AN:
Hey guys!
Alright, the time has come and it's back to school for me. I'm not sure how things will work out, but I will still try to upload weekly (every Tuesday NZST, but cut me some slack if I can't stick to that schedule...). Originally, I had hoped that I'd have lots of chaps simply waiting to be posted by now, but my starting early with publishing this story, plus being far less productive during holidays than I had hoped, means that I'm only 2.5 chapters ahead at this point. I'll try to do a bit more work and race ahead with writing before uni starts going crazy, but tbh, it might turn out to be crazy from day one lol
Alright, enought blablabla... enjoy the new chapter!
Happy reading!
Chapter Six: Into the Woods
Galinda rang the gilded bell and her handmaiden came flitting into the room soon after.
"You're going out, My Lady?" she asked with a hint of surprise when she noticed the blonde's attire.
"Only a walk around the castle," Galinda assured her with a sweet smile and slipped on her white gloves.
"I left a letter on the bureau. It is of upmost importance that it reaches the post office by noon."
The letter was addressed to Madame Morrible. Although Galinda's time in the Vinkus was nearly over, she did not feel ready to leave just yet. Once she had made her decision to extend her stay another two weeks, she had penned a notice to inform her governess. She already knew that the stuffy woman would be greatly displeased, but had formulated her words so that there was no room left for argument - after all, she was an adult now and her own person.
"Will that be all, My Lady?"
"Yes, thank you. That will be all."
The maid nodded, took the letter and left. Galinda followed her out of the door a clock-tick later, headed for the small building that was the larder.
Waiting on the shady side of the shed that was facing away from the castle, she leaned against the cool brick. Her heart was pounding in her chest in anticipation of what she and Elphaba were about to do. She mused how leaving the castle must seem such a simple thing to most people, but going out to see the real world without being supervised by a proper chaperone, or in company of a delegation of her court was new to the girl who would soon inherit the Ozian throne and she could feel the thrill of the forbidden release a swarm of butterflies in her belly. Or was it the fact that it was Elphaba she was going with? She blushed at the notion, yet had to sheepishly admit that it might have been at least a combination of both.
She registered movement to her right and a dark, heavily cloaked person detached themselves from the shadows of a group of trees. Galinda knew who she hoped it would be, yet the residue of a perhaps irrational uncertainty caused her breath to quicken and her grip to tighten around her handbag's strap.
Covering the last few paces between them, Elphaba threw back her hood and shook out her long, silky, ink-black hair. Galinda took a deep breath, her hand resting right above her heart.
"You almost scared the life out of me," she gasped and Elphaba cast her a disappointed look.
"Yeah. I had hoped to get out of that stupid deal by quietly disposing of you. Unfortunately, as far as I can see, I wasn't particularly successful."
The blonde swatted her lightly with her fan.
"Your sense of humour requires improvement."
"We can't all be as sweet as you are, my pretty."
Giggling, Galinda nodded.
"Maybe you're right. You know what they say about too much of a good thing."
The green woman chose not to comment.
"Come," she said instead, "this way."
They mostly walked along servant paths, well hidden from the eyes of the noble occupants of the castle. After passing a vegetable garden, the pigsty and the chicken coop, Galinda was confused when she realised that their way, as secret as it might have appeared so far, led them straight to the main gate of the outer wall.
"Elphaba," she hissed, "what are you doing?"
The Princess' brows knitted.
"What do you mean?"
"This is the main gate, silly!"
"Yes? Well, how else do you expect to get out of here?"
"How do I know! But someway more sneaky? A backdoor?"
"Galinda."
Elphaba suddenly stopped to turn around, causing the blonde to bump right into her. Slightly started herself, she took a step backwards to increase the distance between them.
"This castle was built over a thousand years ago as the great stronghold of the Arjiki clan. Do you really think it would still be standing if there was such a thing as a secret backdoor for traitors to lead their allies through?"
"I see," Galinda sighed. "But how do you think we'll get through there?"
"During a besiegement this door is impenetrable. In times of peace you merely have to know the right people."
