hard as they could until he finally recoiled, pulling his hand away. Shula yelped as her cheek was struck hard and then shoved into another man's arms, the other two turning to try and shoo Acra off.

"Buzz off, pal! There's nothing going on here to see, so scram before you get hurt!" Shula thrashed harder against the man holding her, trying frantically to free herself from his grip.

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra smirked stepping foreword placing his hand against the shoulder of the guy holding shula. “How about we let the girl go now and act like gentlemen should.” He said knowing his touch would hurt like anything.

Turning his attention to the girl he huffed. “ You should be in school now little miss. Playing hooky is very naughty and gets you into trouble. I mean just look at this. Don‘t you watch the news where little girls get kidnapped and then horrible things happen to them before a body is found. Your mother will be worried sick. You should be in school learning!” He said in a authoritive tone turning to the guy. “Now I think you should let her go.” He smirked as he could feel the skin burning and scolding under his hands. He turned his hand to irritate the pained skin more wanting to hear the guy scream.

[Shula Brighton]

The man holding Shula growled in frustration before crying out from the searing hot pain going through his clothes, roughly shoving Shula to one of his friends as he pulled back his non-burnt arm to try and land a punch on Acra's face as hard as he could. Shula dropped down, determined not to be caught twice as adrenaline coursed through her veins, panting hard with her back pressed against the wall. She'd hardly registered the patronizing lecture from Acra as he struggled to catch her breath. Wait.... school? Her mother? Shula blinked, watching all three men run up to try and take the tall blonde down, only to yelp as they were shoved off and burnt wherever he touched them.

Finally the three men did the smart thing, growling and grasping at their wounds as they ran out of the alley, shooting Shula and Acra both nasty looks. Shula's heart was still racing, and her body shaking all over. That.... Wasn't really something they'd covered at great length in her training classes. One assailant, yes, but not three. Her hands shot into her pocket, then then spotted on the ground where the small plastic device had fallen, shook it hard, and squeezed out a few merciful puffs as her panicking had begun to tug at the scarring in her lungs and make it harder to breathe.

She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, slumped on the ground as she waited for her heart and lungs to calm down enough for her to leave. "Th-thank you... Thank you for your help," Shula panted out, still very shaken.

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra chuckled as he gave the thugs a few good burns and watch them scurry away with there tails between there legs. He heard the girls frightened voice and removed his gloves turning to face her. “Are you alright? Your not hurt are you?” He asked kneeling beside her letting his eyes check her over. She seemed unharmed. He dread to think what they would of done with her. He stood tall again offering his hand. “Here lets get you something to drink to help calm you. Then I’ll take you home. School I don’t think is the best place for you to be after that.” He said running his fingers through his hair they were a little sore after that scuffle but he had given himself a lot worse. He smiled calmly. “Don’t worry I won’t hurt you. I’m a man of the military…you can trust me.” He added knowing the girl must be a little spooked after that ordeal.

[Shula Brighton]

Wide, rather frightened red eyes watched Acra's every move as he knelt down in front of her, looking him up and down as he seemed to be checking her. He was very, very tall and kind of handsome, and unlike the man who led her to the alley his smile seemed genuine. Her face flushed dark as she looked down at the ground, upset that she'd been so easily lead into a trap and incredibly embarrassed that she had to be rescued from what could have very easily been the end of her. Shula was upset and still shaking as she looked back up to Acra, slowly and quietly taking the offered hand and rising to her feet, brushing off her coat. She let out a trembling sigh, hugging her arms to her body, walking out of the alley. That was certainly a mistake she didn't ever want to make again.

"Heh.... I wouldn't know what school to point you to, let alone what I'd even do there, Shula said, trying to calm herself but still shaking violently.She sighed deeply. "I don't go to school, and actually have never been. But a drink sounds great.... Some coffee, or at this point I'd go for a mulled brandy and damn how early it is..."

[Theo Chulainn]

Upon hearing she didn’t go to school he gave her a funny look. “I see…you must have been home schooled.” he murmured rubbing his chin and noticed she was cold. He took off his coat wrapping it round her shoulders. He would of used alchemy but maybe that scare her to much right now. Especially seeing she was extra jumpy after her ordeal. He rather avoid frightening her to much she clearly seemed unused to going outside. “There. Your too young for alcohol though beer would be really nice right now. And my favourite pub is about to open… Let’s go get some coffee. I know of this really good café they make good cake to if your hungry.” He grinned showing off perfectly white teeth. “ It’s on me so have as much as you like.” He added as he offered her his slightly scolded hand to lead the way.

