AN: Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you all know the schedule for updates since some people have sent messages wishing to know. While I don't have set days in mind expect a new chapter about two to three times a week with the last chapter being posted on...wait for it... yes, you guessed it, Halloween haha. I am far too predictable huh? ;) Anyway I hope you all continue to enjoy the fic. Thank you so much for reading and especially to those leaving all the great comments! May zombies never plague your homes! Now onto the madness!

Chapter 9

The Scrow

Galinda knows it's only a matter of clock ticks until the first of the Undead are upon them. And without the aid of Elphaba's power there's no way she can kill them all. But she'll be damned if she doesn't try. In one swift motion, Galinda pulls both her pistol and dagger from their holders. She throws her dagger with a flick of her wrist into the forehead of the closest Unmentionable, then turns, not bothering to watch as the creature falls and forces the pistol into Elphaba's trembling hands.

"If I go down… you-" Galinda begins to say but her voice catches on the sudden lump lodged in her throat. She stares at Elphaba for a moment, terrified brown eyes meeting resolute blue. Their gazes lock for just a second, but it's enough to convey to Elphaba what Galinda needs her to do. Elphaba barely gives a nod, body absolutely rigid with fear. And then Galinda takes off, running straight at the horde.

Her legs carry her fast and she swoops down, wrenching her dagger from the head of the now dead Unmentionable. She clutches it tightly into her palm, wielding it at her side as another Undead lunges toward her. Galinda's boot connects solidly with its belly, the once alive woman doubling over, bile ejecting from her mouth. Galinda represses the urge to gag as she drives her blade into the back of the Undead's neck. Oz, she hates when they die with a full stomach; her boots are absolutely soiled now. She twists the knife deep into the Verdigris' spine, snapping the woman's neck instantly. Another kick shoves the body away, her blade slick with blood as she ducks from the arms of a freshly turned man and guts the next Undead in her path.

Elphaba can't take her eyes off Galinda, mesmerized. The soldier's motions are swift, calculated. Each curve of her arms ends with a forceful, deadly blow. But there are just so many of them…

The warm metal of the gun clutched in Elphaba's palms almost feels as though it's burning her skin. She looks down at the weapon, at the way the sun gleams from its silver surface. As if promising her an escape from this reality. Galinda needs her to use this… needs her to end her life if she's overtaken.

Because that is what Elphaba realizes is soon to happen. Soon Galinda's lone dagger will not be enough. Even the best fall at the hands of many. And despite Elphaba's fright she cannot let Galinda down. Not after everything the blonde has done for her. She will do this for Galinda.

The soldier who saved her life deserves to die free from the burden of becoming a soulless monster.

And then she will turn the gun on herself.

Elphaba closes her eyes tightly, willing air deep into her lungs. She feels her arms rising, the pistol held tightly between her two hands. Her two very much still shaking, green hands. When Elphaba opens her eyes she can clearly see Galinda, blouse splattered with Undead blood, still fighting the horde off.

A shot rings out in the distance behind Elphaba causing the green girl to pull the trigger in surprise. Her bullet, thankfully, misses Galinda entirely but finds its home inside the shoulder of an Unmentionable near the fringe. The man gives out a mangled cry, glazed eyes narrowing in rage as he turns to Elphaba. The others of the horde turn toward the origin of the gunshot as well, the loud bang still echoing in their hollow ears.

Another Verdigris gives a screech, gender indistinguishable through its corpse-like figure. It pushes aside its neighbor, stumbling toward Elphaba on its broken feet. The others follow suit. Galinda's already overworked heart starts beating quicker as she realizes what's happening. She rushes forward, hurrying to get to the front of the horde.

Hurrying before they can make it to Elphaba.

Elphaba, who still stands with the smoking gun wielded in front of her, eyes wide and frozen in place.

"Run!" Galinda shouts at her. Hearing the blonde's voice, breathless as it is, spurs Elphaba finally into motion. She sprints off down the field.

Elphaba's never run so fast in her life as she is now. Ahead of her is a cloud of dust, rising hurriedly into the air. Elphaba thinks if they can make it through the small storm, they can perhaps lose the Undead entirely.

But as she grows closer she notices a large figure emerging from within the cloud. Its skin is dark and at first Elphaba assumes it to be a shadow but then the sun breaks brilliantly across the figures back. Elphaba is surprised by what she sees, her feet rooted to the spot.

A massive rhino is charging across the barren field, the cloud of dust obviously the wake of its hefty feet impacting the loose dirt below. When its beady amber eyes meet Elphaba's she's even more stunned to see the animal's lips curl into what is distinctly a smirk. The Rhino gives a snort, lowering its head, horn pointed straight at Elphaba.

