Ishbal Dreams ch9

[okami_hu]

Disclaimer: World & characters are the property of Arakawa Hiromu & Square-ENIX. However, the fic itself belongs to us (kira_k & okami_hu). We have to stress that – sadly – we’re not making any money from this.
Rating: G
Pairings: none
Note: A blushing Scar, wow! And the plea again: BETA 4 US, PEOPLE!!

Ishbal Dreams – The Palace Gardens


Outside, Scar is waiting. "Did it go well? The negotiations?" He smiles again. "You don't have more bruises than before so I suppose the answer is yes."

"I almost fucked it up..." Roy answers, remembering how close he went to break his man. But he was successful, and he tries his luck further. He asks in his best polite manner for the cards. "May they have some cards to play?"

Scar blinks. "I doubt that they're familiar with our games and I can't get them anything from Amestris."

"Well, they could amuse themselves with trying to figure out the rules or developing new games... Please? They need something to do, besides thinking." Roy is still careful with his tone, cutting off his demand and desperateness into politeness.

Scar smiles again, amused and just a little evil. "You're pushing your luck, Mustang. But all right, I'll try to get something for them."

"I know." Roy bows his head. "And I thank you." He doesn't have any blackmail material over Scar, and it's kinda reduces him to asking and begging. And now is as good as anytime to humiliate himself a little more. "And I'd like you to know our utmost gratefulness towards your wonderful lady, Rose, for fixing the bones of my men and me." Here. He told it, and now he needs the solitude of his room, to hit his head into the wall over his own pathetic existence.

Scar BLUSHES. Like the comment would be made to him and not his fiancé. "I'll tell her that."

Roy is confused and doesn't know how not to stare at the first warlord's face. The dark skin just glows beautifully from the blood rushing there...

The warlord strokes his own cheeks, knowing, they have an unusual color. "I'm sure Rose is going to be flattered... Let's go back to your room, shall we..." A heartbeat later, he realizes how stupid it sounds and he blushes even more.

Roy just nods agreeing, and giving a way out for Scar. He didn't hear it right, Scar isn't really attracted to him... Just to be sure, he glances at the front of Scar's trousers. But there's no bulge. Even if it's attraction, it's not that kind.

Roy averts his eyes, and calls himself stupid to even thinking about it. And it reminds him to his own unfulfilled need. He just hopes that they will make to his cell without any more accidents...

And they do. Scar bows politely, his face color returned to normal. He says goodbye and leaves, quietly shutting the door behind himself.



Next morning, when it's due to the language lesson, a guard knocks on Roy's door. "I came to take you to the Lord Prince, General Roy Mustang" he announces.

Roy goes willingly - he's excited about what will happen. The Palace is still a maze, so he doesn't even try to gauge which way they go.

Maes waits for him in the door. He tells the guard that he can leave and takes Roy by his arm. "Good morning, by the way. Did you have pleasant dreams?"

"Yes, thank you. And morning to you too." Roy answers, and lets himself lead by. He looks up and down the prince, noticing, again, his broad shoulders and graceful neck. Oh, shit, not just the voice, the whole body should be illegal.

Maes is wearing a white-mint green robe today, a garment, which shines blindingly on his chocolate skin. He smiles and nods to the nobles and kneeling commoners as he passes on the corridors. A truly majestic sight!

Roy notices the other people just now, who'll see him tagging along with the prince. That he's foreign, his clothes aren't the cleanest and he has some healing cuts are also registering in his mind. He wants to hide, have some nice girl to do his make-up, bring him some fashionable clothes, and after a shower and brushing his hair, probably he won't mind to be showed off. Like this, it’s humiliating.

Maes notices Roy's discomfort and he feels guilty but only as long as he reaches his destination. Roy had been here once too.

Roy sighs in relief, when they reach the almost familiar doors. As they go inside, he remembers to the first and only time he spent here, all details... He feels himself blush at the memory of his shameless yielding. To cover it, he speaks. "I thought you were going to show me the gardens..."

"I will. But you have to take a quick bath first, comb your hair and even shave. And I have some clothes for you as well." The prince smiles adorably with his head tilted to the side. "Tell me if you need any help. Or should I call some servant girls to service you?"

