The Wizard Of Wicked: That is actually planned to happen later on.

Galinda squealed and skittered merrily around the room, back and forth from the closet to her bed, to the wardrobe, to the dresser and back again to the bed, a faded streak of gold, pink and blues, a pallor cacophony of grace and agility.

Elphaba sat rigidly on her bed, her slender fingers laced tightly in the bowl of her lap. Her sightless eyes stared wistfully out the window as if she could see a hidden world the blonde, and those blessed with sight, could not see.

There was a thickness in the air, heavy, and wet which hung over the green girl like a cloak of thick wool, wrapped tight and bound by its course texture, and yet no matter how hard she struggled to rid herself of its presence, it remained, clinging to her like mist swirling upon the surface of a crystal green pond. Closing her eyes, she shivered.

Galinda was busy looking at two different dresses, which, in Elphaba's opinion, were virtually the same. "Oh, I simply can't decide which one I should take with me." Stomping her foot in irritation, she whirled around and started to move towards her roommate when she stopped. "Elphie?"

The blonde stood, frozen, watching her friend shiver on the bed. Her back was straight and rigid, her fingers laced tightly together. She could see the blades of her shoulders rise through the heavy material of her dress and tense.

Slowly, she stepped closer and an ache skipped across her heart, seeing the worry lines on her friend's face. Taking a careful seat beside her, she lifted her small hand up and rested it softly on her shoulder. "Elphie?" she whispered.

Elphaba jumped and pushed herself away from the blonde. Losing her balance, she teetered towards the edge of the bed.

"Elphie!" Reaching out, Galinda grabbed onto Elphaba's flailing hand and pulled her back up onto the bed. Before she had a chance to pull away, the blonde gently placed the raven-haired beauty's open palm against her cheek.

Elphaba tensed as her fingers softly drifted across the blonde's face. Slowly, she relaxed and a soft smile pulled at the tip of her lips, feeling the blonde's familiar lips brush against the tips of her fingers.

Smiling slightly, Galinda's hand rose and curled around Elphaba's. Gently, she brought their joined hands down to rest on her lap and, turning her hand over, signed into her palm. 'Elphie… what's the matter?'

Smiling slightly, Elphaba gently turned the blonde's hand over and signed against the palm of her pale white hand. 'It's nothing, Glin. Honestly.'

'Elphie, don't lie. Something is bothering you. What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?' Elphaba nodded slightly back at the blonde. 'So… tell me.'

Sighing, Elphaba's eyes closed and fluttered open like the wings of a butterfly dancing in the breeze and, for a moment, the blonde just stared back at her friend staring blindly towards the window. 'I can't help but think that there's something coming, something I'm not going to like; an overwhelming feeling of foreboding that I just can't shake ever since Fiyero told us we would be going to the Vinkus.'

Galinda relaxed, her shoulders sagged and a soft smile drifted across her slender lips. "Oh, Elphie," she whispered before taking the green girl's hand and signing gently into her palm. 'It's just nerves. Everyone feels this way when they're about to meet their boyfriend's parents.'

At that, Elphaba immediately stiffened and whirled around to face the blonde. Her eyes widened and her mouth flapped open in stunned silence as a deep blush spread across her cheeks. 'Boyfriend.' she mouthed back at the blonde.

Galinda couldn't help but giggle back at her friend. She had never seen Elphaba so unhinged, a silent, babbling idiot with her mouth flopping open and shut like a mackerel. 'Yes, boyfriend. That's what you and Fiyero are. Boyfriend and girlfriend.'

The blush on Elphaba's face deepened and the green girl shyly turned away.

Galinda watched, amused, as Elphaba squirmed giddily on the bed, and she couldn't help but think how cute first loves really were. Tenderly, Galinda took Elphaba's hand and held it within her own before tracing delicate patterns against her palm. 'He loves you very much, you know.'

Elphaba smiled and nodded back to the blonde.