Galinda urges her body forward faster when she sees the Animal making a beeline for Elphaba. She wants to shout at the Rhino to stop, that Elphaba isn't one of them, but her chest is heaving too much from the physical exertion. She can barely breathe let alone slow down to allow herself the breath to shout. If she does, it'll be too late. So she sprints out to the front of the Undead horde. One jab of her dagger into the side of the Verdigris' head leading the pack kills him instantly. His body crumbles to the ground and the others at the front trip over him as they pass.

Galinda barely manages to throw her own body out in front of Elphaba's, pulling the stunned girl behind her. The Rhino gives a great shake of its head, quickly diverting his momentum around the girls. He barely moves himself out of the girl's way, side-swiping them as he passes. Elphaba and Galinda are easily knocked from their feet by the Rhino's weight and land roughly in the dirt a few paces away.

Elphaba nearly bites her tongue off as the wound in her side splits open more, pain consuming her entirely.

Galinda coughs, sitting up along the rocky ground as the cloud of dust surrounds the girls in the wake of the Rhino's charge. She turns to see Elphaba sitting up as well. The green girls back arches crookedly as the she bends to inspect her side, breathing heavily into the crook of her arm. Galinda glances up to the Rhino, glad to see him distracted by the rest of the horde instead of Elphaba.

As the dust settles she crawls the few feet separating her from the injured girl.

"Are you all right?" Galinda asks, voice strained and winded. Elphaba looks up at Galinda, surprised to find the blonde's face splattered with blood. Sweat drips down Galinda's brow, stained red by the tainted liquid. Any thought of answering the blonde leaves her mind as Elphaba reaches up quickly, wiping the blood from Galinda's temple before it can flow down and catch in her eyes. She can't believe the blonde didn't think to remove it first.

Galinda feels her very being still at Elphaba's soft touch. She hadn't even realized she'd stopped breathing until her body screams for more air. She swallows thickly as Elphaba pulls her hand away and wipes her green fingers clean along the edge of her skirt. When Galinda looks down and sees the red marring the fabric she understands, a pang of fear striking her as she hastily wipes the rest from her face in the elbow of her blouse.

Inhaling deeply to calm herself, Galinda meets Elphaba's worried gaze. The blonde's voice is lost, throat dry at that single look. She uses her eyes instead to ask if the green woman is all right and Elphaba nods twice before turning her attention back to the Rhino. He's just finished off the last of the horde, horn absolutely drenched in Undead blood. As he makes his way slowly over to the girls Galinda can't help as she stands to her feet, pulling Elphaba up along beside her.

She steps out in front of the green girl just as the Rhino stops a few paces from both woman. He tilts his head, one eye narrowing as he inspects both woman.

Galinda knows her dagger will be useless against the Rhino. The blade would barely knick his thick skin. She decides a different approach is in order. After all, he did just save their lives. She takes step forward, hands raised out to her sides. "I know what you're thinking," she says, the Rhino squints more upon hearing Galinda's hoarse voice. "But she's not a Verdigris."

The Rhino gives a huff, Undead blood flying from his nose and spraying the corners to Galinda's already ruined boots. "Her skin tells me otherwise," he replies in a deep booming rumble of a voice that each woman feels vibrating in her chest.

Galinda tries to think of a way to respond but Elphaba beats her to it, stepping up beside the blonde as she says to the Rhino, "M-my skin is the unfortunate recipient of a hor-horrible prank." She looks down to Galinda, the blonde giving a small nod of encouragement. "We've been trying to wash it out for days now."

The Rhino snorts, unbelieving of the tale. He walks closer to the girls, Galinda once again moving to stand in front of Elphaba. "Stand aside girl," he orders, nudging Galinda easily away from Elphaba with his horn. Galinda stumbles to the side and quickly regains her footing, as Elphaba stands upright, allowing the Rhino to smell her.

Galinda's eyes dart to the pistol lying a few feet away. She could easily make a dive for it and kill the Rhino with one well-placed shot through the eye.

But Elphaba shakes her head slowly at Galinda, and the blonde remains still.

"You don't carry their scent," the Rhino hums as he takes a step back from Elphaba, eyes no longer set in a stern glare. He smiles, or as much as he can anyway. "What did you ever do to get yourself in this mess?"

Elphaba chuckles nervously. "I w-wish I knew."

"And you say it's been this way a few days now?" The Rhino asks, eyes kind, amused even.

Galinda steps forward, stomach unsettled by the Rhino's change of heart, "Yes, but we're sure it will come out eventually! And thank you, for taking care of that horde but we should perhaps be on our way again."

Elphaba nods as Galinda finally makes it back to her side.

"Look, my men are just down there," the Rhino says, nodding toward the horizon. "We were hunting some game when I heard your gunshot and came to make sure everything was all right. At least come with us back to our camp to settle the matter of that wound you have there. We have a doctor, he'd be more than happy to see to you."

