A/N: A shout out to my anonymous reviewer! Glad you liked it. :)
Chapter 39
A few days went by and there had still been no sign of Lord Nipp or Buğra. Glinda had troops sweeping the city looking for both men and of course Fiyero's troops were looking inside Munchkinland as well. In the meantime, the Glikkuns and Gillikinese had joined the Gale Force in assisting the Munchkins.
Glinda had started repatriating the Munchkin refugees now that there was back up for the Gale Force. Not in large numbers, only those who were medically cleared and could take more supplies with them. A good portion of the Munchkin fields had been allowed to fallow due to Jinjuria's bad idea. Still there were some crops to harvest and the rejuvenated Munchkins promised to help.
Fiyero didn't know how to gauge if the crops were ready and most of his men had never grown crops. He was more than happy to take the advice of the growers. He was also more than happy to pitch in. When the Munchkins saw the Captain of Guard, Crowned Prince of the Vinkus, helping, along with his troops, they knew that they had been misled.
Mopsi and Popsi's family had been thrilled to find out that the two were indeed alive. Regrettably, they had missed out on a lot. Besides birthdays and weddings, there had been funerals too. It was a lot to process and neither man was really handling it well.
"Miss Elphaba," Corporal Bock interrupted the green woman, who was back helping Mesud with the sick and injured Munchkins at the local infirmary. They had been wary of her but if they were utterly terrified, they didn't show it. Some refused her treatment outright, while others were grateful, even if they didn't come right out and say it.
"Corporal Bock, I thought you were with Mopsi and Popsi. Is everything ok?" She immediately grew concerned.
"They're struggling. I really think they need you, though they would not admit it," Bock explained.
"They didn't let you come here to tell me that," Elphaba gave him a look.
"Told them I was checking in with the Captain," Bock smirked.
"All right. I'll make sure that Mesud doesn't need me for the rest of the day and then we'll go," the green woman told him. Bock nodded and went outside to wait for her. A few minutes later, she exited the building. They both climbed onto his horse and left for the two who needed them.
It was a small little village outside of the capital of Colwen Grounds. Elphaba's presence did not go unnoticed but, just as she'd done since she was old enough to notice people's stares, she ignored them. Corporal Bock had his rifle slung over his shoulder but his sidearm was easily within reach. They reached the front door and Elphaba hesitated. Corporal Bock knocked for her. The door opened and the woman who answered almost passed out.
Elphaba reached out and grabbed her before she fell down. Corporal Bock helped get the woman in the house, into a chair, and he called out to the occupants. Mopsi and Popsi came from the kitchen and almost dropped to the floor themselves, using the walls to stay upright.
"I don't think I've ever had that many people almost pass out at once," Elphaba admitted in a way to break the ice.
"Well why don't we all take a seat? I think we need to have a talk," Corporal Bock said. Mopsi and Popsi sat down on the couch while offering seats in other chairs in the living room.
"You're…" the woman was becoming a little more cognizant.
"I am and I wouldn't be if not for the help of Mopsi and Popsi. They have been a great source of support for me and I intend to return the favor," Elphaba smiled.
To Be Continued…
