Work Text:
Wind blew through the trees. At any other time, the sound would have brought her peace, but the constant din made her want to do nothing more than hide in her bed.
Animals were disappearing all over Oz. Animals from all walks of life, janitors, bishops, even innkeepers, were just gone. Their presence left nothing but a gaping void. Whole families and communities erased. But by whom? Some shadowy group that thought they could usurp the will of the Wizard? How could they even evade his watchful eyes? As if things couldn’t get more dire, they were losing their ability to speak. How was that even possible? What kind of magic could do such a thing?
Elphaba stumbled on what felt like a rock but continued deeper into the forest. The thickening wood encased her from the rest of the world. She had left Dr. Dillamond’s minutes before, and it would be some time before she saw the spires of Shiz. His humble accommodations were so far away that she questioned how the university could have him so isolated. At least it was closer to town, and his friends could drop in to visit.
Her mouth pressed into a frown. She could still hear the resignation in the Snowleopard’s voice as he got up to leave with nothing but the clothes on his back. Animals had their struggles in Oz; everyone did, but somehow things were reaching a breaking point. No, it had been escalating for some time now, and she had missed it.
How had she not known? She was a governor's daughter! It was her responsibility to know everything going on in Oz. Did her father know? Anyone outside Munchkinland? Was there anything people were doing to stop it? She had to do something.
She felt her magic thrum in her chest. Only another reason to develop her sorcery. Yes, it would be her top priority. Even if that meant withholding her heart’s desire. She stopped her trudge, clutching her hands in her pockets.
The Wizard will be able to set things right for them. And if Animals were in fact losing their ability to speak, she would work with him to reverse it. It would be her mission until the day she died.
Her vision still buzzed in the back of her mind. She had them before. Mirages and refractions here and there, but this had been solid. So vivid it had knocked her back. However, it was already evanescing. Her progress with Madam Morrible was staggering. She mentioned harnessing what was already there, but she didn’t realize this would be the result.
Elphaba squeezed her eyes shut. The more she tried to grasp it, the quicker the vision faded. What had it been? Her father was screaming at…something. Dr. Dillamond…somewhere. The only way she knew she had seen him was the deadness in his eyes. His rectangular pupils were dull, having no spark of life. Staring straight into her. Yet reaching out, the memory made her blood chill. Everything within her shuddered. So unlike the Dillamond she knew. His eyes twinkled whenever she asked an observant question.
“I know a Tiger who would better answer your question. I should write him.” Galinda had made a gagging motion at that.
Elphaba bristled. Her roommate. She was at least glad to be free of her for the night. She’d either be with her lackeys or starting that extensive nighttime routine. What was the point of beautifying oneself in all those expensive lotions and powders, yet still be so…ugh.
Moss-littered headstones and all that. She scoffed. Look at that. Now quoting Munchkin proverbs.
The thoughts did nothing to distract her, and she wrapped the cardigan even tighter. The atmosphere of the professor’s dread still clung to her, like a dense and looming fog. The Animals there hadn’t even waited to see who she was, that she was safe.
A snap. She jerked left. It was probably a fallen branch. Still, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She stayed frozen. She was being watched. Could it be one of the Animals?
Slowly, she reached into her bag for the worn pamphlet. There should be a map…
Thunderous hooves erupted from the brush. A blue blur cut through the mist and was running straight at her. Screaming, Elphaba moved to escape, but felt her foot catch on something before her momentum threw her to the ground. When she blinked away the spots from her vision, she saw the tree root that had ensnared her foot. And the broken lantern that had fallen beside her. Ugh, luckily no fire, she thought.
“I did not see her!” a voice huffed.
“Neither did I,” said another.
What were they even doing storming around the forest if they couldn’t even spot a lantern?
Grumbling, she felt her spectacles missing. She spotted the moon’s reflection on her glasses. Finally, she got up, fixing them in place while brushing the forest off her.
“I’m sorry, Miss, we didn’t—” She looked up to see a boy now gawking at her.
She scowled.
“—must’ve blended in with the foliage.”
The audacity! This fool didn’t even have the decency to own up to his horrendous driving.
“Is this how you go through life, running amok, nearly trampling anyone in your path?” She was almost roadkill thanks to him, and now he had the nerve to waste time on jokes.
“No,” she heard a chuckle behind him. He turned to shoot a glance at the horse, and it stopped. No, that was a Horse.
“Sometimes I’m asleep.” He looked as if he started to laugh, but swallowed it, seeing her murderous stare. The Horse nickered instead.
Elphaba frowned.
She didn’t have time to question that this prick had an Animal. She didn’t care. His air of levity was only making her even more angry.