'Come on. Let's get you packed and ready to go.' Lacing her fingers with Elphaba's, the blonde gently lifted Elphaba to her feet and guided her towards the closet. Together, hand in hand, the two friends went over her wardrobe, deciding on which dresses her green friend was going to take with her to the Vinkus, and which ones were going to stay.

The whole process took a while, considering Galinda had to sign each and every dress and its color to the green girl and wait for her response. But after an hour, they had decided on a few regular black frocks, her navy blue outfit, and one dress that she simply could not leave behind, the dress the blonde had bought her friend for her birthday.

What Elphaba didn't know was that Galinda had secretly bought an elegant ball gown for her friend once she learned of Fiyero's plans to take them to the Vinkus. It was long and would hug her curves perfectly, showing them off. The material was soft as silk, and the bodice was made of soft white lace. The rest of the dress was a soft, pearl gray color, which would complement her skin tone perfectly. Not too pale, and not too dark. Packed, they met Fiyero and the others out by the gates where the carriage awaited them.

"What took you so long?" Nessa asked as she impatiently tapped her foot.

"Sorry. It took a while to convince Elphie on what to and not to bring with her to the Vinkus," the blonde smiled before handing their suitcases to the coachman.

Fiyero was helping the coachman load and tie down everyone's luggage and had not heard the blonde, nor realize that they had arrived. Sweat glistened across his forehead, and some of his wheat gold hair clung to his forehead from the midday sun.

"What to and what not to wear?" Nessa frowned. "That sounds like some kind of magazine or something."

"What Not To Wear," Galinda giggled.

Nessa rolled her eyes before stepping over to her sister. Gently, she took Elphaba's hand and brought it up to her cheek. Elphaba stiffened at first, before relaxing as her slender fingers lightly traced over her sister's delicate features. 'Nessa.' she mouthed.

Nessa smiled and nodded.

Taking her sister's hand, she gently brought it down and, turning it over, signed quickly into her palm. 'Where's Fiyero?'

Nessa giggled before turning her sister's hand over. 'He's on top of the carriage, tying down the luggage.'

Elphaba nodded and waited. A few minutes later, someone jumped down and stepped towards her. She stiffened, feeling someone's fingers brush against her own. The person gently took her hand and brought it up to their face. Slowly, Elphaba's slender fingers traced the person's face and as she did, a delicate smile pulled at the tips of her lips.

'Yero.' she mouthed.

Fiyero nodded and, leaning down, kissed the top of her head. "Hi, beautiful."

Elphaba giggled.

"Are we all set to go?" Fiyero asked as he gently gathered Elphaba within the cradle of his arms and held her tight.

"Oz, yes!" the blonde sighed dramatically. Fiyero and Nessa rolled their eyes before loading into the carriage.

Gently, Fiyero led Elphaba to the carriage and helped her inside, before jumping in behind her and slamming the door shut. Once settled, Fiyero tapped the top of the carriage with his knuckles. A crack of the whip and the carriage lurched forward.

"Off to the Vinkus," Nessa smiled giddily.

"One short day in the Western Kingdoms! One short day to Kiamo Ko!" Galinda sang.

"Galinda! No. Singing," Nessa growled as she covered her ears.

Galinda pouted and, crossing her arms across her chest, pushed herself back against the seat. "You're no fun."

"So you say now," Nessa teased.

Fiyero chuckled and pulled Elphaba against him. Turning his head, he kissed her forehead. Elphaba smiled slightly before snuggling herself against Fiyero's side, her sightless eyes staring out the window as she relaxed.

The trip dragged on, which would have been boring if it hadn't been for Galinda and her nonsensical chatter and her ridiculous games and her weird sing-alongs, and though Fiyero and Nessa groaned in protest, secretly, they were enjoying it.

All too soon, they arrived and just as the carriage pulled up through the gravely pathway leading up to the steps of Kiamo Ko, two people came into view; a woman and a man, both dressed in elegant clothing. The man, who Nessa figured was Fiyero's father, looked exactly like the brainless Prince, save for his face, which was harder and weathered with age. His hair was the same wheat gold, with small splints of gray. The woman stood a foot shorter than the man, with soft sapphire eyes and white gold hair delicately twisted into a bun. Her face was shaped like a perfect oval and her thin lips twisted into a soft smile.