The two ladies walked up to the two guards at the gate.
"Good morning, Your Highness. My Lady."
"I'd rather you swallowed your tongues for the rest of your shift."
Elphaba tossed each of them a small purse and they nodded mutely.
They walked through the door and a few hundred metres down the road without exchanging too many words. Galinda could see the town below them as the stronghold was situated on a rocky hill. Looking back the short portion of the way they had already covered, she began to wonder how much of the day would be left by the time they would finally reach the carnival and how early they would have to leave in order to return on time for dinner.
She mustn't have worried, however. As she directed her gaze back to the road ahead, she spotted a horse-drawn carriage on its way up. She was somewhat puzzled at first when she noticed that the bay horse wasn't wearing a bridle and that there was no driver controlling the tiny chaise. But everything began to make sense, when Elphaba hailed the cap.
"Good morning, Juffa. Thank you for helping out on such a short notice."
"Don't mention it, My Lady," the Horse replied politely.
"Do you need help?" Elphaba asked Galinda and she nodded distractedly.
"Yes, please. If you don't mind."
So the green woman offered her hand as usually a gentleman would and the blonde climbed in, giggling slightly flustered. Elphaba hopped in right after her, and Juffa set into motion, turning the carriage around and trotting downhill.
"Is this outfit really necessary?" Galinda asked a few minutes later to break the silence. She picked up a corner of the thick, rough fabric with the tips of her fingers and inspected it with distaste. "It looks dreadfully warm"
"I don't have much of a choice," Elphaba replied somewhat grumpily. "Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I don't go out all that often."
"Well, thank you for indulging me."
Despite Galinda's genuine gratitude, the Princess released an irritable huff and crossed her arms.
"Don't thank me – it's not like I'm coming along entirely voluntarily."
"So?" Galinda asked playfully. "Who was it that forced you then?"
"You."
"And how is that?"
"I don't know. There is something about you. Something that makes it extremely difficult to deny you anything."
A bright smile appeared on the shorter woman's face and she inched a little closer to her friend, until their arms met.
"I choose to take this as a compliment."
"And I choose to repudiate that it was meant as such."
Galinda grabbed the green girl's arm and clung to it tightly, leaning her head against an angular, bony shoulder.
"Of course you do, you old sourpuss."
Drawing a sharp breath, Elphaba averted her gaze to look out of the window.
"My Ladies? We have arrived," the Horse announced about twenty minutes later.
"Thank Lurline," Elphaba mumbled under her breath and detangled herself from Galina to disembark.
The blonde stayed behind, tilting her head and casting her companion a pleading look.
"Help?"
"I'm sure you can do this by yourself, sweet girl."
The girl in the carriage pursed her lips in disdain. She watched Elphaba tipping Juffa into a small cup attached to his harness and walk off.
"Hey, wait, you mean, green thing!" she called after her and rather inelegantly scrambled off the seat, thanking the Horse in passing as she hurried to catch up to Elphaba.
"That was rude!" she complained once she had reached her and briskly hooked her arm through Elphaba's. "Care to show off your good breeding a bit more, Miss Elphaba?"
The Princess briefly inspected their linked arms with a hint of disbelief on her face, then moved on despite her obvious discomfort.
"I told you, I was raised by a kitchen maid. How much good breeding do you expect?" she responded.
Galinda flicked her a quick, sad look and said nothing.
To arouse less suspicion, Juffa had dropped them off a few streets away from the carnival and not right at the fairground, but they could already hear the noisy cacophony of various sources of music and people laughing, shouting and fighting.
As soon as they turned around the next corner, they saw the back of some trailers and caravans, laundry lines spanned between them and goats and pigs in cages or staked nearby. A group of men in women's clothing, wearing plenty of jewellery and horribly overdone makeup, sauntered past and waved and blew kisses at them. The blonde had to admit that she was slightly scared and clutched Elphaba's arm a tad tighter.
They finally reached the entrance to the fairground and each of the girls tossed a coin into the gypsy woman's tin, receiving a ticked in return.
