Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Once upon a time in a far off kingdom, there was a beautiful castle deep in the mountains. In this castle lived a beautiful prince who filled his castle with the most beautiful objects and people. However, he was vain, cruel, and all together not a very nice person. All-in-all, en par for anyone in a position of authority.

"Fabala!" Nessarose laughed. "Tell it like it was written."

Elphaba looked up from the book of fairytales and smiled at her sister.

"Just trying to spice it up," she said. "You sure you don't want to continue that book we were reading yesterday? We're a little old for fairytales."

"You're never too old for fairytales," Nessarose insisted, waving the needle she was using to embroider a handkerchief. "Keep going. Verbatim."

Elphaba rolled her eyes, but indulged her, reading it without embellishment.

"Elphaba!" Frex strode into the room looking furious.

She flinched and closed the book with a snap, returning to her loom. Nessarose straightened up and turned her attention to her embroidery. It always turned out this way and Elphaba knew better than to insist she was just doing as Nessa requested. It was a rock and a hard place. If she indulged her sister, she was a slacker and if she declined her sister's requests in favor of working, she was neglectful.

Nessa never said a word to her defense, but she was used to that.

"I'm sorry Father, I was just taking a break," she said.

He scoffed and went over to Nessa, taking her hands and examining them.

"And leaving my darling Nessarose to work hard while you slack off," he said.

"I like embroidery, Father," said Nessa. "Are you leaving already?"

"As soon as Elphaba puts everything in the cart."

Elphaba stood and as she left she heard him ask,

"Now, what can I get my favorite daughter?"

After twenty years, Elphaba would have hoped the sting of that remark would have lessened. It wasn't like she was favored or even loved the three and a half years before that. Besides, who wouldn't love Nessarose more?

"I'd like a parasol," said Nessa. "Perhaps new pattern books, some lace, and roses."

Roses. Always roses. They were Momma's favorite flowers, but Nessa liked them because of her name. Father always brought her a fresh bouquet for her bedside table when he returned home from traveling.

"You shall have it."

Elphaba went outside to load up the bolts of fabric. She took pride in her work and since she was sixteen, every bolt she made was sold.

There were several other women in town with looms who made fabric for Frex to sell. He also sold smaller items like handkerchiefs and reticules, all beautifully made and decorated. He took immense pride in the ones Nessa embroidered. He had a right to be, Nessa's attention to detail was amazing.

Father often traveled around Oz to markets, not returning until he sold everything. He was usually gone for a month or two.

Elphaba and Boq, her father's apprentice, finished loading the last of the crates, then secured the canvas over it to keep them safe from the elements. Boq hitched up the horses while Elphaba made sure their food was loaded up.

Frex stepped out of the house and scowled at his eldest.

"Nessarose insisted I bring something to you as well," he said. "What do you want?"

He'd hold it over her if he spent even a single hay penny on her. She heard that there was a field of poppies around the Emerald City. She wanted to go there more than any other place in the world. If she could just have something from there…

"A… a poppy?" she asked tentatively. "Just one bloom is enough."

He nodded curtly.

"Do not neglect your chores," he said. "I will return as soon as I can."

"Yes, Father. Safe travels."

He grunted and climbed onto the driver's seat with Boq sitting shotgun. The gun itself was safe on the floor after a misfire at a tree caused the tree to pelt them with pears.

"Goodbye Father!" Nessa called. "Good luck!"

"I'll be home soon, my precious girl," he said.

Elphaba and Nessa waited until the wagon disappeared beyond the lane.

"Let's go inside, Nessie," said Elphaba gently. "I'll make you some tea."

She preferred the times when Frex was gone. It was easier for her to get her chores done without worrying about him bursting into the room demanding why they weren't done yet. She could do her chores all day and weave by candlelight. Aside from going into town before the shops close and having meals on the table at the correct time, she could make her own schedule.

She stuck to her schedule, day in and day out, the same old routine.

The day after Frex left, when she was certain he wouldn't turn around to retrieve something he forgot and would blame her for, Elphaba went into town. Nessa offered to stay behind in case there were any callers. They occasionally had them. Plump, puffy women from around town. Some who wanted to match their sons off to Nessa and others who were widows that thought Frex had been wearing black for too long.

"It's the witch!" a young boy screamed.

Elphaba rolled her eyes and kept walking with her head held high. There were a lot of witches. Good and bad. Aside from that, she wasn't even allowed to practice her magic. Not that it stopped her. When Frex was away, she could sneak off into the woods behind the manor with the book of magic she kept hidden in her floorboards.

It fed her dreams.

They were foolish dreams, ones she doubted she would ever have the courage to act upon, but she couldn't help it. Frex could never order her to stop dreaming. He sure tried but all that did was make her better at hiding them.

Dreams of running off into the woods to live in a house on chicken legs like some of the local witches. Leaving Colwen Grounds to go to the Emerald City in Neutraland, which was said to be entirely green. Sometimes she dreamed of flying beyond the borders of Oz to try and find someone who looked like her. Surely she wasn't the only one.

Elphaba wanted to have a life she was happy to live, not just resigned to it.

"Good morning, Miss Elphaba," said Miss Winkle pleasantly. The only human in town who was pleasant to her.

Of course, pleasant and friendly were completely different things.

"Good morning, Miss Winkle."

"Those peach preserves you made sold out so quickly," she said. "As did the persimmon jam. Your father is out of town, yes?"

"Yes, he left yesterday."

"If I have a bushel of apples delivered to you, could you make something with them?" Miss Winkle asked. "Same pay per jar."

Elphaba nodded. "Bring them by tomorrow, I'll decide what to make then."

Since Frex claimed her room and board was payment enough for her work, Elphaba made pin money anyway she could. Namely by canning fruit for Miss Winkle's stand. All under the table and Frex wasn't to know. Nessarose kept quiet about it at least.

"And here's your pay for the peaches and persimmons."

Elphaba pocketed the purse of coins, thanking her, and finishing the rest of her shopping before making a personal stop to her favorite shop. It was both an apothecary and bookshop. The owner, an old Goat, was the only one in town she considered a friend.

"Good morning, Miss Elphaba," said Dr. Dillamond. "I was wondering when you'd stop by."

"Hello," she said and jingled the coin purse. "Pay day. Do you need any help?"

"I do," he said. "Why don't you leave your purchases behind the counter with me? I have copies of books that need shelving."

Elphaba smiled and hurried along to do just that. She loved the bookshop the most. They had all the most up to date information in Oz, people came by from Munchkin City and Applerue and even as far as the Shire to purchase copies of the books. Dr. Dillamond had a couple employees to make the copies and when Elphaba had free time she liked to come by and help so she could learn everything she could.

Books provided the escape she longed for. When she made the solid color bolts, she often used her cookbook stand to read and a bit of magic to turn the pages.

Not when Nessa was looking. Nessa hated magic almost as much as Frex did.

While she shelved the new books, Elphaba picked out an armful of copies that interested her, plus two fiction books she thought her sister would enjoy. Dr. Dillamond did keep a decent-sized selection of fiction that would be purchased by those waiting for their prescriptions to be made.

"These please," said Elphaba, bringing them to the counter.

"Of course." He rung the books up. "You know, you could work here if you like. I could make you my full-time apprentice. You have such a knack for mixing remedies and you're smart as a whip, too."

"That'd be wonderful," she said. "But… I can't. Father wouldn't approve and he needs me to take care of Nessa. I do love this shop, though."

"It's always a treat when you stop by," he said, patting her hand. "Don't be a stranger."

"I won't," she said, collecting her purchases. "See you soon."

"Goodbye."

Elphaba headed back home, placing one foot in front of the other and allowing her mind to wander so she couldn't focus on the weight of her purchases on her shoulders. She liked the walk up to the house. It was a beautiful home that had belonged to her mother's family. Her grandparents had died shortly after her mother did and the servants were all let go. It was difficult for Elphaba to keep by herself, but Frex insisted they needed to save money.

Besides, it was good to keep busy, he told her.

That rule only really seemed to apply to her.

She clung to these moments of peace when she could pretend there wasn't work waiting for her. No laundry, no polishing silver or wood, no floors to sweep or chimneys to keep.

Elphaba breathed in the September air and watched two birds fly around each other almost in a dance.

There had to be more to life than this.

Chapter Text

There had to be more to life than this.

There were a lot of things Fiyero missed about being human. Afternoon naps being one of them. Ever since he was cursed, he couldn't sleep. It was so unfair that this was the shape he was forced to take. At least if he were still flesh and blood, he could sleep. Get some escape from this life he was living.

So he made a stupid decision insulting that ugly bog fairy. He made a lot of stupid decisions, but none that had consequences like this. Now, he was cursed for all eternity. At least until he fell in love with the most beautiful woman in the world and earned her love in return. 'For beauty was found within' or something stupid like that.

Nobody was beautiful on the inside. Everyone he'd ever met was so shallow, he could stand in a puddle of all of them combined and not get his feet wet.

Besides, how was he even supposed to meet ladies looking like this?

No one had seen it. One moment he was in a grand ballroom, laughing at the joke he'd made about her cloak, the next he woke up in this castle that once belonged to his family, but was no longer in use.

Hardly anyone came near it, and the last time he tried to get out and about, he was called a 'demon' and didn't even escape intact.

After he was torn to pieces, he woke up in the castle garden and spent a full day pulling himself back together.

Being unable to sleep gave him a lot of time on his hands. Time to think. Time to reflect. He had regrets. So many regrets.

The loneliness was the worst part. He had a single living companion, Chistery the Flying Monkey, whom he had found a few winters back.

Chistery could talk, but it was rudimentary. The "servant" was the castle itself, which seemed to have been enchanted to be alive and had quite the attitude.

Fiyero liked the garden best. He preferred to keep busy and the enchantress wasn't a completely heartless hag. This garden was the most beautiful in the world with magical plants that couldn't be found anywhere else. He still had to tend it, organize it, and after ten years he had it just how he liked it.

The golden apple tree was the hardest to move, but it was much better at the highest point of the garden where it got the most sunlight.

Oz, he'd kill to throw a shindig again. To be able to drink wine and eat good food. To dance all night until his feet hurt with some beautiful young lady who was soft and giggled sweetly. To actually feel human touch and warmth.

He'd kill just for someone to talk to that could form a coherent sentence and didn't scream when they saw him.

"BOO!" Fiyero boomed.

The piebald crow looked at him and laughed before going back to pecking at his fig tree, completely ignoring the storm that was blowing in.

"Agh!" he groaned, swatting at it.

It cawed, and within a second over a dozen of them were attacking his head, ripping at the burlap sack he wore.

"GET OFF! GET OFF!" he shouted, running back towards his castle.

Chistery shrieked and swooped down. The crows scattered, frightened off by the Monkey. Fiyero braced his hands on his knees.

"I hate crows," he muttered and stalked back inside.

He noticed the sconces were lit and frowned.

"What do you mean we have guests coming?" he demanded of the castle.

He had "guests" now and again. More recently a very beautiful woman with blonde curls and a penchant for pink. The most beautiful woman in the world and exactly the type to help him break the curse. Until he revealed himself and she and her companions took only the horses, leaving all her things behind.

No one ever stayed for long.

Castle liked preparing for these guests regardless by offering a feast and trying to light the place so it was more welcoming. The dingy walls and cobwebs didn't help much, but Fiyero would rather wallow in pity and stew in his thoughts than clean. He wouldn't even know where to begin.

There was a groan in response, which he had long since learned was the castle talking. Or he had just snapped and was making stuff up. Either way, he had a translation for it, just like he had for Chistery's limited vocabulary.

"I'm not in the mood for guests!" he snapped. "Just don't open the damn door."

A panel swung open, knocking his head off his shoulders. He hated being split apart like this. He could still sense his body standing, but his head rolled across the floor, making him dizzy.

"No, no, no. Not the stairs!" he shouted.

He had some sensations. Dull, but there. He could tell if he was holding something, but there was no true sensation. No pleasure or pain, That didn't mean he liked having his head bounce around.

It came to a stop against a wall upside down.

"Great," he muttered and tried to move his body towards his head.

Easy… He skidded and tumbled down the steps.

Chistery perched himself on the railing, laughing and clapping his hands.

"Fall down! Fall down!"

"Yeah, yeah. Yuck it up!" said Fiyero. "Hey, brainless! This way!"

His body staggered over to his head.

"Easy… don't kick me—don't!"

His foot sent his head skittering away.

Chistery hopped down and picked his head up, placing it in his hands.

"Thanks," he muttered and jammed it back onto his shoulders with a loud 'crack!'. "You win. We'll host, but I'm not saying 'hi' this time!"

Castle accepted that and Fiyero went to hide. Sure enough, a storm blew through, not helped by his foul mood that always seemed to affect the weather, and from the highest tower he could see a wagon hurrying towards the castle, nearly concealed by a sheet of rain. He grabbed his spy glass and peered through it.

Two people, it looked like. A wagon with a tarp. Merchants? Travelers?

Fiyero moved to the balcony overlooking the foyer and hid in the shadows to watch them enter. The door opened on its own accord and two people entered. They shed their cloaks, and in the light of the chandelier Fiyero could see their faces. Both men. One older, one younger.

"Good thing this castle was here," said the young one.

"We wouldn't even be here if you hadn't gotten us lost, Boq," the older man snipped. "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Fiyero didn't answer, quietly observing. Chistery sat on his shoulder quietly.

"I think we should head back, Mr. Thropp," said Boq. "I don't like this place."

"If you want to go sit in the rain, be my guest," said Mr. Thropp. "I, however, am going to get dry until it passes."

Fiyero ducked into the hidden passage that ran through the interior of the castle. It had been fun exploring them and now he knew them by heart. Every entrance, exit, lever, and trap door.

He was able to spy through the eyes of the portraits, listen to conversations, and watch every movement made throughout the castle.

The pair found their way to the dining hall where a feast for two was spread across the table.

"Wow!" Boq breathed.

"Hello? Is the master of the house here?" Mr. Thropp called.

Fiyero didn't answer.

"How rude," Mr. Thropp sniffed. "Not even a servant in sight. This place is filthy."

Fiyero looked at Chistery and nodded.

Chistery scampered to the kitchen exit and moments later emerged into the dining hall.

"Oh!" Boq gasped, jumping back.

"Sit! Sit!" he said.

"How peculiar," said Mr. Thropp, taking a seat at the head of the table. "Will the master of the castle be joining us?"

Chistery made a kissy noise and ran off.

"Sit down, Boq," said Mr. Thropp.

They ate their fill, then explored the castle long enough to find beds ready and made for them—if not a little dusty. Fiyero waited until they were asleep, then went outside to the stable to look in the wagon. There was a tarp covering a few crates stamped with 'Munchkinland' on the side and his merchant's stamp.

Fiyero opened one of the crates and found bolts of fabric. They were very fine. An order for his parents? He picked one up and dropped it in shock.

He could feel it. He snatched it back up and ran his spindly fingers over the fabric. He could feel the texture of the pattern, the fine weave. He pulled off the burlap sack that covered his head and rubbed the fabric against his cheek. He hadn't felt anything real in so long. He went through the entire crate, but out of the remaining stock, he could only feel that bolt and some silk scarves. He carried them up to the castle.

The door slammed shut in his hand.

"Hey!" he protested and tugged the handle. He looked at the fabric and huffed. "I'm not stealing. I'll put money in its place. Promise."

The door finally gave away. Fiyero brought the fabric to his chambers, then went to the treasure room. He had found it a year after he ended up here and considered sending it to his parents, but decided not to in a fit of pettiness. He was a creature and suddenly his letters weren't worth responding to?

The curse was as much a punishment on them, he was just the one with the raw end of the deal.

He tried to think of what such beautiful fabric would be worth and just filled a small chest with treasures before returning to the wagon and placing it in the crate.

Who made it? He wondered.

Fiyero sat down and ran the fabric through his wooden fingers, not growing tired of feeling something real. He sat this way until morning when Castle prepared breakfast for their guests. Chistery woke them and led them back to the dining room.

"Still no sign of our host," said Mr. Thropp. "It really is bad manners to not greet your guests."

Fiyero frowned. It was tempting to make himself known. At least so he could find out who wove the fabrics he could feel, but this man didn't seem like the kind who would know who made what.

After breakfast, the two men decided to explore the castle and ended up outside in the gardens. Deciding to have a little fun, Fiyero followed them and headed just a ways ahead of them where he hopped onto a post and stuck his arms out.

Mr. Thropp and Boq emerged from the flower tunnel and jumped upon seeing him.

"A scarecrow," said Mr. Thropp, curling his lip. "It doesn't even suit the garden. A statue would look much nicer."

"But then the birds would attack my poor flowers," said Fiyero softly, the mask he wore covering the movement of his mouth.

"Yes, I suppose that's true," said Mr. Thropp.

"Who are you talking to?" Boq asked.

"Didn't you say something about birds?"

"I thought you said it!"

Mr. Thropp furrowed his brow, then looked around.

"Hello?" he called, moving ahead. "Are you the keeper of this castle? Show yourself!"

Fiyero turned his head as they passed until it had done a complete 180°. Boq looked back and did a double-take. He stared for a long moment, then scurried along after his boss.

Hopping down, Fiyero ran ahead and stood in the middle of the next section. Boq shrieked upon seeing him.

"Honestly, lad, get a hold of yourself!" Mr. Thropp snapped.

"I think that's the same one as before!" he squeaked.

"Don't be ridiculous." Mr. Thropp poked Fiyero in the stomach, tugging out a bit of stuffing. "Look! Only straw!"

He moved on and Boq stared at Fiyero, then kicked him in the shin. Fiyero waited until he was moving on before spinning around and kicking him in the rear. The Munchkin stumbled and fell. Fiyero returned to his pose.

This was fun.

"Mr. Thropp!"

"What is it now?!"

Fiyero bit back a laugh and waited until they were gone before following.

They had found the best part of the gardens. Fiyero was particularly proud of it, Oyster Roses weren't exactly easy to tend to, but when they bloomed and the pearl appeared in the center? Well, it certainly helped Fiyero decide that there was good magic and bad magic.

Cursing someone to spend eternity as a scarecrow? Bad magic.

A magical garden with plants unique to the world? Good magic.

Not that he could spend these riches, but he did enjoy watching them sparkle.

His most favorite part were the poppies in the center of the roundabout. There wasn't anything magical about them, he had just grown them from seeds and planted them himself. The Poppy Festival had always been his favorite. He missed going.

"Nessa did ask for roses," Mr. Thropp mused. "I should present her with a bouquet of these. The pearls would make a beautiful necklace."

"And don't forget Miss Elphaba," Boq piped up.

"Excuse me?"

Boq shrank back. "You promised to bring her back a poppy."

"Oh, very well. Find something to cut down these roses with. My dear Nessa deserves all of them." He went over to the poppies and sneered. "I suppose these will do for Elphaba."

Fiyero stiffened as the man ripped up a handful of poppies. Growling, he stormed over to confront the man. Dark clouds rolled in with his anger.

Boq screamed. Mr. Thropp dropped the flowers, his jaw hanging open.

"How dare you?!" Fiyero snarled. "I welcome you as guests in my home and this is how you thank me? By destroying my beautiful garden?!"

"Show yourself!" Mr. Thropp demanded angrily and ripped off Fiyero's mask. He jerked back in shock, his eyes rolling back in terror.

"Come to gawk at the demon of Kiamo Ko?!"

"N-No! Please! Don't hurt me!" Mr. Thropp begged. "I have daughters at home, their mother is dead and no one else can care for them. Please!"

Fiyero decided to up the nasty and grinned.

"Oh, but we are having such fun, aren't we?" he laughed wickedly. "I like having someone around. It can be so lonely in this great big castle. Why don't you stay a while? I have a cozy little dungeon I would just love to show you."

He grabbed the both of them by their shirts and dragged them back to the castle.

"No! Wait! A trade!" Mr. Thropp cried.

Fiyero laughed sardonically. "What could you possibly have that I would want?"

"What would you want with us?" he quavered. "An old man and a Munchkin boy? You say you are lonely? I have a daughter you might prefer."

Ugh, seriously? Damn coward! Fiyero dropped the pair in disgust.

"She is twenty-four years old. Strong," Mr. Thropp continued. "She will make a fine bride. Please, I beg of you, do not leave my poor Nessarose an orphan!"

Creep. If he had even put up a fight, Fiyero would have let him run. Chased him a little, cackled, lit his head on fire and thrown it at them. If this man would throw away a daughter so easily to save his own skin…

The whisper of the curse's conditions echoed in the back of Fiyero's mind and he stilled, hating himself for his next words.

"Is she beautiful?" he asked.

"My sweet girl is the most beautiful in Oz."

The most beautiful in Oz. Well, if it worked, Fiyero would have his curse broken and if not, he'd let the girl hang around for a bit, then send her on her merry way with some treasure for her troubles.

"Very well," he said and plucked a single rose, tossing it onto the man's chest. "I will release you upon your word that you send your daughter to me."

"I s-swear!"

"I will await her arrival. See what happens when you do not."

"Yes, of course. Thank you!"

Fiyero waved his hand and made sure they left. They did so quickly, barely taking the time to hitch the wagon to their horses.

There was literally nothing keeping him to his word. Fiyero wouldn't even have any idea on how to find this man except for Munchkinland, which was as big as the Vinkus. Mr. Thropp would come to his senses, think Fiyero a sucker, and continue on with his life as if he never saw this place.

Once the dust had settled, Fiyero returned to the garden to fix the mess they made.

"Gone?" Chistery asked, settling next to him.

"Yeah. Gone." Fiyero picked up a few poppies that hadn't made it in the escape. "For someone who claims to love his daughters, he sure was quick to offer one of them up."

"Sit. Sit," said Chistery.

"You can go inside. I'm going to stay out here for a while."

He wondered what would happen if he just picked a field and stood in it. Day after day, week after week. Would he stay in it for eternity? Would he rot with the plants if there came a day they were left alone?

The emptiness was overpowering. Fiyero jumped to his feet and went to the stables, only to find his horse and carriage missing. They had been left behind a while ago and the true owner never returned for them.

"Castle, where's my horse?" Fiyero demanded.

He only got a few creaks and groans in response.

"Well, are they coming back?"

The lanterns spluttered once for 'yes'. Fiyero sighed and shook his head.

"I wish you'd tell me these things before you let them happen," he sighed. "My permission doesn't seem to matter anyway."

Fiyero huffed and sank to the ground.

"Why me?" he muttered.

Chapter Text

"Father's home!" Nessarose called happily.

Elphaba furrowed her brow. That wasn't a month. Had he sold everything already?

She wiped the flour off her hands and hurried to answer the door so he wouldn't have to wait. The poor horse looked in horrendible shape, the whites of his eyes visible, his brown coat spackled white with sweat, his legs trembling.

Frex and Boq both looked rattled, sitting rigidly on the seat, their clothes in disarray. As if they hadn't stopped an instant the entire time they were gone.

"Father? Are you alright? What happened?" Elphaba asked and spotted the bouquet of flowers clenched white-knuckled in his hand. Several crumpled poppies and a single rose, the petals more vibrant than she had ever seen, even in the prettiest of Munchkinland meadows.

"I…" Frex blinked slowly and seemed to really look at her for the first time in her life. "Unload the wagon."

"Yes, sir," she said and hurried to do so.

She carried the empty crates to the shed, but was shocked to find three still heavy with bolts and accessories. One of them rattled with something that most certainly wasn't fabric. Elphaba opened it to find a small, wooden chest the size of a bread box. She lifted the lid and gasped. Inside was a gold chalice, silver and gold coins, and precious gems. She grabbed it and ran inside.

"Father, where did you get this?" she asked, wondering why he would look so rattled if he received such a great fortune.

"What?" Frex looked at the chest and opened it, then quickly slammed it shut. He looked at a ripped burlap sack clutched in the hand that wasn't holding the flowers.

A slow, giddy smile spread across his face. Elphaba was unnerved; Nessarose was delighted.

"Have you found a fortune, Father?" she asked.

"Yes… I believe I have," he said and cleared his throat. "My dearest Nessarose, this is for you."

He presented the rose to her.

"Oh, Father!" Nessarose gasped. "Is this pearl real?"

Elphaba looked and indeed nestled in the center was a delicate pearl the size of the nail on her little finger.

"Elphaba, the poppies."

Elphaba scrambled to grab onto the flowers he shoved at her, ignoring the sting of its tiny thorns. They were beautiful. She touched the petals to find them soft like velvet. They were a bit crumpled from the journey, but they were such a rich shade of red. Almost unnaturally so.

"Upon our travels, Master Underhill and I found ourselves the guest of a very… unique gentleman," said Frex.

"He was a—"

Frex hissed, silencing Boq.

"He is in want of a wife," he continued. "Therefore, Elphaba. As my eldest daughter, you will go and be married to him.

"I—what?!" Elphaba squawked. "Father, no! Who will care for Nessa?"

"He has paid for you in kind," said Frex, returned to his cool, calculating self. "And I trust that you would not let your dear sister become destitute. However, there is plenty for her own dowry and when the time comes I will select for her a suitable husband."

Married. To a man she didn't know.

Sold to a man she didn't know. A complete stranger.

"You can't make me do this!" Elphaba protested. "I won't do it!"

Her head jerked sharply to the side, her cheek stinging.

Frex lowered his hand, his expression hard.

"He is a wealthy gentleman who has requested your hand in marriage, Elphaba. Do not make a liar out of me! If you care one twig for Nessa's wellbeing, you will do this."

Elphaba clenched her jaw and ran upstairs to her room. She didn't understand. Her sole purpose in life was to look after Nessarose. It was expected that when Nessa married, Elphaba would be sent along as her nurse. Her job was to take care of her, cater to her every whim… yet now she was being sent away? If this stranger was so well off, why wasn't he matched to Nessa?

It made no sense. Elphaba sank down onto her bed and threw the poppies down beside her, her hand scratched with small welts of blood puckering up as red as the petals. She looked around her room. She didn't have much. Clothes, books, and the little bottle that belonged to her mother.

Could she run away? Find her way elsewhere? Elphaba got the jar hidden in her wardrobe with her savings. It wasn't much. Still, she was a weaver, there was always a need for weavers, but… Father would recognize her work, find her, and drag her back.

This wasn't fair. He couldn't make her!

He couldn't…

Elphaba got out two carpet bags, waffling between running away and accepting her fate.

Of course, it all came down to Nessa. Do this for Nessa, he said. But why decide to hire outside help now when he had Elphaba to do it for free? To cook and clean for free?

No. Not free.

To earn her keep.

Right…

Well, he could give Nessa to the wealthy stranger and be guaranteed she would live her life in comfort.

"Elphaba! The carriage is here!"

Already?! Elphaba ran to the window.

The carriage was jet black and lavishly gilded with gold. It was pulled by a massive horse that was stocky to boot and jet black. The driver was just a shape, almost fuzzy and wearing a huge fluffy black and white cloak despite the warm day.

No… she wasn't ready. She had to make sure she found someone to care for Nessa. She wasn't packed. She didn't want to get married. She didn't even know this man! Why on earth would he want her?!

Elphaba crammed books, the bottle, and clothes into her bags. She would make a run for it. She had a long stride, she was strong from hard work.

"Elphaba!"

Frex burst into the room carrying a mass of white fabric.

"Put this on," he said.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It's your mother's wedding dress," he said. "She said whichever daughter was wedded first would have it. Be quick."

"Father… please don't make me do this," Elphaba begged.

"Don't be difficult," said Frex sharply. "This is a powerful man. Rich. You should be happy someone would even consider marrying you."

That stung more than another slap would have.

"If you aren't down within the hour, you will be going in whatever state of dress you are in," he said and shut the door firmly.

She heard the lock click from the outside.

Trembling slightly, she swiftly changed into her mother's gown. It was a beautiful cream colored gown, one she had always thought she would tailor to suit Nessa.

It had a large skirt and the neckline sat just at the edge of her shoulders with lace ruffles down the bust and sleeves. She tied off the skirt and the bodice, then secured the veil on her head.

In Mother's wedding portrait, the crinoline under the dress had been twice as big, so with half the padding the hem just reached Elphaba's ankles.

This had to be a dream. She had accidentally fermented the fruit somehow and got drunk off the fumes. She had a fever and was hallucinating. She had suddenly come down with hysteria or whatever it was doctors seemed to think only women got.

Elphaba crammed her favorite and unread books into the bag and closed it before pulling on the lace gloves she had made for herself just so she could have something fine too.

The door unlocked and Frex dragged her out by the arm, barely giving her enough time to grab her things.

"Wait, I need to say goodbye to Nessa!"

"No time to waste, can't keep your husband waiting!" Frex tossed her bags into the carriage and practically threw her in next. He shut the door and looked at the driver. "I don't need to pay you, do I?"

He suddenly went white as a sheet and strode back to the house.

"Wait!" Elphaba cried, trying the handle. "Nessa! I love you, Nessa!"

She could see her sister at the door.

"Nessa!"

Why wasn't she answering?

The carriage pulled away at breakneck speed. Elphaba turned around in her seat to watch Frex go to her sister, and then she rounded the lane and couldn't see anything but trees.

She didn't even get to say goodbye…

This couldn't be happening. Elphaba buried her face in her hands. This wasn't right. Why wouldn't they be going with her? Why was there no courting? Why couldn't she have just a moment to say goodbye? One last dinner together as a family? And why did Frex want her of the two sisters to marry a wealthy gentleman?

It didn't make sense.

Elphaba looked out the window. The carriage moved swiftly through town.

"Dr. Dillamond!" Elphaba shouted, leaning out the window.

The Goat looked stunned and loped alongside the carriage.

"Miss Elphaba, where are you going?" he asked.

"I seem to find myself married—please, slow down! Let me say goodbye!"

The carriage slowed.

"Married… Why this is good news, isn't it?" said Dr. Dillamond.

"It's sudden," said Elphaba. "I'm sorry, I don't know where I'm going."

She stuck her hand out. Maybe he could pull her out.

Dr. Dillamond pressed her hand between his hooves.

"I wish you great happiness, Miss Elphaba," he said. "I do hope to see you again. Write to me when you're settled."

The horse kicked up and she was pulled away. Elphaba quickly sat back down before she got decapitated. She was carried past the town, past the farthest point she had ever gone from Munchkin City. It moved farther and farther away, faster than any carriage she had ever seen.

As the scenery flew by, Elphaba oscillated between fear, despair, and anger. Just who did this man think he was? Was he really this powerful that Father would bow to him so easily? But really! What gentleman didn't even pursue a proper courtship? Was that really the price they decided she was worth?

Why her?

Elphaba kicked the opposite seat and screamed. She didn't want to go. How could he do this to her?!

The carriage seemed to fly on the yellow brick road, until the flat farmlands and sweeping meadows of Munchkinland turned to beautiful trees, tall and strong, and rolling hills. She passed by villages, hamlets, towns, and cities. The horse didn't seem to tire at all and the driver didn't answer any questions.

Elphaba tried to keep track of where she was, but there were times the view changed so suddenly, she doubted a map would even help.

When she had longed for an escape, this wasn't what she had in mind. She was a servant to her family and now she was meant to become the wife of a man who couldn't even pass along his name. Would she really have to perform 'wifely duties'?

She shuddered and hugged herself.

Soon, the hills turned into mountains. Paintings hadn't done them justice, but Elphaba couldn't bring herself to admire them. The forest was massive with tall, twisting trees and fog. The deeper in she went, the darker it got, the sky so grey as if it were trying to pass for night.

The path wound up and up, sending Elphaba sliding around in her seat. She passed through a wicked looking iron gate and the trees broke, allowing her to see her new home.

The massive castle rose up, almost looking like it was carved out of the mountain itself. A fortress with massive towers reaching to the sky and topped with domed roofs like tulip bulbs.

It was creepy. Foreboding.

Lightning flashed, making her flinch. She covered her ears for the crackle of thunder that never came. Peeking out, she saw the sky lighten to a soft grey. Just enough to let the cool blues of dusk take over as the sun sunk behind the mountain peak.

The carriage passed through another gate opening up into a courtyard and rounded around to the entrance of the castle. Standing at the top of the stairs just in front of the doors was a figure. Tall and skinny.

Elphaba scowled and flipped her veil over to hide her face. If he wanted her so bad, he'd have to fetch her himself.

The door opened and after thirty seconds, her anger won out. She stomped out of the carriage and up the steps.

"What's the matter with you?!" she shouted, storming up to the man and swinging at him. "Exchanging someone's life for a handful of trinkets? I am not a cow at market that can be bought or sold! You—"

Her shoulders were grabbed. Something didn't feel right about them. The fingers were much too long, there was no give of flesh, and they were hard like bone.

"Not even a minute and you're already yelling at me?" said a deep, raspy voice. "That's quite rude, you know."

Something was wrong. Elphaba's veil was lifted back and both parties yelped, recoiling.

Ah… she understood now, why she was sent here instead of Nessa.

This thing wasn't a man at all. His body was tall and skinny, made of wood. He wore ratty clothes that was stuffed with straw to try and fill him out. He was much taller than Elphaba, towering over her. His head was a pumpkin with a crooked face carved into it, a pair of eyes glowed like candle flames in the dark pits.

A scarecrow…

"You're the most beautiful girl in Oz?" he scoffed incredulously.

Elphaba clenched her jaw and felt heat rise up in her chest.

"Says the one with a pumpkin for a head!" she spat.

"At least I'm not the one walking around looking like you do."

She flinched and bit back the tears that formed in her throat while she fetched her bags.

"Why even ask for me then, huh?"

"I don't know. A guy who trades his daughter for himself seems like a jerk," Scarecrow retorted. "Guess now I know why he was so eager."

"Are you going to kick me back to Munchkinland or let me in?" she demanded.

He stared at her, then stepped aside. She marched into the castle with her nose in the air, jumping as something swooped down.

"Lady!" A Monkey with bright cobalt blue wings sat at her feet. "Lady, lady, lady!"

"That's Chistery," said Scarecrow. "You can sleep here tonight, but then—"

The front door slammed shut, sending Elphaba skittering forward a few feet, and Scarecrow whipped around.

"What do you mean she's staying?!"

There was creaking and a gust of wind blew through the castle. Scarecrow stomped back to the door and opened it, only for it to jerk out of his hand and slam shut.

"This again?!"

He was talking… to the castle.

Elphaba stepped back and looked around, though the exterior was formidable, the inside seemed to favor a sweeping architecture that reminded her of the dead tree she liked to sit and read on when she was a child.

A tug on her skirts made her look down. Chistery offered a hand.

"Urgh! Okay, fine, why not?!" said Scarecrow. "You can stay as long as you like, but I hope you realize I don't have any intentions of marrying you."

"Oh? And what exactly had you planned to do if I was beautiful?"

"I don't know," he huffed. "I wasn't expecting you to arrive at all and I certainly didn't send my carriage to get you. It just leaves sometimes, but since this is such an issue, you can stay as my guest."

"Good. I can't go back home anyway."

"Fine."

"Fine!" Elphaba took Chistery's hand and he led her up a grand staircase.

"Chistery, show her to the tower. The really tall one."

Elphaba rolled her eyes. At least she didn't have to marry whatever this thing was. Though it still stung that he was repulsed by her. She didn't want this anyway, why should she be upset?

It gave her the same feeling when she attended the rare festival with her sister. True, she didn't want to dance, but it still hurt when she wasn't even asked.

She looked around the corridors of the castle, dark and forbidding. Perhaps it was just due to it being dark and dusty, but she was really creeped out. She still wasn't convinced that this wasn't a fever dream.

Chistery led her up a winding staircase. The door at the top opened up to a spacious room. There were tall windows and a balcony overlooking the mountains, valley, and castle grounds. For a tower, it didn't quite seem like a prison. There were shelves with rotting books by the entrance.

She had to step down into the room and saw that the space beneath the platform also had shelves with dusty old instruments for mapping and stargazing. A slanted desk was off to one side with some sludge of a map pooled along the brace. In the very center of the room was a stone pedestal with a square of moth-eaten fabric covering something round that turned out to be a massive crystal ball. A broken arm chair sat in front of a damp fireplace, cold and empty.

There was a nook behind a set of heavy curtains. Elphaba pulled them back to find it the sleeping space. There was a box bed with a lock, a wash stand—though the basin was cracked, as was the mirror—a large wardrobe, and a wooden wash tub.

Could be worse. At least she didn't have to share a bed with that thing.

He was probably thinking the same about her.

Elphaba grabbed a broom out of a mess of cobwebs in the corner and used the handle to open the door to the bed. Something skittered out of sight, making her shudder. She did not want to know what was living in that mattress.

Oh well, she could make do for the night and clean tomorrow.

Good thing it wasn't Nessarose. Even if she was able to get up those stairs with her chair, she would pitch a royal fit at the state of this room.

"Lady! Lady!" said Chistery.

Elphaba turned to the Flying Monkey. He grabbed her hand and tugged her back towards the stairs.

She sighed and removed the veil. As an after-thought, she grabbed a book.

Chistery led her back downstairs to a dining hall. The table was set with a large, dusty center piece. The room was lit by the fireplace along with candles on the table and sconces on the walls. Scarecrow was already sitting at one end of the table.

"Sit! Sit!" said Chistery, running ahead to pull her chair out at the opposite end.

Scarecrow waved a spindly hand.

Elphaba sat down and noticed the space where his meal should have been was empty.

"Aren't you going to eat?" she asked and a horrible thought occurred to her. "Oh, Oz, you eat people don't you? Is that why my father sent me here?!"

"I already filled up on rude, green-skinned women for lunch," said Scarecrow sarcastically. "So I'm good."

Okay, yes, that was a little ridiculous. Elphaba shook her head and put her napkin in her lap. There was soup in a tureen, fresh bread, a very small roasted bird, roasted vegetables, a cheese and fruit plate, and some type of pudding.

"Castle likes to prepare a feast for guests," said Scarecrow. "As you're staying for an undetermined amount of time, I'm sure future meals will be simpler?"

The candles spat in response.

Elphaba wasn't really comfortable eating in front of people. Most of the time she served dinner to her father and Nessa, then ate in the kitchen.

She tried the soup first and was amazed at the flavor. It was creamy, rich, and spicy. Food in Munchkinland was good with a homey flavor, but everything here had a zing to it. Flavors she didn't recognize, but enjoyed.

Figuring she wasn't going to have much conversation with the scarecrow, nor did she have any desire to, Elphaba opened her book.

The candles dimmed and a façade on the wall in the shape of musical instruments began to actually play soft, romantic music.

Elphaba lowered her spoon and scowled.

"Are you kidding me?" she snapped.

"It's not me! It's—" Scarecrow looked up and sliced his hand across his throat with a short hiss. "Cut it out!"

The violin shrieked as the music stopped abruptly and the light returned to full brightness.

"The castle has a mind of her own," said Scarecrow.

"How do you know it's a she?"

"Because the old Vinkun word for 'castle' is in feminine form," he said.

Elphaba twitched her eyebrow in concession and tried to continue reading her book. Her skin crawled and she sent him another glare.

"Are you going to watch me eat every meal?"

Scarecrow slowly stood and began to walk away. The chair chased after him, forcing him to sit back down before swinging back around so he was closer to Elphaba.

He crossed his arms and pouted like a petulant child.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

"Oh." Elphaba pushed her glasses up with her thumb joint and looked back at her book.

Well… it could be worse. The food was good, the room was warm.

When she had finished eating, she placed her fork and knife in an 'X' over her plate. The dishes disappeared in a single sweep.

"Thank you for the meal," she said.

There was a groan of shifting foundations.

"She says, 'You're welcome,'" said Scarecrow.

Elphaba stood up, clutching her book to her chest.

"Goodnight," she said.

He grunted in response. She rolled her eyes and made her way back to the tower. The weather hadn't eased up any, but it didn't seem to get much worse.

At the very least, there was now a roaring fire.

Elphaba sighed softly and looked at the box bed. No… she did not want to get mauled by bugs and mice. If only she had thought to pack a blanket.

Shivering, she grabbed her bags and settled down in front of the fire, using one as a pillow. She found a shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. She placed her glasses on the hearth and laid down. She hated to get her mother's dress dirty, but she doubted she could send it back or that it would be used again.

Okay. So she was in a castle far away from her life, with a scarecrow that asked for her hand in marriage… as a joke. If she went home now, she would likely be sent away, and the scarecrow was planning on giving her the boot as soon as the castle decided she'd stayed long enough. When that happened, she would have nowhere to go.

Elphaba didn't cry often. Namely because she had no time for such nonsense. Who had time to cry when the weaving needed to be done and the sewing and the baking and the sweeping? Now, she was truly alone with nothing but her thoughts, the fire, and the chilling howl of the wind for company.

They welled up and dripped down her nose with each blink. She wept softly until she fell into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter Text

Elphaba awoke to find a few glowing embers in the fireplace and the room chillier than before. Her cheeks and feet were frozen. What surprised her, however, was that a heavy, wool blanket had been placed over her. She sat up with a slight wince. She didn't like to sleep in her corset, but she had been too cold to even take it off last night.

Hugging the blanket around herself, she brought her things over to the sleeping space and pulled the rope keeping the curtain back. It dropped, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Elphaba fell into a sneezing fit that sent her glasses clattering to the floor. She sniffled and coughed.

What a mess.

Just because she had nowhere else to go, didn't mean she had to wallow in self-pity and act like a damsel in distress. Sure it'd be nice to cry and have someone come and save her, but she needed to think realistically for her situation.

Elphaba took a deep breath and undressed. She went over to the basin, amazed to find hot water in the pitcher.

"Guess you truly are enchanted, aren't you?" she asked the empty air.

There was a groan in response. Elphaba washed her face and hands, then brushed her hair and wrangled it into a tight bun. She put on her regular underclothes, then her favorite dress. It was dark purple and simple with a long skirt and buttons up the back, the sleeves also had buttons to the elbows so she could roll them up. She left them at her wrists for the moment.

She replaced her glasses and steeled her nerves before heading down to breakfast. Thankfully, no scarecrow in sight. Her place from yesterday was set and there was a tureen filled with porridge, a toast rack, and a pot of tea.

Elphaba ate her breakfast fairly quickly and thanked the castle.

"Where would I find cleaning supplies?" she asked.

A sconce outside the hall lit up. Elphaba stepped out. One by one the flames burst to life and extinguished in a trail down a corridor. She followed it down to a closet and inside were brooms, mops, dustpans, scrub brushes, rags, rug beaters, canvas bags, and buckets. Loading the largest bucket with supplies and tucking the broom and mop under her arm, she carried it all up to her room. That was a chore in and of itself.

Elphaba looked around trying to decide what to do first. Logic stood to dust those rafters and remove the cobwebs. Start from the top, work her way down. If only she could reach.

"Is there a ladder in this place?" she asked.

Castle gave her another trail. On the way, she found a linen closet that held surprisingly pristine aprons and clean cloths she could use to cover her mouth.

Getting the ladder up the spiral staircase to her room was a feat in and of itself. The longer she carried it the heavier it seemed to get. Once that was set up, she put on an apron and covered her mouth, nose, and hair.

Thankfully, the ladder was in a triangle shape. Elphaba set it up, grabbed her broom, and climbed as far up it as she could go. Good thing she was tall herself. Even balancing on the ladder like she was, she could barely scrape the slanted ceiling and rafters.

"EE!"

Elphaba gasped and dropped her broom in favor of grabbing onto the ladder. She glared down at Chistery who clapped his hands gleefully.

"Very funny," she said. "Suppose I would've fallen?"

Chistery grinned and scampered up the ladder, rattling it further. He tugged on her skirt.

"Ee! EE!"

"I'm in the middle of cleaning," she said and sneezed. "Tell you what, if you help me get these rafters clean, I'll take a break and go with you."

Chistery hopped down and handed her the broom she dropped before grabbing a feather duster. He flew up to the section she couldn't reach and started copying her. It wasn't perfect, but good enough.

When she was happy with the state of the rafters, she cleaned her glasses and untied her skirts.

"Okay, what do you want to do?" she asked.

Chistery grabbed her hand and brought her down to the kitchens where a simple lunch was packed in a basket. He grabbed it, then led her back up and down the winding halls of the castle before finally stopping at massive double doors.

Elphaba pushed them open and gasped.

Oh, wow!

The biggest library she had ever seen greeted her. There were two levels with bookcases that stretched four stories high and domed painted ceilings hidden under years of dust and grime. Even left neglected, it was beautiful. Elphaba covered her mouth and laughed. So many books! She'd never seen so many in all her life.

She followed Chistery to the opposite end. Beyond a set of doors was a workspace of sorts. There was a massive desk littered with papers, maps on the walls, a strange looking clock, and instruments that she had once seen pictures of describing an astronomer's laboratory.

Elphaba lightly touched a model that depicted the heavens, then looked into a side room. It was round and empty save for the largest telescope she had ever seen in her life. It was so massive it had a chair for the viewer.

"Ee!" Chistery tugged on her skirt.

She followed him through another set of doors to a smaller yet somehow… softer looking section. There was a rocking chair, a full-sized reading chair, and a reading chair fit for a child. A quick study of the titles revealed that this was the children's section. The three windows let in plenty of light, though the design of the carpet had faded with time.

"Guess I know where I'm cleaning next," she said.

Chistery grabbed a book off the shelf and pressed it into her hands before hopping into the child-sized chair.

"I see," she said and sat down in the larger chair. "Hm… Adventures in Underland."

She opened it to the beginning and cleared her throat.

"Alyse was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do…"

It was certainly for children, but Elphaba couldn't believe she had never read it before. Of course, Frex had been very strict about what books they were allowed to read. Elphaba had just gotten very good at hiding what was forbidden under the Unionist household.

"Chistery! Don't you want story time?"

Scarecrow entered the room and froze upon seeing Elphaba with the book in her lap. Chistery smacked her leg.

"That's not very nice," Elphaba scolded gently. "Say 'please.'"

"Ee! EE!"

"Please."

"Ease!"

Thunder boomed, sending her heart into her throat, and rain pattered against the windows.

Elphaba glanced at the door to see Scarecrow had left. She sighed softly and returned to the story. When she finished, Chistery hopped up and opened the picnic basket.

"I should get back to cleaning now," she said regretfully after they ate.

Frankly, she could have spent the rest of her life in this library. So much knowledge right there. She wouldn't have to hide it.

Elphaba returned to her tower, Chistery on her heels. He seemed bored with her choice in activity until she started smacking the curtains to get the dust out. He snatched the beater out of her hand and started hitting them wildly.

"We're going to need to have a conversation about your manners," she said. "Though, considering who your master is, I think I can give you some leeway."

Chistery hung upside down from the curtain rod and sneezed.

By dinner time, Elphaba had managed to dust and sweep her room as well as take note of what she would need to replace.

"Sit! Sit!" said Chistery.

Elphaba looked at him tiredly. It was tempting to skip dinner, but she also knew she'd do better if she ate well.

Scarecrow didn't join her this time, but she was fine with that. The meal was simpler than the previous night. She wondered how the castle acquired the ingredients in the first place, much less cooked and served them. Perhaps the same way hot water appeared in the pitcher and the fire lit in the fireplace?

The crushing weight of loneliness struck her again. True, she had often felt its sting, but before she had always been able to seek out her sister.

"Thank you for dinner," she said softly and returned upstairs.

What she wouldn't give to see her sister.

As she walked up to her tower, she could hear voices drift down. One she recognized well.

Nessa?

"Nessa?!" Elphaba called and ran the last flight.

She threw her door open and looked around. The room was empty, the heavy curtains were only disturbed by the wind. In the flickering firelight, she could see the crystal ball glowing with red fog.

Approaching it cautiously, the voices sharpened as did the image. Her sister appeared, prettily dressed in her dinner attire. She was beaming and laughing.

"Nessie!" Elphaba breathed and knelt down, touching the crystal.

"Now, forgive me, Frexspar," said the plummy voice of Mrs. Boffin. "You know how rumors can be, innuendo and outuendo, it really is better to get the truth from the source. Has Miss Elphaba really gone and gotten married? My Hiltrude saw her in a beautiful carriage and wearing a wedding gown."

"Yes, it's true," said Frex. "She's in the Vinkus now, bride to a lord with his own castle."

"A castle? Why, I would have thought you'd leap at the chance of marrying sweet Nessarose off to such a gentleman!"

"Well, he's certainly no gentleman," said Frex, sounding smug. "Actually, he's a monster. A rich one, but a monster nonetheless."

"Oh, my!"

"It all worked out for the best," said Frex. "With it gone, Nessarose can finally have the social life she deserves, and I daresay she'll have her pick of suitors."

Nessarose blushed. "Father!"

"Yes," Mr. Tunnelly agreed. "Nessarose is such a beautiful young woman, but all the eligible men in town were terrified of Elphaba. Nobody wants a spinster sister around in the best of times, I can't imagine having to put up with one who was as peculiar as Elphaba."

"A really funny girl even beyond the green," Mrs. Tunnelly chimed.

"Will you be attending the festival, Miss Nessarose?" Mrs. Boffin asked.

"Oh, yes," said Nessarose. "For the first time in my life I'm going to enjoy myself."

"There will be plenty of time for parties and festivals now," said Frex.

Were they really that ashamed of her? Frex could have just left her at home, couldn't he? Let Nessa have the experiences she wanted? No, in the end Elphaba would always be known. Hovering close by, threatening to make an appearance. The shame had been too much for them to show their faces too often in public. No doubt they would move to a new town where her reputation wasn't known.

Elphaba grabbed the square of fabric off the floor and covered the crystal. She pressed her forehead to it and squeezed her eyes shut.

If he hated her so much, why not get rid of her the second her mother wasn't around?

"If you think I'm sending money, you can forget it," she hissed and rose to her feet.

She readied for bed and returned to the spot by the fireplace, burrowing under the blanket. She wrapped it tightly around herself, pretending it was a hug.

"It's okay," she whispered. "It's okay."

~o0o~

It took her a couple days to clean her tower, but by the end she was satisfied. All she had left to do was swap out the bedding and make sure no bugs were left behind, which meant she needed to go out to the garden for some herbs and, if necessary, do some washing of the linens and get a clean (if possible) mattress from one of the other bedrooms.

Going with the easier task first, Elphaba went out into the gardens after finding a basket and garden scissors. There was a chill in the air that made her shiver.

The gardens really were beautiful though. Once her room was in order, she would explore them.

The herb garden was close to the kitchens as she suspected.

"Hey, Green Girl, what do you think you're doing?"

She turned to face the scarecrow. He had put a patched burlap sack over his head with a cut out mouth and eyes and painted on eyebrows and a nose.

"I need herbs to repel insects from my room," she said. "Or do I need your permission to clip them for my sachets?"

"Considering a lot of people like to waltz in here thinking they're entitled to my garden? Yeah!"

She huffed.

"May I clip some herbs for my room?"

"No."

"I need to get the bugs out!"

"You should keep them, they're like your cousins, aren't they?" he sneered. "I mean, you're pretty close to a beetle yourself."

Elphaba swung the basket, knocking his head clean off his shoulders.

"Hey! What'd you do that for?!"

She snorted in disbelief.

"You're just like everyone else!" she spat. "You bully and are cruel, and yet when you finally receive some pushback you act the victim!"

She kicked his head for good measure and sent it rolling away from her, his grunts and shouts trailing away. His body swung at her, knocking her glasses askew. Elphaba shoved it to the ground and returned to picking her herbs.

She wasn't going to let the words from a talking pumpkin hurt her! Not a bit! He was the monster here, not her!

Elphaba scrubbed her cheek, finding a sticky streak of blood. He must've cut her. Shaking her head, she clipped the herbs she needed for her sachets and went into the kitchen hoping to find muslin sacks or cheese cloths.

The kitchen was quite the mess too, so she added it to her ever-growing list. The library was tempting, but if she was going to be eating meals here, she wanted to know that there wouldn't be dust in them.

Sighing through her nose, she carried the sachets up to her room. On the top step, her foot caught on her skirt. She grabbed the closest thing for a purchase, which happened to be the nearby torch bracket.

To her shock, it gave and the stone steps flattened beneath her feet, turning it into a slide. She screamed as she slid all the way back down the staircase and shot out into the corridor.

Propping herself up, she stared open-mouthed. How was that even possible?

More importantly, how was she going to get back up?

Working her jaw, she got to her feet and waited about a minute to see if it would turn back on its own.

No dice.

She grabbed the torch bracket at the bottom and pulled. There was a mechanical clicking and each step righted itself.

"Yay!" she cheered, then made a face. "What are you, a child?"

She trudged back up the stairs, minding not to trip again and placed her sachets equidistant in the round room, then turned to her bed. She worked the mattress out, wishing she had put on a mask as a cloud of dust billowed out of it upon contact with the floor. She dusted, then cleaned the inside before hanging the sachets.

"Green girl!"

"Pumpkinhead," she greeted coolly.

"You should show proper respect!" he spat. "This is still my castle and you are a guest!"

"Seems to me like you need a lesson in how guests are meant to be treated," she retorted. "How about I toss your head out the window next? Or stick it up a tree?"

He took a step back and she felt a surge of gleeful wickedness.

"I bet if I was some beautiful, big-bosomed, blonde bimbo you'd be treating me like a princess!"

"Well, you'd certainly be a better sight for sore eyes! You're even skinner than me, it's a wonder nobody stuck you up in a field!

"Ugh!" She hurled a scrub brush at his head. "Get out of my room!"

"It's my castle! I can go wherever I wish!"

"Out!" She stomped over and pushed him as far as the doorway. "Get out!"

He leaned close. She wrinkled her nose at the dirt and pumpkin smell.

"Make me," he challenged.

