A/N: Yay! It's done! You guys! I'm so excited. I really hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. All of my original (named) characters for this fic are as follows (with pronunciations):

Mareem - Ma-REEM

Cowper - Cooper

Delaya - Del-EYE-uh

Khanija - Kan-EE-zhuh

Korèl - Kor-EL

Daryn - DAY-rin

Bir - Beer

Koa - KOH-uh

Lylak - Lilac

Girne, Kernah, Oriel, Jozen, Filian & Yerak (The boys) - Girn, KER-nuh, OH-ree-uhl, JOE-zun, FILLY-uhn & YER-ak

Aphia - Uh-FEE-uh

I hope you enjoy this final chapter, and make sure to read the A/N at the end, where I give a sneak peak of my next fic! (Which will be Wicked, for those of you who are dying to read more Wicked).

What was she doing here?

Elphaba didn't think she would ever get used to life being this way. She had been in Delaya's stable since dawn, having woken up early as usual, unable to get back to sleep. Fiyero would probably kill her for not staying in bed, but she just couldn't. It was driving her mad. And it wasn't like he and Nessa would let her do anything useful or productive this morning, so instead, she wound up here.

The sunlight was beginning to peak shyly through the cracks in the walls, as if uncertain whether it was welcome in the darkness of the stable. Come, Elphaba wanted to say. Come in. Join the party, and make this more normal for me.

Her shoulders ached from being hunched over so long, her forehead pressed against Delaya's. The mare was serene.

"Fiyero's family are coming today," she told Delaya. "I don't know how I feel about that."

Delaya snorted as if to comfort her, and Elphaba smiled. "You're right. I'm being silly. I want to meet them, I just don't know what to do with myself these days." A thought occurred to her. "Maybe you could come inside with me? If you were with me, it would all be okay."

Snort.

"Yes, I know. Nessa would be mad. I don't care."

Was she imagining it, or did Delaya roll her eyes?

Amazingly, Nessa and Fiyero had been up even earlier than her today. So had the boys, who were staying at Colwen Grounds for now, until she could do something about the state of the orphanages. But she'd never honestly expected them to stay in bed for long. They had far too much energy, and far too little concern for social customs, like staying quiet in the early hours to allow later risers to sleep. Fiyero had never been up so early in his life, she was certain. And Nessa had never been able to get up without Elphaba's help. But this morning was different, because Nessa had insisted on having arm supports installed on the side of her bed so she could get into her chair by herself. Elphaba didn't want to know how she had managed to dress herself, but somehow she'd done that on her own too.

Nessa had been waiting eagerly for her arm supports to arrive for weeks, and they'd finally arrived yesterday. Elphaba had thought she would still want help getting up this morning, until she got used to the idea of doing it herself. But Nessa had apparently been determined to do it herself, and when Elphaba arose, Nessa, Fiyero and the boys were already working away in the parlour.

Well, Nessa and Fiyero were working. The boys were… half working. But mostly running around and knocking over jars. Oh, how Elphaba longed to go in there and do it all herself. Everything in Elphaba had wanted to join them and demand to be allowed to help, but she knew it would be no use. Fiyero had made matters absolutely clear to her. They were going to prepare for his family's arrival, and there was nothing Elphaba could do about it.

He'd looked so smug about it, she'd almost been tempted to kiss him – just to wipe that look off his face. But she refrained. He could do without her kiss, for once.

As for Elphaba, she didn't need his kiss. Delaya provided her with more than enough love. In fact, sometimes she played with the idea of living alone for the rest of her life, with no one but Delaya for company. From time to time, the idea sounded attractive. At least, until the reality set in of truly never getting to kiss Fiyero's stupid mouth again, and then she gave in. It was no use. She wasn't human, and she wasn't Animal. She was somewhere in between, and Oz help her, she needed both in her life. The Animals were settled in Quox now, and for the life of her, Elphaba couldn't wish Fiyero to stay away with them for a moment longer. When he'd finally arrived back at Colwen Grounds after several weeks away, she'd flung herself at him and wouldn't let go. Fortunately, he hadn't seemed to mind. "Did you miss me?" he'd asked, without a trace of a smirk in his voice.

"You're never going away again," Elphaba had replied. "I'm holding you prisoner."

Fiyero laughed. "Yes, Governess Thropp."

