Bro'mance
Chapter 21
To Learn Again
AN: Hello everybody! Wow, again I was completely blown away by the outpouring of reviews to the last chapter! You guys so rock! I love you all really truly love you! Lol. Huge shoutouts go to Maddy for being the first to review! Thank you so much! Huge hugs! Really? You cried and laughed at the same time? Wow. I'm speechless, really. JCBolt, Evil reincarnate? Nah, how bout a little bit…wicked. Lol. Thank you for the review, and sorry pooch. elphiesglinda, thank you, and the voice was an echo of the Doctors voice. Fae the Queen, wow, that's like the second review with you not wanting to kill me. Are we on a roll here or what? Lol. Though probably should hold my breath. The next chapter may change that. Lol, thank you so much for the review! Elphaba-WWW, girl you honestly amaze me with your stories! I absolutely love them! Lol. Thank you so much for the review! TBLewis, yes really, Frex will be introduced later in the chapter. Lol, this story will be going for a while. Perhaps, this may be my longest story yet! Lol. And no more pancakes please. I really don't enjoy scrapping people off the ground. Lol.
Alright, new chapter, more drama, need I say more? Lol. Also, I want to say that the condition Elphaba has is a very real and scary one. I have a friend, who was in an abusive relationship, and the guy had damaged her so bad, that she now suffers from seizures that will continue throughout the rest of her life. So, in honor of her, this story is dedicated to her, for her strength and determination to not let this condition get in the way of her life. My friend, this story is for you.
God Bless you all and thank you all again for the wonderful reviews! You guys are what makes writing here on fanfiction so much fun!
Siefer never moved, blinked, nor dared to breathe. He just sat there, his body stiff, and every muscle tensed. His eyes widened, and tears shimmered within, making the splints of dark and light sapphire to sparkle like broken crystals within a glimmering pond; heavy with dew. His heart thundered within his chest, and blood pounded behind his ears. His mind reeled, and his mouth was dry.
This wasn't Fae. This wasn't the strong, vivacious, graceful, loving, caring, passionate and stubborn woman whom he had fallen in love with months before. She wasn't even a shell of the woman who he had lost his heart to, ages ago.
Elphaba laid upon the bed her whimpering wails half muffled by the mattress broke his heart, and made his stomach twist. Her slender hands rose, and clutched at her head. Her entire body shook violently, making the springs in the bed creak and groan.
Weakly, Elphaba peeks her head over the oceans of covers surrounding her. A dark, chocolate eye stared back at Siefer, absolute fear, sparkled within. Seeing his stare, she immediately turned and buried her head within the mattress.
"Fae" whispers Siefer.
An ache crested along the edges of his heart, for the movement alone, brought tears to the Vinkun Prince's eyes. The child-like innocence, shimmering within her eyes, the fear, brought back memories of his forgotten youth, when he and his baby brother used to play peekaboo beneath the covers.
A thought, skipped across his mind. Smiling, Siefer slowly leaned down on the bed. And resting his elbows on the mattress brought his hands up and covers his eyes.
For a moment, Galinda and the others watch a confused expression on each one's faces. What in Oz was he doing?
Slowly, he lowered his head, and waited. Peering through his fingers, he watched, until Elphaba once again lifted her tear-stained face from the mattress, the same child-like innocence, the fear, sparkling within her majestic eyes.
Smiling, he allowed his fingers to fall away, revealing his dark sapphire eyes; crossed, and a goofy expression on his face. His tongue stuck out to the side.
"Peekaboo" coos Siefer, his voice soft, yet child-like. The same tone used once, when his brother was but an infant, a child, a young boy still clothed in diapers.
Galinda frowns and her arms cross against her chest. A huff of air slips past her lips as her hands rise up and fist against her hips.
"Siefer…what are you-"starts Galinda, but her words are silenced, by the soft, child-like giggle, coming from the bed.