The carriage pulled up to the steps and the two imposing figures took the last two steps and waited. The door opened and Fiyero stepped out first, his hand firmly clasped with Elphaba's. Nessa and Galinda followed next.

"Welcome home, son," the King smiled warmly.

"Hello, Father. Mother." Gently, Fiyero pulled Elphaba beside him. "I'd like you to meet Elphaba Thropp, my girlfriend and the woman I love."

The Queen gasped softly and turned to her husband. The King gave her a silent reproach before shifting his gaze back to Fiyero.

"She's lovely." Slowly, the King stepped closer and, reaching out, gently bumped his fingers against Elphaba's.

Elphaba stiffened at first, but relaxed, feeling Fiyero's hands tighten around her other hand. Slowly, Elphaba stepped closer as the King took her hand and, bringing it up to his lips, pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman who has stolen my son's heart," he said warmly.

Smiling, Fiyero quickly signed into Elphaba's open palm. Elphaba giggled before regally bowing before the King.

"She's very eloquent, isn't she?" the King chuckled.

Fiyero nodded back at his father and he couldn't help but smile, for his heart leapt with joy. This was turning out better than he had imagined. Already his father was taken in by his girlfriend, and he hoped that this was a good sign, considering he already had plans to marry Elphaba and make her his wife.

He turned to address his mother, but stopped, seeing the horror shimmer in her soft sapphire eyes. "Mother?" he asked, confused.

Shaking her head, the Queen stepped down to stand beside her husband. "It's nothing, Fiyero. Now, who is this?" she asked, her voice shaky.

"This is Elphaba Thropp, my girlfriend and the love of my life," said Fiyero wearily, picking up on the shakiness in his mother's voice.

Just like the King, Fiyero's mother took Elphaba's hand and shook it softly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Elphaba," she said, her voice was tight and Fiyero could tell that she was struggling to keep her emotions under control.

Deciding to wait until they were alone, he turned and gestured for Nessa and Galinda to step forward.

"Mother, Father, this is Galinda Upland and Nessa Thropp, my school chums from Shiz."

"Galinda Upland of the-" Fiyero's father started.

"Of the Upper Uplands, and may I say it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Majesty," the blonde said as she took his hand and bowed.

"Please, Aziel, and the pleasure is all mine. I know of your parents. Fine people. How are they?" he asked.

"They're fine. Father and Mother are planning a trip here to the Vinkus soon to do business with your advisors," Galinda said, falling into her proper Gillikin roots easily.

"Ah, yes. Cork did say something about Razien and Camillia making a journey. I shall be sure to say hello to your parents when they arrive," Aziel winked. Turning he gestured for his wife to step forward. "My wife, Queen Arianna."

Arianna approached the young blonde and smiled. Galinda reached down and pinched the edges of her dress and pulling them out, regally bowed to the Queen of the Vinkus.

"Your Majesty," the blonde curtsied.

"Please, just Arianna," the Queen smiled.

"Miss Nessarose. May I say you look exactly like your mother," Aziel smiled.

"You knew my mother?" Nessa asked, shocked.

"Your father and mother would journey here during business affairs for Munchkinland. A beautiful woman, who is sadly missed," Aziel said softly.

Nessa nodded and bowed her head.

"Well, shall we go into the sitting room? I believe the maids have already set up tea and treats for you all," Arianna smiled.

Fiyero nodded and guided Elphaba up the castle steps and into the great hall, Galinda followed. Nessa stayed behind at first before joining the others. For the entire afternoon, the college students and Fiyero's parents chatted and laughed over stories and adventures that had happened to them whilst at Shiz. Galinda and Fiyero both made sure to not mention Elphaba's incident with her 'old friends'. Elphaba sat beside Fiyero and fingered her half empty cup of Vinkun rose tea, her sightless eyes staring down at the gold rim.