The carnival was well attended, families with children and young lovers making up the largest share of visitors. There were several fun rides, such as a flying swing, a merry-go-round and even a small Ferris wheel. Galinda wished she could try each and every one of them, since she had never had the chance when she had still been a child. But alas, it would be highly unbecoming for a fine, young lady to swing through the sky like a monkey or to go on a spin on one of the colourfully painted animals. To her great regret, even the Ferris wheel was geared more towards younger patronage and so she was forced to remain with both legs firmly on the ground.
"It's nearly lunch time," Elphaba pointed out. "Perhaps we should purchase something to eat."
Galinda agreed eagerly and got herself some candyfloss, which – according to her green companion at least – could hardly count as proper food. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Elphaba went to buy two flatbreads, topped with sour cream, cheese and onions, which she generously shared with the blonde.
Next, they had a stroll among the market stands, feasting their eyes on all sorts of trinkets and jewels and rummage.
"Oh look, isn't this just beautiful?" Galinda enthused as she picked up a richly decorated mirror.
"I doubt that this is real silver," Elphaba said with disinterest.
"I don't mind. I like it anyway."
The blonde took out her purse and paid the delighted merchant at least five times the amount the item was worth and slipped the mirror into her handbag. She was not very familiar with the concept of bargaining.
About an hour later, she had bought herself two necklaces and three bracelets and for Elphaba, a small statuette of a green Vinkun bird.
"You literally throw your money around," Elphaba remarked drily when Galinda accidentally dropped her purse while fiddling with her shopping bags and a few shimmering coins tumbled out.
"I never get to spend it otherwise."
Galinda bent down carefully to reach for her coins, but pulled back quickly when a mighty hoof touched the ground no more than one inch before her. Elphaba caught her and helped her to her feet. The hoof belonged to a strange creature on four stilts; a spirit creature of some kind, furry looking, yet also overgrown with moss and pieces of bark covering the legs. There were six of them: five wore white masks, the sixth an elephant skull with long, imposing tusks.
"Sweet Oz, I think those will give me nightmares later," the blonde murmured and Elphaba cackled softly.
Once the creatures had passed, she swiftly stooped down, gathered the coins and passed them back to the shorter girl.
"Be more careful with those. If you really only want to get rid of them, make at least sure you loose them right as you pass some poor soul who might need them more than you do."
"Elphaba?" Galinda then questioned worriedly. "Where is everyone?"
The two girls looked around and noticed that the number of people around them had diminished considerably. Even Elphaba seemed at a loss for a moment.
But then, from further away, they could her the noise of many hooves and the excited neighing of horses.
"The rider less races," Elphaba realised.
Galinda's eyes lit up.
"Oh, can we go and see? Please? Please?"
The Princess was not particularly keen, but the petite blonde had enough enthusiasm for the both of them and so they went. She inspected the prancing stallions that were being paraded up and down the street and bet on a silver horse with the number thirteen embroidered on its harness, earning herself another frustrated sigh from Elphaba.
The participants were lined up at the start and let loose at the shot of a rifle. The animals galloped along the fenced off streets and alleys, until they reached the finishing line about ten minutes later. Galinda's horse won and she tripled her stake. She couldn't help but show her emerald friend a wide triumphant grin.
Before the crowd of spectators returned to the fairground, the bookmaker called for everyone's attention. A woman in a pale yellow, sparkling costume, riding on a pure white horse emerged from one of the side streets. The stallion began a piaffe, performing almost dancelike steps without moving forward.
"Come one, come all!" The bookmaker announced. "Come tonight and witness the greatest show in Oz: The Balloon Horse Stardust and his sensational ascension act with gorgeous pyrotechnic display!"
Galinda seemed entranced by the animal's graceful movements and the woman's glittering, dazzling dress.
"Fireworks! Did you hear that, Elphaba? Fireworks!" she gushed, her dreamy eyes still fixated on the beautiful pair of rider and horse.
"Galinda, we can't even stay that long. Besides, I bet he's actually a Horse. Nothing to it."
"But the fireworks!"