A doctor, Galinda thinks. Elphaba could really use one right now. There was no telling how bad the wound was, especially with the amount of blood now staining the green girls' blouse. They could rest… they could be safe, if only for a short while. They can leave before dusk.

And anyway wasn't Morrible always preaching that a good solider is only as good so long as she has fresh legs and a sharp mind?

Galinda gives the Rhino a hesitant, yet warm smile. "We don't mean to impose upon your camp," she says. "And especially make use of your supplies."

"Nonsense," the Rhino gives a snort. "Hospitality is not lost in Oz. Just because the land is being ravaged by feral beasts does not mean we must resort to acting as beasts as well."

"And your camp, it's not too far off?" Galinda asks.

The Rhino shakes his head. "About an hour North of here I gather. No more though."

It's along the way, Galinda thinks. And when she looks back to Elphaba and sees the girls' once vibrant green skin now far paler, the bloodstain even larger, Galinda's uncertainty is pushed aside. "All right"," she says. "We'll go, but we won't stay long. We really do need to be on our way."

"Of course," the Rhino says, as he begins to walk, indicating with a nod of his head for the women to follow. "And I must warn that our Bloodhound, Dain, will need to ensure you are not of tainted blood. He can detect a soon-to-turn human within hours of being bitten. Saved us many a time, he has."

Galinda glances to Elphaba, watching for the green girl's reaction. But Elphaba remains a mask of, what Galinda knows to be, feigned composure, nodding along politely to the Rhino's words. Elphaba feels anything but calm though. The Rhino may not have smelled the Undead upon her skin but what if Dain does? She's not like everyone else on Oz. Her blood is different.

What if the Bloodhound senses the change?

Elphaba looks over to Galinda as the blonde collects their belongings off the ground a ways behind. Galinda tosses both bags over her shoulders, giving Elphaba a small 'I've got these' smile once she returns. She's absolutely loaded down with their things. The bow looks particularly painful, sticking out from under her arm at an odd angle.

"I'm fine," Galinda says when Elphaba opens her mouth to speak. "Don't worry."

As they walk toward the small contingent of men far ahead waiting for the Rhino to return he mentions suddenly, "I don't believe I caught your names. I am Harvler."

"Milla," Galinda answers smoothly and then points over to Elphaba. "And my friend is…" she pauses for a moment as a name comes to mind, "Arria."

Elphaba quirks a brow, mouthing the name back to Galinda over Harvler's head. Galinda gives a subtle shrug, focusing her attention ahead and hoping Elphaba doesn't notice the blush rising to her cheeks. She knows quite well why that particular name slipped from her lips but curses herself for the lapse anyway. Elphaba may have reminded her of the servant at one point, but it's clear now the two are quite different.

She just hopes Elphaba has the sense not to ask about it later.


Harvler was right, the camp wasn't more than an hour's walk. His men were nothing but courteous once he explained to them the situation. All of them practically tripped over themselves to alleviate Galinda of the burdens slung over her shoulders. She has a funny feeling in her gut about them all but attests it to the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She feels on edge, jumpy and a bit suspicious. Why are they being so kind? Can there truly be good people left on Oz?

It is possible, she thinks. Yackle was more than helpful as well.

Galinda doesn't want to share her concern with Elphaba, knowing the green woman is already wound like a tightly coiled spring. And as much a façade as Elphaba is trying to put forth, Galinda knows better. Her hand brushes Elphaba's as she moves closer to the scared woman. The light touch sends a shiver up both girls' arms.

Elphaba feels her cheeks flush at the sensation.

Galinda moves away, stuffing her hands deep into her pockets.

Dain the Bloodhound greets them at the entrance to the surprisingly large camp. The Scrow is what they learned the people here are called. Galinda recognized the name. Fiyero had explained to her on quite a few occasions of the warring tribes of the Vinkus. Mostly she just let him prattle on while she practiced dagger throwing. But of what she caught of his speech about the Scrow he never mentioned anything about the tribe being nothing short of an elaborate refugee camp. One quite beyond the Vinkus borders to boot. And a highly decorated refugee camp at that. Galinda's never seen quite so many wildflowers pinned up along tents in such an ornamental fashion.

It is sort of pretty really, she thinks. In a desperate kind of way.

Unless they are all med tents and the flowers are pinned to keep the smell at bay. She's heard about that tactic being employed during more dangerous field missions. Yet now instead of thinking of her friends lying atop those surgery tables, she clearly pictures Elphaba instead. A flash of an imaginary moment passes before her eyes: one lone male figure hovering over the prone girl, ready to slash her open.

The image makes Galinda's blood run cold.

She hates Elphaba's father. Hates the man with a passion! What type of man could scar such a good person so unapologetically? No, not unapologetically. That would imply he was sorry for his actions. Galinda has a feeling the despicable man is quite proud of what he's done. It sickens her. Did he ever spare a single thought about how much he was harming his only daughter?