The Queen, having noticed the time regally stood from her perch beside her husband. "Perhaps now would be a good time for you all to be shown to your rooms where you can freshen up before supper," she said, smiling at Fiyero and his friends.

Fiyero nodded and taking Elphaba's hand, signed against her palm. 'Fae, we're done now and I'm going to show you to your room.'

Elphaba nodded back and rose with a yawn.

The King chuckled as he too rose as the others dispersed. "Son, I need you to stay back, please," he said as Fiyero started to walk out of the room.

"Father?" Fiyero asked, stunned.

"It's business. Her friend and sister can show her to where she will be staying," Arianna said softly.

Nessa stepped up beside Elphaba and gently took her hand. "I can show her."

Fiyero wanted to protest but knew it wouldn't do him any good. Sighing, he nodded and watched sadly as Nessa guided his love away. "What's so important that it couldn't wait until later?" he asked, annoyance evident in his voice.

"Fiyero," Aziel said sternly. "Have you forgotten your duty?"

"What duty?" Fiyero frowned.

"Your marriage," Arianna whispered.

"Marriage?! To who!?"

"Your marriage to Sarima," the King said dryly.

"What? I don't remember agreeing to this!" Fiyero exclaimed.

"You agreed not long before you left for Shiz. It was a deal you made with your father. We allowed you to attend Shiz with the promise that once you graduated, you would marry Sarima," Arianna said.

"You have got to be joking!"

"Sadly, I'm not," the King said flatly.

"I can't marry Sarima!" Fiyero shouted in horror.

"Why in Oz not?" Arianna asked.

"'Cause I don't love her, Mother! I can't marry someone I don't love! Besides, I plan to marry Elphaba… no, I take that back. I want to marry Elphaba."

"Fiyero, first of all, you signed a contract promising yourself to Sarima. Secondly, you can't marry Elphaba," Aziel said sternly.

"Why not?" Fiyero growled. Now he really regretted coming home. "Don't you like Elphaba? You all seemed quite taken in by her."

"We adore Elphaba. She's a beautiful young woman who anyone would be proud to call their wife," Arianna said.

"But?" Fiyero snarled.

"She's blind, son. And deaf. How can she rule when she cannot hear nor see? How can she help to conduct business if she cannot hear advisors from different lands or the people who will look to her for help and guidance?" the King asked.

"I can sign into her hand, Father! She's smart and would do well for our kingdom!" Fiyero argued.

"Son, there will be times when you cannot be with her. You'll be called off somewhere to meet with other rulers of the lands and Elphaba will have to stay behind. She cannot advise nor make decisions if she cannot hear nor speak. Plus, if you two were to have children, how would she raise them?" Aziel said, his voice low.

"I can't believe you're saying this!" Fiyero roared, running his hand through his hair. "You're saying Elphaba is incapable of making decisions that are good for our people? That our servants here cannot learn to sign to help aid her in her meetings? That she is incapable of having children or taking care of them!?"

"I'm merely speaking the truth that you so blindly have turned away from. And it does not matter. You shall marry Sarima and you will like it!" the King snarled.

"No, I won't!"

"You have no choice, Fiyero. You're next in line to the throne." Arianna said gently.

"I will not! You can't make me!"

"Enough!" the King roared. "You will marry Sarima or I shall pull you out of Shiz now and force you to marry her. And if you don't, I will write to the Governor of Munchkinland and have him take Elphaba away where you will never find her!"

"Father!" Fiyero said, stunned.

"This discussion is over!" Aziel roared before leaving.

The Queen hung back as Fiyero collapsed onto the couch. "I am sorry, Fiyero," she said softly.

"Mother, I love her," Fiyero whispered brokenly.

"I know, but it's your duty."

"So, duty comes before the heart?"

"Sadly, yes," the Queen said softly before leaving.

Nia's Corner of Useless Information Fact #7:

Another quote:

"Smile, let the whole world know that today, you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday." ~Author Unknown