Author's Note: I disclaim. I also want to thank Bubble for pointing out that it was Maguire who used Oscar Diggs for the wizard's real name. Thank you!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year! Here's your next update . . . bit of a cliffhanger, albeit an expected one *smiles*

Enjoy!

"And in your opinion Lady Galinda, have your measures to assimilate the Animals back into their communities - such as the initial retraction of the Animal Banns, the abolishment of the concentration camps, the new Equality Regulations, have these efforts made any positive difference, or indeed any difference at all?"

Elphaba and Fiyero sat together on their sofa. The fire was lit, a bright, warm glow in the centre of the room that was otherwise filled with white morning light. It was the second day of their marriage and they had been left in blissful solitude since the moment they stepped over the threshold. Fiyero's hand drummed rhythms out on Elphaba's tummy, and he was caught regularly daydreaming, his eyes fixed happily on her.

They had decided to do absolutely nothing for the duration of their little honeymoon. Galinda had worked out that they could afford one week out of work, and Elphaba had ensured her own personal load was reduced to within the best of her abilities. She would not have been able to enjoy any time off knowing there was a massive pile of paperwork to file and a host of acrimonious citizens to calm down. She would not be in the Palace for much longer even once she returned. Eight and half months of her pregnancy had already passed, and even though she would work until the last possible day, not many more of those existed.

They were watching Galinda on public television. The image was grainy and grey but the Lady's beauty and calmness was visible even to them. It was an interview scheduled to promote Animal tolerance and to inform the public of the progress of their investigations and assimilation programmes. It was being broadcast in public houses, libraries, on the radio and into the houses of those fortunate enough to be able to afford a television. Transcripts would be printed in the evening papers.

"Well, there are areas of progress and areas that have been more taxing. Those who had been bussed in as replacements for the missing Animals have had to be removed from their positions and re-distributed, which has been difficult to say the least. Not everyone has been very obliging. What we are focusing on now is education. The Racism we have encountered is very deeply ingrained into certain factions of our society. We intend to start in the homes and schools. Although, to give Oz some credit, there are many people appalled by what has been going on, who have been too scared to speak out previously, and who are now activists for the Animal cause."

Elphaba smiled proudly at her friend's performance. She emanated power and yet maintained her normality. She seemed approachable to regular people. Elphaba had developed her own persona, too. People were less likely to feel they could speak to her without being spoken to, which she preferred. But they respected and trusted her. If there was an issue at hand, no matter how old the cover-up and no matter who was involved, she could be counted on to find out the victimised party and bring the matter to a resolution. Much of her work revolved around personal pleas regarding Animal discrimination. And she certainly called on her magic more than once to aide her investigations.

Galinda continued.

"The fundamental problem, of course, is trust. Animals are now very unwilling to re-enter society – particularly in the EC or Shiz – because they feel the prejudices remain rife and because they are not satisfied that their safety is guaranteed. Frankly, they have good reason to be afraid as I know there are still many prejudiced people in Oz. Realistically; we know that we may never rid this land entirely of those unfriendly towards other species. But our attitude is if there is one Animal against whom discrimination is brought, it is one Animal too many. We would like to take this opportunity to speak directly to those who are in hiding or those unsure of whether or not they and their families can live in safety in central and urban Oz. Let us tell you that the law and the police are behind you. You have the full protection and support of the state. Please take advantage of those institutions set up to aid you: the Citizens' Charity Counsel, the Bureau for Criminal Investigation, and the Embassies for each of the four corners of Oz. My colleague, Vizier Thropp, has also convened a committee and task force specifically designed for this issue called The Animal Rehabilitation Corps which also has a telephone helpline and has set up several safe centres for fleeing Animals. She works with this group personally to help achieve its goals."

Elphaba was touched. She was more than pleased that Galinda had chosen to use 'Vizier' as opposed to Princess. Of course, she was an intelligent woman herself, so she would have known that the latter name would not help her to appear powerful in anyone's eyes.

"And what about the military then? They have been the perpetrators of some of the most horrific crimes against Animals. They have tortured and made dust of thousands of innocent people, and now you say that they may be treated as a body of help?"

Galinda met and equalled the reporter's stern and angry gaze.

"Those responsible for such crimes have been found and imprisoned and will be brought to trial within thirty days."

"The Emerald City Trials?"

"The Oz Trials." She corrected her. "We wanted to relate it to the whole land, though the trials themselves will be held in the EC. The Army is not now led nor does it consist of any of the previous criminals who committed crimes against Animals, thanks to the work and effort of Prince Fiyero Tiggular. He has personally interviewed each and every faction of the military to ensure they can carry out their duties according to the new laws and regulations. Since we do not currently have any need for an Army on Alert, most battalions have gone into re-education and are helping with the rehabilitation and protection of the Animal Community. We give you our personal word that the Army can be fully trusted."

