|
Post by kisitiene on Oct 2, 2009 17:12:44 GMT -8
A beautiful day with chirping birds and blue skies...who could ask for more?! The Armstrong Manor Garden was full of life as the youngest female sat upon a stone bench. Pink sparkles glittered around Catherine Elle Armstrong as her eyes followed the birds that flitted from a tree. Such peace, beauty, and serenity! Beauty that could only be seen within Armstrong territory! A beautiful garden passed down through many Armstrong generations and now left in the hands of Catherine herself!
Despite the surrounding beauty a small sigh left Catherine's lips. Her brother had been gone for some time on military duties and who knows where her sister Olivia was. Sure her parents were here but sometimes she needed more than the war stories of her father or lessons with her mother. Besides, one could only lift the piano so much before playing it was the only thing left to do. And even that could get boring rather quickly. If only her brother was here so that she could spend time with him! Maybe go for a walk around Central or even simply in the garden. Something...anything rather than sitting here alone.
Pushing herself to her feet Catherine lightly dusted off her blue skirt and stepped further into the garden. Her eyes scanned the flowers as her mind checked to make sure all was well. Her feet were leading the way and her body knew just where it was going. Before long the shy beauty found herself in a small, secluded out-cove of the garden. A few books and papers were hidden here which Catherine sat beside. Grabbing one of the old books she opened it to a marked page and stared down at the mildly confusing language and circles. If only she could truly understand it all maybe she could impress her brother when he came home! Even just the smallest little transmutation would probably bring joy to the man. However, when it came to alchemy and Catherine, things were not so easy. Sure, she could have easily asked her brother for assistance but that would have ruined the surprise when she did accomplish something! But without his help she might never succeed for these books were highly confusing.
Moving the books around her petite form and spreading some papers about Catherine scanned what she had. A few pages had some circles which were scratched out and a few others had many practice circles upon them. Sure, Catherine couldn't understand the words but she could see the pictures and with her perfect artistry skills passed down through her family line she could easily remake them for herself. The only problem was finding out just how to make them work...
"If only I could find someone to help me..." she stated to a bird who landed down beside her, "You wouldn't know anyone, would you?" Well of course the bird knew! There were people all over Central who could help her but none she would ever ask. That was way too embarrassing.
|
|
|
Post by Hoshi on Oct 2, 2009 18:30:03 GMT -8
Hoshi had decided to visit the Armstrong mansion, although she had not been invited. She really wanted to see where the great Lady Olivia Armstrong lived. It had been easy to get in, the guards had been easy to pass by. Security was not very tight, then again most people preferred to avoid the Armstrongs the sparkles and strength caused many to be afraid. She looked up to one though, she had heard about Olivia's other siblings but rarely gave them any thoughts.
Hoshi had been wandering slightly, keeping track of how she came to be in the place as well as the guards. She was not on edge but she was aware. She spotted a familiar yellow curl, from where she had been sitting in a tree to a distance. She soon recognized the form to be Catherine Armstrong, Olivia's younger sister as well as the youngest Armstrong. Her curiosity got the better of her so she followed her staying out of sight. She watched as Catherine opened books and rustled through papers. She saw the symbols and recognized it as alchemy, getting closer, though not close enough to be in reach she said, "Is there something you seek Lady Armstrong? Perhaps although I have no skill in such, I might assist."
|
|
|
Post by kisitiene on Oct 2, 2009 18:53:31 GMT -8
Shock ran through Catherine's body as as voice pierced the semi-silent air. Slight fear ran through her body as she found the voice unrecognisable. Who was here? There obviously was no one with them. Was brother home? Had he brought a guest? Maybe Olivia?
Sea-blue eyes quickly shot to the person as her head whipped around. The small fear and shock was obvious in her face. It was to be expected since she was taken by surprise like that in her secret little hiding place. Worst of all, someone had found out her secret alchemy lessons!
She scanned the female who stood there for a second before she slowly got to her feet and stepped in front of her books and papers to further hide them, not that it would do any good now. Her hands clasped in front of her skirts as she gave a shy smile, still curious about this unknown female. Obviously she was not military for a lack of uniform or maybe she was simply off duty? There was no watch so she was not a state alchemist, that was for sure. But she was completely new to Catherine and had never been in her sight before for surely she would have recognized such an odd female.