She glanced at the torch bracket, then grinned wickedly. She yanked it down and shoved him. She felt immense satisfaction as he slid backwards and out of sight.

Elphaba cackled and lugged the mattress over to the slide. She hopped on it and rode it all the way down, crashing into Scarecrow at the bottom. The mattress skidded further down the hall and came to a stop. She stood and dusted herself off.

"Women!" Scarecrow huffed and stalked away.

"Hey, Scarecrow, any place I can toss this?" she asked, kicking the mattress.

He glanced back at her, then kept walking without a response.

Elphaba sighed and hoisted it onto its side so she could drag it along. She dumped it in the trash heap outside intending to burn it later and went inside in search of a suitable mattress. She made note of the order in which she should clean based on how bad some of them looked. Kitchen was next (including the pantry, larder, and buttery), then the library, the dining room should be after that. There was the undercroft, the attic, the ballroom. There was a dovecote in the garden, she should fix it up for the crows.

She went through the apartments and came across the solar. She opened the door, then realized that this must be the Scarecrow's living quarters. She just gave him hell for going into her room, she didn't want to get into all that again.

Closing the door, she turned around and continued her search for a mattress elsewhere. She thought she heard a door open behind her, but didn't look back.

Chapter Text

Fiyero had nearly had it with the green girl. His grounds had thunderstorms more often than not these days, not that they stopped her in the slightest. He usually preferred to avoid her, but that wasn't always possible despite the size of the castle.

And why did she want to clean everything? What did it matter? The dishes she ate off of were fine, what did it matter the state of the kitchen? And she mutilated his herb garden to… what was it?

Oh, yeah.

"Get rid of the vermin in this dump you call a castle, have you no pride in your home?"

He stopped listening after that, though her tirade went on for a good long while. Castle hadn't appreciated the "dump" comment and made her cook her own meals for three days, which she, amazingly, did without complaint.

Chistery also seemed to favor her more, now going to her for stories and lessons in speaking. He still liked to play with Fiyero though, so he counted that as a win.

The weather was growing colder and snow beyond his control would soon be blowing in.

Fiyero wandered aimlessly around the castle in search of something to do. With winter coming, his garden would be locked in a frozen state. Literally. Nothing would grow, but nothing would wither away and die either. Part of the magic he guessed.

Maybe it was time to look in the library again for another way to break his curse.

As he approached, he heard someone singing almost absent-mindedly.

He pushed the doors open to find it had been dusted and swept, with wax paper placed over a few broken windows.

The green girl was taking books down and stacking them on a nearby table. Her raven hair was in that tight bun she always wore, she had those wiry black spectacles perched on her long, thin nose, and she was wearing that dark-colored dress, the skirts all gathered up in the back to keep her legs from getting caught as she climbed up and down the ladder.

She was the one singing. Not that he ever thought about it, but he would've expected her to have a crackly voice like a raven's call. Instead it seemed to float like a siren's song.

"I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on thy stem.

Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them.

Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed

Where thy mates of the garden lie scentless and dead.

So soon may I follow—"

"That's cheery," Fiyero interrupted to stop this weird charmed feeling in his chest.

She snapped her mouth shut and Chistery ended up being the one to send Fiyero a scowl. The Monkey was sitting on a table, scribbling on clean paper with wax pastels.

The green girl said nothing, stacking more books into her arms then carrying them over to another table.

Fiyero stood there and watched her clear the entire bookcase, then grab her cleaning supplies. She dusted the shelves, then dipped a rag in a bucket of soapy water to clean them. There was a pile of rags blackened with dust and grime already building up on the floor. After polishing the wood to a shine, she then moved over to the table to clean the books and check them for damage.

She didn't sing, hum, or even whistle.

"There aren't any crows in here for you to scare," she said. "I don't like when people stare at me."

"How can they help it?"

She inhaled sharply as if to snap back, but just sighed instead.

"Can we skip the stand-off today? I'm not in the mood."

"Fine."

What else was there to do?

Fiyero picked up a cloth and a book, wiping it down.

"Check for damage," she said brusquely. "Or put it in a separate stack and I'll check it. The closest is mildew, the next is grime, after that is chewed, and the last is a combination. If it's okay, place it on that table with Chistery."

"Fine."

When she was done, she strode over to the bookcase to take the next row up, her boots squeaking as she walked like a scolding 'tsk, tsk, tsk.'

It really had gotten bad in here, hadn't it? Castle could only do so much. Not that Fiyero even knew how to clean in the first place, he was a prince! Princes didn't clean and since he was turned into a scarecrow, dust and stuff didn't bother him.

When the last book from the book case was checked, the green girl grabbed a leather ledger and a pen with a built-in reservoir off the empty table, the page was already filled with writing and a good chunk of the lower level shelves did look much cleaner. When she was done marking them down, they were all returned to the bookshelf.

The next day, they did the same. The library was massive, but with him wiping down and sorting the books while she cleaned the shelves, it went by a lot faster. That didn't mean there weren't arguments. The green girl nitpicked Fiyero's sorting and he made snotty remarks in return.

Day after day, shelf by shelf. The only times they skipped were when the green girl wanted to do laundry or clean her room or the kitchen.

Apparently, dust settled faster than Fiyero thought.

When the bookshelves were done, the green girl insisted on going through the entire castle. Dusting and scraping the cobwebs off the rafters and the walls and the paintings. She beat the dust out of all the tapestries.

"Do you plan on saving yourself some work for winter?" Fiyero asked, sitting on a table while she scrubbed the floor in the ballroom.

"I want to get this done before the snow blows in," she huffed. "Once that happens, I can't open the windows to let the rooms air out."

She scrubbed a tough mark on the floor harder, strands of hair falling out of her bun and into her face.

Fiyero did have to admit, it was nice walking into a room and not leaving behind a footprint. Not that he would tell her that.

Though the snow had begun to fall sporadically weeks ago, Fiyero went out to check if the garden had frozen yet or if he could pick around a little more. He found her walking next to the poppies, wrapped in an old, patched up cloak, and staring up at the sky.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

She glanced at him, then back up. The snow was catching in her hair and on her eyelashes.

"Just taking a walk," she said. "Snow is beautiful."

"You don't get snow where you come from?"

She shook her head, sweeping some snow off a statue. "It gets cold and sometimes there's frost, but no."

Fiyero looked up as well. The sky was a soft grey, the clouds were fluffy, and the flurries were dancing around in the wind with distinct flakes catching onto anything they could reach. Ice was spreading over the flora, giving them the appearance of being encased in crystal.

Yeah… he supposed it was beautiful.

Elphaba blew into the air, watching her breath steam upon contact like cigarette smoke. Fiyero blew too, but nothing happened. Of course it wouldn't. Though he could sigh and speak and huff, he had no true breath. Couldn't when he didn't have any lungs. It was all just… habitual.

Caws rose up and he saw a whole bunch of crows picking at the flowers that hadn't frozen over yet.

"Hey!" he protested and ran over, shooing them away. "The berries I get, but why ruin my nice flowers? I won't be able to fix them until spring!"

The ring leader, distinctive by its piebald coloring, didn't play this time and immediately launched itself at him, pecking at his head. The others followed suit.

"ARGH!" He instinctively shielded his eyes. "Don't you ever migrate?! Hey!"

He was completely swarmed. They pecked, swooped, and tugged at his clothes and stuffing.

There was a clanking noise and as suddenly as the swarm started, it stopped. Fiyero looked up to see the green girl scattering seeds on the ground. The crows pecked at them happily. The leader landed on her shoulder and tugged a strand of hair that came loose from her bun.

"I think you've had enough fun," she said. "Leave him be."

The leader cackled and hopped down to feed with the others. Satisfied, she went over to Fiyero and clucked her tongue.

"Your stuffing's coming out," she said, touching the ripped seam at his shoulder.

Fiyero nearly jumped out of his skin as she touched him. She grabbed his arm and tugged him back into the castle and up to her room.

"Sit down," she ordered.

He plunked down in front of the low stool in front of the fireplace. She brought out a large needle, a ball of twine, and a sack filled with fresh straw. She had already tossed some around on the floor, a practice typically used for stone castles like this one.

He quietly watched her thread the needle. Did her hands always shake that much? They were chapped to the point of bleeding and her fingers were curled in uncomfortably.

She sewed his sagging sleeve back to his body and stuffed more straw into his shirt. She used thread to fix the smaller tears.

Fiyero closed his eyes and focused on the touch. He could feel her skin, cool but rough. Her callouses had callouses. Her fingers were strong, not dainty like many girls he knew from his days as a man.

She also mended the sack he used to cover his head, criss-crossing yellow twine along the mouth to keep it from tearing open too much more.

"All done," she said and gently turned his head. "Mm… not sure I can do much about those."

She ran her fingers over the peck-marks. Fiyero shivered and grabbed her wrists, pulling her hands away.

"Don't worry about it," he said and put the sack back on. "How did you know that would work?"

"I've befriended them," she said. "We have crows in Munchkinland. Ravens, too. I always liked to feed them and they would bring me things in return. Buttons, bottle caps, sometimes coins, I can show—"

She faltered.

"I… no. I left their gifts back home…"

"Why?"

"I guess Father was really afraid you were going to come after him," she said. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to Nessa. He locked me in my room after your carriage arrived so I couldn't run. I tried asking him to send the rest of my things and all I get is 'send money first.' I've run out of my savings, I can't send anymore."

"Oh."

"You're a scarecrow aren't you?" she said, changing the subject. "Why do they torment you so badly?"

"Well, I'm not a very good scarecrow," he said.

She huffed softly, a smile quirking at the corner of her mouth. It slid away as she shivered and hugged her shawl tighter around herself. Was it cold in here? He couldn't tell.

What Fiyero wouldn't give to feel the sun on his face or the biting chill of the wind. To stick his hand in the fireplace and actually feel the burn instead of withering away into nothing.

"I'll be taking my dinner now," she said, standing up.

"You know, you don't have to do that," he said. "Announce when you leave, I mean. You can just leave."

"Force of habit," she said.

For the daughter of a merchant, she acted a lot like a maid. Was he actually sent a servant instead? Or was Mr. Thropp just not all that well-off and she needed to work to make ends meet? He couldn't figure her out like he usually could with people and that bothered him.

With nothing else to do, Fiyero followed her to the dining hall. She mostly ignored him, eating her dinner while reading a book. She was clearing her throat a lot. Maybe the food was spicy? Oh man, he missed food.

In all this time, he never actually did check to see if there was another way to undo his curse. He certainly wasn't going to break it the fairy's way anytime soon, may as well start looking for an alternative.

The green girl closed her book and stood.

"Goodnight, Pumpkinhead," she said.

"I have a name you know," he said, irked. "It's Fiyero."

"And mine is Elphaba," she snipped, though her heart didn't really seem into the argument. "Call me by my name and I'll call you by yours."

She could at least call him 'Scarecrow' he hated it less than 'Pumpkinhead.' Had she ever actually told him her name since she arrived? Of course, he didn't exactly try to find out if she had one.

"You know," he said. "I have money in a vault. You can take from it to send along. I have nothing to spend it on."

Elphaba left him alone without acceptance or rejection of the offer. Rather than get up, he stared at the fireplace until it died out, then went to the library to look for spells.

He searched book after book on magic until the sun rose.

After some time, Chistery flew in looking completely upset.

"What's wrong, Chistery?" Fiyero asked.

"Miss Baba," he said softly. "She sleep."

"Did you try waking her?"

Chistery moaned, then chattered nervously and tugged on Fiyero's hand.

Figuring the Monkey wouldn't leave him alone until he checked on Elphaba, Fiyero let himself be dragged along. He was a bit surprised she wasn't awake yet. The sun was high in the sky, normally she was deep into her work by now.

Fiyero knocked on the door.

"Green girl?" he called.

No response.

"Elphaba," he tried again.

Chistery pushed his way in and hurried to her bed.

If Fiyero got yelled at for going near her sleeping space, he hoped she'd accept 'the Monkey made me' as an excuse.

The door was slightly ajar, allowing some air flow.

As he approached, he heard a deep, rattling cough followed by a strangled gasp. He opened the door to see Elphaba shivering violently under her blankets. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, her skin was a pale shade of green that made her freckles stand out as if they had been painted on, and her breathing was labored.

Oh no… she was sick. Why didn't she say—no, why would she tell him?

He touched her cheek lightly.

She opened her eyes, revealing them to be glassy and unfocused. She gasped softly and sat up, touching her head with a wince.

"I overslept, didn't I?" Her voice could barely raise above a whisper without cracking.

"Just a bit," said Fiyero. "Chistery was worried about you."

Elphaba waved her hand in a shooing motion.

"I'm fine," she said and pawed for her glasses. "I'll get up."

"I don't think so," said Fiyero.

"I have to."

"Yeah? What for?"

"There's work to be done."

"There's always work to be done," he countered. "The castle isn't going to fall to ruin just because you got sick."

"Father gets mad if I don't get my chores done."

She managed to get one leg out, the hem to her nightgown riding up to her knee. Slashed across her calf were scars.

The switch.

Fiyero saw them once when he befriended a boy who worked in the kitchens. They were inseparable until they were found out and the boy got lashings for daring to speak to a prince as his equal.

He stilled as the dots connected. Ah. So it was that sort of situation for her. He could have guessed. Drawn his own conclusions.

"He's not here, is he?" he said, stuffing her back into bed. "Or are you worried I'll send him a letter? Ahem! 'Dear Cowardly Merchant, the girl you sent to be my wife—what was up with that by the way? I said I was lonely, that doesn't mean I'm ready to get hitched—has fallen ill and cannot get the chores she assigned herself done. Why couldn't you have sent me a woman made of tin who never tires? So inconvenient, because now she can't clean this massive castle that I haven't bothered cleaning for the past however many years I've been here. Sincerely, the Scarecrow. P.S. Stop asking me for money, you clearly have a job."

Elphaba scoffed lightly and shook her head.

"You need rest," said Fiyero. "I'd give anything to be able to rest. Really resting, not just… meditating."

She looked at him for a long moment, then eased back under the blankets.

"I'll be right back," said Fiyero. "I don't want you out of that bed unless it's to use the toilet."

She muttered something in response and he headed downstairs. The torch brackets along the wall sparked, getting his attention. He followed them to a closet filled with freshly washed blankets and pulled out two wool ones and a pillow and handed them to Chistery.

"Take these to Miss Elphaba," he said.

"Kay-Kay!" Chistery grabbed the bundle and hurried back to the tower.

Fiyero went down to the dining hall and was relieved to find a tray ready with porridge and single-serve tea. He wished he knew what kind it was, but he couldn't smell, much less taste. He picked up the tray and carried it to Elphaba's room. He could hear her coughing from the bottom of the staircase. It was a deep, barking sound that made him wince.

"I'm coming in," he announced.

Chistery hopped down from the chest in front of her bed so he could set down the tray.

"Thank you," she said, propping herself up so she could fix her tea.

Her hands were shaking really badly. Fiyero took the teapot from her and poured it into the cup.

"Here, how do you take it?" Fiyero asked.

"Honey and milk."

"You put milk in your tea?"

"Why not?"

It wasn't exactly common here unless you loaded it up with spices. When Fiyero was human he liked to have green tea with mint and honey.

Instead of explaining this, he fixed the cup as she asked before pressing it into her hands. She sipped it slowly and eased back into her pillows. Swallowing looked painful for her.

Fiyero moved over to the large windows and pulled the curtains shut to stop more snow from blowing in, having Chistery fasten them at the top while he fastened and weighted the bottom down so they couldn't blow open. There were tapestry rods up here, maybe he should bring a couple up from elsewhere to insulate the room. And she did have a fireplace.

Or…

"You don't actually have to stay in the tower," he said. "I just put you here to be an ass. You can pick a room that's better insulated."

"I like it up here."

"There's no need to be stubborn."

"I'm not being stubborn," she sighed, setting her half-eaten breakfast back on the tray. "Yes, it's cold, but I like having the space. I like having the view of the stars. I can't explain it, I just feel freer up here."

She settled back into her pillows, stifling another cough.

"I wish I had wings," she murmured, her eyes sliding shut. "Like Chistery. Then I could've flown away a long time ago."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

She didn't answer and appeared to have fallen asleep.

Fiyero turned to Chistery.

"Keep her company, fetch me if there's a problem."

"Kay-kay!"

Fiyero closed the door to her bed most of the way, pausing just a moment to look at her. She really was pale, almost grey, and the circles under her eyes were dark enough to be bruises. Grasped in her hand was a small, green bottle. It looked like the kind elixirs were sold in.

Elixir.

Getting an idea, Fiyero ran down to the library. Where were they again? He skimmed the shelves, running his wooden fingers along the spines of the books.

"Super Naturals," he read, pausing on one. "Natural home remedies that are simply super."

He pulled the heavy tome down and carried it over to his desk. It was technically meant for the Court Wizard. The wizard's job was to research and order others to conduct research and experiments on their behalf. Fiyero had always thought it was dumb.

When he was human, the only way he would ever end up in a library was on nasty days where he couldn't go outside and he'd run out of puzzles and solitaire was getting boring.

He opened the book and flipped through the pages, minding not to tear them. There. An elixir to ease a cough. It seemed simple enough and Elphaba had trimmed and dried herbs from the garden before it froze.

Taking the book with him to the kitchen, he set it down on the long work bench and looked in the cabinets. If he were herbs, where would he be? A door slammed behind him. He whirled around to see a cabinet door open and shut again.

"Oh, thank you," he said.

He opened it and found glass bottles stuffed with herbs and labeled with scraps of paper in Elphaba's careful script. He grabbed the ivy leaf, marshmallow root, thyme, and aniseed. She looked to have stored what she collected with the spices already in use; they'd been here a while, would they still be okay?

It was hard to shop when you were a seven-foot-tall scarecrow and didn't need to eat to live.

Castle helped Fiyero as much as she could. He followed the instructions of the elixir, relieved to find he didn't need to have magical powers to make it work.

"Well…" he said, swirling the lumpy concoction around the bottle. "It's not going to kill her. I think."

There was a thud and he noticed a thick journal had appeared. He picked it up and recognized his mother's handwriting. He must've still had a heart, because it ached. He flicked through it and found a recipe that she always gave him when he wasn't feeling well.

"And you didn't give me this before I made a mess… why?" he demanded.

The pipes rattled in what sounded like a laugh. Fiyero sighed and put a saucepan on the stove before grabbing a bottle of milk.

The kitchen was a total wreck by the time he was done and he had a new appreciation for the cooks.

"If I'm ever human again, they're all getting full kisses on the mouth," he muttered. "With tongue."

He trudged up to Elphaba's room with the elixir, the golden milk he often had when he was sick as a child, and soup Castle conjured on a tray.

"I'm coming in," he announced.

"I'm awake," she replied.

He entered and put the tray down on the chest in front of her bed.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Uh, Castle made you some soup," he said, briefly lifting the lid so she could see the steam escape. "And these are supposed to help your illness. I don't know what you have and there's no doctor here to check you over, but… it should help with the cough."

He pressed the golden milk into her hands.

"If it's bad, you don't have to drink them," he said. "I probably wouldn't, tastebuds or not."

"You made this?" she asked.

He nodded.

She took a small sip, paused, then a bigger sip.

"Thank you," she said.

"Yeah, well, you're my guest whether I want you here or not," he said. "And it'd be a pain if you died."

"It's just a virus, I'd hardly say I'm at death's door," she said. Rather than angry, she sounded amused.

"Sure, whatever, I don't really care!" He grabbed the old tray and left the room in a rush.

Chapter Text

After a week, Elphaba was feeling well enough to sit up. Fiyero brought up a plush reading chair for her so she could sit by the fire and read comfortably without having to make the trek up and down the tower stairs. Her cough was still persistent to the point where she ended up only able to fall asleep if she was in her chair.

Fiyero brought up her meals for her, complaining the entire time. She insisted he didn't have to if it was an inconvenience, but he just told her to stop being stubborn. With some instruction, he was able to bring her some herbs that would help her feel better since he couldn't take a trip to the apothecary.

It was strange to be taken care of like this. She didn't think anyone had ever taken care of her since she had the dexterity to do it herself. She recalled many illnesses where she still had to get up and do everything herself, minding not to make anyone else ill while doing her daily chores.

With her voice almost back to full strength, Chistery started bringing her books to read. She still felt so weak. Maybe she had been working too hard. She couldn't even put her hair up, barely managing a plait.

Today's book was full of fairytales that made her heart ache for Nessa.

"As the fairy prince laid eyes on the little maiden, he thought she was the most beautiful of all he had ever seen. He took the gold crown from his head and placed it on hers, he asked her name, if she would be his wife, and queen over all of springtime; for a maiden who had befriended such a beast as a bird—all fairies were frightened by birds—must've been truly extraordinary. Perhaps she could befriend them all and ask them to stay away from the little kingdom—"

"It doesn't say that," said Fiyero.

"No, but I'm trying to think of a reason why this prince wants to marry Thumbelina for any reason other than her being beautiful," said Elphaba.

"What else is there?"

Elphaba could think of so many things.

However…

"I guess not much," she sighed. After all, her father said he married her mother because she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

And everyone in town placed so much weight on looks.

Chistery hooted in protest and tapped the book.

"We really need to work on your manners," Elphaba said and turned back to the book.

She read of the gifts the fairies gave Thumbelina including a name that suited her better and a set of wings so she could fly with them.

"Farewell, farewell, sang the swallow with a heavy heart. For he had grown to love Thumbelina for her kind heart and gentle nature. As such, he knew that she would fare better in a place with others who were like her. He stayed in the warm place through the winter and sang beautifully at her wedding with the prince. Content that she would have more happy days than sad, he returned to his homeland to sing her tale to those who listened. The end."

She drifted her fingers over the illustration of the fairy, particularly the wings. Maybe if she had beautiful wings like rainbows, if she were a fairy, she would have found acceptance rather than mere tolerance.

Nonsense. Elphaba closed the book firmly and settled back in her chair.

Chistery took it and left to put it away.

"What does he do when he's not with us?" Elphaba asked.

"Don't know," said Fiyero. "Amuses himself, I guess."

She hummed and looked into the fire.

"So you don't believe the prince fell in love at first sight?" he asked.

"I just don't see how you can fall in love without knowing someone," she said. "Maybe there's an attraction, an admiration, but love? Then again, what do I know? I've never loved anyone and no one else has ever loved me."

Fiyero hummed and rested his chin on his knee.

"Yeah… same here." He looked at her curiously. "Are you under a curse by any chance?"

"Not that I'm aware," she said. "If I were, then perhaps…"

She pursed her lips.

"Perhaps?" Fiyero urged.

"Perhaps my mother wouldn't have chewed milk flowers when she was pregnant with my sister to avoid green skin."

"Milk flowers…" Fiyero furrowed his brow. "I saw them in that guide I got your cold medicine from. They're a blood thinner, aren't they? How would they help give a baby skin that wasn't green?"

"I don't know," she sighed and pressed the corner of her shawl to her mouth to stifle a cough. "But she chewed them. All day, every day. I can still remember the smell of them. So sweet it made you sick. I guess she really didn't want another green baby. She died in childbirth."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Elphaba ran her hands over her braid. A habit she used to comfort herself since she was young, but Frex didn't like it, so she always kept her hair in a bun to avoid temptation.

"So," she said, connecting the dots. "You're under a curse?"

"I didn't say that!"

Elphaba raised an eyebrow and he cringed and nodded.

"Okay, yeah," he said. "I used to be a human. Dashingly handsome, suave, sophisticated. Everywhere I went, I made friends."

"So what happened?"

"Pissed off the Bog Fairy," he said. "The punishment was as much for my parents as it was for me, but I don't think they miss me."

"Why do you say that?"

He slumped back against her chair.

"Every letter I sent has been unanswered. Every time I get close to Uma Lu something happens and I end up destroyed."

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

"About ten years. I think I was… sixteen or seventeen when I was turned into a scarecrow and sent here. There's no where else for me to go and trust me, I looked."

Then there probably wouldn't be for her, a either.

"I did find Chistery that way, though," he said. "He was just a baby with two scraggly things for wings. He was left alone in the snow, no family around. I took him in and it's been nice to have some company. I just… I wish I could break my curse."

"What would you do if you turned human again tomorrow?"

"Probably stuff my face with a good meal," he said. "It's been so long, I can't remember what one tastes like. And then I'd take a very long nap in a comfy bed with lots of soft pillows. I miss being able to sleep. I miss being able to feel. I think I'd also stick myself with a needle just to feel some pain. The closest I've come to it is through fire. Growing smaller and smaller… but I always wake up in the pumpkin patch and have to put myself back together."

"There are times I wish I couldn't feel anything," Elphaba murmured. "So… you can't feel if something is soft or hard?"

"Well, I know instinctively it is," he said. "Except…"

"Except?"

"Well, when your father showed up here," he said haltingly like he wasn't sure he really wanted to tell her, "I poked around the wagon. I was bored and curious."

"Of course," she said. "I would do the same."

"There were these fabrics and I could feel them. Every stitch and bump. I took them and I like to hold them sometimes. Castle didn't like me stealing, so I put some treasure in their place. What I thought it would be worth."

Ah, that explained it, then.

Elphaba hummed. "Just those fabrics?"

He nodded.

"Strange."

He turned as if to say something else, then shook his head.

"What?"

"Just— I would think with fine textiles like that, he would be able to hire help," he said. "Instead of leaving his daughters to do the housework."

"It's just me, really," she said. "Punishment for being born this way. For killing my mother."

"You're not the one who got her pregnant and made her chew stink weed."

She kicked him, but her heart wasn't in it.

"Green is reason enough," she sighed. "I didn't mind the work when he was away. I actually find weaving a bit calming. I like to keep busy, I just… don't like expecting someone to yell at me if they don't like the pace I'm working at."

Noticing her shivering, Fiyero got up and tossed another log on the fire.

"What did you like to do before— before you came here?" she asked.

"Well, I was never short of something to do," he said. "I hate being bored. The gardening thing is more recent, but before I would go riding, hunting, I would train with the soldiers, and then, of course, there were the parties. My parents held the best galas in the Vinkus, and when they weren't hosting, somebody else was always throwing a party."

"And you enjoyed that?"

He stiffened and she knew she said something he didn't like.

"My life was great!" he said, standing up. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

"It was just a question," she said, looking away.

"Who are you to judge what makes a person happy? Were you happy living like a slave to your family?"

"Of course I wasn't," she said. "I had simply accepted that it was my lot in life. What did you like about the parties?"

"Dancing," he answered immediately.

"Yes, and?"

"And… the music!"

"And?"

"And?"

"The castle plays music and you can dance in this form," she said. "There's nothing stopping you from enjoying that here. Maybe it was the company?"

"Well… no, I usually danced to avoid conversation," he said. "When I was with a pretty girl I could keep it shallow, I didn't have to think. Flirting was fun, being asked what I thought about trade routes was less fun."

"So you were the prince."

Elphaba thought she remembered news about a tragedy in the royal family, but no one seemed bothered by it. It was obvious, really. Why else would he have an enchanted castle rather than a cottage in the woods? Or even just spending his life wandering along the yellow brick road?

Fiyero stared at her for a long time.

"You're really smart, you know that?" he said at last.

"Too smart for my own good," she said. "At least, that's what everyone says. Maybe if I was stupid like them, I'd be happier."

"Yeah, I was the prince," he said and plunked back down. "I doubt anyone would believe it if I told them anyway. There has to be a way to break the curse. Maybe there's magic more powerful than the Bog Fairy's."

"Worth a look," said Elphaba, feeling her eyes growing heavy. "When I'm better, I'll help you."

"You will?!"

"On the condition that when you're back to your princely self I still have a place to live," she said.

He laughed and took her hands.

"You've got a deal!"

It wasn't completely selfless, she just realized she could practice magic now without fear of being caught. Last time she was caught performing magic, she was unable to sleep on her back for weeks. Fiyero surprisingly didn't seem to mind magic in general. She was sure if she had been cursed she would hate it with a passion.

Fiyero quickly dropped her hands and backed up.

Was he still repulsed by her? Well, if he was human before, it would make sense he carried his biases with him.

"Tea!" he blurted. "I'm going to get you some tea."

Without waiting for a response, he left.

Elphaba settled back in her chair and closed her eyes. He promised. She would just have to hope he would keep it.

~o0o~

It was still bitterly cold, but Elphaba was feeling better. She promised to slow down and only spend every other day cleaning. It still bugged her that the castle was in such a state, but as Fiyero put it: neither of them were going anywhere, so might as well take her time.

What changed was that Fiyero started helping her. He grumbled about it, but he was helping regardless. She wasn't sure snapping at him would change anything. Sure, he belly-ached about it, but if he really didn't want to, he wouldn't do it. He never felt obligated to do anything. It had been a bit of a pain to teach him how to clean, but he caught on quickly.

On her non-cleaning days, she typically read or sewed. She wasn't comfortable venturing out into the snow, so exploring the grounds would have to wait until spring. She also eased into her magic, working on small things until she could be more comfortable using magic to break Fiyero's curse.

"Elphaba," Fiyero called. "Letter from your sister."

She nearly flung her book in the air as she scrambled to take it from him.

"Did you tip the messenger?" she asked.

"I would have, but he ran away screaming about a demon," said Fiyero. "Left his mailbag behind, too. I'll send it back into town tomorrow. Except for this newspaper, always good to keep up on current events."

Elphaba nodded and opened up the letter from Nessa. She read through it quickly, then once more slowly, then sighed. She was glad Nessa was thriving. Parties, socials, making new friends with her sewing circle and book club… but she hadn't been reading the letters Elphaba sent, had she?

I'm glad you and your husband are doing well.

Elphaba wasn't doing well at all until very recently. All her letters had been complaints about her life and how awful it had been to be away from all that she knew and that their dear father had misunderstood the scarecrow's intentions.

"Everything okay?" Fiyero asked.

"Dear Elphaba, my life is amazing. Sorry I haven't responded to your letters for the past four months you've been gone. By the way can you send money to pay for my caretaker until Father goes on his next trip?" Elphaba tossed the letter aside and hugged herself. "I thought maybe she remembered my birthday was today."

"I didn't know it was your birthday."

"Probably because I never told you."

"Well, happy birthday," he said. "I didn't get you anything."

"Why would you?" she said. "I never get anything. Well, that's not true. When I was thirteen I received my own loom and was told I had to work harder to earn my keep."

Fiyero was silent for a moment.

"Elphaba, no offense, but your father is an ass hat."

She snorted and shook her head, not denying it.

"Do you… want to do something for your birthday?"

"I… I think I'd just like to be alone for a while," she said softly.

He nodded. "I'll send Chistery to fetch you when dinner is ready."

She nodded curtly and hurried up to her room. She crouched down, hugging herself tightly. It's okay… It's okay, it's okay, it's okay.

It had always been this way, she shouldn't be surprised. But why did it hurt so much? Why did she always have to be the one to drag herself out of her despair? Elphaba was tired of being her own hero.

She squeezed through the small gap in her curtains and stood on her balcony, letting the cold wind and snow whip around her. She didn't want to be sick again, but she wanted a distraction from her hurt.

When she could no longer stand the cold, Elphaba ducked back inside and sat down by the fire. Her skin burned and prickled from the cold. She didn't cry, but she was hurt. She mentally argued back and forth about sending money, then decided to send some with a very underhanded letter pushing that Nessa should get married so someone else can take care of her.

She loved her sister, but it was very one-sided. She was tired of giving everything her all and getting nothing in return. No gratitude, no respect, no comfort.

Better write it now before she lost her nerve. It was getting close to dinner time anyway.

Elphaba took the slide downstairs. As she made her way to the vault for some money, she heard screaming and smelled something burning.

Oh no… did she accidentally use her magic?!

"Fiyero?! Chistery?!" She ran towards the sound and smell, following it down to the kitchens.

When she burst in, they both stopped their screaming and flailing to look at her. The kitchen was thick with smoke, there was white powder everywhere, and sitting on the work table was a black, bubbling mass of… something that was still glowing. Fiyero dropped the on-fire towel to the stone floor.

"What are you doing in here?" Elphaba demanded and coughed. "Castle, open the windows!"

She opened the entry and exit doors to create a draft. Her eyes burned from the smoke and Chistery sank low to the ground to keep out of it. She stamped out the fire and turned a massive copper cauldron over the bubbling mass to stifle the flames.

"We… that is… it was Chistery's idea!" said Fiyero.

Chistery grabbed a wooden spoon and chucked it at his head in protest.

Elphaba stood with her arms akimbo and raised an eyebrow. Fiyero looked down and muttered something.

"What?"

"It's meant to be a cake," he huffed. "For your birthday. I think the recipe is broken."

Elphaba blinked and took a better look at the state of the kitchen. There were dirty mixing bowls stacked up, flour had gotten everywhere, and she could see two more botched attempts smoldering on the fireplace. She burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" he demanded.

Her cackles melted into sobs.

"Why are you crying?!" he asked in alarm.

She moved around the table and hugged him, not caring if she got her dress dirty. She could feel his thin frame and straw poked through holes in his shirt as she squeezed his middle.

"Thank you," she said.

"But— it's a mess! It isn't even edible!"

"Yes, but you still attempted to make me a cake," she said. "No one's ever made anything just for me before and I appreciate it. It's very sweet."

She let go of him and stepped back.

"Let's try making one together," she said, scrubbing her cheeks and fixing her glasses. "Maybe we can figure out what went wrong."

"I think what went wrong is that I'm an idiot," said Fiyero.

"Have you ever baked a cake before?"

"No."

"Inexperience does not equate stupidity," she said. "You wouldn't think I was stupid if I tried to go hunting but had never done it before, would you?"

"No… I guess not."

Elphaba grabbed a pot holder and picked up the pan.

"I think that pan is ruined," he said sheepishly. "And those two as well."

She scooped all of them up and tossed them out the window into the trash heap.

"What pans?"

He laughed and helped her clean up so they could start again. Elphaba looked over the recipe and gathered the ingredients onto the work space.

"So, when you were measuring out cups and tea spoons what were you using?" she asked.

He sheepishly gestured to the goblet and the tiny spoon used to stir tea. Elphaba poked around and found a teacup that seemed to be the right size as well as a spoon.

She measured out the dry ingredients, walking Fiyero through it, then set that bowl aside.

"Now the wet ingredients." She grabbed a small bowl and cracked four eggs into it.

"Oh!" Fiyero gasped.

"What?"

"I just tossed them in," he said. "I didn't know you were supposed to break them open."

She chuckled. "Yes, the shells aren't typically eaten, but we can use them for cleaning out the pots and pans. I also like to use them to keep snails out of the garden."

While Fiyero beat the softened butter with the honey, she checked the oven.

"This oven is ice cold," she noted. "How did you bake the others?"

"Well, fire cooks things, right?"

She looked at the roaring fireplace.

"Yes, but that might be why you made charcoal," she said. "The fire is too intense, we want to use the oven. See we start a fire in this part here and it warms this part here. It's not as hot, but it is perfect for baking."

Once the fire was stoked, she showed him how to add a little bit of the dry mixture at a time so it wouldn't fly everywhere while it was mixed.

"Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl," she said, guiding his hand. "We don't want pockets of flour in the batter."

She greased the tin, poured the batter in, then stuck it in the oven.

"And now we wait," she said.

"For how long?"

"Until it's done."

He was not amused. "That's not helpful."

She grinned and looked at the clock. "It should be ready in forty minutes." She patted her pockets. "Oh, I forgot my book."

"I'll find us something to do," said Fiyero, dashing off.

While he was gone, she washed the dishes.

"Found them!" he announced, waving a deck of cards in the air. He stumbled on the steps and flailed. "Whoa!"

He crashed into the work table and his head toppled off his shoulders.

"Oof!" His head hit the cabinets and settled upside down. "Oh, bother."

Elphaba dried her hands and helped him.

"Here we are," she said, placing his head on his shoulders.

"Thanks." He seized the sides of his head and yanked down.

Crack!

Elphaba cringed at the sound. Fiyero moved his head side-to-side then retrieved the cards.

"You're very clumsy," she noted.

"Hard to find your footing when you can't really feel your feet," he countered.

"Fair enough. Shall we play gin rummy?"

They used barrels for chairs and played at the corner of the work table closest to the fire so Elphaba could keep warm.

They were both evenly matched in cards, which ended in a lot of yelling, but it didn't feel like before. It felt more… playful.

Chistery came back when the smell of smoke was replaced with the warm, sweet smell of cake.

Elphaba checked the cake and took it out. While it cooled, she walked Fiyero through making a syrup to pour over it.

"Moment of truth," she said when she could finally cut a piece.

She cut four. One for herself, one for Fiyero, one for Chistery, and one for Castle. The two for Fiyero and Castle were more symbolic, as were the cups of tea, but it was the thought.

"Looks good so far," she said and took a bite.

She closed her eyes and sighed softly.

"Is it good?" Fiyero asked.

"It's perfect," she said.

"Well… you did most of the work," he said and studied his piece. He took a bite and it disappeared, though he seemed confused about something.

Chistery scarfed down his slice and licked his fingers.

"More 'ease?" he asked.

Fiyero slid over Castle's slice. Elphaba ate her cake and sipped her tea, feeling much more at peace than she did earlier.

It was her best birthday ever.

Chapter Text

Fiyero hitched his horse to a sled so he and Elphaba could go into town. Chistery usually took her letters for her, but the mail bag was too heavy for him. Aside from that, he didn't like going out in the snow.

"You sure it's okay for me to borrow this?" Elphaba asked, entering the carriage house.

Fiyero's head turned 180° to look at her. He had brought her a chest of clothes that were warmer than what she brought for herself. Things that had been left behind when his family stopped returning. The clothes were more elegant than what she typically wore, but she gave in when he pointed out she was still getting over being sick.

"You can have them," he said. "If they don't fit, we can get you some material."

"They fit alright," she said and touched the cloak. "I'm just… just… not sure about the color."

He thought the yellow looked fine. The cloak was thick, lined with dyed fur, and beautifully embroidered on the outside. It nearly suited her. Beneath, she wore a bright blue wool dress that definitely had layers padded underneath. Ever proper she wore mittens and a quilted winter bonnet. The look was dated, but as long as she was warm it didn't matter.

Fiyero offered his hand to help her into the sled, which she accepted. She fixed her skirts and tucked her glasses in her pocket so they wouldn't get wet from the snow. He grabbed the furs and laid them across her lap.

She looked surprised at this, but didn't comment.

Adjusting his own coat to hide his face, Fiyero climbed in next to her and clicked the reins, sending them on their way. After a moment, Elphaba grabbed onto his arm.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Just not used to sleighs or carriages," she said over the wind. "Usually I walk everywhere. The carriage that brought me here was the first one I'd ever been in. I've ridden on the backs of wagons, but they always moved slowly."

He assumed her sister had ridden in a carriage before. Likely to a place Elphaba wasn't invited to. So she was green. It was weird at first, but now that he was used to it Fiyero couldn't imagine her any other color.

What he couldn't understand was why he could feel her. He felt the shift of her fingers rather than a mere presence on his arm. He could sense her warmth, her breath on his cheek. The cake they made together almost had substance for him. Most foods just disappeared with no taste and barely any texture, but that time he had felt a ghost of something. Like a memory of the taste of cake.

It made no sense. Was it because she was magic, too? She said she had no curse, but he had seen her practice sorcery.

He wished he could find the Bog Fairy just for some answers!

The road wound down the mountain and the town that was visible from the castle came in and out of view. The buildings were painted brightly so they could be found in both fog and blizzard. It had also been decorated for the Vinkun Winter Festival with some Lurlinemas decorations here and there. A massive tree in the middle of town square was decorated handsomely with baubles. The river and lake were frozen solid, allowing people to ice skate.

"How pretty!" Elphaba gasped in a most un-Elphaba-like manner.

"Most beautiful town in the Vinkus," said Fiyero, gesturing to a sign that read just that.

She chuckled and looked around in interest. Fiyero had tried to go to the village when he first became a scarecrow but had been screamed at and chased out, so he kept his hood low. He almost urged Elphaba to do the same, but she looked so happy to be out and about. He didn't want to spoil her joy.

He stopped outside the post office and Elphaba took a deep breath, tightening her grip on his arm.

"Let's hope the holiday spirit is enough to keep people from forming a mob," she muttered.

Oh. So she had thought about it, too.

Fiyero climbed out first and helped her out of the sleigh. They both hurried into the post master's office.

"Hello, how can I— YIPE!" the woman jumped back.

Elphaba forced a polite smile.

"Good morning," she said. "One of your postmen left this at our gate. I imagine there are people wanting their mail."

She set the bag down on the counter, then took her parcel out of her satchel along with a letter.

"I would like to post these, please," she said.

The postmaster's eyes flicked between the two of them as she inched forward; her forehead shone with sweat and she trembled slightly.

"Of course!" she squeaked and noted the address. "Munchkinland?"

"Yes." Elphaba withdrew her purse.

Fiyero glanced at the envelope.

"Who's Dr. Dillamond?" he asked, feeling a twinge of something he couldn't place.

"An old Goat who was nice to me," she said. "He has an apothecary attached to a book shop and gave me some healer training. I thought it might be good to have some recipes in case I get sick again."

Yeah, probably a good idea to get them from an apothecary rather than old books in an abandoned castle.

"How much?" she asked the postmaster.

She cleared her throat and weighed the parcel. "That will be a penny for the letter and two bits for the parcel."

Elphaba counted out the money and placed it on the counter. She waited patiently while the package was stamped and placed in an outgoing bin.

"Anything else I could assist you with today, madam?"

"No, thank you."

They quickly left and both exhaled sighs of relief.

"That could have gone worse," said Elphaba.

"Sure could've," said Fiyero. He hesitated and thought of the emptiness that awaited them back at the castle. "Care for a walk around the square?"

"I'd like that."

Most people were keeping their heads down instead of paying attention to those around them. The square was beautiful. Fiyero forgot what it was like to get out and just look. He wished he could smell the air.

Elphaba stopped walking to look at the display of a dress shop.

The dress in question was beautiful: red velvet and gold brocade with delicate ruffles on the sleeves and silk rosettes on the neckline and elbows. A gown fit for any winter festivation.

Elphaba's expression was wistful. She stepped forward to get a better look. Suddenly, she flinched and shook her head.

"Foolishness," she said. "Why anyone would want to spend money on a gown they'll barely wear is beyond me."

She marched on, but Fiyero lingered and stood where she had. The shop had been lit and situated so reflections could be seen in the glass and women could stand and see what they might look like wearing the items in question.

Oh.

Fiyero worked his jaw and hurried after her as much as he could in the snow. He often felt like a harvest spider when he moved. He caught up to her at the toy shop.

Many children were staring at the display in awe. Fiyero remembered that witches made the toys at this particular shop and often enchanted them. A train set wove around a miniature village, marionettes waved at the passersby, and a tin soldier flirted with a paper ballerina in front of her wooden castle. There were also dolls dressed in the latest fashions, rocking horses, tea sets, and shiny marbles.

"I'm going to buy Chistery a toy or two," Elphaba announced. "Something he can play with indoors when we're busy."

"Oh, sure." Fiyero glanced inside the shop apprehensively. "I'll just wait out here."

"Suit yourself," she said and went inside.

Almost immediately, a woman ran out, dragging along a wailing young child.

Fiyero kept quiet watch for the soldiers or the sheriff. He received a few looks, but if he remained absolutely still, then no one really noticed him.

A group of young men strolled across the square towards the tavern, joking and laughing. Some threw snowballs at those in the square or each other. Another was daring his friend to lick the lamp post.

"Look at this thing!" said the one in the center of the group.

Fiyero could immediately peg him as the leader. He was handsome and held a swagger that called for undivided attention. His friends stopped their horsing around to approach Fiyero.

"Doesn't exactly scream 'festive' does it?" said the leader. "Must be leftover from the Harvest Festival. Or someone's idea of a prank."

"It's ugly, isn't it?" said the one who intended to lick a lamp post.

"A better sight than you are," said Fiyero.

"Oi!" he protested and shoved his friend.

They bickered for a minute before the leader got them under control.

"I think it's looking at me," said a Llama, wobbling side-to-side to watch Fiyero's eyes follow him.

"An ugly scarecrow is hardly the worst thing in this square," said the leader, dropping the mask and nudging the friend closest to him. "Guess our little flower girl didn't get the message."

They looked around Fiyero and the malice came out full force. He could see it in their eyes. They moved on towards a young girl, no older than twelve, peddling flowers. She spotted the men and backed up, her face twisting in fear.

"Little ragdoll, back again?"

"Please!" she said. "I don't want any trouble!"

"Oh, but you asked for it the minute you thought you could show your dirty face around here. This is a respectable part of town."

The leader ripped her basket away and held it above her head.

"Don't! Father gets furious if I don't sell!"

One of the men shoved her into a puddle of slush.

"Hey!"

Elphaba stormed over and a few people screamed, backing up. The look in her eye was fierce and protective.

"Shame on you!" she growled. "Picking on a child! What gives you the right to steal her wares or push her to the ground?"

"What is that?"

"It's hideous!"

"I can't believe it can talk."

The leader stepped forward.

"If you walk away now, I'll let you do so peacefully. The ragdoll is our target."

Elphaba lifted her chin defiantly and helped the girl up. Fiyero couldn't hear what she said, but saw her press her purse into the girl's hands. The flower girl ran off, clutching it to her chest.

"You're going to regret that, artichoke."

Elphaba straightened up. "Never."

Fiyero was struck with admiration for her and fear of her getting hurt, but couldn't seem to move. He didn't know what to do. How to intervene.

"Never seen anything like you before," said one.

"Well, idiots like you are a hay penny a dozen," she retorted.

"Quite the mouth," said the leader. "If I was walking around looking like you do, I wouldn't be so confident. And yet, such finery you wear. Stolen no doubt."

"You'd know a lot about stealing, wouldn't you?" she spat, snatching the basket of flowers out of his friend's hands. "You have no honor."

"Big talk from a common grasshopper."

They all laughed. Elphaba glanced in the direction the girl ran, then sighed and walked away.

"And where do you think you're going?" the leader demanded, grabbing her arm. "You took away our entertainment."

"I'm sure you'll find something to do with your time," said Elphaba, jerking away. "Like tipping cows or taking a long walk off a short pier."

"Oh, ho! Our little green pepper has a bite to her!"

"How much to see if you're green all over?" one of them asked, grabbing at her skirts.

"How much do you want to keep all your teeth?" she retorted and stomped on his foot.

The leader slapped her hard.

Fiyero snapped out of it, ran to her, and pulled her away from them, stumbling backwards with her in his arms.

"It's alive!" someone screamed.

"There's no need for this," said Fiyero. "We can all go our separate ways."

The men gawked at him, but the leader recovered first.

"You must be new around here, so I'll give you a courtesy," said the leader. "Run now. Freaks aren't accepted in this town."

"Thanks for the heads up," said Elphaba. "Tell you what, we'll stay here so you can get a head start."

Fiyero stiffened and backed up, not getting far when the implication registered.

"Why you little—"

Fiyero grabbed her by the hand and ran back to the sleigh. He tossed her in and scrambled after her.

"Get out of my town, freaks!" the leader shouted, grabbing whatever he could off the ground to throw at them.

The others followed. Stones, ice chunks, snow, anything. Fiyero took up the reins and a horn blew, cutting through the town.

The men froze and looked towards the sound in fear. People screamed and scattered into the shops.

Men on horseback rode in, hooting and laughing. They wielded weapons from swords to firearms and wore pieces of soldiers uniforms along with fine furs and clothing.

"Time to pay up!" said their leader. He was big and mean-looking. "You know what happens if you don't. We don't like to be kept waiting."

Bandits?

Elphaba scowled and flung out her hand. Snow slid off a roof, dropping right behind the men's horses, causing them to rear up in fright.

In the chaos, Fiyero snapped the reins and they were speeding back towards the castle, a spray of snow behind them. He wanted to put as much distance between them as possible.

He didn't slow until they were past the gate.

"Home sweet home," he sighed. "I think that's enough adventure for a while."

Elphaba didn't respond.

Fiyero hopped out and unhitched Poppy. She trotted into the stable to drink some water and eat some hay, so he turned to help Elphaba. She was still sitting stiffly, Chistery's present in her lap. The paper was crumpled a bit, but it seemed okay.

Something was splattered across her temple. Mud? Fiyero took a step closer and realized it was blood. Caked in her eyebrow and the hair along her temple, a trail dried down the side of her face.

"You're hurt!" he gasped. "Here, let's get inside and clean that up."

"I can take care of it myself," she snipped and shoved the present into his hands before climbing out of the sleigh by herself. "Like I do everything else."

"What are you talking about?" he demanded, not liking the icy tone of her voice.

"You were just going to let that little girl be harassed!" she said. "And then you let them harass me!"

"You didn't have to step in," he retorted angrily. "What were you even thinking? Seven against one?"

A storm began to brew.

"No one else was going to!" she argued and shoved the basket at him, too. "If they were, they would have protected her before those men could even think to steal her basket! You could have intervened! Scared them off!"

"And done what?! Get torn to pieces like they would have done to you?"

"You just stood there! I guess maybe you thought it was secretly funny! After all, you said the same thing before!"

"We could've walked away, but you had to go and run your big mouth! Do you even think before speaking? Has it occurred to you that maybe you wouldn't have so many issues if you kept your damn mouth shut?"

"Has it occurred to you that maybe it's worth it to help someone else?!" she yelled. "No! Or you wouldn't be moping around in this castle day after day feeling sorry for yourself! It's all about you, isn't it? No wonder the Bog Fairy turned you into a scarecrow! You're a heartless, brainless, spoiled coward!"

He flinched and straightened up to his full height.

"Well that's better than being a smart-mouthed, stubborn, ill-tempered witch with a skin condition!"

She grabbed a broom and swung it at his head. He dodged and grabbed it, dropping the basket, his temper rising up and taking over any other thoughts.

"I wish I never came here!" She tried to pull it free. "I wish I never met you! I should have run while I had the chance!"

"Feel free to leave any time you wish! I never wanted you here in the first place! You're only here because your father was just itching to get rid of you! I'm amazed he kept you around as long as he did!"

Elphaba froze and stared at him, then dropped her end of the broom and ran. Fiyero's rage died, instantly replaced with regret and guilt. All their progress had been undone and now they were back at square one.

Maybe even farther.

Fiyero shuffled inside to find Chistery in the foyer looking distressed.

"Baba… is… angry," he said slowly. "Hurt."

"Yeah," said Fiyero. He looked down at the present. "Let's give her some space. Why don't you open the present she got you today?"

Chistery tipped his head and took the parcel. He shook it, hearing a rattle, then opened it. Inside was a wooden frog painted bright yellow with green legs. Sticking out of its back was a key. The Monkey tugged the key to find it attached to a string. He let it go.

There was a funny sound and the frog leaped into the air. Chistery chattered and clapped his hands before pouncing on it. It hopped just out his reach.

Well, at least someone was happy.

"Remember to thank her," said Fiyero.

"Kay-kay!"

Fiyero dusted snow off himself and headed up to his chambers to hang his cloak up. He collapsed onto his bed, ignoring the cloud of dust, and ran the day over in his mind from start to finish, Why was she so angry in the first place? He did intervene. He stopped her from getting attacked by those men and picking a fight with those bandits.

What was it with her and picking fights with those she couldn't win against?

Why couldn't she fit in any box of all the other people he met? She was unpredictable, stubborn, and impulsive! A pain in the ass.

Flinging himself to his feet, Fiyero paced around his room and caught his reflection in the shards of the mirror he cracked in anger. The stupid burlap sack grinned back with a poor imitation of a human face. That's all he'd ever been, hasn't he? A poor imitation of a human, even before his flesh and bones were replaced with wood and straw.

Ripping the mask off, he strode up to Elphaba's tower. He wanted to understand.

"Elphaba?" he called, entering her room.

Her carpet bag was sitting open with a couple items haphazardly tossed inside.

"Go away!" Her voice was muffled.

He turned to her bed, which had been closed.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you need air to breathe," he said.

"I don't care!"

Fiyero sat down on the chest and opened one of the doors. She quickly rolled away, but he had already seen the tears on her face.

"I said go away!"

"I don't get it," he said.

"What's there to get?"

"You playing the hero isn't going to change people's opinion of you," he said. "What difference does it make?"

She shook her head.

"I want to be accepted more than anything," she said. "But that's not why I help. I help because it's the right thing to do. Maybe it'll make life harder on me and maybe I never get to see the difference, but at least I know I tried."

Fiyero looked down at his hands.

This woman made no sense.

She yearned for frivolous things, yet had difficulty accepting anything beautiful to call her own. She picked fights, yet cried when her feelings were inevitably hurt. She didn't mold herself to the same confines everyone else lived their lives by, yet still longed to be accepted. She was an enigma.

And she was right. Fiyero was no better. He saw himself as temporarily embarrassed. He could be callous, callow, and cruel. He could step in when others were getting hurt. He couldn't die. If he helped someone and was destroyed in return, he would just return to that pumpkin patch to be put back together.

If Elphaba was killed because of her weird, sharp kindness, that would be it. And yet, she did it anyway.

"You're right," he said softly. "About me."

She sighed and crawled out to sit next to him. She held that bottle again and traced the bumps in the glass with her finger. Her hair was coming loose from its bun and she had cleaned up the blood. Cotton was secured to her temple to stop the flow. She scrubbed her cheeks and sniffled.

"I went too far," she said. "I said some things that weren't true."

"You said a lot that was, though," he insisted. "And I'm sorry. For what I said to you. It was beyond cruel."

"Nothing I haven't heard before," she said. "Or thought myself."