Fiyero was faintly proud of the steps he had taken to improve their military situation. Because they were not under much threat of war or attack he could afford to disband many of the Garrisons and put them into training in an attempt to smoke out the worst and most dangerous attitudes. He was intelligent enough to recognise which soldiers should be kept together and which should be separated. At least one hundred and fifty so far had to be charged and imprisoned for crimes again humanity, and that was only in the lowest ranks. Most Generals and Officers were disciplined, too. However, faith in their police and protective forces was slowly being restored. Fiyero worked immensely hard at his job: he wanted his wife and his son to be proud of him.

This thought caused him to feel a surge of affection, and he nuzzled Elphaba until she turned around and kissed him. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" She asked, pinching his chin, though she knew exactly why he seemed so wonderfully happy.

"It's our honeymoon, I love you. Need I explain myself, really?"

"Ha, I guess not. You do have a point."

He pressed himself against her a little more. She smiled mischievously against his tongue. "Oh I love it when you tell me I'm right."

Her eyes sparkled. "Mmm, you're always right, my love." She nibbled on his bottom lip, tugging and teasing gently. Elphaba felt her heart racing, her arms moving of their own accord around his neck and pulling him down, down into her embrace. They had to stop. "Fiyero, darling, you know this is dangerous. I don't want to get too excited." Fiyero nodded. At their last appointment Doctor Than had warned them that the physical excitement caused by sex could send Elphaba into labour.

"Excuse me, who said anything about you?" He was joking, winking at her. "I know, I just can't help myself." Elphaba sighed. "This might come in handy if the baby's late."

"Yes, it will. But let's wait until the due date, please. If you don't mind I would like to carry him full term. A premature birth is not really something that would ease the birthing process for either of us."

They heard a round of applause coming from the television. Galinda had been very well received.

"We would like to ask a few questions about your fellow rulers, Prince Fiyero Tiggular and Princess Elphaba Tiggular, Vizier of Oz, if you don't mind?"

The interviewer's eyes lit up, and her eagerness for this topic was visible even through the roughness of the picture. Her previous solemnity had all but disappeared.

"Not at all."

"It was a wonderful wedding." She prompted. The camera focused on Galinda, whose expression was as bright as the yellow flames that whipped and cracked in the fireplace.

"It was, and it was carried off beautifully. I am aware the public did not see much of the actual ceremony but you may have my personal assurance that it was simply the most glorious half hour of my life. Prince Fiyero's face was a picture when he saw Elphaba, she looked beautiful"

"Oh, don't tell them that, Galinda!" Elphaba shouted at the screen. Fiyero puckered up dramatically and leaned on her until she almost fell from the sofa trying to avoid him and his wet lips. "Yero!"

"She did look very beautiful, and tomorrow morning we shall publish the official photographs so you can see for yourselves."

"Oh I forgot, they're sending out those photos tomorrow." Elphaba sighed. "She was on the phone to me at six o'clock this morning asking me to choose. I told her to bugger off."

"Why were you even up?"

"I wasn't, she woke me. She said she assumed I wouldn't mind and that she thought I'd be up with baby anyway. I hastened to remind her that he has not actually been born yet. I can sleep when he is awake." She said unnecessarily.

"As if she wouldn't have just chosen whatever one she liked anyway. And may I ask why I was not consulted on this?"

"Well, you just looked so very peaceful, drooling on the pillow as you do." She joshed, punching his shoulder. "Actually I really didn't want to wake you up and I couldn't be bothered to bother you. It isn't really important. I won't be looking at them. Galinda said she's chosen three of us."

"Oh do tell me which ones!" He said, with playful fake excitement, sitting up on his knees and grinning like an idiot. It made Elphaba laugh.

"One with the wedding party, one of the two of us standing, and one close-up shot will fly their way out to the papers at midnight tonight." She confirmed with a bit of a grimace. It was a front, though. Elphaba just knew that if she admitted how proud she was of herself, Galinda would never leave her alone. Give an inch, take a mile.

"I can hardly wait to see them." He sealed his words with a kiss.

A month went by far too quickly for Elphaba's liking. She worked herself to the bone as much as she could, but still imagined she would not be able to stay away from her desk after the baby was born. She loved her work. With every Animal she helped it allowed her to feel less guilty about the fact that Oscar Diggs remained safely ensconced in the palace.

She loved her baby even more than she could ever explain in words or pictures. She found herself speaking and singing to him when she worked; she would explain cases to him and would often allow that he had come up with the most effective solutions. He was going to be a very intelligent boy, like his father. He was going to be handsome, like his father. He was going to fight for the innocent, like both his parents and their friends.

Even if he was not any of these things, who cared? She loved him anyway.

She was becoming more emotional by the day, too. Fiyero would talk to the baby every day, every moment he could get. He would pop in on her at least every two hours when she was working. Once, this would have annoyed Elphaba, but it made it heart swell now. She never admitted that to Fiyero, although he knew it to be true. At night, he kissed them both before they slept and in the morning he kissed them both, too. She would find him in the nursery sometimes, making adjustments to the crib, painting the panels, installing lamps and furniture that he had built himself.

