A/N: Thanks to Doglover645, LillyFae and Elphieispopular for your reviews. The question was raised as to the relationship between Elphaba and Jayla. They are sisters. I will clarify Jayla's parentage… as soon as I figure out how to. This is what happens when I write at 3 am
I'm the Witch 7
News of a new Witch in Oz spread quickly through the terrified Munchkins and down the Yellow Brick Road into the Emerald City. Sightings of a magnificent figure clad in the blue that was described in the myths of the sea, even reached Quaddling Country. Elphaba was amused one morning while Jayla was absent to hear news of a crazed blue figure with horns sprouting from her shoulders terrorizing Munchkinland and, calling forth waves from the river. She wasn't quite sure how to take the news that was deliberately sent to her that Jayla was intending on staying in Munchkinland for a little while. The inherently meddlesome nature of the blue Witch had taken a potentially unhealthy interest in the seceded state due to the still chaotic political climate borne of the death of Nessarose. At the very least, she would be a stabilizing presence.
In the north, Glinda was said to be skilfully balancing trade with Munchkinland and diplomacy with the Emerald City. Despite not technically being the most powerful family in Gilikin, she was certainly regarded as the highest authority. Somehow, she still managed to be perceived as an extravagantly dressed ditz. Strangely enough, it seemed to help her image. There's nothing remotely threatening about baby-blue tulle, so when advice emerges from it, people accept it, on the basis of assuming safety.
Elphaba herself could claim some stability in her castle in the Vinkus. Since claiming Liir as her own a significant amount of tension had left Kiamo Ko. That peace seemed to have radiated through the province. Even the Scrow and Yunamata had made peace, simply by way of the fact they were both allied to the woman who had somehow become the ruler of the Vinkus. Without her actually having to do much. Mostly she left the other tribes and villages alone and, they self-governed effectively. If not, she simply had to be sighted in the area and people sorted things out pretty quickly.
Cessation of petty conflict combined with the innate human desire to fight created the perfect climate for far grander plans to be hatched and nurtured. Quite suddenly the indignant protests ceased all across Oz. Instead, the noise of blades being sharpened could be heard in every house from the hovel of the poorest Munchkin farmer to the grand estate of some Glikkun aristocrat. Evidence of capable leaders now being available, the Ozians began to realize the Wonderful Wizard was not quite so wonderful after all – little more than a charlatan with a penchant for green.
Madame Morrible, an old woman now though just as toxic, heard the whisper of metal being pulled from its sheath. Knowing the Wizard managed to remain a figure head, making him the primary target, she believed herself safe. More than that, she saw the ascension of Elphaba, Glinda and Jayla as proof of her power. A prophecy she had made 20 years ago had finally eventuated, if the details had been slightly altered. It was no matter. She doubted even Elphaba would come for her now. Morrible had total control over all the pieces in this game of chess and thought she was about to win.
The Witch of the West had not forgotten the fish-like woman who had apparently set them up while she had still attended Shiz. Killing the woman was still a goal to complete in the foreseeable future. Except, now that she felt responsible to her young son, she hesitated to leave him unattended. Particularly on a mission she might not return from. Nor had she forgotten the shoes on the girl who had landed a house on Nessa. Another thing she was not able to pursue. Instead, she had her monkeys watch Morrible, ageing more and more each day, and Dorothy as she made her way to see the Wizard.
Jayla too had heard of the foreign girl, but was less interested in a child as oppose to the woman who'd assigned her the mission. As she understood, Glinda was a powerful figure in the North who had significant ties to Munchkinland. And to Elphaba. Apparently they had attended university together. Information the Good Witch of the North had might assist Jayla with her meddling. If that wasn't a good enough reason for an introduction, Jayla didn't know what was.
Embroiled as she was in the mess that was Munchkinland politics, there wasn't enough time to meet the other Witch. She would have to wait. As would Elphaba, for the chance to exact her revenge and take back her property. So too would Glinda, for the chance to make her next move, whatever it may be. The Wizard and Morrible awaited the arrival of Dorothy, a new pawn in their game.
A/N: Bit of a filler chapter to try and give clarity as to where this is going. To give you a rough idea of timeline, which I have only just figured out myself. Nessa has been killed, the funeral was why Elphaba was in Munchkinland in chapter 1, but Morrible is still alive and Dorothy not yet reached the Emerald City. You'll be pleased to know I have a rough guide for at least 8 more chapters.