"Oh, no...there is nothing I really seek, thank you," she stated with a soft bow as she kept her eyes on the girl, "Um...excuse me but...may I ask your name...? Are you here with my brother...? Or maybe my sister Olivia...?"
|
|
|
Post by Hoshi on Oct 2, 2009 19:18:32 GMT -8
Hoshi knew she had done it again, snuck up and scared another person. It just came natural she guessed, her eyes held that which they normally did. Nothing. She kept them on the youngest Armstrong, of course she was still younger then the person in front of her but all the same. She waited politely, quietly, holding her self in a sort of ease. She gave no aura of hostility and held herself in a non threateningly way.She was not surprised when she moved to hide what she was doing before. Although she did not quiet understand why, she did not see a reason to try and hide something like what she was doing.
She heard her reply, a little saddened at the slight dismissal "Are you sure, although I dont know alchemy Im sure that two heads are better then one, but very well, I would hate for you to feel pressured," she said calmly. Her eyes remained on Catherine, not on her eyes but on her person as a whole. "I am Hoshi Azule, no Im not with your brother, or your sister, I am a follower and hope she reaches her goal. You could call me a trespasser who is just coming through I wanted to see where the Armstongs lived," she said with a slight smile, honesty shining through. "Ill be gone shortly I promise, you really should tighten security a bit, east wall is a bit to easy to get over," she continued.
|
|
|
Post by kisitiene on Oct 2, 2009 19:36:26 GMT -8
Well, the girl didn't seem to be a threat in any way. She seemed to be relaxed and quite calm albeit a bit strange. Catherine kept her eyes upon the girl but her fear left though shyness stayed. She felt no longer a need to worry about the female and figured nothing would go wrong.
Wait...what? A trespasser? Well that was no good and someone really had to be told about that. But why would someone come into the Armstrong Estate so freely? Everyone knew about their family strength so would someone really be so stupid as to just waltz in? Surely that truly meant she was no threat. Any person who wanted to do something would think twice before even coming close to the estate.
The girl called Hoshi said she was a follower of Olivia. Catherine figured she was talking about the race for Presidency against Roy Mustang. There was a conundrum she had heard about. Her brother was, of course, Olivia's brother as well but also Roy Mustang's friend and close co-worker. Catherine hated to see how the race put her brother and she wished she had more time to speak with him about it. Of course Catherine would support her sister as that was what family did but sometimes she wondered if that was what her brother wanted or if he wanted to stick by his friend.
She pulled her mind back to the topic of Hoshi and she gave a shy smile, "You may stay if you like. I am sure you are no threat to our family." Catherine could be shy, yes, but she wasn't rude! Okay so maybe blunt could be counted as rude from time to time but she didn't just want to toss out some poor girl who seemed to just be curious. "But thank you."
|
|
|
Post by Hoshi on Oct 2, 2009 20:10:36 GMT -8
Hoshi watched Catherine, the slight changes in her face as her emotions shifted, he did know that Catherine no longer seemed scared or weary. Though she still seem to suffer from a large amount of shyness. She nodded at what Catherine said. She was not a threat at all. "I would enjoy that much," she said calmly, smiling slightly although it did not show in her eyes. She made her way a bit closer.
"You are Lady Catherine? I have read about you and your family, I look up to your sister Lady Olivia, she is a strong person. She has helped to whip this country into a shape that it should be in," she said. She glanced over at the papers and books. "I know no alchemy but I have whispers of how it works, maybe you should seek someone to assist you," she said her voice soft, her opinion honest. "And you are welcome," she said with another small smile.
|
|
|
Post by kisitiene on Oct 2, 2009 20:22:12 GMT -8
Catherine nodded as Hoshi spoke about her sister. She really had a reputation didn't she, Olivia? So many people were behind the eldest Armstrong child but it was really no wonder. Olivia was such a strong person with such determination and skill. Pretty much the opposite of homely Catherine who still had no occupation like her elder siblings.
"Yes, I am Catherine Elle Armstrong. It is a pleasure to meet a supporter of my sister," she stated with another small smile as she moved back behind her books and knelt to pick them all up.
