Chapter 10- From afar.

How much time had it passed since Elphaba's arrival to the castle. A year, perhaps? Or even more? She couldn't recall. It had all been so traumatic for the children, and for her too. Especially for her. She was not the same Elphaba she had been when she had left the mauntery. Now she was the Arjiki's Prince Wife. Fiyero and her had gotten married shortly after the news of the latest government was spread, and they had made sure they were safe from the new ruler.

About a month after the Gale Forces's attack on Kiamo Ko's castle, a messenger from Fiyero's had arrived with some news from the Emerald City. Political news, he had said.

"No one knew what was it that happened, it just did." He had announced. "The Wizard's reign was replaced by, some say, a much enhanced one. Lady Glinda took charge not so many days ago." At that, Elphaba recoiled. Miss Glinda! Her Glinda! She remembered her friend to be glamorous and one for spotlight. Not one for politics, anyway. But people seemed to change, didn't they?

They had given the messenger a good meal and a bed to sleep in. He was gone by the next morning, promising to bring more news if they were to come up. Elphaba was left thinking that day. The Wizard's dictatorship had come to an end, at last. And her former best friend had taken power of Oz. The options were unlimited, she thought. Though now was not the time for drastic changes. For now, she and the rest of Oz would have to settle with peace. It was enough for the time being.

Elphaba and Fiyero decided to stay and live at the castle, knowing that they were no longer in danger. It was soothing to know they had a home now.

The messenger was back two weeks after his departure, though. "I have some… disturbing news for you." he said as he motioned towards Fiyero. He then proceeded to inform them. "Word goes in the city that--" he paused for a brief moment. His eyes lowered, not meeting either Fiyero's or Elphaba's. The children were out playing somewhere. "I have heard that your family… is no longer alive, Master Fiyero. When Glinda took power, she recounted the prisoners and corpses at Southstairs. An Arjiki family was among the corpses. They were identified as royalty." Fiyero just lowered his gaze and sat down on the nearest chair he found. He did not cry, but was upset; Elphaba could tell that much. She went to his side and patted his back, comfortingly. Head between his hands, Fiyero sighed. He did not speak to her or the messenger for the rest of the day.

Once again, the messenger was gone with the promise to keep them updated. Even if Fiyero had suspected the death of his relatives, a small sense of hope lingered within him. Now, that piece of expectation was gone, and all he had left was his mourning. He would not talk for a week after the news.

Past that lapse of time, he had become more tender; as much as a lover and as a father. He had become more frantic, too, though. But she would serve to his need until he cried his heart out. He deserved that much.

Months passed, and he had become himself again. One night she was sitting in their bedroom, watching the stars dance to their own silent music. He had approached her in a quiet manner, and had embraced her by the waist, lovingly, as he often used to do before the distressing news. He had whispered 'I love you, my Fae.' to her ear, tenderly and affectionately. She had turned around, softly, and responded in the heat of the moment 'Yero, my hero.' And with that they made tender love, with the stars as their witnesses for passionate and devoted love. The next morning he had proposed to her, in his own romantic way, and she had accepted, deciding to get married in a very private ceremony, with only the Arjiki clergy and the children as witnesses.

Elphaba's relationship with Nor had improved, too. The girl didn't call her Auntie Witch anymore, as she had done when her brothers had been alive. She called her Elphie at times. Elphaba didn't know if she liked it or not, but she didn't protest against it. Nor had learned to sew and to cook from Elphaba's lessons, which had been taught at her stay in the mauntery. The girl had also learned how to read and had developed a taste for romantic novels. They would discuss them while doing some of the house tasks, though Elphaba would skip on some since Fiyero had insisted on getting a few servants. She then, decided to occupy her time on books and studies. And Nor admired her for her knowledge and interests. But she was always one for action and movements, so she would spend most of her time with Liir on the outside. That way Fiyero and Elphaba would have time for themselves.

Liir, on the other hand, had grown to be a much more common boy. He usually didn't speak much, but when needed, he called his parents by 'mother' and 'father', though those were very scarce moments. Fiyero had approached the boy and girl in his own fatherly way, by playing with them every other day. And it had worked. Even if Liir spoke no affection, the tension in the air was different. Their bond was different. As to him and Elphaba, they would barely speak, though it was enough for them to understand each other. Little by little, they opened up more to the other. She would not teach him anything, nor would he ask. But frequently, when Elphaba would sit to read a book, Liir would enter the room moments later, grabbing another book, and settling beside her. They would not speak or even glance at each other, but it was a connection, however, and it was a beginning. It was their new beginning.

Months later, here she was, looking at the bathroom's full-length mirror reflection. Her hair was a mess, since she had recently got up from bed hastily to go to the toilet. A revolting sickness had come over her. She didn't know how much time she would be able to stand this vomiting. She hoped not too long; she never remembered being this sick.

Looking at herself one more time, her right hand reached for her growing stomach. It rested there for some minutes. 'Tonight,' she thought. Tonight she would tell Fiyero. And maybe the children; but first of all, Fiyero. A part of her was scared, but another part of her was excited. She wanted this to go right, for once. She set her mind to it, and she would see that nothing were to fail. A sigh of release and relaxation escaped her lips. This wasn't the perfect ending she had expected. This was even better, her own creation and Fiyero's. But this time, there were no politics or disturbances after her. She was free and content at last. Love had found her and a new life was to begin. Elphaba was bound to her own will, and no others.

The End

A/N: Thank you everyone who read this fic, and much thanks to everyone who has reviewed. This is it! I hope you liked it, and hope you'll write a comment on whether you liked it or not. ;-)

Thanxs again for reading and for baring with me all this time:-D