[Shula Brighton]

Too young for brandy? Really? The adrenaline was draining from her body, leaving her tired and not really in the mood to argue the point as he draped his own jacket over the shoulders of her coat, giving her a little extra warmth. It's not that she was freezing (though here she was always cold, it seemed), but being rather afraid of the possibility of being brutally murdered had left her shaking badly. A little extra comfort from a second coat was a very nice gesture, making the half-Ishvallan smile as she began to calm down.

Shula walked alongside Acra as he led her toward this cafe of his, the idea of some hot coffee and dessert becoming the high note of her morning jaunt. "I.... Love desserts. Thank you. As Acra led her down the street, she looked down at his singed palm and bit her lower lip, her stomach knotting slightly. He'd burnt his hands a little doing whatever kind of alchemy that was... "You could have been killed doing that, you know.. Especially if getting hurt is a side effect of doing something like that for someone you don't know... I just feel so stupid about that whole thing." She lifted his hand to get a better look at his palm, pressing a small kiss to her fingers and then transferring that appreciative kiss to his skin gently. It was the least she could do since he'd risked his life to save her.

"I'll be fine once I calm down, though... You don't need to worry about walking me home.

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra blinked at her sigh of affection to his hand. “Ah..” he said a light blush to his cheeks he grinned scratching the back of his hair. “All in a days work young miss.” he grinned and petted her hair. “My alchemy may give me a little pain but there got the worse end of it.” he puffed his chest a little trying to look more like a dashing knight. “After all I work to look after this city and all who live in it. I may be off duty but I could never just walk past someone in trouble.” he said then stopped offering his hand. “Acra Schiwatas.” He exclaimed wondering for a spilt second if she would recognise his surname. “ I don’t mind walking you back after we get you something nice and sweet to eat.”

He lead her through the park and towards a small little café. The smell of coffee and freshly baked bread infiltrated his nose as he inhaled. “ah no brew better then this place.” He said. “The dessert is good too.” He gave Shula a cheeky grin.

[Shula Brighton]

Slowly, Shula's smile relaxed as her shaking lessened, her brain working to put the unpleasantness from just a few moments ago behind her. Acra's company was nice, at least, and it did feel better walking around the city with an escort. They passed by the very park she'd been looking for, and this time as they passed she noted the streets it was on. Next time I'll just have to mind myself more carefully and not get lost... I was way, WAY off... She smiled up at Acra, listening quietly.

""Be thou for the people"... It's nice to know somebody still holds up the ideals! And very lucky for me to be rescued by a State Alchemist... So... Again, thank you, Mr. Schiwatas. I'm Shula. Shula Brighton."

She sighed softly as the cafe came into sight and they walked in, the heavenly aromas of chocolate and coffee and yeast and sugar all working together to make some blessed combination that instantly began to have a relaxing effect on Shula's shaken nerves... the charming company wasn't too bad either, even though there seemed to be some misunderstanding going on. She inhaled deeply, looking at the menu on the wall behind the case of treats. "I think just a large hot chocolate and something small to nibble on will be fine for me... But what can I do to thank you, Acra?"

[Theo Chulainn]

“Nice to meet you miss Brighton.” He smiled. “Well I hope any person would help. I would be disappointed In this city if people would just walk by someone in need of help. “ He said as he pushed open the café door making the bell jingle. “Why don’t you go find a table? I’ll go place the order.” ruffling her hair he chuckled softly. “And you don’t need to thank me. As I said I was doing my duty as part of the military and as a man back there.” He smiled to her before heading to the counter. Behind the counter a young blonde girl stood and he couldn’t help but flash her a charming smile. Leaning on the counter he couldn’t stop himself from flirting casually with her. But the girl seemed uninterested. ‘Shame’ He taught before standing tall. He flicked his eyes to the sweets stand. “Hot chocolate with cream a tall white coffee and two slices of cheesecake.” He ordered and paid for the order.