Did Elphaba ever ask him to stop?

Would it have mattered?

"Picked a good day to be found," Dain tells them as he takes a hold of Galinda's hand between his paws, shaking her from her thoughts. He's an old Dog; Galinda can tell that just by the gray hairs dotting his otherwise brown chin. He brings his nose down over the back of her hand, barely sniffing before lowering her hand gently back to her side. "Clean," he declares.

"Why is today a good day?" Galinda asks, trying to keep Dain distracted as Elphaba cautiously makes her way to the Dog. The girls' eyes meet briefly as Harvler explains the story of Elphaba's coloring to Dain. Galinda tries to silently will Elphaba to stay calm, to relax. If Elphaba has been truthful with her, if she truly isn't infected like she so adamantly proclaims, then this shall be over with as quickly as it was for Galinda.

"Unfortunate indeed," Dain agrees with Harvler's assumption on Elphaba's unlucky shade. He smiles up at Elphaba. His pointed teeth just barely peek out through the long lips of his drooping mouth. "I'm sorry about what's happened to you but may I please have your hand, my lady?"

Elphaba tries to keep her hand as still as possible as she places it atop Dain's paw. Her heart is thudding loudly against her chest. She's sure the Bloodhound can sense her fear. He's sure to feel her pulse the moment his hyper sensitive nose touches her skin.

He lowers his nose, giving a few sniffs to the back of her hand. It tickles and Elphaba's fingers twitch at the sensation. The Bloodhound looks back up to Elphaba, his forehead ridge quirking in question. "I don't smell paint," he notes.

Elphaba gulps.

"Maybe that's why it won't wash off then," Galinda supplies. Then she gasps loudly, eyes dramatically wide. "Do you think perhaps it could be a spell then?"

Harvler grunts. "It very well could be."

Dain continues smelling Elphaba's hand, turning it over to inspect her palm. He moves his nose over her wrist, forehead crinkling in concentration. The green girl smells familiar, eerily so, yet he knows that's impossible. There's no way this human could ever smell like an Animal.

"Please," Elphaba whispers so as only Dain will hear. He looks up at Elphaba, eyes curious. "I'm not one of them."

"No," Dain says back just as softly. He stands back upright along his hind legs. "You're far more interesting."

Galinda watches the exchange, relieved to know Elphaba has passed the Bloodhound's test, but more so that Elphaba has been telling her the truth all along. She truly is not of Verdigris kind. And if that's not the cause to why she's green… then what is? She wonders what more there could be to the odd girl. She's curious as to why Dain is so captivated with her as well.

"What do you mean, interesting?" Harvler asks.

"Exactly that," Dain says, still watching Elphaba almost as if she were a prize specimen trapped in a glass jar. "She's unlike anything I've ever smelled before. Not Undead, but also not entirely… human."

Harvler turns on Elphaba, eyes narrowed, muscles tensing under his massive armor skin. "What are you?" he demands.

The men behind him raise their rifles at the tone, pointing their weapons at Elphaba. Galinda instinctively moves closer to the green girl, standing directly in line of their fire.

Elphaba doesn't know how to answer. She doesn't even know how to process what Dain has just revealed. Not entirely human? What does that even begin to mean? Does that make her part human, part something else? And what could the other else be if it's not Undead? What am I? Elphaba thinks frantically to herself. She takes a deep breath, realizing Harvler grows ever more impatient with every clock tick she spends silent. When she looks back up at him, she tries to maintain her composure. "I don't know," she says quietly.

"Well you're either human or your not. Which is it?" the Rhino snarls.

Elphaba can hear the click of the rifle's hammers, the weapons ready to fire at a moments notice. Galinda grabs a hold of Elphaba's arm, moving her body closer. Elphaba closes her eyes, pulling as much strength as she can from Galinda's solid presence as she answers, "I am human."

"She's right," Dain offers, still processing the smells filtering through his head. "She is human, just different human."

And then something clicks in Galinda's head. She thinks she knows what Dain must be sensing. "Magical, different?" she hints.

Dain grins. "That's it! It's as if magic is fused into her very being. Now that I think of it Nastoya smelled almost the same as you."

Galinda briefly remembers Fiyero mentioning that name once. "Who?"

"Princess Nastoya, chieftess of the Scrow clan. She was the one who lead us here to safety. She built this community as a safe haven for Animals and humans alike," Dain explains, wistful smile pulling at his flopping lips. "She carried magic within her blood as well. A spell cast upon her by a witch long ago gave her the ability to turn human at will."

"It's what killed her, that's what it did!" Harvler exclaims, stomping his foot on the ground. "You're a sorceress?" he asks, spitting the word from his mouth disdainfully.

