Torchakaywrites: You're feeling all the feels because I'm killing them. I'm the Wicked Queen of Killing Feels. *Cackle*
And I had a great fanficaversary yesterday! Here's to another year!
Elphaba looked out the window as the Governor's Mansion came into view. She sighed, pushing herself up more in her seat. She supposed she would be able to survive being back home. Her father would mostly ignore her, and she would avoid him as much as humanly possible. The routine was very straightforward.
"We're here," Nessa smiled as the carriage came to a stop.
Elphaba got her things together as Boq opened the door to get Nessa's chair.
"Fabala," Nessa said once she was settled.
"Yes?" the green girl asked, turning around to face her sister.
"I just want you to know that… I won't tell Father about you and Fiyero."
Elphaba looked surprised, but smiled nonetheless. "Thank you, Nessie."
The younger girl smiled and looked up to see their father coming down the stairs. "Father!"
The Governor smiled as his youngest daughter quickly wheeled over to him. He knelt down and wrapped her in a warm hug. "Nessa, my precious rose. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too, Father," Nessa said, resting her head against her father's shoulder.
Frex smiled and kissed her cheek before rising to his full height and stepping behind her, pushing her chair up the ramp and into the house, completely ignoring his older daughter.
"It's alright, Boq. I can take the bags," Elphaba said as the Munchkin tried to help her carry their belongings into the house.
"Are you sure, Elphaba?" Boq asked.
"I'm sure. Ask the driver to drive you to your house. Your family must be waiting for you."
Boq looked at the older girl before saying goodbye and disappearing back into the carriage, leaving Elphaba to bring in the bags by herself. Luckily, a servant saw her and brought in the bags Boq was carrying, saving her an extra trip. Once all the bags were inside, Elphaba took a quick breather before bringing Nessa's bags into her room on the ground floor. Once she unpacked and put away Nessa's things, she went back for her own. She was halfway up the stairs to her room when she began to feel short of breath. She stopped and tried to take a few deep breaths before slowly finishing her walk up the stairs. By the time she got to her room, she was too winded to put her things away, so she just placed her bags down on the floor and decided that she was going to lay down for a few minutes. Her father and sister wouldn't miss her, anyway.
As she laid in bed, she fingered the bracelet Fiyero got her. She knew she was going to have hide it from her father. She just hoped that Nessa wouldn't tell on her first.
She was pulled from her thoughts when someone knocked on the door. Blinking, she quickly removed her bracelet and hid it under her pillow. "Come in."
The door opened and Frex walked in. "Elphaba."
"Father," Elphaba said as she pushed herself up.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Nessa said you weren't feeling well on the way back."
He didn't seem angry, so that must have been all she had told him. "I wasn't, but I'm better now."
Frex nodded. "Come downstairs and warm up by the fire."
Even though her father said them, his words sounded like Nessa's, so Elphaba got out of bed and went back downstairs. Nessa was already sitting in front of the fire, nursing a cup of tea. The younger girl looked up and smiled as her sister pulled up a chair next to her.
"Hi," Nessa smiled.
"Hi," Elphaba smiled back, taking the cup of tea her sister offered her.
"Are you alright?" Nessa asked before she could stop herself.
"I'm fine."
Nessa nodded and sipped her drink. "Are you warm enough?"
Elphaba nodded wordlessly.
"Are you –"
"I'm fine, Nessa," Elphaba interrupted softly. "I'm just tired. I was laying down when Father came in and told me to come down here."
"Oh. I asked him to get you. I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were resting. You can go back if you want," Nessa said in a rush of words.
"I'm fine down here. I'm too tired to climb back up those stairs."
Nessa put down her cup of tea and wheeled away towards the sofa.
"Nessa?" Elphaba asked as she turned around. "What are you doing?"
"Here. Lay down," Nessa said as she fluffed the pillows on the sofa.
"Nessie…"
"Please, Fabala?"
Elphaba looked at her sister and realized that she was truly trying to help her. She got up and made her way to the couch and laid her head down on the pillows. Nessa helped her take off her boots, revealing her fuzzy sock covered feet. Before the wheelchair-bound girl was even finished rubbing her sister's feet, Elphaba was fast asleep.
"Have to decided on your outfit for the Lurlinemas Ball?" Elphaba asked the day before the big event.
"I have. It's the pale pink dress in my closet," Nessa answered, pointing to her closet.
Elphaba got up and went to the closet, easily identifying the dress Nessa wanted and pulled it out. She hung it up on the back of Nessa's door for the next day.
"Have you received any letters from Fiyero yet?" Nessa asked as her sister grabbed her hairbrush.
Elphaba ran the brush through her sister's shoulder length, straight brown hair. "One. It came two days ago. I still need to respond to him."
"What did he say?"
"He said that he misses me and is counting down the days until we go back to Shiz. He also said that the Vinkus got a lot of snow and he is currently spending most of his time outside with his two closest childhood friends. He said that they've been friends ever since they were little. Their parents are very important people in the Vinkun government, so they see each other quite often. He also said that he has to get ready for his family's Lurlinemas Ball. Unlike ours, his is on Lurlinemas instead of the day before. And there's a lot of wine and dancing and celebration."