"Doesn't give me the right to say it." He leaned back against the door.

She didn't respond and Fiyero didn't really want to go around in circles about who was the bigger jerk. It wouldn't change the fact that they had said those words nor make it better.

"That bottle," he said. "What's it from? Absinthe?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "It belonged to my mother. When she died, I wasn't allowed to have anything of hers, but before they were locked away, I managed to grab this from her perfume bottle collection. I don't know if it's even her favorite one, I just grabbed whatever I touched first."

Fiyero hummed. "And that's all you have?"

She nodded. "I don't even remember if my mother loved me or not. I guess it's easier to pretend she might have. Just a little."

They sat in silence.

"I'll step in," he said. "Next time. I… I want to be better. I just don't know how. And… maybe I didn't expect you to be here, but I'm glad you are."

"We'll work on it together," she said. "I didn't mean it, by the way. I'm happy here."

"Maybe next time we try and talk before escalating to hurting each other?" he suggested and stuck out his pinkie.

"Might take a while, but I'll try if you will," she said, hooking her pinkie with his and shaking on it.

"Listen," he said. "Why don't I teach you some self-defense? I'd feel better if I was certain you could fight long enough to get an opportunity to retreat."

She pursed her lips, then nodded.

"Fine," she said and tucked a loose strand of hair back. "We'll start tomorrow then."

"Tomorrow then," he agreed.

Chapter Text

Despite talking it out, things were still tense after their fight. Elphaba and Fiyero were speaking to each other and existing in the same space, but there was a stiffness to it. Like either of them could blow up and the arguing would start over. Elphaba still liked to keep a routine. Clean a section of the castle one day and read another day. She went back to practicing magic, though some days it was difficult when all she had to go off of were her books. She also kept her promise to Fiyero to look for another way to break his curse.

Kiamo Ko wasn't short of books on magic.

One day, when she was clearing out an attic storage room and doing inventory, she found a very strange book simply labeled as the Grimmerie.

Needless to say, the spells inside were strange, complicated, yet vague in the intended effect. There were runic circles, incantations, and potion recipes. The titles were faded and in some old language she didn't know. Even the illustrations for some of the spells didn't help her understand what they were for.

Elphaba closed the book and hugged it to her chest. How odd that it wouldn't be in the library. She searched for Fiyero and eventually found him playing chess with Chistery.

"This is strange," she said.

"You're telling me," said Fiyero, throwing his hands in the air. "I'm losing to a Monkey!"

Chistery grinned as he snatched up Fiyero's bishop.

"What do you make of this?" Elphaba asked, holding the book out.

Fiyero took it and opened it to a random page.

"It's very old Ozian," he said. "My tutor taught me some, but it's been a long time. Why?"

"Just wondering why this book would be hidden away in a storage room and not in the library," she said. "I'm a little worried to try anything from it. It could either be completely useless or completely dangerous."

Fiyero looked at the cover pensively.

"But… there might also be a spell in here that could help you," she said. "I'm just… I don't know. I think I would want to study it more before trying anything."

"You think it might help?" Fiyero asked, perking up.

"I don't know. Nothing in it makes sense to me."

He stood. "But it might have something! You'll try, won't you, Elphaba?"

"Of course I will," she said. "Just… don't get your hopes up too high. I don't want you to be disappointed."

"A chance is a chance," he said. "And if it comes to it, you can always use me as a test subject. I'll just grow back."

"But what if you don't?!" she squawked.

He was quiet a long moment.

"I'm willing to risk it," he said softly.

Elphaba pursed her lips.

"Okay," she said. "But only if I can't translate them."

"Yes!" He pumped his fist and hugged her tightly.

She didn't know how to respond and just stood there stiffly until he let go.

Guess she better start studying. Elphaba took the book to the library and cleared away her books on medicine. Dr. Dillamond had sent her a list of books along with the prices, so she sent him money in return, and he sent her each book. She likely could have found them from the book shop in town, but she wanted to support him.

Elphaba grabbed every book on Old Ozian Languages she could, set up at the desk, and got to work.

~o0o~

By the time the snow attempted to melt, Elphaba had tried everything she could to translate the words in the spell book. Her friendship with Fiyero was steadier and she actually enjoyed learning how to fight, though there were aspects she still couldn't quite get the hang of.

"I don't see when I'm going to need archery skills," she huffed. "I can throw a punch now!"

"Number one, it's a good way to practice coordination," said Fiyero. "Number two, it's fun once you get the hang of it. Let me show you again."

She sighed softly and handed over the bow. He pulled an arrow out of the standing quiver and nocked it, then went into position. They had set up in the ballroom after outside proved to be too cold and windy.

"You hold it at a slight angle so you can see the target," he said. "You pick a section to focus on between your arrow and the target, taking the wind into account, in this case none. It's not about power, it's about being concise and doing the same thing each time. You take a breath, relax your hand, and let loose with the exhale."

The string rolled off his fingers and the arrow zipped through the air, landing smack in the middle of the target.

"Do another one," Elphaba said, impressed.

He grabbed another arrow and loosed it. There was a crack and the second arrow split the first, getting stuck part way. Elphaba gasped and clapped. She'd only ever read about that sort of feat in books.

Fiyero grinned and winked at her. "Best archer in the Vinkus."

"I see," said Elphaba. "You didn't really want to teach me archery, you just wanted to show off."

He chuckled and waved her over.

"You try now," he said.

She sighed and took the bow back. She made a pitiful attempt at firing and the arrow just hopped pathetically and landed at her feet, clattering loudly against the floor.

"Try again," said Fiyero gently. "Just nock it and get into position, but don't draw back just yet."

She did so and he stood behind her.

"Don't put too much tension in your arm," he said. "Hold it straight and the bow at an angle like this. Keep your body straight, widen your stance a little so you're solid."

He guided her gently, keeping one hand on her elbow so she wouldn't hyper-extend it, then placed his other hand over her hand on the string. Her heart skipped a beat and she ignored it.

"Draw it back," he said. "Not too much, just so your thumb touches your jaw, that's your anchor point. Now let the string roll off your fingers."

The arrow sped through the air, hitting the target. It wasn't even close to a bulls-eye, but she still hit it.

"Much better," Fiyero praised.

Elphaba felt her cheeks warm and handed the bow back.

"I think I need a break," she said, flexing her fingers. "Here I thought I was in shape."

"It takes different muscles to do this," he said.

"So, you like archery?" she asked.

Fiyero nodded. "Way more than any other training and it was the only one I felt like was… fair."

"Fair? How so?"

"Sparring and sword fighting is fine, but there's still this whole deal where my opponent is afraid of killing a prince or even besting him," he said. "So I could never trust if it was my own skills or if they were just holding back to let me win. I felt that less so with archery. You either hit the target or you don't and anyone I ever met was too competitive to throw a match."

"I can see that," she said. "Munchkinland mostly focuses on farming but there are always things going on during festivals. Horse racing, polo, chicken chasing."

"Chicken chasing?"

"Yes, you wear a blindfold and get into a pen with a few other women and then you let a chicken or a duck loose in the pen and you try to catch it."

He laughed. "Sounds like fun."

"It's fun to watch," she agreed. "And, of course, there's the usual competitions to see who has the best vegetables, bakes the best pies, and has the best livestock. I once submitted a pie and I won the blue ribbon, but when I came forward and said I baked it nobody believed me. Father was angry, too."

"For what?!" Fiyero demanded.

"Embarrassing him?" She sighed and shook her head. "I don't know. I could harness the moon and stars and he still wouldn't be happy."

"What sort of pie was it?" Fiyero asked.

"Apple-huckleberry," she said.

"That sounds delicious."

"I'll make you one when you're human," she said. "How's that sound?"

"I look forward to it," he said, tweaking her braid.

After getting tea, Fiyero joined her in the library. She was used to him hovering over her shoulder by now while she worked.

"So, made any progress?" he asked.

"No," she sighed. "It's been months and all I can pick up are words here and there that don't actually help me translate the spell. Maybe it's some unknown dialect. I think we may have to start going spell by spell and writing down what happens in a second book."

"Well, isn't that how many great wizards created spells?" said Fiyero. "Just trying stuff and seeing what happens?"

"Yes," she said. "But I'm worried. I don't want to cause trouble."

Fiyero took her hands.

"I promise you right here and now," he said. "I am not going to get angry at you for using magic. We're in the mountains, this is an enchanted castle, and the town is a safe distance away. You can experiment. Alright?"

She bit her lips and nodded.

"Well, I guess the place to start is from the very beginning," she said.

"A good place to start," said Fiyero.

Elphaba smiled and turned to the first page.

~o0o~

"Itchita copita meleka mystica!" said Elphaba, pointing a finger at Fiyero.

"Oh! Oh! I feel something happening!" he said and touched his head. "Am I growing hair?"

He was growing hair. Black as night. It sprouted on his head and face and hands. He shivered and shuddered, then bent backwards. He shrank down and down until the fur shed off in a puff. Elphaba tipped her head. He looked like himself… but also like a cat. Wooden limbs and a pumpkin head with a cat's face carved into it.

Elphaba stared at him, then grabbed her pen and made a note.

"Number sixty-one: spell to turn subject into a cat," she murmured.

Fiyero looked at himself and groaned.

"I couldn't even be a real cat?" he huffed. "It wouldn't be ideal, but at least I would be flesh and blood!"

"Sorry, Fiyero," said Elphaba. "There is one good thing though. The fairy's curse on you means that all other spells are temporary even though the spells in this Grimmerie appear to be permanent on other subjects."

"I really don't want to hear a bright side right now," he said, his new tail made of a vine flicking irritably. "Try something else."

"Oo-tay Ah-tay Nomus Gomus!"

A garden gnome appeared in the pile next to the others she conjured.

"Stop casting that one!"

She tittered and looked at the next spell.

"Ah May Ah Tay Ah Tum Ditum," she chanted, repeating it twice as most of the spells in the book required.

Fiyero looked down at himself, then back at her.

"I don't feel any different," he said.

They both poked around the room to find what it could possibly have done. Elphaba paused, hearing something rattle. She looked at the spell again, then screamed as something ripped through the air straight at her.

A broom landed right in her hand, humming with energy. Elphaba furrowed her brow and turned it over.

"Is it a come to life spell?" Fiyero asked. "But then… why a broom? Why not a chair or any of the books?"

"I don't know," she said. "But I'll find out what's up."

The broom launched itself upwards, dragging Elphaba along with it. She held on for dear life, screaming as it flew around the room in circles.

"Help!" she cried.

"Let go!" said Fiyero.

"Are you mad?!"

"Trust me!"

Elphaba braced herself and unclenched her hands. She crashed into something, but her fall was broken. Fiyero staggered backwards, having caught her, and collapsed. Elphaba rolled with the momentum, head over heel. She toppled into the bookcase and stopped on her back with Fiyero's head on her stomach and her feet sticking straight in the air.

"Who turned out the lights?" Fiyero asked from under her skirt.

Elphaba dropped her head back and caught her breath. She watched as the broom spun in circles above them.

"Well, you're back to normal," she panted. "Thanks for the catch."

"Anytime."

She eased him off her lap and scrambled to her feet before picking him up and inspecting him for damage.

"I'm fine," he said. "You're not hurt are you?"

"No, I'm not," she said. "But I think— EEK!"

Something grabbed her waist and she whirled around to see his body still groping around to find his head.

"Sorry about that, it has a mind of its own sometimes," he said.

Elphaba rolled her eyes and placed his head in his hands. He fixed himself up and got his clothes from the pile on the floor.

There had to be a better way for him to wear clothes.

"There we go," she said, stuffing the last handful of straw into his chest.

The broom returned to Elphaba. She tentatively took it and studied it.

"Fiyero… I think maybe we should stop," she said. "Whatever this curse on you is, I think it's more powerful than the spells in this book. I… I don't think any of them will turn you human for good."

He went still for a long moment.

"No," he sighed and plunked down in a chair, small bits of straw flying out. "But there's gotta be something useful in there. And if we figure the spells out, then others can use them, right?"

"I guess," she said. "I'm sorry. I really wanted to help."

"Maybe there will be one that can turn me human again for just a day," he said. "I think I could live with that."

Elphaba pursed her lips.

"Let's just… take a break," she said. "There's time to go back through it."

"You did get your wish though," said Fiyero.

"I did?"

He gestured to the broom.

"It flies and it supports your weight. Now you aren't tied down."

She blinked and looked at the broom in her hand. Yes… she could fly, couldn't she?

Elphaba bit her lip and straddled the broom. She breathed deeply and exhaled.

"Fly," she whispered.

A wind seemed to sweep around her as she kicked off the ground. The broom carried her along towards the ceiling. She urged it left and right then down. She laughed gleefully, speeding out the open doors and through the corridors of the castle.

"Open a window!" she called out.

The one at the end of the hall opened and she burst out, soaring up to the sky.

It was the most wonderful feeling of her life! The wind on her cheeks, the cool air, nothing tethering her to the ground. She let her hair loose from its braid so she could feel the wind in it. She flew higher until she touched the clouds. Water! They were made of water! She burst out of a cloud and a goose honked in surprise.

Elphaba laughed and dove down, zooming through the trees. The broom seemed intuitive to her thoughts, moving easily. She could fly into town, she could probably fly across Oz!

Though she felt like she could have flown forever, she headed back to the castle. She spotted Fiyero standing on her tower balcony with Chistery balancing on the railing, and came in for a landing.

She touched down and stumbled. Fiyero caught her before she could face plant. Her legs felt like jelly and she was shaking from the adrenaline. She laughed and looked up at him.

"Now that was fun!" she said.

"Really? Seemed kinda boring to me," he teased. "I can tell you absolutely hated it."

She chuckled and smacked his chest.

"I'll take you with me tomorrow," she said. "I think we'll both be able to fit."

"I'd like that."

Fiyero brushed her hair out of her face and dragged his fingers through it.

"I've never seen your hair down before."

Elphaba felt a strange jolt in her stomach and stepped back. She set her broom against the wall and gathered her hair over her shoulder in an attempt to wrangle it.

"I think that's enough spells for today," she said, feeling flushed. "You know, this broom will make it easy for me to clean the hard to reach places now!"

Fiyero laughed. "Easier than lugging the ladder around."

She glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

"Exactly."

"I… I'll go get started on the clean up," he said. "Those ceramic gnomes from spell twenty-seven aren't going to remove themselves!"

He hurried to the stairs and pulled the torch bracket so he could slide down, Chistery close behind him.

Elphaba sat down and breathed deeply to slow her heart down. Adrenaline. Plain and simple.

Nothing more.

Chapter Text

"I can't believe it's April," said Elphaba, looking out the window at the snow.

"Weather's like that in the mountains," said Fiyero. "I guarantee in a month it'll all be mud."

She hummed and went back to checking over the loom they had found in a storage room while Fiyero dusted the other items.

They had gone through the entire Grimmerie and she watched Fiyero be destroyed and reform five times due to volatile magic and it never got easier to watch. When she put him together in the pumpkin patch, he assured her he had felt no pain.

The spells in the Grimmerie varied from harmless to so dangerous she made an attempt to destroy the book, only to find it couldn't be burned or even ripped apart. Fiyero thought they should just label the super dangerous spells with big warnings in red ink on separate paper since attempting to blot out the dangerous spells with ink didn't work, either.

Elphaba didn't really want to rely on pulling out that spell book and started compiling her own grimoire with spells and potions that she thought would actually be helpful.

Her resolve also broke where her sister was concerned and kept sending money when requested. She didn't know why when all the letters seemed to be from a fill in the blank template, ignoring everything said in her letters and always ending with, 'wishing you and your husband the best.'

The storage room was at a good stopping point, so Elphaba went to put together a parcel for money.

"I don't know why you do this," said Fiyero. "It's not like she'd do the same for you."

"She's still my sister," Elphaba sighed. "I won't abandon her."

This would likely be something they would argue about until Nessa was finally married and they just had to accept that.

It wasn't like she couldn't afford it anyway. Castle provided them with food and warmth. There were enough clothes left behind for her to tailor for herself. She didn't need to buy anything, she could live comfortably for the rest of her life that way. And Fiyero was a prince, there was a whole vault at Uma Lu. The riches found at Kiamo Ko had been hidden in a secret room covered in dust when he found it. And he promised that he would take care of her after his curse was broken.

That promise was a comfort to her.

There was a loud booming sound that made Elphaba jump out of her thoughts. The lights brightened then dimmed.

"Visitors?" said Fiyero, puzzled. "That's weird. Might as well see what they want."

Elphaba followed him to the front door. The knockers thudded against the wood again. Fiyero opened the smaller door inset in the left one and Elphaba peeked under his arm.

"You…" said Fiyero.

It was the postmaster. She held a young child in her arms and her face was twisted in distress. Behind her was a woman who was likely her wife.

"Please," the postmaster said, looking past Fiyero at Elphaba. "You study medicine, yes?"

"I… yes," she said, straightening up. "Sort of."

"My son, he's ill," she said, holding her child tighter. "Won't you help him?"

Elphaba blinked in surprise.

"Wouldn't a professional doctor be better? Someone with experience?"

Her wife shook her head tearfully.

"The doctor is in the pocket of those thieves that call themselves soldiers," she said. "He charges more than a person can afford and… and he hardly helps! He just takes our money and dispenses snake oil!"

Elphaba looked at the child. He was covered in a rash, his cheeks were flushed, and his breathing was pained and ragged.

"I… I can't promise that I can cure him," she said. "But I'll try to help. Come inside."

The postmaster exhaled with relief.

"Let's go to my laboratory," said Elphaba. "I just cleaned it."

There was a stone slab she could use as an examination table. Castle provided her with hot water in the pitcher by the basin, so she cleaned her hands and put on a fresh apron and a cloth mask.

"What's that for?" the postmaster's wife asked.

"Dr. Dillamond says that some illnesses are contracted through breathing the same air," she said.

She approached the boy who shied back.

"It's okay, she's going to help," said the postmaster.

"Can you tell me your name?" she asked.

"Luren," he croaked.

"Nice to meet you," she said. "I'm Elphaba. Remove your coat and shirt please, just for a moment."

His mothers helped him. The rash was widespread.

"Are these painful?" Elphaba asked the boy. "Do they itch?"

He nodded. She touched his forehead, which was hot. She pressed her fingers gently down his neck and he winced when she touched a swollen area.

"Say 'Ahhh.'"

She looked at the back of his throat, then grabbed a wooden stethoscope and placed it against his back, stooping down so she could listen to the other end.

"Breathe in and out as deep as you can."

He did so and she could hear the rattle of something in his lungs.

"I know what this is," she said.

"Can you help him?" the postmaster asked.

"Yes," said Elphaba, washing her hands. "My sister had this when she was young and I mixed the cure for it. I have the recipe right here."

She flipped to the correct page and ran a finger down the list of ingredients. She ignored the eyes on her as she set her cauldron out.

"Fiyero, will you please get a jar of honey and the chickweed?"

"Got it," he said and ran out of the room.

Elphaba mixed the remedy, humming under her breath so she could time it out. She boosted it with just a little bit of magic. Dr. Dillamond said her talent could be very useful for speeding up recovery time, but the remedy worked fine without it, too. Before long, she had a mixture she strained out with a cheesecloth.

"What's the honey for?" asked the postmaster.

"This is going to be very disgusting," said Elphaba. "The honey will help it go down better."

The boy made a face.

"Drink up," she said, handing him the cup. "If you pinch your nose, it won't taste as bad."

It took a few tries to get him to drink the concoction without spluttering. Elphaba handed him a large scoop of honey on a spoon to wash the taste away.

"There we are," she said and got to work on mashing the chickweed into a poultice.

She scraped it into a jar and secured it, handing it to the postmaster's wife along with a cough syrup she made in bulk last week.

"You can add this poultice to a cool bath and he can soak in it," she said. "Or you can apply it to where it itches or hurts the most. Just secure it with a bandage. And this will help ease his cough. Just a spoonful goes a long way. Don't give it to him more than twice a day, if he has a reaction to it, bring him back."

"Thank you, Miss," she said. "How can we repay you?"

"Just let me know if Luren is doing better," said Elphaba. "I hope I helped."

"I think his fever is already going down," said the postmaster. "Lani, doesn't his fever feel like it's going down?"

"It does, Jispa."

Elphaba smiled slightly.

"Make sure he gets plenty of rest and fluids, too," she said. "Pickle juice is actually a great way to replenish fluids. I wouldn't send him out to play until you are certain his fever is gone and the rash begins to clear. Make sure he doesn't scratch, we don't want an infection on top of it."

Fiyero showed them out while she cleaned up her workspace. She had just finished up when he returned.

"I gave her the parcel for your sister," he said. "With some money for the delivery."

"Thank you," she said and sighed softly.

"What is it?"

"I just hope I was actually able to help," she said. "That I diagnosed him right and gave him the right medicine."

"I think you did," said Fiyero. "And no one else was going to help."

Elphaba tucked a loose strand of hair back.

"I guess we'll see if there's an angry mob at our doorstep," she said.

Fiyero rested a hand on her shoulder.

"You did great," he insisted. "Let's go for a walk in the gardens, see if it's thawing yet. Or maybe you'd like to practice your flying?"

She agreed to the walk, but she still ran over everything in her head. She wondered if she missed something. If she gave him the right treatment. It looked like what Nessa had, but that was Munchkinland and this was the Vinkus. It could be a completely different strain!

Maybe she should write to Dr. Dillamond and ask him his opinion.

Something red appeared in her line of vision. She blinked and stepped back to see it was a poppy. There were a few ice crystals remaining, but despite the nastiness of the weather, the garden was starting to come back to life, defying all logic and nature.

"They're your favorite, right?" said Fiyero.

She nodded and accepted it.

"Listen, don't worry about it," he said. "Castle will protect you if something happens. We can blow the bridge up so no one can approach."

Elphaba ran her finger tips along the rim of the flower's petals.

"Do you think when your spell breaks, the spell on this place will, too?" she asked.

"Hard to say," he sighed. "I hope not, but if it does… then it does."

"Caw!"

Fiyero jumped and covered his head with his arms. The piebald crow swooped down and landed on Elphaba's shoulder. She smiled and ran a finger along its throat.

"Hello, my pretty," she said. "Are your feeders running low?"

It made a sound like a little dog barking. A solid black crow came down from the tree. Elphaba held out her arm to give it a place to land. The second crow tapped its beak against her hand until she opened it palm up.

A third crow dropped a small object into her hand and all three flew back into the tree.

Elphaba looked to see they had given her a single earring.

"Well, someone is going to be missing that," said Fiyero.

She laughed and tucked it safely into her pocket, then looked up to see Fiyero staring at her.

"What?" she asked.

He blinked and shook his head. "Nothing. Just thinking. I seem to be doing a lot of that lately."

He didn't elaborate, so she didn't push.

A week or so after helping Luren, Elphaba was giving Chistery writing lessons when Castle alerted her of visitors. Her heart quickened and she began to assume the worst.

"Keep practicing your sentences," she said and ran to the foyer, peering over the railing.

Fiyero answered the door.

"May I help you?" he asked.

"You are the master of this castle?" said a man.

"I am," said Fiyero.

"Mrs. Jahen, the postmaster of our village, she said your wife cured her son," said the man.

"My wife?"

"The lady of the castle?"

"Ah, she's not my—" Fiyero paused then sighed. "He's doing better? That's good."

"Many children in the village are sick with the same ailment," said the man. "Many too sick to move. I beg of you, will you ask her to cure them?"

Elphaba hurried down to the ground floor and rested a hand on Fiyero's arm. He looked to her and she nodded.

"Yes," he said and opened the door. "Here she is."

Elphaba faced the man. He was plump, balding, and wore fine but well-worn attire. His hat was gripped in his hands.

"May I ask your name?" she said.

"I am Mr. Abolar," he said. "Burgomaster of Kiamo Ko. I have come to appeal to you on their behalf. The town doctor… hasn't been able to help."

"How many children and what are the age ranges?" she asked.

Over thirty children were ill, the youngest being three and the oldest fifteen.

"We will brew the cure here and bring it into town," said Elphaba. "It shouldn't take me long if you'd like to wait or perhaps watch the process."

"I… I will stay. Thank you," he said and sighed with relief.

"Right this way," she said. "Fiyero, I need thirty-eight elixir bottles and thirty-eight jars. Chistery! Can you bring my grimoire to the kitchen?"

Fiyero moved ahead to fetch what she needed and she heard Chistery call out in response. Elphaba led Mr. Abolar to the garden. Thank goodness the herbs had thawed a few days ago, lush and ready for picking. She wasn't sure she had enough dry ones. She grabbed baskets along the way, handing one to Mr. Abolar, and started picking what she needed.

"What an extraordinary garden!" the man gasped.

"Fiyero is very proud of it," said Elphaba, handing him her full basket and taking the empty one. "Here, make yourself useful."

They carried the herbs to the kitchen. Elphaba washed her hands and got to work making a large batch of the elixir. It took longer than before, but it was a larger batch. She filled the bottles with the syrup and noticed Fiyero get out the massive honey pot and start filling smaller jars with it.

"What are you doing?" Elphaba asked.

"You administered Luren's medicine with honey, right?" said Fiyero. "So, may as well make sure they have some."

"Great idea," she said and went back to mixing the poultice to soothe the rashes.

Chistery helped where he could and the Burgomaster watched them with quiet fascination.

"That's everything," said Elphaba, placing the last jar in a crate. "Just give me one more moment, you can load these up in the carriage."

She ran up to her lab to put on her apron and mask. The same day she helped Luren, she had found and cleaned a doctor's bag containing some helpful instruments. She filled it with her medical grimoire, a small mortar and pestle, and some of the more universal herbs. Just in case someone had a different illness than she was told. If necessary, she could fly back to the castle on her broom for something more specific.

Fiyero and Chistery waited for her in the carriage. She climbed in and held fast to the crates containing the medicine.

Mr. Abolar took the reins and hurried the horses to town as fast as he dared.

"We'll go house by house," he said when they stopped. "There are two sick children at this home."

Elphaba filled the doctor's bag with the medicines.

"I'll just… wait here," said Fiyero. "Keep guard."

"Good idea," she said and climbed out.

The door was flung open before Mr. Abolar could even knock. A flushed, harried woman breathed a sigh of relief, then stifled a yelp upon seeing Elphaba.

"This is the healer," said Mr. Abolar. "I watched her brew the cure myself."

"I'd just like to take a quick look at the children if that's alright," said Elphaba.

"I—I suppose… this way."

She showed Elphaba the stairs leading up to the loft. Two children lay in a shared bed with that same rash. One was awake, while the other looked to be sleeping fitfully.

Elphaba checked them over, noting the symptoms were in fact the same.

"Don't itch that," she said, gently moving the young girl's hand away from her face. "You'll only make it worse."

"Are you really green?" she whispered.

"I am."

"Why?"

"I just am." Elphaba straightened up and went back down the stairs. She placed the jars and bottles on the kitchen table, giving the same instructions as she did to the postmaster.

Through the rest of town it was the same routine. Elphaba would check the child over and confirm it was the same illness before handing over the medicine. The last household was the Burgomaster's own where all three of his children were ill.

"That's the last of it," said Elphaba.

"Thank you," said Mr. Abolar. "How do we repay you?"

"Don't worry about it," said Elphaba, washing her hands up to her elbows in the sink. "I'll be back in a week to see how they're doing and if I need to make anymore."

"Of course."

Elphaba closed up her bag and was shown out.

"All good?" Fiyero asked.

"I believe so," said Elphaba. "Let's go home."

"Oh, of course!" said Mr. Abolar. "Give me just a moment and I'll return you to the castle."

"It's alright, we'll manage," said Elphaba, taking her broom from Fiyero and mounting it.

"You know where to find us," said Fiyero, sitting behind her. He wrapped his arms around her middle and held onto the medicine bag so she could hold onto the broom handle.

Elphaba and Chistery took off into the sky and headed back to the castle.

She hoped she helped all of them and that Luren wasn't a fluke.

Chapter Text

"I don't know why we need to go to town," said Fiyero reluctantly. "Castle makes everything you need."

"Everything I need, yes," said Elphaba. "But I finally fixed that loom I found and I have some patterns in mind that I would like to weave. I didn't like the conditions I was weaving in before, but I enjoyed weaving for the sake of weaving."

"Say weaving again."

She stuck her tongue out. "Weaving."

She adjusted her satchel and placed the hat she found when sorting through the clothes in the castle on top of her head.

It was a hideodious hat on its own, black and conical, securing under the chin with a ribbon. The nicest part about it was the band that trailed over the back like a veil, but the hat itself looked like it was made out of the skin of some creature.

And yet, it suited Elphaba completely. She fastened a light cloak around herself and mounted her broom.

"Are you coming or not?" she asked.

Fiyero sighed and slung his own satchel across his body before standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her middle. Chistery spread his wings, signaling he was ready.

Elphaba took off, the broom coming up to smack Fiyero's rear. He never got used to that.

The way to town was even faster by broomstick.

"Look! It's the witch!" someone shouted as Elphaba came in for a landing.

She hesitated only slightly before touching down on the ground.

"We'll be quick," she said, though her expression was worried.

Fiyero held her broom and went with her inside the dress shop. He'd never seen the inside of one before and was surprised to find that the only actual dresses in the store were in the window display. The rest seemed dedicated to the craft with bolts of fabric and walls teeming with spools of ribbons and threads.

The woman behind the counter gasped and ran away. Elphaba rolled her eyes and went to the larger spools of weaving yarn next to bundles of vibrantly colored knitting yarn.

"Ooh," she hummed and grabbed some of the yarn, placing it in the wicker market basket she brought along before selecting her loom yarn.

She also selected some smaller spools of sewing thread.

Fiyero was trying to figure out why there was such a difference.

Elphaba skimmed through pattern books as well, selecting two. When she finally made her way to the counter, the woman running the shop dashed back to the front out of breath.

"Apologies, madam," she said, fanning her flushed face. "This is for you."

She held out a beautifully patterned babushka. Elphaba looked shocked, tentatively taking it.

"What for?" she asked.

"You saved my younger brothers," said the woman. "Mother thought you should have something in thanks since you refused money."

Elphaba blinked owlishly and ran her thumbs along the patterned scarf. It was a vibrant shade of blue, the dye of which could only be made from flowers grown in the Vinkus and only in May, and decorated with pink flowers.

"Thank you," she said softly and folded it neatly into her satchel. She cleared her throat and set her purchases on the counter. "I would like to buy these, please."

Fiyero couldn't help but smile. And she had been so worried. Never mind the fact that he secretly had been as well.

Now, he didn't know much about how much things really cost, but judging from Elphaba's expression, the woman had given her a discount. Rather than argue, she simply paid the amount she was told, thanked the woman, and stepped out.

"M-Miss Elphaba?" said Chistery, tugging on her skirt.

"Hm?"

Chistery pointed to the bookshop across the street.

"May we?"

"Well, I don't see why not," she said.

"We have a library full of books at home," said Fiyero.

Elphaba smacked his chest, sending stray straw out of his shirt, and followed Chistery inside.

Since Elphaba was around, Chistery's education had grown to the point where he was starting to read books by himself. It wouldn't be long before his vocabulary surpassed Fiyero's.

He just never really got school and it sure as hell didn't get him, either. Books were well and fine as long as they were interesting like adventure stories or mysteries, but there were less painful things to do with his time. At least when he was human anyway.

"Chistery, you may pick two," said Elphaba.

He nodded and scampered off to the children's section.

Elphaba skimmed the bookshelves herself while Fiyero held onto her things and let his mind wander.

A scream cut the air. It came from outside. Fiyero dropped everything, startled. Elphaba ran past him in a blur to see what the commotion was. A crowd was already gathering. Several of the men that had harassed Elphaba the first time they came into town were leaning against a wagon full of furniture that had collapsed. Their leader was on the ground, trapped beneath it.

The horses that had once been attached were skittering around, still tethered to each other and unable to go in the directions they wanted.

Elphaba ran over, so Fiyero followed.

The man's friends were doing all they could to keep the wagon from crushing him further. The wheels were splayed out, the axel had broken. Fiyero took an empty space and squatted, grabbing onto the bottom of the wagon. Being a scarecrow didn't give him any great strength, but he didn't have the pain register that would make him stop when he reached his limit.

The loaded wagon raised just enough for Elphaba to seize the man by his vest and drag him out a safe distance. Others finally rushed in to ease the wagon onto more level ground.

Fiyero turned to Elphaba. She crouched over the man who had been so cruel to her from day one and held her hand over him. She muttered under her breath and he made a strange little jolt.

He fell limp and his pained groans eased to discomfort.

"Avaric!" his friends shouted and ran over.

"Get off him, you freak!" one of them snapped, grabbing Elphaba and shoving her back.

"Don't speak to her that way!" Fiyero growled, helping her to her feet.

Avaric coughed and his friends helped him stand.

"Take it easy for a few days," said Elphaba. "I helped the worst but your muscles still need to recover. I can bring you something to ease the pain—"

"Don't talk to him!" One of the men swung a hand to slap her.

Fiyero grabbed his wrist just before it could make contact. Elphaba had flinched and cowered, raising her arms defensively.

"She and the scarecrow helped!" said another man. "I saw it with my own eyes."

"And she saved our children," a woman chimed in.

"What's going on here?" Mr. Abolar demanded.

"Let's go," Elphaba whispered.

Fiyero followed her back into the bookshop. She picked up her things just as Chistery came over with his selected books.

"What happ'n?" he asked, handing her three books.

"We should leave," said Elphaba, not saying anything about the number.

"But we helped," said Fiyero.

"Yes, we did," she said, checking the pricing on the books and drawing out exact change. "Now it's time to go before someone decides we shouldn't have intervened."

That wasn't fair. It wasn't right.

Elphaba found the shopkeeper outside and handed her the money.

"We purchased these," she said, showing the titles of the books.

The woman just looked at her open-mouthed and nodded, taking the money.

"Leaving so soon, Lady Elphaba?" said Mr. Abolar. "Lord Scarecrow?"

"Don't want to overstay our welcome," said Elphaba. "No one else is hurt?"

"No, not a tick," he said.

"Then we should be going," she said. "There's a storm in the air."

Sure enough, there was a distant rumble of thunder despite the sunny day.

"Oh, of course."

Fiyero barely had time to hop onto the broom before Elphaba took off. He held onto her tightly, so he wouldn't fly off the back end. He could feel the pole that kept him upright was weak in spots.

He kept quiet until they were safe inside the castle. By then, the wind had picked up and the sun had decidedly vanished. They'd had to fly lower as they got closer.

"Why did you want to leave?" he asked. "Better yet, why even help that guy? He's an ass."

"Yes, but he was an ass in trouble," said Elphaba, giving Chistery his new books. "Check that the windows are closed."

She hurried up the stairs and Fiyero followed.

"He didn't deserve your help."

"It's not about deserving," she said. "We could go back and forth all day about the ethics of saving the life of someone who constantly makes life worse for others, but in the end it's not about if he deserved it."

"It's not?"

"No," she said, hiking her skirts up so she could run up her tower stairs. "It's about being in a position to help someone and doing it. If I pick and choose who I help based on whether they were nice or mean to me, then I wouldn't help anyone at all, and if I'm in a position to help and simply don't, what sort of person does that make me?"

She made a good point and he hated it.

"Fine," he said. "But it isn't fair that you helped and some people immediately started jumping down your throat instead of being grateful! I'm not saying there should be a parade, but a, 'Thanks for the help' would be nice."

"It would," she agreed, stepping into her room.

She waved her hands and the massive curtains closed. Despite their weight the wind still kicked them up.

Fiyero helped her fasten them down, but his pole must've been weaker than he thought. A huge gust of wind sent him toppling backwards. With a loud crack, his middle snapped in two and his body collapsed.

"Fiyero?!"

Baubles of light appeared above him and he found Elphaba kneeling over him.

"Oh, your pole snapped," she gasped, touching his chest.

"Not surprised," he said. The numbness was worse than the dull sensations he normally felt. His hands still worked, but his lower half might as well have been part of a real scarecrow if it weren't for his feet twitching. "That wagon was heavy, I'm amazed I didn't snap right in the square."

She sighed softly. "And yet you helped."

"It's not noble like you," he muttered. "I only helped because you were helping."

"Well, I think that if you're doing good then it doesn't really matter what your intent is," she said. "Whether you do it out of a genuine want to help, because someone asked you to, or even if it's a selfish reason, as long as the help is given I don't think it matters to the person the reason. Sit tight, I'll go see if I can't find some glue."

Fiyero frowned and stared up at the lights she conjured. She had a point and they could go around in circles about whether or not she should help. She didn't owe anyone anything. Did he for that matter?

Yes, he decided.

Scarecrow or not, he was still their prince. It was his duty to care about their needs and to help where he could. And despite his limited power in his banishment, he had a way to help this particular village and when his curse was broken, he could implement it across all of the Vinkus.

But where would he even start?

Elphaba seemed to have a lot of ideas, he should probably ask her.

"Here I am!" she panted. "I found some glue."

It was a chore to undress him and Elphaba kept wincing like she was afraid to break him further. When his arm snapped, she actually screamed.

"It's fine, Fae," he said. "I can't feel a thing."

"I know it's just—" she furrowed her brow. "Fae?"

He blinked and winced, not intending that to slip out. "Well, Elphaba is a mouthful…"

"It's the same number of syllables as your name," she said pointedly and globbed glue onto his middle piece.

"I just think we're at the point of nicknames," he said. "And El would work just fine, but I was reading a book about fairies the other day, trying to see if there was a way I could track down the Bog Fairy, and I read—"

Elphaba joined his pieces together and started wrapping them so he wouldn't rejoin crookedly.

"—read about a race of sprites with green skin called the Fae," he said.

She stilled and looked at him.

"There are others like me?"

Her eyes were shining with such hope that Fiyero was tempted to lie, but he knew it would be found out the instant she asked to see the source so she could go about finding them.

"No, they left Oz over a thousand years ago," he said. "No one has seen them since. Most believe they died out if they even existed at all. They were supposedly in charge of bringing spring to Oz, but now the weather mostly works on its own."

Her shoulders dropped.

"Oh," she said softly.

"I'm sorry."

"No, no. It's alright," she said and fixed his arm. "And I suppose as far as nicknames go it's fine."

"I could always call you Ellie."

She sent him a look.

"Start calling me 'Ellie' and I'll go back to calling you Pumpkinhead."

"Noted," he said, grinning.

Elphaba sat back on her heels.

"Can you move now?" she asked.

Fiyero looked down at himself, raising and lowering each limb before getting to his feet. He still felt a bit clumsier than usual, but he was sure he'd be fine.

"All good," he said, putting his clothes to rights.

Elphaba helped him restuff himself with straw.

"This all seems like a pain," she said. "Why not just wear the clothes as they are?"

"I dunno," he said. "Just feels more… normal I guess? To not have myself be only a pumpkin head on a stick."

She twitched her eyebrow in concession and buttoned his shirt back up.

"There we go," she said. "Right as rain."

A cold wind pushed through a gap in the curtains, making her shiver. She removed her hat and cloak, replacing the cloak with her favorite shawl.

"It's so chilly for June," she complained.

"Mountain weather," said Fiyero. "It snows nine months out of the year snd hails the other three."

Elphaba chuckled softly and they walked down to the kitchens together.

"I can't believe I've been here almost ten months already," she said softly.

"Ten months?"

"It was September when I came here," she said and her expression tightened.

"What's wrong?"

"My sister's birthday is coming up," she said. "And the anniversary of our mother's death."

"Oh." He looked down then back up. "Why don't you arrange a visit then? I've never met your sister. And what sort of husband would I be if I didn't call upon your family?"

She snorted and looked at him.

"You aren't my husband, Fiyero," she said. "Me showing up on your doorstep in a wedding dress is not a binding ceremony."

"No, but your family thinks I married you," he said. "And from what you've said your hometown sucks. It'd be fun to go in fancy attire and freak them out."

She smiled slightly. "I'll think about it and I'll send a letter gently probing about what her birthday plans are and mention I'd like to come around for a visit."

"I suppose that's more polite than just dropping in unannounced," he huffed.

Elphaba chuckled.

The rain seemed even louder in the kitchens, but the larger windows likely had something to do with it. Elphaba glanced at the kettle, then got out a saucepan and a bottle of milk.

"What are you making?" Fiyero asked.

"Hot chocolate," she said, finding a bar of cocoa in the cupboard. "Seems like a good day for it and chocolate is one of my favorites."

"Yeah, I was a chocolate fan when I was a human," said Fiyero. "But I really liked spicy foods. Ever since I was a kid. When I was little, my dad tried to give me a hot pepper as a joke and imagine his shock when I ate the whole thing and asked for a second one."

Elphaba laughed. Fiyero liked her laugh. Growing up, all the ladies he grew up around always laughed like they were trying to swallow it down or trained themselves to laugh like the tinkling of bells.

It wasn't long until she had a large, steaming mug of chocolate. She jumped at another crack of thunder.

"Are you afraid?" Fiyero asked.

Her expression became guarded.

"Of course not," she said, scowling slightly. "It's just the sound of lightning. Yes, I was afraid of it when I was really little, but I dealt with it in my own way."

"What about Nessa?"

"Father held her when she was scared, naturally."

And clearly that same comfort wasn't extended to Elphaba.

There was another crackle and boom that rattled the windows. Elphaba closed her eyes and her grip tightened just slightly on her mug.

Fiyero stood up. "Here, come with me."

She tipped her head and followed him up to the music room. Castle lit the fireplace for them and the lamps as well.

"Much quieter, yeah?"

Elphaba listened. Thunder rumbled, but it was muffled.

"Yes," she said.

"It's the tapestries," said Fiyero. "For the acoustics. Music sounds better if your next measure isn't fighting with the echo of the previous one."

He sat down at the piano. It was a beautiful instrument, black with paintings along the sides, set in with mother-of-pearl. He often played, but these days only when he was sure Elphaba couldn't hear. Now… it felt different.

Fiyero flexed his fingers, which creaked softly. He played a gentle melody that added to the thunderstorm outside rather than trying to hide it completely.

Elphaba curled up on one of the low settees against the wall, tucking her skirts around her.

The music filled the room. Fiyero closed his eyes and could, for a moment, pretend he was like he used to be. He didn't allow a moment of silence to remind himself, playing one song after the next.

"You play beautifully," said Elphaba.

He glanced at her.

"Do you play anything?" he asked.

"No," she said. "My mother played the piano and I think she planned to teach me, but Father wouldn't let me or my sister near the piano. Too passionate, he says."

"Well, I agree that it's passionate, but I don't think that's a good enough reason to avoid it."

"I agree, but I never knew enough to learn just to spite him," she said. "Of all the things to do behind his back, magic seemed more important to learn."

"Fair enough," said Fiyero. "You know… I could always teach you. If you're not too busy with your other projects."

She smiled. "I'd like that."

She fell silent, listening to him play. It was easy to get lost in the music. That was something he had always done. At any event. He didn't mind going to the theater if they were seeing something funny and he always enjoyed the ballet. He also liked galas and balls, often dancing until the orchestra played the final note.

Elphaba was right in a way. There wasn't anything stopping him from dancing in this form. What she didn't seem to understand was that he enjoyed dancing with a partner. Well, if she was so insistent he could enjoy that in this form, she could be his dance partner.

He turned to say as such and faltered.

She had fallen asleep. Her eyes were closed at least. Her expression was relaxed and her breathing soft and even. Fiyero debated about leaving her alone to go do his own thing but something was stopping him. He didn't want to leave her. Let her wake up alone in a dark room.

He would stay until the weather eased or she woke up.

Whichever came last.

Chapter Text

Fiyero had never known how much went into the upkeep of a castle and had a new appreciation for the servants. Though he grumbled and muttered when Elphaba roped him into chores, he found he couldn't say no to her these days. Besides, it wasn't like he had anything else going on and it was a good opportunity to talk.

And of all the chores, he hated laundry the least.

Elphaba handled all the scrubbing while he used the mangle and hung them up to dry on the lines. When they were dry, he'd fold them and she would put them away. While they worked, he cracked jokes and told her funny stories to try and get her to laugh. That loud, shrill, joyous laugh.

"It took him ten minutes to realize he was flirting with a bust of my great-great grandfather—"

Chistery ran out.

"Vis'tors!" he announced.

"Visitors?" Elphaba repeated.

Fiyero secured the clothes pin.

"I'll go see who it is," he said.

It had only been a few days since the wagon incident. Fiyero strode through the house with Chistery on his heels and answered the door. To his surprise, a horse-drawn bus was out front and about twenty villagers were at the door. Some looked ill or injured while a couple seemed perfectly healthy but urgent all the same.

"May I help you?" Fiyero asked and they all struck up at once.

"I need something to help with my rheumatism!"

"I'm sick and need medicine!"

"My arm is broken!"

"I have a rash!"

"My joints ache!"

Fiyero held up a hand and they silenced.

"Um…" he said and looked down at Chistery, who shrugged. "Okay. Uh… why don't you come in? I will… you can sit and wait in—"

Castle sent furniture skittering into the foyer.

"—in the foyer while I fetch… Miss Elphaba. Chistery, keep them company."

Fiyero hurried back to the garden. He was going to have to figure out a title for her.

"Who is it?" Elphaba asked.

"Er… patients?"

She furrowed her brow and looked up at him.

"Patients?" she repeated.

"Yeah. Something about a rash and a cold and an injury."

Elphaba stared at him for a long moment, then stood up.

"I suppose I had better take a look then," she said.

Fiyero went back to the foyer to let them know she was on her way. A tea cart rattled towards him and Fiyero rolled his eyes.

"Where do you even get these things?" he asked.

Castle sent the cart crashing into his legs.

"Fine," he said and rolled it into the foyer. "Would anyone like some tea while they wait?"

He got suspicious and wary glances in return.

"Suit yourself," he said, parking it and heading up the staircase to watch from a distance.

Elphaba flew by him so fast, he almost thought she was on her broomstick.

"I'm here," she said. "Children and elderly come first."

It came so naturally to her. Fiyero rested his chin in his hand as he watched her work. She made notes on medicine she would need to brew and healed injuries with a wave of her hand.

"Nothing is wrong with me, Lady Scarecrow," said one woman. "It's my son, Avaric. You healed him just a few days ago."

"Oh, yes, how is he faring?"

"Better than expected after an accident like that," she said. "But he is still in so much pain and the doctor is charging more than I can afford for something to ease it."

Elphaba nodded. "I'll fetch you some willow bark, you make it into a tea, and I'll make a cassia balm to help the muscles. You drink the tea and apply the balm to wherever it hurts. Other than that?"

"He is walking—hobbling—the pain is keeping him from working and sleeping," said the woman. "I'd also like to thank you and his lordship for saving my only child. He's really a nice boy just… rough around the edges."

Fiyero snorted quietly.

"Of course. It's what we do," said Elphaba, sending Fiyero a stern look. She had the sharpest hearing of anyone he knew. "It will take me some time to make everything. Feel free to help yourselves to some tea while you wait, or I can collect your addresses and bring it by tomorrow."

The majority voted to wait, so wait they would.

Fiyero knew if anything went awry, Castle would keep them contained. He followed Elphaba to her lab.

"Looks like we might be getting a lot of patients," said Fiyero. "You up to being the Healer for the whole village?"

"You heard what they said," she replied. "Their doctor isn't doing his job. Even so… what if something comes up that I can't handle? I never had any formal training, though I did want to go to college."

"I think that's just a risk any doctor or healer takes," said Fiyero. "They have town meetings every Sunday, maybe you should attend the next one to tell them what you're qualified for. And maybe you can fly over to see Dr. Dillamond and get more training."

"That's… not a bad idea," she mused. "Actually, it's brilliant!"

She kissed his cheek and waved him away.

"I'm going to finish this," she said. "Can you please wring out and hang up the rest of the laundry?"

"I… yes…" Fiyero stiffly turned around and took a back way to the garden.

What was this feeling? He felt… warm. He felt foolish and brilliant and idiotic all at once. He rested his hand on his cheek where she had kissed him. She probably didn't even realize she had done it and yet…

He would give anything to have her do it again.

~o0o~

By the following Sunday, they'd had another busload of patients come to the castle asking for Elphaba's help. She and Fiyero now stood in front of nearly the entire village on a small stage.

"Good morning, everyone," said Fiyero. "We've been neighbors for so long and never really been properly introduced. I am Prince Scarecrow, this is Miss Elphaba Thropp the Court Wizard, and Chistery, our ward. Elphaba?"

She nodded.

"It's come to my attention that many of you are in need of free medical care," she said. "I am more than happy to offer my assistance, but I do want it to be known now of my limits. I can mend broken bones and brew cures for common ailments. I even have a source to acquire vaccinations for other things like small pox, rabies, cholera, and such. While I have the skill for stitches, I am not trained in surgery or as a midwife."

"We have midwives," said Mrs. Abolar.

The town doctor had come to the meeting and stood up.

"Are you really going to listen to some witch and a talking scarecrow?" he demanded. "And he claims to be a prince nonetheless! For all we know they just took up residence in that old broken down castle and started calling themselves the leaders!"

"We are not claiming to be leaders," said Elphaba. "You're the doctor of this village?"

He drew himself up importantly. "I am. My name is Dr. Nikidik and I'm not going to let some stranger come in and take my place." He turned to the others. "Who do you trust? Me who has known you for thirty years? Or some troll who just waltzed in one day?"

Fiyero took a step forward, but Elphaba grabbed his arm and shook her head.

"Her," said Mrs. Tala from the dress shop. "She saved my son."

"And mine," said the postmaster.

"And she has a lovely balm for my rheumatism," said old woman Josie.

Avaric stood up and Fiyero worried for a moment.

"If it weren't for them, I'd be dead," he said. "You heard the witch, Nikidik. She can only heal smaller things. We'll still need you for surgery, though if you want to compete perhaps you shouldn't charge more than a person can afford."

Dr. Nikidik scoffed. "We'll just see. Eventually she'll fail."

"That happens," said Elphaba. "How many patients have you lost as a doctor? Sometimes people just don't respond to treatment, sometimes they seek help too late, sometimes it's an illness that doesn't yet have a cure. However, I promise here and now to never turn anyone away and to always treat them to the best of my knowledge. Even if, in the end, all I can do is ease whatever pain or discomfort they are feeling."

"And you, sir?" said an old man. "Will you be a prince to Kiamo Ko?"

"Yes," said Fiyero. "I think I've spent long enough secluding myself in my castle. From this point on, our doors are open to you. I want to help in any way I can. Starting with a regulation on how much doctors can charge for health care."

He narrowed his eyes pointedly at Nikidik.

"Food, shelter, and health are your right as people, both humans and Animals," he said. "It may take some time to pass it into law, but that's our goal."

Elphaba was smiling at him with a sparkle in her dark eyes. Did her eyes always sparkle like that?

The crowd was muttering in approval.

"Any other questions for us?" Elphaba asked.

"Who all lives in the castle?" one man asked. "All we've ever heard of were people going up to it and leaving in fear, but there's never any workers coming and going."

"Just us three," said Fiyero. "The castle is enchanted and tends to our personal needs."

There were no other questions, so they sat down and the rest of the meeting moved on. Discussions for the summer solstice celebration and the strawberry festival, calling volunteers for the harvest committee this year to organize food storage. Things like that.

"We really should start coming to these each week," Elphaba murmured. "It's the best way to be kept in the loop instead of hoping others come to us."

Fiyero nodded in agreement. After the meeting was adjourned, a few came up to talk to Elphaba and then they returned to the castle.

"That went well," said Elphaba.

Fiyero nodded.

"By the way, I have something for you," he said.

"What is it?" she asked.

He offered his arm and she took it, allowing him to lead her outside to the garden. He'd spent the last couple nights building it and was certain Castle had helped him along with some magic. He also moved a cluster of plants to create a plot of land.

"What's this?" Elphaba asked.

"It's a garden and greenhouse," he said. "For your medicinal herbs and things. I thought it'd be nice to have something offset from the kitchen for you to use and some of those herbs in that apothecary cabinet are kinda musty."

She stepped inside the greenhouse and looked around, then turned to him with a brilliant smile.

"Thank you, Fiyero," she said, taking his hand. "This is wonderful."

"Yeah? I'm glad you like it," he said.

"I can have some trimmings and seeds sent in," she said. "I also have a guide for local plants and I think I saw a case we can put them in. Best to start now before we get too busy."

Chistery elected to stay behind, wrinkling his nose at the thought of rummaging around for plants and instead looking back down at his book.

"He gets it from you," Fiyero teased.

Elphaba rolled her eyes and packed a lunch for herself.

"You don't have to come along," she said.

"I want to," he said. "I may have been a useless man, but I did know nature. I can warn you what plants are masquerading as medicinal. And I loved running around these mountains as a child."

"Tell me," she said as they set off into the forest.

"Tell you what?"

"Anything," she said. "Everything."

"Well, I always liked being outdoors," he said. "Horseback riding, hiking, free climbing."

"Free climbing?"

"It's when you climb rocks without any equipment," he explained. "We should find a lot of those herbs that you're looking for by Star Lake."

She nodded and allowed him to guide her towards it, weaving around trees and such. They got funny looks from birds and gave a black bear quite a shock as they zipped past. It wouldn't have been an easy trek on foot, the path weaving uphill and downhill.

Elphaba touched down.

"Oh, how beautiful," she said.

The lake was large, clear, and calm with the mountains reflecting into it like a mirror. Elphaba stood there a long moment, admiring the view. She took a deep breath and adjusted her glasses.

"Right. To work." She opened the guide and started looking around.

Fiyero held the bag containing jars and soil for her to place their trimmings in and her broom, pointing out to her poison oak and other plants that could hurt her.