Governess Thropp. It had sounded so odd, and yet, she had decided after several weeks of wearing the name that she didn't mind it. She preferred Fae, though.

"I have to go," Elphaba moaned to Delaya at last. "Even if they won't let me help prepare for our guests, I have a ream of paperwork to attend to. The sooner I start it the better."

That was one of the less pleasant sides of being Governess. At last, power was in her hands. She could review all existing policies thoroughly, and withdraw them or create new policies if they didn't serve the Animals the way she wanted them to. But creating policies, she had found, involved lots and lots of paperwork. Not to mention hours spent in meetings with people she didn't particularly like, and who didn't particularly like her. No one wanted a green sorceress governing Munchkinland, she supposed. Well, that was too bad. Nessa had given the position to her, and she wasn't going to give it up. Not until things were right in Oz.

Although, that would take time. Elphaba hated to admit it, but the changes she wanted weren't going to take place overnight. Ending Animal segregation wasn't as simple as scrawling out a few policies and showing them to a room full of smiling faces and nodding heads. Every move she made was frustratingly political. And there were some things that legislation couldn't touch, like people's hearts.

"You'll touch people's hearts eventually, Fae," Fiyero had assured her. "Give them time. Once they see how much you care for them, and how capable you are of governing, they'll come around."

Elphaba didn't know if that was wishful thinking, but on some level, it didn't matter. She was here to stay.

Delaya batted her nose against Elphaba's hand, and Elphaba cackled. "I don't have anything for you, Delaya. It's only six in the morning. Surely you can't be hungry yet?"

Delaya's expressive black eyes begged to differ.

"Very well, then," Elphaba caved. "Stay here. I can probably sneak an apple from the kitchen for you." Paperwork could wait.

Nessa, Fiyero and the boys were still hard at work, so Elphaba was able to sneak past them easily. She slid into the kitchen, snatching an apple from the table.

When she left the kitchen, there was a quick rap on the front door, and then the familiar rustle of letters being pushed through the letterbox. Elphaba ran to collect them, commanding her heart to be still. Even so, her hands trembled as she leafed through them. There. The letter she had been waiting for had arrived.

Opening it, Elphaba grinned to see Dr Dillamond's handwriting.

Elphaba,

We are all well. Quox has welcomed us these past few weeks, and it's looking like we'll be quite safe here for the time being. Of course, we long to return to see you – and Master Fiyero, of course. One day, we shall, and hopefully in the not too distant future. We are assured that with you as Governess, Munchkinland is in good hands. And we are confident that Munchkinland will be in a more thriving position than it has been in years, for humans and Animals.

As for our plans, we hope to return to our initial aim of supporting Oz through the famine. Of course, we do not expect to be the only ones doing so, as you are now as aware of my vision as we are. Nevertheless, we hope to be useful if we can, and not just so that Munchkinland will accept us once more. But I do not believe it is unfair to hope that our efforts will be appreciated.

You are also aware that we have taken full responsibility for reporting Governor Thropp's death. You will best know how this news is received, and whether the humans believe us responsible for his death. Do not worry if they do blame us, Elphaba. It is nothing more than what we expected. Still, we would appreciate it if you could give us any indication of what the current climate is in Munchkinland following the Governor's death.

This letter is a short one, I'm afraid. But we are sending you a gift to make up for the brevity. It should be with you not long after this letter arrives.

All our love,

Dr Dillamond

Elphaba's chest cramped. She missed her friends so much, perhaps especially Dr Dillamond. It seemed so wrong to her that they had to leave Oz, without a penny to their name or support of any kind. But she knew it was the only way to ensure their safety, at least for the present. However, she would have to see what she could do to help them, in a monetary way or otherwise. She made up her mind to talk to Fiyero about it later and ask his advice.

As for the promised gift, she hadn't the faintest idea what it could be. But no gift had arrived yet other than the pile of letters abandoned on the floor. Sighing, Elphaba crouched to pick them up, laying them on the table by the door. She would look at them properly later. For now, Delaya was waiting for her apple.

When she arrived back at the stable, Cowper was lying lazily on the ground beside Delaya. The Cat had decided to stay with her at Colwen Grounds. Elphaba hadn't been sure if that was a good idea at first. Oz was a dangerous place to be for Animals, but Cowper insisted that he couldn't leave when he still technically belonged to Fiyero's sister. However, Fiyero had quietly told Elphaba that he believed the real reason Cowper was staying was that he'd become attached to her. He would have to lay low and be careful.

