Wedding of Edward and Winry
Wedding of Edward and Winry
Resembool
6:00 am
Mustang-Elric house
Roy had gotten up as usual, showered, dressed, and retrieved his grandsons from Ed and Winry's room. He led them quietly back to his own room, where they promptly jumped on the bed waking Riza. She smiled down at them as Roy sat on the end of the bed and she sat up, Will climbing into her lap, and Yu climbing into Roy's.
They changed the boys for they day after cuddling them for awhile, then while Riza showered Roy led them downstairs to start breakfast. So far, everything had been just a normal morning despite the fact that any minute now the boys' father was going to be rushing around trying to get everything ready for the wedding this afternoon. For all Roy knew, Winry already was rushing around since she had spent last night at the Rockbelle house at Pinako's insistence.
Riza intended to go over after breakfast to help Winry, and Al should be up any moment as he had promised to help Ed. Everything had been going well, though Roy had decided to wait until right before they left to dress the boys in their suits. Instead they were wearing their normal play clothes. Will and Yu were happily talking behind him at the table about what sounded like birds. He understood nearly everything Yu said at this point unless he was speaking to quickly but Will still peppered his conversations with babble most of the time.
Roy was at the stove, frying eggs and bacon. He was glad today was a bacon day, it generally meant he wasn't going to have any stress moments. He hoped Ed was doing as well, he seemed to be doing a lot better lately. Roy was lost in his musing, until a hand snaked past him to snag a bit of bacon from the tray. Later, Roy would never admit it made him scream a little.
He had gotten used to Qi sensing at this point and was shocked then that someone had snuck up behind him. Worse, as far as he knew, Ed and Al had mastered blocking their qi but the only other person he knew of that could do it was Ling, but he was all the way across the desert… or he was supposed to be, but instead he was casually leaning against Roy's counter waiting for him to calm his heartrate. "Your majesty. We were not expecting you." Roy said, slipping into his professional tone to cover the startlement he was still feeling.
Ed had no such issue as he demanded from the doorway. "What the hell Ling? What are you doing breaking into my house? Don't give Dad a heart attack like that."
"What kind of friend would I be if I missed my best friend's wedding?" Ling said in response, completely ignoring the questioning.
"How did you get here so fast though? Who's running your country?!" Ed asked with a frown. "Stop eating my food, wait to sit at the table like a normal person."
"Fine. Naoko and Kenja agreed to watch over everything while I was gone." Ling said as he moved over to the table. "Al rushed off to go to your secret wedding, and we decided… okay I decided and Lan reluctantly decided not to stop me… that I would be a bad friend if I didn't attend. I arranged for Naoko and Kenja to run things for me, got the boys packed up and got here as fast as I could. Unfortunately, as I know you know, traveling with toddlers isn't easy, so it took awhile. Lan's over at Winry's with the boys."
Roy listened with amusement as he added more eggs to the pan to feed the notoriously hungry emperor. Ed sat as usual next to Will, and Ling sat next to Ed across from the younger child. Roy joined them, sitting next to Yu after placing the platters on the table. Ling was busy making faces at Will, who he had not met in person yet. Yu was giggling at him as well, which made Ling smile. He had assumed Yu wouldn't remember him.
"So, are you even allowed to just take off on your people like this or should we expect guards gatecrashing to drag you home?" Ed asked as they began to eat.
"I am perfectly within my rights to leave whoever I deem worthy in charge in my stead to take a family vacation. I checked the laws and with my advisors." Ling said around a mouthful of eggs.
"How long are you planning on being here though?" Ed asked. He was glad to see his friend, and looked forward to seeing the babies again, but he had not forgotten how annoying Ling could be at times.
"Well, I've kind of billed this as a combination vacation and diplomatic mission to please the advisors, so that depends partly on how long it takes to finalize the Xerxes project. I'll have to go see the Fuhrer at some point too, I suppose…though I'm visiting the Lt. Fuhrer right now so there's that." Ling shrugged. "So I plan to be gone a few months, but not necessarily here with you the whole time. Though I did plan to stay long enough to catch up and re-bond with Yuery! And William of course."
"Okay." Ed said, he knew the other man would be annoying him later but for now he was happy to have his friend visiting. "Well, luckily I'm currently on leave so I'll be around all day most of the time. I'll talk to Al but sure he'll be alright with you taking his room for your visit. If that's okay Dad?"
"Yes, that is perfectly alright Edward. This is your house after all." Roy said with a smile.
"Yeah but I'll be gome for a month starting this evening so you'll be playing host."
"I don't mind" Roy said.