They walked along the edge, reaching the waterfalls that fed into the lake. Elphaba marveled at them and gasped when Fiyero moved her so she could see the mist catch the sunlight and cast rainbows.

"The Vinkus is so beautiful," she said. "I think I'll never grow tired of looking at these mountains. I'd always wanted to run away when I was a child. Find somewhere beautiful with lots of flowers and a cottage all to myself."

"How come you never did it?" Fiyero asked. "You're so smart. Smarter than anyone I've ever met."

"I would never abandon my sister," she said. "I was the only mother she'd ever known. It's not fair that she can't take care of herself. I hope her new nurse has learned how she likes everything."

If Pip had needed help like that and all she had to help was Fiyero would he have done it? Dedicated himself to helping her just live? He didn't know, but hoped he wasn't selfish enough to leave her struggling.

"I'm excited to see her," she said. "Father is hosting a gala to celebrate her birthday. Her favorite suitor is going to be there and I want to make sure he's good enough. I'm still unsure about what to bring as a birthday present. There's that beautiful shawl Miss Lanore crocheted, the one with the roses? It's been hanging in the shop for a while now."

"That'd be nice," said Fiyero.

"But she has so many and she takes good care of them," said Elphaba. "Perhaps… a watercolor set. She's an excellent painter, really has an eye for the delicate."

"Sure," said Fiyero.

"Mm… maybe not. She was telling me that Father bought her a lovely new set just last month."

"Well," said Fiyero, tucking a flower into her hair. "It's not the gift, it's the cost that counts."

She laughed and touched the flower lightly, before stooping down to compare a cluster of plants with an illustration. She looked up into the woods and tipped her head.

"Do you see that?" she asked.

"Huh? What?" Fiyero followed her gaze. "Oh!"

Nestled in the trees was a cottage.

"I wonder if someone lives there," said Elphaba, standing up.

They headed over. It was a small place built on stone stilts, no doubt to keep it out of the water when the spring runoff came. Elphaba made her way up the steps and knocked on the wooden door, peering through the small window.

"Hello?" she called.

Fiyero tried the handle and the door opened. Elphaba flicked her fingers sending orbs of light to the ceiling. It looked abandoned. There was a good layer of dust on every surface, and cobwebs in the rafters. An iron stove was in the corner and stairs led up to a loft.

"Well, looks like you found your dream cottage," said Fiyero.

Elphaba chuckled.

"Maybe ten months ago I would have moved in," she said. "I like where I'm at now."

"You know, I do too," said Fiyero. "I feel more at peace than I have in a long time."

Elphaba sneezed, sending her glasses sliding down her nose.

"Let's get back to it," she said.

Fiyero nodded and when they returned to the castle, they had a full bag of seeds.

Three days later, the evening before they were supposed to leave, Fiyero went to her room with an arm load of clothing.

"Fae?" he called. "Which of these do you think is appropriate for your sister's birthday?"

He bumped open the door and saw her slumped over in her chair with her face buried in one of her hands while the other clutched a letter.

"Fae?" He dumped the clothes onto the floor and touched one of her shaking shoulders.

Elphaba sniffled loudly and handed him the letter. He took it and smoothed it out, needing a moment to read the curly script.

Elphaba,

I am aware of your intentions of you and your husband visiting for your sister's birthday. If you have any love for your sister you would do right to stay away . Your mere presence would undo all the hard work we have done this past year to gain a social presence. There will be suitors attending Nessarose's birthday, all of whom are not aware of your abominable skin color. It would not do well to have them believe it is genetic rather than a mark of your sin. If all goes well, I may consider a visit soon. Until then, the best you can do is remain in the Vinkus and send money to provide for your family.

Father

Fiyero scowled, crumpled up the letter, and hurled it angrily into the fireplace. Elphaba exhaled a soft sob and he turned to her, kneeling in front of her chair.

"We could still go," he said. "That's just what he thinks. I bet your sister really misses you."

She shook her head. "No. He's right. It's already difficult to matchmake when your daughter is in a wheelchair. Prospects are even lower if her sister is green."

"Neither of those things should matter!" Fiyero protested.

"And yet, they matter so much to so many," she replied.

He pressed his lips together wishing more than anything he could prove her wrong, but knew they would just be false words. After all, her green skin had mattered to him when she first showed up and more than anything he wished he could take it all back.

"I'll send a letter to Dr. Dillamond asking him to come visit us," she said. "That'd be better anyway. I can't promise to be available to take patients and then go away for a few days."

Her voice cracked and she pressed her fingers to her lips. Fiyero wished there was something he could do to make it all better. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and offered it. Elphaba took it and buried her face into it. While she cried, he held her as tight as he could.

Chapter Text

Despite everything, Elphaba still intended to send her sister a birthday present. Surely if Nessa got married she could still attend the wedding? Even before the ceremony, there was a contract. Breaking it off could have consequences. All these societal norms were stupid and didn't quite make sense to Elphaba, but she could use them to her advantage if necessary.

She was also trying desperately not to show that her dis-invitation was bothering her. Instead, she looked through everything she had made to see what she could send.

"Fae?"

She looked over her shoulder at Fiyero.

"I have an idea," he said. "Why don't you pick something from the jewel vault?"

Elphaba looked at him in surprise.

"Is that okay?" she asked.

"It's not like they're getting used," he said, shrugging. "And I'm the prince, so it's my property and I say what can be done with it."

She smiled slightly. He could be so thoughtful.

"Thank you," she said. "Why don't we go take care of that now? I want to go into town anyway for some blood meal."

"What's that for?" he asked.

"The plants. It helps them grow faster."

"Oh! That's… kind of frightening."

She folded up the blanket she had knitted and accepted his help in standing.

Fiyero led her to the vault, which was hidden behind a panel, which could only be opened using a key in a hidden keyhole and a stairwell led up to a small tower that was hidden from the road. The interior wasn't exactly the treasure vault she had pictured in her head and looked more like the room the good dishes and silverware were kept in. The only difference being that these cabinets were kept behind gates like a jail cell. So close that the drawers wouldn't even open. The only standalone piece of furniture in the room was a table filled with polishing equipment.

At the very least the glow of the sun kept the room well lit.

"Underwhelmed?" Fiyero laughed.

"Just a little," she admitted.

"Well, what do you think Nessa would like?" he asked. "Earrings? A necklace? A tiara for her royalness?"

"You really have tiaras to spare?" Elphaba scoffed.

"Actually, we have five in here," he said, unlocking one of the cages.

He opened a cabinet and brought a box out, opening it up. Nestled in velvet was a sparkling tiara with glittering blue and white jewels. It was the finest thing she had ever seen in her life.

"Oh, my!" Elphaba gasped.

Fiyero carefully lifted it out to show her, the jewels catching in the light. Elphaba reached a hand out to touch it, then drew it back.

"If you want to try it on, just say so," said Fiyero, grinning.

"I don't think it would suit me," she said.

"Come on. Just a moment. It hasn't been worn in forever."

Elphaba bit her lips. It was so beautiful…

"Okay," she said. "Just for a moment."

Fiyero grinned and placed it on her head. It was heavier than she expected. He grabbed the hand mirror and wiped it clean on his sleeve before showing it to her.

"I think it suits you just fine," he said.

Elphaba looked at her reflection. She didn't know if it suited her or not. It was very pretty, but she didn't know if it was enough to make her pretty as well.

She set the mirror down and removed the tiara, placing it back in its box.

"Well, I don't think a tiara would be suitable for Nessa," she said. "Where would she even wear it? Perhaps… a necklace? Or maybe a pair of earrings."

"Sure," he said and handed her the keys. "Go ahead and take your time picking something. There's plenty of daylight left to go to town."

"Where are you going?" she asked. "What if I pick something you don't want me to give away?"

"Tell you what, pick a top three and when I come back I'll tell you if any of them are okay," he said. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Well, okay."

Elphaba looked through the boxes and the drawers, being careful not to touch the precious items too much. And then she found a necklace that practically screamed Nessa. It was a delicate necklace set with diamonds and pink coral. It would look beautiful on her.

She set it down alongside a set of pearl earrings and a delicate hair comb.

Fiyero returned with Chistery in tow.

"Pick something?" he asked.

"I think she would like this," said Elphaba, tapping the necklace. "Actually, I think she would love it."

"Then give her that one," he said. "I may not like how she's spoiled rotten and you're treated as an afterthought, but you love your sister and want the best, so give her that one."

Elphaba sighed softly and tucked a loose strand of hair back.

"Giving her this feels wrong, but not giving her this feels wrong, too," she admitted.

"Well, for your peace of mind, I think it's better to give it to her," said Fiyero, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Wrap it up, pay for express delivery."

She nodded and put the other two pieces back in their proper places before locking everything up. Fiyero handed her paper and ribbon.

"Thank you," she said and hugged him, then frowned. "Did you stuff yourself with more straw?"

"No!" he said quickly. "Maybe?"

She hummed and quickly wrapped the gift. He could be so odd.

"Let's go," she said and fetched her broom.

They flew down to the village.

"You handle that," said Fiyero. "I have… an errand to run."

"An errand?" she said. Wondering what sort of errand he possibly had to run. "Well, alright. I already know what I need from the gardening shop, so Chistery and I will pop into the bookstore after."

"Sure, I'll come find you," he said and hurried off.

Strange.

Elphaba entered the post office first.

"Good afternoon, Lady Elphaba," said Jispa. "How is your family?"

"Good afternoon, not too bad. How is your wife?"

"Just fine," she said. "Another package for your sister?"

"Yes, it's very important that this one is expressed," said Elphaba. "It's her birthday present and it's fragile."

"Of course! I'll send my best carrier on it!" she said, weighing it.

Elphaba paid the fee and was pleased that she called one of her pony express carriers forward.

"Bring this to Colwen Grounds, Nest Harding, Munchkinland as fast as you can," said Jispa.

"Yes, sir," he replied and placed it securely in his postal bag.

Satisfied, Elphaba and Chistery went to the gardening store. She bought the blood meal and some seeds she hadn't been able to find elsewhere, then went to the bookshop. Chistery perused the shelves while Elphaba waited at the checkout counter. She knew if she looked she'd leave with too many.

Fiyero still hadn't come when Chistery made his selection, so they moved on to the sweet shop a few doors down. Elphaba had always wanted to try something from this shop, as Frex rarely allowed either of his daughters candy, and she still felt a little anxious about buying herself a sweet or two.

She and Chistery inhaled deeply as they entered.

"Welcome, Lady Scarecrow!" said the creaky old Orangutan running the counter.

"You can just call me Elphaba," she said. "Chistery, go on and pick something."

He eagerly started looking amongst the brightly colored jars.

"What sort of sweeties do you like, my lady?" the candy man asked.

"I don't know," she said. "I like chocolate."

"Well, we have some delectable bonbons and truffles made right here in the shop," he said, gesturing to the beautiful array behind the glass. "Perhaps I could interest you in a sample box of our best treats?"

Chistery came back with a paper bag full of sugar-covered jelly candy. Elphaba took out her purse and the man waved her off.

"On the house," he said. "You never accept payment for healing, but I'd like to thank you in some way. My granddaughter and my wife have been healed thanks to you."

"It's alright—"

"I won't hear a word to the contrary!" he said. "That doctor doesn't know how to treat Animals, so I'm glad someone who does came into town."

Elphaba smiled slightly.

"Okay, but just this once," she said, putting the candies away in her bag.

"Thank you, sir," said Chistery.

"Of course! Goodbye!"

Elphaba waved and stepped out, to see Fiyero looking around for her. She raised her hand in a wave and he smiled and crossed to meet her.

Suddenly, she felt as if she had been struck. Was this how it felt to be liked rather than tolerated? To have someone recognize that you had been kind and to repay that with further kindness? To have someone look and see and be happy that they found you? All she'd ever felt her whole life was thinly veiled disgust and distrust. It took some time… but could it be that she found a place she could live her life out in?

What would happen if Fiyero's curse was broken and he wanted her to leave?

"Surprised to find you in a candy store," he said.

"Oh. You know… just thought I'd try it," she said, feeling shy and uncertain of herself. "Finish your errand?"

"Sure did," he said. "Did you want to walk around for a bit?"

"Oh! Prince Scarecrow!" Mrs. Abolar called out, hurrying over to them. "So glad I caught you both before you left town. Here."

She held out a letter.

"What's this?" Elphaba asked.

"An invitation," she said. "To the annual gala at the burgomaster's manor. I know the Harvest Festival is still a few months away, but I thought we'd put in our bid early."

A party invitation? Elphaba looked at Fiyero who appeared as stunned as she felt.

"We… we'd be honored," said Elphaba, putting it away. "I'll mark our calendar."

"Wonderful!" she said. "And feel free to call anytime."

"Of course," said Elphaba.

The call of a horn cut through the square and just like their first visit to the town, people scattered. Mrs. Abolar grabbed her children and sped into the candy shop as it was the closest door.

Confused, Elphaba, Fiyero, and Chistery followed.

"What's going on?" Elphaba asked. "Who are they?"

"Ooh, those ruffians," Mrs. Abolar growled. "They're supposedly soldiers to the crown, but really they're just a big bunch of bullies!"

"They're on orders to the Crown?" Fiyero asked in alarm.

"Well, no," she said. "Ever since the king, queen, and crown prince disappeared, a great wall of briar has grown surrounding Uma Lu. Thorns three feet long, they say!"

"And the princess?" asked Fiyero anxiously.

"Rumor says she's locked in a tower, asleep," said Mrs. Abolar. "My husband and some men from the village managed to get past the wall and found that the whole town inside is… off. No one retains new information, everyone is in a daze, children don't age, and seasons don't change… It was June and yet there was snow still piled up."

"Must be some curse," said Elphaba, looking at Fiyero.

It was so hard to read his pumpkin face. At least he stopped wearing that burlap sack.

"Well," he said at last. "I'm the master of Kiamo Ko and the village is under our protection. We should be able to do something."

"I don't see how you can without an army," said Mrs. Abolar. "They don't come 'round often, but they like to pillage and steal and chase after young women. And because they're soldiers, they think they're above the law rather than enforcers. And they demand everything we have for protection from them."

The men rode in on horseback hooting and hollering.

"Time to pay up!" said the leader. "I don't like to be kept waiting!"

"Elphaba, I need spell number three-two-seven," said Fiyero.

"What?"

"Now! Please!"

Elphaba looked around and grabbed an umbrella out of the stand by the door and her grimoire from her bag. She chanted under her breath and it transformed into a fine looking sword. Fiyero took it and nodded at the balance.

"I'm going with you," she said firmly. "We're stronger together. Mrs. Abolar, watch Chistery for us."

The woman nodded.

"You don't have our payment ready?" the leader scoffed. "How rude, making my men do all the work."

"Enough!"

Fiyero and Elphaba strode out, side-by-side. Their appearance startled the men at first, but then the leader started to laugh.

"Is this what you have to offer?" he called out. "A talking scarecrow and some… she-troll?"

"They didn't send us," said Elphaba. "We just don't like how you're treating these people. Leave them in peace."

"Hey, I know this chit!" said one of the men. "She's the reason our dear doctor friend doesn't get much business anymore."

"It's thanks to you that thirty-eight children could have died," Fiyero growled. "How dare you!"

"Maybe their parents just didn't care enough about them," the leader retorted with a grin.

"Or maybe you're squeezing every cent out of them so they can't even pay for the important matters!" Elphaba spat. "How dare you act so shamefully!"

"We are protecting these good people from the beasts that live in the forest! Surely you've heard of them? These things cost time and money, you know."

"The only beasts around here are you!" said Fiyero. "Leave now and there won't be any trouble."

Their leader scoffed and waved a hand. Two of his followers ran forward, weapons at the ready. Fiyero engaged with the one on the right and Elphaba danced away from the one on the left, trying to decide what spell to use.

He brought his sword down and she raised her hand up defensively. Rather than cleave her arm in two, flower petals showered over her. The man looked stunned. Elphaba smirked and slapped him with another spell.

"Itchita copita meleka mystica!"

He bent backwards, shrinking down and sprouting brown fur until a cat was left in his place. Jaws and defenses dropped, giving Fiyero an advantage. He hit his opponent in the head with the hilt, knocking him out cold.

"Are you going to leave this place alone?" Elphaba demanded, raising a hand. "Or shall I turn each and every one of you into a little kitty cat?"

"Wicked witch!" their leader spat. "Burn the village to the ground and toss her in the flames!"

Elphaba mounted her broom and flew into the sky. She put out the torches the men snatched up along with anything that had caught fire.

"Get out of our town!" a new voice shouted.

Avaric ran out of the shop. He grabbed a stone off the ground and hurled it at the leader. The horse reared up. It was the catalyst. More villagers came out with whatever they could find as weapons. Pitchforks, pieces of wood, iron pokers, stones picked up from the ground.

Elphaba sent spells at the men to scare their horses and them, doing her best to turn the soldiers' weapons into flowers, bubbles, and anything else completely harmless. Chistery helped by flying up high and throwing things down at them. Fiyero led the charge from the ground, using his sword to break spears and drive the men back so they couldn't retaliate.

The leader roared in rage and sent his horse towards Fiyero. He kicked his head off his shoulders. A few of his men screamed upon seeing the body continue to move around, swinging the sword wildly.

"Get a grip!"

"No!" Elphaba swooped down to try and rescue Fiyero's head.

The leader beat her to it, sending his horse to trample it. Elphaba covered her mouth with her hand.

"Get to safety, Fae!" Fiyero shouted.

She recoiled in horror as his head was split in half by a hoof. His body seized and collapsed into a pile of stick. Elphaba scooped up his satchel, nearly getting dragged off her broomstick.

Chistery intervened, hopping onto the offending bandit's head, screeching and pulling on her hair.

Elphaba retreated upwards.

"GET OUT!" she shrieked and slammed her hands down.

The soldiers all stiffened and turned around as if they were on strings. They took off out of town with Elphaba hot on their heels.

"NEVER COME BACK!" She threw a fireball after them, and another and another.

"That's right!" Avaric shouted. "We don't even want to see you around here again!"

"This is our village!"

"You have no power here anymore!"

Elphaba watched them until they disappeared over the horizon, then returned to where Fiyero fell. The flower girl was already picking up the pieces, gathering them into a pile.

"Oh, Yero," Elphaba murmured, touching the pumpkin pieces.

"He was so brave," said Mrs. Abolar, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Yes." Elphaba picked his clothes out of the pile and stashed them away. "He'll be alright. A few days, he'll reform, better than ever."

"Oh?" she gasped. "He isn't dead?"

"He'll get better," said Elphaba. "But he was still very brave. As were you."

She stood up to face Avaric, then looked at the others.

"All of you were brave," she said. "I thank you for standing with us. I'll keep an eye on things, make sure they don't attempt to retaliate."

"We've been taking it lying down long enough," said Avaric, raising his head. "I still don't like you."

"I can live with that," she replied drily. "I should get home now."

She turned the sword over. Wasn't useful as an umbrella anymore, but still…

"Please return this to the candy shop," she said to the flower seller and gave her some money as well.

"Yes, miss!" she said and skirted around Avaric before running to the shop.

Elphaba raised an eyebrow.

"I'll leave her be," he promised. "Don't want to be turned into a cat."

She smirked and mounted her broom, taking off into the sky. Chistery scrambled onto the front end, secured behind her arms.

By the time she touched down in her tower, she was exhausted.

"Fiyero will be okay," said Chistery, patting her arm.

"I know," Elphaba sighed. "It's just… difficult to see him go through that. He was very brave."

She shrugged everything off into a pile, sent her broom to the stand she kept for it, and organized her purchases, giving Chistery his book and sweets. She poked around in Fiyero's bag, but didn't see anything he could have bought.

"Will you be alright?" Chistery asked.

"I'll be just fine," she said. "I've plenty to keep me busy until Fiyero returns."

She set her chocolates on the table by her chair and brought out the stick that made Fiyero's torso. She turned it over in her hands, then faced her crystal ball.

Show me the bandits, she thought hard.

It fogged red, then an image cleared. They were on horseback, walking through a forest.

"I'll kill that witch!" the leader spat. "If it's the last thing I do!"

"There are other villages," said the woman with him. "Be clever, Jarrod. We've got more than enough riches to last us a lifetime, it's all for the fun of it these days."

"I don't care!" he growled. "No ugly green creature is going to tell me what to do!"

"We'll bide our time then," said the woman. "Leave them alone and when their guard is down, we'll strike with all our men."

"Unfortunately for you, my guard is never down," Elphaba murmured. "When you're ready to act, I'll be ready too."

She swept her hand across the face of the crystal.

"Alert me when they're talking about me or the village," she said.

She watched them until the sun set and frowned as they approached a castle.

"Where is that in relation to here?" she asked.

It zoomed out far enough for her to find a marker. She went over to the desk that had been stored in this room and found a map. She marked down the location and saw the name of a castle.

Vadallet Du.

"Interesting," she murmured.

Frankly, it wasn't far from Kiamo Ko, just on the other side of the mountain. She wondered if there would be a way to get there from here. Fiyero mentioned that the secret passages within Kiamo Ko went deep into the mountain. It's possible they intercepted the mines and could reach other castles. Perhaps the way was just lost to time.

Elphaba covered her crystal ball and went down to dinner, still deep in thought.

Chapter Text

"There you are. I've been looking for you."

Elphaba turned around. She was face-to-face with the most beautiful person she had ever seen in her life. He was a couple inches shorter than she was, he had blue diamonds tattooed on his brown skin, dark, curly hair, and gorgeous brown eyes. His smile was brilliant and his expression was soft as he gazed at her.

He drew her in and swept her hair back. "I'm so glad I found you."

Elphaba fell into him with a soft sigh, as he held her and kissed her without abandon.

She felt warm and safe and wanted.

"You always find me," she whispered into his shoulder. "How do I find you?"

"But I'm already here," he murmured.

They laid together and he whispered sweet nothings. Elphaba nuzzled him, his heart beating steadily in her ear.

Then it stopped.

She breathed in deeply and opened her eyes only to find she was in bed and completely alone. No handsome, mysterious stranger in sight.

She'd had this dream the last three nights, each time more vivid than the last, but he had felt so… real. No one had ever held her or looked at her like that before. Was this a vision?

No. It couldn't be.

Even though things had changed at the village, she doubted someone as beautiful as that would ever be drawn romantically to her.

Well, if all she had were her dreams, so be it. It just wasn't fair. Maybe she wouldn't find love like that, but she would at least like to have someone who would seek her out because they wanted to be around her. Just because she was who she was. A dear friend.

Elphaba smiled softly. Fiyero was a dear friend. She wasn't alone at all. Maybe things would change when his curse was broken, but for the moment life was fine. It was good.

She had Fiyero, Chistery, and Castle. What more did she need? Sure, it'd be nice to have someone warm next to her at night, but if she really wanted something that would adore her and cuddle up to her and be happy every time she entered the room, she'd get a puppy.

"No use spending the day dreaming," she said and got up.

She looked through her wardrobe and frowned, Her second favorite dress was missing, Did she put it away elsewhere?

Well… it was a little warm to wear it anyway.

Elphaba looked at some of the clothes she picked up from around the castle to fill out her wardrobe. Some of it was similar to what women wore in the village.

"Well… might as well," she said to herself.

She put on the skirt, blouse, and vest. She had liked the embroidery on the vest and skirt, the colors were beautiful against the blue fabric.

Elphaba started putting her hair up, then paused and let it drop. She just needed to keep it out of her face. She fetched the babushka she had been given and rolled it up into a band, wrapping it around her head and tying it off. Her hair flowed back and wouldn't get in the way.

The torches flashed three times.

"Visitors?" said Elphaba. "Oh! Perhaps it's Dr. Dillamond."

She hiked up her skirts and hurried down the stairs to go meet him. Castle opened the front doors for her just as the cart arrived. To her surprise, it was loaded to near bursting and covered with a canvas.

Dr. Dillamond sat in the driver's seat in his traveling clothes.

"Hello, Dr. Dillamond!" Elphaba called, hurrying down the steps to meet him.

"Miss Elphaba!" he said. "Ah, forgive me, you're a Madame now, aren't you?"

"Please, come inside," she said, not really answering that. "I'll give you the tour, you can pick your room, and we'll bring everything in."

"And I'd very much like to meet this husband of yours," said Dr. Dillamond.

"Yes, he's just… he's away so it might—"

"Elphaba!" Chistery scampered towards her. "He's here!"

"Fiyero?" said Elphaba. "Oh! Go get the surprise! Dr. Dillamond, come with me and you can meet him. Then we'll do everything else."

"Of course! They'll be fine in the wagon for a bit," he said. "A castle this big, I would think there'd be a hundred servants."

"No, the boys were fine with it as it was before I came along," said Elphaba. "But I've been thinking we should hire a few people from town out of work. Just for some upkeep. I mean, we can't do it all by ourselves, especially since I'm the new healer in town and Castle won't clean herself!"

A panel flung open. Elphaba blocked it with her arm before it could smack her in the head.

"I'm not wrong," she said, swatting it shut. "I hope you'll be polite to Dr. Dillamond."

The torches spluttered and Elphaba chuckled.

"Curious!" said Dr. Dillamond, adjusting his glasses. "The castle is alive?"

"Very much so," said Elphaba. "She's enchanted and provides everything we could need so long as we ask. Food, fire, supplies. I supplement here and there for specific things. This way."

She led him to the gardens and straight to the pumpkin patch. Fiyero's body was growing out of the ground like asparagus, and in the center was a pumpkin the right size for his head.

"Peculiar," said Dr. Dillamond, poking at the hand sticking out of the ground.

"You haven't seen anything yet," said Elphaba, sitting on her heels. "Just watch."

Dr. Dillamond knelt next to her. She could tell he wasn't sure if she was sane or not, but thankfully he kept quiet.

Lines appeared in the pumpkin and the limbs began to twitch. Fiyero finally opened his eyes.

"Oh, my!" Dr. Dillamond gasped.

Fiyero blinked and furrowed his brow.

"Fae, who's this?" he asked.

"Dr. Dillamond, my mentor."

"Extraordinary!" said Dr. Dillamond, poking Fiyero with his hoof. "This shouldn't be scientifically possible!"

"Neither should green skin, but Omega can attest that I was born this way," said Elphaba.

Fiyero mumbled something and Elphaba sighed.

"Dr. Dillamond, don't put your hooves in his mouth."

"Pardon me," he said sheepishly. "I've just never seen anything like him! How does he work? Why is he growing in the ground?"

"He got trampled a few days ago," she said and looked at Fiyero. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be better when I'm put back together," he said pointedly.

Elphaba smiled and stood up just as Chistery ran out with a burlap sack.

"I have a present for you," said Elphaba, pulling his limbs out of the ground.

"A present?" said Fiyero keenly. "What is it?"

"You'll see," she said and stood behind him so he couldn't peek.

Chistery opened the bag and pulled the chest piece Elphaba made out. She knew he hated being all stick and pumpkin, but clothes never fit him right and were always getting caught. She made him a chest out of burlap and stuffed it with wool. It wasn't very big, just to fill him out, give him some shape. She slid it over his pole before attaching his arms and legs so it wouldn't slip off.

She put on the shirt and trousers she tailored to fit tighter around his limbs. The trousers were still baggy, but she secured them up with suspenders. So they couldn't slide off his barely there shoulders, she added tabs to the shirts to fasten them down. She had also made him vests out of fabrics she had been weaving over the past few months and some old vests she found in the castle.

For his legs, she found a pair of soft leather boots and stuffed them with straw before putting them on his feet, over his trousers. To secure them, she wrapped them up with leather straps. She stuffed his trousers the rest of the way with straw.

"What are you doing back there?" Fiyero asked.

"Almost done," said Elphaba, hauling his body to its feet. She rolled the sleeves up to his elbows and buttoned them down to stay there. "Alright."

Chistery cut the vine keeping Fiyero tethered to the ground and picked his head up, passing it to Elphaba. She set Fiyero back on his shoulders.

He seized the sides of his head and tugged it down with a resounding crack.

"What do you think?" Elphaba asked, stepping back. "I thought it might be more comfortable if you didn't have to worry about straw spilling out of your chest."

Fiyero looked down at himself and patted his chest. He stuck a foot out and wiggled it.

"You made all this for me?" he asked, looking at her in amazement.

"Well, some I tailored," she said. "If the shape feels wrong, I can let it out a bit, add more stuffing or take some out."

"It's perfect," he said, grinning. "It's amazing! Thank you!"

He hugged her tightly. Her heart beat fast and she leaned into him before realizing they had an audience.

"Right," she said. "Dr. Dillamond, this is Fiyero, but the villagers refer to him as Scarecrow. Fiyero, this is Dr. Dillamond."

"A pleasure to meet you," said Dr. Dillamond.

"You as well," said Fiyero, shaking his hoof. "Welcome to Kiamo Ko."

Elphaba noticed his arm was still secure around her waist. He was usually a little stiff after waking up. She spun out and straightened her vest.

"You woke up just in time," she said.

"In time for what?" Fiyero asked.

"To help me give a tour and carry in Dr. Dillamond's things," she said.

"Aww, Fae, I just woke up and you're going to put me straight to work?" he whined.

"Yes."

He groaned. "Fine!"

Dr. Dillamond chuckled. "No doubt you two are married."

"We're not, actually," said Elphaba. "Father just… misunderstood, but Fiyero was kind enough to let me stay."

"Oh!" said Dr. Dillamond. "I see. Well, it's always good to become friends with someone before spending your lives together."

Elphaba sighed softly and gave him the tour first so he could pick his room.

"What lovely flowers," said Dr. Dillamond, pulling one out of a vase on a pedestal in the hall. "May I?"

"Go ahead."

He munched on it and considered the rooms.

"I think this one would be quite nice," he said, selecting one that got a lot of sunlight.

"How long are you planning on staying with us?" Fiyero asked.

"That remains to be seen," said Dr. Dillamond.

"What is it?" Elphaba asked. "What's wrong?"

"I wouldn't dream of imposing on you, my dear," he said, patting her hand. "I will be looking for more permanent lodgings. It's just… well, it seems there's no place for an old Goat like me back home. Local law… Animals shouldn't be providing medical service to humans, but you don't see anyone raising a fuss at veterinarians!"

"How awful!" Elphaba gasped.

"Well," said Fiyero. "It's not like we don't have the room and you are a certified doctor. We'll introduce you at the next town meeting. Their doctor is in the pocket of some bandits and I know Fae is worried about having to perform surgery."

Elphaba broke into a wide smile. Was he saying what she thought he was?

"Yes, stay here as long as you like," said Elphaba. "And if that quack doctor gets run out of town, you might end up moving there regardless."

"How kind of you," he said. "I'll think on it."

"For now, let's just get your things in," said Fiyero.

It took them the better part of the day. Dr. Dillamond brought one of every book he had in his shop on top of his personal library, as well as all his apothecary ingredients. Plus his research journals, clothes, equipment, everything he owned. Elphaba promised to make space for him in the laboratory.

"Yoohoo! Miss Elphaba?"

Elphaba stopped on the steps and turned around.

"Madame Abolar," she said. "What brings you up here?"

"I noticed your carriage," she said. "I thought you might have had a visitor and thought I'd call to introduce myself. I brought some rice fritters."

She held up the covered basket and spotted Fiyero.

"Prince Scarecrow! How wonderful to see you've returned," she said. "When Lady Elphaba said you would recover I didn't believe it."

"Believe it," said Fiyero. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yes, perfectly fine! That soldier turned cat isn't too happy though," she chuckled. "But I hope the change is permanent. The children just adore him."

"Please, come in," said Elphaba. "This is Dr. Dillamond, my mentor. He's an excellent doctor and a certified pharmacist. He's moved here to train me and be available to the village as a surgeon."

"Wonderful!"

While the two got acquainted, Elphaba helped Fiyero bring in the last of the crates and bags. Even though she was strong, Elphaba wasn't comfortable using her magic to carry more than two at a time.

"There we go," said Fiyero, wiping imaginary sweat off his brow. "Whew, if I knew I was going to be putting this much work in, I would've waited longer to come back."

"Can you actually choose when to come back?" Elphaba asked.

"Well, no," he admitted. "I just die and then I wake up. It's hard to explain. Sometimes I wonder if I do dream and just don't remember it."

She shrugged, not really knowing how to respond, so she moved on.

"That was wonderful of you to invite Dr. Dillamond to stay indefinitely," she said.

"He's important to you," said Fiyero. "That's reason enough."

She smiled. "I preferred him as a teacher than the Tigress who taught me how to weave. He didn't throw stuff at my head when I messed up."

Fiyero scoffed. "Not a high bar, Fae."

He stared at her a long moment.

"What?" she asked.

"You're wearing your hair down," he noted.

"Oh. Sort of." She touched it lightly. "I didn't think I'd be seeing anyone except Chistery today, so I thought I'd change it up."

"And here I thought you got prettied up just to greet me," he teased, running the tail of her babushka through his fingers.

"So certain of yourself," she scoffed, though inside she felt all shy.

Honestly, she didn't like Fiyero like that and even if she did, she wasn't his type, so it was better not to read too much into why her heart was racing when his hand came so close to her skin. Even if she was okay with sticks and pumpkin for the rest of her life, Fiyero certainly wouldn't be. She had a better chance with the man from her dream.

Elphaba quickly sped away from him to make sure she got everything from the carriage and wagon. Satisfied, she left Fiyero to take care of Poppy and went inside to figure out where Mrs. Abolar and Dr. Dillamond went, finally finding them in a parlor with a tea cart.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Elphaba. "Everything is in your room for the moment Dr. Dillamond, we'll unpack and sort over the next few days."

"Thank you, my dear," he said. "Mrs. Abolar was just telling me how you've helped the village since you've arrived."

"Yes, she chased away those horrid bandits," said Mrs. Abolar.

"Well… that is something I wanted to bring up at the next town meeting," said Elphaba. "They do intend to enact revenge."

"Oh."

"Not anytime soon," she hastened to add. "They want to lull everyone into a false sense of security and then strike. I have a way to watch them and give warning but…"

"We'll need a plan," said Fiyero, taking a seat next to her on the couch. "You can tell the Burgomaster and we'll discuss how to prepare for when they come back."

Mrs. Abolar pursed her lips and nodded. "How do you watch them?"

"I have my ways," said Elphaba. "When they're ready to act, I'll know."

"And we'll be ready to push back," said Fiyero. "Let's just keep it quiet that Elphaba has a way to watch. If we give away our advantage…"

"Then we're lost," said Mrs. Abolar, tapping her nose. "Mum's the word. We'll just say we don't expect them to leave well enough alone and must be prepared."

Elphaba remembered what she wanted to talk to Fiyero about and made a mental note to bring it up later.

Mrs. Abolar left after a while to have dinner at home, but not without insisting they all stop to call soon.

After a pleasant dinner that Castle served, Elphaba saw Dr. Dillamond to his room.

"I'm sure you're exhausted from the journey," she said. "But if you'd like I can help you unpack."

"I think I'll just wind down," he said. "But thank you, I'll take you up on that tomorrow."

"Alright, we'll start after breakfast then," she said.

"After breakfast then," he agreed.

Elphaba turned around and realized Fiyero hadn't followed along. She thought of trying to track him down, but he usually liked to take some time to himself after growing back. That may have been due to the last several times his demise was caused by her, but if he didn't want to see her, then she wouldn't disturb him. Her idea could wait until tomorrow.

~o0o~

Dr. Dillamond's arrival brought many visitors to the Castle over the course of several days wanting to get a look at him and to get his opinion on certain matters Elphaba hadn't been sure about.

"Well, now," said the Old Goat once the bus left. "I think I should like a nap before dinner."

"Of course," said Elphaba. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, my dear, thank you."

She nodded and went outside for some fresh air. She hadn't dreamed of her handsome stranger again, which was more frustrating than anything. They were her dreams, was she honestly being left high and dry by a figment of her imagination?

She parked herself beneath a flowering tree. The blackberry bush around it was starting to ripen. She should make a jam with them. They had all that flour too, she could make some fresh bread.

Blackberries had always been her favorite fruit. They grew around the house back home. Nessa would hold the basket while Elphaba picked them.

She breathed in the sweet scent of flowers and tilted her head up to catch the last bit of full sun before it would start to dip below the peaks.

It wouldn't be a bad place to live out the rest of her life. She could see herself growing old here. Stooped, grizzled, and grey, using her gnarled hands to pluck off rotten leaves and petals; sitting on this bench to feed her crows or complete her knitting.

Would that change? If Fiyero's curse broke and he went back to his life, would she be left behind?

She opened her eyes and sighed softly. Yes. That would make sense wouldn't it? Why did any sort of security have to lie in marrying well?

It wasn't fair.

"Fae?"

She blinked and realized Fiyero was standing there. He braced his hand on a low branch of the tree as he ducked under it. No doubt to prevent his head from being knocked off.

"Yero," she said. "It's been so busy, I'm afraid we haven't really had time to chat."

"What's wrong?" he asked. "You seem sad about something."

"No, I wouldn't say sad," she said softly.

He sat next to her.

"Anything you want to talk about?" he asked. "I thought you'd be happy with Dr. Dillamond here."

"I am," she said. "I really am. I'm just… being ridiculous."

"If there's one thing you're not it's ridiculous," said Fiyero. "Except maybe when it comes to cleaning the castle top to bottom with a toothbrush."

She rolled her eyes and nudged him.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I was just thinking about the future," she said.

"Oh?"

"Sometimes, I think I can see it so clearly," she said. "I get feelings. Visions. Not often just… flashes."

"Did you have a vision?" Fiyero asked.

"I don't know," she admitted. "Probably more of a wish. It's foolish."

"It's not foolish to wish for things," he said. "What is it you're wishing for? I promise, I won't laugh."

"Usually when people promise not to laugh, they end up laughing," she pointed out.

"Well, I don't fancy you sticking my head up somewhere I can't reach so…" He scooted closer. "Talk to me."

Elphaba looked down, rubbing her thumb over the embroidery on her skirt.

"I want to stay here," she said. "Here in Kiamo Ko, but I'm terrified of being alone."

"Who says you'd be alone?"

"Well, when your curse breaks, you'll have to go back to your life," she said. "And Chistery might want to spread his wings and explore elsewhere. And Dr. Dillamond is already an old Goat, he won't live forever. And I couldn't go back to live with my family. Maybe I could still be a Healer, but for how long? How long until I've outlived my usefulness? Would I be abandoned? What if Castle stops being sentient? What if I can't stay here anymore? And there's that man—"

Fiyero grabbed her hand and her spiral halted.

"What man?" he asked and she felt her face heat up.

"No man, forget the man," she said.

"Fae, is there someone in town still giving you a hard time?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"No." She got up and walked away. "Just forget it. I'm being stupid."

"Hey! Why won't you just talk to me? I've been out of the loop for three days, you think Chistery is going to fill me in?"

"I don't want to talk about it!" She shot back and climbed up the largest tree to escape.

"We're friends! Just tell me about your feelings so I can help you!"

Elphaba crossed her arms and leaned against the tree trunk. Fiyero scaled up after her and held onto the branch she was sitting on.

"Please," he said. "I want to help you."

Oz, he was so earnest. Elphaba pulled a flower off a branch and started pulling off the petals one by one.

"It's just someone I dreamed about," she said softly. "I highly doubt he exists."

"What did he look like?" Fiyero asked.

"Brown skin. Curly brown hair. Few inches shorter than me and…" she closed her eyes. "His eyes… I think they were brown. Or maybe hazel."

"Not so unusual in this area," said Fiyero.

She shook her head. "Even if he did exist, there's no way he would say all those wonderful things to me or even look at me like that."

"And how did he look at you?"

She dropped her head back.

"Like I was everything," she sighed. "My own flesh and blood was happy to get rid of me and I've come to a realization. I don't want to die alone."

"You're not going to die alone." Fiyero hauled himself up onto the branch and took her hands. "You'll always have a home here. Whether my curse is broken tomorrow or in a hundred years, I swear to you— Look at me."

She slowly raised her eyes to his.

"I promise you won't be without a home," he said. "If something happens and I can't be here anymore, then I'll just make the castle yours and I'll have people take care of you."

She blinked and straightened up. "You can't do that!"

"Why not? I think Castle likes you more than me anyway."

She huffed softly.

"I know what you mean," he said. "About loneliness. I think I may have been lonely my whole life. I just never realized it until…"

He trailed off and looked away.

"Until?" she pressed.

He smiled. "Until you showed up."

Elphaba pulled her hands away from his. Foolishness. Her heart had no reason to be reacting as it was. She was just lonely and looking too deep into her relationships.

She needed to focus.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," she said.

"Yeah?"

"Come with me."

They climbed down and she led him up to her tower, taking out the map.

"Those bandits are staying here," she said, tapping Vadallet Du on the map.

"That's really close to here," Fiyero noted. "Distance wise anyway. They wouldn't be able to reach us unless they were part mountain goat."

"I'm not so sure," said Elphaba. "Didn't you say the tunnels beneath the castle sprawl really far out into the mountain?"

"Sure but… oh! You think they might be connected?"

"I mean, I've never seen the tunnels," she said. "But that's about a mile as the crow flies, isn't it?"

"As the crow flies," he agreed. "But the main road to there is about twenty miles. I think it'd be six or seven to cut through the forest before it becomes too steep. Any tunnel reaching it would have to either slope down or have stairs."

"Still worth a look, isn't it?" she said. "They plan to attack one day and I heard the woman, she said they have enough riches to last a lifetime, so it's all for sport."

"Hm." Fiyero tapped his chin. "Wouldn't it be interesting if… nah, forget it."

"I was thinking of stealing it from them," said Elphaba.

"Oh! That's exactly what I was thinking."

"And we could give it back to the people," she continued. "The money should be equally distributed and I think for anything else like jewelry and silverware, people would need to report it and we could see if we have it. Rather than just give what could be a priceless heirloom to a random person."

"That I had not thought of," he said. "You're right, but the nobility might be angry that they won't get everything back in full."

"Then that's not very noble of them and they no doubt took it out on villagers to keep their own lifestyle."

"Good point. I'll start looking myself, those old tunnels can be dangerous and I don't want you to get hurt if there's a collapse."

"Fiyero, I'd be fine."

"Humor me," he said. "Just on this. Please?"

She sighed softly and nodded. "Alright."

Chapter Text

"Dead end," said Fiyero. "Any air flow?"

Elphaba finished drawing the section of the map and conjured a small puff of smoke. It went straight up, no draw, so she marked an 'X' on the map.

Her agreeing to stay behind only lasted a day. She was stubborn, but—not that Fiyero would admit it—he was glad for the company. They had found some exits. A cave system that started as a basis for the tunnels and a man-made air vent.

They actually made it really close to Vadallet Du, which just made Elphaba decide there must be a passage to it that had been caved in. Even so, they were going to try every path first before digging a new one. It was slow, careful work.

"Time to head back," said Elphaba. "The lantern is running low."

She was afraid of the dark. She didn't tell him, but after a year together he'd picked up on these things. Storms, the dark, being alone. Things young children were usually afraid of but grew out of. She put on a brave face, but he could tell those things really set her on edge. Her shoulders would tense, she'd dig her nails into her skirts, and she would rock just slightly as if she were thinking of a song.

Pointing them out would just make her work harder to hide them, so he would just quietly place a fresh candle in her room so she wouldn't wake up in the dark or insist on a piano lesson during a nasty storm or find an excuse to be wherever she was. She didn't always like to talk, but he found she often liked existing in the same space doing her own thing while he did his.

Elphaba rested her hand in the crook of his elbow as they hurried back to the castle.

The times where they fought like a cat and dog seemed impossible now and Fiyero wondered how he ever could have hated her.

The oil in the lanterns were dwindling. Elphaba's grip tightened on his arm and her jaw set.

Finally, they reached the familiar tunnels beneath Kiamo Ko and the torch brackets lit up.

Elphaba exhaled softly and relaxed her hold, though her hand remained on his arm.

What was this feeling? He thought he might have felt it before, but it had been so long since he truly felt anything.

"Time for tea," she said, placing the lantern in its proper place.

"Mind if I join you?" Fiyero asked.

"Not at all."

She pulled her hair out of its braid and brushed it out, making sure there was nothing caught in it. It had a mind of its own, fluffing and curling.

Fiyero liked it when her hair was down like this.

She left it out as they headed to one of the warmed sitting rooms, a tea tray already set out. Chistery was sitting upside down in a chair reading a book he held in his feet while he toyed with a puzzle box.

"Good afternoon, Chistery," said Elphaba.

"No thanks, I'm fine," said Chistery.

"He's already ignoring us," said Fiyero, wiping away imaginary tears. "They grow up so fast."

Elphaba chuckled and settled back in her chair with a cup cradled in her hands.

"Fiyero?" she said after a while.

"Hm?"

She handed over the invitation to the Burgomaster's Harvest Festival Gala. She had been looking at it while she drank her tea.

"What's that list there at the bottom?" she asked.

He took the paper and scanned the list.

"Oh, it's the dances that will be played at the gala," he said. "I'm familiar with most of them."

"I see."

"There's still some time," he said. "Why don't we step back from the tunnels and I can teach you a few of them."

She looked apprehensive.

"We'll do the really easy ones," he promised. "Line dances, two steps, the waltz, and the traditional folk dance of the area. Only a few of these are really complicated."

"But how will I learn without music?" she asked.

She had a point there. He tapped his fingers against his cheek.

"Why not hire a musician familiar with the songs from the village?" Dr. Dillamond suggested. "Forgive my intrusion, I smelled tea."

Elphaba offered him the muslin tea bag, which he popped into his mouth like a cookie.

"Not a bad idea," said Fiyero. "I'll go tomorrow and see if I can find someone."

"Very well," said Elphaba.

She didn't seem all too excited about it, but she wasn't digging her heels in either. He appreciated that she was going along with it. Besides, it would look strange if he didn't share at least one dance with the lady of the castle.

~o0o~

The day of the Harvest Festival quickly arrived and Fiyero was excited. It'd been so long since he'd gone socializing and dancing. Elphaba managed to learn the dances and the past few days he caught her practicing when she thought no one was looking.

Fiyero hurried to her room before the sun rose and placed a large box where she could easily see it.

If he mentioned it, she would probably call him an idiot or vehemently deny it, but she could be such a girl. She could pretend she thought it was silly and a waste of money all she wanted, but there was still a part of her that longed to own pretty things. She still wasn't like any girl he knew growing up, but he hoped she'd realize that there was nothing foolish about wanting nice things.

"Fiyero?"

Dammit! Caught. He froze in place hoping she might fall back to sleep. Instead, the door to her bed opened.

"What are you doing in my room?" she asked.

No sense in lying. She'd see through it anyway.

"I got you a present," he said. "I wanted to surprise you with it, but I guess I wasn't quiet enough."

She furrowed her brow and pulled the door shut. He heard fabric rustle, a thud, and a soft 'ow', then she climbed out, wrapped up in her dressing gown and rubbing her head.

"You okay?"

"Just hit my head," she said and put on her glasses. "What sort of present?"

He held the box out and worried about her reaction. Would she hate it? Would she get mad at him?

Elphaba swiftly untied the ribbon and removed the lid, dropping it in shock.

"I just… thought you'd like a new dress to wear to the gala," said Fiyero. "You tailored a suit for me, after all."

Though, he had ordered it before they received the invitation. He just wanted her to have something beautiful.

"Is it the color?" Fiyero asked, wincing at her lack of response.

She hovered her hands over it, as if it would burn her, then carefully lifted it out of the box. It was a beautiful shade of blue like the diamonds in the tiara she had tried on.

"It's beautiful," she said, sweeping her thumb along the black lace that decorated the swooping neckline. She hesitated as if to reject it, to claim she didn't need it, then looked up at him. "Thank you, Fiyero."

She carried it to her wardrobe and hung it up so it wouldn't get dirty before she was ready to put it on.

"And I took the liberty of selecting some jewelry pieces for you," he said.

She whipped around and opened her mouth to argue.

"Because I knew you would insist you don't need it, but this is a special occasion," he said.

She closed her mouth. Point to Fiyero. He tried not to look too smug.

"You should try to get a little more rest," he said. "You'll need your energy for the gala."

"Alright."

"You're being so agreeable. I should withhold coffee from you if this is how you are before it."

She stuck her tongue out and he grinned. She placed the jewelry boxes on the table by her armchair, then turned and took both his hands, squeezing them.

"Really, Fiyero," she said. "Thank you."

She stretched up and kissed his cheek. Her soft lips just barely brushing his skin.

"I wanted you to have something nice," he said. "I don't know much about style, but I trust the ladies at the dress shop. Everything in the castle is decades or centuries old except for the clothes left by the woman who passed through just before you came here."

"I looked at those," Elphaba admitted and chuckled. "Aside from being much too short for my limbs, I don't think I could pull that shade of pink off."

"Not with that attitude," Fiyero teased.

"And even if I wasn't much too tall, I'd have to stuff my corset with papayas to fill the bodice out."

Fiyero laughed at the mental image. Elphaba squeezed his hands once more, then made a shooing motion.

"Alright, out of my room," she said. "I'll see you later."

"Until later," he said and left.

He made sure the suit she tailored for him was ready and didn't have any tears, then wondered how he was going to fill the hours until it was time to leave. He was excited.

Chistery wasn't interested in a stuffy gala, so Dr. Dillamond promised to take him to the carnival held in the plaza, then the four of them would attend the remaining days of the festival together. There would be games and competitions. Elphaba was entering a pie at their insistence.

Fiyero managed to pass the time and when Elphaba returned to her room to get ready, he did the same.

He wiped down his head and sanded rough spots on his hands so he wouldn't accidentally give Elphaba any splinters when they danced. He checked his breath, then remembered he couldn't smell. Maybe he could stuff a spice into his mouth. Perhaps mint or cinnamon.

Sighing softly, he put on the suit and checked himself in the mirror. Not quite his dashing human self, but he still looked smart. As smart as he could for a scarecrow. It did feel a bit strange to not stuff himself with straw, but he felt like he didn't need the burlap sack to hide his face anymore.

He made his way down to the foyer to wait for Elphaba. It was still early and she was good at managing her time.

As the sun was beginning to set, he heard her heels click against the stone floor.

Straightening up, he placed one arm behind his back and looked up the staircase. Elphaba rounded the bannister and carefully made her way down the steps. Fiyero found himself dumb-struck. Same as he had when he woke up in the pumpkin patch this last time to see her waiting for him and smiling.

The word 'beautiful' came to mind.

The dress fit her perfectly and suited her well. She even put on the jewelry he selected: a choker and earrings. She wore satin gloves that went up to her elbows and had her cloak draped over her arm. Her hair was elegantly done in the plaited bun she usually wore it in, but she had added ribbon to the braid and silk flowers.

"Have you been waiting long?" she asked.

"Uh… well, it didn't take me as long to get ready as I thought it would," he said.

Go on. Say something charming. 'It was worth the wait.' 'You look beautiful.' 'Nice dress, where'd you get it?' Anything.

Words eluded him. He must've left his brain in the other pumpkin.

"You look very handsome," she said without a hint of irony or sarcasm. She conjured a beautiful, lavender rose and tucked it into his lapel. "There we are. Let's go then."

And then the moment to compliment her was gone. Fiyero sighed inwardly and helped her put her cloak on before they went out to the carriage.

Elphaba looked out the window, the only sign of her nervousness being her fidgeting fingers.

"I think autumn is my favorite season," she said decisively. "When all the leaves change."

"I always liked spring," said Fiyero. "But I liked going to the sea during the summer."

"I've never been to the sea," she mused.

"I'll take you one day," he said. "Why don't we go next summer?"

"I think I might like that," she said and smiled slightly. "Why is it called the Deadly Sea?"

"Uhm…" he wracked his brain for the answer. "I think because it's too salty to drink. But that's just a nickname. We just call it Uma, it's the old Vinkun word for sea."

As they entered town, the carriage was recognized and they were immediately greeted with cheerful waves from villagers they passed. Fiyero thought he caught a glimpse of Chistery and Dr. Dillamond at a cart that was selling candy apples.

As a kid, Fiyero's favorite part of the festival was getting to sleep and eat meals outside under the large tree in the palace gardens, provided the weather was nice. It usually wasn't too bad down at the Thousand Year Grasslands.

The carriage finally pulled up to the Burgomaster's house and the door opened on its own. Fiyero hurried out and offered his hand to Elphaba.

They could hear the celebration in the main plaza for everyone else and Fiyero found himself wishing they were attending that one instead of this one.

Elphaba handed over their invitation to the butler at the door and they were marked off the list.

Gentle music played while guests milled around waiting for dinner to be served. Elphaba straightened her spine and clutched Fiyero's arm. It was clear that the guests were mainly from out of town, wearing attire that varied from traditional Vinkun to the latest fashions from the Emerald City.

"Prince Scarecrow and Lady Elphaba!" said Mr. Abolar, loud enough to gain attention from the guests. "So glad you could make it."

He shook both their hands as did Mrs. Abolar.

"Allow me to introduce you to everyone," she said.

Based on the size of their dining table and the number of place settings, Fiyero guessed there would be about thirty guests, which meant most if not all had arrived and they were fashionably late. Best not to tell Elphaba, she'd be mortified.

The guests were indeed in higher social standing, many seemed to be in charge of neighboring towns. Larger towns. Fiyero recognized two Chiefs from the council meetings he had been forced to go to: Chief Renard from the Zuli Tribe and Chief Thunder from the Bovi tribe. There was also a Duchess, a couple lords and ladies, a Mayoress, a Margrave, and fellow Burgomasters.

