After a very long and harsh winter, the snow finally began to melt, giving way to the blooming flowers that came along with springtime. Unfortunately for Elphaba, she was stuck in a meeting with Fiyero, Raal, and Amalie to help plan for the Spring Festival, which was going to be the following week.
"What else would you like, Your Majesties?" Harv said as he scribbled in his notebook.
"Well," Raal said as he stroked his beard. "We have a bouncy house, dunking tank, a cotton candy and icy stands, along with other food vendors, raffles, and a dancing floor. Are we missing anything else?"
"A puppet show!" Fiyero exclaimed. All heads turned towards him and he awkwardly cleared his throat. "For the children."
"Right," Elphaba smirked. "For the children."
"I'm serious. Children love puppet shows!"
"And so do crowned princes."
Fiyero turned red. "There's nothing wrong with puppet shows!"
"We know, Fiyero. We're just teasing," Amalie chuckled. "Add a puppet show to the festival," she said to Harv.
Harv nodded and scribbled away. "Your Highness?"
Elphaba looked up and realized Harv was talking to her. "What about pony rides?"
"That's a great idea, Fae," Fiyero smiled as he wrapped his arm around his wife.
"Yero, you're too old for the pony rides," Elphaba pointed out.
The prince pouted. "All I said was 'That's a great idea, Fae'."
"So, we have now added pony rides and a puppet show to the list. Is there anything else?" Harv asked.
"I think that's fine. Everyone will enjoy themselves," Amalie said.
Raal nodded. "I believe this is good."
"Very well," Harv said as he closed his notebook. "I shall inform the staff immediately."
"Thank you, Harv," the king said as he steward bowed and left the room.
"Fae, isn't the date of the spring festival also your birthday?" the prince realized.
Elphaba blinked. "Oh… yes. I didn't realize."
"Your birthday is April 17th?" Raal asked, turning towards Elphaba.
"Yes, but it's not a big deal," Elphaba tried to reassure them.
"Nonsense, Elphaba. A birthday is a very special date to celebrate," Amalie said.
"I really don't want a big fuss about my birthday," Elphaba said softly.
"Fae, have you ever celebrated your birthday?" Fiyero asked gently.
Elphaba shook her head.
"It's okay, Elphaba. If you don't want a big fuss made about your birthday, we don't make a big deal," Amalie reassured her.
"Thank you."
"This year," Fiyero whispered. "Next year will be a completely different story."
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "Let's get through this year first, okay, Yero?"
The prince sighed. "Okay," he conceded.
Elphaba yawned as she slowly opened her eyes. She turned and saw Fiyero looked down at her. "What?"
"Nothing," Fiyero said casually as he tangled his fingers in Elphaba's hair. "Good morning, birthday girl."
The green girl chuckled throatily. "Good morning."
"How does it feel to be twenty-three?"
"The same as it does to feel twenty-two." The princess pushed herself up and stretched. She sniffed the air and smiled. "That smells wonderful."
Fiyero leaned over and kissed her cheek before getting out of bed. "Stay here."
"Where are you going?"
"To get your breakfast," Fiyero said like it was obvious.
"Yero, I am perfectly capable of getting my own breakfast."
"Fae, you get breakfast in bed on your birthday."
Elphaba raised her eyebrow. "Is this another one of the traditions?"
The prince shrugged. "It could be."
Elphaba rolled her eyes and sighed, but stayed put while Fiyero went to get their food. He returned shortly with two plates of eggs, bacon, and toast. Aya was behind him, carrying two cups of steaming coffee.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness," Aya said as she set the cups on the nightstand and dipped into a curtsy.
"Thank you, Aya," Elphaba said as she pushed herself up more.
"Is there anything else you require?"
"No. Thank you, Aya," Fiyero nodded.
The maid curtsied and hurried out, closing the door behind her.
"Thank you," Elphaba said as she took the plate from Fiyero and took a bite of toast.
"You're welcome," Fiyero said as he kissed his wife's forehead and sipped his coffee.
