Chapter 1

It's been nearly a month since they began their journey. They were getting closer to their destination; he knew as much from the maps he managed to take, unnoticed, from the Wizard's throne before leaving it. The journey had taken longer than he had anticipated; traveling at night and unnoticed along back roads had doubled the length of time their trip should have taken.However, as things seemed at the moment, it was a matter of days- one more week, at most- before they'd be out of Oz.

On a mutual agreement, they headed for Quox. Dr. Dillamond used to tell them about it in his classes. It was the land he grew up in. He had never been there himself; he was never the traveler. He lived in the Vinkus all his life. Except from a visit to the Emerald City every summer or so, the Vinkus was all he was familiar with.

A pang of homesickness twitched his heart. He shook his head, sending it away. He wouldn't think about it. But the more he tried to push it away, the clearer it seemed to him; the mourning, the tears, the deep sorrow in the Tiggular estate when his parents would learn the true- or something quite close to it- about the death of their only son and heir. If only he could contact them, notify them that he was alright-

But he couldn't. Not if he wanted to be safe. Just like Elphaba couldn't assure Glinda of their safety. An involuntary chill went through him when his own words echoed back. No-one must ever know. To his own ears, it sounded like a threat.

He stole a glance at Elphaba, walking beside him, her chin held up in a determined motion that was so like her. None of them mentioned her breakdown in the forest at the night of their fleeing. It was as if they had a silent agreement to let it be, bury it along with the life they left behind. But it wasn't completely buried, nor was it forgotten. Every now and again he could still detect it, that wounded expression that had previously brought her to tears. At times she was engaged in silent reverie, just staring into the distance, saying nothing.

He sighed inwardly. She wasn't getting better. He hoped that with time, she'd be able to leave things behind, to move on, to focus on their current goal, but she seemed almost unwilling to. It wasn't as if she had changed completely, no. She was still the same old Elphaba he fell in love with, but there was something softer to her demeanor now, moments of insecurity and doubt; he wasn't sure he disliked it, but it was just so unlike her strong, confident self. He'd just have to get used to it, he figured, because there was always the chance it wouldn't cease with time.

In spite of the pain, the hardships of the journey, the frequent homesickness, being alone with Elphaba tied them together in a way he had never believed was possible. Yes, he was in love with her before she showed up at the Wizard's throne, before they ran off together, but now it was more than a meaningless infatuation. And truth to be told, he hardly knew anything about her when he had first fallen in love with her; they had no time for a proper acquaintance, for she left to the Emerald City and never came back. Now they had long conversations into the night, about everything, from silly childhood stories to history and politics and whatnot. They came to know everything about one another.

Well, almost everything. Because she seemed quite determined not to open up to him, not to reveal what was on her mind. So often did she try to conceal her sadness with a soft smile, but she couldn't fool him. And it seemed as if she knew that as well. Still, she said nothing, and he didn't ask, because it was quite pointless, really. He knew what was bothering her. He just wished she'd let him in.

XoxoxoxoX

He was right. Four days later they were out of Ozian territory. The Great Gillikin Forest remained a dot at the distance, until at some point it faded. A sigh of relief escaped him. They were safe, for a while.

"It's not over until it's over," said Elphaba, as if she could read what was on his mind. But under that skeptic expression, it was quite obvious that she was somewhat relieved as well.

"We'll have to stop soon. You need to eat something," he said. He knew that if it was up to her, she would forget those things. Eating, sleeping, they were all unnecessary and meaningless, as far as she was concerned; especially when there were greater, more important things to do.

And, just as he expected, she shook her head. "Fiyero, I'm fine," she protested softly.

He stopped, and took both her hands in his. "This is not negotiable," he said, his voice just as soft, yet determined at the same time. "If you fainted, I won't be able to carry you." He knew that he could convince her to do as he said if he'd just let her see the reasonable side of his request.

She sighed, defeated. "Alright, alright. We'll do it your way."

Her tone was unclear to him. Was he supposed to get hurt or be offended? "I'm only trying to take care of you because I know you wouldn't take care of yourself," he said defensively.

She smiled and gave his hands a little squeeze. "I know. I'm sorry, it's just… I guess I'm not quite used to it; to have someone to watch over me."

"Well, get used to it. Because I'm not going anywhere."