Maes must be a mind reader, Roy decides, as he shakes his head. "I can manage thanks." He swiftly takes off his clothes, just a little self-conscious of his bruises and goes into the tub, filled with hot water. He uses a washcloth and soap to rinse the dirt off of himself. "It's like Heaven...” he sighs loudly, with his eyes closed. He doesn't care if the prince is still here or not.

Maes is there of course, sitting on a bench but he just smiles, doesn't say anything. He simply enjoys watching his beloved to clean himself. The sight is beautiful, so serene yet so erotic. Maes hardens a little beneath his clothes but he takes out a tiny vial from his pocket and when he breathes in the fragrance of the substance it contains, it’s all right again.

Roy finishes his bath, using a towel to dry himself, and glances at Maes. "You mentioned shaving and clothes?"

The prince stands and leads him to a basin. On the shelf, Roy can find anything which is required to make himself presentable.

Roy is careful with the blade, and again wonders, why didn't he kill the prince when he could. When he was still able to do it; because now he can't. And not just that, but he'd be the first (or the second, if Scar is nearby) to jump into harm's way and protect Maes. It doesn't help his reputation that is for sure. And he has a feeling, when he leaves the prince's care; he'll be burned out for good. He finishes the shaving and stops the heavy thoughts until he's in the solitude of his room. His still damp hair is in his eyes, and he runs his fingers through it.

"Clothes?"

Maes picks up something blue. "Here, I think, you'll like these." It's a blue shirt with loose sleeves, a pair of trousers - somewhat tighter than the usual Ishbal cut. There's some golden scarf too. The clothes' color reminds Roy on his uniform.

The general puts them on and feels better already. He knows it's not his uniform, but the resemblance is enough to give him some plus arrogance, and balance - what he really needed. He smiles at Maes. "Thank you." He's ready to whatever the prince planned to them.

Maes arranges the fold on the scarf, which is worn across the chest and he steps back to adore the view. "You're beautiful" he smiles. "I hope you don't mind if I show you off."

"Not any more." He answers with a tiny nod. "But I'm still a prisoner in the eyes of the others..." Roy hopes, he didn't assume too much, and Maes isn't thinking about him like an enemy. Even if that is the truth.

"And I'm the prince. If anybody might say a bad word about you, I can let their heads be chopped off." The smile is almost wicked.

Roy doesn't answer - he just stands next to the prince, waiting for him to show the way.

Maes offers his arm again and leads the general out. People stare at them again, with respect and awe; the women observe the handsome foreign soldier in detail too, before averting their ruby gazes with a blush and a smile.

Roy leers at the most beautiful ones, enjoying their attention, but somewhere in the back of his mind the fact registers that now everyone knows his face, and even if he wanted, he won't be able to escape. Not anymore. And now his haters will be able to add a picture to the name too. But he was never one to back away, so he returns every gaze with his usual smirk. Let them come - it's not different from Central. And they’ll rather attack him than the prince anyway.

They walk across richly ornamented corridors, some halls until they reach a gate, which looks like it'd be made of lace. It's white and on the other side, thousands of amazing shades of green are displayed.

"Behold!" Maes raises a hand. "The Royal Gardens!"

"It's awesome." Roy says, as he stares at the little paradise in the middle of the desert. There's green and emerald flourishing. Roy has never learned about the flora, so he doesn't even try to categorize the plants. And it's his first fresh breath of air in more than a week - it makes him giddy, as if he was free and young and carefree. He grins at Maes.

The prince smiles back honestly. He loves to see his lover like this. "Allow me to show you around. This is the Common Garden, open for any nobles."

For any nobles but not for the commoners. Roy doesn't know what to do with it - at home there isn't any birthrights or differences because of blood. He forces his mind back to the topic. "Then there must be another, what isn't, am I assuming well? One that is maybe even more beautiful than this one."

"Actually, there are two more of them. One for the herbalists, alchemists, my concubines, guests and honored nobles. And one for my personal use. Come now. Let me see, who's here today."

"Lead the way, milord." Roy smiles at him. "Do you have many alchemists?"

"About two dozens, I believe. More or less educated; battle-alchemists and healers as well." Suddenly, metallic clings draw his attention. "Oh! That’s a nice surprise! There's a training ground over there" he turns to Roy "and some of my most trusted men are there." He begins to walk into one direction.

