Glinda was holding onto Elphaba for dear life, offering up a silent prayer to whatever deity might be listening when she started wondering what was wrong with her. She was acting like Galinda, the spoiled little socialite who relied on people like her parents or Elphaba to keep reality at bay so she could continue to live in her rose colored world. But she hadn't been that girl in a long time. Just because she had Elphie back didn't mean she couldn't still be strong, confident Glinda the Good. A woman perfectly capable of handling whatever life threw at her.

Including an out of control broom.

"I've got you, Elphie." She put her lover in her right arm, shifting her weight as far as she could in that direction so she could reach around her with her left hand. It took some serious stretching, but she finally managed to get a grip on the broomstick. She leaned back in the hopes it would pull them up or slow them down but it didn't do either.

"Now what am I supposed to do?" Elphaba made using the thing look so easy. Of course it was her magic that gave it its, for lack of a better word, life. What if she was the only one who could control it?

"Now you're just freaking yourself out." She chastised herself. "There has to be something you can do. Think!"

And that's when inspiration struck. Why not try what she did best... Talk.

"Stop." Nothing happened. "Please stop." Being polite didn't work either. "All right, how about whoa? No? Halt?" She ground her teeth as they continued to fall. "You've got to calm down, Glin..."

Her voice trailed off when the broom started to level off. "You liked one of those words, didn't you? Which one? Calm..." No change. "Down."

The broom leveled off completely and their speed decreased. They were close enough to the ground that her feet soon hit the grass in a smooth landing.

"Yea for me." She congratulated herself for a moment before remembering the woman cradled against her. "Elphie?" She climbed off the broom, carefully pulling her love with her. "Elphie, can you hear me?" She struggled to support her weight as she lightly tapped her cheek.

"OK. All right." She tried not to panic when nothing happened. "Let's just sit down here for a second." She lowered them both to the ground, putting Elphie's head in her lap to make her more comfortable. "You're going to be all right." She stroked a stray lock of raven hair from a green cheek, trying hard not to think about the last time she held an unresponsive Elphaba. "You have to be."

Nervous energy soon had her checking her lover over. Her hand shook as she reached for her neck, tears pricking the back of her eyes when a steady thumping met her fingers. Her pulse was strong and from what Glinda could see her breathing was normal. She just wasn't waking up.

"Glinda?"

The voice she loved so much pulled her from her thoughts. "Elphie?"

"What..." Brown eyes fluttered open. "What happened?"

"Oh Elphie." She leaned over, putting her forehead against her love's. She'd never been more relieved in her life. "I'm not completely sure, but I think you fainted."

"Fainted? I don't do that sort of thing."

Glinda couldn't help but grin as she pulled back to look at her. Leave it to her Elphie to be indignant about something like fainting. "Well you did a pretty good imitation then."

"I don't do imitation either." Elphaba started to get up but didn't make it very far.

"Oh no you don't." Glinda pushed her back down. "You just scared the life out of me. You're staying put for a while."

"But..."

"Don't argue with me!"

Elphaba sighed, trying to take in their surroundings the best she could from her vantage point. "Where are we?"

"I don't know." Glinda shrugged. "I was too busy being worrying about you fainting..."

"I don't faint!"

"Fine. Blacking out. Is that less girlie for you?" She didn't give her a chance to reply. "I was too concerned with you and landing the broom to watch for landmarks."

"Landing the broom?"

"Yes. We were on our way to my parents house to get the Grimmerie when you fai... Blacked out." Ginda shook her head. "Breena's never going to believe this."

Hearing her cousin's name brought everything back to Elphaba. "Breena!" She was off Glinda's lap and on her feet like a shot.

"What?"

"Come on." Elphaba grabbed her hand, pulling her up.

"Wait." Glinda pulled her hand free once she was standing. "What's going on?"

"We have to go."

"After what happened you expect me to get back on that thing without some sort of explanation?" She chuckled humorlessly. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'll explain on the way."

"You'll explain now."

"But..."

"No Elphie! You passed out, we nearly crashed and you go from 'what's going on' to 'let's go' in two seconds flat and just expect me to go along with it?"