Her eyes moved back to Hoshi as she spoke of her books. Rising to her feet her cheeks tinted a light pink. "Yes, I suppose I should ask for assistance but I know no one who would help me who I dare ask. It is a surprise for my brother once I learn how to accomplish a simple transmutation," she stated with happiness from talking of her brother. She hugged her books lightly before looking back at Hoshi. "Would you like some tea...?" she shyly asked, unsure of how the girl would react. Denial? Acceptance? Catherine wasn't used to interaction with outsiders since she stayed in the house so much but maybe she could actually gain a true outside friend for the first time in 25 years!
|
|
|
Post by Hoshi on Oct 2, 2009 22:00:08 GMT -8
Hoshi listened to the little Armstrong, she knelt and picked up an alchemy book that was at her feet and held it out for her. "Im sure you could ask anyone and receive the assistance you require, maybe even someone you know or have heard of, the only alchemist I could think would be the Flame, or perhaps another state alchemist," she said to the point almost. Hoshi was not the time to beat around the bush when she did not have too.
Hoshi smiled again. "I would love some tea, I must say you are as nice as the rumors state," she said. "Though I do not see why you have not attempting to interact with others more, shyness is no excuse to keep yourself locked up," she continued to say bluntly. The smile had faded and her usual blank expression was on her face once more. It was her neutral expression, the one she had on most of the time whether in thought or working hard on a job. "I could assist you in acquiring the assistance without your brothers knowledge if you like," she offered kindly.
|
|
|
Post by kisitiene on Oct 2, 2009 22:36:59 GMT -8
Catherine accepted the book with a small smile as she shook her head, "Many alchemists I know are close to my brother and though they shall keep my secret I fear my brother would notice our time spent. Mr. Mustang would not be acceptable due to his current battle with my sister for Presidency. If they were to notice things could be taken wrong." And really now? Her with Roy Mustang?! Yes, Roy Mustang was a strong alchemist and had a fair intellect level but he was far from physically strong. Why, that man could barely stand lifting a pen half the time let alone a paper weight! In simple terms that man, though not ugly or unkind, is incredibly pathetic in terms of her brother's gorgeous, rippling muscles.
A light blush crossed Catherine's cheeks at the compliment she was handed as she started to lead the way from her secluded area in the garden. There was a nice little table not far away where she could have someone bring them tea. "Thank you...but it is not because I do not wish to venture out. I find my time more necessary and needed at home. Alex and Olivia are often away and my two other sister have left home. I stay to keep my parents company. I find that some outside things are best left just where they are...outside." She sounded so...pessimistic. But that wasn't all true. She just was used to the life inside and her parents did enjoy having her around.
Wait! She could help!? "Really? I would greatly appreciate that Miss Hoshi," Catherine said with a cheerful smile as they exited the maze of shrubbery. A beautiful white table with a fancy umbrella could be spotted not too far away and the blond made a bee line for the contraption. She motioned for Hoshi to join her as she waited before sitting down. Maybe making friends wasn't so hard. Besides, it seemed easier to talk to girls than to boys. They just had that feminine connection.
|
|
|
Post by Hoshi on Oct 3, 2009 0:25:53 GMT -8
Hoshi thought for a bit, taking in what Catherine had said. "If you come up with a good reason there would be no problem. Maybe thinking up things to help your sister with her campaign, plotting a concert, a show of talent that would raise money for research in something, or another sort of idea, that would explain the time spent but as well as planning you could ask for assistance with the alchemy," she said as she thought of it. Hoshi followed quietly, almost as if she was not there, her clothes made little rustle and her shoes very little sounds.
"You too must someday venture forward though, or you may be in one spot for the rest of your life. To move forward is to grow stronger," she said bluntly. Her voice never wavered as her thoughts flowed forth. Hoshi followed her further towards the contraption, taking the seat across from Catherine. "And there is no need to thank me, I am merely someone who assists those in need, it is what I do," she said with a kind smile. Hoshi felt off being called Miss though, it was foreign and when she thought of the word applied to her it made her feel sick, and scared. None of this showed on her face though. "Just call me Hoshi or Star if you prefer," she said with another smile.
|
|