Roy follows him, as he thinks about Central's alchemists. Their number is greater, that's for sure. And it'd explain how the army could move forward almost effortlessly. Battle alchemists are great help against a clueless enemy. But he's interested in the training; he wants to see what makes these men tick. He knows, he can't win against a strong soldier, but still wants to learn.

Among the bushes, on a little clearing, an Ishbalite is fighting with... a Central woman...? The young lady has blond hair and pale skin and is dressed in warrior clothes; not revealing at all, but gives freedom for the movements. In her hands, a scimitar flashes. The man is kind of short, with moss-colored hair and keen red eyes. He's very good with his sword too.

Roy stares at the weird pair, before asking, without turning towards the prince. "That lady..." She can't be an Ishbalite! "Who is she?" Their movements are fluid and graceful. Roy knows he wouldn't stand a chance against any of them without his gloves, and even if he had his gun it'd be a fair match.

The prince watches the beautiful swordplay. "Actually, she's a half-Ishbalite. Her name is Riza and she's one of my concubines." His smile is proud. "She's a wonderful warrior lady."

Roy nods. That would explain, what she is doing here, without looking like an Ishbalite. She would make most of the soldiers weep and back away in fear back in Central, and Roy isn't an exception. "She is." The respect is in his tone, and he grins at Maes. "You've got a deadly good taste."

"I'm flattered." Maes bows with a wide grin. "Warriors and alchemists, a fine selection indeed." He straightens. "Now, look at the man. He's Dolchet, one of my lesser Warlords; his nickname is the Stray Dog. But don't let this fool you! He's the best scout Ishbal ever had."

"And he's your lover also." Roy remembers to the name. The figure is lean and knows how to use his katana. It seems like Maes indeed loves the warrior-types... Roy just doesn't know if he should be happy, that his prince is well protected even in bed, or be wary of the people whose position he inherited.

The spar is over and the opponents bow politely. Then, they both step to the Prince. The beautiful Riza takes Maes' hand and kisses it; Dolchet bends his knee to his emperor and bows his head, thrusting his katana's tip into the ground. Maes smiles on both of them. "Rise, my friends."

The lady and the warlord do.

Roy bows to them as he would to his equals, doesn't dare to take the lady's hand to kiss it. Her blade is still to close to his liking...

"Dolchet, you're a magnificent warrior." At the praise, the man's eyes begin to sparkle with unmistakable love and he blushes. "I live to serve you, my Lord Prince" He says enthusiastically.

Roy stands back a little, allowing the prince and his friends some space. He doesn't really listen to them, but watches their poses. They almost spent all of their energy, but he doesn't doubt that both of them would overcome on their tiredness if something threatened their prince. He smiles to himself, and wonders, if they think of him like a threat or not. Almost wants to test it now, but changes his mind: not yet. When the prince isn't somewhere near, he would have better chances to live through his little testing.

The Prince continues. "And you, my sweet Riza, could put most of my soldiers to shame with your swordplay. I guess I made the right decision, when I allowed you to practice."

"And I'm thankful for that." The woman smiles back, honestly and proudly. She has belief in herself, no doubt about it.

Roy oddly notices her voice: it's calm and controlled, yet there's loyal love in it. A nice voice and it matches with her other attributes. Roy wonders about her legs - the training pants aren't helping his imagination - soft, beautiful and lethal... But he doesn't let his thoughts to show on his face, and he stands still.

Maes lets the couple go and turns back to Roy. "What do you think about them?"

The attention and the question both are unexpected. He doesn't know what or how to answer, still, he needs to. "Both of them would make any of my men work for his money in a battle." He says at least.

Maes snickers, and then takes his beloved by the hand. He starts to stroll towards a natural tunnel of two entwined trees. Behind them is another garden, with the spicy scent of herbs lingering in the air. Fruit trees are here too, offering a good meal - and in some cases, medicines as well.

What? Roy is tagging along, and has the not-so-distant feeling, he didn't answer well. And Maes is laughing at him... He shakes himself out of his musings and looks at the fruit trees. Who thought these would live in a desert?

