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fma_ladyfestAuthor: catw00man
Title: Ray of Light
Recipient: Becca akabookelfe
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Mrs. (Evelyn) Bradley, Riza Hawkeye, Selim Bradley and an OC
Summary: Two strong ladies discover the lovely multifaceted nature of life.
Notes: Wow what an interesting set of prompts! I wasn’t sure about this one for a long time, but I really like how it turned out. I hope the requester does as well and thank you for the challenge! Also I found that Mrs. Bradley didn’t have a first name so I gave her one. ;-)
“Mrs. Bradley. The Lieutenant Colonel is here to see you.”
Mrs. Bradley. Could she possibly detest a name more? Were it up to her she’d change it and go back to her maiden name, but that’s not an option right now. Maybe one day….
“Thank you, Jacob. Please send her out.” She pushes out of her patio chair and takes a few steps toward the yard where Selim is playing in the grass. “Oh and Jacob….” She looks over her shoulder at the diligent young man who’s been “looking after her” for the last few years. He’s a kind boy, but considering he was assigned to her by Fuhrer Grumman she’s never been able to trust him completely. “I believe it’s nearly time for tea.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it.”
Was there a hint of annoyance in his eyes before he turned away? She can’t be sure, but at least keeping him busy for a bit will give her a few minutes of privacy with her guest. It’s hard to believe how much her world has changed in only a few years. But she wouldn’t change it. She looks back to see Selim rolling a ball along the ground with a long stick and smiles slightly. No, she wouldn’t go back.
Selim reaches the far side of the yard then picks up the shiny, red ball. He tosses it in the air and hits it with the stick in his hand then chases after it again. She only catches occasional words as he runs back and forth across the yard, but it’s obvious he’s lost in his imagination the way a young boy should be. How she never noticed him not doing these things before still sobers her. She thought he was just a well-mannered child. She had no idea the monster she was harboring. In some respects she still doesn’t.
A single set of footsteps echoing on the patio behind her lets her know Jacob is off doing what she asked. They will be too far from the house to be overheard without knowing someone is nearby. They can’t be too careful, especially now. She focuses her attention on Selim again as the sound of footsteps come closer before finally coming to a stop.
“He’s grown since I last saw him.”
Is there a little suspicion in that voice? It’s possible, but it’s not overwhelming. Over time they’ve come to an understanding about Selim. It wasn’t easy for her to hear details about the monster her son was, but it was necessary. How else could she watch for signs of evil if she didn’t know what to look for? His growth however isn’t supernatural or cursed and she turns around with a reassuring smile on her lips.
“Young boys tend to do that, especially when you’re not looking.” Thankfully her words and expression have the desired effect and the underlying tension in her companion lessens somewhat. That fact alone puts her mind more at ease. They, or at least she, trusts her judgment about Selim which is more than she’d dared to hope once she knew all the facts. “It’s good to see you, Riza.”
“You as well, Mrs Bradley.”
She’s unable to suppress her flinch at the name this time and she shakes her head. “We’ve been through this before. Please, call me Evelyn.” Riza looks toward the house and Evelyn instantly understands she was afraid of being overheard. She should’ve expected that considering how Riza’s aware of her feelings about the name. “Jacob is making us tea and sandwiches. We should have a few minutes.”
“Ah I see.” Evelyn doesn’t miss the approving look on Riza’s face as she sits down at the patio table. She gives herself an internal pat on the back as she moves to join her. It’s not often she gets the approval of the most paranoid among them. She sits down at the table, but keeps much of her attention focused on Selim as Riza speaks again. “How is he?”
It’s a loaded question and they both know it. As much as Evelyn would like to believe this is just a discussion between friends, she knows better. Riza has become a friend, there’s no denying that. She liked her when she first came to work for—when she was being held hostage by her former husband. Still, she’s always admired her strength and in recent years her ability to be completely forthright with her even under the most difficult of circumstances. She knows where she stands with her which is why she knows her interest isn’t just in her son but in the monster they fear he will become. It will all be a report for the General despite the confidante feel to the conversation.