When Elphaba meets his gaze, she's surprised to find tears collecting in the burly Rhino's eyes. "N-no," Elphaba shakes her head. "I swear to y-you I'm n-not.

"Harvler, please. The girl means no harm," Dain says to the incensed Rhino. "If Nastoya were still alive, she would have welcomed her with open arms." Dain tells him.

It takes Harvler a moment but he composes himself, apologizing for his reaction. "I am sorry Milla and Arria," he says. "Please, let me take you inside to the doctor."

"Yes, you didn't come all this way to hear tales of our woe," Dain says with a hearty chuckle. As Elphaba passes he lays a paw gently on her arm. "I do hope you are able to meet with someone who can help out with your color issue. Though if you ask me, it's a lovely shade of gray." He winks.

Harvler gives a mighty laugh having overheard. "Dain fancies himself a comedian. Now, come along women. We'll get you patched up and then it's time to join the celebration!"

"Celebration?" Galinda wonders aloud.

"The first wedding we've had in years!" Harvler exclaims, boisterous. He nudges the girls forward into the Scrow camp.

Galinda finds her stomach fluttering with that same uneasy feeling again as they walk down the worn dirt path toward the center of the camp.

But then she feels Elphaba's hand brush alongside her own again, reminding her why she even bothered allowing them to travel here in the first place.

Elphaba needs to see the doctor.

They'll leave as soon as she's patched up.


Elphaba had been so hesitant about showing the doctor her wound, making Galinda turn around facing the entrance flap before she'd even raise her shirt the few inches required for the elder man to inspect the deep gash. She hoped he wouldn't mention anything about her scars and was pleasantly surprised when the doctor didn't so much as blink when he saw them. She relaxed more after that, even as he carefully stitched her side. Galinda meant to leave the camp the minute the kindly doctor finished wrapping the last of the bandages around Elphaba's torso. But the nurse aid, Qwynn, insisted on having their soiled clothes and boots laundered before they left. Elphaba had agreed they were indeed filthy and potential magnets for more Undead.

Galinda relented, accepting Qwynn's offer as well as the simple dresses and sandals provided to them for the time being. She could spare a few more hours, Galinda thought. They could still leave the Scrow no later than dusk by the time their clothes had dried.

Galinda sighs thinking how that time has come and passed now. The sun sank beneath the line of trees mere minutes ago. They will definitely have to stay within the camp for the night.

It is safer, even despite Galinda's feelings otherwise, to stay then to try and make their own camp elsewhere. At least here they are surrounded by others. The odds would be stacked ever in their favor for survival if a horde were to come. Galinda assumes a horde will be upon them soon, what with all the noise of parties going on in the camp now that the wedding is over.

Elphaba found the entire ceremony quite beautiful, smiling as the teary bride and beaming groom vowed their lives to each other. Galinda couldn't stomach watching, instead volunteering herself for guard duty along the edge of the camp.

She didn't need to be reminded of what she was soon to face.

She didn't want to even think about it.

Elphaba had found her of course, just after the ceremony ended. She could sense Galinda's withdrawal, her need not to be questioned. So she merely handed the morose blonde a mug of drink, giving her a small smile, before returning to the shack they've been lent for their stay tonight.

Galinda sighs, thinking back to that hour. It was pointless standing guard. There were at least three other men within ten paces of her. They were more then protected if a horde were to come tonight. And she didn't quite appreciate them stealing furtive glances her way every so often. Cheeky bastards, she thinks as she stands, leaning against the entrance post to the small shack and takes another sip of the frothy drink. The alcohol burns her throat as she swallows, and warms her stomach. This is her second drink tonight and she can already feel the effects of the strong liquor invading her senses. Behind her, illuminated by a small oil lamp that hangs beside her, is Elphaba. She sits along one of the beds of straw, rereading her journals by the low light of the flickering flame. Every so often the green girl will itch her side, the bandages obviously irritating her skin.

"Don't," Galinda tells her, the second time she catches Elphaba scratching. Elphaba looks up, raising her brows at the sudden interruption. Galinda points with her mug to Elphaba's side.

"Oh," Elphaba sighs. "I know I shouldn't be touching it. Bad habit I suppose."

Galinda tries not to think about what kind of person has a habit of scratching their bandages. But she knows it's not Elphaba's fault. Elphaba is not the one she is angry with. She is not the one causing her insides to flare and fingers to clench the mug so tightly she wouldn't be surprised if the hardened clay cracked.

Oz, she needs another drink, she thinks, and takes a large gulp, downing the rest of the warm brew.

Elphaba senses the shift in Galinda's demeanor and stands to her feet, worried for the blonde. As she makes her way to Galinda's side she can see the soldier's shoulders tensing. Elphaba feels confused at Galinda's hesitance. Since when does she shrink from her presence? Elphaba wants to ask what is bothering the soldier but before she can Galinda gives a hasty excuse and disappears out into the mass of Animals and people still celebrating outside.

