Story Title: The Trees
Author: velara
Rating: PG
Characters/Ship: Witch, Azkadellia, Lavender, Ambrose, Lonot
Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing with Sci Fi's dolls
Summary: This was posted as a response to tm_challenge Round 1A
Prompt: Finaqua - DG describes it as a magical place. It's where the Sorceress began her search for the Emerald. We know it's in the middle of lake country and, after DG restores it to its original glory, it's filled with gorgeous greenery and beautiful views. And a gazebo with a rope swing. And Finaqua is our playground this week.
The surrounding forest was a silent witness as the Sorceress confronted her mother on the shores of Lake Finaqua. Not a breeze stirred the air, nor did any living thing dare to draw her attention towards them. For the Witch, this was as it should be, nature was her plaything.
She whispered to the young woman. It is time.
With a wave of her hands, Azkadellia ordered her guards to surround Ambrose and keep him from interfering. Then the Witch bent the young woman's Light to her task. It had taken years, but she had finally convinced the child that this was needed; that her mother was standing in the way of what was right for the OZ. She coached Azkadellia through the gestures, hopefully some day; Azkadellia wouldn't need the coaching; when she was done teaching her and molding her. Someday, they would be able to work together and the OZ would tremble at the might of the Sorceress. That someday would be soon, with the removal of the Queen and Azkadellia assuming her place as ruler. General Lonot's eyes widened as she made a quick gesture and the Queen disappeared. A crystal appeared in Azkadellia's hand and without looking at it, she put it away.
With a wicked smile, the Witch turned Azkadellia's body towards Ambrose and slinked towards him. See, this is how you get their attention… Oh, how she loved this young body. She lightly caressed his face, building on Azkadellia's crush. She whispered to Azkadellia. Now you can get revenge for the indifference he's shown you, for not cooperating with and helping you, for not choosing YOU over his precious Lavender Eyes. The Witch could feel Azkadellia assuming the smile as her own, and she rejoiced to herself. The young woman ordered the General and his guards to take the prisoner away, which they did hastily. Azkadellia and the Witch watched them leave then walked to the edge of the lake.
Azkadellia looked in the water at herself and asked, "This place, it's hers. All hers. I need to do something."
The Witch replied from the mirror of water, "Destroy it. Show them all, your power is greater than hers. I can show you how to do it, guide you through the spell."
Azkadellia nodded her acceptance and the Witch reached out, taking the young woman's light. Knowing her retreating guards would see this, they wouldn't be able to miss it, the Witch decided to give them a show. Raising her hands above her head, she spun webs of Light around herself. She let the webs dance around her, and then, with a wave of her hand, she sent the power out. She destroyed the gardens, and knocked down walls. She created an inferno above the lake and dried it out, leaving the fish charred on the silt left. As she destroyed everything at Finaqua that symbolized her mother's rule, she felt Azkadellia's approval. With that approval singing her in ears, they turned and walked away after her retreating audience.
The trees watched and waited, imbued with the last of Lavender's magic, the last hope of the OZ.