They stared at Fiyero and Elphaba with expressions that plainly stated they didn't believe the pair were anything but riffraff.

Maybe this was a mistake.

But they had accepted the invitation and Fiyero was here to dance.

Elphaba was very good at pretending she didn't give one twig about what people thought of her, so Fiyero did the same.

"Here I am!" a sweet and bubbly voice chimed out. "It's good to see me, isn't it?"

"You must meet my niece," said Mrs. Abolar, leading them to the staircase.

She must have been staying there but had taken a long time to get ready. Fiyero stopped dead in his tracks. It was her, the woman who had showed up at his castle before Elphaba. In this light she was even more beautiful. 'Perfect' came to mind. Her pink dress looked to be the latest fashion from the Emerald City, her hair too. She was graceful and called the attention of everyone in the room. Golden hair, warm brown skin, dazzling smile.

"Galinda, dear, come meet Prince Scarecrow," said Mrs. Abolar.

"Prince?"

Galinda followed her aunt, took one look at the pair, and yelped.

"We get that a lot," said Elphaba drily.

"They live in Kiamo Ko castle," said Mrs. Abolar, using an iron grip to keep her niece from running. "His Grace is the ruler of this province and they both protect us from the bandits in the absence of the King and Queen."

The change was immediate. Galinda smiled brightly.

"Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands, Your Grace," she said, holding out her hand. "How do you do?"

Ah. She was very important herself. The Upper Uplands were very highly ranked in Gillikin. No official titles, but they didn't need them. Fiyero took her hand and kissed it and Elphaba shook her hand firmly.

This was the most beautiful woman in the world, she could break his curse. He'd seen a lot of women, the only other who could have broken it was his childhood sweetheart, Sarima, but she hadn't been there when he was cursed and when they were fifteen, she was betrothed to some prince from Fliann. She was likely married by now.

"We are acquainted," said Galinda. "I passed by last year, I believe."

"Yes, and you left in quite the hurry," said Fiyero. "You left some of your belongings behind. Please. Feel free to stop by and pick them up anytime."

"How kind of you," she said. "Yes, I should stop by for them while I'm visiting my dear aunt."

A bell rang, which must've meant all the guests had arrived.

"Dinner is served," said the butler.

This was the part Fiyero was least looking forward to. He barely tolerated this social dance when he was human, preferring to focus on his meal, but he couldn't do that anymore.

As the highest ranking person there, Fiyero's place was at the end of the table opposite the Burgomaster, who sat at the head of the table since he was the host. Fiyero pulled out the chair to his right for Elphaba.

Galinda, it would seem, was placed to his left. A brief expression like she bit into a lemon crossed her face, but Fiyero still pulled her chair out for her, because he was polite and she was unescorted.

"A quick toast before we begin," said Mr. Abolar. "Here's to a wonderful year. It has been difficult, but I would like to give a special thank you to my honored guests, Prince Scarecrow and Lady Elphaba. Without whom, we would have lost our children's lives and would still be plagued by those horrendible soldiers."

They raised their glasses.

"Thank you for inviting us into your home," said Elphaba.

The first course was placed in front of everyone sans Fiyero. After a few dinner visits they knew he didn't eat. It always looked delicious. He wished he could at least smell it.

Elphaba looked like she belonged at the table. She was very proper, and though her etiquette was different, it was culturally different rather than ignorance.

"Aren't you going to eat, Your Grace?" Duchess Suerti, an older, very old-fashioned and elegant woman asked.

If Fiyero and Elphaba weren't there, no doubt she would be sitting in his place. She seemed a bit miffed about that, actually.

"Scarecrow doesn't need to eat," said Elphaba. "He is a living scarecrow and therefore does not require constant replenishment of energy."

"I see…"

"I will tell you, he's never insulted my cooking," she said.

There was a beat and some laughter. Genuine but suppressed to a polite level. Fiyero grinned.

"You do the cooking?" Galinda asked and a few looked scandalized.

"Only when I feel like it."

"Tell me, how much staff do you keep at your castle?" a man asked.

"Just the Castle," said Fiyero. "She's enchanted and provides meals for any of my guests as well as warmth and water and anything else we might need. We are looking into hiring a staff to maintain upkeep so Elphaba can focus on being a healer."

"Elphaba is such a wonderful healer," said Mrs. Abolar. "And the most powerful witch any of us have seen."

Elphaba looked down at her plate, embarrassed by the praise.

Duchess Suerti sniffed.

"Your place, Lady Scarecrow, is running the household and bearing children," she said. "As many children as possible."

Fiyero choked and made a weird hacking noise, spewing out pumpkin seeds on the table cloth in front of him.

Elphaba swept the seeds into her hand and folded them away into her napkin, which was whisked away by a maid.

"A lot of people seem to be under the impression we are married," she said. "We are not. This soup is wonderful. What kind is it?"

"It's pumpkin soup—" Mr. Abolar's face fell as he looked at Fiyero. "I am so sorry."

Fiyero looked at Elphaba's bowl and gasped, covering his mouth.

"My son," he whispered.

Elphaba swatted his arm, but he could tell she was trying not to laugh.

"Where are you from originally, Miss Elphaba?" asked Galinda, changing the subject.

"Munchkinland," she said. "My father is a textile merchant."

"Really," Galinda said. "I didn't know people from Munchkinland could be… tall. And how did you come to live with His Highness? Are you at least courting?"

"She's the Court Wizard," said Fiyero.

"I see."

Her eyelashes fluttered.

Oh. Now she was interested.

Well, she was the most beautiful woman in the world and he wanted his curse broken more than anything.

Conversation thankfully moved on. Fiyero maintained a decent conversation with Galinda. She was definishly his type.

When dinner was over, they moved to the other room to talk and dance.

"Do you dance?" Galinda asked.

"Of course," he said. "Shall we?"

She was an excellent dancer even with his awkward height. It was good to dance, to hold someone in his arms, to let the music move him and to talk about shallow things.

He almost felt like himself again.

Chapter Text

It was getting too painful to watch. Fiyero looked so happy, easing into each dance with Galinda. Since Galinda batted her eyes, he never even looked Elphaba's way. Not even for the folk dance she had admitted she enjoyed during their practicing. During an interlude, she thought he might wander by, but instead he brought Galinda punch and chatted with her. His eyes were only for her, especially when she played and sang for everyone while the musicians took their break.

She was a beautiful singer.

Elphaba decided that she hadn't been missing much when she was excluded from these events all her life. She wasn't approached for a dance, a conversation, or even a request to scoot over to make room on the bench.

It was getting late and it seemed that her practice, her hours spent stuffing herself into these petticoats and corset and brushing oils into her hair until it shone and wrangling it into this hairstyle was all for nothing.

She stood and left the room, then looked up the stairs to see the Abolar children peering through the bannister, trying to get a look at the party.

"You three should be in bed," she said, smiling slightly. "Children only grow when they sleep."

"But the sky is awake," said Ainnle.

Sure enough there were fireworks going off.

Elphaba climbed the stairs part way and sat down on a step.

"If you don't get some sleep tonight then you'll be too tired to enjoy the festivations tomorrow," she reasoned.

"No, we won't!" said Maeve. "We always stay up to listen to the fireworks."

There was a low growl and she spotted a brown cat with stripes glaring at her.

"Mr. Cocoa, that's not very nice!" Maeve scolded, wagging a finger.

Guess that answered what happened to the man she transformed.

"Go on to bed," Elphaba said to the children. "I promise you aren't missing much. Doctor's orders."

They scampered to the nursery, though she was sure they would continue to stay up.

The cat stalked over to her.

"Turn me back, witch!" he snarled. "I'll gut you like a fish."

"I certainly hope you watch your tongue around those sweet children," she said.

"My quarrel isn't with children."

"No? You sure were keen to let them die while that quack squeezed every penny out of their parents for snake oil."

"That's Jarrod's business," he sniffed. "If you change me back, I'll tell you everything you need to know."

"No," she said.

"How about I scratch your eyes out?"

"It's impossible," she said. "The spell is permanent unless the subject is already under a curse."

"Lies!" He swiped at her but she pulled her arm away in time and stood up.

"I don't lie," she said. "If you bandits were simply redistributing the wealth from rich to poor, it'd be one thing, but you're robbing the rich and the poor and keeping every penny for yourselves. Despicable."

"Like you're so virtuous!"

"At least I try to help others," she said and checked the ballroom again to see if Fiyero noticed her absence.

He and Galinda were waltzing around the floor with other well-matched couples. The sting returned and she turned away, sitting down on a bench.

The cat hopped up next to her with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"How pitiful," he sneered. "So ugly even the Scarecrow would turn his head."

"He can do whatever he likes," she said. "I'm not his wife."

"But he sure did like you before that tasty little thing came flouncing in. Though, I suppose I could make do with a troll if it were my only option."

Elphaba dug her nails into her palms.

"Coming from the man who now has to lick his ass clean every day, Mr. Cocoa," she retorted.

He growled and launched himself at her, knocking her glasses askew. She grabbed him by the scruff and held him away from her, carrying him to the front door. She dropped him and gave him a swift kick, sending him running.

Her cheek stung and she waited for someone to come see what the commotion was about, but it never came. The music and laughter didn't even dip.

Well, it wasn't a very long commotion and the fireworks were so loud. Elphaba went to the powder room and fixed her glasses, frowning at the scratch on her cheek. It wasn't very deep.

She cleaned it and dabbed at it with one of the towels.

She left just in time for the final dance. It wasn't one she had been able to master, so she collected her cloak and waited for this stupid thing to be over.

Some of the guests were staying at the Burgomaster's house while those who lived closer by called for their carriages. Elphaba waited for a bit and then poked her head into the other room to see Fiyero kissing Galinda's hand.

"I will be by within the week," Galinda said, fluttering her eyelashes. "Oh, I do hope we'll get a chance to do this again soon."

"As do I," said Fiyero. "Perhaps we'll get the chance during the festival this week."

Elphaba backed out and faced Mr. and Mrs. Abolar.

"Scarecrow is still saying his goodbyes to Miss Galinda," she said. "Thank you so much for inviting us tonight."

"Of course, dearie, anytime," said Mrs. Abolar, looking thrillified at this development.

Elphaba walked out and got into the carriage. Moments later, Fiyero climbed in and rapped his knuckles against the roof to signal they were ready to go. He hummed cheerfully as the carriage rattled along the road, seemingly wrapped up in his own thoughts.

"Had fun?" she asked, suppressing the negative feelings.

"Loads," he said. "I haven't felt this way since before I became a Scarecrow."

"Good."

It was so dark heading home like this. Elphaba wished they had brought a lantern or a candle or something. She flicked her hand to try and conjure a small light, but there was just a weird popping sound.

"Must've run over a branch," Fiyero said.

"Right," she said, gripping onto her shawl.

When they made it home, she climbed out first and briskly headed inside. She looked back to see him dancing to the tune he was humming, oblivious to everything.

Elphaba checked in Chistery's room, finding him sleeping in his hammock. She carefully moved the book in his arms to the table and adjusted his blankets. He buried his face into his pillow and sighed as he fell into a deeper sleep.

"Fresh dreams," she murmured and went up to her tower.

She closed the door behind her and paced around her room. What was even the point of going if all he was going to do was ditch her the second someone beautiful batted her eyes at him?

Forgotten so easily.

She caught her reflection in her full-length mirror. She had gone downstairs feeling so pretty for once in her life, but she just looked ridiculous, didn't she?

Slowly, she undressed and put the gown into the back of her wardrobe and the jewelry in the box. She stared at her hands. Whether they were in firelight or moonlight, she could still see the abnormal color.

She let her hair down, tossing the comb onto the small shelf of her wash stand and the ribbon in her sewing basket.

Why did this hurt? Why did seeing him dance with her hurt so much?

Elphaba climbed into bed and pressed her palms to her eyes. She hated the dark, but she couldn't stand what she saw in the light.

"You're being ridiculous," she huffed. "He can do whatever he likes."

Even so, she couldn't sleep, only dozing in and out until the fireplace died out. She quickly got up and dressed, wondering why the candle she usually found when she woke up was absent.

She would likely leave right after breakfast, so she dressed in the clothes she planned to wear to the festival: a practical skirt and blouse with a vest and a shawl. She pinned a brooch to her throat to dress it up a bit more, then wrangled her hair into the usual tight bun.

The ache in her chest hadn't eased in the slightest.

Baking usually helped her when she was upset, and instead of entering it into the pie contest, she could throw it at Fiyero's stupid head.

She went to the garden and picked the blackberries, flinching slightly each time the thorns pricked her skin. She popped a few berries into her mouth and inhaled softly at the sweetness.

It was a nice morning. Cold, but with the promise of a pleasant day. The mist would soon vanish and the sky was such a gentle color at this hour.

"Fae? You're up early."

The peace she was starting to feel vanished completely. Elphaba scowled and returned to picking the berries.

"I need to bake the pie," she said, trying to keep her voice even. "The contest is today."

He was probably just excited. She needed to calm down and not rain on his parade. She hissed as a thorn cut her thumb.

"Here, let me do that," said Fiyero, taking her basket.

She stepped back and watched him pick the berries she needed, the thorns snagging on his shirt, but otherwise not bothering him.

"Did you enjoy the gala?" she asked, though she had asked him that last night.

Part of her hoped he'd realized he ignored her and would apologize.

"I did! Galinda was great," he said. "I think she might be the one to break my curse. I mean, she passed through here before, maybe it's fate."

"Well, she is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," said Elphaba. "Pretty eyes."

"Yeah. She's perfect."

"Yes." Elphaba ignored the sick feeling that formed in her stomach. "Very perfect."

They were still friends. He was her best friend. He wasn't going to forget about her just because he found the woman who would break his curse. He was smitten, she couldn't fault him for that.

"We talked a lot! You know she's a witch?"

"Oh?"

"It'll be good to have another powerful witch around to fight the bandits," he continued. "I don't think we had a moment of silence. It feels so good to do something normal."

Elphaba swallowed back her feelings and managed a smile.

"Sounds like you'll be human again in no time."

"I sure hope so," he said. "Is this enough?"

She looked in the basket and nodded.

"Plenty," she said.

He carried them inside for her. She washed them and set them out to dry before making the pie crust. Fiyero lingered, chatting with her and watching while she worked.

Things weren't going to change. He promised she wouldn't be left behind.

By the time she took the pie out of the oven, the sun had risen and no doubt Chistery and Dr. Dillamond would be coming down for breakfast. The pie looked beautiful, the crust crisp and golden without a pale spot in sight. Some blackberry juice seeped out purple in a couple sections where the lattice was loose. The scent was heavenly and she had half a mind to eat it all herself rather than submit it. Thankfully, she had enough blackberries and crust leftover for a couple tarts. She would have them tonight with a cup of tea.

"Oh, I wish I at least had a working nose," Fiyero sighed wistfully.

"Tell you what, I'll make a pie just for you when you're human," she said. "Any flavor you like."

He grinned. "I can't wait."

Castle alerted them of an approaching visitor.

"Really?" said Elphaba. "I hope no one is sick or got hurt."

She hiked up her skirts and hurried to the foyer. She reached it just as the visitor knocked, answered it, then immediately slammed the door.

No. Not her.

Castle opened the door, smacking her in the face. Right. Manners.

"Miss Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands," said Elphaba, ignoring her throbbing nose. "What a surprise."

"Yes, it is good to see me, isn't it?" said Galinda, tossing her golden ringlets back.

"Miss Galinda!" said Fiyero, crashing into Elphaba in his eagerness. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I thought it best to come sooner rather than later for my things," she said. "Perhaps you can give me a tour of the castle? It's such a shame I couldn't stay for long last time."

Interesting way of saying she ran away.

"Of course," said Fiyero. "Come in, please, would you care for some breakfast?"

"Don't mind if I do," she said. "How kind of you to invite me."

It's his castle, he can do what he likes, Elphaba told herself. It's his castle, he can do what he bloody well likes.

The three of them entered the dining room.

"Miss Galinda, this is Dr. Djali Dillamond, he's the new doctor for the town," said Fiyero. "And my ward, Chistery."

"Oh my!" Galinda gasped. "I didn't know Monkeys could have wings."

Chistery grinned and hopped down from his seat, offering a hand.

"N-Nice to meet you, Miss Gally— Galeen—"

"You can do it," Elphaba encouraged. "Gah-lin-dah."

He repeated it.

"Good to meet you too, Chistery," said Galinda, shaking his hand.

Chistery chattered and ran to pull a seat out for her.

"Sit. Sit. Please."

"Miss Gl-l-l-linda," said Dr. Dillamond, nodding in greeting.

"Galinda. With a 'guh,'" Galinda corrected.

"He knows," said Elphaba. "Certain syllables are difficult for him to pronounce. Like how people from Fliann can't pronounce 'p's because they don't exist in their alphabet."

Galinda hummed and sat down.

"What a lovely breakfast," she said. "Who's your cook?"

"The castle," said Fiyero. "I don't know how it works, but a meal appears for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We have a kitchen and ingredients, of course, but there's no need for cooks and kitchen maids."

"Oh! I see," she said. "I had wondered when I was here last."

Elphaba had a hard time enjoying her breakfast. There didn't seem to be anything particularly wrong with Galinda. She wasn't horrendible, but she certainly wasn't genuinely sweet, either. She was just so… blonde. She was attractive and perky and she knew it. Elphaba wished she had that sort of confidence instead of the forced I-don't-care-what-anyone-thinks type.

Chistery liked her and Dr. Dillamond was polite.

Galinda commanded attention and she certainly had Fiyero's.

Jealousy isn't healthy, Elphaba reminded herself. You could crush someone with that sort of thinking.

When the dishes cleared, she stood up.

"Allow me to show you to your things, Miss Galinda," said Elphaba.

"We can get to that," she said. "I'd love a tour of the castle first."

"Absolutely," said Fiyero, standing up and offering his arm. "Allow me."

Chistery followed them and Elphaba dropped back into her seat like her strings had been cut.

"Are you alright, Elphaba?" Dr. Dillamond asked.

"Just tired," she said softly.

She wasn't going to intervene or cause problems. This was Fiyero's business, she had done everything in her power to break his curse and she had failed.

"I should get to town," she said, getting up. "I want to submit the pie I made. Oh, I should let Fiyero know."

Castle led the way and she and Chistery found them closer to the library. She hovered just outside.

"This place is so much cleaner than the last time I was here," said Galinda. "It's a lovely castle. Did you hire staff?"

"No, it was Elphaba's doing."

"Really? One person cleaned this castle from top to bottom?"

"She doesn't really have the time for it anymore with her apprenticeship, so we have been talking about getting hired help to maintain the castle," he said.

"Oh, of course! I know all about hiring staff," said Galinda. "That's the sort of job for the lady of the house to manage and this place could certainly use a woman's touch."

What am I, a duck? Elphaba thought sourly.

"Are you volunteering for the job, Miss Galinda?"

Elphaba swallowed back her feelings and stepped into the room. They were standing so close to each other.

"Fiyero," she said. "I'm heading into town so I can submit the pie I baked. Why don't you take Miss Galinda's carriage into town so you can take your time with the tour?"

"What a splendid idea," said Galinda.

"Chistery?"

Chistery tugged on Galinda's skirt, signaling he wanted to stick by her.

"Then I'll see if Dr. Dillamond will accompany me," said Elphaba.

She turned and hurried back to the kitchen, ignoring the ache in her chest. She put the pie in a basket lined with tea towels so it wouldn't slide around and draped another one over the top.

"It smells wonderful, Miss Elphaba," said Dr. Dillamond. "Shall we?"

She nodded, removed her apron, and patted her pocket to make sure she had grabbed her money purse. She did, so she put on the pointed hat she was half-certain belonged to Galinda.

They went out to the carriage, which already had Poppy hooked up. Galinda's carriage was there too, her driver reading a newspaper in his seat. He spotted Elphaba and yelped. She ignored him and opened the door to her carriage, assisting Dr. Dillamond inside before tapping the roof.

"I know I asked earlier, but are you alright, Elphaba?" Dr. Dillamond asked. "Didn't you have a nice evening with Master Fiyero? He was so excited about it."

"He enjoyed the evening more than I did," she said. "It just reminded me that I don't belong in that world."

"What world?"

"Galas and high society," she said. "It's alright, I don't mind. I'm happiest doing my work. Making medicine, doing research. It suits me.

"You're very good at it," said Dr. Dillamond. "But it's a shame you didn't have a good time. Did you at least enjoy dancing?"

Elphaba looked down at her hands.

"He didn't dance with me," she said. "He danced with Miss Galinda all night."

"I see."

"It makes sense," she said. "In order to break his curse, he needs to receive a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world."

Maybe Galinda would give him a peck on the cheek and then he'd stroll up to the festival as a human and he'd stop acting like a fool.

Dr. Dillamond changed the subject.

The grounds for the festival were prepared. There were stalls selling homemade goods, games, and booths for competitions: biggest grown vegetables, fattest pigs, and of course the cooking competitions. Specifically: Pie, gumbo, and fudge.

The Festival lasted a week as a celebration of the harvest, no doubt so everyone would get a chance to go no matter where they worked.

She carried her pie to the stage that had been erected.

"Miss Elphaba," said Mrs. Stout. "This pie looks wonderful! What kind is it?"

"Blackberry."

Mrs. Stout wrote down the type of pie it was and placed it down behind a number. Most of the pies there looked amazing. There were all sorts. Fruit pies, chocolate pies, cream pies, and it looked like someone submitted a steak pie.

Many of them were beautifully decorated too.

Elphaba promised herself she wouldn't be disappointed if she didn't place and wandered among the stalls. It looked like merchants from around Oz had stopped by to sell their wares. It made sense to pick festivals for these sorts of things. People had the money to spend this time of year. Actually, there seemed to be people from surrounding villages and towns visiting.

Oh. The soldiers.

Word must have spread that they weren't welcome here. Elphaba frowned. Hopefully she hadn't missed them talking about an attack tonight.

No, they were going to raid pubs tonight. That was their plan yesterday. She should've checked in this morning.

Either way, she'd be ready to fight them if necessary. She'd keep her grimoire on her for the rest of the festival, starting tomorrow.

There were a lot of merchants selling all sorts of things. Spices, cookware, textiles, pottery, jewelry. Oh, books!

Elphaba trotted over to a stall selling books and perused them with Dr. Dillamond. True, she could spend the rest of her life reading the books in the library, but some were out of date or in a language she didn't know.

"Oh, my!"

She looked sternly over her glasses at the man running the stall.

"Problem, sir?" she asked.

"I… no, miss," he said.

He looked to be in his thirties, thickly spectacled, and well-dressed in well-worn clothes. He continued to gawk at her as she perused the books.

"Can I help you?" she huffed.

He blinked. "Forgive me, I've never seen anyone like you before."

"No one has, you're not special."

"No, I suppose not," he said. "What's your name?"

"Elphaba. And yours?"

"Lin," he said, bowing his head respectfully. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Elphaba."

"Likewise," she replied, trying not to let it sound like a question.

She looked back down at the books, ultimately deciding on three. There were some she was still uncertain about but figured if she were still thinking about them later in the week, she could see if they were available, assuming he was still there.

"Do you enjoy reading, Miss Elphaba?" Lin asked.

"Yes, very much so. I'm the Court Wizard of Kiamo Ko."

"Oh!" He looked impressed. "Is the library extensive there?"

"It is, though I'm afraid it was in bad condition when I took the job."

She and Lin ended up talking for a while before she moved on to look at everything else. People stared at her. It was strange to receive those looks again. Everyone in Kiamo Ko was used to her by now. They didn't stare anymore, they only glanced. People in Munchkin City stared and she had spent her entire life there.

Still, only a handful gave her the impression that she should keep moving. She looked at some hats that claimed to be the latest fashion. They must've been very new. Most needed to be kept on with a hat pin and were far from the bonnets she had grown up learning were proper.

"Elphaba? Elphaba!"

She turned around in surprise to see Boq approach. If he was here… then that meant her father was, too.

"It's been so long," he said. "Getting hitched to the Scarecrow, I thought you were a goner."

"No, still kicking," she said. "How's Nessa?"

"Married to that rich Earl from Gillikin," said Boq. "When you're weren't at the wedding, I thought it was because the Scarecrow had done you in!"

Wedding?

"How long had he been courting her?" Elphaba asked. "I thought she was still picking between suitors…"

"Oh there'd been a lot coming by," said Boq. "But for him it was love at first sight. He was visiting Nest Hardings on business and his horse had thrown him. Nessa found him by the side of the road and sent her nurse to get help while she stayed by his side. Mr. Thropp wanted to keep their options open and accepted gifts, but Nessa was happiest to see Brandybury's the most. They're expecting their first child already. Mr. Thropp is glowing with pride at being a grandpa."

Ah. And naturally, nobody could be bothered to tell Elphaba. Nessa was getting the fairytale ending she always wanted and the wicked sister was not in the picture.

"But you don't need me to tell you that," he said.

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Is Father here?" she asked instead.

"Yes, once my apprenticeship is complete, I'll be running things," he said, swelling importantly. "And he'll retire. Did you escape from the Scarecrow? Is that why you're here?"

"Elphie!"

Elphie?

She turned to see Galinda, Fiyero, and Chistery approach. Galinda had her hand resting in the crook of Fiyero's arm.

"Oh, wow!" Boq breathed, his eyes growing as round as moons.

Yes, that seemed to be the general consensus where Galinda was involved.

"Did you get your pie submitted?" Fiyero asked.

"Yes, we'll see how it does," said Elphaba.

He nodded then noticed Boq.

"I remember you," he said, narrowing his eyes.

Boq hummed, still entranced by Galinda.

"Fiyero, Miss Galinda, Chistery, this is Boq Underhill, he works for my father."

Fiyero paused. "He still thinks I wanted you for my wife, doesn't he?"

He could have worded that in a less hurtful way.

"Putting it bluntly, yes," she said.

"Pardon?" said Galinda.

"Oh, her father sucks," said Fiyero. "He tore up my garden, I scared him, and he bargained his daughter's life for his. I thought he'd realize that I had no way of keeping him to it, but alas, he did not."

Alas? Elphaba pursed her lips. So what, he was just being nice until someone better came along?

"I didn't realize the inconvenience I put on you," she said coolly.

"Ah, come on, we're fine now," he said. "I just mean that he cared about his own skin. That's all."

"Mm-hm."

Chistery chattered nervously, looking between them.

"Ice," he muttered. "Ice."

"Ice?" Fiyero repeated.

"IT'SAPLEASURETOMEETYOUMISSGALINDA!" Boq blurted.

Galinda smiled sweetly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bick."

"His name is Boq," said Elphaba firmly, turning back to the stall. What was she looking at again? Oh, right. Hats.

"Looking for a new chapeau?" Fiyero asked.

"Thinking on it."

"You should try on this one!" said Galinda, picking up a yellow hat decorated with pink and white flowers.

"But I already have a hat and a bonnet," said Elphaba, touching the one on her head. "Of course, I think this one might belong to you, Miss Galinda."

"It does seem familiar," she admitted. "And it is… sharp. I think you and that hat deserve each other, but at least try this one on."

Elphaba sighed through her nose and undid the ribbon at her chin. Fiyero took her pointed hat and she stooped to allow Galinda to place the yellow one on her head. She caught a wicked gleam leave Galinda's eyes, so quick she wondered if she imagined it in a fit of jealousy.

She was being ridiculous.

"Not my thing, right?" she asked and placed it back on the stand.

"Ah-ha!" Galinda plucked a decorative hat pin out of the cushion and a cluster of silk flowers, pinning them to the pointed hat. "There you are! You look beautiful, Miss Elphaba."

Elphaba looked into the mirror the hatter provided. The flowers did look nice with the hat. This had to be an olive branch. No matter her feelings, Galinda was not her enemy.

"Alright," she said and fished out her purse. "How much?"

"You have quite the eye for pretty things, Miss Galinda," said Fiyero.

"Oh, stop!" she giggled.

Elphaba took a deep breath and moved on. None of her business. Galinda was probably actually very nice. She wasn't goodly or pure evil, she was just nice. Shallow, but it was a gift to be able to live your life in a bubble. If Elphaba herself were beautiful and well-off, she'd probably be really sweet, too.

Elphaba just needed to focus on other things. She was good at that. She was good at loneliness, too.

Boq left after that, no doubt to return to his duties and Fiyero returned his attention to Galinda. Elphaba moved on, going booth by booth. She bought some tea leaves and made notes of stalls to visit later. Fiyero and Galinda followed behind her, engrossed in a conversation that didn't really seem to go anywhere or be about anything.

When she spotted her father, she hid behind Fiyero and skirted around him. She didn't want him to notice her.

After the merchant stalls, they returned to the food stalls to wait for the games to start. Galinda met back with her aunt, leaving Fiyero with Elphaba.

"Galinda seems nice," she said.

"She is," he agreed, appearing to be deep in thought. "How long do you think it takes someone to fall in love?"

He was in love with her already?

"I wouldn't know," she said. "But I think it happens slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder how you could ever live without their presence. Maybe the time varies from person to person."

He hummed, already seeming so lost without her.

Elphaba looked back at the stage where the judges were deliberating and placing ribbons of different colors by the pies. She thought she saw one placed by hers but wasn't sure.

"Oh, hey, there's a cider cart," said Fiyero. "Want one?"

"I'd like that," she said. "Once I'm able, I'm going to see how I placed."

"Okay, I'll be right back."

She waited and saw the contestants go up for their pies, so she followed suit. The winner was the beautiful looking pie with intricate lattice and stamped out leaves, which was made by the Pig, Mrs. Khinzer, who owned the bakery.

"Your pie looks amazing," said Elphaba. "What flavor is it?"

"Triple berry," she replied. "Care for a taste?"

"Alright." Elphaba accepted a fork and took a bite. The crust was flaky and the berries were the perfect mix of tart and sweet, dancing across her tongue. "Mmm! Could I have the recipe?"

"Certainly! I'll make you a card for the next time you stop by. What did you make?"

"Blackberry," she said and went over to her pie.

To her amazement, she had a red ribbon signifying second place. Feeling pleased, she tucked the ribbon into her basket while Mrs. Khinzer tried a bit.

"Oh, Miss Elphaba!" she said. "Is there nothing you can't do?"

"I've been baking since I was five," said Elphaba. "I think my range is fairly limited to simple cakes and pies, but your praise means a lot."

Mrs. Khinzer smiled and nodded, then went to join her husband.

Elphaba looked around for Fiyero as she stepped off the stage. Strangely, she couldn't find him, so she found a seat on a hay bale and waited. She looked down at the ribbon, enjoying the grain of the fabric between her fingers.

"Elphaba."

She tried not to flinch and stood up to face her father. He looked as stern as ever, though his clothes were of a higher quality.

"Father," she said.

"This was the last place I ever expected to see you," he said.

"I come to the town often," she said. "Kiamo Ko is just a carriage ride away. I'm the town healer with Dr. Dillamond now."

"The town healer? What of your husband?"

"I'm afraid to disappoint you, Father, but the scarecrow never wanted to marry me," she said. "He just never sent me back and you would know this if you actually opened my letters instead of throwing them away and only writing to ask for money!"

Frex scoffed and shook his head.

"Not even good enough for a scarecrow," he said coldly. "I suppose I'm lucky he never sent you back or you would force your sister into being a spinster like you."

"Well, she's married now, they have a contract, and once the baby is born perfectly normal will you allow me to visit?" Elphaba asked.

"Certainly not! You shouldn't even be gallivanting around like this where anyone can see! People will talk!"

"People always talk," said Elphaba. "I'm not going to lock myself away just because they can't mind their own business."

"Hmph! They'll turn on you once you lose your usefulness."

"You don't know that," she said. "And since Nessa now has a wealthy husband, I will never send you so much as a brass penny anymore!"

Wrong thing to say. He got that look that always frightened her and made her feel so small despite the fact she was taller than him.

"Really now, Elphaba, why must you be so selfish?" he growled. "I've been better to you than anyone should have been. It's because of me you're even alive; anyone else would have drowned an abomination like you! But I'm a man of the Unnamed God and should care for even the lowest of His creatures. It is your duty to ensure your living parents live comfortably."

She looked around for Fiyero and saw him chatting with some others, Galinda on his arm and Chistery drinking the cider meant for her. Frex followed her gaze and sneered.

"Even that beast has grown sick of you, then?" he said. "Well, when he kicks you to the curb I suppose I will allow you to return home. You'll need to weave more than you had been before and I can't have you leaving your room, think of who will see you."

If she had to go back…

"Go to hell," she ground out.

He knocked her basket into the mud and slapped her. Hard. She expected that, but she had hoped that the crowds would deter him.

"Stop these foolish fantasies or you will regret it," he snarled and stormed off, making sure to step on her things.

She looked up to see everyone pretending not to look so they didn't have to feel obligated to help her.

It was fine. She was needed here. As long as she was needed, everything would be alright. It didn't matter if she didn't have a life-long companion or a million friends, as long as she had a place.

She knelt down and gingerly picked her purchases out of the mud, placing them in her basket. The ribbon was probably ruined, but she'd clean it the best she could and place it in a keepsake box.

"Are you alright?"

Elphaba glanced up to see Galinda standing over her.

"I'm fine," she said shortly and stood. "Surprised you saw, I thought you and Fiyero couldn't look at anyone but each other."

"How can you help it?" she said lightly. "Who was that man that hit you?"

"My father."

"Oh!" she gasped. "Why would he do such a thing?"

"It's nothing new." Elphaba sighed and sat down on the hay bale. "He's always been this way. I don't need your pity."

Galinda conjured a large handkerchief and laid it on the hay before sitting next to her.

"You don't like me very much," she noted. "Everyone likes me!"

"I don't see much reason to," said Elphaba. "Your sweetness seems false, like you're only doing it to get something out of the people you meet. What that is, I can't figure out. You run away from the Scarecrow, but you find out he's a prince and now you can't stop flirting? Not that it's any of my business. If he wants to act a fool, that's his business."

"Hm." Galinda opened a compact mirror to study her reflection. "Doesn't seem like much gets past you."

"Whether I like you or not won't change anything about your life," said Elphaba. "I doubt anyone would understand my attitude anyway."

Fiyero approached them, Chistery not far behind.

"Are you alright, Elphaba?" he asked.

She stood. "I think I should just go back to the castle."

"But there's going to be dancing tonight," he said.

"There will be dancing every night for the next seven nights," she said. "I'm sure Miss Galinda would be more than happy to be your partner again. Just make sure Dr. Dillamond has a ride home, I left him chatting with a traveling herbalist."

"Oh, alright. See you at home then," he said. "Shall we, Miss Galinda?"

It was a perfectly reasonable response, one she could have made herself.

So why did it hurt so much?

Chapter Text

Frex had left the following day, but there seemed to be more people from out of town. Elphaba checked in with the soldiers and they had noticed as well. They had discussed an attack on Kiamo Ko, but the woman in their group was the voice of reason, stating it was too soon and too big a job at this time.

Which likely meant they could expect an attack at some other gathering that involved traveling merchants. Especially since it seemed word got around that Kiamo Ko was safe from the soldiers.

But they wouldn't attack for this one.

Elphaba sat on her heels and stared at her crystal ball. She promised she wouldn't do it, but her curiosity ran out and she thought of her sister.

The fog went red, then cleared. Nessa was up and properly dressed, she wasn't even showing yet but she had a glow about her. Around her neck was the necklace Elphaba sent. She scooped a big spoonful of jam into her tea.

"Having cravings already, my dear?" the husband asked.

Nessa smiled. "Actually, I always had this when I had trouble keeping food down. My sister would make it for me."

"Ah, I see," he said. "You must miss her."

"I do."

Oh, Nessie. Maybe Elphaba could just pop over for a quick visit.

The husband got up and hugged her gently, pressing his lips to the top of her head. He was handsome. A bit older than Elphaba thought, but it was clear he doted on her.

"It's hard losing a family member like this," he said. "How did she die?"

Die?!

"There was… a twister and… a small house was picked up and just dropped on her." Nessa did that odd movement with her jaw when she was lying.

"A house dropped on me?!" Elphaba spat, leaping to her feet. "I have been taking care of your spoilt ass most of my life and you tell everyone I'm dead?! And what ridiculous lie is that?! Well, since I'm dead I guess you won't need money anymore!"

In a fit of rage, she picked up the crystal ball and threw it against the wall where it cracked in two.

"Oh no…" She covered her mouth. "What have I done?"

She ran over and touched the pieces, willing to see in them. Nessa, Dr. Dillamond, Fiyero. Someone.

She pressed them together.

"Fiyero… Fiyero… FIYERO!"

"What?"

She jerked her hands in and looked over her shoulder to see him push the door open.

"I…" she looked down at the broken crystal, then back at him. "I was hoping that if I could still see through it then I could glue it together."

"Oh. Any reason you were looking for me in particular?"

"You're least likely to be sitting on the toilet at any given moment," she said.

He opened his mouth, then nodded in concession.

"What do you need?" she asked.

"Well, it's official," he said. "Galinda is moving in."

Elphaba swallowed hard and looked back down at the pieces.

"You proposed to her already?"

"What? No," he said. "She's moving in here to manage the castle. Castle likes her and she knows how to manage a household this size. Budget, staff, that sort of thing."

"I see."

"You like her, right?"

"She's very beautiful."

"Yeah! I think you two will get along just fine. And you can focus on other things, but I'm not letting you send anymore money home."

"I'm not," she huffed. "That's why he hit me."

Which probably wouldn't have happened if he had just brought her the blooming cider and sat with her like he promised.

Elphaba didn't say any of this and picked up the smaller shards, tossing them into the nearby bucket. There was a witch selling crystals, incense, and tarot cards in town, hopefully she was still there today and had crystal balls.

"Why'd you break it?" Fiyero asked. "What did you see?"

"And why do you assume I'm the one who broke it?" she demanded.

"The crack in the wall."

She sighed and stood up.

"We'll find you a new one," he said. "A better one."

"I should go now while the witch is still there," she said, grabbing her broom. "I can't be blind, I need to know when they're going to attack."

He grabbed onto the handle.

"Don't touch my broom."

He didn't let go.

"Come down for breakfast first and we'll all leave together," he said. "The five of us."

"That's a tight carriage," she said, not wanting to choke on Galinda's perfume. "I'm fine flying. I don't even know if I want to talk to Lin again or just go straight home."

"Who's Lin?!"

Elphaba was slightly taken back at his tone.

"He runs the book stall," she said. "It's just nice to talk to someone about books."

"You talk about books with Chistery."

The broom handle smacked him in the face on its own accord. Elphaba pulled it away.

"I teach Chistery," she corrected. "His vocabulary is expanding greatly, but I'd like to have a conversation about a book that is above a child's level."

"We talk about books," he said. "Come on, get some breakfast, you get headaches when you forget to eat."

He wasn't going to let this go. She huffed softly and shook her head.

"Alright." She put her broom back and followed him downstairs.

Elphaba twitched upon seeing Galinda in her seat.

"Miss Galinda, that's my spot," she said.

"Oh, forgive me!" she laughed. "It didn't have your name on it, so I assumed it was free."

"Just sit there," said Fiyero, gesturing to an empty chair.

But she'd be uncomfortable. She had a routine. Sitting anywhere else would just put her on edge. Still, she didn't want to get into a tiff and stiffly sat next to Dr. Dillamond. She didn't like this, not at all, but she was the queen of grin and bear it.

"It's only been a few days, but I cannot believe how much word has traveled about Kiamo Ko," said Dr. Dillamond. "Apparently that doctor wasn't the only one in the pocket of those soldiers. The herbalist I spoke to said that young humans and Animals from across the Vinkus are heading this way to ask for training from me. I daresay I won't be surprised if I get a full class by the end of the week."

"That'd be good," said Elphaba. "My training has always been informal."

"I don't see much more teaching I can give you, Miss Elphaba," he said. "These classes would be for those just beginning to get into medicine."

"I see."

He didn't need her anymore. Why would he when there were others apparently coming in? Others who might be better received by patients.

Still, it was good that others were receiving training. People who saw the injustices of their own doctors and wanted to provide an alternative for their town.

After breakfast, everyone got their outerwear on. It seemed to be getting colder by the day. Fiyero didn't technically need it, but he was making an attempt to wear what was considered proper. As the Vinkus was a blend of traditional and modern that could mean a lot of things.

Elphaba made sure she had her market basket and more money in her purse than yesterday. Chistery sat between her and Dr. Dillamond and her legs collided with Fiyero's.

She tuned out the conversation and stared out the window.

Soon as the carriage stopped, Fiyero climbed out and assisted Galinda.

"So what would you like to do today?" he asked, heading off with her.

Dr. Dillamond stepped out and Elphaba followed. Chistery leapt over her head and scampered off, greeting a group of adolescents.

"Hi, Chistery!" said a Quagga Foal.

"Dr. Dillamond!" a Lioness called out, waving a paw.

Dr. Dillamond smiled and approached, shaking her hand and greeting a Wildebeest.

And then there was one.

Elphaba went off in search of the witch. Thankfully, she was there and doing a reading for a young couple Elphaba recognized from town.

The witch—an inconceivably old woman—flipped the cards over, the first one being a burning tower, the second one involved swords, and the last was the Fool.

"Hm." She looked at the young man. "Run, sonny. Run while you still can."

He gulped and the girl scoffed.

"Well, what do you know you old hag?" she sniffed and grabbed the boy's arm. "Come on!"

Elphaba approached while the witch shuffled the cards.

"Care for a reading, dearie?" the witch asked, holding the cards out in a fan.

"No, thank you," she said, waving her hand. "I just—"

One card fell out of the deck and Elphaba picked it up. She looked at the face, finding a man walking away from eight cups. She handed it to the witch who looked at it and clucked her tongue.

"You're lonely, dearie," she said and plucked out the card that nearly fell out. "And you are terrified. Should you continue on this path, you will lose everything."

"It's everyone else who's leaving," Elphaba snapped. "No one needs me."

"Perhaps not," said the witch. "Sometimes it is better to walk away and move on. Other times, not so much."

Elphaba pursed her lips at the cryptic advice and sighed.

"I need a crystal ball," she said. "Mine was… accidentally thrown against the wall."

"Ah." The witch put the cards away and removed the prettily patterned cloth covering the crystal balls. "I have a wide collection."

Elphaba lightly touched each one, trying to find a good match, before settling on one that fit in her palm. She picked it up and it went red with fog before settling on an image of Fiyero. She watched him laugh at something someone said, then look over his shoulder.

"This one will do," said Elphaba. "How much?"

It was a bit pricier than she was expecting, but she had brought enough and paid for it, tucking it safely away in her basket.

"Thank you," she said and moved along.

It was more crowded today and Elphaba got a lot of stares. She was sure Fiyero was receiving them, too. She ignored them and wandered back over to Lin's booth to chat.

He sat up upon seeing her.

"Miss Elphaba," he said. "You're right, Professor Nyx's theory on effective societal change is more in line with actual history than Dr. Morass. However, I think there's room for both to be true and potentially effective."

"Oh? Do tell," she replied.

It was nice talking to Lin. He could be very argumentative, though. Competitive. He wanted to be right. Elphaba couldn't exactly condemn that though, it was a pot meet kettle situation.

She made sure to stand aside when he had customers and eventually wandered off to find something for lunch.

She found Dr. Dillamond practically lecturing to a crowd of potential students, many still in travel clothes and carrying carpet bags and trunks. Chistery was still playing with the other children and Fiyero and Galinda were socializing.

None seemed to notice she was there and after her meal, she went back among the booths to buy material objects that were often denied to her and was given a brief flash of joy followed by an emptiness.

As the sun set, the hawkers closed up their stalls. Some had sold enough and would be heading home. Word was more people were on their way.

Elphaba wondered if some were families hoping to escape the oppression they faced at the hands of those soldiers.

She found Mr. and Mrs. Abolar and mentioned it.

"It is very possible," said Mr. Abolar. "What should we do?"

"Welcome them," said Elphaba. "I'll ask Fiyero to open the castle for refuge if need be."

Probably a good thing Dr. Dillamond was taking on more students for medical training.

Elphaba found Fiyero waiting with Galinda while the dancing platform was lit and told him about the new arrivals.

"Is that safe?" he asked. "What if there are soldiers hiding with them?"

"I'm not creating a wall around Kiamo Ko," said Elphaba. "We've taken on the soldiers once, more people to protect won't make a difference. I think we should make the castle available, you know she'll protect us."

He nodded. "Alright then."

The band began to play and he turned to Galinda.

"Shall we?" he asked.

"We shall," she said.

Elphaba opened her bag and realized she never packed her broom. She wandered over to the carriage in hopes that the driver would take her back to Kiamo Ko, but he just ignored her save for spitting at her feet.

So, she went back to the crowd and sat down to watch the couples dance merrily around the floor.

One of the children from the village toddled up to her, some outside children coming up behind her.

"Do the magics!" she said.

Elphaba smiled.

"Only if you can tell me the magic word," she said.

"Abracadabra!"

She laughed, "Close enough."

Elphaba conjured butterflies and the children gasped in amazement.

"Make a dragon!" said a young boy. "Abracadabra please!"

Elphaba stood and waved her hands in a complicated gesture. A ball of light appeared in the distance, and as it drew closer, it formed into a long, snake-like dragon with a mane of green fur and red scales along its body. Its wings couldn't really move but she was able to harness and move it around on an invisible line like a kite.

The children chased after it or ran from it, squealing and laughing gleefully, launching into a game with it as a prop.

Elphaba wasn't sure if she was all that good with children, and though the Munchkin children were afraid of her, she always did admire the creativity of a child. The wonder, the boundless joy and energy. It also sometimes made her sad. She couldn't recall ever being like that, but maybe it was something that came from playing with others.

But just this once she was invited, even if it was just to fuel their game.

As the night wore on, she picked dozing children up and brought them to their parents to be put to bed.

Eventually, the band packed up. Elphaba walked along the area to make sure no one was hiding or sleeping under a cart, then headed to the carriage only to find it no longer there.

She frowned and went back to where the lanterns were being put out one by one. Avaric was there to help, covering the dance floor with a treated canvas tarp to protect it.

"Avaric, have you seen Scarecrow?" she asked.

He looked surprised to see her.

"They left," he said. "Don't you have a broom?"

They forgot her. Elphaba felt a chill run through her.

"I… I forgot it at home," she said.

"I'd offer to take you but the horses are worn out," he said and actually seemed apologetic.

"It's alright," she said. "I'll just… I'm sure when they get back and realize I'm not there they'll turn back around."

"Sure," he said.

Elphaba sat down on a hay bale and wrapped her shawl tighter around herself.

Avaric quietly left a lantern near her but the rest were extinguished.

The moon kept hiding behind clouds so Elphaba turned her attention to the single lantern and focused on it.

They would have to realize, wouldn't they? When they got home and all said goodnight? Chistery was still of the age where he wanted bedtime stories so he would ask for her.

Elphaba shivered. Time ticked on and she heard the clocktower toll in the distance thirteen times. Midnight. When it chimed for one in the morning, she stood and grabbed the lantern. She went to the inn but was dismayed (and really unsurprised) to learn that all the rooms were taken.

It'd be the same for the other inn. She looked in a few alleys for a broom to bring to life but the only one she found was broken in half and some of the people in town who still didn't like her that were out and about were starting to take notice.

She hurried back to the road that led to Kiamo Ko and began the long trek back home. The road wound up along the mountain, the wind was picking up and an early snow was beginning to fall.

It would melt by the time the sun came up, but it sure was clinging to her now. Elphaba tightened her grip on the lantern, though her shoulder ached from the weight.

One foot in front of the other. One foot higher up the mountain.

The clouds parted, allowing the pink light of dawn to swallow up the sky.

Castle opened up the doors for her. Elphaba set the burned out lantern down and continued her trek. The stairs were even more difficult, her calves straining and shaking in protest. Her soaked dress felt like it weighed a ton.

For the first time, she was angry that she had the tower for her bedroom.

Just a little more. She'd needed to sit down halfway, scooting up the steps one at a time. Pale morning was filtering through the windows.

Finally she undressed, dropping her clothes into her bathtub and crawled into bed. Her skin felt as if it were on fire while her bones rattled.

She buried her face into her pillow, shifted in her cocoon of blankets, and sighed heavily.

A knock startled her and she wondered if she had even had the chance to fall asleep.

"Elphaba? You're still asleep?" called Fiyero.

She groaned and pulled the covers over her head.

"Fae?"

He rapped his knuckles against the door to her bed. Elphaba coughed.

"Did you get sick?" he asked. "Is that why you went back early last night?"

They hadn't even noticed.

Elphaba pursed her lips and sniffled.

"I'll bring you something," he said. "Be right back."

He didn't come back and she was left alone.

Chapter Text

Surprisingly, Elphaba hadn't gotten too sick. She was just exhausted. She had come to the decision to not attend anymore of the festival, but at lunch on the last day Galinda spoke up.

"Are you going to come to the last day, Miss Elphaba?" she asked.

Elphaba didn't look up from her soup.

"I don't think I'd be missed," she said. "I'll just stay here."

"Sure you would," said Fiyero. "In fact all those children have been asking when the fairy is coming back to make more magic."

Ah, so it was just the children who missed her.

"Very well," she said. "I suppose I should get ready then."

"I'll help you!" Galinda sang and looped their arms together.

She really left no room for debate, did she?

"Let's see what you have," said Galinda, opening the wardrobe.

Elphaba made sure to put her broom into her bag this time. She was glad for the spell that made it bigger on the inside.

"You don't really have much, do you?" said Galinda.

"I don't need very much," said Elphaba.

"And your wardrobe is so… dark. Lots of purples and blacks. Who died?"

"It's still early."

Galinda took out one of the dresses Elphaba brought with her and spun around with it, turning it into a pale yellow.

"Much better!" she said and handed it to Elphaba.

Elphaba sighed and took it. Might as well. She doubted it would make any difference anyway.

"You really should consider a more fashionable wardrobe," said Galinda, helping her lace up her corset.

"I'm sure you're right," said Elphaba, not caring either way.

Galinda also insisted on doing her hair in one of the latest styles.

"It's good your hair is so thick and curly," Galinda commented, looping it up. "I don't think you need a single rat."

A rat? When Elphaba was younger her hair was often compared to a rat's nest, but she couldn't imagine one being fashionable.

"Do you need your glasses?" Galinda asked, taking them off.

"Do you need to breathe?" Elphaba responded, taking them back. "Why bother with all this anyway?"

"Well if the image of Kiamo Ko is going to be my new project then you are included in that," said Galinda. "After all, Court Wizards have an image to maintain as well. I know if it were me I'd want to look as fabulous as possible."

"Been practicing magic long?" Elphaba asked.

"My entire life," she said. "I actually attended Shiz University to study sorcery. I graduated this spring, which is why there's quite the pressure on me to marry."

Elphaba hummed.

"I wish I could have gone to University," she said. "Father would never have allowed it and I had tutors and Dr. Dillamond to teach me but even so."

Galinda opened her bag and brought out a tube of something that turned out to be lipstick. Elphaba had only ever seen makeup in those palettes needing to be applied with brushes.

Father hadn't allowed it, obviously, but Elphaba couldn't really see how putting gunk on her face would make her prettier.

She ducked the tube.

"I don't want that," she said.

"Don't you want to look nice for that handsome bookseller?" she asked. "He asked after you the other day."

"Lin?"

"That's his name!" said Galinda. "He'll definishly be there tonight. He likes books, you like books. It's perfect!"

What was she getting at?

"And he's returning to the Emerald City tomorrow," said Elphaba, not coming to an answer.

"Well, let's go then," said Galinda.

Elphaba looked at herself in the mirror. Did she look okay? Maybe she should have taken Galinda's advice.

She kept to herself on the carriage ride to town, feeling out of place crowded together like this. Like she was taking too much space and it didn't matter how much she pulled her petticoats and knees in, she would only be out of the way if she just wasn't there at all.

Second verse, same as the first, everyone split up. Dr. Dillamond was greeted by some older people who happened to be doctors themselves forced out of town for some reason or other. Guess the medical school would be bigger than expected.

Chistery found his friends and future classmates.

Fiyero and Galinda went off together.

It was late in the day she could stay til sunset, then return to the castle to prepare for her inevitable solitude.

When the dancing began the children once again ran up to her asking for the magic.

Bubbles suddenly flooded the space and attention turned to Galinda. She made beautiful iridescent bubbles in pinks, blues, and yellows. The children squealed in delight and ran around, popping them or catching them in their hands.

Elphaba dropped her hands and the dragon disappeared. Galinda used the paper garland hanging up to make paper birds that flitted about and fluttered almost realistically.

So Galinda was a skilled witch.

Right.

Curling her hands in, Elphaba sat down.

"Miss Elphaba."

She looked up at Lin.

"Care to dance?" he asked, extending a hand.

Not really, but she didn't learn these damn things for nothing.

"I would," she said, allowing him to lead her up the steps.

It was strange being where anyone could see her like this. Elphaba stood in an empty square and followed the steps. She was sure she looked ridiculous. Her hair threatened to fly free and she wished she had put it in a bun like usual.

"I've never met anyone like you, Miss Elphaba," said Lin.

"Well, green skin isn't exactly common," she replied.

He laughed lightly.

"That's not what I mean," he said. "Do you believe in fate?"

"Sometimes yes, sometimes no," she said.

"Well as you know, I'm returning to the Emerald City tomorrow," he said. "And I was wondering, that is, I was hoping I could convince you to come back with me."

Elphaba frowned slightly.

"I don't understand," she said. "Like for a job in book copying?"

"No," he said, drawing her just a little closer. "I mean to just… be with me. To be my wife."

"I… I don't know what to say," she said.