The two finished eating quickly and went to get dressed. Elphaba emerged from the bathroom, wearing a simple, long sleeved navy dress that stopped at her ankles and a collar.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness," Harv smiled as he came down the hall.
Elphaba turned and smiled. "Thank you, Harv. Do you need me for something?"
"No, Your Highness," the steward shook his head. "I was just in search for the prince."
"He's probably downstairs, hiding from whatever you need him to do," Elphaba smiled.
Harv chuckled. "That he probably is. The day is yours do to what you wish, Your Highness. We plan to leave for the festival by early evening."
"Thank you, Harv," Elphaba nodded and started towards the library.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness," Cato said when she entered.
Elphaba smiled. "You heard?"
The old Owl laughed. "I may never leave the library, but I have ears in the castle. Is there a particular book you're looking for today?"
"No. I think I'll just look around."
"Very well. Call if you need anything." And with that, Cato vanished around the corner.
Elphaba went to the second floor and lost herself in a book. She didn't know how long she was there, but the next thing she knew, Aya came in with a sandwich and a glass of milk.
"Aya," Elphaba said as she looked up, sounding a bit surprised.
"Pardon me, Your Highness, but Prince Fiyero thought you would be here and wouldn't want to leave, so he sent lunch," the maid said.
Elphaba smiled as Aya placed the sandwich and glass in front of her. "Thank you. And please tell Fiyero that he's right."
The maid curtsied and went to deliver the message. Elphaba nibbled on the sandwich as she read, half-distracted from reading to eat, and half-distracted from eating to read.
That evening, Elphaba stood in front of her mirror, brushing her hair. She eyed the sparkly tiara that Amalie had laid out for her. She didn't want to wear it. Deciding to leave her hair down, she settled for a shiny, silver headband and placed it in her hair. Now Fiyero wouldn't hassle her about having her hair up, her hair would be out of her face, and she would be wearing something in it. She walked out of her room and met Fiyero, Amalie and Raal in the foyer.
"You look beautiful, Fae," Fiyero smiled as Elphaba stepped up next to him and slipped her hand into his.
"You do, Elphaba," Amalie smiled.
"Thank you," Elphaba blushed.
"Are we ready to go?" Raal asked, already halfway to the door.
Amalie chuckled softly and took her husband's arm before walking down to the waiting carriage, with Fiyero, Elphaba and Harv close behind.
The fair grounds were fairly close, so the carriage ride didn't take long. As soon as the carriage stopped, they were met with a crowd of people, men, women and children alike, all cheering and waving.
Amalie and Raal stepped down first, followed by Fiyero, who then assisted Elphaba down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let the Spring Festival begin!" Raal said as he cut the entrance ribbon with large scissors.
The people cheered and hurried inside, eager to experience all of the activities. Fiyero and Elphaba walked around for a bit, taking everything in.
"What do you think?" Fiyero asked.
Elphaba shrugged. "I've never been to a festival before, so I have nothing to compare this to."
The prince nodded and got both of them a plate of fried dough. Elphaba took the treat apprehensively, but once she saw Fiyero take a bite, she slowly did the same. The prince smiled when she made a noise of enjoyment and wiped the extra powder from her upper lip.
"Hey!" Elphaba protested.
"What?" the prince asked innocently. Elphaba wrinkled her nose, and Fiyero gently kissed it. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Elphaba whispered, finishing her treat and continuing to walk around.
"Ooh, the puppet show!" the prince smiled, taking Elphaba's hand and gently pulling her behind him.
"You are such a child sometimes," Elphaba muttered, shaking her head.
"Shh, Fae! I'm trying to listen to the story!" Fiyero said as he stood behind the giggling children watching the show.
Elphaba rolled her eyes and watched the show with her husband, and soon found herself laughing along with them.
After the show, Elphaba felt someone tugging on her dress and she looked down to see someone she hadn't seen in a while. "Hello, Lyle."