Elphaba snorted and began to gently pull her away.
"You can watch the pyrotechnics from the window in your room at the castle. It's facing the right direction. I think it's time for us to leave now."
They walked back to the fairground to find themselves a cab. Before they could make it to the cab stand, however, Galinda began to tug and jerk on the green woman's arm, dragging her over to a curious looking tick-tock thing that somewhat resembled a clockwork.
A dwarf, fairly ugly, Galinda had to admit, jumped forth from behind the contraption and immediately captured the attention of numerous bystanders. When he began to speak, they moved closer, almost like in trance, and flopped down on the ground before the wagon the thing was mounted upon.
"Welcome to our little show. Welcome and witness the wonders of the Clock of the Time Dragon."
A thundering noise sounded in the background and the clock's mechanics sprang to life. The black velvet curtain was drawn and the odd apparatus turned out to be some strange version of a puppet theatre. Music started to play and a puppet with yellow hair and a pretty, blue dress appeared. Soon, the puppet was joined by a second one of darker complexion and hair; a male it seemed like. They danced and played catch, until a third puppet emerged from behind a few paper trees. She was green and her hair was black.
Galinda clapped gleefully and laughed.
"Elphie, that one looks like you!"
Elphaba clenched her teeth and exhaled noisily through her nostrils.
"Let's go," she whispered urgently. "I don't like this show."
"But Elphie, isn't this droll?"
"No."
The tall, green woman stood and yanked the smaller blonde to her feet as well.
"We're leaving," she declared in a firm and determined tone of voice and turned on her heel, Galinda still in tow.
She hailed a cab for the two of them and ushered Galinda inside before climbing in herself. The shorter woman wrapped her arms around her slender waist and sullenly stared out of the window, not speaking a word with Elphaba.
Galinda furrowed her brows and leaned out of the window to see better.
"What's this? Are we going back to the castle already?"
"That's the plan," Elphaba replied evenly.
"But… but… but we haven't had our walk in the wood yet!"
"You didn't seem very much in the mood for that."
"Well, I am a little annoyed with you, Miss Elphaba," the blonde pouted. "But I still intend to hold up my end of the bargain."
The green woman sighed.
"You don't need to. I believe it's better we just return home."
"No, but I insist!"
Clearing her voice, Galinda addressed the cabbie.
"Sir? Please stop the carriage, my friend and I will get off here."
"Galinda, please don't be ridiculous," Elphaba hissed, but the blonde had already hopped out of the cab and tipped the driver.
"Are you coming?" she called over her shoulder and plodded ahead over a meadow of knee-high, dry grass, headed for a small forest she could see in the distance.
Cursing, the Princess followed.
"What in Oz do you think you're doing, you little idiot? You can't simply walk criss-cross across the country and then disappear in some unmapped corner of the forest."
Galinda ignored her and marched on. Resigned, Elphaba followed her within a distance of a few paces.
Halfway before they reached the wood, Galinda stumbled and had a little rant. Every few steps, one of her heels would get stuck in the soft soil and this time one of them had broken off.
"Told you so," Elphaba admonished her as she caught up to her, but Galinda continued to ignore her and took off her shoes and her stockings, leaving them behind.
When they arrived at the treeline, they found that only a few hundred yards further west lay a path, coming out of the forest and leading back to the town. Galinda led the way and once they had reached the road, they followed it in the opposite direction, diving into the twilight of the sea of fresh green.
Eventually, the entrance to the tunnel of trees disappeared behind them and they were surrounded by nothing but foliage and the sounds of nature. They had barely walked half a mile, when Galinda came to an abrupt halt.
"Oh, Elphaba, listen. Isn't this beautiful?"
The green woman did as she was told.
The sound Galinda was referring to was the song of a rare Vinkun bird. Its light, jubilant chirping and twittering carried far across the canopy of leaves, making it almost impossible to tell where the tiny creature was sitting.
