Going In Circles
 

Garnet carefully sifted through some of the old scrolls in front of her. Xing was advanced enough for books, but a lot of the old knowledge was still written on scrolls. Absently, she made notes in a small notebook with one hand, keeping the scroll flat with the other.

Ruby was sitting across from her, working on her own scroll and notes. It was a long process, but she didn't mind. It was good for her to have something else to focus on. And it was good to have a goal. Mastering alkahestry was a good goal for the moment.

Garnet absently set down her pencil to pull back her long black hair. It was generally hotter in Xing than it was in Amestris, and that day was particularly warm. Once her hair was up, a red tattoo peeked out from the top of her shirt, just barely noticeable at the base of her neck.

"How are you doing?" she asked Ruby gently, looking over.

"Fine so far," Ruby said, shrugging and pushing strands of auburn hair out of silvery eyes. "The theory behind alkahestry is interesting, it's so different from alchemy. I might take a break to practice in a bit."

"Let me know if you do, I want to watch," Garnet replied. She rubbed one of her violet eyes. "It's interesting. Where alchemy's circles use three or six points within the circle, alkahestry uses five."

"And a totally different source of energy," Ruby said, her eyes flicking along the scroll to the depiction there. "It should be a good challenge."

"It's a guiding energy rather than a constructive energy, I think," Garnet agreed, nodding and looking through her notes. "A lot of alkahestry's applications are medical, healing. They're designed to help the body do what it does naturally, just... faster. More efficiently. Alchemy's about deconstructing and reconstructing, it's much more aggressive."

"Much more. Although there are uses for alkahestry that involve destruction. It's a different set of rules, too. Alchemy is all equal reactions and that. Alkahestry doesn't have that underlying rule." Ruby grinned, absolutely fascinated.

"Well, no, it does," Garnet said, turning to another page of her notes. "Basic laws of physics, it all has to balance out. But alkahestry uses energy and mass more efficiently in some ways, so it seems like you're getting more for what you put into it. It takes a finer hand."

"Excellent." Ruby grinned. She did love a good challenge. "It will certainly be interesting to see what comes of this."

"Yeah, it will," Garnet agreed. She stretched a bit. "Though we've been down here a while, I think it's about time to find something to eat."

"Alright. Food and then practice." Ruby got up and stretched, groaning as her back cracked a few times. "Lead the way."

Garnet grinned a bit and headed out of the archive room, nodding to the person standing guard at the door. She knew the man recognized them (they had been in and out a few times now) and would likely let them back in again later for more study. For now, it was back to their little apartment to find some food and relax some.

Ruby followed after her, stretching a bit and working the kinks out of her shoulders.

"So, what sounds good for lunch? Actually, what do we have in the apartment?" She tended to be a bit absent-minded about such things.

"I think we have some noodles," Garnet replied, thinking a bit. "We can pick up some veggies on the way back, make a stir-fry. Veggies, I think we have oil, maybe some good spicy sauce."

Ruby nodded. "Sure, sounds good," she said, heading for the market first. Then they could head back and make lunch.

Garnet nodded in return and followed her. Ruby was the one in charge, after all.

"So what do you think?" she asked. "The alkahestry. Is it what you're looking for?"

"Maybe. I'll have to test it out first, see if I can even get anywhere with it." Ruby shrugged. "It will at least present a challenge for a while. Fill in the gaps for a bit."

Garnet nodded.

"I have notes if you want to look at them," she said. "Theoretical and empirical stuff."

"Thanks. I'll look them over at lunch." Ruby yawned briefly and headed into the market to get some veggies.

"No problem," Garnet said. She walked with Ruby, obediently carrying the veggies once they were bought, and taking them to the apartment just as obediently.

Ruby settled in to cook lunch with Garnet, content with the quiet and companionship.

"You're not bored with all the research are you?"

"Not at all," Garnet replied as she cut the veggies. "It's fascinating. I look forward to seeing it in action."

"Good," Ruby said. "I don't want you to be bored. Especially since you don't have to follow me or help me or anything. You know that."

"I want to stick with you, though," Garnet replied, looking at her. "I told you that. We stick together."