The little boy's face brightened. "You remember me?"
Elphaba laughed and knelt down to his height. "Of course I remember you."
Lyle grinned and shyly handed her a rose. "This is for you."
The princess smiled as she took the rose and inhaled it sweet scent. "Thank you."
Lyle giggled and happily wrapped his arms around Elphaba. The green girl smiled softly and returned the hug. A few seconds later, the little boy gently pulled free and bowed quickly before running off to find his mother. Elphaba slowly rose to her full height and sniffed the flower again.
"Looks like I have some competition."
Elphaba turned around to find her husband smirking at her. "He's just a child, Yero."
"I'll have to step up my game, then," Fiyero said as he kissed her cheek. "Come on, we're needed to lead the first dance." The prince led his princess over to the dance floor, where Raal and Amalie were waiting for them, and watched as other couples began to join them. The orchestra began to play and everyone started dancing.
"Having fun?" Fiyero asked, spinning Elphaba around.
"Yes," Elphaba whispered.
A while into the dance, Fiyero felt someone tug on his pant leg. He looked down to see Lyle, his hands shyly behind his back as he looked up at the prince. "Ah, my competition has arrived," he said, smiling down at the little boy.
Lyle bowed.
Fiyero chuckled. "Would you like a turn?"
The little boy nodded. "Yes, please."
Fiyero looked at Elphaba and kissed her nose before making his way over to two young girls dancing together. Elphaba immediately recognized them as Emaly and Melicity, the two girls she helped at the school, and made a mental note to say 'hi' to them.
"Excuse me, ladies, but may I cut in?" Fiyero asked as he bowed.
The girls looked up and squealed. Another song began to play and Fiyero offered his hands to the girls and they began to dance in a circle.
Elphaba smiled at Lyle as she lifted him into her arms and began to dance with him. Lyle let out a happy laugh as Elphaba twirled him around. When the dance ended, Elphaba gently set him down. "Where are your parents?"
"Over there!" Lyle said as pointed to a young couple dancing on the other side of the floor. Giggling, he took Elphaba's hand and gently pulled her over to his parents. "Mama! Papa! I got to dance with the princess!"
Lyle's parents looked up and gasped softly. "Lyle," his father whispered.
Elphaba knew what his parents were thinking and smiled softly. "It's alright. Lyle wasn't any trouble."
Lyle released Elphaba's hand and ran into his mother's arms. The young woman looked from her son, to her husband, then back at the princess. Slowly, a small smiled made its way onto her face and she dipped into a slight curtsy. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Elphaba nodded wordlessly and watched as the small family began to dance together. She sighed softly, making her way back to her husband, who was still dancing with Emaly and Melicity.
"May I join in?" she asked with a smile.
Fiyero smiled. "Of course, Fae."
"We're teaching Prince Fiyero a new dance," Emaly smiled.
Elphaba chuckled. "Well, may I learn this new dance as well?"
Melicity nodded and began filling Elphaba in on the dance movements. Pretty soon, all four of them were dancing together and were joined by more children of all ages.
Elphaba looked up and saw Harv standing off to the side, looking as though he needed to speak with her. Excusing herself, she went over to Harv. "Is something wrong, Harv?"
"The person in the dunking tank had to step out," Harv said, trying to cover up his stress. "We now have no one for the dunking tank and the children are starting to get upset."
Fiyero, having heard Harv, stepped forward. "I'll do it."
Elphaba's eyebrows vanished into her hairline. "You?"
"Why not?" Fiyero shrugged. "The children need someone to dunk. And we can't disappoint the children, now can we?"
"Aren't you the hero?" Elphaba rolled her eyes.
Harv simply smiled and thanked the prince before leading him to the dunking tank.
"Where's Prince Fiyero goin'?" a little girl asked.
Elphaba smiled. "He's going to the dunking tank."
"We get to dunk Prince Fiyero?" Melicity asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
The green girl nodded.
The children began to chatter excitedly and hurried towards the dunking booth.