"Say yes?"

He was instantly shoved aside and Fiyero took Elphaba's hands.

"I believe it's my turn," he said, leading her around the floor.

Elphaba frowned. "Fiyero, we were talking. Aren't you escorting Galinda?"

"The kids are making their requests," he said. "So I thought I'd dance with you."

A sting of anger shot through her.

"I see," she said coldly. "So I'm just a placeholder."

"Fae—"

She pulled her hands free and backed up. Lin came up looking miffed.

"Is it custom in the Vinkus to interrupt important conversations?" he asked, looking both confused and suspicious of Fiyero.

"An important conversation?" Fiyero scoffed. "What could possibly be so important?"

Elphaba could see an image of the prince Fiyero once was and she was infuriated. She thought he was getting better and that there was someone who could be a kind and effective leader. But no. He just saw himself as temporarily embarrassed.

"Why I've asked Miss Elphaba to marry me," said Lin importantly. "Who are you to intervene?"

Now people were looking. The music stopped. They were whispering.

Fiyero scoffed. "That's ridiculous!"

Something inside her snapped.

"Yeah? Well just because you find me hideous doesn't mean everyone is as thick-headed and shallow!"

Lin got a triumphant grin that made her even angrier. He didn't see it and put an arm around her.

"Seems she's made her decision," he said.

"Don't you dare, either!" Elphaba spat, pulling away. "How can I take it seriously when you never made your intentions known?"

She backed up too far and went over the side of the platform. She didn't remember hitting the ground but her head was spinning as she looked up at the sky.

Fiyero and Lin were making their way down to her but Avaric helped her to her feet. She could feel the mud against her back, cold and wet. Her hair was unwinding out of the elaborate style Galinda had done. She thought she might have been crying.

She started walking away so she could have some space for her take off. She was going home. She was sick of people looking at her.

"Fae! Hold on!" Fiyero grabbed her arm.

She whipped around and yanked his head off his shoulders. Two old women fainted and someone screamed.

"Hey!" Fiyero protested.

"KEEP AWAY!" Elphaba shrieked and tossed his head to Avaric, who caught it.

Fiyero's body staggered around trying to get his head back.

Elphaba backed up and held her hands up. His head was tossed to her again.

"Put me down!" Fiyero shouted.

She hurled his head into his arms, knocking him to the ground. She brought out her broom and straddled it, kicking off into the air.

The wind whipped around her, chilling her to the bone. She made it back to her tower in record time and paced around angrily.

Castle filled her wash tub with hot water and she undressed and cleaned the mud off her skin and out of her hair.

Her mind ran clear. That's what the old witch was saying. She needed to leave. There was no longer any place for her at Kiamo Ko.

Elphaba exhaled sharply and buried her face into her knees.

She should have expected this. After all, she wasn't actually welcome here to begin with. She just showed up and refused to leave.

She dried off and put on her work dress and wrangled her hair in a bun. She took a deep breath and took out her carpet bags.

"Higitus figitus zumbazing," she said, raising her hands. "I want your attention, everything."

The carpet bag gained its own air flow. As she chanted, her things marched into the bag. When that was done, she went downstairs to the library and packed up her research and books, leaving the copies behind. Galinda was a capable witch and people adored her. They tolerated Elphaba. She'd keep her crystal ball handy in case the soldiers attacked and backup was needed. Dr. Dillamond had a whole team of apprentices now, she wasn't needed there. Fiyero had a social life now so he no longer needed nor wanted her company. And Chistery was going to school now so he didn't need her anymore.

She went to the kitchen and took her favorite pots and pans and some food to get her started.

She didn't want to go to the Emerald City with Lin. She didn't like him enough to marry him. Maybe if she got to know him she would feel different, but she was a difficult person to live with, she saw that now. He'd eventually resent her and then where would she be?

There was one place…

Elphaba took out some paper and a pen. She wrote out a letter, mostly in hopes that she would see a reason not to leave. Finding none, she put it beneath a tea cup, then stepped out into the garden.

"Goodbye," she said and kicked off into the darkness.

~o0o~

Fiyero was quiet during the carriage ride back to Kiamo Ko. That had been a mess. He really didn't think that one through. He just saw Elphaba in the arms of some guy he didn't know and it was like an alarm had gone off in his head.

Next thing he knew, his foot was so far in his mouth it was a wonder he could keep speaking at all.

She didn't have to pull his head off.

"I hope Miss Elphaba is alright," said Dr. Dillamond. "She seemed perfectly fine earlier hadn't she?"

Fiyero nodded and looked at Galinda.

"Did she say anything to you?" he asked.

"Let's see. We talked about university," said Galinda. "And we discussed that bookseller she was dancing with, but that was earlier today."

Fiyero got a sick feeling, but since he no longer had a stomach, it just seemed to radiate through his body.

Kiamo Ko lit up as they approached and Fiyero was the first out of the carriage. They needed to talk and he was not going to let her hide away in her room.

He strode up the stairs but was surprised to find the tower pitch black. Elphaba hated the dark; she would at least have a candle or conjured a small orb.

"Fae?" he called, stepping into the room.

The fireplace spat to life and Fiyero flinched in shock to find it empty. It was as if she were never here save for the absent layer of dust.

He still staggered over to the bed and opened the doors. The blankets were gone as was the mattress.

"No…"

He ran back down the steps.

"Castle, where is she?" he called.

The torches spluttered in anger.

"No games! Tell me where she is!"

He was led to the kitchen, but it was empty, so he ran out to the garden and looked around.

"ELPHABA!" he shouted, the mountains carrying his voice.

He searched the skies hoping she wasn't too far. He stumbled over his own feet, landing in a rose bush. The thorns tore at his suit as he scrambled out. He righted himself and went back into the kitchen.

Finally, he spotted a letter sitting on the workbench. He snatched it up, barely registering the sound of a teacup shattering, and opened it.

He fell back against the counter, reading it in the dim light.

My dear Fiyero, Chistery, and Dr. Dillamond,

It has become clear that there is no longer a place for me at Kiamo Ko, so I will be taking my leave. I would hate to become a hindrance on your lives. Chistery, good luck with school. Make sure you study. Dr. Dillamond I wish you well with your new students. And Fiyero, I wish you and Galinda all the happiness. She will be an excellent addition to the castle and will fill in as Court Wizard easily. I hope she breaks your curse soon and I'm sorry I never could.

If there's one thing I've learned it's that partings are easier with a clean break.

So this is goodbye,

All my love,

Elphaba

Fiyero turned the page over hoping for some clue as to where she went.

"Fiyero, where is she?" Dr. Dillamond asked.

He silently handed over the letter. The old goat read it once quickly, then again slowly. He gave it to Chistery who mouthed the words as he read it. Finally, it went to Galinda who was reading it out of curiosity rather than it being addressed to her.

"I don't understand," said Dr. Dillamond. "Why would she think she no longer has a place here?"

"I don't know," said Fiyero. "She seemed happy about everything, right? Supportive?"

"Yes," the old goat agreed. "A little shocked perhaps, but I thought she'd be happy that she didn't have any more to learn from me. Now she can pursue her own research into medicine."

Chistery half-ran/half-flew away, no doubt to go to his room or perhaps to see for himself that she wasn't somewhere in the castle.

"Well, perhaps she saw a future with that nice bookseller," said Dr. Dillamond. "If that's what she wants, then I wish all the best for her."

Fiyero took the letter back and read it again wondering if she had said that's where she was going. She seemed furious about the proposal, but maybe she thought about it and changed her mind?

He ran out and got Poppy from the stable, hurrying as fast as he could back to town. He dismounted and strode through the wagons searching for that bookseller.

The man she danced with. Brown skin, curly hair, dark eyes. Was he the one Elphaba had dreamed about?

Thoughts ran through Fiyero's mind of them together. Elphaba in that cream-colored wedding dress that belonged to her mother and smiling.

What the hell did she mean there was no place left for her here? Maybe she was just being polite in saying that she wanted to leave with whatshisname?

Well, not until they actually talked and she said she wanted to leave to his face. Two years together she could not leave like this.

He found the wagon and pounded his fist against the door.

The door opened and the bookseller appeared down to his combinations. Fiyero felt a surge of something.

"Where is she?!" he growled.

"Who?"

Fiyero stuck his head into the wagon. Piles of books, a cot half rolled out between the wall and a trunk. No Elphaba. He was shoved back and the man drew himself up, knocking his head against the top of his wagon.

"If you mean Miss Elphaba," he said, rubbing the spot, "she's not here. I don't know how it is here in the Vinkus, but in Neutraland shouting at someone for proposing is a good indication of a rejection."

"Dammit." Fiyero paced around in a circle. "Where did she go then?"

"You think she might have come here?" Lin asked hopefully.

"She left, if she was coming here she'd be here already," Fiyero said sourly.

Where would she go? Not back to Munchkinland that was for sure, she'd rather die.

Fiyero returned to Kiamo Ko and put Poppy back in the stable. He went back inside and plunked down on the stairs.

"Scarecrow— Fiyero."

He looked up at Galinda. She held up the letter.

"What does she mean by curse?" she asked.

Fiyero looked down at his hands.

"I'm cursed," he said simply. "That's why I'm a living scarecrow. A jack pumpkinhead."

"And what does it have to do with me?"

"I have to receive a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world," he said. "It will turn me human and undo the curse on Uma Lu, too."

"And you've decided that's me?"

"Elphaba and I both agreed you're the most beautiful woman we've ever seen," said Fiyero.

She tossed her hair and giggled, then looked serious.

"I have read up on curses," she said. "Tell me exactly what the witch said."

"Bog fairy actually," said Fiyero. He closed his eyes. He could still remember that day clearly.

The taste of the food was a dream of a dream and he couldn't quite remember the music or if it had been warm or cold, but he remembered that old woman who crashed a good party. His parents looking down their noses at her, his little sister helping her up when she collapsed, and Fiyero making a remark asking what swamp she crawled out of. Then taking the flower she offered as a gift and stomping on it.

The fairy had risen up, her wings like a dragonfly's and still as old and wrinkled as if she spent her time in a bog but her eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.

"You o heartless man shall hereby be cursed," he said. "Cursed to live without death in a shell as hollow as you are in flesh and it shall be this way for all time until you meet the most beautiful woman in the world and earn her love. Only until you feel her lips upon yours will the curse be broken and you will return to flesh and blood."

After those words, he blacked out and woke up here. The castle he spent a few winters in as a child but had since been abandoned. Empty with no sign of life except for the bugs and vermin. The castle with a personality and the garden full of magic.

Fiyero opened his eyes now and jerked back upon seeing Galinda's golden curls. She moved away.

"Anything?" she asked.

He looked at his hands but they were still wood.

"I didn't even feel you kiss me," he said.

"Mm. If it were a witch's spell it might have worked," said Galinda. "I love the opportunity I am given here and if you think I'm the most beautiful woman in the world then it must count, but I'm afraid I couldn't actually give my heart to you Fiyero. Not really. I could play at it, but it wouldn't be real."

He blinked slowly, not understanding. She must've seen his confusion.

"I don't love like others do," Galinda explained. "I love my momsie and popsicle and I loved my little kitten when I was growing up but I was never in love. Even when the most perfect of men crossed my path I never felt more than a slight interest that never grew. I could play at it. Flirt and pretend, but I never felt what was described in the stories. That's why I was attracted to you when my auntie said you were a single man who must be in want of a wife. A scarecrow who could let me live the life I wanted without expecting wifely duties of me. As that is no longer the case, I believe it might be awkward if I remain."

"Maybe it's just a trick of the Bog Fairy," said Fiyero. "To tell me that it can't be broken. Listen, you don't have to leave. I can just give you an official title and you can still do what you like."

He did feel like he did when he was human. Hollow and trying to force himself into believing he was happy.

"Maybe it's Elphaba," said Galinda.

"What's Elphaba?"

She looked at him as if he was the stupidest person in the world.

"The one to break your curse!" Galinda huffed.

"She's tried," he said. "She couldn't do it and now she's gone and I don't know where she went." He dropped his head against his knees. "Maybe the point is that I don't deserve to be human."

He stood up.

"I'm still the prince!" he declared. "And I can at least make sure Kiamo Ko is safe from those soldiers. I'm not heartless enough to leave them hanging."

He turned and went to his quarters. Oz, he wished he could sleep. He collapsed on his bed and stared up at the ceiling.

Maybe Elphaba had forgotten something and would come back.

Two years she had been living here. He couldn't recall what it was like before she came.

Swinging back up, he paced around his room, then plunked down at his desk. He opened his sketchbook to a new page, grabbed a piece of charcoal and just started drawing. He couldn't dream anymore, so he drew. His walls were covered with his "dreams" to the point where he couldn't see what was beneath. The dreams he wanted to cling to became paintings.

Whoever the royal painter was who lived here must not've needed his supplies anymore. There was a lot left behind.

Fiyero looked down at what he'd drawn. Dark curls framed a long, narrow face. Eyes magnified by thin wire frames stared up at him. A wide mouth neither smiled nor frowned beneath a thin nose and a pair of thick eyebrows upturned slightly above eyes that always seemed sad.

He plunked his cheek into his hand and carefully drew Elphaba's freckles. She had so many of them, spraying across her cheeks like stars. When she wore the dress he had bought her he had seen them on her shoulders as well.

That look in her eye before she pulled his head off his shoulders… Fiyero shuddered. He should have tried harder. Run after her instead of deciding to give her space.

What had happened?

He pondered over this until dawn when he decided to head back to town to see if perhaps she had spent the night at one of the inns to cool off.

Poppy just glared at him when he tried to saddle her up, so he walked. The path was long and winding, slightly slick with frost.

He wouldn't be surprised if the snow started to stick next week.

Back in town, there was a bustle as the merchants left. On the grounds, Fiyero found the sleepy-eyed Burgomaster conversing with several people. More stood around looking too exhausted to take a single step farther.

He spotted caravans and carts some pulled by horses or oxen and some seemed to be hand-pulled. Not all of the people were dressed for mountain weather and Fiyero recognized the tattoos of the Erba tribe from the thousand year grasslands. There were Foxes from the Huli tribe and Wolves from the Ze'ev tribe. There was even a family from as far south as the Ansi Tribe.

A young Wolf Pup was curled up in the back of a cart sleeping fitfully.

Fiyero approached.

"What is going on?" he asked.

Mr. Abolar jumped and looked at Fiyero.

"Ah, Your Highness," he said.

"Please," said a man, holding a baby. "We've heard that Kiamo Ko is safe from the soldiers. Can you grant us sanctuary?"

Fiyero looked at their weary faces and nodded.

"Are there any empty houses in town?" Fiyero asked.

"A few," said Mr. Abolar, taking him to the side. "Scarecrow, what if they are spies?"

Fiyero looked back at them all, shaking from hunger, eyes sunken with exhaustion, their animals thin, all their worldly possessions carried on their backs.

"Oh, yeah," he said sarcastically. "They just ooze with malice."

He went over to their makeshift leaders, heads of families who banded together in hopes of safety in numbers.

"Can you manage to travel a little further?" he asked. "I can offer refuge in my castle until we can find or build a place for you to settle down. It's warm and there's food."

"Remove your mask," said a She-Wolf.

"This is just my face," said Fiyero, pulling his head off his shoulders and holding it aloft. "I was manifested into existence at Kiamo Ko castle."

Not a lie, technically.

The act scared them, however, which meant that they weren't aware of his existence and therefore could not be in league with the soldiers.

Fiyero put his head back on.

"This way," he said.

Amazingly, they followed. He helped pull one of the hand carts. The owner looked to be a boy no older than thirteen and he carried his little sister on his back. The girl slept but it was uneasy, her brow twisted in discomfort.

A Calf loped unsteadily beside them, her pack keeping her back hunched forward like a question mark.

Fiyero looked ahead. He would look for Elphaba later. She'd be furious if he let a bunch of children freeze while the Burgomaster acted wishy-washy about their presence.

He liked Mr. Abolar, he was a good man, but in the end he still thought like a politician.

Castle opened the main doors and the doors to the stable.

"Your animals will have food and rest in there," he said. "The rest of you I think we can get some food and a warm bed arranged. Once you all are rested we can talk more about a permanent residence."

He turned to the adolescents.

"Where are your parents?" he asked.

The boy stared down at the ground and adjusted his sister on his back.

"Soldiers killed 'em," he said. "Cause they couldn't pay. We're all that's left of our home."

The Calf sniffled and rubbed her nose, which was already dry and cracked looking much like parched earth.

Fiyero set his jaw.

"Well, you're safe here," he promised.

Castle had set the dining table with a feast fit for a king. More chairs had materialized. The group heaved a collective sigh and started forward, then paused, looking at him.

"I don't eat," he said and gestured. "Have your fill."

They sat down. The children seemed to believe they were having a vivid dream and the adults didn't quite seem to believe they weren't.

The room was warmly lit by the fireplace and the sconces. The table was lush with bowls of fruit, tureens of rice porridge and soup, fresh bread, plates of hot and cold meats, fried and scrambled eggs, pickled vegetables, pots of hot tea and coffee, pitchers of cold juice and fresh water.

Galinda entered, dressed for the day and her expression fell into confusion.

"Who…"

Fiyero stepped out with her.

"Note," he said. "In front of company call me Scarecrow. I don't think anyone would believe I was the missing prince anyway. Two, these are refugees from the soldiers so we'll need to go to town today to figure out where to put them; and C… I lost my train of thought."

He paced around in a circle.

"What am I forgetting?" he asked.

"How in Oz would I know that?" Galinda replied and entered the room to sit down.

Fiyero frowned, feeling lost. He stood in that spot, half hidden in the doorway of the dining hall. Dr. Dillamond greeted him as he passed and had seemed surprised by the guests, but didn't question it and just sat down.

When the others had their fill, Fiyero led them to bedrooms. Giving suites to families and apologizing for some of the disuse and dust and promising he'd get them settled in town as soon as possible.

He stopped by Chistery's room and knocked, then poked his head in.

The bedroom was in disarray as if a twister had come through and Chistery was still curled up in his hammock.

"Chistery, don't you want breakfast?" he asked.

"Is Baba home?" Chistery asked. "Did you find her?"

"I… no. I got side-tracked. I'll be going back into town today. We have refugees from other towns so… don't be surprised to come across a stranger. Okay?"

Chistery sent him a nasty look and rolled over with a huff.

Fiyero cringed and approached.

"I'll find her," he promised. "And hey, maybe she'll come back before the week is out. You've got school tomorrow."

"I don't want to go anymore."

"But you were so excited," Fiyero coaxed. "And Elphaba was happy for you to start."

Chistery curled into a tighter ball, his wings curving around him like a roly-poly.

Fiyero wished he could do the same and left to handle things in town.

Were there more children across the Vinkus who had lost everything? Who were taking their meager possessions and trying to find a safe haven?

He stopped on the steps of the Castle and looked back.

"You brought Elphaba to me before," he said. "Could you do it again?"

Water was shuddered off some tiles and dumped over him in response. He couldn't really feel it, but it was the gesture that counted.

"Fine," he said. "Then can you find lost children in the Vinkus and bring them here? The ones who lost their families to the soldiers or hardship?"

The doors squeaked in an odd shrug. Moments later, the carriage and Poppy ran out of the stable and disappeared in a wave of magic.

At least he could be useful to someone. Fiyero straightened his suit jacket, not really caring that it was the muddy one from last night and ran to town to meet with the Burgomaster and the Town Planning Committee.

Chapter Text

Snow blew into town and with it more who wanted to try to better their fortunes in Kiamo Ko. Galinda had hired a lot of them to work in the castle. Fiyero found it easy to keep busy though he still often turned to ask Elphaba for her opinion despite her no longer being there.

No one in town asked after her, but expansions were going underway to make room for the new arrivals. Some from the grasslands were more than happy to make their homes in yurts on empty land, just adjusting them for the colder temperatures.

More livestock was brought in, more tradesmen, more craftsmen. It wasn't all smooth sailing, and while Galinda was great and did her best, it just wasn't the same as having Elphaba there.

Trouble struck when they were in town and the soldiers decided to make a strike. The alarm horn blew and the market place went into bedlam as sellers snatched up their wares and ducked into buildings for safety.

"Alright," said Fiyero, turning to Galinda. "Time to show off your magic! Chase them off!"

She tensed and fumbled for her grimoire.

"We've been patient!" said one. "The time for games is over!"

"We aren't afraid of you," said Fiyero.

"Where's the she-troll?"

"I will say your new witch is a better sight for sore eyes than the other one," the lieutenant said, smirking.

Galinda threw a spell but only conjured a shower of bubbles.

The men laughed.

"Is that all you got?"

A cloaked figure broke out of the crowd and raised a hand. The leader of this bunch clucked and started flapping his arms around. His horse twitched and started hopping around. Its ears grew larger, its body grew smaller, and its front teeth elongated until a little white mouse scurried around on the ground.

The figure threw back their hood, revealing Elphaba.

"How many times do I have to teach you this lesson?" she demanded.

"You little—" one fired a shot from his crossbow and the bolt was transformed into a flower, hitting Elphaba in the chest before bouncing uselessly to the ground.

With flourishes of her hands, the soldiers were quickly chased off with their tails between their legs. Some with tails that had not been there before.

The crowds stood in astonishment before breaking into applause and cheers.

Elphaba put her hood back over her head and picked up her shopping basket.

Fiyero broke out of his trance and ran to her.

"Fae!"

She looked back at him in vague surprise.

"You're still a scarecrow," she said.

"You're still green," he joked.

She narrowed her eyes and mounted her broom.

"Wait! Where are you staying now?" he asked. "It's been months but I haven't seen you around town."

She seemed thinner than usual and her green skin had a greyish tinge to it. Her hair looked dull and couldn't seem to stay in its bun.

"You don't have to be polite," she sighed. "I should get home."

"Wait," he said. "At least tell me why you left."

"I thought my letter was perfectly clear."

"It was not, why would you think you didn't belong with us anymore?"

"It was obvious to me," she said dully and kicked off into the sky.

"Can't blame her for leaving," said Avaric.

Fiyero scowled at the man.

"And what do you know about it?" he snapped.

Avaric smirked in that irritating way of his.

"A lot more than you, apparently," he scoffed. "I mean, if my family forgot me and left me in the cold and dark, I'd be hurt, too."

"She's the one who left," said Fiyero.

Avaric scoffed incredulously.

"You never realized?" he said and laughed mirthlessly. "Well, no wonder she got so mad at you that last day."

Fiyero narrowed his eyes. "Start making sense."

"The second night of the Harvest Festival—or was it the third?" he mused. "There I was helping clean up when Miss Elphaba comes out of the darkness asking if she saw you. Well, I saw you, Dr. Dillamond, Chistery, and that gorgeous Miss Galinda get into the carriage and had assumed she flew home. I guess you all came to the same conclusion and never checked to see if she made it home safe."

Fiyero felt as if all the straw in his body curled up at once.

"Is she living here in town?" he asked.

"No," he said and seemed certain of it. "She comes by once a week for groceries and to dole out that potion the old folks like for their bones and then leaves."

"Do you know where she goes?"

He snorted. "Why would I? We're not friends. Like I said, she just comes once a week to the market."

"Is it consistent?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, weather vane?" Avaric strode off.

Ass.

Fiyero went back to the others, thinking. Elphaba was a creature of habit. She hated having her routine interrupted, so she would come to town again eventually. However, she also took the crystal ball with her so she was likely keeping an eye on the soldiers.

Was today a coincidence or a planned visit? Was she watching all of them?

If she was, she might have at least reached out to Chistery who seemed to miss her most of all.

More snow would be blowing in and there could be blizzards this time of year. Where was she staying? Was she warm enough? She didn't look well.

He didn't even get a chance to ask her opinion on the children's shelter. They all seemed to be doing alright in the castle but they also seemed uncomfortable with it, like they were afraid to act like kids. He didn't know if it was him or the trauma they experienced from their lives being uprooted, but maybe if there was an official building in town, one homier and more child-friendly than a crumbling castle, it might work out better.

After collecting the paperwork, he returned to the castle and got started on it. Permits, estimates, tax recommendations. He was rich and it was his fault all this happened in the first place so he could fund expanding infrastructure. Ensure rent remains low and then discuss taxes at a later date to fund public works. No one liked taxes, but he was sure Elphaba could convince them that everyone paying a small portion to keep the doctors in business was better than having to pay out of pocket each time.

A year, he decided. Get the money circulating, people comfortable, and the trades more or less set.

"Fifi, do you have a moment?" Galinda asked.

He nodded and looked up at her.

"Lurlinemas is in a few weeks," she said. "I was thinking you should host a ball for that night. It's a little short notice, I know, but Castle provides food so I'll just need to plan a menu and hire on a decorator!"

"We don't festivate Lurlinemas," said Fiyero. "Fae and I never really acknowledged the holiday and Chistery never asked about it. When I was human, I observed the Festival of Lights."

The Festival of Lights lasted from the winter solstice to the new year. Lurlinemas was observed on January 6th.

"But it's so much fun! We could decorate and do angels—oh that's a gift exchange everyone picks a name from a hat and they are their angel to bestow a gift on them just as Lurline did for people!"

Fiyero had no idea what Galinda was talking about.

"I suppose we could do the lantern release," he said. "Each night we light a candle because the days are getting longer after the solstice and on the new year we write a wish in a paper lantern and release it."

"And gifts?"

"Children receive gifts; usually practical things, like socks and a scarf. I hated getting socks when I was a kid."

"You're a prince, you didn't get everything on your wish list?" Galinda laughed.

"I did. I just also got socks that I hated." He wiggled his pen over the paper.

He got out a new sheet and wrote a note, then copied it, adjusting where he saw fit. He used the ink blotter, folded them up, and stamped them with his newly made royal seal, which was a pumpkin.

"Can you send these out?" he asked.

She nodded, then hesitated.

"Elphaba won't be mad forever," she said.

He scoffed and pulled his paperwork back to him.

"You don't know Elphaba," he said. "She can be mad as long as she wants. And before we had a mutual loathing. Just strangers. Now…"

She was abandoned by her family twice. How could he ever make up for that? He didn't want to think about it.

"What happened today?" he asked. "Did you freeze up?"

"Hm?"

"When the soldiers tried to stir up trouble," he said. "I mean, you're a witch, I've seen you do magic."

"Oh! You know, just taken by surprise," she laughed lightly. "I'll do better next time."

Fiyero looked back down. It took Elphaba time to build up her skills, but Galinda said she was formally trained so he'd just have to trust that.

He missed his best friend.

Over the next week, he kept an eye out in town for her. He picked up Chistery from school and they walked around town to look at the solstice preparations. Paper lanterns were being sold as were traditional foods fried in oil.

"Why don't you pick a lantern, Chistery?" Fiyero asked. "You write a wish in it and we release it on New Years' Day."

Chistery half-heartedly looked at the lanterns, then around the square. He suddenly took off. Fiyero looked up in the sky and saw Elphaba flying away on her broom.

She was too fast even for the Monkey's powerful wings, but he was giving a valiant chase.

Fiyero ran after them, glad he couldn't tire. He held onto his head as he bounded over rocks and fallen trees, trying to keep his eye on the skies.

He stopped short, having slammed into a wall.

Shaking his head, he backed up to see the mountainside cut off as if a giant axe had split it centuries ago. The face glimmered almost silver, though the minerals within could very well have been worthless for all they sparkled. Plants clung to the surface as if their lives depended on it and tree roots from the flat surface at the top wove down.

Fiyero raised his hands to climb then lowered them. They would be long gone by the time he scaled that. He moved this way and that trying to see if there was a way around but one way kept going up and the slope downward was too gradual the other way.

Elphaba would never let Chistery get hurt.

Hoping that he would find both of them there, Fiyero headed home. He told Galinda and Dr. Dillamond of Chistery's whereabouts.

"Perhaps he can persuade her to—if not return—at least visit," said Dr. Dillamond.

Fiyero nodded and paced around the castle restlessly, eventually ending up in the tower. He scanned the skies and mistook several birds for his friend.

Just as the sky began to darken, a flying figure came and landed next to him. Chistery shivered and scampered over to the fireplace, dusting the snow off his fur.

"Where is she staying, Chistery?" Fiyero asked eagerly.

"Not saying."

"What?! Why not?"

"I promised not to say." He took a small cake out of his pocket and ate it, clutching his feet together as if he could squeeze the cold out of them. "Baba said I could visit her whenever I liked if I didn't say where."

"Chistery—"

"No!" Chistery hugged his knees. "I'm not saying."

"Will you at least bring her letters?"

Chistery nodded.

That cake he had eaten… they weren't sold in town, which meant Elphaba had access to a stove.

And then he felt like an idiot.

Of course she would go there.

Now he knew. Did he go after her or just leave her be? He didn't know.

~o0o~

Fiyero felt like an idiot trudging through the forest with a bouquet of flowers in hand and a present tucked under his arm. As if he were going to suck up to a girlfriend who was mad at him.

Still, he wanted Chistery's wish to come true and have Elphaba be at the castle in the morning for breakfast.

Maybe it was wrong to sneak a peek at the lantern wish, but he wanted to see if he could grant it. He'd get down on his knees and beg Elphaba if he had to.

He just wanted all of this awkwardness and uncomfortableness to stop.

He also wished he would have realized where she went sooner. He could have guessed. After all, she did say that she had always wanted to run away to a small cottage that was her own.

It was difficult to get to the lake on foot, but he couldn't tire nor did he feel the cold.

The wind was pretty annoying though. Shrieking and howling and trying to knock him over. The snow was falling heavily, making it difficult for him to walk.

He wove between the trees, finally coming upon the lake. The cottage was a beacon in the grays and blues of night, the warm orange glow of the fire painting the snow around it.

Skidding on black ice, Fiyero hurried as quickly as he could towards the cottage. He hauled himself up the steps and pounded his fist against the door.

Moments later, Elphaba answered. Fiyero pushed his way in before she could slam the door in his face.

"Fiyero, come in, make yourself at home," said Elphaba, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The cottage had been cleaned from top to bottom and the fireplace was crackling warmly. A cauldron bubbled on the stove and a bed loaded with blankets was pressed against a wall. Books were stacked up on spare spaces away from the fireplace and she appeared to still be working on potions and experimenting with magic.

The small table was cluttered with her research and an empty bowl with remnants from her dinner.

"Nice place," he said.

"Why are you here?" Elphaba asked.

She looked more ashen than last time.

"It's New Year's," he said and handed her the flowers and the present. "Happy New Year!"

"What do you really want?" she sighed and sank into her chair.

She looked truly exhausted. He was reminded of when she had taken it upon herself to clean the whole castle.

Fiyero sat down in the rocking chair opposite her. Cajoling, teasing, and beating around the bush wasn't going to help his case.

"Chistery's wish for the new year was to wake up and have you there," he said.

"I see. And you thought you could bribe me with presents?"

"Well, this is our third New Year together," he said. "You missed releasing the lanterns—"

"I saw them from here."

"I wanted to get you something," he said, holding them out.

She took them, but clearly wasn't placated. She slowly pulled off her mittens so she could unwrap the present. Her hands were chapped and shaking. She didn't sound sick, her nose wasn't stuffed and she wasn't sniffling or coughing more than anyone else in winter.

Yet there was still something about her that seemed… ill.

"Socks," she said, holding them up. "How practical."

"That is tradition," he said.

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth and she stooped over to put them on. Her own looked to have been darned too many times to count. She put her slippers back on and settled back.

They sat quietly. Fiyero wasn't sure what to say next and Elphaba didn't seem to have the energy to speak.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Elphaba, I'm so sorry I left you behind. That I didn't dance with you at the gala, that I left you alone at the festival, and that you were forced to walk back to the castle because all of us were too wrapped up in ourselves to notice you were still in town. I was an idiot of epic proportions."

He stood, then knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his.

"You are missed every day," he said. "No one else in town is going to tell me if they think my ideas are stupid and why, Chistery is beside himself—We're the only family he has ever known, Fae. And Dr. Dillamond has his hooves full with all those students and let me tell you I don't think all of them are as smart as you and he's getting agitated at them."

"So it's all gone to hell without me?" she asked.

"We manage—" he stopped himself short. "I mean—it's a struggle. A nightmare of… epic proportions."

She huffed softly in amusement.

"No one can replace you, Fae," he said. "Dr. Dillamond never gave up on you, he just thought you could start on your own research and talk to him as an equal not a mentor. Socialization is good for Chistery but he still needs help with schoolwork. And I need you, too. You're my best friend and I am so lost without you."

He touched her cheek, and in that moment realized he loved her. The stories said now would be the time for a kiss that said everything it needed to.

Instead, he bowed his head, placing it into her lap.

"Come home," he begged. "When spring comes if you still feel out of place I'll help you move back out here myself. I'll pay to have a road paved to make it easier to visit you. And you can still keep it and maintain it if you just need some time away from us."

Elphaba was quiet, but she rested a hand on his head. Her calloused thumb running along one of the ridges.

"Why are you still a Scarecrow?" she asked. "I… I saw Galinda kiss you and… it didn't work?"

"Well, it has to be true romantic love's kiss and she made it clear she'll never love me like that." He laughed wryly. "I guess the Bog Fairy was just giving me false hope."

"I'm sorry," she said. "I know you were feeling human again when you were with her."

"I said I felt like my old self," he said. "And that bastard is the reason why I'm in this mess in the first place. He's selfish, self-absorbed, and shallow."

"I don't think he is," she said. "Not really. So, no Galinda?"

"I'm still keeping her on," he said. "She does know how to keep a castle running, but I don't think she's cut out for Court Wizard."

"That bad?"

"Well, she wants to reorganize the library by color."

"Sweet Oz."

Elphaba sighed and sat up. Fiyero sat back on his heels and watched her stand. She took out a carpet bag and started stuffing clothes into it.

"Just a few days," she said.

Fiyero grinned and nodded.

"We're kinda full of guests at the moment," he said. "But you can sleep in my bed."

She jerked her hands back and looked at him.

"Fae, I don't sleep," he said. "And you look dead on your feet, you shouldn't have to remake your bed in the tower especially if you're only staying a few days."

She nodded and got her toothbrush and hairbrush out of the wash basin.

"Just a few days," she said and hesitated on putting out the fire.

"The moon is bright tonight," said Fiyero.

She waved her hand and the fire went out, as did the stove. There was an odd shimmer in the air and Elphaba doubled over, shivering.

Fiyero tipped his head.

"Have you been using magic to keep your cottage warm?" he asked.

She nodded.

No wonder she looked so frail. If she was using this much magic constantly…

Fiyero gave her his coat, helped her put her cloak on, and they stepped out of the cottage.

"We'll have to fly low," said Elphaba above the wind.

Fiyero nodded and mounted the broom behind her. He held onto her bag so she could focus on steering.

The snow streaked around them like shooting stars and they wove around trees, branches scraping their faces.

A shriek cut through the air. Otherworldly, inhuman, inanimal. It seemed to come from every direction.

Elphaba flinched and the broom dropped suddenly.

"Fae!"

She gained control, but they still skidded along the ground, coming to a stop. Elphaba stumbled and Fiyero couldn't stop himself from slamming into her. They tumbled and landed in a snow drift.

Fiyero pushed himself up and checked Elphaba over.

The clouds parted allowing silvery moonlight to flood the small clearing.

"Are you okay?" he asked and saw a cut on her cheek.

"I'm alright," she said and her expression fell away into horror.

He followed her gaze and if he had a stomach it would have dropped.

Just beyond the line of trees was a creature unlike any Fiyero had ever seen. The closest was the illustration of the Jabberwock from Chistery's book.

Jabberwock was as good a name for this creature. It had a long, serpentine body and its eyes glowed with an orange fire. It nearly blended in with its surroundings seeming to be part flora and part fauna. An amalgam of countless living things. Its skin was scales and fur and something pitted like a wasp's nest or beehive. It had many rows of teeth, its lip curling up in a snarl. Or maybe it had no lips at all.

Fiyero frowned upon seeing blood, almost black but glistening in the moonlight.

The creature made that low, baleful sound again and struggled, it's insect wings fluttering and buzzing. Thin wires glinted like silver and cut into its skin.

"It's trapped!" said Fiyero.

Elphaba followed his gaze.

"We should help," she said, scrambling to her feet to go towards it.

Something swooped in, knocking her back several feet.

"Elphaba!" Fiyero ran to her.

She looked to have just had the wind knocked out of her.

Another creature similar to the first stood its ground. While the first looked to blend in with the land, this one was bright and stood out. It had a crest of feathers dark and speckled, a face like a mandrill's bright blue with a red nose, two antlers like twisting trees, lion's paws instead of eagle claws, and eyes that burned orange.

Its roar was haunting as it faced off with Fiyero who stood over Elphaba protectively.

A male and female. The She-Jabberwock lowed and struggled. If they left them alone she would probably die.

"Oz dammit," he huffed. "Fae, when I give the word just run for the broom and go on without me."

"Fiyero?"

"I need to help," he said.

"He'll crush you before you can," she said. "I'll help."

"Fae."

"Fiyero!"

She was just going to help when he rushed in anyway.

"Fine. One… two… three!"

She bolted for her broom and Fiyero charged in.

The Jabberwock bellowed and raised his bird-like wings. Elphaba launched into the air and threw a ball of light into his face.

Fiyero couldn't watch, focusing on the She-Jabberwock. She hissed and swiped at him, catching his back. He fell to the ground but recovered quickly and looked at the trap. It looked like silver wire made from some sort of magic. Whoever set it wanted to catch this creature or something akin to it. Dragons lived north of Munchkinland but this was the first Fiyero heard of the Jabberwocks.

No, that wasn't true was it? The soldiers claimed they were fighting against them, but no one else really seemed to know if the threat was real or not.

Jury was still out.

Fiyero pulled his dagger and dragged it against the wire, his suspicions that it was magic confirmed.

The She-Jabberwock thrashed.

"Stop!" Fiyero shouted. "You're only making it tighter!"

She seemed to understand and went still. He found the loop and followed the wire to a branch.

"FAE!" he shouted. "Aim for that branch!"

A spell shot through the air and the tree splintered and the branch dropped to the ground. Fiyero loosened the loop and the creature slithered out of it.

"GOT HER!"

He whipped around in time to see Elphaba tackled out of the air. The She-Jabberwock crashed into her mate before his paw could come down.

Fiyero knelt beside Elphaba and brushed her hair back. She was very still.

"Fae…? Elphaba!"

She twitched and opened one eye. She groaned and shivered.

Fiyero leaned over her, pressing his forehead to her cheek, then straightened up.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Are you hurt?"

"I don't know," she whispered, her voice slightly shallow and pained.

"Can you stand?"

"I don't think so."

He helped her sit up first but she immediately collapsed back to the ground, and to their dismay her broom was broken in two beside her.

"How far are we from the castle?" she asked.

"As the crow flies not far but I think it'd be a few miles the long way."

The She-Jabberwock approached. Fiyero shielded Elphaba as they watched her lower to the ground, straightening out.

The Jabberwock made a whine of protest and was silenced by the female with a quick hiss.

"Kiamo Ko castle," said Fiyero. "Know it?"

She nodded.

They didn't appear to have human speech but there seemed to be an understanding of it.

"It's either this or walk," Elphaba reasoned and she was in no condition to walk.

Fiyero scooped her up and carried her to the beast, helping her onto its back. He fetched her bag, leaving the broom, and mounted behind her.

The Jabberwocks launched into the air together and made their way to Kiamo Ko. It didn't take long and soon they were touching down into the gardens.

"I've got you," said Fiyero.

Elphaba didn't protest, her eyes half shut and her teeth chattering too much for her to speak. She rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her to his quarters.

The maids kept his bed tidy and the room dust free.

"I'm going to get Dr. Dillamond, okay?"

She made a small noise to confirm she heard him.

Fiyero laid her down, covering her with the blankets. The fireplace was lit and he hoped the castle was warmer than her cabin.

He knocked on Dr. Dillamond's door and the old goat answered, looking both annoyed and concerned.

"Fiyero? What is it?"

"It's Elphaba," he said. "We got attacked, I don't know if she's sick or injured."

Dr. Dillamond quickly pulled on his robe and got his doctor's bag, following Fiyero to his room.

"I'll be just a moment," said Dr. Dillamond.

Fiyero nodded and looked out the window seeing the Jabberwocks still in the garden. He found a supply closet with fresh linens and filled a bucket with warm water, courtesy of Castle.

He went out to the garden through the kitchen. The Jabberwocks looked at him warily.

"I don't know if you can really understand me," he said. "But I'm here to help."

They stared at him but didn't make any sudden moves. Fiyero gently cleaned the She-Jabberwock's injuries.

She roared in his face.

"Well, do you want an infection?" he countered crossly and wrapped the wounds up in the linens. "Listen, I don't really get what you are, but you can hang around here in the garden if you promise not to hurt anyone. I got a lot of kids staying here and they've been hurt enough by those soldiers, I don't need them to be scared of anything else. I'm the prince of this territory and I'm going to protect them."

He straightened up.

"If you're cold there's room in the stable but the horses might get scared."

The Jabberwocks settled together, looking like a coiled two-headed snake, their eyes dimming slightly.

Fiyero went back inside and found a tray of tea waiting for him. He carried it up to his room.

Elphaba had been propped up by many pillows. She had bandages on her forearm and the neckline of her nightgown had shifted, showing another bandage on her shoulder.

"How is she, doc?" he asked.

"A bit scratched up," he said. "A strain on her back, but my main diagnosis? Exhaustion, pure and simple. It could turn into an illness later, but try to rest now so it doesn't become serious."

"I'll be alright," said Elphaba.

"Try not to walk too much," he warned. "I have a wheelchair you can use until you have your strength back. I'll make sure it's in here by morning."

Fiyero nodded and set the tray down. He offered the tea bag and the goat took it on the saucer.

"Good night," he said. "And welcome home, Miss Elphaba."

Fiyero fixed her tea how she liked it and carefully placed the cup into her hands.

"I think this is overdue," he said.

She didn't respond, just sipping it delicately and settling back into the pillows. He looked around the room and spotted a bed warmer by the fireplace. He'd seen how it worked when he was a kid.

He filled it up with a scoop of the coals from the fire and made sure it was securely closed, then brought it to Elphaba.

'Don't be stupid,' he told himself. 'It goes under the quilt. Do not burn her.'

He stuck it under the quilts at her feet.

Elphaba made a soft groaning sound and shifted under the blankets.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"Of course," he said and started to leave.

"Stay a minute?" she asked.

He nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed. When she finished her tea, he put the cup back on the tray.

Elphaba closed her eyes, her hands folded on her gently rising and falling chest. Her hair was spread across the pillows and her expression held discomfort.

Fiyero stood guard over her until he was sure she was sleeping too deeply to wake, then got up and quickly hid his drawings of her.

He looked out the window into the garden, nearly panicking when he couldn't immediately see the Jabberwocks, then relaxing when he spotted them under a tree.

He stood there and watched until morning.

Chapter Text

No one was more excited than Chistery when Elphaba appeared at breakfast on New Year's morning. He was practically glued to her side and sat on her lap while he chattered on about the festival of lights and the presents he received. She often forgot that he really was still a child, though his body was full grown, he still had years to go.

A couple days passed and Galinda was preparing the castle for the Lurlinemas festivations. She asked Elphaba's opinion, and upon learning she had none, insisted it was fine because the plans were already set anyway.

The children were excited about it at least. Elphaba nearly melted when she discoverated that Fiyero had collected all the homeless children in the Vinkus to give them food, shelter, and an education.

She didn't swoon, but the kindness and generosity did make her a little weak in the knees.

"Oh, shoot!"

Elphaba looked up to see Fiyero glaring at a piece of armor in annoyance. It seemed loose fabric on his chest had caught the weapon it held and had torn a hole clear through his side. Wool and straw spilled out.

"Alright, come on," she said and brought him to her old work room where her loom still stood along with baskets with sewing projects. "Strip."

"W-What?"

"Fiyero, you don't have anything for me to see," she said. "Let me patch you up. Unless Miss Galinda is handling your repairs."

He shook his head and undressed while Elphaba eased out of the wheelchair and gathered her supplies.

"I never apologized for yanking your head off," she said, sitting on a low stool. "I know how much you hate it and that's why I did it."

"It's okay," he said, sitting at her feet. "I deserved it for ditching you and then acting all upset when you were dancing with that bookseller."

She reached into the hole to pull out the rest of the wool and straw, figuring she might as well restuff him.

"Why can I feel you?" he asked.

"Probably because I have my hand stuck in your chest," she said and shrieked as something started crawling around on her fingers.

She jerked her hand out and something small and brown scurried off. Fiyero caught it and in the light, they saw it was a mouse.

"No wonder you feel something, you have a mouse for your heart," said Elphaba, gingerly pulling out the rest and sifting through the pieces in case there were babies. "It doesn't hurt does it? When I pull out the stuffing?"

"No," he said. "It kinda feels like when the air is knocked out of you. I don't really feel much except—"

Elphaba started suturing the smaller rips and picked out fabrics for the larger rips.

"Except?"

"Well, for some reason I can feel you," he said. "Everyone else is just a presence, if they stuck their hand in my chest I wouldn't feel it."

She scoffed lightly.

"I'm sure it's just because I've too much magic for my body," she said. "And you are technically a being made of magic, so it makes sense that you would react to me."

She restuffed him and finished sewing up the hole. She stood, needing to support herself on his shoulders as she did so, and collected the clothes that she had sewn for him back in October but never gave him.

"Here we are," she said.

"Thank you." He dressed and rose to his feet. "How do I look?"

She smoothed the vest and nodded.

"Very handsome," she said and frowned, running her fingers along the side of his head. "Did the crows get at you again? There's an odd pattern here."

"No, I don't think so," he said. "I've been refilling their feeders and the piebald one greets me. I bet it's from those Jabberwocks. They're still hanging around the garden. The crows don't seem to mind them."

"Really? It's been a few days," she said, settling back into the wheelchair and sighing softly as the pain eased off her back. "What do they eat?"

"They've been feasting on my poor flowers," Fiyero sighed and shook his head. "But they're leaving the poppies alone as I asked so…"

Elphaba smiled.

"I think I need to lie down," she said.

"Sure. Do you need help?"

She nodded and he took the handles of her chair, taking her to his quarters. The stairs were a pain, but Castle helped by making ramps where she could.

Elphaba settled down and glanced around the room.

"Did you draw all of these?" she asked.

He nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I don't sleep and skulking around the castle can get pretty boring," he said. "Drawing like this is sort of like dreaming."

"And what do you dream?" she asked.

"You asking for a story for naptime?" he teased.

"I don't really intend to sleep, I just need to lie flat," she said. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

He stood up and took down some of the drawings, bringing them to her.

"Sometimes I draw memories from when I was human," he said. "Sometimes I draw things that are just trapped in my head."

A few looked like real scenes and others were just scribbles as if he was tormented while he was drawing them.

"I'd give anything to be able to sleep for real," he said. "To just place my head on a pillow and close my eyes and just turn off for a bit."

"Well, why don't you just lie down with me?" she suggested. "Not trying to sleep, just lay down and not think of anything."

"Well, not thinking is my specialty," he said. "But I'm not sure you can swing it."

She smiled and patted the space next to her. Fiyero laid down beside her, resting his head on the pillow.

After ten minutes, she spoke up.

"I've been thinking."

"I'm shocked," he said.

She smacked his chest.

"Why don't I stay until spring?" she suggested. "I don't have the energy to maintain the cottage through the winter and then that way I can see if I truly am still needed here."

"Shall I bring your things back then?" he asked.

"I can fetch them myself," she said. "I just need energy to enchant a new broom. I'd like to keep my tower."

"Of course," he said. "Though I must say it's been nice having someone in my bed again."

She grabbed a cushion and thumped him on the face with it so he couldn't notice her ears turning red.

"Making goo-goo eyes at the maid picking your clothes up doesn't count, you know," she said.

He thumped her back and she cackled. He shifted onto his side.

"I'm glad you're staying longer," he said. "The castle hasn't been the same without you."

She hummed.

"I think I'm coming close on finding the entrance to Vadallet Du," he said, changing the subject.

"Oh?"

He nodded. "Only trouble is, I think it's behind this boulder that has a sigil I don't recognize on it."

Elphaba nodded. "I'll have to take a look."

"Have they said anything about their plans?" Fiyero asked.

"Well, there's arguments that they have enough loot to buy their own kingdom elsewhere," she said. "And they have other bases I've been trying to find but can't quite figure out just yet. For the moment, they're lying low. That woman, I heard them call her Ione, has convinced them to let alone for some time. Lull us into a false sense of security."

"Hm." Fiyero's eyes dimmed as he fell deep in thought. "You know… when they decide to act it would be a pretty great time to throw a party at the castle."

"I smell what you're stepping in," she said.

He chuckled.

~o0o~

Things moved on. Dr. Dillamond ended up moving out to live in the village so he could be more convenient for those living there. Elphaba remained at the castle, though she escorted the children to school every morning. Amazingly, they got used to her fairly quickly and often came to her with questions regarding their schooling.

Elphaba didn't think she was very good with children, but she did know how to explain concepts and could keep them on a schedule.

The Jabberwocks didn't go away either, even as the snow began to melt into spring. They ended up being named Bumble and Bramble, which seemed a little too cutesy for the monstrosities they were, but the children insisted the names suited them.

"Elphie!"

Well, that wasn't going away.

"Galinda, come in," said Elphaba, despite the blonde already taking a seat on her desk. "How can I help you?"

"You know, Elphie, this whole thing will be easier if we become friends," said Galinda.

"I'm sure it will," said Elphaba. "As soon as you're honest with me about why you're here. Fiyero has no intentions to marry you, so why would you want to stay here as Castle Manager when you could be hitched to some lord?"

Galinda's smile tightened.

"You first. You could be off with that handsome bookseller."

"And wait for him to get sick of me? No thank you. Your turn."

"My parents want to match me off to an ugly old man who doesn't want me to follow my passions," said Galinda.

"And what are your passions?" Elphaba asked, expecting something stupid.

"Social events. I live to create social connections to my advantage and I can't meet a wide array of people if the only ones I'm allowed to meet are upper class ladies who lunch and are only focused on providing heirs because that's what we are expected to do."

"Ambitious," said Elphaba. "I respect that. You seem to have given up on flirting with Fiyero."

"Well, I'm uninterested in kissing frogs," said Galinda. "You get a man out of it when you should be getting better compensation like jewelry and shoes. Besides, I don't think I'm the right one to break his curse. I think his heart's already taken by another."

Elphaba pursed her lips and wondered who.

"Do you need something?" she asked.

"I want you to teach me magic."

Elphaba stopped writing and looked up at her. This was unexpected.

"Aren't you already trained?"

"I'm trained in magic that's used for show," said Galinda. "To astonish, to amaze, to make beautiful things. And if we are to eventually go up against an entire army then you need a partner. I have the talent, Miss Elphaba, not the repertoire."

"Fair enough," said Elphaba. "What's in it for me?"

"I could give you a makeover," she said, swiping at some ink on Elphaba's nose. "Help you catch the eye of a certain prince."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," said Elphaba, standing up to collect more books not because she needed them, but so she wouldn't sit there with Galinda staring down at her knowingly.

"Elphie! You're very old-fashioned and if you are first in command, then you should look the part!"

"I'm not first in command, Fiyero is the head of this town."

Galinda laughed. "Let me tell you some good wisdom that my dear momsie imparted on me. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck who may turn the head whichever way she wants."

Elphaba scoffed and pulled a book down, returning to her desk. What advice could Galinda even give her? Their tastes were entirely different as evidenced by Galinda's new-fashioned dress that was pretty and flowing like a brilliant blue butterfly, while Elphaba's old-fashioned attire was black and simple, covering as much skin as possible without being in the way.

"I don't think it's all really necessary," she said. "Everyone knows what I look like."

"Do you?" Galinda hopped back on the desk and grabbed her arm. "Please? I need a little side project."

Elphaba worked her jaw and sighed.

"Oh, very well. If you must."

Galinda squealed and threw her arms around her.

"I can tell we are going to become the best of friends!" she gushed. "Now what do you say about sending in for some new fabrics?"

"Well, it's not really up to me," said Elphaba. "You should ask Fiyero."

"Ask Fiyero what?" the scarecrow in question asked, strolling in.

"What happened to your arm?" Elphaba demanded, noting one was missing.

He sheepishly held it out and waggled the fingers at her. Galinda swayed, her eyes rolling back. Elphaba braced a hand against her back and she swung up.

"Fiyero!" Galinda squeaked. "What do you think about bringing in some fabric so Miss Elphaba can be made a whole new wardrobe?"

"I thought you meant for a dress or two!" Elphaba protested.

"Mm, well, if you want, Fae," he said.

"We'd be much better off having new clothes made for the children," said Elphaba.

Fiyero nodded. "I agree. Let's focus on the children in that regard."

Galinda made a small noise in the back of her throat that was almost a laugh and hopped to her feet.

"Very well," she said. "I will organize clothes for the children."

"I think they'd like that," said Elphaba, taking out a pot of glue and a roll of linen. "Fiyero, how did this happen?"

"I thought I could move that boulder with force," he said, rolling up his sleeve.

Elphaba dabbed on the glue, then wrapped his limb. It had broken off at an angle, but thankfully it hadn't splintered too much.

"Does that hurt?" Galinda asked, still looking ashen.

"Not a bit," said Fiyero.

Elphaba finished wrapping him up, then kissed the spot and immediately regretted it.

"Forget that happened," she said, waving her hand. "Habit with the children. We'll go next week to remove the boulder."

"Sure," said Fiyero.

~o0o~

"Here it is!"