"That's nice," Nessa said. "Did you get any letters from Galinda?"
"Not yet, but she'll probably write to me before the week is over."
"Do you… have any plans for tomorrow night?"
"I was planning on getting ahead on some school work."
The brunette nodded. "Fabala, if you want to come to the ball this year, I won't try to talk you out of it."
Elphaba knew that this was as close to an invitation as she would get. "Thanks, Nessa, but I doubt Father would want me there. Plus, I think I've had my fill of parties for this year." She chuckled softly, but Nessa didn't look amused. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine. You're right. I think you did have your fill of parties for the year."
"You'll have a wonderful time, as always. And you can tell me all about it Lurlinemas morning."
"I suppose."
Elphaba smiled and kissed her sister's forehead before helping her get ready for bed. "Fresh dreams, Nessie," she said, tucking her sister into bed and kissing her cheek.
"Good night, Fabala. Fresh dreams," Nessa said, smiling as her sister turned out the light and walked out of the room.
Elphaba walked past her father's study and saw the light on under the door. He must still be in there. She made to knock and tell him goodnight, but stopped herself. Whatever he was doing, he wouldn't want to be disturbed simply because she wanted to say goodnight.
She was a quarter way up the stairs when she began to feel chest pain. She stopped and took a few deep breaths. The feeling subsided and she walked back down to the kitchen to get a glass of water. She took a few gulps before refilling it and brining it up to her bedroom with her. She was halfway up the stairs when her lungs began to feel as if they were on fire. She clutched the railing, almost spilling her drink. She heard her father's office door open and close and froze. Was he finished working already? She couldn't let him see her like this. She tried to move up to the next step, but her lungs weren't having it.
"Elphaba?" Frex asked when he saw his daughter. "What are you doing?"
"Going to bed," Elphaba whispered. Oz, it hurt to talk.
Frex slowly ascended the stairs and gently placed a hand on her back. "Are you having trouble breathing?"
Unable to form words, Elphaba nodded. She felt her father take her arm and assist her up the stairs. He walked her to the bathroom and opened the cabinet, pulling out a small inhaler. He shook it and gave it to Elphaba, who immediately put the mouthpiece in her mouth and pressed the bottom at the top, dispensing the medicine into her lungs. After a few clock-ticks, it became easier for her to breathe and she calmed.
"Better?" Frex asked.
"Yes," Elphaba said once she regained her breath.
Frex nodded and turned to leave. "Be sure to take your medicine before going to bed. We don't want anything to happen during the night."
"I will," Elphaba said. "Thank you."
Frex stopped and turned in the doorway. He paused for a moment before responding with a, "You're welcome. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Father."
Elphaba watched as her father left and waited a few moments before grabbing her glass of water and going back to her room. She went through her bag and pulled out a small bottle of white pills and took two with the water before going to sleep.
The next morning, Elphaba woke up feeling much better. She got up and stretched, inhaling deeply. It was Lurlinemas Eve and lots still had to be prepared for the ball that evening. She twirled her robe over her shoulders and went downstairs to help her sister.
"Good morning, Nessie," the green girl smiled, seeing her sister already awake and sitting up against the headboard.
"Good morning, Fabala," Nessa smiled back, accepting a hug from her sister. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Elphaba said, choosing not to tell her sister about the previous night. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did. Did you?"
Elphaba nodded as she helped her sister into her wheelchair and helped her with her robe. Once she was ready, she pushed her into the dining room, where their father was already waiting for them.
"Good morning, Father," Nessa smiled as she wheeled over to the vacant next to her father.
"Good morning, Nessie," the governor smiled, but his smile slowly faded away as he gave Elphaba a nod of acknowledgment. "Elphaba."
"Good morning, Father," Elphaba said as she sat across from her sister.
The servants came with breakfast plates of eggs, bacon, toast and jam, and after Frex said a quick blessing, the family began to eat.
"When will the ball start, Father?" Nessa asked as she took a sip of her orange juice.
"This evening at seven o'clock," Frex answered with a smile. "But there is still so much to do. The tree is up in the grand ballroom, but it must be decorated…"
"Can Fabala and I help?" Nessa asked, giving her sister an encouraging smile.
Elphaba looked up from her breakfast and, stealing a quick glance at her father, smiled softly back at her sister. "If you want me to help you decorate the tree, I will help you, Nessa."
The brunette smiled and continued to make small talk with her father. Once the family finished breakfast, a servant came to clear the table and Frex went to his office, leaving the two sisters alone.
"Let's go decorate the tree now," Nessa said, wheeling away from the table and hurrying out of the room.
Elphaba got up and followed her sister, pausing when she entered the grand ballroom and saw the large Lurlinemas tree. It was huge, almost touching the ceiling.
"Wow," Nessa whispered in awe. "It will look so pretty after being decorated."
The Thropp sisters began to assist the servants with putting on the ornaments, tinsel, and other accessories on the tree. The head servant asked if Elphaba wanted to put the star on the top. The green girl carefully climbed the ladder and placed the star, which touched the ceiling, on the tree. Everyone awed at the wonder and splendor of the tree and Nessa went to go get their father. Elphaba quickly retreated back up to her room, feeling slightly lightheaded. Before she knew it, she was asleep and woke up to a note and a glass of water on her nightstand.
