Hellooo!
Here's Chapter 2.
Elphaba's Girl - Ah, good prediction! Good ole Punjab may come up later. ;)
Enjoy
Chapter 2
Elphaba
I had been flying all day. At face value, my new life was monotonous, but (luckily?) the constant threat of capture prevented boredom from setting in. Most Animals were in hiding; they were difficult to find. The ones I did find were either terrified of the Wizard or terrified of me. But I couldn't in good conscience go along with the Wizard's sadistic plot to "make Oz wonderful."
Yet, I thought about those who I left behind. There was Glinda, well meaning but still in love with being loved. There was Nessa, who was now part of a disgraced family, helpless. There was Erik, my great companion, probably learning to be free, hopefully not in too much pain. And there was Fiyero, the prince I found charming even though I shouldn't have. He was so enticing, with so many layers I had yet to pull back.
"Wiiiiitch!" I was jolted back to reality. I quickly looked down for the Gale Force, but I was relieved to find only a Bear. I landed, hopefully gracefully, on the forest floor.
"I mean no harm," I said gently. "I fight for your rights and your citizenship. If you give me food and shelter for the night, I will protect you from the Wizard's fascist regime."
"Oh, I know that, honey!" the Bear said. "I just figured you wanted a friend. Albress was so fond of you! Said you were his best student, I believe."
"Wait, are you talking about Dr. Dillamond?"
"Yes! We were friends in school! I took a fancy to him, but Mum said I had to marry a Bear. He was the smartest Animals I knew."
"Do you know where he might be?"
"Sorry, Witch, honey, I don't. I heard of his removal from Shiz, but …"
"I'm Elphaba, by the way."
"Ursa. Enchanted to meet you, Elphaba! Come this way. You can meet my Cubs!" I followed her through the woods in silence. To think of Animals living in the woods! It made me sick! And all because of the man whom I thought was so wonderful up until a year ago.
As soon as we entered the cave, we heard a chorus of, "Mama!" Four Cubs rushed up to Ursa, and hugged her tightly. So this is what a real family is like, I thought.
"Hello, my darlings!" Ursa exclaimed cheerfully. "Guess what? We have a guest! One of Uncle Albress's old students! Isn't that exciting?"
"Did you bring food, Mama?" one of the Cubs asked.
"We have food, honey. Elphaba, would you care to sit down?"
"Ursa, I appreciate your kindness," I said. "But I don't want you to get into any trouble. I am a wanted fugitive, after all."
"Oh, and we're barely citizens! Now, sit down, Elphaba dear." As I sat down, I silently commended Ursa for her courage. I knew there was a price on my head, and I was sure that Animals would receive greater punishment than humans, but she still harbored the Wicked Witch.
"Do you have a husband?" I asked her once the Cubs were in bed.
Ursa turned serious. "He got … a job … offer at the circus. I haven't seen him in four years."
"I'm so sorry."
"I don't know if he's in pain, or dead, or a bear by now. The Cubs … think he accidentally fell out of a tree; I can't possibly tell them the truth. What about you, honey? Do you have a special guy?"
"I did. Erik Flummox. But, obviously, I left him in order to do … this."
"Erik Flummox is the official Palace Musician, I heard. I believe he joined the Gale Force as well. You miss him?"
"I know I shouldn't, but I do. Ursa, you're going to think I'm a horrible, green slut, but I also had feelings for … Prince Fiyero of the Vinkus."
"You're not a slut, you're a girl with perfectly normal feelings. I've seen pictures of this Fiyero in the papers, and if I wasn't an Animal, whoa!" Suddenly, there was a pounding on the door.
"Open up! Gale Force!"
"Hide yourself, Elphaba!" Ursa exclaimed. "I'll handle this!"
"Be careful," I said as I took cover in one of the cupboards. Ursa was now in danger – because of me. Aren't I a stellar Animal rights activist?
"Good evening, officer," Ursa greeted the Gale Force soldier. "How may I be of service?"
"I won't hurt you – maybe. Just tell me if you've seen Elphaba Thropp!" Erik! I couldn't help myself. I emerged from my hiding spot.
"I'm here, Erik," I said on an exhale. "Please, take me if you must, but don't harm this Bear or her Cubs. Please, Erik!"
"Very well," Erik said. "Come with me." This was it. I was under arrest. The penalty for treason in Oz was death, which I would meet bravely and with good cheer.
"So, will they give you a medal for capturing me?" I asked bitterly.
"They don't know I'm here. Well, Fiyero knows, but he doesn't count, I guess. Could you possibly conjure a piano for me? I wanted to find you because I wrote a song for you."
"Erik, I'm not a common magician! The power is mysterious! And, you can't dedicate a song to a wicked witch."
"I can and I have. Now, lie down, El."
"Okay." Maybe I was secretly intrigued by his song for me, or maybe it was hearing his old nickname for me, but I found myself lying down on the forest floor.
Hunting for you,
Throughout the day and the night.
You're in darkness,
While I'm stuck in the light.
He has no chance;
Only I can advance.
Moonlight shining,
Illuminating your skin.
They search for emeralds,
But I know where to begin.
You should just forget
About your debt.
Forget about that city's brilliant light,
And listen to the music of the night.
Close your eyes, and succumb to your darkest dreams.
Forget about the hunt for your soul.
'Cause your soul is mine forevermore.
Now you can live as you've never lived before.
Flighty, green bird,
Land for just a minute.
The awaited moment,
Now we're in it.
Levitate your mind.
Let your fantasies unwind,
In this darkness neither of us can fight,
The power of the music of the night.
You alone can make my soul take flight.
Help me make the music of the night.
I went to sleep looking at his beautiful, white mask.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Elle Dottore