“You might as well have been asleep, nearly killing me!”
He raised his arms in defense. “Terribly sorry, we have been riding all night.” She could see his brain still processing. The cogs working as he took in her appearance. Only one thing on his mind. She huffed through her nose.
Might as well get this over with.
“Here we go. No, I'm not seasick!”
“Me either.”
“Nor did I eat grass, as a child!”
“You didn't? I did.”
“And yes, I've always been green!”
“And the defensiveness? Is that a recent development?” he put his arms on his hips.
No, yes, wait. She studied him, mind reeling as she kept her well-practiced composure.
For whatever reason, he had become self-deprecating. That was new. Everyone took to laughing or asking if she was contagious.
She waited for him to say anything else incriminating. Even the forest was quiet as if leaning in to listen.
He dipped his head. Lips curling into a smirk.
The Look. Elphaba had never been a recipient of The Look but had frequently seen it used by many men to try to charm their way out of trouble. That or he was mocking her.
She wasn’t going to give him the pleasure of having her laugh at her own expense.
Humming, she bent down to collect the remains of the lantern to put in her bag. He was silent for a beat, shifting, as if expecting a response.
She pretended he didn’t exist.
“Well…I’m off for more trampling. May we offer you a ride?”
Now he was playing at being kind. She didn’t buy it. Never mind the fact that he clearly didn’t know how to ride.
“Get. Stuffed.”
Turning to leave, she took a step and pain exploded, shooting up her ankle.
Crying out again, she whirled, feeling herself go off balance.
Strong arms steadied her as she stumbled into him. The weight of his hands holding her waist and under her arm.
The sudden touch made her flail and push back.
Only to have her fingers meet the damp skin of his chest. She flinched back as if burned. He was a furnace.
“Whoa, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She slapped his hands away. Taking a deep breath, she tried putting weight on her foot. This time, gradually.
Even then, the stabbing pain came back with a vengeance. She grimaced and fought back the urge to wince.
The boy watched her closely as he smoothed his neckline. Concern evident on his face.
“I must have twisted it,” she admitted almost to herself. “No thanks to you.”
Elphaba carefully flexed her boot. Great job, these were. Now she was injured in the middle of the forest with this clod.
He smirked. “Looks like you’ll be taking that ride with us after all.”
She glowered at him, but he’d turned his back.
“Feldspur, what do you say?”
At that, the blue Horse approached, snorting, “It would be my pleasure.”
He turned back, only smiling.
Elphaba wiped her hand on her cardigan. She could still feel how warm his skin had been. It had been a cool night. Yet he wore a loose linen shirt with a collar that cut low over his chest. Who was he trying to impress?
“What, have you never seen an Animal before?” he asked at her stare.
“I was raised by a Bear,” she said, voice low. This time he caught her look head-on. It only made him giddy.
“That’s great!” His grin widened, eyes softening to affection.
She had just given him ammunition.
If the school knew she was raised by Dulicbear, the bullying would be infinitely worse.
Elphaba had no idea why she even blurted that out. Something about this strawhead was causing her to lose her composure more than usual. And that was impressive.
“I don’t need your help,” she explained calmly, taking a deep breath.
Again, Elphaba tried to apply lighter weight this time. She let out a sharp yelp, barely managing to even straighten.
The boy raised an eyebrow. A question danced in his apologetic eyes. I dare you practically written in bold red letters on his forehead. Elphaba avoided his eyes, looking at her ankle as if she could help it by magic.
The forest was even darker without her lantern. And the events of that evening still lingered at the edges of her mind.
Her nostrils flared.
“Fine," she huffed, admitting defeat.
Flourishing with a hand, he began. “This is my dutiful compan—”
“Elphaba," she cut in.
He scoffed. The rush of breath grazed the side of her face.
Everything about this boy was annoying her, but she'd try her best to push past it for the night.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Elphaba. Apologies for the accident. I’d love more than anything to make it up to you. Feldspur is at your service.” He bowed his head.
At least she had a proper apology now.
The rider moved to the side, so she had access to the saddle. It was too small, but behind it, there was enough space on Feldspur’s back.
“You’re from Shiz.” He pointed at the school pin on her striped sweater. “We were just on our way over there. I am an incoming student.”
Lovely. She'd be seeing more of him.
With a quick motion, he got down on one knee with his fingers laced in front of him.
Elphaba raised a brow. Unsure of what he was doing.
“Fiyero Tigelaar, by the way. Not that you asked,” he added, looking shyly away.
Elphaba's eyes widened.
Fiyero Tigelaar of the Vinkus.
The crown prince of the Vinkus almost ran her over? Was it possible to ask for compensation? Added cost for pain and suffering?