" Breakfast?" Al muttered as he wandered in rubbing his eyes. " Oh hey Ling. Made it just in time then."
" You knew he was coming? He knew you were coming?" Ed remanded, as both ither boys nodded." Its settled then. Al, Ling gets your room while hes here, you'll just have ti stay in the boys room "
" So Al, are you alright with that?" Roy asked, ignoring Ed's glare.
" That's fine, I don't mind at all. I could stay over at Granny's if we're out of space."
" No the boys can just share with me, you stay here too." Roy insisted with a smile. Al nodded before yawning and reached for the coffee.
Ling smiled as well, pleased with how it had turned out. He had hoped that Ed would allow them to stay with him so their boys could have a chance to get to know each other and he had missed his friend. Letters and phone calls weren't the same, not when they had to be ever cautious of what they said in case of interception.
Rockbelle Automail Outfitters
Winry had been informed that Ling, Lan Fan, and the boys were coming and had agreed to keep it a surprise. She therefore was not surprised when she woke to the cheerful laughter of children. Huan and Ping were in the kitchen, Mei and Chen happy to see them again. Lan Fan had left the boys to their aunts as she had gone to check on the patient, Maria Ross, and assure her that life with automail was not as terrible as it seemed in the beginning.
Mei had served the boys breakfast, Huan, now three and a half, was very vocal and fluent in Xinese and Amesetrian. Ping, at barely two was less fluent in both, but also a lot quieter. Huan had not outgrown his friendly nature, and loved nearly everyone as soon as he met them, he therefore had charmed Pinako quickly. Ping was a sweet child, so far none of his prior history seemed to have any effect on him, which his parents were relieved to know every time they subtly checked him.
Winry smiled at the happily chatting family in the kitchen, though couldn't really follow the conversation of mixed languages, as she walked through intent on checking on Maria herself before she started getting ready. She was very grateful that she had yet to have any symptoms, and though she wasn't sure how the whole qi thing worked, so far no one had said anything about it either…though knowing Al as well as she did, even he if did know he wouldn't say anything.
Maria was sitting up and talking with Lan Fan, who had removed most of her layers to show the other woman her housing and shoulder joint. She smiled when Winry came in and stood to greet her. Winry offered a small bow, since Lan was now an Empress as well as a long time friend. Lan waived off the formality though she had gotten more comfortable with it, she still struggled with no longer being unseen, it went against all of the training she had growing up.
"Lan Fan. How was the trip? I know how hard it is to travel with small ones." Winry asked as the women hugged.
"It was overall pleasant. The boys were fascinated by the ocean." Lan Fan replied. "How are your boys? Has Yuery recovered from his injuries?"
"Yes he has. Neither boy seemed to have any long term phycological effect from the incident either, which is a relief." Winry said. "Not everyone was as fortunate, sadly."
They had moved out of Maria's room after telling her they would talk to her later and gone to Winry's shop to speak privately. Luckily, for everyone, Breda and Broch were both released from care and had returned to the dorms so Maria was currently the only patient. This made Pinako's work easier, which made Winry's work possible.
They spent a while catching up, before Winry excused herself to go get ready, and Lan Fan was offered access to Mei's room to get ready herself. Meanwhile, Chen and Mei had decided to take the boys into the living room to let them run around and play. Huan and Ping were chasing each other around playing their own version of tag which largely involved hiding behind an adult if the other got too close only to jump out and yell. They were having fun, so the girls agreed they still had plenty of time to get ready.
Pinako had gone to help finalize the details of set up with Riza. Chen and Mei eventually took turns to go get ready as well, Lan Fan rejoining them dressed herself in red silk robes required for any formal event. She then began dressing the boys when Winry finally came down to join her.
Field between Houses
11:00
The day has clear and warm, so the canopy unneeded, as they set up an aisle with chairs on either side, leading to an archway, nearby was a large canopied area for the reception, people from town, and the nearby base, were already swarming the area to help set up.
Al and Mei arrived to help organize the efforts, both already dressed. Al debated longer than strictly necessary how to dress for the occasion. Nearly everyone in the wedding party would be in uniform, since Ed had to wear his, and he had asked Havoc to be a groomsmen. Winry had asked Riza and Rebecca so they too would be in uniform. Roy was officiating at Ed's request. Winry was wearing a wedding dress, her mother's. That left Al and the children. Eventually, after consulting their Dad he settled on a dark suit that was similar in color to the uniforms that he had worn to the inauguration.
Yuery and William, as well as Daniel were ring bearers, mostly to include them in the ceremony, and would be wearing suits similar to Al's. Elicia and Hannah were flower girls. Ana, who was not quite one, would not be involved, though her bright yellow dress matched the other two girls. Ling's sons were also dressed in bright yellow, the color of the Yao clan, though they would be wearing traditional robes.