Selim hits the ball solidly with the stick again. He laughs and tears across the yard again only to stop short about three feet from the ball. His tiny body straightens, stiff with a fear that’s plagued him ever since the young alchemist returned him to her. He’s terrified of the dark, or more accurately, he’s terrified of shadows which mark the self-imposed border of his playground. Long, dark shadows from the large trees bordering the yard envelop the ball and she knows he won’t go near it until early the next day unless she retrieves it for him later. He stares at the ball another moment until his childhood resilience kicks in and he turns to run into the bright sunshine on the other side of the yard, babbling and waving his stick against unseen foes. If only they could all move on so easily.
“He remembers something, but I still don’t think he understands it.” His laughter filters across the yard and brings a slight smile to her lips. “The nightmares are fewer also as long as he sleeps in a completely dark room. If there are shadows, however….”
“He’s still young.” The implied “maybe he’ll grow out of it” hangs in the air, but she knows it’s more for her benefit. If Riza and the General had their way his fear of shadows would always remain as a safeguard against what he was. She understands that, but she’ll never like it. He’s still her son and his pain will always be hers as well.
“Yes, he is.” She finally pulls her attention from Selim and turns to face the closest thing she has to a real friend. “And though I know that and the promise of afternoon tea were part of your reason for coming, I know they weren’t the main one.”
Riza smiles a genuine smile and relaxes back into her chair a little more. “I hope you know I really do enjoy these afternoons.”
It’s funny how she’s learned to hear all the things Riza doesn’t say like the soft apology for getting straight to business. The General must be pressing hard for Riza not to start with their usual social chatter. She wants to capitalize on their privacy. Hopefully she’ll be able to stay for a bit after they dispense with the business.
“I do. I enjoy them as well.” And now she’s the one speaking cryptically, but at least Riza seems to understand how much meaning her words really have. Her eyes reflect understanding and a genuine concern. She’s often wished their meetings didn’t have to be so sporadic, but if she goes along with this plan that might not be the case for much longer.
“So, have you thought about it?” Riza keeps her tone as if she were talking about a new dress or fashion accessory. She’s always nothing if not careful even when they should be in the clear. Evelyn has a sinking feeling that soon enough she’ll have to be even more the same way.
“I have.” Riza perks up a bit, sitting a little straighter in her chair with expectation. This plan has been in discussion for half a year and only now is it starting to feel possible. She glances to Selim who seems so much more relaxed in his play. He was a huge part of this decision. Until now she didn’t feel he could handle added pressures to his isolated little world. She’s still not sure he can, but they can’t wait any longer. Grumman’s recent proposals are just too dangerous. She looks back at Riza and locks eyes with her. “Tell him I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be.”
“So you’ll do it?” There’s a slightly higher pitch to Riza’s voice Evelyn doubts someone who didn’t know her well would notice. It’s an undercurrent of excitement she feels as well, though she’s tried to suppress it. This isn’t supposed to be about her. It’s about making the country better. So what if that means her life will be turned on its head in ways she never dreamed and secretly relishes?
“Yes. Yes I will.” Riza’s face breaks out in a broad grin just as Jacob comes out of the French doors nearest them. He’s carrying the tray of expected tea and sandwiches and she nods in his direction more for Riza’s benefit than his. “I’m certain Selim will enjoy your lessons.” As she expected a curious look plays across Jacob’s face but she pretends she doesn’t notice it as she continues, her attention presumably all on Riza. “I had no idea you were a tutor in your youth.”
“Absolutely.” Riza nods to Jacob as he pours her tea and continues on with building their charade. They’ll need to spend a lot more time together if she’s going to fill her in on all the political details she’ll need to know. They should be able to make good headway under the guise of tutoring Selim. “My father always thought the best way to learn was to teach.” She looks over at Selim now crawling in the grass watching a butterfly. “He’s young, but it’s never too early to learn.”
“I agree.” She looks up at Jacob who’s finished with the tea and gives him a dismissive nod. “Thank you, Jacob. These look lovely.” He seems to be more than willing to go, probably to relay this latest bit of gossip to his superiors which is just as well. It’s not like they can hide Riza’s comings and goings. She’s certain she’ll have a visit from the new Fuhrer soon enough. They’ll need to make sure Selim is learning something until they’re ready to make their public move.
Jacob heads for the house and she reaches out for her delicate cup of tea. She takes a sip of the steaming brew and still can hardly believe in another month she’ll actually be a political player in her own right. It’s the reason she kept her name and went along with the public facade of her former husband being a good man who met a tragic end. It’s garnered her public support and even a level of adoration. Hopefully she’ll be able to help by putting a public face on the push for a true Parliament.