Both the blonde and the hulking man of muscle and very little brains, steps closer to the bed, their eyes match, widen in awe, and their mouths drop.
Fiyero, weakly rises to his feet, turns and watches, as his brother once again covers his eyes. A small smile, tugs at the sides of his lips, remembering the days spent, when his brother used to entertain him with endless peekaboo's, tag, hide-and-go-seek, puzzles, and coloring.
Siefer had converted back to the youth he once was, the youth who used to play with his baby brother from sun up, till sun down, keeping a happy smile on the bubbly babies face, feeding him when he was hungry, and occasionally, changing his stinky diapers. But only when the Nurse Maids were too busy, or were nowhere to be found, which happened quite often.
A small tug pulled on his heart. For as the Doctor had warned, his Elphaba, his Fae, had the mind of a child, an infant, a newborn, unfamiliar with this world, and its travesties.
The real Elphaba had faded beneath the folds of darkness and pain, behind fear and hatred. Elphaba Melena Thropp had been taken from this world, the minute she plunged within the raging waters of Suicide Canal, and swept away beneath the violent currents.
"Peekaboo" coos Siefer again. His hands fall away, his eyes once again contort into strange, goofy positions in his sockets.
A soft giggle and Elphaba slowly raises her head fully from the mattress, a soft smile, tugging on her soft lips. Her short raven hair falls over her shoulders as she weakly balances on her arms.
Another wailing giggle and Elphaba awkwardly claps her hands.
Slowly, Galinda turns to face Avaric, fear and confusion, sparkling within her dark, cerulean eyes.
The same dreaded thought, crests along her subconscious. Her Elphie, her smart, brillifying Elphie, was gone, reduced to that of a newborn infant, dumb, and awkward.
An infant…those were the same words Thieson had spoken to the group but hours ago.
Shaking those thoughts away, Galinda's eyes slowly rose and waited.
Feeling someone's eyes upon him. Avaric slowly turned and stared back into horrified cerulean.
He couldn't help, but smile at the confusion sparkling deep within the blonde's eyes. For only she, wouldn't comprehend the significance to what Siefer was presently doing. I mean, after all, Galinda was an only child. She never had siblings. Therefore, she never had to play such nonsensical games before.
"Av…what is he?" asks Galinda softly.
"He's playing with her Glin…like she's a baby" whispers Avaric softly.
"Why?"
"Cause that's what she is now…an infant…trapped in a woman's body" Inwardly, Avaric shivers, as he echoes the very words the Doctor had spoken, moments before.
"Peekaboo?" asks Galinda, frowning.
Turning, Avaric's eyes soften, and staring at the blonde before him, utter confusion flickering across her face brought a soft smile, too crest along his thin lips. Oz, she could be so dumb sometimes, and yet, so adorable at the same time.
"Didn't your parents ever play peekaboo with you when you were little?"
Sniffling, Galinda's head lowers. The softness in her eyes fades, as tears brim against the edges of her long black lashes. Her parents playing with her Ha! What a lark! They'd much rather spend their time drinking themselves into a stupor, and kiss ass to those of higher in status then play with their only child.
"My parent's never had time to play with me" replies Galinda softly.
"Your parents never spent any time with you?" asks Avaric shocked.
This surprised him. Sure he knew Galinda's parents were wealthy, high in status in the Gillikin, as were his parents. And yet, no matter how busy his mother or father was, they still made time to play with him.
"No…my Ama watched over me"
"Didn't she play with you?" asks Avaric gently.
"She was much too old to chase after a child like me…I was energetic…easily wearing the old goat out. She often complained of her back and legs hurting" answers Galinda.
"Glin…I'm" starts Avaric.
"It wasn't so bad…I had my toys, and my imagination to keep me occupied. And yes…there absence left a giant hole in my heart. But that hole was quickly filled with having Elphie and Fiyero…even you, in my life…being my friends and watching over me…protecting me…guiding me" smiles Galinda softly.