"Glinda, please." Elphaba begged but the look on Glinda's face didn't change. "Fine. I had a vision."

"A vision?" Glinda furrowed her brow. "You have visions?"

"Only once before. Well, maybe twice but the first one was kind of iffy." She shook her head. "None of that matters now. I saw Breena fighting Morrible."

"What?!"

Elphaba nodded. "That's why we have to go."

"But Breena is on her way to Munchkinland."

"I know."

"And Morrible has never seen her. Well, she did when she was glamoured as a man but I'm willing to bet she didn't pay any attention to her."

"I know."

"Where were they fighting?"

"I don't know!" Elphaba growled. "We're wasting time!"

"If you don't know where they're fighting how do you know where to go?"

"I..." The question caught her off guard. "I don't." Her hands curled into fists. "My cousin is in danger and I don't know where she is!"

"It'll be all right, Elphie." Glinda ran her hand down the other woman's arm, taking her hand when she reached it. "Did your other vision take place in the past or the present?"

"I'm not sure. It was of Morrible and Nevin having you dragged away by guards, so I know it happened, but I have no idea when. I was on my way to try to help you when I spotted Breena signaling for one of the flying monkeys to tell me you were safe."

Glinda looked at her adoringly. "You were coming to my rescue?"

"Of course I was." Elphaba shook her head. "That's not important right now."

"You're right." Glinda nodded. "So you're not sure when your visions take place."

"No. Breena could be with Morrible right now."

Glinda gripped her hand. "Don't panic. Just tell me what you saw."

"Glinda..."

"Maybe something you saw will tell us where Breena is. But we can't get there if we don't know where there is, can we?" She frowned. "Did that make any sense?"

"Perfect." Elphaba sighed. "I don't mean to seem uncooperative, it's just..."

"I have a family too, remember? And I think a lot of Breena."

"I know." She swallowed hard. "They were using magic on each other. Breena is strong, but I don't think she can handle Morrible."

"Then we'll have to help her." Glinda gave her hand a squeeze before letting it go. "Now close your eyes and concentrate on what's around them in your vision."

Elphaba did as she was told. "They're inside. Someplace ornate."

"Is it the palace?"

"No, it looks more like someone's house. And there's another woman there."

"Really? What does she look like?"

"Well, she's female."

Glinda gestured with her hands. "And..."

"Short. Pretty."

The blonde tried not to be bothered by the fact the woman she loved was describing another woman as pretty.

"Blondish brown hair. Blue eyes, like yours."

"Does she look like me?"

"What difference does that make?"

"It could make all the difference in the world. Now tell me, does she look like me?"

"Kind of." Elphaba frowned. "On second thought yes. She looks a lot like you."

"I think you're describing my sister, Addena. She's house sitting for my parents right now."

Elphaba's eyes shot open. "Which means they're at Upland Manor."

"Then your vision must be of the future. Breena isn't anywhere near there."

"We can't be sure of that."

"I hate to admit it, but you're right. She could be anywhere right now."

"We should go." Elphaba held out her hand. The broom, which had been hovering where Glinda left it, instantly came to her.

Glinda eyed it wearily. "I'm still a little shaky from the last ride."

"I won't let anything happen to you."

"Not intentionally, but what if you pass out again? It's not like that thing comes with an instruction manual."

"I'll have to give you lessons sometime." Elphaba pulled her to her with her free hand. "Have I ever told you how cute you are when you worry?" She brought their mouths together. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

"I like how you apologize." Glinda hungrily captured green tinged lips again.

"Glinda..." Elphaba spoke through the kiss.

"I know." She sighed as they pulled apart. "We have to go."

Elphaba straddled the broomstick, motioning for Glinda to get in front of her. "How about if I hold onto you this time?"

"You don't have to ask me twice." Glinda was more than happy to comply. "I love being in your arms."

"And I love having you here." Elphaba pulled the blonde close, whispering, "We'll have to see about that quickie later," in her ear.

Glinda melted against her. "It will be anything but quick."