"What happened?" Raal asked as he came over to Elphaba.
"Fiyero volunteered to sit in the dunking booth," Elphaba said, turning to face her parents-in-law.
Amalie smiled softly. "Fiyero always loved the dunking booth. I bet the children are really excited for this."
"As am I," Raal chuckled, leading his wife and Elphaba away to the dunking booth.
The crowned prince sat in the booth, wearing nothing but swimming trunks, as he watched as the children tried, and failed, to hit the target to dunk him.
"Haven't been dunked yet, son?" Raal chuckled.
"Not yet," Fiyero said, smirking. "I'm impossible to dunk."
One of the boys hit almost hit the target and Fiyero winced.
"Scared, Yero?" Elphaba smirked.
"What? No, of course not."
"I'd like to have a try," Elphaba said to the person running the booth.
Fiyero stiffened. "You're not serious."
"Oh, but I am," Elphaba smiled as she took one of the balls and positioned herself behind the throwing line. All of the children held their breath, waiting to see if Elphaba would hit the target. The princess took a deep breath and threw the ball, hitting the target and dunking the prince.
The children all cheered and clapped while the booth runner helped Fiyero out. He handed the prince a towel and Fiyero stepped behind the booth screen to dry off and change. At that moment, the original person in the dunking tank came back and resumed his position.
"Thanks," the prince muttered to his wife when he emerged, dry and in his clothes once again.
"You're welcome," Elphaba smirked.
"Mom, Dad, why don't you show Elphaba the bouncy house? I have to do something. Meet me on the dance floor in fifteen minutes," Fiyero said as he quickly kissed Elphaba's cheek and hurried away.
"Where are you going, Fiyero?" Amalie called after her son.
The prince simply waved over his shoulder and vanished from. Elphaba, Amalie and Raal continued to walk around and make small talk until it was time to meet Fiyero back at the dance floor. When they got there, they saw the prince standing there with the children behind him.
"Yero, what is this?" Elphaba asked, raising an eyebrow.
The prince simply smirked as he took Elphaba's hand and led her over to the children, who all smiled at her. "Big voices, everyone!" he smiled as he raised his hands. He nodded to the orchestra, who began to play an upbeat tempo song.
"We're making today a perfect day for you!" the children sang.
"Making today a special day!" Fiyero sang to Elphaba as he conducted the singers.
"We're singing a birthday song to make your wishes come true."
"Wishes come true," the prince echoed.
"We love Princess Elphaba…"
"And I love you, too."
"So, we're making today a perfect day," the younger children sang.
"A fabulous day in every way," the older children sang.
"Yes, we're making today a perfect day!" all children sang together. "We're making today a perfect day for you! We're making today a smiley face all shiny and new! So we're making today a perfect day! We're making today a perfect day! We're making today a perfect day for you!"
"Happy birthday," Fiyero whispered aside to his wife.
"Making today a happy day and no feeling blue!"
"I love you, baby!"
"For everything you are to us, and all that you do."
"I do."
"We're making today a perfect day," the younger children started.
"Making today a perfect day," the older children joined in.
"We're making today a perfect day… for you!" they sang together, giggling.
Elphaba watched the entire song with a wide smile on her face. She found herself laughing and clapping when they finished. "That was wonderful. Thank you. Thank all of you."
The children all gathered around Elphaba and wished her a happy birthday. Soon, the festival was closing down and the crowds began to disperse.
"So…" Fiyero said in the carriage on the ride back.
"So…" Elphaba mimicked, looking up at her husband.
"Who's the best birthday surprise organizer ever?" he smiled, gently nudging his wife.
"You are, Yero. Thank you," Elphaba smiled as she leaned her head against the prince's shoulder. "How did they all learn that song on such short notice?"
"Every child in the Vinkus knows that song. It's a very popular song."
Elphaba nodded. "Thank you… again."
"You're welcome, Fae. Happy birthday."
Song Used:
"Making Today A Special Day" from Frozen Fever