They still hadn't worked out how they were going to explain to Fiyero's sister why her cat was now a Cat.

Elphaba smiled. "My, what a gathering. Didn't Fiyero put you to work too?"

Cowper looked smug. "He did, but I ignored him. Anyway, I don't know what he expected me to do. I don't have hands."

"No matter," Elphaba said, picking him up. "I'm much happier that you're here."

"To join the Animal brigade? You're not an Animal, Mistress Elphaba, however much you behave like one sometimes."

"I know," Elphaba grinned. "I've accepted the fact I'm a human being. But indulge me, for Oz's sake."

"You might as well admit you prefer Animal company to human company. Sometimes I think you even prefer being with us over Master Fiyero."

Elphaba's grin widened. "Sometimes."

"Now, that's a real pity. I hope you don't prefer Animal company over me, lass?"

Elphaba spun on her heel, her jaw dropping. It wasn't Cowper who had spoken - not unless the Cat had suddenly taken to calling her 'lass.' But she would recognise that gnarled voice anywhere.

Her old housekeeper stood at the entrance to the stable, her hand pressed casually against the frame, eyes glinting. "Surprise."

"Mareem!" Elphaba almost choked, joy welling up. She had just enough sense to place Cowper back on his feet. Then, without thinking twice, she catapulted over to her friend, throwing her arms around her neck and crumpling into her arms. "Mareem! Mareem! You're back!"

Mareem's laugh was like crinkled paper in a well-worn book. "'Course I'm back. Ye didn't think I'd stay away, did ye?"

Elphaba wasn't certain she could speak for her tears, but she attempted it anyway. "I thought you'd never come back." Her words were muffled but vaguely understandable.

"Tsk, tsk. When I knew that m' favourite girl was Governess of Munchkinland? I couldn't pass up th' chance t' come an' see her. Anyway, Dr Dillamond insisted on sending ye a little gift. I decided I'd offer myself as that gift."

"You're the gift Dr Dillamond mentioned in his letter?"

"Mentioned it in a letter did he? Dreadful. The Goat has no idea what a surprise is."

"Don't tease Dr Dillamond," Elphaba murmured into Mareem's neck. "This was a surprise. I had no idea you were coming."

Mareem's laugh rose from deep in her chest. She dropped a kiss on Elphaba's hair. "I've missed ye, lass."

"No you haven't. You've been with the Animals, living independently the way you always wanted to."

"That's true, but ye know, I sometimes miss being a housekeeper here."

Elphaba's eyes bugged. "You do? Why?"

"Oh, Elphaba, haven't ye learned anythin' yet? Bein' independent is fine. But I'd far rather spend my days with those I care about. Better yet if I can spend my days with th' girl I consider my daughter."

Elphaba didn't even care that she was snivelling like a child. "Daughter?"

"Oz's sake, child. Ye really haven't learned anythin' at all." The words were harsh and the tone was reprimanding, but the overwhelming sense Elphaba got from Mareem was love.

Elphaba said nothing, clinging to Mareem for dear life. Cowper appeared at her feet, and the way he patted his head against her ankle felt like a smile. The obnoxious sound of munching broke the moment, and Elphaba turned her head to see Delaya with her head bent contentedly to the ground, devouring her apple. Elphaba must have dropped it in her excitement. But the mare didn't seem the least bit offended at having to help herself. She did so gladly, and though Elphaba couldn't see the horse's expression, her gentle whinny was affectionately teasing.

"How's that sister of yours?" Mareem asked, a little quieter.

"Nessa's good," Elphaba bit her lip. Her relationship with Nessa had been challenging to say the least. She still loved her sister to death – she probably always would. But it was still difficult to talk about her, and even more difficult to talk to her.

"How are ye copin' with all that's happened between ye?"

"Not always well." Elphaba could do nothing but answer honestly. "Sometimes, I wake in the morning, and forget for a moment that anything's changed. I go to her room at usual in the morning, and then… I don't know… knocking on her door doesn't feel the same as it used to. Then I remember." She paused. "But then, some days, I really feel that I could forgive her. She's trying so hard. Nessa's self-absorbed – I know that now. But there's more to her than that. I really think she's changing."