She could practically feel Elphaba's grin as they left the ground.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Fiyero looked around nervously. "It's too quiet. I don't like this."

"You've said that already."

"Well it's true."

"What was I supposed to do, ignore the fact this poor guy lost his shoe?" Breena stroked the neck of the horse she was leading.

"No. But you could have healed him once we reached Munchkinland."

"We won't even dignify that with an answer, will we?" The horse nickered, nudging her affectionately. "Don't mind him, he's just grouchy because Elly and Glinda are off by themselves." She leaned in to stage whisper to the equine. "And we both know what they were doing the last time they were alone."

Fiyero rolled his eyes. "You act like he knows what you're saying. Hey!" He yelped when the horse tried to bite his arm.

"He might look like a tasty treat and as tempting as it is to shut him up, you can't eat the scarecrow ."

"I can't believe he did that."

"You insulted his intelligence. He's not deaf or dumb, Fiyero."

"Shh!" He glanced around again. "You can't broadcast my name like that."

"Yes, because someone in this crowd might hear me." Breena chortled as she took in the deserted streets around them. "Relax."

"That's hard to do when you're in enemy territory."

"Enemy territory? Are you kidding me?"

"We're in the Emerald City. What would you call it?"

Breena gave him a look. "The Emerald City."

"We shouldn't have come here." Fiyero sighed.

"Where else were we supposed to find a blacksmith between here and Munchkinland?"

"I don't know, but something's not right here. It's..."

"Too quiet, we know." Breena finished for him. "You didn't have to come with us."

"Someone has to keep you out of trouble while Fae is gone."

Breena chuckled. "As if you're man enough for that job."

The horse whinnied like he was joining in on the joke.

"She doesn't need your help." Fiyero frowned, which only deepened with the horse gave him an indignant snort. "I see animals like you as much as they do Elphaba."

"What can I say? The Thropp charm is irresistible. There's the blacksmith's booth." She hurried across the street.

Fiyero practically had to run to keep up, reaching her side just in time to hear her say, "Great. No one's here."

"I am."

They both jumped as a young man seemed to suddenly appear before them.

"Sorry." He grinned. "I was sitting on the ground reading. Were you looking for the blacksmith?"

"Yes." Fiyero answered.

"He went home for lunch. But I might be able to help you, depending on what you need."

"He threw a shoe." He reached for the horse but it shied away from his touch.

"He doesn't like you." Breena shot him a look before returning her attention to the boy. "Can you help?"

"Sure." The young man smiled. "I'm Darius."

"Nice to meet you Darius. I'm Breena and that's Fiyero. And we're on kind of a tight schedule."

"Right. Come one big fella." Darius took the reins from her. "We'll have you good as new in no time."

"You didn't have to be so snippy with him."

Breena frowned as she watched the boy get to work. "Since when is telling someone you're in a hurry being snippy?"

"I'm glad you two came along. It's been dead around here lately."

Fiyero whispered, "Don't make small talk to him," just as Breena said, "I noticed." She frowned at him, adding, "What's going on?" just for spite.

"Everyone is afraid to be out now that the Witch is back." Darius didn't notice the staring match taking place between his customers. "Personally I don't see where she was all that bad. She stood up for animal and Animal rights alike and no one ever proved she hurt them."

Breena resisted the urge to tell him thanks. "So everyone's hiding?"

Darius nodded. "For the most part. It didn't help that the Gale Force went around town taking people's horses this morning."

"Taking horses? Why would they need to do that? They have a huge stable of military stallions just outside of town." Breena suddenly remembered that wasn't exactly common knowledge. "Or so I've heard."

"They do. One of the soldiers got really mad at the blacksmith when he pointed that out this morning. Told him to shut up and mind his own business. Apparently they were in a hurry to start some top secret mission and couldn't take the time to get their own horses."

"How do you know that?" Fiyero eyed him suspiciously.

"I have my ways."

Breena grinned at his response. "And do those ways include knowing where they were going?"

"They were headed for the Uplands."

Her grin faded. "What?"

"Morrible ordered it." He made a face. "I really can't stand her. But now that Captain Nevin is out of the picture she's our new ruler."