"I wish I could tell you which bird this call belongs to, but I must admit that's where books come up short," Elphaba confessed regretfully and Galinda snickered, looping her arm through Elphaba's again, as she had already done fairly often during the course of that day. The taller woman seemed to have grown somewhat accustomed to the constant body contact and barely batted an eyelash.
"Now that's a first," Galinda said, amused.
"I can promise you though that if we were able to catch a glance at that bird, I would easily be able to identify it."
"Oh, I know! Maybe it's the one I bought for you at the carnival!"
"Hardly. That one is called a crested steppe titmouse and is endemic to the Hundred Year Grasslands."
"Insufferable wiseacre," Galinda grumbled and playfully nudged Elphaba's side.
They continued on their path, walking mostly in silence so they could listen and enjoy the many songs the birds and insects were humming for them. At some point, it occurred to Galinda that Elphaba would not need her long garments while they were all by themselves. Elphaba hesitated, but did shed her top layer in the end, henceforth carrying it folded over her free arm.
"Elphaba," Galinda said later and slowed down her steps.
The Princess furrowed her brow in mild concern.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I…" Galinda removed her arm from Elphaba's and began to fumble with her handbag.
"Yes?"
"I…"
She took a mighty breath.
"Never mind."
As the blonde looked away, her cheeks flushed and the raven-haired woman grew more and more apprehensive.
"You can tell me, Galinda. Surely, it can't be that bad. "
Galinda worried her lip.
"Elphaba, I'm… afraid I need to use the facilities."
The green woman looked at her blankly.
"Um… sure. Just… disappear into the bushes somewhere and do what you have to do. I'll be waiting here for you."
"Elphie!" Galinda exclaimed, shocked.
"Well, what else do you propose? I doubt they have erected any privies around here. This is not a public park, you know?"
The blonde's expression turned into one of pain and despair.
"I could come with you," Elphaba offered.
Galinda stared at her with big eyes, not sure how to react, for the plain look on the Princess' face made it impossible for her to distinguish whether she had been serious or jesting.
"Come on, you delicate flower; hurry and join your peers at the side of the road and sprinkle them with some welcome water."
Galinda's eyes widened even further and her head turned bright red. Not least because she could no longer stand facing Elphaba in her embarrassment, she, at last, fled into the bushes to do her business, hearing the green woman's weird cackling laughter fading away behind her.
It took a while until she had figured out a way to keep her luxurious skirt and all the many underskirts and petticoats, as well as her bloomers out of the way and clean, but once she had found the desperately anticipated relief, she felt like a new woman. She took another couple of minutes to organise and smooth out the layers of ruffles and silk, then she was finally ready to set forth on her return journey. She wasn't looking forward to seeing Elphaba's smug grin, however, she didn't have much of a choice, did she?
As she turned around, her vision blurred a little at so much overwhelming greenness. Now she only needed to remember which way she had come from – and goodness knew, she was so bad with directions. She lightly berated herself for not thinking of this minute problem earlier. But ultimately, it had been Elphaba's fault for cajoling her into diving into the bushes with such precipitation. She thought that one of the flowery bushes to her right looked vaguely familiar and thus decided to choose this course.
About two minutes later, she began to doubt the accuracy of her memory and released a frustrated sigh.
"Elphaba?" she called, quite sure that she could not have wandered too far from the road for the other woman to hear her. "Elphaba!"
She could hear the drumming of her own heart loud and clear. Five heartbeats more and she tried anew.
"Elphaaaaabaaaaa!"
Another heartbeat passed.
"Galinda?"
The voice that was calling out her name was rather faint, yet still easy enough to follow. Galinda's heart leaped for joy and relief and she gathered her skirt so she could move through the thicket more quickly.
"Elphaba," she called as she rushed towards the direction the voice had come from, "I'm coming! Stay where you are!"
"Fine!" the voice answered back, already a notch louder.
Another few yards and she found her way blocked by a tree. With an irritated huff, she turned left to walk around the stupid thing, but when she suddenly looked straight into big, amber eyes, she let out a small squeal. She stumbled backwards and fell on her behind.