On her last day of work she discovered him doing just that when she returned home. He knelt on the floor, frowning slightly as he painted an intricate pattern around the door. It was quite beautiful. She hoped he had heard her when she walked along the hallway; she would hate to frighten him and ruin the design. "Yero?" She began, as softly as she could.

He turned his head with a bright smile, keeping his hands very still indeed: thank goodness, she hadn't given him a shock. "Welcome home, my love. How are you?" He asked, dropping his stance at the door and planting sweet kisses on her lips. Playfully, he painted a dot of paint on her nose. "Beautiful." He observed.

"Ah, yes. I look like a fantasy animal from one of those Lurlinist fairytales, now. Just what I need." She was joking, though, and he laughed, allowing her to flick the brush on his own nose so they matched. "I'm very tired, and very excited. I hope he isn't late. I am not looking forward to a long lying-in period before he arrives."

"He has you for a mother. He'll do what he damn well pleases, and screw everyone else." He winked at her.

"Oh Oz. You had better not." She warned her largely rounded tummy. Her gentle patting contradicted her tone.

"He'll probably come out writing his dissertation."

"Yeah, or maybe he'll be gelling back his hair and staring at himself in the mirror." She retorted. Fiyero just kissed her and led her into their bedroom by the hand.

"Come on, darling. It's late, you're tired. We'll go to bed. Unless you're hungry?"

"No. I couldn't eat. Leaving today made me slightly nervous. I hated the car ride; I felt like I was going to go into labour halfway home."

He stopped in the middle of selecting a fresh nightgown for her. "Because you had pains or because you were scared?" He asked, his heart racing a little. He gripped a white cotton dress until his knuckles where a similar shade.

"Because I was scared, Yero. Calm down." He relaxed. "Though you know I've had pains before."

"I do." He admitted, laying the same dress he had crumpled in her hands so she could unfold it. He moved behind her and began unbuttoning her shift. He happily concentrated on the joy he got when she let him take off her clothes, even in a non-sexual context. As he undid each button her skin revealed itself to him. Playfully, he kissed her neck and her shoulders.

She smirked. "I love you, darling." She said simply. He was being romantic. After years of being with him, she could always tell immediately the difference between a kiss which would lead to more and a kiss of simple affection. She winced a little when he opened the clasp on her brassiere; her breasts ached.

"I'm sorry, are they sore?"

"Sensitive, very sensitive." She whispered. He let go of the offending item and placed his hands on her waist, lifting the dress and letting it fall to the floor. She removed the brassiere herself and tossed it to the side. Her shoulders were a little hunched, braced to protect her breasts in case she accidentally touched them. Fiyero lifted the nightgown over her head and it swiftly covered her up again. "Thanks, Yero." She said.

She kissed his cheek and walked into the bathroom. Fiyero heard her run the tap and brush her teeth. He watched her shadow move about: it covered a large portion of the floor. It was almost as though a fairly sizeable dresser was dragging itself from the sink to the towel rack and back again, he observed amusingly. He finished the thought and went to brush his own teeth as Elphaba pulled herself heavily onto the bed and sighed when she leaned into the pillows.

Her brow knit when the sound of Fiyero humming reached her from the bathroom. She wondered for a moment what song it was. She let her eyes close and her mind float to whatever memory would let her remember where she had heard the melody before. Elphaba's mind travelled back days, months and years. It occurred to her then: it was the song that had been playing on their first date, when they had kissed.

She sat very still and soon she felt apart from her skin, as if she had risen above her own body. She listened to Fiyero's singing and could hear the musicians. She fantasised a little more and her mind's eye saw Fiyero dancing with her. His lips were pink and she saw them moving: he had been talking to her. No, he had been flirting with her.

The music grew louder. She saw his lips moving toward her, he was kissing her. She felt him kissing her. Opening her eyes, she came back to herself and knew that Fiyero had sat beside her on the bed. She kissed him back.

"That was lovely." She breathed. Fiyero pecked the tip of her nose and drew the covers up to her waist. He moved around the bed, opening one of the doors to the balcony slightly and pulling the curtains to. It twirled and danced a little in the breeze.

As he tucked himself into bed, a thought occurred to Fiyero. "Elphie, my mother called the house today and told me she'd be here tomorrow at eleven. She said you'd asked her early for lunch, and my father'll join us at dinner, is that right? He's coming to the Palace in the morning I know that much." He finished. "Elphie?" He asked again, hoping he wouldn't have to repeat himself.

"Mhmm."

He turned to her. She was barely awake. "Sorry." He whispered. He placed a goodnight kiss on her forehead and waited a second to see the corners of her mouth turn up slightly in pleasure.

A full minute of sleep passed, to the point where Elphaba was drifting into a wonderfully refreshing rest, before the dull pain in her lower back suddenly flared. Her hand flew to her hips, her eyes snapped open and she silenced a gasp. The pain intensified and her pelvic muscles seemed to completely seize up. She growled in discomfort.

"Fuck!" She hissed in alarm.

So here he comes then, eh? *winks*