She had her reservations when Riza first brought this idea to her because she feared she would only be a pawn in the struggle for power and she was done with that. She would not be a powerless cog in someone else’s design any longer. It took many of these visits for her to understand General Mustang wasn’t like that foolish old man Grumman. He wasn’t trying to centralize all power to one individual the way Grumman currently is. He and Riza truly do want the people to have a voice and a place beside the country’s military leader and if she can play a role in helping make that happen she will, even if it is more than a little terrifying.
But that discussion is for another day.
She turns her attention back to Riza and gives her a knowing smile as he reaches for a finger sandwich. “Sooooo, tell me, Riza. Have you seen any more of that attractive, blond, young man you were dancing with at the Fuhrer’s dinner last month?” Riza’s eyes widen and she coughs as she chokes on her sandwich. Evelyn smiles because she thought she saw something between those two.
“Jean? I—no. No, of course not. He was just in Central visiting—”
“You should.” Riza’s mouth immediately snaps shut on whatever else she was going to say and she tilts her head in obvious curiosity. “You once told me that there’s more to life than just one focused goal.” Evelyn glances to Selim who she’d been content to devoting the rest of her life to. Riza is the one that showed her maybe she could be more than just a mother. She felt the sincerity in her words. No she needs to know the same holds true for her as well. “Remember that. Especially now. You don’t want to lose your chance for more.”
Riza wraps both her hands around her small tea cup and takes a thoughtful sip. Her mind is obviously elsewhere as she nods and murmurs softly, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Evelyn smiles because that’s enough for now. The last time she brought up such matters Riza was quick to expound on all her duties and responsibilities. At least she’s considering the possibility for more. They both are. Evelyn looks over the yard to see Selim spread out on his back underneath the shining sun and smiles. For the first time in her life the future doesn’t feel written or out of her control and it’s staggering like stepping out of the dark and into the sun. The shadows may never be gone, but a beacon of light has broken through the clouds and with any luck that light will grow to shine on them all.
catw00manTitle: Ray of Light
Recipient: Becca aka
bookelfeRating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Mrs. (Evelyn) Bradley, Riza Hawkeye, Selim Bradley and an OC
Summary: Two strong ladies discover the lovely multifaceted nature of life.
Notes: Wow what an interesting set of prompts! I wasn’t sure about this one for a long time, but I really like how it turned out. I hope the requester does as well and thank you for the challenge! Also I found that Mrs. Bradley didn’t have a first name so I gave her one. ;-)
“Mrs. Bradley. The Lieutenant Colonel is here to see you.”
Mrs. Bradley. Could she possibly detest a name more? Were it up to her she’d change it and go back to her maiden name, but that’s not an option right now. Maybe one day….
“Thank you, Jacob. Please send her out.” She pushes out of her patio chair and takes a few steps toward the yard where Selim is playing in the grass. “Oh and Jacob….” She looks over her shoulder at the diligent young man who’s been “looking after her” for the last few years. He’s a kind boy, but considering he was assigned to her by Fuhrer Grumman she’s never been able to trust him completely. “I believe it’s nearly time for tea.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it.”
Was there a hint of annoyance in his eyes before he turned away? She can’t be sure, but at least keeping him busy for a bit will give her a few minutes of privacy with her guest. It’s hard to believe how much her world has changed in only a few years. But she wouldn’t change it. She looks back to see Selim rolling a ball along the ground with a long stick and smiles slightly. No, she wouldn’t go back.
Selim reaches the far side of the yard then picks up the shiny, red ball. He tosses it in the air and hits it with the stick in his hand then chases after it again. She only catches occasional words as he runs back and forth across the yard, but it’s obvious he’s lost in his imagination the way a young boy should be. How she never noticed him not doing these things before still sobers her. She thought he was just a well-mannered child. She had no idea the monster she was harboring. In some respects she still doesn’t.
A single set of footsteps echoing on the patio behind her lets her know Jacob is off doing what she asked. They will be too far from the house to be overheard without knowing someone is nearby. They can’t be too careful, especially now. She focuses her attention on Selim again as the sound of footsteps come closer before finally coming to a stop.