Fiyero frowned. "What happened to Captain Nevin?"

"No one knows for sure." Darius continued to work. "Yesterday he was fine and today the palace doctor made the announcement he would probably never wake up again."

"Morrible must have taken him out." Fiyero growled.

"Damn it." Breena hissed the words. "Leto must have managed to get word out after all. And she knows where the book is. We can't let her get her hands on it!"

Darius frowned. "What's she going on about?"

"Nothing." Fiyero gripped Breena's arm, pulling her further away from where the boy was working. "Take your own advice and calm down. We don't want to draw unwanted attention to ourselves."

"They're flying into a trap. I can't just stand here and do nothing to stop it!"

"How is flipping out going to help them?!"

"I'm not flipping out!" Breena clinched her jaw. "Just leave me alone so I can think."

"I'm afraid I can't do that." Fiyero softened his voice. "That's usually what gets you in trouble."

Breena snapped her fingers. "I've got it!"

"Got what?"

"Darius, is there a women's clothing store near here?"

"Clothing store?" Fiyero frowned.

"Sure." Darius nodded. "Mrs. Trudeau's is at the end of the block. You can't miss it."

"Thanks." With that Breena took off again.

"Wait!" Fiyero yelled, startling Darius. "Sorry, but you know how women are. They'll spend all your money if you don't watch them." He didn't notice the strange look the boy gave him as he rushed away. "Breena? Breena!" He finally caught up to her when she stopped to open the door to the clothing store. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Two women came threw the door as he spoke.

"How vulgar." One of them put her hand on her chest.

"Honestly, the things one sees these days." The other agreed. "What would that wonderful scarecrow who traveled with Dorothy think if he heard one of his own speaking in such a manner?"

Breena smirked. "Excuse me ladies." She went by them and into the store.

"I..." Fiyero would have blushed if he could. "Pardon me."

Both women moved as one when he started toward them. "There's nothing in there for the likes of you."

Her comment was lost on him as he tried to find Breena among all the lace and frills the shop contained. He was wondering if this was what Glinda's closet looked like when he spotted her talking to one of the store clerks.

"That won't be necessary. I can come find you if I need assistance, but thanks for your help." Breena gave the woman a fake smile that disappeared the minute she started to walk away. "Why do they have to be so damned pushy?"

Fiyero fell into step next to her. "Want to tell me what we're doing here?"

"I don't know about you, but I'm here to help Elly and Glinda."

"By picking up some clothes?"

"Don't be stupid." Breena gave him a look. "By going to Upland Manor to warn them about the Gale Force troops."

Fiyero frowned. "You lost me back at the stupid part. How is being in a store like this going to get you to Upland Manor?"

"Not the store, one of its mirrors."

"Mirrors?"

"Yes. All I need is a big enough mirror and I have myself a portal to wherever I want to go."

"A portal?"

"Did you turn into a mockingbird when I wasn't looking?"

"No, but I'm starting to think you've lost it." Fiyero shook his head. "Can you hear what you're saying?"

"Elly and I came up with a spell that turns a mirror into a portal. She used it to go see Nessa when she was in hiding."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Far from it."

"And you're going to use it to go to Upland Manor?"

"Yes."

"What about getting Milynn to Munchkinland?"

Breena thought about it for a second before pulling a small leather money pouch out of her pants pocket. "Here, take this. There should be more than enough for that kid at the blacksmith's. Take the horse and get back on the road."

Fiyero hoped bringing up her best friend would change her mind but obviously he was wrong. "And what am I supposed to tell Betak?"

"The truth. Tell her Elly and Glinda needed me." Breena sighed sadly. "She'll understand."

"But..."

"I have to go, Fiyero. I can't lose anyone else right now."

He groaned. "Why do I have a feeling I'm going to be the one to get in trouble for this?"

"Probably because you will." She grinned. "Take good care of Betak for me and I'll see you soon."

"Wait!" He had no idea why but his stomach fell when she disappeared into one of the dressing rooms. He stood there for a moment, not quite sure of what he should do. "Be safe," he mumbled as he turned to walk away.