Why was he so late? The school year had already started. And he had a Horse. Not a surprise since many Animals lived in the west. Dulcibear even had distant relatives there. How far did the persecution reach?
Elphaba's eyes lingered on Feldspur, completely forgetting the prince was now kneeling before her, offering to boost her up with his bare hands.
“Must have slipped my mind,” she said carefully.
Elphaba lifted her good foot only to realize she was in a long skirt. It would be much more uncomfortable, but she’d make do. Fiyero hoisted her up backwards, and she plopped down with both legs on one side.
“Very smooth,” he popped back up and dusted his hands.
“Feldspur, do you mind?”
“Go ahead. I’ll kick you off when I need a break.”
Before Elphaba could protest, Fiyero slid gracefully in front of her.
“What are you doing?” she asked incredulously.
“Taking you on a ride like I said.”
She should have known there was a catch. Why did he have to be like this? Elphaba thanked whatever god for the skirt. Who was this Fiyero Tigelaar, and why was he so bent on aggravating her?
“It wouldn’t be one if I wasn’t involved now, would it?” he clicked his cheek and butted her with his arm.
Outside the off-color remark, in less time, this stranger was treating her far better than any of the students at Shiz. Thought nothing of offering her a ride and hadn’t flinched at sharing a Horse with her. Despite her annoyance, Elphaba felt her body relax a little.
Getting more comfortable in his saddle, they were moving without Fiyero uttering a word. Unprepared, her body lurched sideways into him, and she pushed herself up. It had been years since Elphaba went riding, and looking down, she could tell they were pretty high up.
“And besides,” he added, sounding more embarrassed than he'd ever been, “we’re sort of running late, and I can’t afford another extension.”
Elphaba nodded, keeping her gaze trained on the trees as Feldspur maneuvered at a steady trot. Fiyero’s back was like a solid wall she kept falling against. She tried to keep a good posture to no avail.
He didn't seem to mind, keeping his focus ahead. The path they’d chosen was devoid of hanging branches. Whatever ghastly specter that she felt watching her was long gone, and for that she was glad.
“What had you gallivanting in the woods anyway?”
“I was gallivanting now?” he asked curiously.
“Was that too kind? Disturbing the peace, causing a disturbance? Whichever you prefer.”
He threw a friendly glance.
“We were running late. Feldspur thought it prudent to take his time eating a nice patch of grass.”
“Excuse me?” the Horse gasped.
He turned to smirk at her, “Little bugger didn’t even let me have some.”
“I thought you had your fill of the poison ivy,” came Feldspur’s retort.
She scoffed to hide her chuckle. That was hard to believe, but they bantered back and forth like old friends. Not tinged with the malice she’d heard around school. She thought back to the time Frexspar screamed at Dulcibear for dropping plates while company was over.
Elphaba was so young then. Hearing Dulcibear be yelled at had made her cry. Of course, Frexspar didn't care. It was past midnight when her Nanny finally came up to comfort her. She allowed the motion of the Horse to carry those thoughts away.
“So, what’s Dear Old Shiz like?”
Elphaba smiled at the change in subject. When she heard Nessa was attending the college, she looked up everything she could about the college. She fell in love when she learned sorcery was a study. But it was an even greater surprise to see Dillamond among the faculty. And now…
She tried to think of something that would interest a prince.
“It has one of the largest libraries in Gillikin. There’s a secret nook on the third floor. Perfect to get away and maybe crack open an anthology.”
Fiyero threw a glance full of promise. “That sounds like a fun time.”
“What do you like to read?”
“Oh no,” he chuckled. “I mean that’s not what I had in mind.”
“His last librarian had it out for him. There’s a chance that might be in his record.” Feldspur cut in.
She frowned. Something told her not to ask, but she did anyway.
“Why?”
Fiyero shrugged. “She didn’t like my trysts with her assistant. Especially when they were in the library.” He added, not missing a beat.
A flush rose to her cheeks. She hadn't expected him to just say that.
“That’s not appropriate.”
“Pfft, it was in the archive. It’s not like anyone goes back there.”
“The rare books?” She said, horrified. What a desecration. Did he not have a pen to go in?
“I was careful with them. Promise.”
Feldspur shook his head with laughter. She wasn’t sure what disgusted her more. Him elaborating or the fact she’d given him a new location.
“Let’s hope sorcery books weren’t involved.”
Whether from action or the motion of the Horse, he straightened.
“Once, I disrupted finals by moving all the books to the roof. All two floors of them. The sorcery section was quite the hassle. I had a run-in with some killer antlers.”
Elphaba was riding with a prankster. A pretty good one from the sound of it. She wondered if that was why he was transferring.