She laughed softly. "When you put it like that, it sounds like a threat."

"It is sort of a threat," he said, the slightest note of superiority in his voice.

She smirked, obviously not buying that. "Oh, don't pull off that princely attitude on me, Master Tiggular." Then she fell into silence again, her eyes distant, settled forward.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly, quietly, hating to interrupt her yet having to ask it at the same time.

She shook her head. "Nothing. Everything." And then, as if to change the subject, she pointed towards the distance. "There. It looks like a village. See the thin smoke that's coming out of the chimneys? We can stop there."

He nodded, satisfied that she was finally sounding practical, reasonable. They headed there, using the sight of the chimney smoke to get the right direction. But a short while afterwards, Elphaba seemed to freeze into place. He stopped and looked at her as she pointed a shaky finger towards a bush nearby. He strained his sight. Yes, someone was definitely hiding there, crouching behind the bush, as if hoping to remain unseen. He could feel Elphaba's hand digging into the straw of his hand. Stealing another glance at her, he could see that her eyes were wide with terror, and that she seemed very pale all of a sudden.

Before he managed to inquire the stranger's presence, it came out from behind the bushes, towards them. It was a cow. It moved closer to them, then stopped right in front of them and watched them more closely. Then it gave Elphaba such a close look, a chill ran through him.

And then it did something he never expected.

"You're her, aren't you?" it asked in what sounded like total awe. A Cow, then.

"Her?" Elphaba echoed, the slightest quiver to her voice.

"You're Elphaba. The Elphaba. It is such an honor to meet you in person. I have never thought I would." He thought he saw tears glistening at the corner of the Cow's eyes, but he wasn't sure. "We've all heard so much about you," It continued. "The way you rescued helpless Animals, the way you fought for their rights to speak, to live. You're quite a figure in our small village."

"I'm afraid I've done more damage than I've done good. Or did you miss the latest news from the Emerald City?" asked Elphaba, quite bitterly.

"Ah, say no such things!" the Cow dismissed her with a shake of its tail. "The Wizard is a coward, and if he gets you to believe the wicked things they have said about you, then I'd say he did his job."

Ooh. He glanced at Elphaba. That last statement seemed to hit right where it was meant to. She said nothing though, as if she wasn't sure what to say.

"Will you be so kind as to allow me to introduce myself?" the Cow asked, looking as if it feared Elphaba would refuse. Elphaba did the tiniest nod with her head in reply, as if uncertain still. "I am Elsynda," it said, looking first at Elphaba, and then, a bit more suspiciously, at him. "And you are…?"

"Fiyero. Fiyero Tiggular."

There was a spark of recognition in the Cow's eyes. "Tiggular? From the Vinkus?"

"That's right."

"Oh! I beg your pardon, Your Highness," the Cow said, sinking into a low curtsey. Considering its enormous size, it looked a bit awkward, but its efforts were sincere.

"Please, don't," he protested. "We've never truly claimed the title. And in my current condition, I don't deserve this honor you wish to pay me."

"The two of you deserve each other," Elsynda said after a moment, looking at the two of them like a berating mother. "So humble, yet so silly! Never mind the exterior, it means nothing. You should be proud of what you are!"

He felt like lowering his head. Now it truly sounded as if Elsynda was their reproaching mother.

"Come, now," it said, a bit more softly. "You must be tired after your long journey. You can stay with us for a while."

"Us?" he repeated.

"Yes. The village you thought you saw. This is where we all live. At the time, when the Animals were is grave danger, as many of us as possible fled from Oz. We found a shelter here. No-one hunts us down here, and we can lead our quite, peaceful life," the Cow replied, leading them forward.

But quite and peaceful was the last thing they encounter as they walked into the village. The noise was deafening. Cows mooed, Birds called to one another on treetops, Squirrels chased one another, their voices a tiny shriek. He had never seen so many Animals at one place. Looking at Elphaba, the same thought seemed to cross her mind, as well.

"You all live here?" she asked.

"Indeed. This was the first Animal community to be founded. And once more Animals had the means- and what's more, the courage- to flee, we founded similar communities in the various lands around Oz. You might be familiar with one of our founders. He was a teacher of yours, I am told. Dr. Dillamond."