Mareem looked thoughtful. "Is she changing, or are ye jus' saying that because ye love her?"

Elphaba considered that. "She is changing, Mareem. Of course I love her. But I've never hated her more than I have lately. I don't really have a reason to make excuses for her anymore. No, she's not perfect. What she did was terrible. But I think… I think she's angrier at herself than I am at her. That's why I have to forgive her. There are days when I can't say a word to her, but even on those days, I believe in her more than I ever have in my life. She has so much potential for good, you know?"

Mareem smiled. "Good. I jus' wanted t' make sure. I believe ye, Elphaba. An' I would never encourage ye t' stay angry with Nessa forever. Take it from me. I'm an old woman, an' I've experienced a lot. I've loved an' I've hated too. But believe me, love is always more priceless than hatred. Don't doubt yer worth, but never hold on t' hatred when ye can forgive instead."

Elphaba nodded. She still couldn't believe Mareem was here.
"Now," Mareem's tone abruptly changed, becoming business-like. "Let's go inside, hmm? I bet ye have a lot to do before the Vinkun royals arrive."

"How did you know about that?" Elphaba gaped.

In answer, Mareem merely tapped her nose.

…

"Your parents will be here in an hour." Elphaba could have smacked herself for how nervous she sounded. She hadn't meant to sound nervous. She'd meant it to be a throw-away comment.

Elphaba felt Fiyero smile into her temple. They were holed up in the library, on that old sofa that she loved – the one with the ripped cushion, stuffing still poking out.

"I can't wait for them to meet you."

Elphaba scoffed. "What do you think they'll say when they see my skin?"

He kissed her ear, and it almost made the cynicism drain from her body.

"That you're beautiful."

"I really think I should be getting back to work." There wasn't a bit of bite in her words.

"You really shouldn't. Come on, Fae. One day off. That's all."

"One day off is a big deal. Father stopped training me for this job when he decided to give it to Nessa instead. I have a lot of catching up to do."

"You're doing brilliantly. And anyway, you're trying to change the subject."

"I'm not."

"You are," he turned to face her fully. "You aren't fooling me. You're afraid to meet my family. But I'm telling you, there's nothing to worry about."

"You did tell them about me, didn't you?"

"I didn't need to. They know about you already. I'm the only royal in Oz marvellously unaware of who the other nobles are."

"Of course," Elphaba remembered with amazement how Fiyero hadn't known the Governor had two daughters. "I know they know about me. I just… feel like they shouldn't. Everyone who's ever seen me for the first time has looked as if they didn't know Father had a green daughter."

Fiyero shifted closer for a lingering kiss. "Don't worry. They know. And they don't care."

"I know I should have accepted that I'm different by now. I still have that rose – the green one I found. I know what Mareem meant when she told me to look for one. I'm different, but that's not a bad thing." She bit her lip. "It's just… is it wrong that I still find it hard to remember that?"

"No, it isn't wrong. It's to be expected when you've spent so long believing one thing about yourself. But that doesn't mean I can't remind you you're special whenever you put yourself down."

Elphaba smiled. "I know I can count on you to do that. Even if it drives me mad every time you do."

"Exactly!" Fiyero's eyes brightened like a child's. "See? You've learned how to deal with me now! You know you can count on me to say nice things, and you can be mad if you want to. But you know not to try and stop me. You must know me well."

Elphaba couldn't help laughing. "You're ridiculous. You know that?"

"Absolutely." He drew her in for another kiss, and she happily surrendered.

Elphaba allowed her hands to drift up to his shoulders. She still couldn't believe that this man was hers. And he wanted to marry her one day – he'd said so.

Eventually, she felt she had to pull away. "You know, we really shouldn't stay here much longer. It wouldn't be a good idea for your parents and sister to show up on the doorstep, only for us to still be hiding in here."

"No, I suppose you're right." He didn't look happy about it though.

"And anyway, I want to talk to Nessa about something."

"Fine." He kissed her once more though, and she couldn't resist letting him.

…

Nessa looked perplexed. "Elphaba, what is this?"

Elphaba pulled a large wrapped parcel onto the dining table, being careful not to damage it. "You'll see," she said. Gingerly, she pulled the paper back, while Nessa craned her neck to see more clearly.

