It's been a while! I have more jotted down that I will be finishing very shortly but for now here is another chapter folks. I can't believe how long I've made this. I will be bringing it to a close incase anyone is wondering.
The morning sickness had finally seized, but she was constantly tired. She went about the Palace, doing her usual routine as Leader, but was doing it almost robotically. She had no one she could tell, no one to confide in. She felt alone and scared. Scared most of all for what the reaction would be when she finally did confide in someone. Elphaba was going to be distraught at the news; she hated Avaric as much as Glinda herself did. Glinda blinked out of her daydream as Mary placed a plate of food down in front of her.
"I'm sorry did I disrupt a deep thought?" Mary said sincerely.
"It's fine." Glinda smiled up at her and looked at the food before her, once again not in the mood for eating.
"You need to keep your strength Glinda my dear, you are feeding for two now afterall." She said quietly so no one would hear.
Glinda shot a glance up at her. Who had told her? Were there rumours going around? If the people of Oz found out she would have to answer questions, she would have to openly talk about it.
"How do you know that?" Devastation rose in her voice.
"Come now, I think I've known before you did, I am a mother."
"Who told you Mary? Tell me right now." She demanded. Mary realised this was more than just a sensitive subject and remained quiet, despite them being alone.
"Nobody told me Miss Glinda. The signs are all there. You've been throwing up most days, you've not been eating and the bump is beginning to show." Glinda panicked and felt her stomach.
"Is it that obvious?" Rubbing the faintest of a bump.
"To me, I do look after you and have been doing for a good number of years now. You're secret is save with me my duckie. I am concerned for your well being, yours and the baby and so I ask you to eat right up. It's full of key nutrients it will do you the world of good." She smiled and patted her shoulder, as she turned to leave.
Desperate to talk to someone, anyone who would listen. Someone that she could trust with her secret, she grabbed her hand as she turned.
"Mary." She turned and looked down at a woman crumbling with this new piece of information.
"Hey now. It will be ok." Mary sat next to her on the dining room chair and placed her hand on her lap.
"How? I can't have his baby Mary. Not now, not after everything. I love Elphaba with all my heart, she will be devastated, she won't bear to look at me. I can't lose her."
"Don't talk like that; the idea of Elphaba leaving you is as ridiculous as the sky coming down. She'll stick by you."
"You can't guarantee that." She shook her head wildly.
"No, I can't. Elphaba has her own mind and so do you. You will tell her when the time is right, when it feels right and she will listen to what you have to say. I can't say how she will react we all run in different ways, but I know if that was me I would have to learn to live with it. She is your partner and you are in this relationship together. Only the two of you will work things out."
"Why did it have to be his?" Glinda spoke softly after a long pause. Mary looked down unsure what to say.
"It is also yours and as long as that baby has a pinch of you, it doesn't matter who the father is." She gave her hand a squeeze and sat with her for the remainder of the evening, much later than her scheduled hours. She watched her eat her meal and Glinda felt calmer than she had been since the news, but the thought of Elphaba's return still left her stomach churning with nerves. That feeling wouldn't seize until her return and the sooner the better in a lot of ways. Every hour was adding onto the stress of it all. She needed to relax, she needed her arms around hers, she needed her soothing word, she needed her and her alone.
Much to Chistery's satisfaction, the weather was getting into a pattern of constant sunshine as opposed to the usual groggy rain Kiamo Ko was so used to experiencing. They stayed the night there after the day they had had. Chistery running off roaming the towers and secret passageways, Elphaba was surprised he managed to find his way back but he always managed to turn up sooner or later. Coraline was forever talking about the spectacle Elphaba performed earlier on today. She watched her with a new found interest; the green skinned witch walked around the place, like the spell had no effect on her at all. She had performed a very near impossible act and made it a possibility. Yet, Elphaba was going about like it was nothing. Fiyero joined in with Coraline's ramblings and agreed nodding his newly formed head. He felt alive, really alive, he could feel his heart beat in his chest, he could feel the cup held in his hands, he felt like a new born. He had been given a new chance in a lot of ways, a chance to make something of himself. He didn't know what that was yet, but when he found out there would be no stopping him. All he could do was keep his permanent smile planted on his face. He would sneak glances at Elphaba as Coraline was doing. He had never doubted Elphaba as a person, but he saw her all the more brilliant. He would forever be in her debt. She only need name it and he would give it to her. Elphaba kept quiet for the whole day, the halls reminding her of a very long time ago. A time when she didn't know what she wanted in life, a time where she was an angry individual. She didn't like that old version of herself. It felt odd to be under the same roof again. She had once called it home. Up there in the west wing tower. She would gaze out the window and look out at the horizon, the distant mountains, the grey sky that she would venture out into on her broomstick. The castle had seen a lot, different people passing through; it was home to people and to magical books. Visitors passing through amongst them, some uninvited, The Gale Force, Dorothy the farm girl and her two companions. It had witnessed the death of The Wicked Witch herself that night when Dorothy threw the bucket of water in attempt to extinguish the flames on the Witch's skirts. The discovering of the spot where Elphaba disappeared into the afterlife. All that was left of her was her signature black pointed hat in her place; her broom standing idly against the window frame knowing it's owner would not be flying it out the frame any time soon.