Fabala, she read.
When you weren't in the ballroom when I came back with Father, I got worried, but one of the servants told me that you have probably went up to your room to rest. If you feel sick, please don't worry about helping me for the ball. I don't want you to overdo yourself. Please take your medicine and try to rest.
Nessa
Elphaba sighed. Of course she wanted to help her sister get ready for the ball. She looked at her clock and realized that if she was going to help Nessa, she had to go now. She pushed herself up, but paused, feeling nauseous. She reached over and took a sip of water. The feeling soon past and she got up, making her way downstairs to Nessa's room. "Hey," she said, pausing in the doorway.
Nessa looked up from her book and smiled at her sister. "Hi, Fabala. Did you have a nice nap?"
"I did. And before you ask, I feel fine," the green girl said as she retrieved the dress.
Nessa smiled and blushed, allowing her sister to help her into the dress and curl her hair and do her makeup.
"You look beautiful, Nessie," Elphaba smiled as she pushed her sister in front of the mirror.
"Thank you," Nessa said, smiling slightly at her reflection.
"Nessa, are you ready?" Frex asked as he knocked on the door.
"Have fun, Nessie," the green girl smiled, kissing her sister's forehead and pushing her towards the door.
"I will. And Fabala," Nessa said as she turned around. "Please be careful."
"I'm always careful," Elphaba smirked, but sobered when she saw the look on her sister's face. "I will. I promise."
Nessa seemed satisfied and wheeled away with their father. Elphaba took a few deep breaths before going back up to her room. She slowly opened her door and closed it behind her, immediately going to her bed and pulling her bracelet out from underneath her pillow. She fingered it for a few minutes before going over to her desk. Going in her top drawer, she pulled out the letter she had received from Fiyero. She reread it twice before pulling out a pen and paper.
Dear Yero,
Your Lurlinemas ball sounds very fun. I don't know how different ours is from yours since I haven't been to one since I was a little girl. I know that there's a lot of dancing and loud talking because I can hear it all the way from my bedroom.
I'm glad you're having a nice time with your friends. They sound very nice.
And I've been fine. I had a minor attack last night, but it's nothing to worry about. I didn't even tell Nessa about it because I don't want her to worry even more than she already is. She hasn't mentioned you to our father, which believe me, is a very good thing. But she's not saying anything because I asked her not to on our way home from Shiz (that's a very long story I don't feel like discussing through a letter).
I miss you very much, Yero. Have a very happy Lurlinemas and I'll see you in the new year.
Yours,
Fae
Elphaba read and reread her letter before she grabbed an envelope. After addressing it, she put it aside, knowing that she wouldn't be able to mail it until the day after Lurlinemas. She thought about what she could get him for the holiday. He had gotten her something very special, and she wanted to get him something that was equally as special. She thought about copying him and giving him something with her birthstone on it, but decided against it. She wanted to be original.
She felt a headache coming on and sighed, rubbing her temple. She slowly got up and sat down on her bed. Reaching under her pillow, she pulled out her bracelet and a second item, one that had called "under her pillow" its home for far longer than Fiyero's bracelet.
She held the little green bottle that had belonged to her mother in her hand. It felt cold, despite being hidden under her warm pillow. It had been their little secret. Her mother had given it to her before she died giving birth to Nessa, and she wasn't sure her father knew she had it.
Her headache slowly intensified and she shut her eyes against the pain. She thought about getting some of the pain medicine she knew her father kept in the bathroom cupboard, but the headache practically split her skull in two when she tried to get up. She thought about calling for a servant to get it for her, but she knew that they would be busy downstairs at the ball. The music and chatter did nothing to help her and she covered her ears, wishing everything would just come to a brief respite.
Someone knocked and Elphaba moaned, the noise sounding like a loud cannon to her. It creaked open and one of the maids came in, rushing to the green girl's side. "Miss Elphaba, are you alright?"
Elphaba moaned and turned, still covering her ears. The maid sensed that she was in pain and rushed to the bathroom to grab the pain medicine. She helped the green girl into a sitting position and helped her take two pills with the water. A few clock-ticks later, Elphaba's headache died down and she looked at the maid. "Th-Thank you," she whispered.
The maid nodded. "Do you need anything else, Miss Elphaba?"
"No," the green girl said, shaking her head. "Did… did Nessa send you to check up on me?"
"Yes, miss," the maid said after a brief pause. "She did."
Elphaba nodded. "Please don't tell her about what just happened. Tell her that I was fine and was getting ready to go to sleep."
The maid blinked in surprise, but nodded and promised the green girl to keep the secret. Elphaba smiled in satisfaction as the maid left and closed the door behind her. The less Nessa knew, the better.
So, this was sort of a calmer, chiller chapter. Wish I could say the same about the next one. Actually… no. I don't wish I could. I have a reputation to uphold. Get ready for some more #NiaHasNoChill. *Cackles as lightning flashes behind her*