Smiling, Avaric gently wrapped an around Galinda's waist, and pulling the blonde close, rested his cheek against the top of her head. Slowly, his other arm wrapped around her shoulder. The tips of his fingers lightly rubbed comforting circles against her skin.
Doctor Thieson watched from the doorway. His one arm spread out, the tips of his fingers pressing against the frame of the door, preventing the Nurses and Security from running into the room.
"Doctor?" asks Mirellia confused.
She was ready to burst into the room, and pull Siefer away from the frightened woman, but with the Doctor's sudden and abrupt halt, left her confusified.
"Just wait" whispers the Doctor, not wishing to give away his presence just yet. He was fortunate neither Siefer, nor the others had heard his outburst, moments before.
Closing his hands around his eyes, Siefer jerks his head to the right, before opening his hands. His eyes rolled in circles within his sockets, and his nose flared, making the nostrils appear larger.
"Peekaboo!" exclaims Siefer.
Another giggle, louder than the last slips free from the emerald woman's lips. Slowly, Elphaba pulled herself closer to Siefer, a child-like wonderment shimmering within her eyes.
Closing his hands around his eyes, he jerked his head to the left before allowing his hands to fly away. He was about to speak, when he felt fingers, touch and jab at his lips.
Startled, Siefer freezes. His hands slowly fall away, and his eyes watch as Elphaba's fingers lightly brush against his lips, before tracing the slope of his cheek to his eyes.
A loud giggle slips free from Elphaba's lips, as she jabs her finger into Siefer's eyes. Startled, Siefer jerks away. His hand flies to his injured eye, as the other, stares wide back at Elphaba, laughing back at him and clapping.
"Oh you think that's so funny do you?" asks Siefer chuckling.
A gurgled response is all Siefer gets before Elphaba once again reaches for him.
Laughing Siefer's hand slowly falls away from his eye. A crocodile smile, slides across his lips, before he raises his hands up to his face. His fingers splay and wriggle menacing in the air.
"Oh now you're in for it. Here comes the TICKLE MONSTER!" A startled gasp and Siefer lunges towards Elphaba.
The others watch in amusement, as Siefer tickles Elphaba's sides, eliciting loud, bubbly, gurgling laughter to fills the air.
It was heart wrenching to watch. A grown woman of nineteen, laughing like a baby, writhing beneath the fingers of the man she loves, tickling her. It was almost too much to bear. And yet, Siefer took it in strides. For him, this was yet another challenge, another test of his love and devotion for the emerald angel's heart.
Fiyero stumbled back, and feeling the edge of the chair bump against the back of his legs, collapses. His eyes stare haunted at the scene before him. Fae, his Fae, laughing and gurgling, as his brother tickled her senseless. The full reality to the horrors of her injuries, screamed back at him, making his heart twist violently within his chest.
Questions, millions of questions spun within his mind. Could he do it? Could he be her rock, her mentor, her guide in helping to return her back to the state she was once at? Was he strong enough to?
The laughter continued in the background, but Fiyero couldn't hear it, for he was at war with himself, with his heart, and with his mind. There was no question that he loved the emerald angel. And yet, he wondered, if that love was enough.
The laughter stops suddenly, and Elphaba's body stiffens, and her eyes widen. Her lips quiver and her eyes fill with tears.
Siefer watches, as Elphaba's eyes dive down to the mattress crumpled beneath her. A soft sob, slips past her lips, before her fingers; trembling, reach down between her legs.
Her eyes widen. Slowly, she pulls her hand away and lifts it up to the level of her eyes. Siefer could see it, as well as the others, a glistening liquid, dripping down from three of her fingers, trailing down the knuckles and twisting around her wrist.
"Oh…Fae" whispers Siefer, his face softening, upon realizing the full impact of what had just transpired.
Elphaba throws her head back, and wails. Her body trembles and her hands fist loosely against the mattress.
