Rifiuto: Non Miriena
A/N: Written: 2012. Rewritten: 2014. Found: 2018.- Licia
She lay among the blankets of this strange bed, in this strange room, in this equally strange house, unable to sleep. The others had retired not long after she had, each of the children stopping by her door and wishing her a good night; the boy, who was perhaps not much older than Fiyero had been when they'd married, called her by the white man's name for her, and then had quickly corrected himself, apologizing for it. The girl on the other hand, had had to stop and whisper to herself "Elphaba, not Sophelia" before speaking. She had responded to neither, and neither had expected a response back. When the older couple came upstairs, a soft knock sounded on the door, and she quickly, silently, climbed out of bed and hurried to the door, pressing herself against it to keep them from entering. They'd stood silent on the other side, and after a moment, the man had spoken up, telling her goodnight. The woman had stayed silent, but soon, soft sobs could be heard, and he led her away. Once they were gone, she'd opened the door; the hallway was deserted, before shutting and locking the door. She'd then slipped back into the bed, but sleep had not come.
The moon shone brightly through the window, and her mind drifted back to the legend of the moon, and the sun, and Daylight, and the bridge of stars that Mother Night cast across the sky so that her son could be with his love. Tears slipped down her cheeks, and she wished for the bridge of stars to be real, so she might return to Fiyero and her children, to her tribe, where she truly belonged. Eventually, the moon's familiar, comforting light lulled her to sleep.
Her eyes opened, and she found herself in a clearing; she could see the light from the bonfire, and knew she wasn't far from camp. But still, what was she doing so far from the comfort of her home? Where were her children? Were they all right? It was then that she saw who had called her. Slowly, she circled the fire, drinking in her husband as he sat before her, eyes closed and relaxed. A moment passed, before she moved closer, reaching out. Could she touch him? Dare she?
Her hand brushed against his shoulder, and slowly, his eyes opened. "Yero?"
Her soft voice filled his ears, and he looked up. "Fabala." A smile tugged at her features, and tears began to gather in her eyes. "Speravo che-"
"Mi hai chiamato." He had called her? How had he known to- She shook her head. That didn't matter now. What mattered was that he was there, they were together, if only while she walked between the worlds on this first night in the white man's home. Tears came to her eyes. "Fiyero."
He stood, reaching out, grabbing her face in his hands, for it was in this realm, this in-between the worlds, that he could touch his wife again, despite the miles and land that currently separated them. To feel her skin beneath his, even if it was only in this realm, was something he would cherish until she was back in his arms for real. "Vi porterò indietro. Io vi porterò a casa, per la vostra tribù, alla tua famiglia, ai nostri figli. Fabala, promesso. Promesso."
She nodded, tears sliding down her cheeks, her heart soaring in her chest. She could see the frustration in his blue eyes, hear it in his voice, and knew that Avaric was forcing him to wait, to be patient, and bide their time before they came for her. Come now! She wished to scream. Do not let Father make you wait! Come now and steal me away, take me back to our tribe, bring me home, to my babies, to my life with you! Please! "Yero."
He waited, silent, allowing her to gather her thoughts. She bit her lip, that beautiful mouth he loved so tilting downwards in worry. "Fabala? Che cos'è?" Slowly, she met his gaze. Should she tell him? Of the threat she had declared to the white man and his family? She knew that despite her husband's gentle nature, he was a fierce warrior, perhaps one of the best of the tribe. She knew that he would do any and all he could to protect her and their children, even take the life of an enemy, especially if his family was in danger.
And as far as she was concerned, the Thropps were the enemy.
Just tell him. Tell him that you have informed the Thropps that if they do not return you within a week's time to your tribe, that you will have them killed. He will understand. Taking a deep breath, she reached up, caressing his cheek. "Ho..." She stopped, swallowing. "Ho li ha informati che hanno una settimana, e poi devono restituirmi alla mia tribù, a voi, e se non riescono a farlo..." She swallowed. "Allora li ucciderò."
His eyes widened in surprise only briefly, before he sighed, resting his forehead to hers. I will come for you. Gently, he nuzzled his nose against hers. "Vengo per te, mia Fabala." She smiled softly, choking on a sob, before throwing her arms around his neck. He held her close, relishing the feel of her, despite the realm she walked in at the moment. "Presto il mi amore. Presto vengo per voi e portare a casa." He pulled away, meeting her gaze. Soon, I will bring you home, my love.
With a soft sigh, she kissed him; though it would not make up for reality, it was still better than nothing. When they broke apart, she met his gaze once more. Just as she was about to speak, she felt a tugging. She was ripped from Fiyero's arms, pulled out of the in-between realm, and back into her body. Her eyes snapped open; the moon shone in through the window, dancing across her face, reminding her of where she was, and that her family, her tribe, were so very, very far away.