Suddenly, laughter and angry mumble reaches their ears. Maes listens and he laughs. "What a luck! Now, you can get acquainted with three of my best alchemists!"

Do I want, Roy wants to ask, but he just nods without saying anything. He wonders if Scar is one of the three, he wouldn't mind to see the first warlord again.

In a small gazebo, a mature lady is sitting; she's wearing a simple white dress and her hair is jet black, caught into two dozens of braids. Rose sits next to her, busy with some herbs and two young boys are present as well. They're both blond-haired and one wears blue, the other red. The latter seems to be angered.

"They are children." He says to Maes in a startled voice. Rose is a good healer, and who knows what can the other woman do, but the boys... Their youngness disturbs Roy, he fears, they will loose their innocence.

The boy in blue tilts his head up when he hears the voice and his face is startled. The red-clad one turns his head sharply towards Roy and his strange, large golden eyes flash with pure anger.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A KID, WHICH CAN'T TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF??" What is most scary, he spoke in Amestrisian.

Roy notices his eyes aren't burgundy, and it makes him confused for a moment, before remembering the half-blood Riza. This one must be also that. And his memory kicks in also, he remembers the boy in blue. Scar called him ... Alphonse? Yes, that's it. He tilts his head. "I wasn't speaking to you." He tells to the other kid.

The red-clad huffs. The black-haired lady tosses her locks and opens her mouth to speak. "Shut up, Edward. You messed things up and you have to make them right anyway." She uses Amestrisian too. Rose hides her smile behind her hand next to her and the one called Edward pouts. "I will, sensei, don't doubt about it." The one called Alphonse sighs relieved.

Maes walks up to them. "Mistress Izumi, Edward, Alphonse... Let me introduce you Roy Mustang, who's currently enjoying my hospitality." Izumi eyes Roy with a keen, curious gaze, Alphonse smiles but there's hatred gleaming in Edward's golden orbs. "He's from Central."

Roy bows and says in a polite tone. "Pleased to meet you." He doesn't understand the hatred, but he can live with it. He smiles at everyone, but he can't help himself, and it's more of a smirk than a polite smile when he turns towards Edward.

Maes turns to Roy. "These gentlemen may seem quite young but they're my most gifted battle alchemists. Mistress Izumi is a healer and I'm sure, you remember Rose."

"Yes, of course, I remember." Roy smiles and turns toward Rose. "I hope, the first warlord repeated my most sincere words to you." The general looks at the boys and can't believe the prince's words. "I'm sure you're talented to be battle alchemists already." He uses his words carefully, not wanting to upset them more. "And I'm grateful we didn't meet in a battle." Roy would have hated to burn them.

"I don't like battles also." Alphonse answers, and caresses his brother's arm to relax him a little. He can see Edward doesn't like the Amestrisian, and he knows why but he doesn't want a fight now. Back in their room they will speak about it.

"You bet" Ed grumbles with a grin. Then, he bows. “Lord Prince, Sensei, Rose, Al... an' you..." A side glance to Roy "Excuse me, I'll go and do my job. We'll meet later in the laboratories."

"Sorry." Al quickly stands up and with an apologetic smile and half-bow he follows his brother too out of the garden.

Roy just stares after the two kids, not really understanding their sudden departure, but after a moment turning back to the ladies and Maes.

Izumi glances at him and smiles calmly. She aims her words towards the Prince, however. "He must be a man with outstanding qualities, right?"

Maes smiles. "He's an alchemist, that's why I brought him here, to show him around."

'Really? And I thought to have some private time... ' Roy smiles politely, and tries to control his thoughts, because it's not that bad. He is an alchemist, but he doesn't know much about healing arrays... He looks at the spot the boys sat. What did they work on?

Some papers lay about, scribbled full with Ishbal arrays and calculations. Herbs are there too; maybe they tried to make some medicine.

Izumi nods; she won't question the Prince's decisions. Maes says goodbye to the ladies and walks away with Roy on his side. The Private Garden is waiting for them.

"I wouldn't mind to learn more about your way of alchemy, but I'm almost sure I'm unable until I properly learn the language..." Roy says to the prince, and his steps are a little easier, as there aren't more eyes on them. He glances at his hands, oddly noticing his missing gloves. Still, he can draw arrays, just like anybody.