All of the children were currently in the care of Granny Pinako and a few soldiers guarding the house to keep everyone out, while the others finished getting ready. Granny assured them that she would be fine, and Hannah had promised to help watch over them. Elicia and Daniel were both five now, and were willing to 'help' as both were quick to promise.
Mustang-Elric House
Ed growled in frustration as he tried to get the pins to hang straight on his uniform. Why did he have to have so many of the stupid things he often wondered. He had gotten used to the pins over the last few months of wearing the uniform but he was nervous, and his hands shook just enough to cause problems. Roy came over him and silently fixed the pins, before pulling him into a hug and telling him it was normal to be nervous.
Ed laughed and thanked Roy, just as Ling came out of the room they had lent him to ask for help himself. The long formal imperial robes required a long sash, which in turn required help to wrap around him. Ling was grateful that he only ever had to wear this set of robes for state events like this. Ed insisted this was not a state event, but it would not benefit any of them should any of the wrong people get a hold of photographs of Ling underdressed…or Ed which is why they were in uniform.
Unfortunately, Havoc had slipped in twenty minutes ago to inform Roy and Ed that somehow Grumman had learned the date and he, along with the rest of the council of twelve, had arrived. They were in full uniform, as were their guards and adjutants, but were completely press free. Since wanting to avoid the press was Ed's only reason to protest to Grumman attending so he did not explode like they had expected.
As surprised as they were with that, was his reaction when Havoc slipped back in to inform his that the Curtis had arrived, and been seated. Ed nodded as he heard his father growl since his was in the middle of fixing Ed's hair. "I invited them. I haven't forgiven her. I don't know that I can forgive her, but I don't want to look back on today with any regret at all, so I asked her to come but informed her I was still mad."
Wedding and Reception
Roy stood in front of the archway, close enough to whisper to Ed if he needed to, with Ed, Al, and Jean to his left, as the bridal procession began. Elicia and Yuery came first, with Elicia carefully scattering flower petals. Next came Daniel, carrying the rings carefully on a pillow that they were tied to with a ribbon. Then came Hannah holding William's hand. Rebecca was after that, followed by Riza, and once she was in place, came Winry accompanied by Granny Pinako.
The ceremony itself was largely uneventful, aside from being a wedding. Roy had lead them through all of the required statements, before inviting Edward to kiss his new wife. Ed did so, giving Winry a chaste kiss, not really comfortable with kissing in front of all these people. They still were applauded and led the way over to the reception area.
After everyone had gathered, they began by serving lunch. Winry and Ed had agreed with the kids and Al, it was important that they fed everyone quickly. Soon enough though, people were up milling around again. Grumman and the Generals came to congratulate them first, Grumman with a quip about trying to elope. Then Alex Armstrong with a tearful congratulations as Olivier scoffed at her brother's antics. From there, came the other military men, lead by Ed's team. Maria was allowed to attend, much to Ed's relief. He made sure to ask her how she was feeling, and nodded in understanding at her shrug.
Ling and Lan Fan officially congratulated him loudly, and with his new bodyguard blending in well. Ed invited Ling to join them at their table, which he did happily, soon eating more food that had been left on the platters in front of them, and feeding Huan in his lap. Chen made a considered effort to be polite when she spoke to Ed, and Mei smiled proudly at her for it. Then once the royals were finished, their childhood friends and neighbors paraded past to offer their own congratulations. Gracia and the girls were among them.
At the end of the line came Izumi and Sig, and while Ed was still conflicted, he thanked them politely for coming. Izumi did not wish to push the subject, though she was relieved to have been invited. She was still worried that the stunt Dante had pulled a few months ago was going to leave a permanent strain of her relationship with Edward, she now had some hope that they would have a relationship again.
Once Roy stood and thanked everyone for joining them in celebrating his son's wedding, the music and mingling started. Ed relaxed with the attention no longer completely on them. Gracia and the girls joined him and Winry, along with the Yaos at the table. Roy and Riza had disappeared into the crowd.
"The best advice I can give you," Gracia said as she smiled at the newlyweds. "Talk to each other, be honest. I know in Edward's line of work it isn't always possible for him to pass on what's bothering him, but when that happens Edward just tell her you can't talk about it and Winry accept that and move on. Don't let this work tear you two apart. I'd tell you children will make it both better and harder but you two already know that. Maes would have been so proud of you both."
"Thank you Ms. Gracia." Ed said with a smile, and Winry nodded.