Elphaba handed Fiyero the lantern and studied the boulder in question. It fit much too snugly in the tunnel to be a natural formation. She studied the rune and took out her notes. It was exactly as Fiyero had drawn.

"Well," she said. "I think it would require a spell of opening, but since it's a Vinkun tunnel I should recite the Old Vinkish charm."

Fiyero nodded and readied a shield, holding it over her head.

Elphaba cleared her throat and looked down at her book. She recited the spell and looked at Fiyero for approval.

"Your Old Vinkish is better than mine," he said.

The boulder suddenly vanished, nowhere to be found.

"That was anti-climactic," said Fiyero.

Elphaba had to agree, but if they were coming up on Vadallet Du the last thing they needed was a light show and a frackus.

They made their way down the tunnel, which was more straightforward than expected. No branching, though it did weave around a bit in a slow decline.

Finally they came upon a hole just big enough for her or Fiyero to squeeze through. It was covered by a wooden panel.

"If there's trouble, run and seal the tunnel and don't look back," said Fiyero.

Elphaba nodded and hung back.

Fiyero pushed on the panel, but it didn't budge. He ran his fingers along the edge and found a small latch. He undid it, needing to exert some force as it was rusted with age, but finally the panel swung open.

Thankfully it was in a nook covered by a curtain. He climbed out first and looked around, then motioned for Elphaba to follow.

The room looked part cavern and part castle with plaster and bricks leading to a door. In the glow of the lantern, mounds of treasure glittered. Piles of coins, stacks of gold and silver plates, tables overflowing with jewelry, fine clothes and textiles were wadded up in heaps, candlesticks, altar bowls, vases, paintings, ornate furniture, plain furniture, bronze kettles, copper kettles, iron kettles, things belonging to every class of person.

It was sickening.

Elphaba raised her hand and muttered an enchantment to find enchantments.

If it was booby trapped it wasn't by magic.

She opened her bag and moved forward to shovel money into it. Fiyero helped her.

The goal this time was to see if it was noticed.

There was the sound of a latch clicking. Elphaba backed up into Fiyero and they staggered backwards, crashing to the ground.

They remained frozen as they were while one of the soldiers entered and lit the torches, illuminating part of the room but thankfully keeping Elphaba and Fiyero in shadow. Elphaba shot her hand out to turn off their lantern.

Fiyero held onto her tightly, his body tense as if he could launch her into the tunnel in case they were caught.

They watched as the soldier picked through the items, tossing aside some books and admiring a few pieces of jewelry.

He moved out of view a moment, then strode back to the empty aisle wearing a crown and a long, beautiful cloak. He waved around a gold and ivory scepter that was almost as tall as he was.

Fiyero started to sit up and Elphaba pushed him back down.

"Kneel before me peasants!" he said to an invisible crowd. "I am your king now! Bring me the finest women and wine or you shall be beheaded! I might behead you anyway."

The whole parade was weird and embarrassing to witness. Elphaba kept low, hoping he was too wrapped up in his fantasy to notice them.

The door opened and the man whipped around.

"Aella, you stupid girl, don't you know how to knock?!" he spat.

Elphaba slowly raised her head to spot a girl, maybe sixteen-years-old, cower in the doorway.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "It—It's j-j-just—"

"J-j-just what?! Spit it out!"

"J-Jarrod wants you," she squeaked.

"Hmph! Course. He ruins all the fun." The man tossed the crown behind him where it hit Elphaba smartly on the head. Fiyero held her tightly, muffling her cry of pain into his chest.

"Get on! A little rat like you isn't fit to look upon this room!"

Aella was dragged out by her braid and the door was shut and locked.

Elphaba stifled a sob, her head pounding and her eyes tearing up.

Fiyero helped her to her feet and snatched up the crown and lantern before hauling her back to the panel, which turned out to be a painting.

Once it was shut behind them, Elphaba sank to her knees with a moan.

"Oz, that hurt!" she growled.

Fiyero turned the lantern back on and grabbed her hand.

They hurried along the pathway, making sure to move the boulder back in place. Elphaba tried not to cry but her head just hurt so much.

It wasn't until they were safely back in Kiamo Ko that Fiyero turned back to her and tipped her chin up to look at him.

"Let me see," he said gently. "Hm. Your pupils are the same size I think."

He coasted his fingers lightly over the bump on her head. She hissed and swatted his hand away from the spot.

"Let's see about getting you some ice," he said.

The sunlight was agony. Elphaba sat at the work table in the kitchen and buried her head in her arms to block it out.

Fiyero went out to the icehouse and returned with a tea towel wrapped around it. Elphaba placed it on her head and immediately removed it.

"I'm gonna be sick!" She barreled over to the basin.

Fiyero rubbed slow circles between her shoulders. When she was done and was holding the ice back to her head, he brought her some water to rinse her mouth out with.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"I need a dark room for a few hours," she said.

He nodded and helped her to his room so he could draw the curtains on his bed for her and so she wouldn't have to make the trek to her tower.

She laid flat with only her head slightly inclined and the ice resting on the lump. She kept her eyes closed while Fiyero counted out the money they took.

"I'll put this towards public services," said Fiyero when he was done.

"Good idea," Elphaba mumbled. "What's with the crown though?"

Fiyero sighed softly. "It's mine. I guess that wall around Uma Lu didn't stop them from raiding it. If any of them lay even a finger on my sister they're going to— to… get the pain penalty!"

"Pain penalty?"

"Death would be too kind," he said darkly. "To the pain with them."

She hummed and had to agree.

"That girl, Aella," she said. "I wonder who she is. She didn't seem to want to be there and I've never seen her in my crystal ball."

"My best guess is a servant," he said. "Maybe a daughter from a Lord."

"Maybe."

When the ice started melting and getting her hair wet, Fiyero took it and dumped it on the balcony before hanging the towel up in the en suite bathroom.

When he came back the crown was perched on his head.

"Wow. You must've had a really fat head when you were human," she said.

He swatted at her and she laughed, sitting up to adjust it.

"You know, you don't need it," she said, dropping her hands to his shoulders. "People in town don't care if you're Prince Fiyero, they just care that you're their prince and that you're looking out for their best interests."

"I don't want to mess up," he said softly. "I'm so scared that I'm going to do something that will make them all hate me."

Elphaba hugged him, knowing what that was like.

"No leader is perfect," she said. "And mistakes are always made, but your intentions are good and as long as you are protecting them from the soldiers, then I think that's all you can do."

Fiyero nodded and leaned into her.

Chapter Text

Life moved on. The soldiers never noticed the missing money, but they certainly noticed how fast Kiamo Ko was growing. New dwellings popped up every day and with it Elphaba insisted on safety laws. The last thing they needed was a rogue fire to destroy everything like what happened to Dragon's Cupboard in Munchkinland. The houses were clustered together and made of cheap flammable materials. One fire went out of control and the whole city was up in flames. The name of the area was an unfortunate coincidence.

In the summer, the taxes were announced and received as well as any taxes were but there was no uprising. Elphaba was more annoyed by some who didn't care if their percentage was going to help everyone.

"Why should my hard work help some lazy lump?" one said. "Best they rot in the gutter."

Elphaba lost her temper and turned him into a toad, but Galinda thankfully put him back and smoothed things over.

With some real lessons, Galinda was turning into quite the witch on her own. She had an ability to make all the magic she cast beautiful. Elphaba didn't know how she did it and figured Galinda didn't quite know either. It was just the way her powers manifested.

When a silversmith arrived in town and set up a forge, Elphaba had a wand made for Galinda to help channel her powers. It was beautiful, like a shooting star, and since having it Galinda was able to hone her abilities much better.

The doctor training was going well for Dr. Dillamond. Not every student was allowed to stay but in a few years they'd be able to send them across the Vinkus to help the people.

Chistery took to school like a fish to water and changed his mind about what he wanted to do when he grew up every day and explored the books in the library accordingly.

The Jabberwocks stuck around.

They didn't like Elphaba very much at first, always growling or pushing between her and Fiyero, until he threatened to chop them up and turn them into beehives if they hurt her.

Either way, she tried to make sure she was never alone with them.

And all this time, Elphaba kept an eye on the soldiers. They were laying low. They continued to raid villages for food, upended lives made their way to Kiamo Ko.

It was all ticking down. Elphaba and Fiyero wanted to act right away but Galinda, the voice of reason, insisted they wait for the right moment. Reminded them of the long term goal.

As the Harvest Festival came around once again, Elphaba took Galinda aside.

"You know," she said. "I think we should have a huge celebration at Kiamo Ko for the winter holidays. Everyone in town is invited to attend."

Galinda's eyes gleamed.

"Leave it to me!" she declared.

The invitations for the largest party in Oz were sent out the following week. Everyone from the Burgomaster to Veonna the Crazy Old Woman Who Lives In A Barrel was urged to attend.

And to make sure no one was left out, everyone would bring a gift and there would be one huge exchange. It would be held on New Year's Eve so they could also release the wish lanterns in the garden.

And the trap was set.

In November, a home for the displaced children was opened with a whole team of caretakers. Though the rooms were small, they were private with only shared rooms for babies and children under five. It was closer to the school and to the other children in town, there were adoption options, and they seemed relieved to be out of the creepy castle, though they did beg for Elphaba to visit and tell stories, which flattered her and made her tear up slightly.

The fact that they wanted to keep seeing her just filled her with something she couldn't quite place.

Things were on a good track. They had plans in place to work towards keeping homelessness and crime down, the people seemed content, businesses were blossoming, artists were creating, they were building a society that wanted to be fair rather than crush down everyone for power.

Winter blasted in, and before anyone knew it, the Festival of Lights was upon them.

Elphaba awoke each morning of the holiday to find a present sitting next to the candle that had returned to light her mornings. Nice things. Practical things. Socks, a new pair of vibrant blue mittens, a beautiful shawl with purple fringe, sachets filled with lavender for her to put in her wardrobe to keep her clothes smelling nice, a fine hair comb, a silver hairbrush, things like that.

She would thank Fiyero at breakfast and he would pretend to not know what she was talking about, though really it wasn't as if Chistery had the money for such things.

And Fiyero was the most generous person she knew. He had taken it upon himself to commission the toymakers in town to make every child in Kiamo Ko a new toy to open during the party.

Soon New Year's Eve arrived and Galinda pulled Elphaba into her bedroom to get ready.

"Happy Lurlinemas or Festival or whatever it is you festivate, Elphie!" She said, gesturing to a pile of boxes.

"Oh! Thank you Miss Galinda," said Elphaba. "I'm embarrassed now that all I gave you were embroidered handkerchiefs."

"Those are beautiful," said Galinda. "Don't let the boxes fool you, it's all the same gift!"

Elphaba tipped her head and opened them. Now she understood. A gown in the latest Emeraldian Fashion had been made up for her, including lingerie to suit the modern shape as Elphaba's attire was about fifty years out of date.

"It's beautiful," she said sincerely, though she didn't know if it would suit her.

"What are best friends for?" said Galinda, getting out her own attire.

"I think Fiyero would fight you for that title," said Elphaba, not denying the declaration.

Galinda traded her day lingerie for the evening lingerie that was specially made to fill the dress out perfectly.

"Cinch me up, will you?" she asked, turning around.

Elphaba adjusted the laces of the corset and pulled them snugly.

"Tighter."

Elphaba pulled.

"Tighter!"

"Any tighter and you won't be able to breathe!"

"It's a special occasion, Elphie, tighter!"

Elphaba braced her foot against Galinda's back and pulled, quickly tying them off before they could slip back.

"There we go!" Galinda looked into her full-length mirror and pushed down her chemise.

"I'll keep a knife on me in case I need to cut you out," Elphaba teased.

Galinda stuck her tongue out before putting on the second chemise over her outfit since her gown was a little sheer.

"Don't tightlace me, please," Elphaba said.

"I don't need to, you're skinny enough."

Still, Galinda obliged, tying her corset up snugly, then steered her over to her vanity and sitting her down in the chair.

"I know the fashion is to wear your hair up, but I think you should leave it down," said Galinda, brushing it out.

"Remember what I have to do tonight," said Elphaba.

"I know, but you should still look beautiful." Galinda smiled and adorned her hair with star-like pins. They were heavy, and even in the lamp light she could see them sparkling.

Though they tripped and stumbled and clashed a lot in the beginning, Elphaba had really grown fond of the bouncy blonde. She was loud and stubborn, but she held a confidence in herself Elphaba admired. She wasn't afraid to pursue what she wanted. She could assess a situation and come to a clever decision in a snap. She had everything Elphaba lacked. Including a filter on her words and restraint where restraint was needed.

"Even if you aren't the Lady of the Castle," said Galinda, "you might want to consider a lady-in-waiting as the Court Wizard. You're always so busy it'd be good to have someone to help you."

"I don't know," said Elphaba. "I'm used to doing everything myself and I've been in that role before for my sister. It's terrible."

"Well, have two so they can have days off and pay them well," said Galinda. "But you need someone to make sure you have regular meals and to remind you to bathe."

"You saying I stink?" Elphaba asked.

"I'm saying when you get sunken into a project you usually emerge… a little ripe."

Okay, fair enough.

"I'll consider it," said Elphaba.

"And now just a little makeup to enhance your features," said Galinda.

Elphaba had never worn makeup and didn't like the feel of the charcoal that lined her eyes or the goop spread on her eyelashes or the powder placed on her eyelids. Just a touch of pink was spread on her lips. She looked in the mirror and wasn't sure whether to laugh or scream.

"Why, Miss Elphaba, look at you," said Galinda. "You're beautiful."

Elphaba smiled and tapped her head against her friend's shoulder.

"Thank you," she said.

Galinda sat down to do her own hair, piling it on top of her head in an elegant bun.

"Let's try on the gown!" she declared once she was satisfied.

Elphaba nodded and helped Galinda into hers before stepping into her own. Galinda's was simpler and a cool blue.

Elphaba put hers on and was embarrassed to be showing so much neck and shoulder and arm all at once.

"Isn't this a little revealing for winter?" said Elphaba, tugging up the neckline.

Galinda swatted her hands and fixed the dress.

"You won't be thinking that when you're halfway through dancing and want to go stick your backside in the snow to cool down," she said.

That was a fair point.

"Oh, and Fiyero insisted we wear these," said Galinda, bringing out the jewelry boxes.

Elphaba knew at this point not to argue. Fiyero, knowing her well, only provided a pair of earrings for her.

"He does know how to pick them," said Galinda admiringly. "You know, I was thinking: Why don't you marry Fiyero for real? Everyone already sees you as a princess."

Elphaba stiffened.

"And what makes you think I want something like that?" she asked.

"Because you turn into a pile of mush whenever he walks into a room."

Elphaba scoffed and maneuvered the bustle so she could sit down. It was like sitting on a very tall cushion.

"I don't mush," she said primly. "I just enjoy his presence more than his absence."

"And I'm the Wizard of Oz," Galinda said and sat next to her. "Why can't you break his curse?"

Elphaba frowned.

"I think you've forgotten that he needs a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world."

"And earn her love," said Galinda. "Haven't you heard the phrase that love is blind?"

"Not that blind."

"Sure it is, you love him even though he's a pile of sticks and straw!"

"That's different," said Elphaba, wanting this conversation to end. "You just don't get it."

"Then help me understand!"

She dug her nails into her palms. "I could love Fiyero more than life itself and it still wouldn't change the fact that I am not beautiful and cannot break the curse."

"Says who?"

"Says the Bog Fairy!"

"But what if—"

"Just don't!" Elphaba hugged herself. "I can't. I'd rather keep my feelings to myself until I die than get my hopes up and destroyed. I can't ruin what I have here."

Galinda pursed her lips and hugged her tightly.

"I'm sorry," she said. "But, Elphie, don't live your life afraid to love. Okay? If it just isn't for you like it isn't for me that's one thing, but not all relationships look the same. I know people who are married with ten children and yet they loathe each other completely."

Elphaba sighed heavily and looked out the window. The lights on carriages and carriage buses were already winding up the road.

"That's my cue," said Galinda, getting up. "Wait here, Elphie! You have to make a grand entrance as Court Wizard! I'll have Castle let you know."

Elphaba wasn't quite ready to mingle yet anyway and nodded.

Every invitation sent had been accepted. The town had swelled in size from three hundred to three thousand. No doubt with more on the way searching for safety.

Elphaba put the crystal ball in her pocket. She wanted to be ready.

She watched the crowds come and heard the lively chatter and laughter already ringing throughout the castle.

Soon the candles flickered and Elphaba made her way to the ballroom. Outside the doors Fiyero was waiting, finely dressed in a new suit. He had even stuffed his arms with straw to fill out his body.

He held the two lanterns they had made at the children's home last week.

"You look beautiful," said Fiyero.

Elphaba felt shy and took her lantern from him.

"Thank you," she said.

He offered his arm and she accepted, placing her hand in the crook of his elbow.

The doors opened and they stepped through.

Castle truly was an enchanted castle and the ballroom had magically been expanded (with direction from Galinda) to hold the entire village. It couldn't stay this way forever, but it would last until everyone went home.

It opened up into the garden, the frozen flora creating a spectacular effect in the glimmering lights Galinda had enchanted that afternoon.

The Jabberwocks were there, their lantern eyes glowing beside the peach tree.

Everyone was dressed in their nicest attire for the occasion from the latest fashions to traditional coats passed down from generations. Children clung to their wish lanterns and hovered around the present table trying to spot the one with their name on them. The place was alight with a glow Elphaba had never seen before.

Chatter dwindled as eyes turned to them.

Fiyero stood at the top of the half-stairs, keeping Elphaba by his side.

"Thank you everyone for coming," he said, his voice carrying across the entire room. "We are thrillified to have you join us to bring this year to a close. I know for many of you this past year hasn't been easy; coming to a new place, making a new life for yourselves, but I hope this next year is a little sweeter for all of us. As your prince, I will do my best to ease your burdens in anyway I can. Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year," the room rumbled.

"Let us step into the garden to make our wishes and celebrate!"

He and Elphaba led the way, minding ice and snow. Candles were ready to light the lanterns and send them up into the sky to burn up and cast the desires into the universe.

Elphaba had written her wish very small.

Chistery held up his lantern and she snapped her fingers to ignite the wick. He eagerly let it go and it floated up to join the stars.

She lit Fiyero's, Galinda's, Dr. Dillamond's, and her own.

Soon the sky was filled with them. It was breathtaking.

Music sounded on the wind and everyone headed inside to dance. People in town had brought their instruments to play even though Castle could create her own.

"May I have this dance?" Fiyero asked.

Elphaba looked up at him and nodded.

"I'll warn you," she said. "I've never danced in a bustle before."

"Neither have I," he replied.

Elphaba laughed.

The tables were filled with a never-ending supply of food and drink. Children ran around the balconies in made up games or danced in circles on the floor. People talked, danced, laughed, lived. So many had been living their lives in fear for the past ten years and now they were feeling that shadow back away.

"Might I cut in?" Dr. Dillamond asked.

"Of course," said Elphaba, taking his hooves.

After a dance, he kissed her cheek.

"Happy New Year, my dear," he said. "Thank you for honoring this old goat with a dance."

"Happy New Year," she said.

"I'll let you children get back to it while I sit with the other old farts," he said.

Elphaba laughed and looked around for Fiyero. He appeared at her side right away.

After a while, she understood what Galinda was saying and needed to take a breather outside before stepping back in.

"I need to sit," she said.

"Of course," said Fiyero, leading her to the thrones. "Shoo-shoo!"

The children scampered off them, giggling.

Elphaba sat.

"I'll get you a drink and a plate," said Fiyero.

"Thank you." She took out her hand fan and waved it in front of her face, hoping to cool off.

She took out her crystal ball and watched the red fog clear.

"Everyone's going to be all snug in the castle," said Jarrod. "Little do they know they'll be giving us the Lurlinemas of a lifetime! Ride out men!"

Fiyero brought her a plate of her preferred foods and a goblet of water, knowing she had no plans to drink tonight. She wanted to be sharp.

"They have a big army," she said.

"We have an enchanted castle," said Fiyero. "And three thousand angry villagers."

Elphaba called the image of Kiamo Ko. At a glance, someone might think she was holding a snow globe containing the town. She waved her hand over it and the entire town disappeared. It would be back either when she called it to return or in three sunrises. Whichever came first. Many spells, particularly large spells like this, didn't last longer than three days. Even if they were from the Grimmerie, which was often permanent.

She felt a little drained and tucked the crystal ball away, taking the plate of food from Fiyero.

He sat next to her.

"I should go with you," he said.

"No. You need to be here," she said, pushing aside a wrinkled grape. "They're all coming here and any stragglers I can handle myself."

Fiyero looked pensive.

"Aaahh!" a Lion Cub ran and hid behind Fiyero.

It was clear the children were playing a game.

"I got you now!" said a girl waving a sword around. "The Scarecrow can't protect you!"

Fiyero stood and lifted the Cub, placing him on his shoulders.

"Haha!" the little Lion laughed.

"No fair!" a boy said. "NEW GAME! GET THE SCARECROW!"

The children charged and thwacked him in the legs. The Lion Cub cheered and covered his eyes.

"Tiny paws! My one weakness!" Fiyero cried as he was tackled down.

Elphaba laughed and signaled to Galinda to start the present exchange. Nodding, she waved her wand to gather attention and gave a nice little speech about gratitude and generosity, then gave the children permission to swarm the tree while the adults passed out their gifts.

Elphaba leaned back and saw Old Woman Veonna admiring the shawl Elphaba made for her.

This was nice. Maybe it wouldn't be feasible if the town grew any bigger, but they were all here together now and for a little while they were at peace.

Galinda made eye contact with her and she nodded.

"LET'S CELEBRATE!" Galinda called.

The music kicked back up and Elphaba stood, leaving the room. Though a dozing version of herself remained in the chair. Galinda's handiwork.

Elphaba hiked up her skirts and hurried to the tunnel where a change of clothes was waiting for her. She maneuvered her arms around to unbutton the dress and laid it out on the table, then let the bustle and petticoats drop to the floor before putting on the trousers, shirt, and boots. She grabbed her carpet bag and moved swiftly through the tunnels. She had practiced this over and over, memorizing the path so well that she didn't even need a light anymore.

She looked at the crystal ball and checked Vadallet Du for soldiers. None were revealed to her.

She finally came upon the portrait, crawling out into the treasure room. A swift flick of the wrist unlocked the vault door.

No one in sight guarding it.

Elphaba set the carpet bag down in the middle of the room and raised her hands.

"Higitus figitus zumbazing!" she boomed. "I want your attention everything!"

There was a shimmer as if everything was standing at attention.

Elphaba conducted her hands, calling for everything to go into the carpet bag. They seemed to shrink down into almost nothing as they reached the mouth and disappeared into the darkness in a happy parade. She took all the treasures in the room, the paintings, the vases, the clothes, but she continued on. She wanted to hit them where it hurt.

It may have been wicked but she wanted the rest of the Vinkus to reach a snapping point with the soldiers. To grow tired of them taking and taking and to fight back. The moment they realized they outnumbered them, that was when the soldiers' power would start to slip.

Elphaba took the carpets and the tapestries, all the cookware and everything in the larder and the root cellar. She took their beds, the armor, the wardrobes, their clothes and boots. She ducked as trophies zoomed in and dove into the bag. She took the brooms and mops and dust rags.

The young girl burst into the room behind a couch that looked to have been used for target practice, her face ashen and her eyes wide.

"Oh!" she gasped upon seeing Elphaba. "Y-You can't be here! Put it back! Please!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that," said Elphaba. "Let's see, where was I? Oh, I was here." She took two steps forward and cleared her throat. "Hockety pockety wockety wack! Odds and ends and bric-a-brac!"

The things continued their march, pulling themselves out of the girl's hands.

"Higitus figitus digitus mum prestidigitonium!"

The bag snapped shut once the last item hopped in. Elphaba picked it up, finding it manageably heavy. She looked at the scullery maid. Her tattered dress, the bruises on her arms and face, her lank hair pulled into a braid, and her sunken, fearful eyes.

"I can't have you telling them what you saw when they return," said Elphaba.

"Death would be a mercy," the girl said, kneeling down to show her neck.

Elphaba's heart broke.

"Congratulotions, you are now being kidnapped," she said. "Come on."

The girl looked up, startled.

"Tonight would be nice!"

She leapt up as if burned and stood beside Elphaba.

Leaving the portrait open, as it couldn't come off, she and the girl climbed into the hole.

Elphaba muttered an enchantment and the stones stitched themselves together, creating a solid wall. She marked it with a piece of chalk in case they ever needed the passage again and took the girl's arm.

She didn't like the darkness, but she couldn't trust the girl to not memorize the way.

The boulder was put back in place and they continued on, squeezing through narrow passageways.

Odd noises made the young girl squeak in fright and sent Elphaba's heart into her throat, but she refused to look a coward in front of anyone and marched onward, counting her steps and turns.

Upon reaching the end, she conjured baubles of light and took a deep breath to soothe her pounding heart.

She set the carpet bag down and removed the shirt and trousers, quickly putting her formal attire back on.

"Button me up, girl," she said.

The girl obeyed, doing the tiny buttons up Elphaba's back.

"What's your name?"

"A-Aella," she said.

"How did you end up with their lot?"

"My mother was a kitchen maid for Vadallet Du," she said. "A small group maintained the castle. Keep bread on the table, see. I was a little girl when the soldiers moved in and they killed just about everyone except me and my mother. Keep the fires stoked and… and the beds warm. Mother died two years ago."

"I see." Elphaba felt sick and angry. "Well, stay out of sight for now. I'll figure out a place to put you."

"Are you the witch they speak of?" she asked.

"Most likely."

"They said you were a creature but you seem very human." She flushed and cowered. "I apologize, that was very rude."

Actually that was one of the nicer things someone had said to her.

"It's alright," said Elphaba.

The passage door opened and Fiyero appeared. Aella squeaked and hid behind Elphaba.

"Fae, the soldiers are here," he said and narrowed his eyes. "Who is that?"

"Aella," said Elphaba. "She is our prisoner. We'll see about getting her something clean to wear in a bit."

On the way to the ramparts, they stuck Aella in a small room with the carpet bag and locked the door. Unfortunately, it faced the front of the castle, but the windows were small, and as long as she wasn't sticking her entire head out she would go unnoticed in the darkness.

A storm was already brewing, likely fueled by Fiyero's emotions.

Villagers crowded along the ramparts to look at the army that had come to ruin their New Year's. The children no doubt remained in the ballroom to play their games.

"COME OUT LITTLE WITCH!" Jarrod called above the wind. "Quit hiding behind your Scarecrow!"

"Okay, I'm here already!" Elphaba puffed. "Do you know how hard it is to walk in this dress?"

She took her broom from Galinda, mounted it, and took off into the sky to face off the soldiers.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" she bellowed, and somewhere in the distance an avalanche occurred.

The horses shuffled nervously.

"Your surrender!" said Jarrod. "We've got our whole army ready to tear this place down brick-by-brick!"

Elphaba tipped her head. "No. I think you've had enough stealing toys from children."

"Oh, your vault will do just fine," he said. "We'll also be taking anything else of value, your livestock, and any maidens in the castle."

"How about I turn you all into kitty cats and you can spend the rest of your lives shitting in a box of sand," Elphaba retorted.

"Ooh! Quite the mouth for a lady."

"Look at it. That's no lady, that's an asparagus in a dress!"

"You're a disgrace to your country!" Fiyero spat. "You should all be exiled to the desert!"

"You have no true power, Scarecrow!" Jarrod laughed. "Those halfwit villagers just let you be a prince because you took over this crumbling castle! You're no different than us, taking what you want!"

"He wouldn't let a thousand people die for a single gold coin!" Elphaba spat.

"And what has the world given you?" Jarrod's right hand woman spat. "You may put on a fancy dress but the second you lose your usefulness the people will turn against you!"

That one hit a little too close to home and Elphaba flinched a little more visibly than she would have liked. Her broom jerked backwards and the soldiers laughed.

"Tell you what, troll," said Jarrod. "Since I'm a reasonable man, I'll offer you a deal. Surrender now and I'll let you have a nice little spot in our army. A witch like you on our side we could take on the Wizard of Oz himself!"

"Mind your tongue!" Ione hissed.

"I've got a thing for exotic women!" another man called up. He was the one parading around in Fiyero's crown. "I'm sure what you really need is a good romp in the sack! Even down here I can see a good bit of you is green!"

THWACK!

He looked down at the arrow protruding from his chest and slid off his horse.

Fiyero nocked another arrow.

"If any of you dogs have anything else to say, NOW IS THE TIME!" Fiyero bellowed.

"You and what army?" Jarrod sneered.

The villagers picked up the projectiles ready for them and crowded along the rampart.

"LOOSE!"

Arrows whizzed through the air.

Elphaba and Galinda raised their hands and the arrows turned to flowers.

Galinda stepped off the ledge in the safety of her bubble so she could help Elphaba stand off against them.

The villagers shouted angrily, pelting the soldiers that ruined their lives with whatever they could get their hands on.

Zzzip!

Galinda's bubble popped and she dropped with a shrill scream. Elphaba dove and caught her. Galinda clung to her and Elphaba could feel something warm, wet, and sticky drip onto her shoulder.

She balanced and waved her hand, turning a cluster of the soldiers into animals.

Arrows whizzed at her and she blocked them, not seeing Ione move as close as she possibly could, managing to get outside the radius of the direction of her spell.

Elphaba didn't notice her until the bolt entered her armpit and embedded itself in her shoulder. She gasped and moved her broom backwards towards the castle. Her arm was stuck and she tried to send a spell, but her fingers just sparked and created a small explosion mid-air. She used her hand as the channel and the course of her magic had been disrupted.

A wail cut through the air and the men began to scream.

"IT'S THE BEAST!"

Bumble and Bramble must have heard the commotion, but rather than escape into the forest, they had come to help.

Perhaps they knew who had laid those traps in the woods.

A bubble appeared around Elphaba and Galinda carried them back to the rampart. Galinda whimpered from the effort.

Elphaba put herself back in the mindset of when she still lived back in Munchkinland. She straightened up and just kept her arm extended.

She turned back to the soldiers, many of them were being picked up by the Jabberwocks and dropped into the ravine. Fiyero continued firing arrows in quick succession.

"RETREAT!" the woman shouted.

"No!" Jarrod spat. "I say when we retreat! You want to go back to the streets, you whore?"

In a single swift movement, she drew the sword at her hip and Jarrod's head was rolling on the ground.

"I SAID RETREAT!"

The remaining soldiers didn't need to be told twice and kicked their horses. The horses belonging to the dead or newly transformed riders ran around in fear and confusion.

The Jabberwocks continued to chase the soldiers, as if to make sure they didn't try to hide out where the village once was.

Galinda was still crying; Dr. Dillamond stooped over her.

Fiyero appeared at Elphaba's side.

"Fae!" He removed his vest and wrapped it around the bolt, pressing the fabric into her armpit to staunch the bleeding.

She inhaled and blinked, trying to focus. She couldn't pass out now.

"The threat has passed," she said, raising her voice above the wind. "Return to the party. Dance, be merry. I will let you know when it is safe to return to the village. Dr. Dillamond, take Galinda to the clinic."

He nodded.

Avaric picked Galinda up while Fiyero supported Elphaba there. Everyone else returned to the ballroom to celebrate the victory against the solders.

"Tend to Galinda first," said Elphaba, easing into a chair and resting her arm on the counter to keep from pinching the bolt in her arm.

"She ruined my dress!" Galinda wailed.

Elphaba could have laughed. The blonde was bleeding profusely from the side of her head and she was upset about her dress. Perhaps it was easier to focus on that rather than fall into shock from blood loss.

Dr. Dillamond stitched her up and bandaged her, then turned his attention to Elphaba. One of his new assistants had been helping Fiyero with keeping pressure on her injury.

"Alright, Miss Elphaba, now you," said Dr. Dillamond, readying a syringe.

She knew he was speaking to her as if it were nothing more than a paper cut to keep her from panicking.

A leather strap was placed in her mouth. She bit down on it hard and took out the crystal ball, focusing on the village. There were no soldiers around it, so she brought it back into existence.

Fiyero and the assistant held her down.

The bolt was barbed.

Elphaba fixated on a spot on the ceiling.

"It's going to be okay," Fiyero murmured in her ear. "I've got you."

Chapter Text

Elphaba barely made a sound as the bolt was removed from her shoulder. Fiyero thought that if she wanted to scream and wail like Galinda it would be her right. He didn't like that look in her eye. It was the same one she had when she had first arrived and just soldiered through her misery.

Whatever she was injected with didn't seem to do much more than just make sure her muscles didn't twitch and hold onto the bolt.

The leather strap carried perfect markings from her teeth.

"Here's something for the pain," said Dr. Dillamond, bringing out two glass bottles of tablets. "Don't take more than six in twenty-six hours."

Galinda sniffled and seemed to be doing better with a dose of morphine.

"I still need to see about Aella," said Elphaba.

Right. Her. Fiyero really would've preferred to keep the girl in that room until everyone went home, but Elphaba seemed determined.

Her shoulder was bandaged and her arm was placed in a sling. She walking steadily though the persistent sheen of sweat told Fiyero she was in a lot of pain.

He hovered, ready to catch her if she collapsed.

They returned to the room they locked Aella and the treasure in and Fiyero half expected to find the girl missing. Instead, she was huddled in the corner with her face buried into her knees.

"Miss Aella," said Elphaba.

The girl snapped to attention.

"With me."

Aella grabbed the carpet bag and scurried over, holding it up.

Fiyero took it.

The music and cheer echoed through the corridors of the castle. They went down to the servants' wing first. The rooms were full but there were spare uniforms. Elphaba took out a warm wool dress from the closet and held it up to Aella.

"That will do," she said.

The girl took it, her dark eyes wide.

"How old are you, Aella?"

"Seventeen, Miss."

Fiyero thought she was younger. She was small and thin-framed.

"Well, we don't need a scullery maid but I've been told I need an assistant," said Elphaba. "Can you read?"

"Yes, Miss."

"Then I'll continue your education," said Elphaba. "An assistant to the Court Wizard should have approximate knowledge in many subjects in order to best aid them. You understand that I need to keep you close by until we overthrow the soldiers, yes?"

"Yes, Miss," said Aella. "As long as I never have to go back to them." She gave Fiyero a side-eye and shuffled closer to Elphaba's other side. "He won't—"

"No," said Elphaba. "He's not like that."

"Like what?" Fiyero asked.

She waved her good hand dismissively.

"How much did you get paid before the soldiers came?" she asked Aella.

"I don't know, Miss. And Jarrod certainly never paid me." She shivered. "I saw Ione kill him."

"Tell me about her," said Elphaba as they walked back up the stairs.

"She wasn't a… a lady of the night," Aella whispered as if the walls had ears. "She was an assassin from Fliann, I hear, sent to kill the missing prince. He was banished by the Bog Fairy the night she was meant to end his life."

I suppose I should be grateful for that, Fiyero thought.

What was odd was that relations with Fliann were good. Was someone trying to start a war?

"She said she was unaffected by the enchantment the Bog Fairy lay down," Aella continued. "I suppose she and some other unaffected soldiers escaped."

"Not everyone is under the fog?" Elphaba asked.

"I couldn't say, Miss," she said apologetically.

"How do you know all this?" Fiyero asked.

"The maids know everything," said Elphaba. "I can attest to that."

They went back upstairs.

"Now, no one is to know where you lived," said Elphaba. "However, no one will look at another newcomer, we have them coming in every day. I'd like for you to tell me what you know about them."

"Yes, Miss," said Aella. "Do you acquire assistance now?"

Elphaba paused and tried to reach her back, then sighed and nodded.

"Just until my shoulder is recovered," she said.

"Ione is an excellent shot," said Aella, tugging her collar aside to show a scar on her neck. "She did this to me when I didn't mend the fires in time."

Elphaba pursed her lips and Fiyero knew that there was no way she was leaving that girl to fend for herself.

He still didn't trust her one twig and followed them up to Elphaba's tower. He planted himself on the steps just outside the door where he could be seen and available to help, but would also give Elphaba some privacy.

He really should have gone and gotten her a clean dress while she was in surgery but he didn't want to leave her.

"Change into that first," said Elphaba. "I imagine you're chilled to the bone. Tell me more about Ione. The men seemed ready to follow her lead."

"She's the real brains of the soldiers," said Aella. "She's been manipulating them for as long as I can remember. Jarrod was their general, so they held a respect for him, but they didn't start having good plans until she came around, they say. Oh! This water is warm!"

"Yes, the castle is enchanted," said Elphaba impatiently. "Go on."

"As I said, she's an assassin from Fliann, but instead of returning home she decided to stay and take advantage of the missing royals."

"Anything else?"

"She went off on her own quite a bit to meet someone," said Aella. "I don't know who, but I know Jarrod asked her once and she said the person was horrible. Perhaps a trader or some other bandit leader. There are other bandits but they have smaller territories. She is ruthless. If you have to fear anyone in that army it would be her."

"I can believe that," said Elphaba. "AH!"

Fiyero whipped around, putting his hand on his dagger.

Aella jerked her hands back.

"Sorry, Miss!" she gasped.

"It's alright," Elphaba assured her. "I'll be sore while this mends."

Fiyero blinked and quickly snapped back around, not meaning to see so much and not wanting to be caught looking.

"Thank you, Aella," said Elphaba. "Fiyero will show you to your room. You may have the one at the base of the stairs."

That last sentence was directed at him.

Fiyero stood and re-entered the room. Elphaba was sitting in her armchair, her dressing gown was half-on, merely draped over her injured shoulder and a thick blanket was laid across her lap.

Aella evaded his gaze.

"With me," he said.

They went past the room in question, but Aella said nothing.

"Close your eyes," he said.

She obediently covered them with her hands. He pressed a hidden button in the wall and a panel clicked open. He set the carpet bag inside and closed it.

"You may open them," he said.

They headed to the ballroom where the party was still in full swing, though children were dozing on any spare space, holding their new toys and dreaming.

Fiyero stopped by the buffet and assembled a plate of food. He grabbed a tankard of steaming cider as well.

"Hey, Scarecrow," said Avaric. "Green girl okay?"

"She'll be just fine," he said.

Avaric looked around him and his face fell slack as he laid his eyes on Aella.

"Hello, miss," he said, bowing slightly. "I don't believe we've met."

"I… I'm new here," said Aella, clasping her hands together. "I'm Aella. I just arrived today… yesterday?"

"Not midnight yet," he said. "I take it you didn't know about the gift exchange?"

She shook her head and Avaric reached into his pocket, handing her a small parcel.

"Welcome to Kiamo Ko," he said. "Where are you staying?"

Aella took the present.

"Here," she said. "I'm Miss Elphaba's new assistant."

"Is that right?" he said. "Could I trouble you for a dance?"

Aella flushed deeply and shook her head.

"Some other time!" she said. "I should retire to my room."

"Pity. Until we meet again, Miss Aella." Avaric kissed her hand and walked away.

Aella watched him leave and sighed almost dreamily.

"Well, that was something to watch," said Fiyero and she jumped sky high. "Come on."

He brought her back to the room at the base of the tower and Castle kindly opened the door for him. He set the food and drink down on a small table.

"Eat up, get some rest," he said.

Aella seemed surprised. Fiyero stepped out and closed the door. If she was a threat he doubted Castle would have allowed her entry.

Still, he didn't trust her.

He sat down on the stairs, guarding the entrance to Elphaba's Tower. He was not going to let her get hurt.

He watched the light move under Aella's door. About an hour later, it mostly went out with just a faint glow signaling the fire was still going.

Fiyero went up the stairs to keep watch by Elphaba's side so he could be there if she needed anything.

For the first time since his curse began, he was glad he couldn't sleep.

He lit the candle as always and placed it where it would be in her view from her bed. He glanced in to find her sleeping on her right side, her left kept propped up by a pillow. Her brow was furrowed like she was in pain and she looked exhausted.

Fiyero sat down in front of the trunk and kept his eyes on the door and windows. He did not want to run the risk of some Bird getting in here and spying or harming Elphaba.

Nothing was going to harm his Fae.

Oz, she'd probably stick his head up a tree if he ever referred to her that way out loud.

Elphaba gasped sharply.

"Fiyero?"

He jumped and stayed still. Maybe she'd go back to sleep.

The door creaked open and blankets rustled. One dropped to the ground beside him and Elphaba came out after.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Want me to get you those tablets?"

She nodded slightly and he fetched the bottle and a glass of water appeared next to them. He gave her two and she swallowed them back, making a face. They must have tasted bad. Fiyero found a box of chocolates on the table by her chair and brought it to her. She plucked one out and popped it into her mouth, sucking on it to chase away the bad flavor of medicine.

Fiyero put the box back and sat next to her to prepare himself for the lecture on private space.

Rather than do that, Elphaba shivered and rested her head on his shoulder. He put an arm around her, wishing he had real body heat to share.

Elphaba picked up her crystal ball.

"Show me the soldiers," she said.

Red fog filled the crystal ball then cleared showing the soldiers approach Vadallet Du.

"What are we going to do now, Captain?" one man asked.

"We lie low," said Ione. "This was a fool's errand by that idiot Jarrod anyhow. Now that I'm in charge we can focus on the long-term. That witch and scarecrow won't know what hit them."

They entered the stables and seemed confuzzled as to why there was no hay or buckets or anything to tend to the horses.

"If this is some sort of prank that girl will be in a new world of pain!" Ione snarled and stormed into the castle. "ABBEE!"

Guess Elphaba made the right call.

It did give Fiyero a sense of Schadenfreude upon seeing the soldiers realize everything was missing down to their undergarments and toothbrushes.

"I told Jarrod we needed to leave men guarding here!" Ione growled. "Clearly we were betrayed! ABBEE!"

She must mean Aella. Ten years and they couldn't get the kid's name right?

"They don't suspect us yet," Elphaba murmured. "It won't last forever. I want to steal everything they have stolen. I want to give money back to people. I want to figure out that teleportation spell so I can come to their aid when the soldiers try to take it back."

"They'll know it's you," said Fiyero.

"Yes, but I want to see their other bases first," said Elphaba. "They're going to try them all before they suspect us."

Fiyero hummed. They watched the army march to another castle to the south. It wasn't far but it was in worse shape than Vadallet Du. Fiyero went to the map on Elphaba's desk and marked the castle there. It had a village.

Ione shouted at the lieutenant there and checked the vault while the men spread the word of Jarrod's demise.

"Tonight we rest," said Ione. "Feed the horses. Tomorrow we find the rats who stole from us."

"And we'll be ready," Elphaba murmured and waved her hand over the crystal ball. "Alert me when they start to move."

It glowed brightly then returned to its clear form. Elphaba handed it to Fiyero and returned her head to his shoulder.

"This is all my fault," Fiyero sighed. "If I wasn't such a horrendible person maybe none of this would have happened."

"You don't know that."

"I know I wouldn't have helped matters," he muttered. "I wish I could tell the Bog Fairy I've changed. No kiss required."

"We'll do good," said Elphaba. "I know we can. And maybe when those soldiers are broken up she'll decide it is enough and free you."

"You should get some more rest," said Fiyero. "I can keep watch."

"Did Chistery get to bed okay?" she asked.

"Mm…"

She lifted her head to give him a stern look. "Fiyero."

"I'll go check on him," he said.

"Help me to my chair," she said. "I need to sit up a while."

He nodded and did just that, laying two blankets over her lap.

At the top of the stairs, he pulled the bracket to make it a slide. He could have done that to begin with and he knew she would point it out to him when she wasn't dizzy with pain.

He made it down in time to see the stragglers stumble out to their carriages and horses. Chistery was still in the ballroom, curled up on the king's throne, a small smile on his face.

Fiyero scooped him up and carried him to bed.

"Fresh dreams," he murmured, laying a blanket over him.

On his way back to Elphaba, he quietly opened the door to Aella's room. Mainly to see if she was still there.

She flinched, revealing she was awake, and cowered under the blanket. Fiyero closed the door and put the stairs to Elphaba's tower back to rights.

The green girl in question was awake but looked deeply uncomfortable.

"Fae? What's wrong?" he asked.

"I'm just tired," she said. "My neck stretches the wrong way sitting up, but lying down I keep turning onto my shoulder."

"Well, if it isn't too bold," said Fiyero. "I could hold you steady while you sleep."

He cringed, waiting for her to shout or roll her eyes.

"Okay," she said softly.

Fiyero relaxed and helped her to her feet once more, keeping her steps steady. He climbed into the box bed first and settled down. She was next, wincing in pain as she adjusted.

Finally, she relaxed, burying her face into his chest and breathing in deeply.

"I like the smell of hay," she mumbled. "You smell nice."

"Well, thank you very much," said Fiyero, moving his arms around her to hold her steady while avoiding her shoulder.

They could have been on stone or a cloud for all he knew, but he felt her. Her leg between his own, her breath on his wooden neck, her hair against his cheek, her fingers clinging to his shirt, and every small shift she made.

"Chistery is fast asleep," he said. "All tuckered out from playing."

"Nn. Good."

Fiyero thought he felt her heart beat against where his should have been.

"Fae?"

"Nn?"

"Do you think we could have a future together? Even if my curse isn't broken?"

"Mmhm."

He smiled and kissed her temple.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear.

"Nn."

Oh. She was asleep. Probably had been since her head hit the pillow.

Fiyero tried not to feel too disappointed and instead focused on keeping her steady. Maybe it was better. He shouldn't ask to be in her bed and then confess his love to her.

What was he even expecting? That she would leap for joy? Kiss him senselessly and then his curse would melt away under her touch?

Why should she even believe him when he had hurt her so badly? She wouldn't believe it. Even worse, she might think he was making fun of her.

No. It was better to keep things as they were. He'd rather remain a scarecrow forever and be by her side, than try to love someone else.

But what if she was okay with him as he was?

These thoughts danced in circles around his head until the candle spluttered out and the sky lightened. Fiyero was glad Elphaba got the extra sleep instead of trying to wake up at her usual seven. Ten was much more reasonable, especially after last night's events.

Elphaba shifted and breathed in deeply.

"Morning," Fiyero murmured.

"Mm… good morning." She yawned and burrowed closer.

He couldn't have been all that comfortable, but he was elated that she sought it from him anyway.

"Get a little more rest," he said and held up the crystal ball, which was steadfastly clear. "Nothing yet."

A knock came at the bedroom door.

"Miss Elphaba?" Aella called. "Do you require assistance?"

Elphaba cleared her throat.

"Yes, give me a moment," she replied and eased onto her back.

Fiyero supported her so all her weight wouldn't crash onto her shoulder. She climbed out and closed the doors on him.

"Did you sleep?" Elphaba asked.

"A little, Miss," said Aella. "And it's not that I wouldn't want to be your assistant, but I understand if you would prefer someone better suited. I know the scullery."

"Well, we don't really have a need for scullery maids," said Elphaba. "Castle provides hot water, tends the fires, and food appears on our table ready to serve. We only cook if we feel like it or want to make something special. People have been hired on in order to maintain the castle and keep her clean and I could place you with them I suppose, but I don't quite trust you yet and would prefer to keep you where I can see you."

"What would be my duties?"

"Until my shoulder heals, I'll need you to be an extra pair of hands for me," said Elphaba. "You'll also be a time keeper, making sure I take sufficient breaks for meals. I may also have you acquire things that I may need. Extra paper, ink for my pens, books from the shelves, that sort of thing. Think you can handle it?"

"Yes, Miss."

"And just know here and now, I'm not a patient person but I won't harm you for being slow or messing up. I won't be happy about it, but you have nothing to fear."

"Anything would be a dream compared to the nightmares behind me," said Aella.

"I understand," said Elphaba.

Fiyero knew he had a heart, because it was breaking.

Elphaba knocked on the bed door.

"You can come out now," she said.

He crawled out, feeling a bit sheepish as he did so, despite the fact nothing happened between him and Elphaba, even if they wanted it to.

"Forgive me!" Aella gasped. "I hadn't—"

Elphaba held up a hand. "Prince Scarecrow does not need sleep, so he was making sure I did not injure my shoulder further. He typically stays in his own quarters. Come now, let us go to breakfast."

Fiyero would be glad when she was back to her usual self. This prim, proper, polite Elphaba had a knack for making him feel like he was in trouble for no reason at all. He just told himself she was swallowing her pain.

Aella pointedly kept Elphaba between her and him. She looked a bit better than yesterday. She wore the wool dress Elphaba gave her and her face had been washed. She still had a shiner on her eye and her hair—newly washed—was still dull and mousy but wrangled into a bun and decorated with a beautiful wooden comb that seemed to be about the size of the gift Avaric had given her.

Elphaba pulled the bracket to turn the stairs to a slide and led the way down.

Aella gasped in amazement and followed with a muffled shriek.

Fiyero tucked the crystal ball into his pocket before following.

There were a few guests for the night but they had already left according to the butler Galinda hired.

Galinda, Chistery, and Dr. Dillamond were already at the dining table.

"Everyone, this is Aella," said Elphaba. "She's my new assistant."

Aella nodded her head politely.

"Have a seat," said Elphaba, taking a seat next to Chistery.

"I'm glad you made a decision, Elphie," said Galinda. "I thought this was going to be like pulling teeth!"

Galinda had a huge bandage over her ear and her hair wasn't even styled, instead hidden under a brightly patterned scarf. There were still a few streaks of dried blood on her neck and forehead.

"You feeling alright, Gal?" Fiyero asked.

"I took these pills and my ear still hurts," she said, though she didn't seem to really care one way or the other. Then her face twisted up. "What am I going to do? I can't walk around with just one ear!"

"Well, I don't have any ears," said Fiyero. "So you're already in a hundred percent better shape than I am."

Galinda threw a muffin at him.

"Oh, one ear and suddenly you're not the most beautiful woman in the world anymore?" Elphaba scoffed.

The blonde beamed and went on chattering away at twice the speed than usual.

"It's the pain tablets," Dr. Dillamond murmured to Fiyero.

"How can you tell?" he replied and the old goat laughed.

After breakfast, Elphaba wanted to go to the library to show Aella their work area. Fiyero followed along intending to shadow Elphaba until she yelled at him to get back to his own duties.

He opened the doors and Aella gasped, looking around in wonder.

"I've never seen so many books in my life!" she breathed and looked at Elphaba. "This place is wonderful!"

Elphaba smiled slightly. "This way, we'll begin by making a list of books for you to read in order to better assist me."

Fiyero heard faint voices and removed the crystal ball from his pocket.

"Fae," he said.

She looked at it and took it so the smoke could clear the rest of the way.

"Actually, we have something else we need to do first," she said.

Chapter Text

"Teach me how to do magic!"

Elphaba looked up at Aella. Her assistant had gone under quite the transformation the past few months she had been there. She'd put on some weight and her face was round and her eyes were bright, her hair had a shine to it, and she was getting healthier and stronger each day. She had a keen mind, too, and was curious and intuitive.

She still seemed to be afraid of everyone except Elphaba, which was an entirely new experience.

"Why do you want to learn?" Elphaba asked, unloading the carpet bag from their latest heist.

"So I can help," she said, pulling a large, silver platter out of the bag and placing it with the other serving platters in the vault. "You and Miss Galinda can get anywhere in the Vinkus within seconds. You with that smoke and Miss Galinda in her bubble. I hate those soldiers and I want to make them pay!"

"I'm not teaching you magic for revenge," said Elphaba. "This isn't about getting back at them, it's about making things better for others."

"I can't sleep easy knowing there are girls out there like me!" Aella insisted.

The second base they hit, they brought in two more maids and a manservant, all three taking on employment at Kiamo Ko so they could be kept an eye on. The two girls had that same look Aella had when she first came to the castle. The manservant was still asleep, the poor man was just exhausted.

Elphaba knew where Aella was coming from, but she didn't want to train someone just for her to take the place of the soldiers.

"I don't know," she sighed. "I can't make any promises. True all Ozians have the capacity to learn magic, but like any skill it's more difficult for some than others. You might be better off asking Galinda for basics."

"I want you to teach me," said Aella. "Oh, please, Miss Elphaba?"

"Witches are most powerful in threes," Fiyero reasoned.

Elphaba sighed and nodded. "Very well. We'll begin tomorrow."

The torches flickered with a signal of a visitor.

"I've got the rest of this," said Fiyero.

Elphaba nodded. "Don't forget your meeting with the head of city planning. Please, Fiyero, push for a proper planning for the expanded streets like a grid system or circles. Circles are nice."

"Well, I was just going to throw darts at a board and tell them to start plotting houses and businesses there," said Fiyero. "I was even going to suggest putting houses on the ground level and stores on the top floors. But I guess your idea is good, too."

Elphaba snorted and headed to the foyer. Keel, the Butler, was minding their visitor.

Aella squeaked and hid behind Elphaba.

Avaric was standing there with his hands in his pockets.

"Master Avaric," said Elphaba.

"Miss Elphaba," he said in a very polite and formal manner that just wasn't like him. He looked around her and just lit up, removing his hat and sweeping his fingers through his hair. "Miss Aella."

"Hello, Master Avaric," said Aella softly.

"What brings you to the castle?" Elphaba asked.

Avaric cleared his throat and straightened up.

"Well, I noticed back during New Years' Eve that a lot of your furniture was damaged," he said in that polite tone now tinged with importance. "Seems like you have a need for a carpenter."

Uh-huh.

"Well, I'm sure that Miss Galinda would have some ideas," said Elphaba nonchalantly. "She might insist we import the furniture."

"Feh! Workshops with a hundred carpenters!" said Avaric. "It wouldn't even be the style of the Vinkus and they wouldn't have any care of it."