“Was this a different school?” She was afraid to ask.
“Yes!”
“No,” Feldspur said curtly.
“Oh right. The librarian was the third school.”
Elphaba's brows furrowed. Was Shiz his fourth school? Despite being kind enough to her, she couldn't tell if he expected everything to be handed to him. Or was it just his easygoing nature that made him not care about anything in the first place?
“You shouldn’t do that, you know. You disrespect the Wizard.”
At the name, Fiyero's body turned rigid. Feldspur’s rhythm seemed to stutter before he went down a small slope, causing her to lurch into him. With her nose buried in his blouse, she smelled the pleasant aroma of spices. One note was sharp, yet warm, with a woodiness that reminded her of Dulcibear’s cooking. She wished she could recall what it was. Even scouring their cabinets left the scent a mystery.
As she peered over his shoulder, she noticed Fiyero wasn't holding reins. He actually didn't have any. Instead, his hands were tangled in Feldspar’s luscious mane. As they moved, it didn’t look like he was pulling on it for directions either.
Who was actually to blame for nearly hitting her?
“Are you okay?” Fiyero turned around, feeling her still pressing into him.
She grabbed his shoulders to push herself up.
“Can’t we travel on the road?”
“It’s too dangerous this late at night.” He said as if it were obvious.
“But traveling through the woods is safer?”
“And it’s a perfect shortcut. Plus, I got to meet you. Just forget the almost-running-you-over part.”
After the initial shock of the accident, she found she didn’t loathe him as much. Talking with him had been pleasant so far, barring the escapades. It seemed he had his hands full with schooling or the lack thereof. She wondered what his family thought of it. Did they fuss at him as much as Frexspar did her?
Oz knows her father wouldn’t tolerate those things; he could hardly tolerate her now. And she didn’t have a kingdom to inherit. Even though she didn't, she couldn't afford to be a delinquent; Nessa needed her. Funny how they both came from ruling families and yet he was given far more leeway.
“Tell me about the Vinkus,” she asked, interested in where he came from.
Elphaba watched as Fiyero shifted his whole upper body to look at her. His eyes twinkled with starlight.
“The Quoxwood trees envelop you. The mountains extend far west until it melts into deserts. My mother and I like to vacation there when it gets too cold,” his voice was wistful as he looked around at the tall trees that surrounded them.
“A little part of me dies every time I leave. But my parents insist.” Fiyero took a deep breath and relished the sigh. She took her own deep breath and inhaled the fragrant pine. Her magic rippled in her chest.
Elphaba hadn’t even noticed, too wrapped up in her own worries. It was only tonight that she found her woodland haven unwelcoming.
She tried to picture what it was like to stand at the foot of such trees he saw every day. To feel the smooth bark of the trees. Birds nesting in the branches as Animals milled about the forest floor.
“I was reading about the Vinkus. They have a festival where they have…” the pronunciation eluded her and settled on a translation, “night of cakes?” It felt embarrassingly inadequate.
He only beamed.
“Yes, that’s actually my tribe, the Arjiki. We make pastries and enjoy them under the stars for our ancestors. We treat it like a big party.” He waved his hand as if a cake would materialize before her eyes.
“The atmosphere during that time of year is clearer, so we’re more connected…though it probably doesn’t matter.” He looked up at the night sky, wistful.
“It’s a beautiful tradition.” She leaned into him.
“Traditionally, we invite people from all over. Maybe I can take you sometime.”
“M-me?” She pulled away. No one had ever invited her on a trip before.
“You seem to know a lot about the Vinkus. More so than anyone else in Gillikin. Are you planning to be a diplomat?”
She flushed, imagining herself dancing to the pulsing music of celebration. A long time ago, she might have wanted to travel with her father. Years of the constant remarks about her skin made it clear that could never be possible. Her treatment from her peers made sure of that.
“I can’t be too far from my younger sister. I’m supposed to help her with her studies so she can become governor.” She quickly explained how their father presided over Munchkinland.
“Hmm…” He scratched the hair at his temple. “Yes, a governor there. That tracks. Aren’t you supposed to be next in line?” he asked curiously.
She hadn’t expected him to know that.
“I am, but my father doesn’t…want me to,” she answered, not meeting his eyes.
They both fell into a strange silence with only the sound of galloping hooves marking the seconds.
After their mother’s death, Frexspar's coldness towards her remained fixed. All warmth directed toward her sister. Elphaba never had a chance to even voice her dreams to him.
“I will be a sorceress, though.” She spoke up quickly, the declaration empowering her. “I’m studying under one of the best in Oz.”
“Impressive…” Fiyero trailed off deep as they came to a halt.