She couldn't take it anymore. Her hear thundered within her chest as her maternal instincts kicked into overtime.
At that moment, Mirellia ducks beneath the Doctors arms. Stepping up next to Siefer, she gives him a watery glance, before turning back to watch the green woman, crying hysterically on the bed.
"Shush shush…er is er klein meisje…geen behoefte om te huilen" soothes Mirellia. Shush shush…there there little girl…no need to cry.
Siefer watched in amazement, as Mirellia gently gathers Elphaba up in her arms. Holding her close, she rocked the trembling woman as she spoke to her, soothing away her tears in perfect Munchkin.
"Shush shush engeltje…er zjn er…droog je tranen" Gently, Mirellia's hand rises and threads through Elphaba's short, raven hair. Shush shush little angel…there there…dry your tears
A small smile, crested along Siefer's lips, seeing a woman, a mother, hold an infant child, cradling her within the protection of her arms.
"How do you know Munchkin?" asks Siefer softly.
Slowly, Mirellia lifts her head up, and stares softly back at Siefer. A mother's love, sparkles within her dark eyes.
"I studied there for a year before coming here to Shiz" smiles Mirellia.
"Will she be alright?" asks Siefer. Slowly, his eyes lower to Elphaba, shaking against Mirellia. The side of her face was pressed against her crisp, white dress, and her arms wound loose around Mirellia's waist.
"She'll be fine…she's just upset" smiles Mirellia. Slowly, she turns her eyes lower as she gazes down at the frightened, distraught woman, shivering within the cradle of her arms. It broke her heart, seeing a young woman as this, reduced to that of an infant, a child of innocence, in need of protection, guidance, and love.
"Why?" asks Galinda, having not seen what was on Elphaba's fingers.
"She wet herself" sighs Mirellia. Closing her eyes, she presses a soft kiss to Elphaba's forehead, before turning to stare back at the dumbfounded blonde.
"She…wet…herself?" asks Galinda slowly.
"Yes" is all Mirellia says, before turning back to stare down at the crying woman shivering violently against her chest. Slowly, so not to frighten her, Mirellia leans down and rests her cheek, against Elphaba's forehead.
"But" starts Galinda, but stops at the feel of Avaric's hand rest on the top of her shoulder. Turning, she stares up into Avaric's soft eyes.
"When you're a child…an infant…wetting yourself is not exactly the most comfortable feeling" is all Avaric says.
"Oh" whispers Galinda.
It was true. Her Elphie was but a babe, a helpless infant, who needed to learn everything all over again, including how to use the bathroom.
"Er zijn kleintje…geen tranen meer" soothes Mirellia. There there little one…no more tears
Slowly but surely the tears stop, the whimpers fade away, and the trembles vanish. Mirellia's eyes dip down towards Elphaba's face, and a soft, warm smile tugs at the edges of her lips. Elphaba had fallen asleep.
"She's sleeping" whispers Mirellia.
Coughing, Doctor Thieson makes his way over to Mirellia.
"Perhaps now would be a good time to find the young lady a new dress…and clean her up a little" replies the Doctor softly.
"A new bed too…is in order…and a protective pad" sighs Mirellia, turning to face Doctor Thieson.
Absently, her fingers rise up and thread through Elphaba's hair. The tips, lightly pad against her soft emerald skin.
"No water" croaks out Siefer.
"I beg your pardon?" asks Mirellia.
"No water…she's allergic" whispers Siefer.
"We have special oils for cases such as these" smiles Mirellia.
Since the letter had arrived, Nessa had spent the entire day, in search of her sister, and her friends. She had wheeled herself to the Library, hoping to find her sister tucked away in one of the far corners.
Coming up empty, she went next to the large Jasmine trees, where she knew Elphaba often climbed up and hid, within its large branches, a book in hand.
