Rebuilding Oz
By 18lzytwner
Chapter 1
It had been three weeks since the execution of the Wizard and life had mostly returned to normal in the Emerald City. The gallows had been taken down and most of the allied troops had left to go home to their respective territories. Glinda had been making speeches, holding open public meetings, and trying to find ways to assist those that needed it.
Programs had been setup to train unskilled workers in trades such as carpentry, masonry, and blacksmithing. Glinda also began plans for public works projects that would employ more people who needed it. There were a lot of people who needed to rebuild their lives and she was hoping that programs were the ticket.
For those that had lost a loved one in the forced fighter move by the former Gale Force, Glinda had called a meeting in the morning. Now she paced about her room, trying to figure out how to approach these families. Most had lost their only bread winner.
"I could hear the gears turning from out in the hallway," it was Lieutenant Bayram. He'd entered her room without her even noticing. She heaved a sigh but gave him a small smile.
"Come to ease my mind?" The blonde wondered.
"If that's what the kids are calling it nowadays, sure," he smirked while she blushed and giggled.
"Are you ok though?" Bayram was concerned as he pulled her into his arms.
"There is a lot of mess to clean up and I can only hope that Ozians see we're making strides forward," she admitted as he kissed her temple.
"How can they not? You are Glinda the Good," he said.
"Yes, well tell the Munchkins that," the blonde huffed.
"Still playing hardball huh?" Bayram asked.
"Councilman Arif has been trying to bring them around with no luck. Mopsi and Popsi are refusing to leave Elphaba's side. At this point, they're still afraid there could be backlash against their families if they tried to go home now," she explained.
"Those poor men. I'm glad that they and Elphaba have managed to have a relationship. While they must feel like fish out of water, they know the Munchkin traditions and society norms so they can talk about it," he said.
"Yes, while Elphie never really considered herself a Munchkin, she definitely has found good Munchkins to help her realize that there are still good ones out there," Glinda nodded. Bayram nodded and he slowly worked their way over to her bed.
"Why Lieutenant, are you thinking about using this here piece of furniture?" She chuckled, glad for the change in subject. She needed to forget for a little while and her favorite person to do that with lately was Bayram.
"Oh, I think we will be using it," he said as he flopped them down on the bed, landing them on his back. There was some more giggling, followed by clothes landing on the floor.
Over near the room Elphaba and Fiyero were calling their own, the green woman found Private Schultz, sitting on the floor, outside the door. His eyes were looking down toward the floor and she wondered if he saw her. Raising an eyebrow, she spoke up, snapping the young man to attention.
"Can I help you?" The green woman asked.
"Miss Elphaba!" He bolted upright so quickly that he almost couldn't get up onto his feet.
"At ease, Schultz. You just got better; I would not want to have to take you down to Doctor Talib's office," she said. The medical quarters had been moved back inside now that most had recovered from their injuries and the Palace's construction was now complete.
"Yes ma'am," he said.
"I told you, you don't need to ma'am me. You took a bullet for me. I think you can call me Elphaba," she smiled at him.
"Yes ma'am," the Private couldn't help himself. That's when Fiyero opened the bedroom door after hearing the ruckus outside.
"Everything ok?" He asked.
"I… uh… I'm reporting for duty sir," Schultz stuttered.
"I thought I told you to go visit your family," the Prince was confused.
"I…" the Private stopped, his head was pointed again toward the floor, and Elphaba looked at Fiyero.
"What's going on son?" Fiyero wanted to know.
"I got a letter today sir. My mother died two weeks ago and my father doesn't want to see me. I'm not welcome at home," Schultz finally managed; his shoulders slumped. Suddenly, he felt arms around him.
"Then you'll have a home with us. Come on in. You shouldn't be alone tonight," Elphaba told him. Fiyero didn't disagree and ushered them both into the room.
To Be Continued…