“You two are heavy. I need a break,” Feldspur spoke matter-of-fact.
Not missing a beat, Fiyero dismounted smoothly. Impressive with what little room they had.
When he pressed a quick peck on Horse’s forehead, Feldspur let out a sarcastic snort. It brought back memories of Dulcibear laughing together while running errands.
“Let me help?” Fiyero stopped in front of her, his expression still pensive. Elphaba hesitated, and he held out his arms. Getting a solid grip on his arms, he held her waist and effortlessly guided her down.
Feeling his arms around her more firmly now, she couldn't help but suck in a breath as her feet touched the ground. The support had felt nice. No one had ever held her like that before.
Elphaba shook her head.
Her butt hurt, and her lower back begged for relief. The jostling had tired her out more than she realized. Looking around, she was happy to find they had stopped near a downed log.
Rather than perch on it, she picked a nice spot in the soft grass and used it to lean back.
After thanking him, Feldspar went a ways away. Moonlight bathed their small clearing in white. Dark trees loomed around them, their leaves stretching frightening silhouettes against the night sky. A small patch of flowers softened a section of the outer edge.
She watched as Fiyero stretched his back.
“How far are we anyway?” She slowly rotated her ankle.
“We picked you up closer to town.” His voice hitched as something popped. “Once we trek through the forest, I’ll have safely delivered you to the front steps by morning.”
Elphaba sighed; she must have wandered farther than she realized.
“I really should get back to Shiz.” She slowly rotated her ankle.
He stifled a yawn. “Elphaba, you could have a broken ankle for all we know. What kind of person would I be to let you go alone?”
“I can take care of myself.” She crossed her arms.
He sighed. “I mean, I almost hit you. And besides, it’s not like you can walk.”
Elphaba looked towards the direction of campus. He was right.
She just didn’t want to be a burden. It was great that he wanted to help, but she had already relied on him far too much. Not to mention, if they rode into campus, they’d no doubt draw a crowd.
A leak from an intern in Admissions told the whole school that a celebrity arrival was imminent. Cubs and meet-ups became inundated with chatter about who it might be.
Galinda theorized it was a son of an adviser to the Wizard. Someone said that it might be an Animal. They were ridiculed into oblivion. Many joked that Elphaba might just be getting a green twin, and it felt like the jokes would never end.
She ignored it all, finding her book far more interesting. That was weeks ago. Though life returned to normal, the cloud of excitement still hung over the few who still cared to hope.
Fiyero was the prince they were praying for, with a Horse to boot. Feldspur wasn’t a blazing white stallion, but she was sure he’d grow on them.
Elphaba's mere presence would bring down the mood. But why should she care anyway? Maybe she should come in, riding atop his noble Steed.
Seeing their faces would give her the satisfaction she hadn’t had since she set foot on campus. It’s not like they would do anything, and nothing they said she hadn’t already heard.
They’d make a whole show of whisking him off to quarantine to ensure he hadn’t caught The Ick, as they called it. Strip him down for any fleck of green. She knew a student or two who would volunteer. Or maybe they’d think he was just as bizarre as she was.
Now there was a thought: Her and Fiyero battling against the student body. Except he was far too good-looking to waste. A surrender would cause weeping and gnashing of teeth. They’d resolve to do a thorough investigation and double-check against hexing for good measure, and he’d be given a clean bill of health.
She shuddered at her imagination.
Another thought. They’d think she liked him and ridicule her for even daring the thought.
Her breath went shallow.
Did she? Of course not. He was just being nice—a quality of his good princely upbringing and nothing more.
Once they were back, he’d forget all about their little trip and ignore her. Maybe they’d make conversation here or there, but even that would dissolve.
A worse thought: he’d take his place among the jeering crowd.
Her hands clenched; he didn’t belong to them. They didn’t even like Animals. But he didn’t belong to her either.
Fiyero was his own person, and despite good intentions, nothing could withstand the weight of social pressure. She felt her eyes prick at the thought of having something good snatched away. Fiyero was something good?
“Hey, are you okay?” He bent down at eye level. He'd noticed how unusually quiet she was.
Elphaba nodded, blinking her eyes.
Not noticing or perhaps reading her, Fiyero sat back on his ankles, rolling up his sleeves.
“Want me to take a look at your ankle?”
Elphaba stared, expression caught between disbelief and apprehension.
“If everything checks out, I’ll let you go.” His lips curled into a soft smile. Whatever was on his mind was long gone.
That sounded awfully optimistic, but she allowed herself to believe it.
“Fine.” She said before she could think about it and say otherwise. She unzipped and pulled off her boot.
Fiyero propped her ankle on his knee, carefully keeping it straight.