No luck. About to give up, she wheeled herself back to the dorms. She was about to turn the corner, when a familiar voice, floated on the edge of the breeze. Stopping, she leaned against the side of her chair, straining to hear the words spoken by the one person she hoped not to run into.
"Yes…it's quite tragic really…Miss Elphaba was quite talented…to hear of what her foolish decision had done…what it had rendered her to…well frankly its quite horrendifying"
"Madame Morrible?" whispers Nessa.
"How long do they wager her being in the Infirmary?" asks another voice.
"Doctor Thieson doesn't know. Last he told me she had a long road to recovery…what with needing to re-learn her basic needs it could take months!" exclaims Morrible in mock exasperation.
"Months" squeaks Nessa.
"What a shame…what of the gentlemen…Fiyero and Siefer…what has become of them?"
"Both Master Tiggular's have remained by her side throughout this entire ordeal…including Miss Upland and Master Tenmeadows" replies Morrible.
"And you've let them? What of their studies? They've missed so much already I fear they will not make the deadline for graduation?"
"No worries…they are all quite smart…well Master Tiggular is…the others…are…well" replies Madame Morrible.
"Master Tiggular? The Dancing through life Winkie prince?"
"No no no his brother…Master Siefer Tiggular…he is quite intelligent and shall have no problem catching up with his studies. As for the others…it was a choice they made willingly…perhaps, if Miss Elphaba recovers quickly, she will be able to help the others catch up…though highly unlikely" sighs Madame Morrible.
"And if they don't? Will you still keep them here in University or send them packing?"
"My dear friend…of course I won't send them away!" gasps Morrible.
"But…if they cannot meet academic standards…then why keep them?"
"Dearie, you forget who these three are. They are the heirs of the Upland, Margreaves and Tiggular fortune…of course I shall not send them away…the money their parents send for their education will help finance the College…as well as raise the bonuses of some of our staff…no we need their fortunes. If only to keep Shiz as the crowned jewel of Oz" replies Morrible.
"I see…and Miss Elphaba?"
"What about her?" asks Morrible.
"If she doesn't regain normal function…what then?"
"Don't worry dearie…I'm more than confident in Miss Elphaba's skills and determination…she will return to her normal state…and then our plan can finally start in motion again" cackles Morrible.
"Oh no" gasps Nessa.
Grasping the wheels of her chair, Nessa frantically backs up and wheels herself away as fast as she can.
An hour later…
Mirellia gently lays Elphaba's limp body down on the mattress. Whimpering, the green girl weakly curls into a fetal position, before falling fast asleep. A soft sigh and Elphaba plops her thumb into her mouth.
Sighing, Mirellia leans down and presses a gentle kiss to Elphaba's cheek. And, brushing away a few loose strands rises to her full height.
"Fresh dreams…little one" whispers Mirellia.
Slowly, Mirellia leans down and grasping the covers between the meats of her fingers, pulls the covers up and over Elphaba's body. Gently, she folds the sheet back, half covering her shoulder.
A sigh and the gentle sucking of her thumb stops, as Elphaba drifts off into the sea of her dreams.
"How is she?" asks a voice.
Startled Mirellia turns, her hand flies to her chest. Her eyes widen, seeing Siefer, standing at the threshold, his hands resting placid against his side.
His eyes were haunted, and tears shimmered within, making his dark sapphire eyes sparkle in the splints of light and darkness.
"She's asleep…poor thing is absolutely exhausted" answers Mirellia.
"What now?" asks Siefer, as he draws himself further into the room.
"We start therapy" answers Mirellia softly.
"Therapy?" asks Siefer confused.
"Yes…therapy. A speech therapists here at the Infirmary will help teach Miss Elphaba how to speak…a physical therapist will work on teaching her to walk and move her limbs properly…and an aid will help her learn the rest…eating…drinking, writing, reading, math…and to use the facilities" answers Mirellia.
"Like preschool and Kindergarten all over again" laughs Siefer slightly.