When Elphaba was ready to return to The Emerald City and Coraline to her home, they ate their morning breakfast and begun asking the guards to get things in order for their travel. When Fiyero made no movement to prepare his belongings, Elphaba looked at him.
"Fiyero? Are you not ready?"
He turned his head to face her and smiled.
"I've been thinking." He laughed lightly tapping his head, gesturing to how nice that was to say. Elphaba laughed back.
"About what?"
"Perhaps I best stay here in Kiamo Ko."
A bit taken a back, Elphaba struggled to find the words.
"For how long?"
Fiyero shrugged.
"Until I know what it is I want in life, I suppose. It sounds so odd saying it so, but I have nothing for me in The Emerald City."
"You have us." She said quickly.
"I know but you don't need me."
She looked down at this.
"This is home." He didn't like the idea of not being so close to Elphaba, living far away would be a pity, but he felt this was the best choice.
"I'll visit when I can and you are welcome here any time of course." He continued.
She was quiet, taking in the information. It was a shock for him to say so, but maybe it was for the best. Her and Glinda had their own lives now, it was his turn to make one of his own. She jumped slightly when his hands rested on top of hers.
"You've given me another chance at life and I'm going to make the most of that. For that I'm forever grateful. You have a new chapter of your life and I want you to make the most of it. You and Glinda."
"And you."
"I expect my wedding invitation in the post." He smiled warmly.
"The wedding." She breathed.
"Glinda's no doubt making arrangements as we speak." They both laughed.
"Well, shall I see you out?" He put his hand on her shoulder and they both walked to the door where Coraline was bossing the guards about.
"Goodbye Coraline." He shouted out. She turned to face him and let him walk to her, her legs aren't what they used to be.
"Stay safe Master Fiyero."
"You too, Oz speed." He kissed her cheek in a true gentlemanly way and she patted his shoulder before she got into the carriage. Elphaba lended her arm as she did so and once she was safely inside closed the door behind her. She turned to Fiyero and smiled.
"Come here." She said softly. They both embraced, sharing their goodbye's.
"It's not like you're never going to see me again." He breathed against her shoulder, still in the embrace.
"I've grown accustomed to your presence that's all."
"Ah that's it, is it?" She smiled and leaned back, raising a hand to his cheek she looked into his eyes and Fiyero melted looking back into her eyes.
"Of course not. Write to me."
"I will."
"You know where we are should you need us."
"I do. Thank you Fae."
"Yero." She smiled lightly and kissed his cheek. He closed his eyes temporally. When she pulled away he got the door for her and shut the door behind her. He banged his hand against the roof to signal to the guards they could go and they started on the reins instantly.
"Goodbye."
"Safe journey." He called after them. And there he watched them ride off, until they were nothing but a small black smudge in the distance. Breathing in the morning air, he smiled to himself before returning back to his castle. Eager to make a new man of himself.