Elphaba slumps against the same pole Galinda had been resting her weight upon, eyes focused on the last spot she glimpsed the soldier's blonde hair. She thinks she knows what is bothering Galinda. For all the blonde's adamancy otherwise, Elphaba knows Galinda is not ready to be married to Fiyero. She's also pretty sure Galinda doesn't even love him. Or at least that the blonde isn't in love with him. After seeing the way the bride spoke of her husband… how her voice became ever so soft as she spoke of his devotion, Elphaba realizes she's never once heard that same tone in Galinda's voice when she speaks of Fiyero.

She's not even sure Galinda is capable of sounding that way about anyone.

Let alone ever about her.

Elphaba groans as the thought passes her mind. Of course Galinda could never feel that way about her. Not about a bony, sheltered, scarred and green monstrosity. Galinda deserves to feel that way about someone far more deserving, and far more fitting. Someone just as strong-willed as she is, maybe even more so to even her temper. Someone fearless, to match her passion.

Someone just as stunning. Just as handsome… or gorgeous, she corrects herself.

Arria must have been someone like that. She wonders when she'll ever get the chance to truly ask Galinda about her. When she broached the subject over lunch the blonde's entire demeanor bristled and all she got in response was that she was a part of Galinda's past. But the way the soldiers cheeks tinged pink made Elphaba think otherwise. Arria was more than just a fleeting point in Galinda's life. It didn't surprise Elphaba in the least that Galinda was once with a woman. It seems natural almost, she thinks now, that Galinda's sexuality is as fluid as her combat.

Elphaba's never really paid much attention to her own desires before. There was never really the opportunity to do so whilst she was enduring life with Frexspar. Because that is what she now realizes her life always was. A pitiful state of merely existing. An acceptance of a fate she could have easily changed… if only she knew there were people like Galinda in the world.

The soldier will have to return at some point. She can't avoid Elphaba forever. So Elphaba returns back to her straw bed, sitting down amongst the itchy hay.

She'll wait.

She's waited this long to have a friend, what could a few moments longer hurt?


Galinda is doing what she does best when faced with circumstances she wishes to avoid. She drowns herself in liquor. It never fails to make her numb, to quiet her mind and lower her inhibitions. Lower the walls she's so safely constructed to keep unwanted emotions at bay.

To keep what she desires most hidden. Safe.

When Galinda is drunk she could care less about magic.

She misses whispered words, soft hands and dark nights.

A woman brushes past her side, apologizing as Galinda wobbles on her unbalanced feet. Their eyes meet briefly and for a moment Galinda thinks it's her. But it's not. It's never Arria.

Galinda picks up another mug from the table beside her, not quite caring whose drink it is she's effectively stolen. She needs to forget what's just happened. The amber liquid fills her quickly, her vision hazing ever so slightly in its wake.

"Glinda?" a voice gasps from behind and at first Galinda imagines it must just be her mind playing drunken tricks on her. No one here knows her true name! She turns, nearly knocking over the rest of the mugs atop the table as she tries to find the owner to the voice. It sounded familiar, the twang carrying a certain reverb she's only ever heard once before.

"Sweeeeet Oz," she breathes as her eyes finally take in the Goat before her. "Dr. Dillymon'?"

He quickly loops his hoof through the crook of her elbow, pulling Galinda away from the crowd. Once tucked alongside two of the larger tents for the celebration he moves Galinda to stand in front of him. "What are you doing here?" he demands, slitted eyes clearly wide with panic.

"Wha' am I…?" Galinda slurs. She shakes her head, her drink spilling as she motions drunkenly to Dr. Dillamond with her mug. "Wha are yooouuu doin' ere?"

"Has Morrible sent you? Are there more of you?" he asks, frantic, eyes darting out toward the celebration. He turns back to Galinda once he's satisfied he's not about to be ambushed. Galinda sways on her feet and the Goat tilts his head, scrutinizing. "Are you even truly drunk Miss Gllllinda?"

"Of courff I'm naawt!" Galinda exclaims wincing at how obviously horrid the lie sounds out loud. "Maybeee ah libble."

"Uh huh," Dr. Dillamond nods, though visibly relaxes once he realizes Morrible has not in fact sent her best student after him. There is no way Miss Glinda would have botched a mission so horribly by allowing herself to indulge in a party. Not the Glinda he knew anyway. So that begs the question, "then why are you here?"

Galinda squints at the Goat as she says in as sober a voice as she can manage, "I thoughf you 'ere dead."

"Dead? Is that what Morrible has led you all to believe?" Dr. Dillamond asks then gives a loud huff that comes out from his nose as more of a whine. Galinda wants to giggle at the animal-like sound but Dr. Dillamond's expression grows serious and Galinda forces herself to focus. "What do you believe happened to me?"

