[Introduction] "Erase and Rewrite" (Open)

[alchemy_ed]

"Maybe life has no equal trade. Maybe you can give up all you've got, and get nothing back. But still, even if I can't prove it's true, I have to try. For your sake..."The light surrounded him. Covered him and filled him. He was light

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[ggrindelwald]

"Hello!" comes a cheery reply in response.

There's a handsome blond man looking at him curiously.

[alchemy_ed]

"Hi," Ed replied, uncertainly. He had half expected Hoenheim to be there again. He considered asking after him, but then, why should he? He'd be fine without the old man.

"This is gonna sound like a strange question, but where am I?" Ed asked. "Is it London?"

[ggrindelwald]

"I'm afraid not, although I know of London. This place is simply called The Mansion."

[alchemy_ed]

So he wasn't in London this time, but if this person knew what London was, Ed wasn't in Amestris anymore either. More proof that something had worked and his trade had been accepted, even though he was still alive. He felt happier.

He was a little surprised that this stranger wasn't acting surprised to see him. He had just appeared out of nowhere in someone else's house. But it was easier if he didn't have to try to explain anyway.

"OK, thanks." He wasn't sure how to begin. He didn't really have a plan for this. His stomach decided for him: He should find lodgings. He could get his bearings from there. And food.

"Hey, listen, could you tell me where I can find a hotel or an inn? I'm kind of here unexpectedly."

[ggrindelwald]

Being a wizard used to the equivalent of teleportation - apparation - he of course wasn't surprised by the sudden appearance. And new people arrived quite often, although he usually wasn't the first to see them.

"You can stay here. Most everybody does. If you simply look around upstairs I'm sure you'll find a room to suit you," the young man looks calm but amused as well. "And if you want food, I can show you the way to the kitchen."

[alchemy_ed]

"I can?" Ed was puzzled. "Where- what is this place, exactly?"

For a moment he wondered if he was dead. If so...this wasn't bad. Not if they had food and free rooms.

[ggrindelwald]

"A good question! But nobody really has an answer to that. People are pulled from their own worlds and - for lack of a better word - trapped here," he looks strangely unconcerned about that. "You are provided housing and food and generally things are quiet so you will have to make your own entertainment."

He grins then bows, the movement sweeping and fluid - old fashioned politeness but not at all stiff. "My manners... We have not been introduced. I am Gellert Grindelwald."

[alchemy_ed]

Ed was slightly slack-jawed. It wasn't really that much stranger than some of the other things that had happened to him. And it didn't seem like he was dead. But he didn't like the sound of 'trapped'...

If bowing was the customary greeting, Edward would return in kind. He gave the stiff bow he had used in the military.

"Edward Elric," he replied, and added, "I'm an alchemist. Does that word mean anything to you?" His full title probably made no difference, but it would be a good idea to figure out if alchemy worked here.

[ggrindelwald]

"I know of alchemy. I am a wizard, myself," he answered.

[alchemy_ed]

"Like in stories?" Ed blurted without thinking, but not meaning to be offensive.

[ggrindelwald]

Gellert laughs. He doesn't sound offended.

"Of course that's what they'd have you believe. Our laws say we should remain in hiding but I will change that!"

[alchemy_ed]

"If wizards are like alchemists, that makes sense," Ed agreed. He never would have got anywhere if he had to keep alchemy a secret. That was probably true of his whole country. But did this mean he had to keep alchemy a secret here?

"Let me get this straight. People just turn up here from other places? Are wizards and alchemists in hiding here too?"

[ggrindelwald]

"No, I don't think anyone is in hiding here - which makes things either very pleasant or very dull, depending on your point of view."

[alchemy_ed]

"Why would anyone want to keep alchemy a secret?" Ed thinks that's dumb.

[ggrindelwald]

"The laws in my world are indeed ridiculous. Any magical being or thing needs to remain hidden," Gellert replies, thinking only of the magic side of alchemy in his world. "The Ministry is filled with frightened fools."

[alchemy_ed]

"But why? Where I come from alchemists are respected." Ed decided not to bring up the military branch.