"Like having multiple parents around, teaching her the basics of life…and how to take care of herself again. Only this time…she'll have people who'll actually love and care about her" answers Mirellia.
"How long?" asks Siefer.
"It depends on her" answers Mirellia.
"Siefer?" came a timid voice.
Slowly, Siefer turned. His eyes soften, seeing Nessa, sit at the threshold of the door leading to Elphaba's hospital room.
"Nessa" whispers Siefer.
Wheeling herself in, she stops abruptly in front of Siefer. Staring up at him, Nessa lifts a hand up and beckons Siefer closer.
Frowning, he leans down, until his face is but a few inches away.
Growling, Nessa winds back and slaps Siefer hard across the face.
Stumbling, Siefer stumbles back. His eyes widen in both surprise and anger.
"What in Oz was that for?"
"For not informing me of my sister's condition!" roars Nessa.
"Please…whatever tryst you two have please take it outside…before you wake Miss Elphaba" pleads Mirellia.
"Very well" growls Nessa.
Angry, she turns and wheels herself out the door. Siefer hangs back, and turning, stares imploringly back into Mirellia's eyes.
"Go on…I'm sure she'll forgive you" smiles Mirellia.
"Not bloody likely" grumbles Siefer, before stepping out, leaving Mirellia and Elphaba alone.
Nessa sits in the hallway, stewing. Her head snaps up, hearing Siefer's footsteps approach her.
"Why Siefer? Why didn't you or Galinda tell me!" demands Nessa.
"We were a little busy trying to keep your sister alive" growls Siefer.
"And after? I had just been told by Doctor Thieson that my sister has been in a coma for the past two months! Why didn't you tell me then!" demands Nessa.
"Nessa…I couldn't leave her side…not when we didn't know when she would regain consciousness" explains Siefer.
"And the seizures" eyes Nessa.
"Are true…Fae will suffer from seizure like fits for the rest of her life" replies Siefer.
"Serves her right" sniffs Nessa.
"Excuse me?" asks Siefer.
"Serves her right…it's her punishment…for trying to take her own life…a thing our Unnamed God prohibits"
"Nessa…now is not the time to be spouting your religion…your sister very nearly died and was trapped within a coma for the past two months…now she's awake. And has the mental capacity of a newborn…so unless you have something of validity to share…I suggest you leave and not bother those who do care for Fae" snarls Siefer.
Grunting, he spins on his heels and starts to storm away; a thundercloud booming just above his head. The nerve of her, to commend such a fate on an innocent soul, lost within the turbulent tides of pain and suffering.
"A letter arrived from Munchkinland" came Nessa's curt reply.
Stopping, Siefer stands rigid at the door. His hands slowly fist against his sides. This wasn't something neither he nor Elphaba needed right now. It was bad enough Nessa had to show up, spouting her religion and condemning her sister, but now her father! Oz, can anything go right for her?
"And that's of importance how?" asks Siefer, his voice was dark, and acidic.
"It regards both of our fates" replies Nessa, her eyes darken and her voice was low. Obviously, this letter affected her just as greatly as it did Fae.
Slowly, Siefer turns, his eyes still stormy, glares back at the wheelchair bound girl, glaring back at him with matching intensity.
Half turning his body to face Nessa he waits impatiently for the younger Thropp to speak.
"Well…spit it out then" demands Siefer.
"I will not be spoken to with such disrespect from a Winkie Savage like you" snarls Nessa.
"Now you listen here and listen good!" growls Siefer. Enraged Siefer storms up to Nessa, enraged his hands rise up and slam onto the arms of her chair, before curling around the armrests. "I do not care from what prestigious family heritage you may have come from…but I shall give respect…when you have earned respect. I' am the Crowned Prince of the Vinkus a status much higher than that of the future Governess of Munchkinland. And I will not bow to a spoiled, selfish cow such as yourself!"
"How dare you" snarls Nessa.