[Shula Brighton]

The smell inside the cafe was relaxing and warm, and Shula nodded as Acra told her to go find a seat. She watched as the taller soldier went to the counter to order for them both and tilted her head with slight curiosity as his posture with the clerk changed three times; first tall, then leaning in, then tall and looking aloof again. Huh. She shrugged lightly to herself before finding an open table near enough to see out of the windows but still far enough that she didn't feel the draft. Central City was beautiful, but why did it have to be so damn COLD?

Shula sighed, sitting down and unbuttoning the large brass buttons and belt on the red wool coat and draped it over the back of the chair behind her. Once the coat was off Shula seemed that much smaller as she sat in just the tight sweater and jeans, reaching up to redo the high ponytail as it had come loose during the struggle.
Acra was only just finishing paying for everything and waiting on the treats when Shula reached into the coat pocket and pulled out the ancient, worn book and pet it almost affectionately. She'd been so distracted with her new find that she'd gotten lost and into trouble, and the shopkeepers so far had been so nice that she'd figured everyone would be, too...

She put the book down on the table and let out a soft, agitated groan as she folded her arms and put her head down on the table. "Feel so damned stupid... All I wanted was to explore the city a little before I didn't have any free time again for months..."

[Theo Chulainn]

“Don’t feel bad no matter where you are you get people like them. But generally everyone is really nice in central.” He said as he had over heard her walking over with the tray. Placing it down on the table he sat opposite her. He handed her the big mug with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate powder on top in front of her and a slice of cheesecake with a round strawberry. “Hope that’s was what you wanted.” He smiled picking up his coffee and his own slice of cake. He casually handed her a fork.

“So what are you doing out during the day? Even if your not in school your being home schooled right?” He questioned taking a bit of his cake and chewing on it. “And didn’t your mum tell you not to talk to strangers.. I mean that guy clearly was odd and rapist material.” he said almost patronising Shula.

[Shula Brighton]

The mug of chocolate was amazingly warm in her hands, its aroma just what she needed to start calming her frazzled nerves. Shula took the first lick of the whipped cream, loving the chocolate flavor embedded into it through the powder before she took a slow, warming sip. Oh that was perfect. She smiled, looking at the cheesecake... That was one of her favourite desserts. Good guesser, or great minds think alike. Shula was just eating the strawberry off the top as she listened to Acra and blinked in mild confusion.

Why was she out? Why SHOULDN'T she be out? Shula took a small bite of the creamy cake. I just moved here yesterday and wanted a break from unpacking, so I thought I'd go out and explore a little... I was looking for that lovely park when I got lost... Though I have found some really amazing shops this morning!" Shula pointed with her fork to the antique book, easily over ninety years old.

"I only talked to him to get directions... Though if my mother had it her way I'd never speak to anyone ever and still be locked up in my house like a doll in a cupboard." Shula paused, taking another drink of the warm chocolate. "I was home-schooled all my life, but I haven't been in classes for about four years now."

[Theo Chulainn]

“4 years?” Acra blinked looking her over. “So you stopped being schooled at ten years old?” Was the girl a super genius. No wonder her mother kept her locked up. “Still the city may be clean and safe but its still dangerous for a young child like yourself.” he added sipping his coffee giving a soft sigh as his addiction seemed stated for now. “Don’t you have any older brothers to be escorting you around?” he added. He looked to her hands as she sipped her drink. He eyes passed over the bracelets. “And your to young to be doing alchemy kid.” he said acting all big brotherly on her. “It’s dangerous especially in the hands of kids who don’t understand it.” he huffed. “You could hurt yourself and other people.” though the last statement was very hypocritical of him especially with the slight throb in his palm he received from saving Shula just a moment ago.

[Shula Brighton]

Shula didn't stop Acra as he talked, too dumbfounded to even try. Her eyes went wide as saucers, overall looking as though she'd just sat on a tack. He.... He honest to God thought she was a child? SERIOUSLY?! Why in the Nine Hells would he think she was a child?! Her left eyelid twitched slightly in irritation as the shock subsided, her smile showing it a bit more visibly.

