It was almost three in the morning when the idea struck and not quite four when I shook my Fae awake.
"Yero? What's wrong?"
She was so adorable half asleep—like an unmarred birch tree in the green glory of summer. I just wanted to kiss her, but we needed to be practical. I hated being practical.
"Run away with me?" I pleaded, "Marry me. Come to the Vinkus and have our baby there, where you'll both be safe."
She sat up and wrapped the quilt around her shoulders like armor to fend off my proposal.
"You know I can't do that."
"I was hoping you wouldn't say that."
"I like to think," Fae whispered, "that I'll stand my ground and hold on—even when it means giving up everything I want. I committed to this battle, and I have to see it through."
I thought I saw tears in her eyes but if they were there (I was never sure) she didn't let them fall.
"I get that you're the patron saint of the Animals' cause. I get that you can't give that up until you've won or lost, but can't there be a halfway point? Can't you marry me and still fight?"
"I don't think I can. I'm sorry, Yero."
"If you won't stay with me . . . will you do something else for me?"
"What?" She was wary, frightened. I saw it in her eyes and I wanted to scream; I never wanted to be the cause of her fright.
"Will you at least go to the Vinkus when you have our baby, rather than having her out in the woods without any help?"
"That's not safe, and I have help. It was an Animal midwife who told me I was pregnant," Fae replied, but she wouldn't look me in the eyes and I knew she was tempted.
"I'll give you a letter of safe passage through all Vinkan lands and a letter for my mother once you reach our home. She'd be heartbroken if she doesn't meet the woman I love or her first grandchild. She'll take good care of you, and she'll give our baby a home if you have nowhere to take him."
"That sounds . . . wonderful."
"Promise you'll do it, for me?" I begged, turning on my best pleading face. I wanted to seal the deal, to make her feel like she had to go home when it was time to have our baby.
"I promise."
"You're leaving in the morning, aren't you?" I asked.
Fae nodded, her long hair tumbling over her shoulders with the slight movement.
"I'll," I swallowed, "I'll just write the letters now, then."
But instead of moving to the desk, I leaned forward and kissed her.
Fae pulled back and grinned at me—almost carefree, like she'd been in the best days of our love.
"I'm going to go take a shower while you write, or you'll never get it done."
"Thanks," I said. I couldn't quite bring myself to smile. I wanted every last moment with her and that desire was warring with my practicality.
A half-hour later, I tucked three letters into my beloved's bag. One for the guards, one for my mother, and one for her—reiterating all I'd ever said about my love, assuring her that I'd always be there for her. Less than five minutes later, Fae returned. She was dressed in clean clothes and her hair was tucked into a fierce knot on the back of her head.
"You're going already?" I asked, not attempting to hide my disappointment.
"It's almost light. I can't be seen—they'd kill us both."
"It might be worth it," I half-teased.
"I'd think so too, but . . ." Fae trailed off, one hand on her stomach. It was far too early for her to show, but I understood she needed to protect our baby.
"At least take this, to remember me. I meant it for your birthday, but I guess I won't be seeing you."
I handed her a silver necklace shaped like an upside-down teardrop and etched with delicate filigree. In the center was a pale droplet of peridot a shade or two lighter than her emerald skin.
"Thank you. Help me put it on?"
"Of course."
I knew she didn't need help, but I was happy she'd asked. Over the last few months I'd watched her thaw into the adorable girl I wanted to marry; I'd been afraid her run-in with the Wizard would undo all our progress. I'd been wrong.
When the necklace was securely fastened, Fae took her hat, broomstick, and bag from the corner where she'd stashed them.
"Take me with you?" I asked in one last, futile attempt to keep us together.
"Glinda. You're with Glinda, remember?"
"Only because you won't let me be with you any other way."
For a heartbeat I thought she would relent and I reached for my already-packed satchel. But then Fae shook her head.
"Kiss me goodbye," she whispered, tears running down her cheeks, "I'm defying gravity."
I kissed her and watched her dive out of the window, supported precariously on a broomstick. I watched for a long time, long after she'd disappeared over the horizon. Finally, I sat on the bed we'd shared, rested my head in my hands, and gave in to the sobs that had been building in my chest since my Fae flew into the distance.
AN: Thanks to all who have been reading :)
Akasharogue: I'm glad you're interested, and I will try to keep the story coming. These particular plot bunnies are giving me no end of trouble, so I imagine there will be even more soon.
Also, in about five minutes there will be a link in my profile so you can see the necklace Fiyero gives Elphaba.