A memory flashed in front of his eyes. He knew it would be a while before he could put off the sight of their beloved teacher, laying speechless on the Wizard's throne. "He's living here?"

The Cow shook its head, looking quite sorrowful. "No. Unfortunately, he was captured a while ago, on his last exhibition to the Emerald City. His family resides in the neighboring community, not far away from here."

Then, as the word of the strangers' arrival seemed to spread around the village, silence fell among its inhabitants. Animals observed them strangely, suspiciously. Some of them began to whisper when they caught sight of Elphaba. He glanced at her. She seemed to believe everything Elsynda had told them, yet very uncomfortable under the gazes of the village's inhabitants. Nonetheless she said nothing, just followed Elsynda to wherever it was she meant to lead them.

They stopped eventually, in what seemed to be the center of the small village. By the time they got there, it seemed as if everyone had managed to gather around. Elsynda waited until silence resumed. "Dear friends," she started, somewhat dramatically. "It is a great honor to have these two respectable guests in our small and humble village. I'm sure you'll all treat them with the respect they deserve in the short time they'll be spending with us." Murmurs of agreement sounded from every direction.

"You can stay at Boru's cabin. He went south with his family and they're not due back until spring," Elsynda said, leading them towards the cabin.

"Wouldn't they mind having strangers in their house?" Elphaba asked, hesitantly stepping into the deserted cabin.

The Cow replied with a persistent shake of its tail. "Don't you worry about it, my dear. I'm sure they'll be delighted when we'd tell them who the strangers were. Don't let it bother you. Go in and get settled in. We all dine together, you're very welcome to join us."

He glanced at Elphaba. She had to eat, but thinking back on the noises he heard upon their arrival, he could only imagine what a public welcome would sound like. He waited until she turned her gaze away before he quietly told Elsynda, "Thank you, but it's been a long day. She has to get some rest."

"Oh, of course, Your Highness," said Elsynda, keeping her voice as low as his own, as if realizing his intentions. "I'll make sure that a dinner will be sent over here. Dinning together became a habit for us. When she gets stronger, you're most welcome to join us."

"And we most certainly will," he promised. "Please thank everyone for their hospitality."

"I will, Your Highness."

"Fiyero. Please." 'Your Highness' sounded so strange to his ears, so ridiculous.

"I couldn't possibly, Master," Elsynda replied meekly, panic reflected against her glassy brown eyes.

He smiled. "You'll get used to it."

"I'll leave you two alone now. Sleep well," she told Elphaba, who suddenly appeared from an inner room, probably back from her inspection of the cabin.

"Thank you, for everything," Elphaba said quietly. She looked exhausted, he observed.

"We'll see you tomorrow," he said, showing Elsynda out.

"Tomorrow morning, Master."

He closed the door behind Elsynda, and turned to face Elphaba. "How does it look?"

"Well, there's a bed to sleep in, and water to bath."

He smiled at her practicality; once again, she listed all the things that were most essential. Nothing more, nothing less. "So we're staying?"

"As much as I feel bad for residing in someone else's home, I think we should. I want to know more about this Animal community. I think there's a lot we missed, while living so far away from here. Maybe there are things to do."

As much as it felt great to get the determined, confident Elphaba back, he thought it was too early for her to make such plans. "Why don't you try and get some rest for a few days?" he started, as gently as he could. She looked as if she wanted to protest, so he continued, not letting her a chance to do so. "We're not going anywhere. We won't go anywhere until you're sure you know everything you wanted to know, until you've done everything you could to help them. But right now, you must rest. You can't fool me, Elphaba. I can see how tired you are."

"I am, a little," she admitted, which surprised him.

"Here you go, then. You won't be able to help them at all if you exhaust yourself." She sighed, defeated, it seemed. He approached her and gently touched her back, urging her forward. "Go take a bath, and then get some sleep. We'll figure out what to do in the morning."

"What, you're not going to force me into having dinner tonight?" she asked, an amused smirk hidden behind a sarcastic frown.

He smiled, satisfied that she was finally softening. "Elsynda said they'd send dinner for you. I'll bring it over when they do." He raised her hand to his lips, and planted a kiss against her palm. "Now go."

She said nothing, but a shadow of a smile crossed her lips as she lowered her hand, and turned away from him to do as she was asked.