She tried to occupy her time looking for ants, but her eyes were drawn to him, looking for any sign of discomfort. In the moonlight, she could see the way his skin contrasted with her verdigris, his skin seeming to sparkle like diamonds.
She shouldn't be doing this, she thought, as gentle fingers that didn't shy or skim moved methodically over bone and muscle.
What are you doing?
This is all your fault.
What a disgusting display!
Frexspar's voice whirled in her head. It took everything for Elphaba not to apologize and pull away. This couldn't have been all her fault. She had been simply walking for goodness sake. Her ankle hurt bad enough; she'd need attention. Certainly not bad enough to need it looked at right now. Why had she accepted his offer?
His finger touched a tendon, and she felt a pull up her leg. Her stomach fluttered.
“You’re good with injuries?” she asked, trying to keep her voice straight.
He didn’t break his focus. “I’ve spent time hunting on my own. I know a thing or two.”
“Hunting…sounds dangerous.”
He looked up, smiled, and looked down again. “It can be. I'd go with my father when I was younger.”
"Go with anyone now?" A wind picked up, and she wasn't sure he heard her question.
"It's just Feldspur and me now. Sometimes, alone. I enjoy the quiet," he intoned, lost in thought.
She tried to imagine him moving among the woods. Camouflaged in green, knees bent. His eyes passed over her as he scanned an unseen horizon. A rifle at the ready, finger not quite on the trigger.
His cool hands felt nice compared to the warmth of her boots.
“Does this hurt?” His fingers pressed into another part of her ankle.
She stayed still.
Could he feel her pulse? Track her once he memorized her shade of green? Horses couldn’t hear heartbeats, right?
Fiyero moved with ease through the tall grass. Her breathing synced with his steps, and she strained to hear. The gun rattled as he clutched it to his chest, eyes searching for something in the brush. She weakly shook her head, and his eyes found hers.
“Ow.” She blinked her eyes to focus, and the vision was gone.
The slight pain was unexpected.
“It’s hot to the touch.” He sighed, standing up.
“Of course it is.” She leaned over, hurrying to slip her boot back on. “You didn’t have to do that.”
He sat too close beside her, their arms brushing. “I want to help. I didn’t notice anything serious, but it feels inflamed. We should head to the infirmary when we arrive.”
“We?”
He leaned back, looking incredulous.
“Wow, you really don’t want to be seen with me. Elphaba, I’m hurt,” even though he hadn't meant it seriously, she couldn't help but wince. She hoped he didn't think she was judging him.
“It’s not that.” She looked away to where Feldspur was resting in the grass. How could she put this?
When she looked back, his expression was searching. How could he not guess?
“I’m green.”
He blinked. “You are.” His sarcastic tone so beautifully melodic. She pushed the thought out of her mind.
“That doesn’t bother you?” she blurted.
“Should it?” The familiar oblivious back from earlier. Did he really not get it how totally not normal green skin was? Then again, this was the man who ate grass.
Her chest tightened. She couldn’t look away. His eyes bore a striking clarity that hid nothing. He was only being honest. Her being green had never been an issue to him. He was just helping a girl he almost hit in the woods. It would have cost nothing to go about his night. There was no one to judge. But he hadn’t, so eager to share a Horse ride. Her rant felt silly now.
“It strikes fear in people,” she finally admitted.
Her mind flashed to Galinda and the hordes of students that hounded her everywhere she went. She had been ecstatic to be in Madam Morrible's seminar, but here came reality to pull her back down. How can she ever forget who she was?
During one of her classes, a student aide refused to hand back her paper. She had been confused when everyone had their work except her. The professor asked around until they eventually found the discarded sheet on the floor. She blocked out the students’ quiet snickers. The wind threatened to spill her tears. Galinda hadn’t been in that class, but her influence was felt.
“Should I wear gloves?” Galinda had whispered to her friends during one of their classes. That side of the room erupted in laughter.
Elphaba's jaw tightened.
Fiyero was unreadable as he watched her. His eyes almost seemed to pulsate as they took in her vulnerability. Those sharp eyes reading every muscle or glint of tears.
Elphaba suddenly felt raw. She'd revealed so little. And yet tonight her mind had decided to settle on things she usually tried to avoid. She prided herself on her steely exterior like an anchor. It's how she survived in this world. She’d built it layer by layer across years of neglect and indifference to fear and contempt.
But somehow she'd found the one person who didn't treat her differently because of her skin. Who's kindness reminded her of all the ways people fell short. What had she shared? What had she given away? Did she say too much? Was she too much?
Fiyero blinked. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
Elphaba looked up at him in surprise.