Eventually, paper discarded on the floor, it became clear what the parcel was.
"A picture frame?" Nessa wheeled over to the edge of the table, lifting her arm to draw her fingers down the frame. "It's beautiful."

It certainly was beautiful. Elphaba had wanted the best frame she could find. It was burnished bronze, intricately designed to look like a vine.

"I thought we could use this for a little project."

Nessa's lip puckered. "Project?"

"Mhm. You know that rose I found?"

"The green one?"

"Yes." Elphaba walked over to a chest of drawers at the side of the room, withdrawing the rose from the top drawer.

Nessa stared at it uncomprehendingly. "What did you do to it?"

"I pressed it." The rose was now completely dried and flat. "That way it'll last longer. Actually, I have another one like it." Reaching back into the drawer, she pulled out a similar pressed rose – this time a red one.

"I don't understand, Fabala."

Elphaba forced a smile. She genuinely wanted to do this with Nessa, but it wasn't easy. "I thought we could make a collage. This green rose represents me." She pointed to the other one. "The red represents you. They're different, but they're both roses. It'll be easier to find more red ones, of course. Green roses are pretty rare. But there must be some more out there, if we look for them." She glanced shyly down at her sister. "I wanted to make a collage with both red and green pressed roses. It would be something we could keep – maybe even put on the wall. To remind us that–"

"–we're both special," Nessa finished. To Elphaba's amazement, glassy tears were standing in her eyes. "Am I special though, Fabala? After everything I've done?"

Elphaba sighed and sat on the floor next to Nessa. But she didn't hold her hand like usual. Instead, she lay her head on Nessa's arm rest. "I forgive you, you know. And of course you're special."

"But I'm not special like you. I mean, I always thought I was. But I'm not."

Elphaba didn't know how to answer. There was too much she wanted to say. How could she possibly condense it? She settled for a brief, but true statement. "You're special to me."

There was quiet for a few moments.

"…It's a wonderful idea."

Elphaba knew that meant Nessa had tentatively accepted her words. "I wanted to show you this before Fiyero's family arrive."

"Can we start it later? I mean, we have two roses already."

Elphaba thought about it. She had a lot of work to do, it was true. But Fiyero had already made her promise to take the day off.

"Sure we can." The mild words betrayed nothing of the wild joy she felt at Nessa's acceptance.

A/N: Drumroll please. And that is it!

And now, for a sneak peak of my next fic! Which is in currently in the works. I don't know when it'll be finished though. You should know that I am intending to finish it before I publish Chapter 1. However, I am working on it in earnest. I'm actually so excited for my next story. I can't wait for you to read it, if you're so inclined. It will be VERY different. But with some similarities. And now, to stop myself from rambling, I think I'll just go ahead and give you the full blurb. The title is The China Doll Set, and it's a Family/Romance story.

Ten-year-old Elphaba has been raised in an isolated Vinkun Animal community. But when a tornado devastates her home, she is sent to live with her birth parents in Munchkinland.

Eleven years later, Elphaba feels she knows a thing or two about chaos. Haunted by the memory of the tornado, she has created a perfectly ordered life for herself. The one thing that reminds her of her lost family is a set of china dolls gifted to her by her father.

Then an old acquaintance shows up with an incredible piece of news: the Animals are rebuilding their settlement, which has lain in ruins for eleven years. There's just one problem: the Vinkun King has radical plans to reintegrate Animals into society. Rebuilding an isolated settlement throws a wrench in his plans, and his methods for halting the project are severe.

Desperate to protect her first home, Elphaba leaves her ordered sanctuary to return to the Vinkus. Can she reclaim the life stolen from her, or is it only a matter of time before her home – and family – come crashing down?

There you have it! That's what the story will be about. So. Excited. (And yes, for those of you have asked me, Glinda will return). In the meantime, I'm thinking of uploading a series of drabbles that has been sitting on my computer for ages. The reason I wrote them is because I set myself a challenge to write a drabble of exactly 100 words based on a word from an online random word generator. And I wasn't allowed to skip the word. Then the challenge grew arms and legs, and I ended up writing 13 of them because it turned out to be so much fun. Let me know if you'd be interested in reading those.

Signing out!

Stay safe.