“He’s grown since I last saw him.”
Is there a little suspicion in that voice? It’s possible, but it’s not overwhelming. Over time they’ve come to an understanding about Selim. It wasn’t easy for her to hear details about the monster her son was, but it was necessary. How else could she watch for signs of evil if she didn’t know what to look for? His growth however isn’t supernatural or cursed and she turns around with a reassuring smile on her lips.
“Young boys tend to do that, especially when you’re not looking.” Thankfully her words and expression have the desired effect and the underlying tension in her companion lessens somewhat. That fact alone puts her mind more at ease. They, or at least she, trusts her judgment about Selim which is more than she’d dared to hope once she knew all the facts. “It’s good to see you, Riza.”
“You as well, Mrs Bradley.”
She’s unable to suppress her flinch at the name this time and she shakes her head. “We’ve been through this before. Please, call me Evelyn.” Riza looks toward the house and Evelyn instantly understands she was afraid of being overheard. She should’ve expected that considering how Riza’s aware of her feelings about the name. “Jacob is making us tea and sandwiches. We should have a few minutes.”
“Ah I see.” Evelyn doesn’t miss the approving look on Riza’s face as she sits down at the patio table. She gives herself an internal pat on the back as she moves to join her. It’s not often she gets the approval of the most paranoid among them. She sits down at the table, but keeps much of her attention focused on Selim as Riza speaks again. “How is he?”
It’s a loaded question and they both know it. As much as Evelyn would like to believe this is just a discussion between friends, she knows better. Riza has become a friend, there’s no denying that. She liked her when she first came to work for—when she was being held hostage by her former husband. Still, she’s always admired her strength and in recent years her ability to be completely forthright with her even under the most difficult of circumstances. She knows where she stands with her which is why she knows her interest isn’t just in her son but in the monster they fear he will become. It will all be a report for the General despite the confidante feel to the conversation.
Selim hits the ball solidly with the stick again. He laughs and tears across the yard again only to stop short about three feet from the ball. His tiny body straightens, stiff with a fear that’s plagued him ever since the young alchemist returned him to her. He’s terrified of the dark, or more accurately, he’s terrified of shadows which mark the self-imposed border of his playground. Long, dark shadows from the large trees bordering the yard envelop the ball and she knows he won’t go near it until early the next day unless she retrieves it for him later. He stares at the ball another moment until his childhood resilience kicks in and he turns to run into the bright sunshine on the other side of the yard, babbling and waving his stick against unseen foes. If only they could all move on so easily.
“He remembers something, but I still don’t think he understands it.” His laughter filters across the yard and brings a slight smile to her lips. “The nightmares are fewer also as long as he sleeps in a completely dark room. If there are shadows, however….”
“He’s still young.” The implied “maybe he’ll grow out of it” hangs in the air, but she knows it’s more for her benefit. If Riza and the General had their way his fear of shadows would always remain as a safeguard against what he was. She understands that, but she’ll never like it. He’s still her son and his pain will always be hers as well.
“Yes, he is.” She finally pulls her attention from Selim and turns to face the closest thing she has to a real friend. “And though I know that and the promise of afternoon tea were part of your reason for coming, I know they weren’t the main one.”
Riza smiles a genuine smile and relaxes back into her chair a little more. “I hope you know I really do enjoy these afternoons.”
It’s funny how she’s learned to hear all the things Riza doesn’t say like the soft apology for getting straight to business. The General must be pressing hard for Riza not to start with their usual social chatter. She wants to capitalize on their privacy. Hopefully she’ll be able to stay for a bit after they dispense with the business.
“I do. I enjoy them as well.” And now she’s the one speaking cryptically, but at least Riza seems to understand how much meaning her words really have. Her eyes reflect understanding and a genuine concern. She’s often wished their meetings didn’t have to be so sporadic, but if she goes along with this plan that might not be the case for much longer.
“So, have you thought about it?” Riza keeps her tone as if she were talking about a new dress or fashion accessory. She’s always nothing if not careful even when they should be in the clear. Evelyn has a sinking feeling that soon enough she’ll have to be even more the same way.
