One word : Filler. Sorry, but we need it.
Thank you to Beautifull Tragic Girl for plugging this story on her own, 'Defying All Odds'. It was really lovely of her, and I suggest that you all go and read her work, she's very good.
Review, if you like.
'My dear Elphaba,
I'm sorry to hear of the death of your Aunt. What a horrible way to die! Being crushed by a falling gargoyle…It defies belief. I have a sneaking suspicion that you don't actually care much that the old witch is dead, do you? Don't worry, I don't blame you; not after what she did to you. Have a drink for me in celebration, how about that?
My parents are still trying to coerce me into finding a bride, and can't seem to understand why I won't let them choose for me yet. I'm rather ashamed to admit that I've fallen into my old ways since I returned home…I have been out to dinner with four girls in the week and a half since I saw you last. I can almost see you rolling your eyes at me, Elphaba! But you mustn't scold me, because I'm only doing as I'm told, like a good son. It's a pity the girl I would have chosen to marry is already taken…But that's for another letter!
Did you get the drawing I sent you? It's of my horse, Holtz, and I though you'd like it. She's a beauty, isn't she? Fifteen and a half hands high, no less, and as black as…well, as black as your hair. Although, in saying that, she doesn't have the little flashes of violet and blue that your hair has…'
Elphaba sighed lightly and looked up from the letter, glancing at the beautifully drawn Vinkun mare, who stood resplendently with her head held high. The image of Fiyero riding that beautiful beast was a charming one, and the sympathetic pencil lines made the girl realise how strong a bond the Prince had with his horse. The letter continued.
'She's basically the only girl who has never let me down or only wanted me for my money or position…Holtz is my best friend, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. At least, not to you.
How are things going with dear, darling Riltikins? Is he just as charming as ever? I'm sure he is. And I hope you haven't been drinking yourself into any more stupors, my dear girl! We can't have you being sick when I'm not there to help you, now can we? Promise me you'll keep away from the drink, though, in all seriousness. Take it from one who has too many blank nights to be comfortable: don't do it. Write to me instead!
Anyway, my Mother is laughing at me, because apparently this is the longest letter I've ever written. She says she didn't know I knew enough words to write a passage this long. The cheek of it! One day, I swear I'll prove her wrong. I'll prove them all wrong.
Yours,
Fiyero'
The young woman set aside the piece of paper, letting her eyes linger for a fraction of a second on the writer's small, cramped handwriting. She smiled, and picked up another letter, this time in elegant, flowing script. It read:
'Dear Elphie,
How dreadful for you, to see your Aunt die so frightfully! I'm sure if I had been in your situation I would have screamed the whole place down. Of course, you're a much braver woman that me; that goes without saying. I hope Grandpoppy is taking good care of you, no matter what strange antipathy you have towards each other. Not that I blame you, dear, not in your situation.
Oh, Oz! I entirely forgot to tell you! I, Galinda Upland, have changed my name! I am now…Glinda Upland! I'm not sure what brought about such a drastic turn, if I'm being truthful. I think I simply wanted to be different! Why on earth not? Being different is fun, isn't it Elphie?
I'll come and see you at Lurlinemas, but I have a dance lesson in less than fifteen clock ticks, and I'm running late. So adieu, my friend!
Love, cuddles, smiles and rainbows,
Glinda Upland of the Arduennas, Pertha Hills, Gillikin'
Though much shorter than her previous, Glinda's letter still managed to exude the same kind of vibrant energy that characterised the blonde. Elphaba grinned and shook her head and the girl's conviction in as little a matter as removing one letter from her name. It was endearing, much as she hated to admit it. Weighing up the two letters, Elphaba decided to reply to Fiyero first.
'My dear Fiyero,
How is it that you know my character so well after knowing me less than a month? I'm not too shy to admit that no, I am not sorry that Eissa is dead. It's a bit of a bother, because I'm supposed to be going to her funeral this morning, but I'm thinking of pleading a headache and staying at home. Father says that I must go, but I know mother will take my side if I plead enough. And I think I'll have quite a few drinks on you, if you don't mind. Lurline knows I need them.
The drawing of Holtz was beautiful, Fiyero! I had no idea you could draw so well. Your horse looks absolutely exquisite, what is she like to ride? I love horses, and I have my own Vinkun stallion here. He's fifteen hands, and the most gorgeous chestnut colour. I tried to draw him when I got your letter, but it ended up looking like the lovechild of a lopsided table and a kitchen mop, so I put it in so that you could have a good laugh at it. Don't be too cruel about it though…I'm not much of an artist!
Those poor girls. I hope you're not letting them think that they have a chance. It will have to be someone very, very special for you to marry her, and I pity the poor girl when you fall hopelessly in love with her. Who's the girl that you would marry? Do I know her? Is she Vinkun? Is she beautiful? I expect she is. You would never fall in love with someone who wasn't beautiful.
Oh, Rilt is as darling as ever. I actually just laughed out loud writing that, as he's worse than he ever was. He said some horrible things to me a few days ago, on the day that Aunt Eissa died. That's why I was out in the garden. I wasn't crying, because I never cry. I was just trying to control my temper. Of course.
I can't promise that I'll stay entirely away from the alcohol, dear. Sometimes I feel like I need a good stiff drink just to get me out of bed in the morning. You'll say I'm being melodramatic, but it's how I feel. At least with that old bitch gone there will be one less person to insult me every day of my life. Anyway, enough of my self pity. I promise to at least try and stay away from intoxicating substances. Promise.
Write again soon, Fiyero!
Yours,
Elphaba'
Yes, that would suffice. Elphaba's handwriting was thin and jagged like herself, but there were uncharacteristic flourishes around Fiyero's name. She folded it neatly and slid it into the envelope, before moving onto Glinda.
'Dear Glinda,
I think you rather suit 'Glinda' instead of 'Galinda'. It's more distinguished and sophisticated. How are the people back home dealing with it? Are they still calling you by your old name? I suppose it will be difficult for them to adjust, won't it?
I'm afraid I had a dire argument with your grandfather a few days ago, and we're not speaking now. To be blunt, I don't much care. I'm sorry, Glin, that sounds awful, but you understand where I'm coming from.
Nor do I really care that my Aunt died. It serves the old bat right, in my opinion! But I know you don't want to hear such things, so I'll stop.
How are things with you? I heard that there was some huge ball in the Pertha Hills near where you live. Did you go? You probably did, and I'll wager you looked lovely too!'
"Elphaba! Come on! It's time to go!" Melena called, rapping her knuckles on the table. Elphaba jumped and smudged the ink on her letter, creating an ugly blotch that covered a large part of the page. Her brow furrowed, and she turned her exasperated brown eyes upon her mother.
"Do I really need to go?" she sighed pleadingly. Melena's expression hardened.
"Yes, you do. I know practically everyone in the family hated Eissa, but we have to keep up appearances. You're coming with your father, Nessa, Shell and I." At those words, a chill ran down Elphaba's spine. She agreed to go to the funeral, but under one condition.
"What's that?" her mother asked, fixing her sombre black hat in the full length mirror.
"That you tell me the truth about my father." she stated, remembering Eissa's hurtful words.
Her mother stood rigid, shocked. Her eyes were wide with fear and her mind spun with the confession.
"Y-y-your father?"