"I BEG your pardon? I am not a child!" Shula frowned slightly, pointing to the silver netting of her bracelets. "These arrays are of my own design and have been my ongoing project for the last six years and are the result of years of dedicated studying, practice and constantly reworking them to get them to be just right... With very few exceptions, a child would not have come up with something like this." She didn't like to brag, but Shula did take great pride in her work and how far she'd come through being sneaky, studying and lots of work. She sighed deeply in disbelief.

"Really... I'm not fourteen. I've just turned twenty-one a few months ago...

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra chuckled. “Come on sweetheart your tiny. Your just a kid.” He grinned petting her head. “You look barely old enough to of just come out of girl scouts. God tomorrow you’ll be at my door trying to sell me cookies right..” he said smirking. Kids and there imaginations it was kinder cute really. She even looked up some sayings. “Did your dad make them bracelets for you then kiddo.” his smirk grew some more as he took a bite of cake.

He looked her up and down. Though her eyes looked older and her face well developed with plump lips. Oh god! He felt the urge to smack his head against the wall. He was not finding a 14 year old attractive. He was not turning into a creep was he? He looked her over. Well she was blonde…he liked blondes. He chugged the rest of his coffee down not caring that it burnt his tongue. Maybe he hit his head without knowing it.

[Shula Brighton]

Of all the insults, that stupid jerk really DID think she was a child! But she'd just told him she was twenty one, why didn't he believe her?? Shula pouted slightly as Acra ruffled her bangs and took another sip of the chocolate to try and quell her irritation at her saviour. "...For your information, my father is a tailor outside of a town called Resembool. But I was taught alchemy and chemistry by my grandfather.... He's a retired State Alchemist, went by the name of Eyes High. He helped with some of the fundamentals of my bracelets, but the bulk of the work has been my own research and testing." Shula sighed, trying to calm herself as she took another forkful of cake. She didn't bring her Military I.D., and didn't have a driver's license... She only brought cash with her for her walk. Nothing with her birthday on it. "If you really don't believe me that I know what I'm doing and have been studying this for several years, TRY me. If you have some chalk I'll SHOW you I know what I'm talking about."

Her irritation was getting the best of her, speeding up her heart a little and tensing her chest, causing Shula to turn away from the table and cough roughly into her napkin for a long moment before turning back to Acra, panting faintly a few times before the coughing spell was gone completely.

"But I am an adult, and I do live alone here in Central City...."

[Theo Chulainn]

“Hey you alright?” he asked motioning to the clerk to bring over a glass of water. He moved round and petting her back. “Maybe I should take you home kiddo.” he said as he helped guide the water into her hand. “drink it steadily.” he said calmly.

He sat back down running his fingers through his hair. Dear god could this girl be any cuter. He smack his forehead against his palm. Maybe she was older…but she was so small and young. “Well if you are alone here.” He scribbled a number down on some paper. “If you need help or company here’s my number. Even if you just need help with man work like putting up shelves or something.” He said grinning. Deciding to play along with her game. He chewed the rest of his cake taught fully. Had he just given his number to a 14 year old…Oh god he was sick. No no no It was purely to help her if she needed help. He would be like her big brother.

[Shula Brighton]

It was a quietmoment as Shula sipped the water, twitching only slightly as Acra rubbed at her back, waiting for the coughing and panting to subside. Her lungs calmed down and he moved back to his seat as she gave a small, nonchalant gesture with her hand. "No, it's fine.... It'll pass. It always does." The cold water was helping to open her airways back up and calm down her heart rate. So the guy thought she was a kid. Oh well, not like she'd ever see him again, right? Shula blinked as he passed her a slip of paper with his number on it and blushed faintly.

"Heh... Thank you, Acra. I haven't got my phone installed yet, but I'll keep your number. Though I'll warn you now I'm more than capable of putting things together myself, it'd be nice to have someone here to talk to that knows the area. There's a lot of things I'm looking for and don't know the shops yet.... or my way, as I've already masterfully demonstrated." She laughed faintly, trying to make light of her earlier situation. If she could joke about it, she'd forget it sooner, or be able to focus on the parts where she wasn't terrified for her life.

"Grandfather's picked such a large house for just me though... It's going to take me ages to clean and set up. So.... you're a State Alchemist... You live in the apartments provided by the military, or do you live outside of headquarters?"

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