Uh-huh.

"Tell you what," said Elphaba. "Why don't you go through the castle and make note of every piece of furniture that is damaged and in need of repair or replacing? Aella and I will be in the library. You may start there, I can give you a notepad and a pencil."

Avaric nodded eagerly and she wanted to laugh.

Elphaba led the way to the library and gave Avaric what she promised.

"Alright, Miss Aella," she said, going to the books on magic and selecting a thin book. "This one will tell us if you have any ability we can harness."

Aella took a deep breath and nodded.

When Avaric left the library, Elphaba brought Aella close and dropped her voice.

"Do you want me to send him away when he comes back?" she asked. "Or do I need to make a new title of Royal Carpenter?"

Aella blushed deeply and touched the wooden comb she wore in her hair every day.

"It… wouldn't be terrible if he was around more," said Aella. "He's very kind."

Well, he hadn't been as much of an ass of late. He hadn't given Lula the Flower Girl any trouble since Elphaba and Fiyero saved him from getting crushed by his furniture cart. She didn't care for him, but as long as he didn't give Aella any trouble then she would let him hang around.

That evening, Elphaba sat with Fiyero and Galinda to go over the plan for their next heist.

"Avaric is sweet on Aella," she announced.

Fiyero looked up. "Is that why he was wandering around the castle making a list of furniture we need replaced?"

"Mmmhm."

"I have been saying you need an upgrade," said Galinda. "But I was thinking of importing. I know places we can order it."

"Going local will support the economy," said Elphaba. "Besides, Avaric has changed a lot over the past few years. I can almost stand to have a conversation with him. And Aella is still terrified of everyone she interacts with, the only exceptions being me and apparently Avaric now, so I want to support that. It's important to have people you feel safe with."

"In my experience," said Galinda. "When a person likes someone else they want to find any excuse to be near them. I also find that men in particular just want to be useful."

Elphaba hummed and looked down at the map.

"I think for this one we need a diversion," she said, changing the subject. "It looks to be surrounded by water on most sides, so we should make it seem like we're making a frontal assault, but I'm sneaking in the back on my broom."

"With each base there will be more and more soldiers," said Galinda. "We'll need to be careful."

"We will," Elphaba assured her. "But it's sickening all they've stolen."

The plan was for next New Years Eve to give everyone a satchel of money. A census was in the process of being taken so they could. So much was stolen from the people not just from the soldiers but also from unchecked leaders who seemed to be suffering from Dragon Sickness.

And Galinda was all, "Elphie, you can't start an anarchy, you have to consider the bigger picture!"

Elphaba looked at the map once more, all the markings were of the bases the soldiers had. Once she knew what to look for, finding the others through her crystal ball was fairly easy.

Even so, she felt as if there was something missing. As if there was a base that was hidden from her sight.

"Fiyero, are there any other castles?" Elphaba asked.

"Lots of them," he said. "Want me to mark them?"

"Yes, please."

"You know if the soldiers run, I think we should let them," said Galinda. "If we back them into a corner too quickly they might strike before we're ready to fight back. Which means, Elphie, stop stealing their food and clothes."

Elphaba clicked her tongue.

"Fine," she said. "But I'm still freeing the people they enslaved."

"Of course," agreed Galinda.

They finalized the plan and decided on the time to act.

"Okay," said Elphaba. "I'm going to return these books to the library and then, I think, I shall retreat to my room for the night."

"Here," said Fiyero, picking up the books. "I'll walk you there."

It was silly. After all, it was all under the same roof, but Elphaba just nodded and bade Galinda goodnight.

"My shoulder has healed you know," said Elphaba.

"I know," Fiyero replied and continued to carry her books for her.

He was ridiculous. The things he did that used to irritate her now charmed her. It wasn't as if she had never loved in her life. She loved her sister and she knew once in her life she had loved her father, foolishly hoping if she behaved well enough he'd return it, but this? She acted like a complete goon some days, perking up like a puppy whenever Fiyero walked into the room or was even mentioned.

"Foolishness," she muttered, putting the books in their proper places.

"What'd I do?" he asked.

"Not you," she said, adjusting her ever-sliding glasses. "My thoughts. They are foolish."

"I doubt that," he said. "What are you thinking about?"

She found it difficult to lie to him, but she didn't have to tell the whole truth either.

"Love."

The book in his hand slid to the floor, the sound almost deafening in the silence. He quickly picked it up and jammed it onto the shelf.

"What about love?" he asked.

"Just… the way it makes people act," she sighed. "It's so… confusifying. Sometimes it seems nice, like Avaric willing to make furniture for a chance to be near Aella, or Jispa bringing her wife flowers at the end of each week. But then my father loved my mother so much that he locked everything of hers away after she died and refused to talk about her."

"Are you in love?" Fiyero asked.

Elphaba pursed her lips and looked away.

"Who is it?"

'You.'

"Is it Avaric?"

"Oz, no!" Elphaba scoffed. "Aella can have him."

Fiyero nodded. "But you're in love with someone, aren't you? Galinda said you had that look about you."

"You two discuss me often then?" said Elphaba cooly, her guard raising. "As I said, it's foolishness, I have more important things to worry about."

"Fae."

She faced him and made herself look into his candle-like eyes.

"Love isn't foolish," he said. "And if there is someone you're in love with, I'll cheer you on."

That hurt more than if he was angry about it and she couldn't fathom why.

"Fiyero…"

"Yes?"

The words wanted to fly free. She knew the longer she waited the more it would hurt. No sense dreaming longer than necessary.

"I just—" Say it. Say it now. "Why bother? Who would love me like that, looking the way I do?"

"Don't say that." He took her hand. "Only an idiot would see that as a problem."

"You had a problem with my appearance," she pointed out.

"Yeah, and I'm an idiot, what's your point?"

She snorted, then felt as if there was a weight behind her. It set her on edge. Eyes. Someone was watching them.

Elphaba looked over her shoulder.

The corridor seemed to fade away as a figure sharpened.

Someone was watching them.

"Baba?"

She jumped as Chistery burst in from behind a panel. His workbook was in his hand and his face was twisted with shame and desperation.

"Oh! It's just you," Elphaba laughed while the hidden figure looked on at them. "Did you leave your homework to the last minute again?"

Chistery cringed and nodded. Elphaba sighed.

"Alright," she said. "Let's go to the library and take a look. Don't cry about it. I'm neither mad nor disappointed, okay?"

"Okay," he said, still looking a little tearful.

Elphaba looked at Fiyero.

"I have some paperwork to do," he said and kissed her cheek. "If I don't see you, fresh dreams."

Elphaba nodded and headed back to the library with Chistery, the invisible being still watching. Watching as she went over the assignment. Watching as she brought Chistery to the kitchens to make him something warm and sweet to drink to calm him before bed. Watching as she offered him a story and him claiming he was too old for stories. Watching as he chased after her saying he could be too old for stories tomorrow. Watching as she read him two chapters. Watching as she kissed him on the head. Watching as she went to her tower and sat in front of her fire to read her book. Watching as she readied for bed.

Only when she laid down did it disappear.

Elphaba exhaled sharply and grabbed her crystal ball, focusing on Ione.

The woman was sitting alone. Elphaba waited and waited but she eventually went to bed as well.

Sighing softly, Elphaba laid on her side. After she was certain the presence was gone, she went to the library to find a spell to prevent someone from spying on her.

~o0o~

Fiyero stood with his back against Elphaba and Galinda's.

They had been expected. The vault was completely empty and now they were surrounded by soldiers.

"You've given us the run around for the last time," said Ione. "But I've had my fill of games. I will be taking back what you've stolen from me, and with you gone those pathetic villagers will have no hope left."

"Killing us won't kill their hope," said Galinda. "They have all the power they need to fight back against you! We just give them an extra leg to stand on."

"You're adorable," Ione sneered and snapped her fingers. "Tear them apart. I want them to suffer."

Galinda shimmered and shrank into a bubble, flitting out of the room. Elphaba raised her hands to drive back the soldiers, throwing spells to turn them into cats and frogs.

Fiyero swung his sword, thrown off-kilter by the slashes. He saw the gunmen raise their weapons and tackled Elphaba to the ground just as they went off.

"Run, Fae," he said. "I'll hold them off!"

"We'll see about that, Your Highness," said Ione, flicking the head of a match with her nail. She tossed it onto him and his body ignited.

He made a horrific screech and started running around into the soldiers, catching their hats and weapons on fire.

It didn't hurt, but fire was the only thing that made him feel discomfort. His insides wilted and his wooden frame popped and splintered. His head was engulfed, but it would take ages for a roaring fire like this to do damage.

Elphaba disappeared in a column of red smoke, her eyes wide and terrified. He would be alright, he always was.

"NO!" Ione roared and grabbed a sword.

Fiyero's body collapsed, the flames continued to lick and peel the flesh off his head. He glared up at Ione as she raised the sword.

"You will never win," he said and cackled wildly as she cleaved his face in two.

There was darkness and then he opened his eyes. The full moon was high, though the sky was lightening to purple as the sun crept closer to the horizon.

Elphaba was gazing down at him, her face illuminated by a lantern.

"Yero," she breathed and touched his cheek.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "Gal?"

"She's fine," said Elphaba. "She just wishes she could have taken Ione's ear."

"And you?"

She exhaled sharply and leaned over, pressing her forehead to his.

"I never get used to seeing you die," she said. "I'm always afraid that this one will be the last."

"Hey, don't worry about that," he said. "I'm here now. Tell me what I missed."

Bumble shoved her face around Elphaba and sniffed Fiyero.

"Yes, hello, I am back," he said.

Elphaba straightened up and put him back together, not saying anything.

"I forgot your clothes and straw," she said quietly.

"It's fine," said Fiyero, taking her hands. "Talk to me."

Bumble's glowing eyes stared them down.

"I think Ione has a witch on her side," said Elphaba softly. "Someone has been watching me for the past week, but I couldn't be sure if they were in league with the soldiers until we were blind-sided. I went to all of the remaining bases after escaping, the vaults are empty and I can't see where they moved it."

Fiyero stared at her.

"And you didn't tell us?" he said, letting go of her hands.

She pursed her lips and shook her head shamefully.

Fiyero sighed softly and drew her in. He wanted to be mad about it, but Galinda would scold her enough for the both of them.

"No one was hurt," he said. "So we can't keep doing our heists. We can still chip away at the soldiers, yeah? Work on training citizens to defend themselves and you and Galinda can keep training Aella. Three witches are better than one. And we can keep Kiamo Ko safe."

Elphaba leaned into him, her hands resting in her lap.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," he said. "I'm here now and now we know, but please don't hide things. Okay? Is there anything else I need to know?"

"No. I've found a way to hide us from view but unfortunately they now know I can see them back and have been taking measures to only discuss their plans when their witch is with them."

Fiyero nodded and ran his fingers through her hair.

"We'll figure out a new plan," he said. "Together."

"Together," she whispered.

Chapter Text

One Year Later

Though they couldn't steal back anymore treasure, Elphaba was still able to free anyone who couldn't escape from the bases. Most were happy for the freedom and had jobs in Kiamo Ko. Some were loyal to the soldiers for reasons that couldn't be explained.

Aella took to her training well and would be an asset in a fight.

Just because they were being watched didn't mean Elphaba stopped keeping watch as well nor did it mean she didn't fulfill her duties as Court Wizard.

And this week it meant overseeing preparations for the Spring Festival. Kiamo Ko had grown so much, which meant approving multiple areas for celebration. New traditions were brought up to the mountains for this year, some from when this was a fertility festival as well.

It was a time for sweethearts, they said, and so heart-shaped flower wreaths were being sold by every flower seller in the city. Couples dances were also being arranged.

Elphaba once took Nessarose to a festival where a maypole was erected for cotillion. They watched the men and women dance together. It seemed to be a matchmaking ritual because it seemed about half the couples were married by the next year.

This one called for giving a wreath to someone you loved, and if they gave you one back, it was a sign you were meant to be.

It sounded completely ridiculous.

Elphaba and Aella sat in on a rehearsal, the children's home was giving a performance. The older ones were doing a play and the little ones were singing. Chistery's school was also having performances for each grade level. His class was doing Adventures in Underland and he was playing the Mad Hatter.

Miss Zulia, the choir director and a rescue from the soldiers, turned around to see Elphaba's opinion.

"It sounds wonderful," said Elphaba, smiling. "I can tell they've been practicing hard."

"Children, say thank you Miss Elphaba," said Zulia.

The children chorused it back.

After chatting with them a little longer, Elphaba stood and left with Aella. They looked at the decorations in the plazas.

Things had been so quiet. Soldiers hadn't been seen anywhere in the Vinkus except for some small bands who remained loyal to the country and not themselves.

It was strange and Elphaba had a feeling something was going to happen the day of the festival. The nagging feeling had been growing each day. Maybe it was the uncharacteristic silence from the soldiers.

Some papers were saying the problem was over, but she, Galinda, and Fiyero knew better. Local leaders had been visiting them and Galinda insisted it was time for a meeting to discuss the long term. So they would be coming for a gala at Kiamo Ko. The council leaders who hadn't been there when Fiyero was cursed, mayors, burgomasters, baronesses, chieftains.

Ten years was long enough to wait for a curse to be broken, now it was time to look at how to move forward and what they would do when the curse on Uma Lu was broken.

Elphaba and Aella entered one of the local pubs to meet with the leader of a band for the event and finalize the set list. Which really was a job for Galinda, but she had her hands full with everything else.

"I will see you then, Lady Scarecrow," said the old man. "It's good to see things settling down. I'm glad you blew into our town."

Elphaba nodded. "I am as well."

Aella gasped and Elphaba looked to see Avaric had entered.

He had proven himself to be good for Aella. Several months back, some soldiers had managed to sneak their way into town. They were likely on a mission for Ione, but had seen Aella running errands for Elphaba and confronted her. Her magic had kept them from getting too close and she had found Avaric for help. They had taunted and announced exactly who she was and what they made her do.

Avaric and his circle of friends ran the soldiers out of town while Aella flew back to the castle on her broom, and before the day was out, the carpenter was on the castle doorstep with a bouquet of flowers and asking how the young apprentice was faring.

The properness with which he spoke when he was around Aella was laughable, but Elphaba managed to refrain from making fun of him.

Barely.

"Miss Aella," he said. "Fancy meeting you here. Are you here to try Mrs. Fink's peach cider? She makes it every spring."

"I've never had it," said Aella, blushing prettily.

"I just remembered, I need to see about some flowers," said Elphaba. "You can wait here, Aella."

"If I may," said Avaric, "could I keep you company, Miss Aella?"

"You may."

Elphaba nodded and left the pub. Lula the Flower Girl had moved on from a basket to a cart. It was loaded with bouquets and sweetheart wreaths.

"Hello, Miss Elphaba," said Lula. "Are you here to pick a wreath for your sweetheart?"

"I don't have a sweetheart," said Elphaba, taking one down.

It was beautifully made up of pink, white, and blue flowers. Elphaba ran her fingertips along the soft petals of a rose.

"Do the wreaths actually work?" she asked.

"They seem to," said Lula. "I've at least seen more lovey-dovey couples."

It was a simpler way to tell her feelings than actually saying the words, 'I love and adore you. I don't care about sticks and pumpkin for the rest of my life, just give me your company.'

Maybe she'd actually have to say those words, but at the very least her surface feelings would be known. He wouldn't hurt her, she knew this. If he didn't feel the same, he would let her down easy.

Elphaba bit her lips. If she held this in for much longer, Galinda would probably take matters into her own hands.

Okay.

"You know," said Lula. "It used to be that the wreaths were made in sets of two of a kind. Those who were looking for love would buy one and then seek out the one who had bought the matching wreath."

Elphaba snorted. "Nothing could possibly go wrong with that."

Lula laughed.

"You never know," she said and took down a wreath woven with poppies, cornflowers, and yellow chrysanthemums. "Try your luck."

Elphaba took it and studied the beautiful blooms.

"Okay," she said and reached for her purse.

"It's on me," said Lula. "Thanks to you, my family was able to survive that winter."

Elphaba smiled and nodded.

"Oh, I need flowers for a centerpiece for a gala at the end of the week," she said.

"I can come up with something," said Lula, taking out a notepad. "How many?"

"Erm… three should work for our dining table," said Elphaba. "Keep them small, I don't need people looking through a jungle to try and talk to people across from them."

Lula laughed and made some flower suggestions, using what she had in her cart. Once they had an outline approved, Elphaba went back to the pub and peered into the window. Aella had her arms around Avaric's neck, a crumpled flower wreath in her hand.

"Hm, guess they do work," said Elphaba.

Aella spotted her and held up two fingers with a pleading expression. Elphaba smirked and nodded, holding up two fingers in return, holding her to the time constraint.

The girl's expression fell away to horror, and in the faint reflection in the glass, Elphaba saw a hooded figure behind her.

Before she could react, she felt a sting in her side and collapsed into a cloud of red smoke.

~o0o~

Fiyero's leg jiggled in anticipation for the meeting with the festival committee at Town Hall to end. Why were they even having this meeting? The spring festival was in a week, why didn't they have the approved grounds last month? Had they really forgotten about the city expansions and had planned for certain events in spaces that were now homes and businesses?

Okay, maybe that was on him and he should have made those spaces into parks. There were spaces for parks, but they were elsewhere. Galinda insisted on keeping green spaces within the city to beautify the place and Fiyero agreed.

There was a clamoring in the hall and moments later, the doors burst open, revealing Avaric.

"Young man, this is an important meeting," said the head of the city events committee.

"Scarecrow!" he panted. "It's… Elphaba…"

He never used Elphaba's name if he could help it and that scared Fiyero. He jumped to his feet.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"She's gone," he said. "Someone took her. A witch."

No…

"Show me where," he demanded and the pair ran to the scene.

People were clustered around an empty space as if going near it would cause them to disappear as well.

"She was there one minute and gone the next!"

"No one had time to act."

"What's going to happen now?"

Sitting in front of the window of the pub was Elphaba's pointed hat, her basket, and a wreath of flowers that was identical to the one that he had safely placed in his room and intended to present to her tonight.

Fiyero felt his limbs go rigid and he looked around the area. She couldn't have been taken. She would appear any moment, spitting mad as a cat in a rainstorm.

"Look! It's Galinda!"

Galinda's bubble touched down and Aella followed moments after. The younger girl was crying and clearly in distress.

"What happened?" Fiyero demanded.

"She was standing outside the pub," said Avaric, drawing Aella into his arms. "There was smoke, someone in a cloak appeared, more smoke, and she was gone."

Fiyero went over to Elphaba's hat and picked it up. She wasn't beneath it in any form. He clutched it in his hands and knelt down to gather her basket and the wreath. Had someone given it to her or was she planning on giving it to someone else?

He opened the basket and found the crystal ball. He snatched it up and thrust it towards Galinda.

"Find her," he said.

She nodded and took it, turning into a bubble to return to the castle.

He looked around the area, hoping for a clue, but found none.

People were looking. They were getting nervous.

Fiyero straightened up and looked at Avaric.

"Sound the alarm for an emergency meeting," he said.

Avaric nodded.

Within the hour, he stood in the largest plaza while confused citizens had gathered. He raised his hands, calling for them to settle.

"An hour ago Elphaba, the Good Witch of Kiamo Ko, was abducted by an unknown witch," he said. "I can only assume this is a declaration of war by Ione and her band of defected soldiers."

Nervous chatter rose up.

"We knew this day was coming," said Fiyero. "We have prepared for this. I know all of you are prepared to fight for your home. I don't know when they'll attack, but we will start rounds. I want people on watch twenty-six hours a day. Children and non-fighters, pack up your belongings and make your way to the castle for safety. She'll protect you. The rest, stand your ground. This is our home and we will fight for it and I will find and bring back Elphaba before the soldiers can strike. Until I leave, I will ensure those of you staying at the castle get there safely."

He didn't want to, not really, but he couldn't be sure the soldiers weren't hiding out along the path waiting to attack.

The crowd shuffled nervously.

"We are stronger together," said Fiyero. "We outnumber those soldiers and you will have Galinda, Aella, Bumble, and Bramble on your side! I will be here to lead the charge, I swear to it!"

Several people thrust their fists into the air and roared.

He sent Aella ahead on her broom to scout the forests for him and keep an eye out for any soldiers while he organized the militia.

For the past year, everyone who wanted to fight was given training. Though they were still inexperienced, they were many.

When it came time to bring those who could not fight to Kiamo Ko, Chistery and Dr. Dillamond approached him.

"You'll bring Baba home, right?" said Chistery.

"I promise you, I will," said Fiyero. "Until we do, I want you to stay with the others in the castle. I can't worry about you, too."

Chistery frowned, but nodded.

At the castle, he found Bumble and Bramble in the garden.

"I still don't know if you can truly understand me or not," he said. "But Kiamo Ko needs you. The soldiers are coming and I don't know when, but I need you to help protect the town while I find where they've taken Elphaba."

They both looked at him, then took off into the sky. He hoped they'd go to help.

Fiyero shifted his focus and found Galinda up in Elphaba's tower.

"Any sign of her?" he asked.

Galinda shook her head tearfully.

"She's not at any of the bases," she said. "I can't find her. I think whoever took her is shielding her from my view. The soldiers, too!"

"Well, if that's true then they all must still be in the same place," said Fiyero, hoping he was right.

He set Elphaba's hat and basket down, taking care to remove her grimoire. He looked at the map of the Vinkus on the desk.

Would they take her as far away as possible? No, if they wanted to shield the soldiers too then they'd have to be within reasonable range to Kiamo Ko.

"Fiyero."

He turned and hurried to support Dr. Dillamond to a chair.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Before we left," he puffed. "I looked at where Miss Elphaba was taken and discoverated this."

He held up a sprig of pine.

"It smells different from the pine trees here," he said.

Fiyero examined it closely. Pine only grew here in the mountains.

"You say she isn't in Vadallet Du?" he asked.

"It shows it's still empty," Galinda confirmed.

Fiyero paced around the room and looked at the map Elphaba had made. She had marked all the bases. He looked at the blank section north of Kiamo Ko.

No… she couldn't be there. Could she?

There was an old training base up north in the mountains, but when Fiyero was about ten a new one was built in Uma Lu. Why was that? Rock slides?

It'd be the perfect place to hole up if you didn't want anyone stumbling upon it accidentally.

"Gal," he said. "I want you to try focusing on this area here."

He pointed to Fort Kimbaloo.

Galinda looked and scrunched her face up, then opened her eyes wide staring at the crystal ball as if it would shatter into a million pieces under her glare.

Fog formed into the ball, but it refused to clear.

"Come on," Galinda whispered through gritted teeth. "Come on. Show me. SHOW ME!"

It cleared just enough. Elphaba was slumped on a stone floor. The image faded like ice had formed within the crystal before it disappeared entirely.

"No! Come back!" Galinda begged.

Fiyero put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay," he said. "You just confirmed where she is."

"Okay, let me just get ready," said Galinda.

"No," said Fiyero. "If they can hide it from our sight I bet they can keep you from getting there by bubble. Besides, you have a way of calming a crowd, I need you here to lead everyone."

Galinda pursed her lips and hugged him tightly.

"Bring her back safe," she said.

Fiyero nodded.

"There's no telling what state she will be in," said Dr. Dillamond, holding up a black bag. "This has emergency supplies."

Fiyero nodded and prepared to leave. He made sure he brought Elphaba's broom, some food, and the emergency supplies. That stretch of mountains would still be covered in snow, so he found an outdated Kiamo Ko soldier uniform. It was leather and fur and would be warm and hopefully provide him with a bit of cover.

He also grabbed his bow and quiver, strapping it securely to his chest.

The sun began to set as he saddled Poppy and took off North, the map to the fortress tucked into his shirt.

"I'm coming for you, Fae," he murmured.

Chapter Text

It was cold. Had she fallen asleep in front of the fire again? No, she had been in front of the Clover Pub and then something stuck her like a hat pin.

She needed to focus.

Elphaba tried to force back the waves that encompassed her mind. She was on a stone floor, it was freezing like a winter's day, her hands were encased in metal mittens, her wrists and feet were bound.

Oz, her head hurt.

She coughed, hating the dry feeling in her throat and cringed on an aftertaste like bad medicine.

Finally, she opened one eye and then the other.

Stone walls greeted her. There was a single lantern hanging by the door providing a dim light for her combined with sickly white light from a window above her. Wind howled and snowflakes danced into the room.

The cold fully registered, making her curl in on herself. She shivered violently and muttered a spell to warm the air around her.

Nothing happened.

With a tooth-numbing shriek, the door to the cell opened and Ione entered, flanked by a woman who resembled a carp at a costume party. Her white blonde hair was piled high on her head in a style that was a hundred years out of date. She also dressed lavishly to announce just how important she was, even in the cold she was wrapped up in fine furs beaded just so she glimmered when she walked. Her face had on a thick layer of makeup to smooth out any wrinkles but only succeeding in making herself look like she was molded from clay.

That must be the witch who had spied on her and taken her from Kiamo Ko.

"Hello, troll," said Ione. "You've been quite the thorn in my side, you know."

"I try," Elphaba slurred, trying to wake up the rest of the way. "Why am I not dead?"

"Because you have talent, dearie!" said the witch. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Agytha Morrible, I am the Palace Witch to the Wizard of Oz. I've been keeping an eye on your work, Miss Elphaba. I've never seen a witch with such power, I'm amazed you only became known to me three years ago. And yet, you squander it on those peasants."

"They're people," said Elphaba.

"Animals," Morrible sneered with such disdain it made Elphaba's insides twist.

"Animals fall under the definition of people," Elphaba snipped back.

Morrible scoffed.

"You can't be happy being a servant to a Scarecrow. Jack Pumpkinheads are rare, but they are simple, empty things animated to be companions to children or to watch flocks of sheep. We both know you're the brains behind everything and yet you keep one step behind that fool who thinks himself a prince. Why be satisfied with a tiny forgotten corner when you could have the entire Vinkus?"

"I don't assume you brought me here to help me realize my full potential," said Elphaba.

"Oh, but I am!" said Morrible. "Ione wanted to kill you, but I think the three of us could do great things as a team. The Vinkus has been in quite the state since the royal family disappeared thirteen years ago thanks to that Bog Fairy. Uma Lu remains trapped, but time continues to move forward for the rest of Oz, dearie! Our coup failed when that fool of a prince was banished instead of assassinated and the spell on the princess cannot undo itself for one hundred years, so if we cannot seize the power, then we shall buy it. You think you've hurt us with your little heists, dearie, my no. It hasn't even scraped the top."

Elphaba narrowed her eyes. It was all here.

"Why would you want me?" she asked. "If you have the Wizard on your side…"

"Bah! That oaf has no true power, he just wants to be adored. Now you, I see greatness in you. With your help we can rule not just Neutraland and the Vinkus but all of Oz! Even all of Nonestica!"

"What do you want from me?" Elphaba asked. "We already used the money we stole from you to help people rebuild their lives."

"For twenty years there has been a spell book I have coveted," said Morrible. "The Grimmerie. I was fortunate to have seen it once when Kiamo Ko castle was still used, but the damn thing would not give me entry when it was abandoned. I suspect the Bog Fairy's work—she quite enjoys making things difficult—but you, you've found it, haven't you? If you promise to turn it over to me I will promise you anything your wicked little heart desires."

"You have nothing I want," said Elphaba. "Itchita copita meleka mystica!"

Her magic seemed to ricochet within her. She cried out in agony and begged for it to pass quickly.

"No escape, troll," Ione sneered and kicked her in the stomach. "We've spent the last year making this prison to contain you."

"You're spirited," said Morrible. "But you are directing your energy to the wrong place. Here is my offer, dearie, listen well: You may have the Vinkus but you will rule it under my guidance. I'll even allow you to keep your scarecrow, I have a spell that will turn it human if it pleases you. You'll have everything you want. In return, you will be required to perform feats of magic for me, there are numerous ways to steal power for a country. Droughts, famines, civil unrest, usurping those in power and replacing them with puppets of your own. Second, I want the Grimmerie."

Sure and the second they got it they would kill her.

"I've hidden it," said Elphaba. "Only I know its whereabouts and you could tear Kiamo Ko apart brick by brick, you could dismantle the mountain itself, but you will never find that book in its entirety without my help and I would rather die than turn it over to you! I refuse to be in league with anyone who would allow children to starve and lives to fall to ruin. How dare you let those soldiers hurt Aella!"

"What men do is their business," said Ione. "The stupid girl was good for nothing else."

Elphaba set her jaw and glared up at the both of them.

Morrible sighed in disappointment.

"I thought perhaps you'd seize the opportunity," she said. "I thought we could discuss this like adults, but since you are choosing your childish ideals, we have no other choice but to raze the first beacon of hope the Vinkus has had in years. We will burn the city to the ground and execute every living thing. Your scarecrow will make excellent kindling. And perhaps we'll bring that sweet little Monkey back with us and he can convince you to tell us where the Grimmerie is."

Elphaba tightened her lips.

"I do need a new servant to kick around," said Ione. "You know, I believe death is much too good for the likes of you, troll. I've been an assassin and a spy for years, everyone has their breaking point. Last chance, troll, where is the book?"

"Have you checked up your ass?"

Ione backhanded Elphaba. Her eye felt like it exploded and her head hit the ground, but she responded with a cackle.

"Feel better?" she asked.

Ione turned away in disgust.

"We'll see if you're still laughing when we return," she spat and pounded her fist against the cell door.

It opened and she stormed out.

Morrible turned to Elphaba.

"Don't worry, dearie," she said. "Eventually you'll see things our way and I will be here when you do."

The door shut and Elphaba hunched over herself.

"Fat chance," she muttered.

When the voices faded, she slammed her restraints against the ground. They kicked back, slamming her into the wall.

Everyone would be okay. Galinda and Aella could take on Morrible. Castle could provide for the non-fighters even under siege. The town had been preparing for this day. They had Bumble and Bramble, too.

The cell door creaked open and a soldier entered.

"This will all end when you tell us where you hid what that fish woman wants so badly," he said.

Elphaba raspberried.

He grinned maliciously. "I was hoping you'd say that. Been waiting a long time for this greenie."

He cracked his knuckles and Elphaba braced herself.

~o0o~

Fiyero had been on the move for three days, he'd needed to send Poppy back to Kiamo Ko so he could keep moving. He refused to rest until Elphaba was safe in his arms. He had passed the soldiers yesterday and estimated that he and Elphaba would need to fly back to Kiamo Ko to have enough time to rest before they lead the fight. The army was big, but it was slow to move that many.

Snow blew around him as he scaled up the side of the mountain, the wind threatening to carry him over the side.

He spotted two soldiers guarding the entrance and quickly dispatched them, storming in. It didn't take him long to come across another soldier.

"WHERE IS SHE?!" he demanded, nocking an arrow.

The man smirked and drew his sword.

"I'll never tell!"

"Then you're of no use to me!" Fiyero let the arrow fly.

"Eh-herm!"

Fiyero whipped around to see an old man in a shabby uniform. Rather than a weapon, he held a broom.

"You seek the witch?" he asked.

"I do," said Fiyero, nocking another arrow.

The old man raised his hands in surrender.

"She is being held in the north tower," he said.

Fiyero let the arrow fly and it hit another soldier who had burst in, no doubt to silence the man.

"Thank you," said Fiyero. "Leave this place, I will take no prisoners."

The old man bowed respectfully and hurried off.

Fiyero fought his way to the tower, rage burning so brightly inside him he might have combusted.

He followed the winding staircase lined with cells.

Only one had a light inside and what Fiyero saw made him sick.

"Are you going to talk now, witch?" the man asked, brandishing a fire-poker with a red-hot tip.

Fiyero loosed another arrow and the man scrabbled at it for a moment before slumping over, dead.

Despite her injuries, Elphaba was very still and Fiyero feared the worst as he knelt beside her.

"Second star to the right," she croaked.

"I don't know what that means," Fiyero said, relieved beyond belief that she wasn't dead.

She opened the one eye that wasn't swollen shut.

"Yero. You came for me."

"Of course I did," he murmured.

"I'm trapped."

He touched the metal encasing on her hands and examined the chains attached to the floor, then looked at the man he just killed.

There was a ring of keys on his belt, so he snatched them up and tried each one until he found the one that was the closest fit.

Using the hilt of his dagger, he forced it in. There was a small 'clink!' and the casings fell away. He did the same for the manacles around her ankles.

Finally, he scooped her up. "Come on, let's get you out of here."

He found a room with a lit fireplace and set her down in front of it, tossing several more logs on the fire.

"Here, drink," he said, holding up a canteen of water to her cracked, blue-tinged lips.

Swallowing looked painful, but she downed half the water. She coughed and started shivering.

Fiyero got out the first aid kit and wrapped up the burns on her arm and tended to her other injuries before helping her out of her ruined dress and into the warm clothes he brought, apologizing any time she made a noise of pain.

"Eat," he said.

"We have to get back," she said. "They left…"

"It will take them at least another day and a half to get there," said Fiyero. "Eat."

She slowly chewed the bread and cheese.

"They want the Grimmerie," she whispered. "The witch works for the Wizard of Oz… if we can stop her now maybe we can stop him from doing something terrible."

"Don't worry about that just now," he said, gently brushing her hair back. "Let's just get you home. I brought your broom."

He handed over her satchel which had her broom and Grimmerie.

"Their entire stash is here," she said. "I want to steal it."

"Fae, you need to rest."

"No." She grabbed his shoulder and used him to straighten herself up. "They want to use everything they've stolen to take over Oz. They have no interest in helping people, they just want the power to do whatever they want no matter who gets hurt."

She dumped the medical supplies out of the doctor's bag and raised her hands. Though her voice was weak, the spell still cut through the air and made it go still.

"Higitus figitus zumbazing! I want your attention everything!"

Magic was like a song, Fiyero had discovered. The most powerful spells she, Galinda, and Aella cast were sung, many were nonsense but rose and fell on the wind, encircling everything to shape the world to suit what was needed.

Elphaba's songs were always beautiful even when the words she spoke were nonsensical or even silly. She looked almost an inch from death, but the things around them marched into the bag as if there was nothing on this earth that could stop them.

Fiyero was sick from the amount of money that had gone into the bag. Not just coins but full bricks of gold, silver, and copper. Every little bit that had been stolen over the last thirteen years Fiyero was banished, even just a small look Fiyero knew it was enough to renew not just the Vinkus, but all of Quadling Country and parts of the Gillikin as well.

It was revolting.

When he was young, he once read a book where a character was inflicted with something called Dragon Sickness. The man had grown selfish and greedy, always wanting more and more, no amount ever being enough. He would lie, cheat, steal, and kill to grow his hoard and the hatred in his heart twisted him into something horrible.

The final item hopped into the bag and it snapped shut.

"Let's go," said Elphaba, taking out her broom.

Fiyero helped her rise to her feet. She must have been in a lot of pain for her to allow it to show on her face. She couldn't even raise her leg to straddle the broom.

"Here," said Fiyero, straddling it.

The broom raised to support him and he pulled her onto it side-saddle.

"Just keep it flying," he said. "I'll steer."

She nodded and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his chest.

It was faster on broom, they could fly over the trees and mountains and even the clouds. Elphaba's breathing grew labored but she refused to bring them lower to avoid being spotted by the army. The last thing they needed was interference from the enemy witch.

They did find the army however, still a day's ride from Kiamo Ko. It looked to be the entire Vinkun military with some others picked up from elsewhere.

It would be the battle to end this war.

One way or another.

The sun began to set as Fiyero and Elphaba touched down at her tower.

"ELPHIE!" Galinda shrieked, running to them and giving them a bear hug.

Elphaba gasped and would have dropped if she hadn't been held up.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! Let me get Dr. Dillamond!"

"He shouldn't climb all those stairs," said Elphaba.

"I'll take you to my room," said Fiyero.

She agreed to that.

"I want my work dress."

Galinda gathered what she would need and they hastily made their way to Fiyero's quarters. Dr. Dillamond was summoned and Chistery was close behind, clinging to her side the best he could without being in the way.

Aella came to her and begged for her forgiveness for not being able to stop what happened and Elphaba just told her to stop blubbering because there were more important things to worry about.

Fiyero returned to Kiamo Ko to warn them of the impending arrival of the soldiers and warned them that they would arrive at dawn at the earliest and to rest but be ready.

When he returned to the castle, Elphaba was properly bandaged up. Her hair was plaited, but chunks had been ripped out so she hid her scalp with the scarf that had been given to her in thanks for her kindness.

He, Elphaba, Chistery, Dr. Dillamond, and Galinda all ate their dinner there talking about anything but the approaching battle. The bag with the stolen treasure was safely tucked away where it wouldn't be found along with the Grimmerie.

Only Fiyero knew where that was and he had no body to torture and no true mind to manipulate.

They had a little bit of time before the fight. Time to rest, time to talk, time to just be.

Chistery ended up falling fast asleep in one of the chairs, Galinda and Dr. Dillamond went to their own rooms to get some sleep. Fiyero would wake them in the morning.

Though she looked exhausted, Elphaba remained awake. She laid in a chaise on the balcony, looking up at the stars.

Fiyero almost lost her and refused to do so again. He stepped outside and closed the door behind himself.

"You should be resting," he said.

"I just want to see the stars," she said.

He stood beside her.

"When all this is over," he said, "I'm going to claim myself as king and fix the mess my family made. If we weren't so heartless then none of this would have happened. I want to turn the Vinkus into a place where people would be just as content being the poorest citizen as the richest. It's my duty."

She finally looked at him, beaming, and she had never looked more beautiful.

Fiyero took her hand and pressed it to his cheek.

"Fae?"

She hummed.

Fiyero faltered. She looked exhausted. He shouldn't do anything that would rile her up. When the battle ended he would tell her how he felt. He couldn't make her love him, but maybe she would agree to keep him company. He just knew that he was going to love her for the rest of his life.

"You should try and sleep," he said.

"I'm afraid to close my eyes," she whispered. "I'm afraid to wake up in that cold, dark dungeon, with a soldier telling me all the ways he's going to torture me."

"You won't," he promised. "I'm right here and nothing will get past me."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and he carried her to bed. He held her close and stroked her hair as she drifted off.

Elphaba slept like the dead, and when the sky began to lighten, Fiyero got up to wake everyone up so they could make their way to the village and close off the path to the castle. Even Morrible couldn't undo Castle's enchantments.

They ate together and were encouraged by those who were taking refuge in the castle.

"Come back safe," said Chistery, seeing them to one of the towers.

"We will," said Elphaba, kissing the top of his head. "I promise."

Fiyero double-checked that everything was strapped securely to himself, his sword, dagger, and quiver. Elphaba turned to him and touched the quiver, murmuring an enchantment.

"You won't run out of arrows," she said. "You ride with me."

He nodded. The three witches lined up in a row. First Galinda left in her bubble, then Aella took off on her broom, then Elphaba and Fiyero.

The ribbon on Elphaba's hat fluttered in his face, no matter which way he turned his head. He knew she was keeping as much of herself covered as possible so no one in the village could see how badly she was injured. If he had his way, she wouldn't be leaving her tower at all, but in a battle of wills, she was a mountain.

They made it to Kiamo Ko and those who were fighting were already prepared a good half-mile from the last houses of the town to avoid any damage to their homes and prevent soldiers from hiding out there to attack when the battle was over. They were armed with anything and everything, weapons from the castle, pitchforks, slingshots, kitchen knives, two-by-fours with nails in them. Anything.

Aella landed to exchange words with Avaric and Galinda kept her eyes on the horizon.

"I see them," said Galinda.

Fiyero nodded and looked at the fighters. They would be evenly matched in number.

"CITIZENS OF KIAMO KO!" he shouted. "ARE YOU READY TO FIGHT FOR THE LIVES YOU HAVE BUILT?!"

They thrust their weapons in the air, releasing a battle cry that echoed into the mountains.

The army approached and stopped a distance away, Ione and Morrible continued forward on horseback. Fiyero wanted to cut down the fish-woman right away, but restrained himself.

"The time for surrender has passed!" said Ione. "All of you will suffer and you have no one to thank for it but the witch and her scarecrow."

Fiyero pressed his mouth to Elphaba's shoulder.

"Be careful out there," he murmured.

"You too," she said.

He raised his voice.

"FORMER SOLDIERS OF THE VINKUS! I AM PRINCE FIYERO MARILOTT TIGGULAR OF THE ARJIKI TIGELAARS! SON TO THABO AND SAKINIAH TIGGULAR! GRANDSON OF MARILOTT AND BAXIANA TIGGULAR! YOU HAVE DISGRACED YOUR COUNTRY AND YOURSELVES WITH YOUR SHAMEFUL TREATMENT TOWARDS THE PEOPLE OF THE VINKUS YOU WERE MEANT TO PROTECT! NOW YOU WILL FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS!"

There was a beat and the soldiers laughed and mocked him for claiming to be the banished prince. Ione and Morrible were not laughing and stared at him with odd expressions.

"VERY WELL!" Fiyero hopped off Elphaba's broom and held onto his head so it wouldn't fall off as he landed.

With that, the battle began, Fiyero leading the charge. He was slashed at and stabbed, but it all went through him, the loss of momentum rendering arrows and bullets nearly useless for anyone behind him.

Elphaba, Galinda, and Aella flew overhead, dropping down spells and keeping the focus of the soldiers pulled two ways. They swept down to move and heal anyone injured, their spells creating a haunting melody over the chaos. Bumble and Bramble fought as well, diving down to scoop up soldiers and drop them from a great height like an eagle cracking open a turtle.

Morrible sent spells of her own: whirling dervishes, ice shards, hail, wind, and snow.

It didn't take long for her and Elphaba to be locked toe to toe. Aella took over throwing down spells to turn soldiers into cats, frogs, rabbits, and statues. Galinda helped those who were injured to get away from the fight to Dillamond's apprentices while also turning soldiers' weapons against them.

Fiyero continued fighting his way through the ranks, his quiver never growing empty as Elphaba promised.

Some began to surrender, so they were bound and moved out of the way. Ione and Morrible didn't really care about them. They wouldn't care if every last soldier died so long as they got what they wanted.

Thunder rumbled overhead. Morrible's arms were spread wide, her makeup smeared to show pink skin underneath. A twister spun around her and Elphaba threw off the spells the latter cast. Lightning sparked and touched down where Elphaba stood, then flashed blindingly. The scream that followed was horrific and caused the battle to come to a standstill.

Elphaba stood strong, her hand raised, and though her skirts were smoking, she didn't seem the least bit hurt.

The soldiers still in the fight looked at her sparking fingertips, at Morrible who was dead on the ground twisted horrifically from the lightning, and their fellow soldiers who were running around either as animals or statues or lying dead on the ground.

"We accept your surrender!" said Fiyero.

Their self preservation won out, so they dropped their weapons and the villagers cheered.

Fiyero ran to Elphaba and scooped her into his arms, spinning around once in a circle.

"We did it!" he laughed.

There was still work to do, but for now they could breathe easily.

Elphaba wobbled and clung to him for support. She looked exhausted, but satisfied.

"I'll carry you home," he murmured. "Just rest, okay?"

She nodded and pressed her forehead to his.

"SOMEONE STOP HER!"

Fiyero's body jerked forward as something passed through his chest. All the air rushed out of Elphaba as her expression fell into shock. They both looked down at the bolt sticking out of her chest.

Chapter Text

Aella and Galinda both cast spells at the assassin.

"Rescue her now!" Ione laughed, her crossbow still raised even as her body became stone, her face immortalized as one of cruel glee.

Fiyero didn't care about any of this, unable to tear his eyes away from Elphaba. Her weight dropped, dragging them both to the ground.

"Hey, hey, no, stay with me," he said, pressing his stupid, useless wooden fingers to the injury.

One of the medics ran over, looking panicked.

"You're going to be okay," Fiyero said, taking the cloth from the medic to press against her wound. "When it hit your shoulder, you were okay."

Maybe it didn't hit anything important. The bolt was in the middle of her chest, her face was already looking grey.

She gasped his name. She was shaking so badly.

"I'm here," he said. "We'll get you to Dr. Dillamond, he can fix you like last time. Don't you have a spell for this sort of thing?"

Galinda and Aella were tearing through their spell books, looking for something that might help. It would be difficult to get the barbed bolt out of her chest without causing further injury.

"Yero. I'm sorry," she gasped. "I couldn't break your curse."

"Don't worry about that," he said. "I don't care about that at all. I've decided I'm not going to let anyone tell me who I can love because I'm going to love you. So you have to hold on, my beautiful, strong, stubborn Fae."

"You love me?"

"With all my heart," he murmured. "I want to do what I should have done when you arrived and marry you if you'll have me."

She smiled and cupped his cheek.

"Of course I will," she said around her chattering teeth and short gasps. "I love you… just—as—you are… Yero—my Hero. I'm so—glad… I—met—you."

She drew him to her and kissed him on the lips. He closed his eyes, pulled her closer to him. Then she exhaled softly and fell limp.

Fiyero opened his eyes to see her own were still open, though there was no life left in them. Her gasping breaths had stopped and her chest no longer heaved, though a serene smile remained on her lips.

"No, Fae!" he cried. "Don't leave me!"

His first real breath in thirteen years fell into a sob.

Tears welled and spilled over his cheeks.

Blood soaked into his shirt, warm and sticky against his skin; the soil was cold and damp against his legs; the weight of his quiver pressed into his back; his body filled out and his clothes adjusted with him; he could smell earth, something sweet, something sour, and something metallic.

"I can't," he croaked, stroking Elphaba's cheek with his thumb. "I can't! I can't live if it's without you!"

He looked up to the sky.

"Give her back!" he shouted. "Turn me into a scarecrow again! Destroy my castle and my garden! Take my crown! Just give her back to me! Don't take her away! Elphaba!"

He held her close to him and sobbed, rocking her gently. His heart twisted and writhed with anguish.

Galinda stood nearby, her face streaked with tears.

"Fix her!" he begged. "Please!"

"I can't," she whispered.

Only Elphaba could have. A spell from the Grimmerie had revived a crow from the flock in the garden, but it had turned it into a cloth bird instead with buttons for eyes and felt feathers. And even that had been difficult to cast, using so much energy she needed to lie down immediately after.

Fiyero didn't care if she came back as a scarecrow or a rag doll or whatever as long as he had her back.

Fiyero choked on a sob.

A gentle hand on his shoulder startled him and he looked up to see his mother standing over him, his father just behind her. Both were still shifting to their true forms, feathers and scales and wood melting away to flesh and hair.

All this time, they had been the beasts Bumble and Bramble.

Sakiniah said nothing, stooping to hug her son.

"I'm taking her home," he said and rose unsteadily to his feet, skidding back to the ground.

He removed his quiver and his belt with his sword and tried again, picking Elphaba up with him. Galinda supported him on one side and his father came around to the other.

"Was anyone else…" he asked.

"No, just her," said Galinda. "Many will have a long road of recovery ahead."

"Get them all to the castle," he said. "Dr. Dillamond is the best doctor in the Vinkus."

She nodded.

They made an unhappy parade back to the castle. What should have been joyous was now grim. Though the relief of not needing to look over their shoulders was widespread. The surrendered soldiers knew better and kept their mouths shut as they were brought along to be locked away in the dungeons.

Fiyero didn't care about them. He just wanted to take Elphaba some place peaceful. She had said she wanted to be buried in his beautiful garden, so he would respect her wishes.

Even as his limbs shook from the effort, he pushed forward, aided by those around him.

They finally made it to the castle, the drawbridge lowered and allowing them entry, proving that Castle was still enchanted despite his curse breaking.

Those who had remained in the safety of the walls chattered and crowded around, but Fiyero could hear nothing, only able to focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

He finally collapsed by the bed of poppies, laying Elphaba in the middle of them. He was glad the garden had thawed.

"Baba?"

Chistery tapped her boot.

"Come here," said Galinda, scooping him up.

Clouds had rolled in and rain wept on them, suiting Fiyero's mood as it always had. He didn't care and sat for his vigil, holding Elphaba's hand in both of his.

He pressed it to his cheek.

"I'll carry on your work," he murmured. "I won't look the other way when others are hurt or struggling. I'll be compassionate. I'll be fair. I'll protect those who can't stand up for themselves. And I swear that I am going to love you for the rest of my life."

He leaned over her and pressed his lips to her forehead.

Despite everything, the sun managed its best to push through the clouds, casting several rays onto the damp garden.

A caw was what made Fiyero look up. The trees were filled with the crows, the piebald one perched closest to them.

As one, they swooped down.

"No!" Fiyero dove over Elphaba to shield her.

An unseen force pushed him back and the crows swarmed around Elphaba. Everyone could only watch as the piebald crow transformed into the Bog Fairy who had cursed him so long ago.

She stooped over Elphaba and yanked the bolt out of her chest before straightening up as much as her crooked back would allow and giving Fiyero a toothless grin.

"I'll hold you to it," she said.

There was a flash and she and the crows were gone.

Fiyero scrambled back to Elphaba's side and touched her cheek. Her skin was back to a vibrant shade of green rather than the sickly grey. Though blood still stained her dress, her chest began to rise and fall.

Elphaba's eyes fluttered open.

"Elphaba!" Fiyero breathed and gathered her in his arms.

She jerked away, her expression full of confusion and suspicion. Fiyero faltered and drew back.

"ELPHIE!" Galinda shrieked, tackling her down.

"Baba!" Chistery wormed his way between them.

She was alive.

Fiyero sat back on his heels and looked up into the sky. He inhaled, breathing in the smell of rain and flowers. The sun cut through some of the chill he felt.

He was alive.

~o0o~

She had been dead.

Elphaba sat in the garden by the pumpkin patch. Everyone had been so happy, festivations had commenced immediately.

Dr. Dillamond had given her a check-up and it seemed that most of her injuries had been healed. Even her hair had grown back.

If the Bog Fairy could bring her back from the dead, couldn't she have fixed Elphaba's eyesight, too?

Not that that was such a pressing matter, the last thing Elphaba knew was that she was in Fiyero's arms and heard he had loved her. She thought she might have been somewhere else but couldn't remember, it was as if she had woken up a second later with some stranger trying to kiss her.

Everything after that was just chaos. People wanted to shake her hand, to hug her, to express their gratitude. Two more strangers had thanked her and offered their eternal gratitude and claimed they were indebted to her.

She didn't really understand, she still felt as if she were in a fog.

After a few hours, it had been easy to slip away. She could still hear the music and the laughter.

At least it was all over, but she couldn't find Fiyero. She stared at the pumpkins trying to see if a new one had sprouted.

"There you are. I was looking for you."

She looked over her shoulder to see the stranger standing there. She knew this man. She had dreamed of him. He was just as beautiful in reality with warm brown skin and blue diamond tattoos and curly brown hair.

He shuffled awkwardly.

"May I speak with you?" he asked.

She nodded and he sat beside her.

"Do… you know who I am?" he asked tentatively.

"I dreamed of you," she said, her brain refusing to cooperate.

"Fae. Please look at me."

She blinked slowly and turned to him, looking in his eyes. They gazed at her earnestly and she felt as if a veil had been lifted.

"Yero!" she breathed and touched his cheek. "I don't understand. How?"

"I love the most beautiful woman in the world," he said. "And I'd like to kiss her now if that's alright."

"Yes…"

The scared part of her thought he was going to get up and leave, instead, he closed the distance between them and kissed her sweetly, his arms entwining around her.

"I'm still the scarecrow," he murmured.

"I love you in any form," she replied and kissed him twice. "My Yero."

"My Fae."

A stomach growl made her pause. Fiyero looked embarrassed.

"Have you eaten yet?" she asked.

"There was food at the party but I got overwhelmed by the smells," he admitted. "It all looked good and then I just… ended up not being able to choose. I don't remember clothes being this itchy."

He scratched his side and some straw tumbled out of his shirt.

It would make sense that he couldn't adjust to being human again so suddenly.

"Let's take this slowly," she said, holding out her hands.

They stood together and Fiyero tipped his head.

"You're taller than me now," he said with a small smile.

"I've always been tall," she said, holding his hand and guiding him to the blackberry bush.

She picked a few ripe ones and brought one to his mouth. He parted his lips, allowing her to feed it to him. He closed his eyes and sighed softly.

"They're my favorite," said Elphaba, eating one.

He opened his eyes and looked at the thorns, sticking his finger onto one.

"Ouch!" He looked down at the small drop of blood welling up on his finger.

"Why'd you do that?" Elphaba asked.

"Make sure this is real," he said.

She nodded and took his hand once more, leading him through the garden and glad it was enchanted to always have ripe food.

Fiyero savored everything she gave him, liking the peach the most.

She brought the vegetables inside to the kitchen so she could wash and prepare them. She still felt numb from being injured, then dead and wanted to work the feeling back into them.

Fiyero wandered around the space, running his hands over every surface and into sacks of beans and rice.

Elphaba hummed as she fixed their dinner of vegetables and chicken, making it all in one skillet. She added spices and seasonings and herbs, soon making the air fragrant with them.

Fiyero slipped his arms around her middle, pressing his cheek into her shoulder.

"Smells heavenly," he said.

They sat in their usual spots and ate their meal. There would be so much to discuss. Fiyero was Crown Prince after all. But for now they could just be.

Fiyero pressed a hand to his mouth and his shoulders shook.

"What is it?" Elphaba asked in alarm.

"Life is beautiful!" he sobbed.

Elphaba stood and held him. He still had that smell of hay and pumpkin about him that she had grown accustomed to. Next thing she knew, she was crying too and he was holding her so tight she thought her back was going to pop, but she didn't care.

"What do we do now?" she asked.

Fiyero looked up at her and kissed her deeply.

"We live," he said.