It had been a journey of goodbyes. Fiyero was ready to make a new start and Coraline was contempt to be back in the comfort of her home, satisfied with the achievement she had contributed towards. Elphaba too was looking forward to being back at home. It seemed funny for her to call The Palace her home after she detested the sight of it for so many years. It only seemed yesterday that a newly named Glinda Upland and an eager green skinned Elphaba Thropp had made their first visit to the tall emerald building. They were two young witches in the making, who had yet to see the Wizard for his true self; blinded like the rest of Oz by his 'Wonderfulness'. Things had surely changed since then. Oz now had their rightful leader; she was adored by all throughout the land. Since realising the Wizard's real intentions all those years ago, Elphaba was determined to change more than a couple of things on how Oz was run. Now Glinda was in power, these changes had already been taking form and although times were tough for everybody, she begun to notice a few more Animals walking the streets. There was little fear, knowing that Glinda would make things alright. People were wary of Elphaba of course, who could blame them, but people weren't constantly looking over their shoulder anymore. She had given her people assurance and hope. She was the perfect leader, she was born to lead, Elphaba thought to herself as she approached the Palace. She had such a respect for her, she trusted her more than she trusted herself, if that were possible. She had that effect on people; it was a gift.
"Your Highness, Miss Elphaba is arriving." A guard called from the door frame. Glinda's heart grew heavy.
"Thank you. I'll be right there." She watched him go, then got up from her spot and fixed herself in the mirror. Why was she shaking?
'Calm yourself' She told herself silently.
'One step at a time.' She breathed in deeply and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before going to greet Elphaba.
Elphaba was already in the hall swatting the Guard away who was busying trying to carry the suitcase for her.
"I can manage, I do have arms." She gave out a tutting sound and rolled her eyes. Glinda warmed at the sight of her, forever the charmer. She squatted Chistery away who was busy teasing her and he eventually decided to roam the halls, a favourite activity since being here. Elphaba watched him fly past and led her gaze to look up at Glinda. She smiled and set her suitcase down as she went to greet her.
"Miss me?" Elphaba smirked and just as the blonde opened her mouth to respond her lips were on hers. She kissed her back with equal strength, wrapping her arms around her neck. Elphaba picked her up so she could reach her better and Glinda's feet dangled in the air. A giggle escaped the blonde's lips.
"I did miss you." Glinda mumbled and then kissed her again.
"I see that." She replied. She blushed when she noticed the Guard with the suitcase was still stood waiting to be told what to do. Elphaba followed her gaze and Glinda patted her arms to set her back down on the floor.
"Could you take that up to the bedroom please?" Glinda cleared her throat, gesturing to the staircase. With a hurried nod he turned to leave and went all too quickly. The two of them shared a small laugh.
"Well how did it go?" She asked warmly.
"I think I may have to tell you over dinner." She said, taking Glinda's arm as she went to tell her all about her travel and then to hear what she had missed here while she had been away. At least that's what she was presuming.
It was after they had eaten and the good majority of staff had descended to their chambers for the night, when Elphaba caught Glinda staring blankly at nothing in particular. She was busy continuing on from her story of how the spell succeeded and how incredible it felt to be able to achieve such a thing for Fiyero, but Glinda had stopped listening long ago.
"It's best for him to be up there, don't you think?" She concluded. There was no reply and Elphaba turned to actually look at her. It wasn't just a daydreaming look, she wore a haunted almost pained expression on her face and Elphaba forgot all about what she was talking about.
"Glin?" After a few beats, her name rung in her ears and she followed the sound of her voice to see her staring back at her with concern on her face.
"What are you thinking about?" Glinda gulped, her throat was bone dry.
"Would you care for a drink?" She asked far too formally, getting to her feet and going over to pour herself a glass of water, seeing as sherry was off the menu for the time being.
"Are you ok, my sweet? You don't look yourself." Elphaba went over to her and brushed her hair back to study her face closely.
"I'm fine. Just a lot to take in from all you've said. It's good news." She forced a smile.
"Your sure that's all?" She asked suspiciously.
Glinda nodded her head and gulped her drink.
"I think I'm ready for bed, you going to join me?" She turned to leave and Elphaba silently followed her to their bedroom. They changed into their night clothes in silence and Elphaba couldn't help but feel as though she was keeping something from her. Glinda got herself under the covers and didn't snuggle up to her that night, she gave her a kiss on the cheek as usual, but turned her back on her to sleep away from her. Now Elphaba was sure she was right. She inched herself closer to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Glinda froze at the action, what if she could tell?
"Goodnight my sweet."
"Night." Her voice faltered her and she lay there for hours unable to drift off to sleep. Her mind was racing and the news was eating her up, sooner or later she would have to tell her, she just couldn't bear to jeopardise what they had going, they had come too far.