Light and shadow played across his face, uncovering the compassion in the blue depths of his eyes. They seemed to hold her in a warm embrace.
Elphaba closed her eyes, allowing herself to savor the feeling. Her magic swirled, the two becoming indistinguishable.
“No one should have to go through that.” He whispered. A cloud moved a little further, and she saw a brief glimpse of something she hadn't seen all night. Anger? For her?
Fiyero looked away to the stars, and Elphaba suddenly felt cold. His face slowly became serene as he watched the sky.
“Shiz won’t be my…let’s just say I’ve been to a lot of schools.” He couldn’t hide it; she knew what shame felt like. It infected every attempt to find healing, suffocating at every chance to escape, and reveling in every dead end.
“I was told this would be my last chance.” He said it so gravely, she was surprised when he dramatically rolled his eyes at her.
“You’re not worried?”
“Caring is a wasted effort, especially when people refuse to change.” It sounded nice, but she could never. Not when there was so much suffering in the world.
“Do you really believe that?”
His face hardened, but it was too late. She could see it for the veneer it was. She had seen what he looked like when he truly cared.
“I’m not telling you to, but it’s helped me get by this far.” His eyes fluttered, and he cleared his throat to move on. Whatever was bothering him, she wouldn’t press. He hadn’t pressed her.
They both sat in silence, not feeling the need to say anything. This part of the forest was more lively. Cicadas chirped deep in the woods, and lightning bugs danced around each other. They meandered towards them, and a glowing insect landed on her hand.
Slowly, she rotated her hand to watch it climb up her wrist, it’s light a gentle pulse. Seeing Fiyero watch her, she held out her other hand, and he took it. They were rough yet supple, soft and warm but not at all clammy. So tender, she loved the way they felt. Guiding his hand to hers, they watched as the lightning bug crawled across his knuckles. Their breathing remained steady, but its wings still fluttered, and they watched it float to the ground.
Elphaba hadn't noticed her heart was steady until she realized she was still holding his hand. Clumsily, she let go.
“I wasn’t making fun of you, you know. It came out wrong. And the grass thing…” For the first time tonight, Fiyero Tigelaar looked flustered. It was sort of cute. Before she could stifle that thought, it grew.
An image of his face lighting up when they saw each other. Him pulling a leaf from her braids when her hands were carrying books. Feeling the sound of his voice as he held her close. She quelled that thought.
Now that she had gotten a glimpse of the real him, she just saw someone trying to make their way, the best they could. Just like her. And through awful coincidence, they’d met. The sadness he clung to wasn’t all that different from what she saw in the mirror. But he chose to pursue what was ephemeral to drown out the pain.
She wondered if she could be his purpose. That he could be devoted to her the same way he revered the stars. Elphaba flinched at her thoughts turning to that again.
“I really did eat grass as a child, though.”
Elphaba looked at him wide-eyed. And in a split second, she exploded into laughter. It blossomed after months of being buried under lonesome nights. She clutched her sides to keep them from aching as tears finally spilled onto her cheeks.
“It’s not that funny.”
"The Prince of the Winkies eats grass?" The idea made her laugh harder.
Feldspur approached, curious at the sudden ruckus.
“Are you two pining playfellows ready to go?”
Elphaba stopped, cheeks burning fluorescent. Was it really that obvious?
He ignored the ribbing, not seeming to notice. She would melt on the spot if he ever so much as acknowledged the idea of them.
Fiyero shot her a stern look, though she saw the slight twitch of his dimple. She quickly schooled her expression.
“Find any berries for me?” he turned, holding out his hand. Feldspur awarded him a wilted bouquet of dandelions.
She chuckled, and the Horse joined in.
“Hardy har har.” He tossed the weeds over his shoulder. Walking over, he dug into a satchel at the back of the saddle. “We should be at Shiz soon. I’ll change, and we’ll be on our way.”
“Going to look princely for the peasants?”
He looked fine, but she would never say that out loud.
“I’ve got to give a good impression. We’ll draw a crowd.”
Feldspur moved next to her. Despite her uneasiness, she leaned on him for support.
Fiyero sensed her nervousness and smiled tenderly.
“I’ll be there. I won’t let anyone give you a fuss.” It would be much more than a fuss. There'd be a riot. Fires would start up. People would protest.
“I don’t want to get in the way of your gallivanting through the student body. I might cramp your style,” she remarked. She tried to use his tone of humor, but he gave her a true, stern look, seeing it for what it was.
“Don’t. I’ll be fine. After all, you’re my friend now.” It flowed from his lips so effortlessly, her heart leapt. She believed him. To think she'd finally have someone at Shiz.
