AN: Here we go again. Another one shot. This one is musicalverse, and takes place in a couple different times. The first is right after the Wicked Witch of the East, but before Wonderful and As Long as You're Mine. The second part takes place during the For Good scene. This was inspired by the song Village Lantern by Blackmore's Night, a folk band I really like listening to.
The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good stood in the dark forest together. If anyone were to happen upon this meeting, both women would be dead. On closer inspection, they would see Glinda clinging to the Witch, sobbing.
"Elphie, why must you go? Can't you just stay with me? I can make it right and you won't have to run anymore! Just come with me!" Elphaba looked sadly at her friend and stood straight and tall in her black dress, cape and pointed hat.
"Don't cry for me Glinda. I must stand alone against the Wizard and his agenda. This path is my destiny, for me to stand on alone, no matter how difficult it may be. It is in the hands of fate now and I have no choice. I can't go back to the Wizard. Not now, not after the disaster and consequences his actions have wrought against Oz. I would die first. Don't cry. Please! When you need me, just look to the western sky and my voice will come to you on the wind. Glinda, in a war such as this, and this is war, some choose to fall behind, some choose to lead. Still others choose paths of greed and torment. I choose to lead, as do you, albeit from different paths. Someone very dear to me once told me, 'It's the noble heart that makes you strong.' Now it is my turn to pass that on to you. You have a noble heart, Glinda, and it is what makes you strong. We both have strength, else we would have given up long ago. Due to that, I will always be with you, just as I have always been there. However, the plight of the Animals is calling my name, wherever I go. But know this: You are my lantern, my light in these dark times. I love you and you are my best, my only friend. However, now I must go." With that she mounted her broom and took off before Glinda could say anything else or see the tears in her own eyes.
Several months later
"Look at me Glinda! I'm limited! There is nothing more I can do and I am tired of running."
"No you aren't Elphie. You never were limited. When I think of you and all you have done, I always think of you with pride. When I look at you, I do not see the green skin or the Wicked Witch of the West. I see Honor and Bravery looking me in the face. If you surrender, or die trying, those can never be taken away from you. In my memory and in my heart you will always remain. I will forever be with you, just as you will be with me." Elphaba smiled at Glinda through the tears running down her face.
"Now I am at my journey's end, but it is up to you to make sure my work and memory are not in vain, after I have gone. We have traveled far together, you and I. we have been through the good times and the bad times, but somehow we always end up together again stronger than before. The love we as friends share will transcend time and space and will never die, and through that love, our journey will never end. Don't shed a tear for me, Glinda, for I have always stood on this path of destiny alone. I am in the hands of fate and I have accepted that. Never forget me and hear my voice echo on the wind, long after I am gone. Be strong for me Glinda. I will always love you and cherish our friendship. This is goodbye, most likely forever."
Years later, if Glinda was upset or worried, all she had to do was think of her lost friend. Many times she heard Elphaba's voice carried to her on the Western wind. "I am always here. Be strong. Stand tall, never forget." This was the phrase she always heard whispered on the wind and it brought her great comfort.