"Nessa please!" comes a shrill voice.
Both Siefer and Nessa turn, for there, standing around the bend, was Galinda. Half her body was hidden behind the wall, and her hand, rested against the edge, the tips of her fingers pressing against the plastered wood. Her big, cerulean eyes stared teary-eyed at the two.
"Please Nessa just stop" pleads Galinda.
Weakly, Galinda steps out from behind the wall. Timidly, she walks up next to Siefer.
"Just stop…there's been enough pain…enough suffering already…must we inflict more upon our already shattered hearts?" asks Galinda timidly.
"What else of my sister's condition" asks Nessa, her voice was dark, and still held an edge of authority.
"She is an infant trapped in a woman's body Nessa" whispers Galinda.
"Meaning?" asks Nessa confused.
"She has to re-learn everything all over again…to speak…eat…drink…write, read, color, draw...tie her shoes…everything she learned since childhood to now" growls Siefer.
"By the Unnamed God above" whispers Nessa horrified. It was worse than she had originally feared, and with the encroaching deadline veering along the horizon…
"I see" whispers Nessa softly.
Slowly, she reaches down, and grasping the wheels, turns her chair and starts to push herself away.
"Nessa…what of the letter you spoke of?" asks Siefer.
Stopping, Nessa doesn't move, nor make a move to turn and face the two. Sighing, her hands rise and rest regal in the bowl of her lap.
"An agreement that needs to be fulfilled" is all Nessa says, before wheeling herself away, and leaving the others dumbstruck.
Lost in her own anger, Nessa hardly takes notice to a figure, stepping out of the shadows. Startled, she gasps. Her hand flies to her chest, and the tips of her fingers, press against the tight fabric of her Shiz uniform.
"Fiyero!"
"Sorry Nessa" smirks Fiyero. "I didn't mean to frighten you"
"What are you doing here Fiyero? Shouldn't you be wallowing in your self-pity for my sister?" asks Nessa. Regally, her hand falls to the bowl of her lap, and her eyes harden.
"I have already shed my tears for her...besides" starts Fiyero, as he turns his gaze away from Nessa. "She has enough people to pity her at the moment...what's the use in one more"
"I couldn't agree more" sniffs Nessa.
Slowly, Fiyero kneels next to Nessa, and reaching up, clasps his hands around hers.
"Nessa is something troubling you?" asks Fiyero, his voice etched on the edge of worry.
The darkness within her eyes fades, and tears shimmer within, making the dark hazel sparkle.
"Oh Fiyero...it's horrendible!" wails Nessa.
"What is my dear?" asks Fiyero sweetly.
"A letter arrived from Colwen Grounds...regarding mine and Fabala's future" cries Nessa.
Rising on the tips of his toes, Siefer reaches up and cups the side of Nessa's face. Leaning closer, he presses a tender kiss to the tip of her nose.
"What is it?" asks Fiyero softly.
"A marriage agreement between my father and the rulers of the Glikkus" sniffles Nessa.
"A marriage agreement?" asks Fiyero confused.
"Yes"
"Why the Glikkus and why now?" asks Fiyero.
"My father holds strong family ties to the Glikkus...some of his relatives are from there. My father had always wanted to re-strengthen the ties between our two great countries and in doing so...promised the current rulers that either me or Fabala will be married to their eldest son...well...the time has come...and one of us must go and fulfill the deed" cries Nessa.
"I see" replies Fiyero. Shiftily, he turns his gaze away from Nessa's face. The clocks within his mind starts to whirl and spin. A plan, crested along his subconscious.
"I was hoping to speak to Fabala...and determine which one of us will be going to the Glikkus to marry" continues Nessa.
Turning, Fiyero once again captures Nessa's hands within his own.
"Don't worry Nessie...everything will be alright" soothes Fiyero.
"How do you know?" asks Nessa sadly.
"Trust me" smiles Fiyero.