With a flick of his hand, Fiyero sauntered towards the tree line. He swayed his hips in a strange sort of dance. Practicing or performing, she didn’t quite know.
Feldspur sighed, and Elphaba was painfully aware they were alone now. He was watching her watch Fiyero leave to change.
“Make sure we don’t see your ass!” Feldspur yelled after him. She quickly diverted her attention to the Stallion.
“He’s peculiar, isn’t he?” he asked.
“Not the type of person I’d normally befriend.” But he was a gift she so desperately needed.
Fiyero returned from the trees, clothes in hand. His new outfit was blue with yellow accents.
“How do I look?” he asked, turning around to let them get a look-over. The thick fabric hugged his curves in all the right places. His legs were toned. Thighs thick from whatever sport he enjoyed. His torso was more built, and she could tell his arms were just as sculpted. Elphaba looked up, trying her best not to get a third look.
“Like a prince ready to seduce your legion of followers.”
Once they were moving again, it was at a slower pace. Looking at the stars, Fiyero surmised they’d made great time. To alleviate Feldspur the rest of the way, he walked on foot while Elphaba sat comfortably in the saddle. It was much better, and her back thanked her, but if only she could lie down.
“After the infirmary I’m going to sleep in.”
“Any important classes today?”
“Two. One at 10 and I have another one in the afternoon.” The morning seminar was at an odd hour. If she went straight there she’d be miserable, and if she napped and tried to make it, it would just be hellish. She’d just let her body rest.
“Again, I’m really sorry. How can I make it up?”
She ran a hand through her braids.
“Many of the older, more advanced sorcery books are written in the Winkie language. I’m slowly parsing my way through, but it would be a lot easier if you helped me.”
He looked up at her, eyes brimming with excitement. "I'd be happy to help. Though don't expect me to know anything else."
"Not a problem." She ran a hand through her hair at the thought of them somewhere in the library. Him eager as he translated the words for her.
Though he wasn’t adept at sorcery, she still explained her studies.
“I’ve been working on tracking the Western Star. My professor thinks it can help with certain types of magic.”
Madame Morrible had saddled her with manuscripts to wade through. She was a voracious reader, but at times the handwriting slowed her down. It was a little different from what she expected, but she trusted the woman’s expertise.
Fiyero nodded, eyes scanning the sky. “The Western Star isn’t fixed. Or rather, we shift every 500 years or so, and it switches to a different star.”
Elphaba smiled, wondering if he knew more than he realized.
As they got closer to Oz, the sky transitioned to a bluish hue. The rising sun lit their path and dispelled the gloom of the trees. When Feldspur’s hooves clopped onto pavement, Elphaba was panicking. They were in the back now and still had to make their way to the Quad, where surely students gathered. She took full deep breaths of the fresh, crisp air.
“We’re here,” Fiyero said. He busied himself, picking stray leaves from his clothes and combing his hands through his dark brown waves. How he could still have energy from all the walking he'd done, she'd never know.
“We are,” She said, fiddling with her glasses to hide her nervousness.
“Do you think it would look more dire if I carried you in my arms?” he asked.
Elphaba balked, still not sure if he understood what he was saying or if his sense of humor was just like that.
“Fiyero, I think that would make it worse.” She remarked flatly.
“Even still,” he said, watching her closely, “it would make them not give you any trouble.”
"I think you underestimate how horrible people are."
Fiyero's eyes flashed with something unreadable, and she regretted her words. Hearing his words in the clearing, it was clear that wasn't the case. Though he pretended not to, he cared enough to go against the crowd at Shiz. How would they react to him?
Elphaba's knees shook, and Fiyero squeezed her hand. Now his familiar touch was freeing, as his strength anchored her.
Let them see her. Heck, let them think she liked him. An image of a saved damsel. For once they would be saying something that wasn’t untrue.
The realization frightened her. Perhaps more than the other students. Elphaba had been without someone for so long. Only relying on and trusting herself to be safe. Fiyero had helped her without asking for anything in return. And now he was with her, not thinking once about his reputation.
Was that the optimism of a prince, so used to people fawning over anything and nothing? Or was it really for her?
No matter what she thought, Elphaba couldn't help but grasp for something that felt so out of reach. Every smile, every touch, blossoming with possibility. Maybe it would be better if she didn't get her hopes up. The world had turned her cold, making her not expect anything at all.
And yet she'd come to Shiz, not expecting to be noticed. Now she was on her way to finally understanding her magic and helping Oz for the better. Maybe things were turning up for her after all.
By now the campus came into view. Students milled around the fountain. Some were reading. Others rode by on skates, too busy to notice the commotion about to ensue.
Fiyero turned with a playful look in his eyes.
“Let’s get that ankle taken care of.”