The Fate of Oz
By 18lzytwner
Chapter 1
Oz had grown older and wiser in the last fifteen years. Glinda had ruled fairly and justly and soon every province in the land was prospering. They had not seen hide nor hair of any peoples visiting from outside Oz and that seemed to suit everyone just fine. Even the mighty Bonescraper, had not made his presence known in quite a few years.
Zara stared out the Palace windows awaiting the arrival of her friend, Emir. She had thought he'd be here by now and it worried her slightly. The young man had promised to stop by the Palace after visiting his home. Elphaba had wanted Zara to get out of the Palace for school and the Queen had agreed but did not want her granddaughter going to regular public school, mostly for safety concerns.
For the first few years, Elphaba tutored Zara once the young girl had become old enough to actually start school. Ayla had finally reached agreements between the tribes and a school was started for all of the children of the higher ranking tribal leaders. The decision to locate the school in the capital had been argued over but once it was promised that the students would gain special teaching in the ways of leadership, the tribal leaders agreed. Housing was given to the students along with up to two family members so the younger students wouldn't be alone. Not surprisingly, representatives jumped at the chance to visit their children when in town to meet with the King and Queen. There were also breaks that students and their family members could go home for.
It had seemed to be a great way to teach the children the differences between the tribes and each ones customs. Zara had met the tall and lanky, dark skinned boy, whose jet black hair was always tied tightly back into a ponytail. Emir was of the Yunamata tribe and he longed to follow in the footsteps of his father, who led his people. However, more and more the young man found himself drawn to staying in the capital city.
"There you are. Shouldn't you be doing your homework?" Elphaba asked, breaking her daughter's thoughts.
"Emir is coming over. We were going to do our homework together," Zara explained, turning her focus from her window to her mother.
"Oh he is, is he? Is that why you were staring out the window instead of working on your algebra?" Her mother wondered.
"Well we promised to work together. Anyway, even if he doesn't come, I can do the homework in my sleep," Zara told her.
"A little full of ourselves aren't we? I know you can't do your sorcery homework in your sleep," Elphaba gave her a look.
"My lack of control still bothers me," her daughter admitted.
"I didn't gain full control until I was about halfway through college. I'm not expecting you to do so before then either. I just want you to be able to be the best you can be. Your powers come with great responsibility and as a future Queen, the people will expect you to use your powers to protect them," Elphaba said.
"You'll be there to help me, right mom?" At that moment, the almost sixteen year old seemed more like an eight year old, unsure of who she was and how she'd just blown a hole in the Palace wall.
"As long as I can be sweetheart," the elder green woman pulled her into a hug. There was a knock at the door and the two separated before Elphaba bade the person to enter.
"Mr. Emir Aksoy for Duchess Zara," Lieutenant Ash announced.
"I shall leave you to it," Elphaba smiled and kissed the top of her daughter's head before leaving the room.
To Be Continued…