"I dunno," Galinda replies. "Braains eafen?"

"Well, I'll tell you," he says, glancing over his broad shoulders before turning back to Galinda. "She had me forcibly removed from my position, that is what happened. I'd been researching a means to answering the question once and for all of what could possibly have led to these horrid creatures. If I could uncover the cause I could work to finding a solution. Simple science!" he exclaims before taking a calming breath and continuing. "But Morrible refused for a mere Animal to discover the answer. She booted me out before I could finish my research. It doesn't matter now anyway, even given the resources here it's impossible to pinpoint the start of it all."

"Elfab-Eelp…" Galinda trails off, groaning at her inability to say the green girl's name. Her tongue feels heavy as she finally says, "Elphie… did."

The Goat's slanted pupils grow in the darkness. He leans closer to Galinda. "Wh-what did you say?"

"My frrriend, she knowwss." Galinda smiles. "She hafs books, so many boofs! Allll abouts it."

"Where? Are you serious Miss Glinda? Because if-"

"Ugh!" Galinda moans, interrupting Dr. Dillamond. "Its Gahhlinda. Galinda! Wif a GUH!"

"Yes," Dr. Dillamond nods, waving the topic away with flick of his hoof. "But where is your friend? Do you realize what this could mean? What she's uncovered! I must speak with her!"

Galinda rolls her eyes. Of course he wants to go have a chat with Elphaba. And she bets they'll get along famously too. They can compare silly notes from their equally silly lab books, discussing the in and outs of orb things and other such smart nonsense. No. Galinda will have nothing to do with this.

Elphaba is not going to be fraternizing with this useless Goat.

Not so that she can decide to stay here and live amongst the happy people, with their stupid weddings and sensible guard shifts.

"Glinda! Wait!" Dr. Dillamond shouts after her as Galinda makes her way back to the party in search of another drink. She's far too sober right now. It needs to be remedied.


Elphaba is woken late in the night when Galinda finally stumbles inside their shack. The blonde reeks of alcohol and another scent Elphaba doesn't recognize, something distinctly musky that causes her to grip the blanket tighter over her chest while her stomach churns.

"'Ello Elphie," Galinda drawls, dazed smile plastered to her lips as she plops down beside Elphaba on the straw bed and all but forces a half filled mug into the green girls chest. Elphaba shakes her head, pushing Galinda's hand and mug aside gently. "Ohhh come onnn! Jus' one sip…?"

"You're drunk." Elphaba states, taking in Galinda's tousled hair and disheveled dress. One sleeve is hanging off her shoulders, the buttons along her chest obviously undone. Elphaba feels her stomach do more then churn at the sight. Her entire body feels as though it's been thrown from off the Cloister roof. She feels… betrayed. "Have you," she begins to say, her voice catching mid sentence, not allowing her to speak further.

"Did I have sssssex, you mean?" Galinda purrs. She smirks, eyes hooded beneath her heavy lids. "Yes, I did. She and I fu-"

"Galinda!" Elphaba exclaims in a strangled whisper.

"Wha?" Galinda shrugs before dissolving into giggles as she lies her head down in Elphaba's lap. She stares through unfocused eyes up at a very much blushing Elphaba. "Aww, are you green with ennnnvy?"

"No," Elphaba says, turning her face from Galinda's. She flinches when she feels the blonde's fingers brush against her heated cheekbones. She sucks air sharply between her teeth at the contact and Galinda lets her hand fall lazily to her side. The blonde wasn't expecting such an obvious reaction. Seeing Elphaba so on edge sobers her up a bit.

The two women are silent for a moment, Elphaba doing everything in her power to remain still and not look down at the disheveled blonde in her lap. All the while Galinda stares up at the green woman, eyes tracing the contour of the blushing girls face.

"I don't love him," Galinda tells her, voice suddenly clear… soft.

"I know," Elphaba whispers back, still not trusting herself to meet Galinda's gaze. Especially not now. Not with the soldier so vulnerable, so close. Not when her own emotions are so frazzled.

"But I…" Galinda begins to say, before sighing and lifting herself from Elphaba's lap. Her mind feels extraordinarily lucid as she tells her honestly, "I did sleep with someone tonight."

Elphaba keeps her eyes to the ground beside the bed, while her heart beats faster against her ribs. "W-why?"

"I don' know." Galinda tells her, picking at some of the straw pieces.

"Stop lying to me," Elphaba says quietly, adamantly as she finally looks up at Galinda.

"I'm sorry," Galinda sighs, looking up to meet Elphaba's gaze. She's surprised by the hurt she finds. Galinda feels a deep pang of guilt stab through her chest, stronger then ever before. She's responsible for hurting Elphaba. She's the one inflicting the pain this time. "I'm so sorry, Elphie," she says again, this time truly meaning the words.