“I have.” Riza perks up a bit, sitting a little straighter in her chair with expectation. This plan has been in discussion for half a year and only now is it starting to feel possible. She glances to Selim who seems so much more relaxed in his play. He was a huge part of this decision. Until now she didn’t feel he could handle added pressures to his isolated little world. She’s still not sure he can, but they can’t wait any longer. Grumman’s recent proposals are just too dangerous. She looks back at Riza and locks eyes with her. “Tell him I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be.”
“So you’ll do it?” There’s a slightly higher pitch to Riza’s voice Evelyn doubts someone who didn’t know her well would notice. It’s an undercurrent of excitement she feels as well, though she’s tried to suppress it. This isn’t supposed to be about her. It’s about making the country better. So what if that means her life will be turned on its head in ways she never dreamed and secretly relishes?
“Yes. Yes I will.” Riza’s face breaks out in a broad grin just as Jacob comes out of the French doors nearest them. He’s carrying the tray of expected tea and sandwiches and she nods in his direction more for Riza’s benefit than his. “I’m certain Selim will enjoy your lessons.” As she expected a curious look plays across Jacob’s face but she pretends she doesn’t notice it as she continues, her attention presumably all on Riza. “I had no idea you were a tutor in your youth.”
“Absolutely.” Riza nods to Jacob as he pours her tea and continues on with building their charade. They’ll need to spend a lot more time together if she’s going to fill her in on all the political details she’ll need to know. They should be able to make good headway under the guise of tutoring Selim. “My father always thought the best way to learn was to teach.” She looks over at Selim now crawling in the grass watching a butterfly. “He’s young, but it’s never too early to learn.”
“I agree.” She looks up at Jacob who’s finished with the tea and gives him a dismissive nod. “Thank you, Jacob. These look lovely.” He seems to be more than willing to go, probably to relay this latest bit of gossip to his superiors which is just as well. It’s not like they can hide Riza’s comings and goings. She’s certain she’ll have a visit from the new Fuhrer soon enough. They’ll need to make sure Selim is learning something until they’re ready to make their public move.
Jacob heads for the house and she reaches out for her delicate cup of tea. She takes a sip of the steaming brew and still can hardly believe in another month she’ll actually be a political player in her own right. It’s the reason she kept her name and went along with the public facade of her former husband being a good man who met a tragic end. It’s garnered her public support and even a level of adoration. Hopefully she’ll be able to help by putting a public face on the push for a true Parliament.
She had her reservations when Riza first brought this idea to her because she feared she would only be a pawn in the struggle for power and she was done with that. She would not be a powerless cog in someone else’s design any longer. It took many of these visits for her to understand General Mustang wasn’t like that foolish old man Grumman. He wasn’t trying to centralize all power to one individual the way Grumman currently is. He and Riza truly do want the people to have a voice and a place beside the country’s military leader and if she can play a role in helping make that happen she will, even if it is more than a little terrifying.
But that discussion is for another day.
She turns her attention back to Riza and gives her a knowing smile as he reaches for a finger sandwich. “Sooooo, tell me, Riza. Have you seen any more of that attractive, blond, young man you were dancing with at the Fuhrer’s dinner last month?” Riza’s eyes widen and she coughs as she chokes on her sandwich. Evelyn smiles because she thought she saw something between those two.
“Jean? I—no. No, of course not. He was just in Central visiting—”
“You should.” Riza’s mouth immediately snaps shut on whatever else she was going to say and she tilts her head in obvious curiosity. “You once told me that there’s more to life than just one focused goal.” Evelyn glances to Selim who she’d been content to devoting the rest of her life to. Riza is the one that showed her maybe she could be more than just a mother. She felt the sincerity in her words. No she needs to know the same holds true for her as well. “Remember that. Especially now. You don’t want to lose your chance for more.”
Riza wraps both her hands around her small tea cup and takes a thoughtful sip. Her mind is obviously elsewhere as she nods and murmurs softly, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Evelyn smiles because that’s enough for now. The last time she brought up such matters Riza was quick to expound on all her duties and responsibilities. At least she’s considering the possibility for more. They both are. Evelyn looks over the yard to see Selim spread out on his back underneath the shining sun and smiles. For the first time in her life the future doesn’t feel written or out of her control and it’s staggering like stepping out of the dark and into the sun. The shadows may never be gone, but a beacon of light has broken through the clouds and with any luck that light will grow to shine on them all.