Roy intentionally ran into the Curtis near the punch bowl, and smiled at the two of them. "Izumi, a word perhaps?" he said before leading her a short distance away out from under the canopy. "I know it's hard on you too, and I do believe you that you had not been told everything. Ed wants to believe you as well, or he wouldn't have been so polite. He wants to make up, but it's going to take time and you need to let him be the one to come to you for more. If you try before he's ready it could end things altogether."
"I understand. I've known the boy for a long time." Izumi said. "He's a stubborn child who can't be taught."
"I'm afraid it's more of a 'I used to known him, then "I know him" in your case madam. You knew him well when he was young I'm sure, but who he was then and who he is now are very different from each other. I unfortunately, did not get to meet him until he was older, but I have known him since he was still a boy. I've watched him grow and mature, and I know him. Do not push him. Not only would it ruin his wedding, it would make him rescind his invitation and have them removed. I will not having you remind him the entire terrible ordeal. I would be forced to prevent any further conversation or contact. I suggest you perhaps approach Alphonse with your version of events, he is closer to neutral on the subject. Though not where Ed can see you."
"Understood." Izumi then returned to the party, followed by Roy a few moments later. She missed her boys, and admitted it often to Sig but no one else. Al was standing united with his brother in the matter, to her dismay.
Eventually, everything started winding down, and Ed approached Izumi. She waited for him to speak first. She took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell you, thank you both for all you have done for us we wouldn't been where we are today if not for that. I want to believe you that you didn't know. I'm trying to because I love you guys and so do my sons. I think we should ignore it then during this and address it at a later time."
She nodded in agreement before Ed excused himself and they served the cake before people began slowly trickling out of the party. Ed and Winry were going to spend some time with the boys, and then they would be going on their honeymoon, trusting Roy and Riza to watch over their sons while they were gone, and while they kept changing their minds about leaving them so long, Roy had informed them that it was fine and he was capable of taking care of his grandsons without an issue.
Mustang-Elric House
Roy saw the newlyweds off to the train station, Ling and Lan Fan had gine to visit Granny's, Al joined them for the moment but would be returning this evening. Roy was looking forward to the visit now that the chaos of the wedding was and the girls would be leaving soon, headed to Xerxes to help eith construction. Roy would miss the busy house.
Riza had managed to get herself and both boys changed and cleaned up, ready for a nap. The babies would need to eat again soon, but not yet. She was enjoying this time together when Roy finally came back in to scoop up the children and ask her if she was alright. She agreed she was, just tired. They settled the boys down for an afternoon nap, and went to take one themselves, knowing the boys were likely to have a rough night without their parents.
Journal Eleven
1855-1860
09/04/55
Albus wrote and asked I return to England straight away.
It appears there is a great deal of trouble occurring in
Europe. It has befallen the Lupins in spades.
Apparently Nikodemus and his eldest Lyall are
Missing and presumed dead. Millicent, who has
Not spoken to her family in years, is left alone
With Andromedas who is less than one.
Currently they have sought refuge at Hogwarts,
However Albus cannot hide them forever. I have
Offered to take them to Amestris to hide. She
Will have to change their names of course, to
Hide and she will have to cut ties to the wizard
Community. Aside from Albus, no wizard has
Entered Amestris since the new anti magic laws.
_T.B.V.N.F.H
20/04/55
I brought Milli the paperwork, she is now officially
Mary Elric, widowed mother of Andrew Elric. Sadly,
She lost her dear husband in the border skirmish.
Luckily, her neighbor, Rockbelle was willing
To quickly befriend her. She should be fine in Resembool.
I am promised to check up on them once in awhile.
I will not fail in this duty like I did when Albus was young.
Dante will make sure of it. She is to be my new Perenelle
And understands that reminding me of these things is
Part of her duties.
T.B.V.N.F.H
12/12/60
Pinako and I went out drinking tonight.
I meant to just check on how everyone was fairing and
Return strait home, but I do not want to be there tonight
So I stayed and we had a brilliant time. I need to go visiting
Albus again soon. He is also always great fun.
Drawf is growing close to ready I believe, and
I am no closer to gaining the upper hand. I am
Growing short on time, and the last thing I need
Is a nagging wife. Perenelle is the worst yet.
She seems to believe I owe her something
Beyond what was promised. I am annoyed.
If not for the amount of time it takes to find
And train a new wife I would simply let
Her go. She doesn't seem to understand
This is just a business transaction.
I think I may have drank too much actually.
Andrew asked me to teach him today, but
I told him to wait until he's older. Five is
Too young to begin training. The younger you
Are the more likely the military will notice you.
_T.B.V.N.F.H