"Elphie?" Elphaba repeats, confused.

Galinda feels her cheeks warm at the slip. She doesn't even know when she made up the nickname but ever since it spilled from her drunken lips she hasn't quite been able to forget it. It fits, in an endearing way. "Blame the drink?" Galinda says with a small tentative smile and a shrug.

Elphaba won't admit it, but hearing Galinda use a nickname makes her feel as though the blonde truly does care. Instead Elphaba says, "But I thought my name was Arria."

Galinda closes her eyes and lets out an exasperated groan. She tries to reach for the mug, needing the alcohol to make it through this conversation but Elphaba stops her, taking the drink before she can and downing the liquid in a few gulps. Galinda stares, shocked and concerned as Elphaba coughs a few times, sputtering even, before giving her head a shake and turning back to Galinda, lips curled in an obvious smirk.

"There," Elphaba says as she puts the mug down on the dirt covered floor. "No more distractions. Who is she?"

"Just a girl," Galinda says, trying to avoid truly telling Elphaba everything. Oz, she's never told anyone about Arria.

"Did you love her?" Elphaba asks.

Galinda thinks on the question for a moment. Did she love Arria? She cared for the girl, surely, but to go so far as to call what she felt love? Galinda lets out a sigh as she looks back up to Elphaba. "I don't think I ever let it get that far."

"Why not?"

Why not? Galinda lets the question echo in her head. There are so many ways she could answer. Because her mother wouldn't allow it. Because she was too focused on training. Because she needed a distraction… but Galinda knows those are all excuses. And if Elphaba deserves anything, it's the truth. "I don't let anyone in that far. Not anymore."

"You're afraid of losing them," Elphaba whispers, finally understanding. "Loving someone doesn't make you weak, Galinda."

Galinda feels her throat closing up as tears threaten to spill from her eyes. "It does," she says, voice high with the beginnings of her emotions finally coming to a peak. She sniffles, standing from the bed suddenly. "You haven't," she begins to say, catching herself when she remembers Elphaba has indeed lost someone she loved once. And then she recalls just how carried away Elphaba was with the wedding earlier. With the idea of love… "How can you want that when you know how it'll end?"

"Love's worth it." Elphaba says, the alcohol finally buzzing in her head. She feels pleasantly relaxed as she smiles up at the now crying mess that is Galinda. "You can't be afraid of something so pure and I know you'll find it one day Galinda. You deserve to find it. Maybe not with Fiyero but with someone wonderful. I know it. I just wish you'd believe it too."

Galinda doesn't know what to say in response. No one has ever said anything so… well, so beautiful to her. She kneels down beside Elphaba, smiling shyly as she takes one of Elphaba's hands with her own. Elphaba's grin widens, if possible, even more at the touch. It warms Galinda, warms her to her very core to see her elicit such a reaction from Elphaba. It makes what she has to say next all that much harder. "Fiyero's all I have," Galinda whispers. "At least I'm marrying a friend."

Elphaba says nothing, merely nodding as she lets her hand slip from Galinda's. So even despite all she's told the soldier Galinda is still set on marrying a man she doesn't, nor does it seem ever will, love. Not the type of love she deserves anyway. But Elphaba has one more question she needs to ask. And she hopes Galinda is still in a truthful mood. "What is it you really want?"

Galinda thinks about it. Power, definitely. Freedom, a given. Happiness… she can only hope. Love… she can only dream. Her body feels tired though, as if she's run miles around the camp. She tries not to think of the other activity she participated in this evening. Especially about how the girl's scent still seems to cling to her very skin.

It was a mistake.

A drunken stupid mistake.

It hurt Elphaba.

Galinda never wants to hurt the woman ever again. Not someone who's seen behind her walls, seen who she truly is and yet still sits there, wanting to know more… wanting to help.

What is it Galinda really wants? She really wants to kiss Elphaba right now.

But instead of acting on those thoughts she settles with pretending the alcohol has dulled her senses again, giggling as she tells Elphaba, "I wan' magic."

And then Galinda crumbles onto the straw bed below, mouth hanging open with eyes closed, passed out. Elphaba lets out a sigh. She'd really hoped Galinda would have answered truthfully instead feigning to pass out. Yet when she prods the soldier, only to find a line of drool escaping from Galinda's mouth, Elphaba thinks perhaps the blonde's evasive plot got the better of her. She won't be waking anytime soon.

Feeling tired as well, Elphaba moves Galinda from off her legs, settling the girl down in her bed. She pulls the thin blanket over the blonde's shoulders, pausing as she stares at her slumbering face. Beautiful, she thinks. She deserves someone beautiful.

Elphaba leaves Galinda's side, blowing the lamp out as she makes her way to the blonde's unused bed.

Elphaba's asleep before her head even hits the pillow.

She doesn't even get the chance to notice her research bag is missing.