The characters belong to Gregory Maguire and L. Frank Baum. The story belongs partially to a very good friend of mine who allowed me to write it down for others to read ^^
A little warning note: Femslash. Not only Gelphie. Beware! :D
Have fun reading!
Prologue
"Quick! There's no time to waste!"
It was still dark outside and even the moon seemed to be hiding away behind thick, grey clouds. The streets were empty; nobody was around. Nobody dared to come out at night anymore.
"Please, Your Majesty! We have to hurry!"
The young princess did her best to follow her two companions, but she was exhausted, and her weakened legs were growing tired.
"We're almost there, don't worry." Sensing her exhaustion, one of the older women picked her up and carried her the last few steps to the carriage. The horses neighed nervously as they started to pull the coach; their breath showing clearly in the chilly night air.
"Where are we going?" the girl asked innocently, snuggling up against her guardian. She was four years old, oblivious to the dangers outside. The two women looked at each other troubled, searching for words that would not upset her.
"Someplace safe," the red haired one finally said, gently caressing the child's back. "We will keep you safe," she added quietly, looking outside at the misty forests.
Within the next few hours they passed the Madeleins and Lake Chorge, both only shadows in a vast expanse of darkness. Truly, this was one of Oz's darkest hours.
The sun was creeping above the Scalps as they finally arrived at their destination. The Glikkus was far enough from the Emerald City that they wouldn't be disturbed. The women knew that it was only a matter of time until their pursuers would locate them, but it would be too late by then. They hesitantly entered one of the run-down abandoned emerald mines, the princess clinging to her guardian's hand.
"I'm scared," she whispered timidly. Her whole body was shivering from the freezing air inside the pit.
"Don't worry. We won't let anything happen to you," the redhead smiled reassuringly. Both relieved and nervous, she took a deep breath as they reached the spot they were looking for. The walls of the cave were covered in glowing crystals, bathing the cave in radiant blue light. The other woman, a tall blonde, took the girl in her arms.
"You have to do it now, Glinda," she said to the redhead, giving her a last, woeful look.
Glinda shook her head and sighed. The bleak look on her face made the little girl shift uncomfortably. "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have let it get to that point in the first place." she said, guilt plastered across her features. She took a deep breath and hugged both of them wistfully for the last time, trying to choke back the brimming tears. "I promise to come and get you when it's over, Tattypoo," she said, turning to the blonde woman and taking the little Princess Ozma's hand. "And please forgive me too, my dear Princess Ozma."
With that, the red haired witch started to chant. Both the blonde, the Good Witch of the North, and Princess Ozma started to glow just as brilliantly blue as the crystals surrounding them. Within seconds they were encased in a permanent block of ice – trapped like bugs in amber.
With tears in her eyes, Glinda turned on her heel and strode out of the mine. The soldiers were already near, searching for the royal fugitives. Quickly, her bubble materialized, carrying her back home to Quadling Country. Quadling Country, which used to be a beautiful land, full of flowers and other rare plants. The people had been happy and wealthy, just like every other citizen. They had lived in peace and harmony, until the soldiers completely destroyed everything they had and everything they were.
It wasn't surprising when they came for Glinda, laying her beautiful Ruby Palace to waste. They pillaged, burned, and plundered every town on their way and took the precious rubies. They killed and raped any resister; man, woman, or child.
Fortunately, they didn't find Glinda's hiding place in a tiny, cramped room underneath the palace, cowering in the dark as her world was destroyed above her.
According to legend, although no one is sure of her fate, she put herself into a very long slumber, if only to avoid starvation. Some say she may still be sleeping, locked under her devastated palace, but her body was never found.
R&R