The animal came closer, watching her warily and carefully placing one paw in front of the other. It was a fairly large beast with grey-brown, shaggy fur and a long tail. Its ears were marked from fights, the tips on both sides missing. Although she had never seen one in real life, Galinda was sure that she was staring at a wolf.
"Elphie, help," she whimpered uselessly and scrambled backwards. One of her ribbons got caught in the undergrowth and wouldn't allow her to move any further.
She yanked and tugged at the wretched thing, until the small, thorny branch broke off, now dangling at the side of her dress. Grasping for the stem of a young sapling, the blonde pulled herself up. The animal was still standing where she had last seen it, its eyes following her movements with keen interest. Out of the corners of her own eyes, she spotted a mostly clear escape path. She slowly counted from three to one, then made a dart for said path, running faster than she had ever run, despite the roots, stones and brambles in her way.
She didn't get far before the beast had caught up to her, moved past her with one huge jump and blocked her way.
Scared for her life and trembling, Galinda clung to a nearby tree and began to cry.
"Elphie!" she shouted out, with scarcely any hope to actually be heard by anybody at all.
The dry leaves rustled under the large canine's clawed paws as it drew closer. When it was within Galinda's reach, it paused, but began to growl, its ears flat on its head and its tail straight and tense. Galinda took a wobbly step to the right and the animal adjusted its position as to cut off her intended path. She moved back to where she had stood just before and the wolf followed her. She moved backwards and the creature moved forwards. It was herding her like a sheep.
She realised she couldn't run, for with its long legs and adapted to this sort of environment, the animal would always be faster and more agile than her – and sweet Lurline, she wasn't even wearing shoes! She had no idea how this would end, however, for the time being, she decided to give in and do what the beast seemed to want her to. Keeping up at least a tiny shimmer of hope, she called out Elphie's name several more times, but to no apparent avail.
As the animal drove her deeper and deeper into the wood, she felt the exhaustion settling in and soon she began to stumble with every second or third step. When she tripped over a root and landed flat on her stomach, dry leaves got caught in her golden curls and dirt marking her otherwise perfectly white cheeks, hands and knees, she began to weep and refused to get back up. With a soft growl, the animal sat down beside her and watched her, but did not insist she move forward.
After a while, she could tell that the beast was growing agitated as it began to whimper and snarl. Finally, it stood up and began to tug on Galinda's dress. Galinda was too tired and despaired to take much note anymore.
Suddenly, the wolf yelped and whimpered in pain and the blonde looked up, nearly as shocked as the animal. She could see something flying towards them, but whatever it was, landed in a nearby bush. There; another one of those things, a stone, she now recognised. This one hit its target and it hit it hard, right on the sensitive nose. Another pitiful yelp. And another one.
The beast began to beg off, retreating into the thicker bushes. Out of the bushes on the opposite side strode Elphaba, swiftly rushing to Galinda's side.
"Are you all right? Did it bite you?" she asked, rather breathless.
Galinda mutely shook her head.
In the back of her head a small voice told her to squeal and jump and hug her green saviour, but despite the relief she felt, her body was too tired and numb.
The creature once more emerged from its hideout and snarled at the two girls, but Elphaba had another stone ready and chased it away.
She wrapped an arm around Galinda and helped her up.
"You can walk, I hope?"
The blonde had stepped on some thorn or splinter along the way, but it wasn't too bad, so she nodded.
"Let's go then."
They began to walk, straight in one direction the entire time. Galinda looked back frequently, worried that the wolf would reappear. There was no sign of it.
By the time that Elphaba stopped they had covered quite a distance, it seemed to Galinda, however, there was still no road in sight. She also wasn't sure whether she was merely growing more and more tired, but it appeared as though it was getting a little darker.
She watched Elphaba as she began to busy herself picking up long sticks that were lying on the ground.
"What are you doing, Elphie?" she asked anxiously.
"Building a hut," the green woman replied curtly.
"W-why would we need a hut?"
Of course, she already knew the answer, yet she still somehow hoped that she was wrong.
When Elphaba didn't reply, she briefly chewed the insides of her cheeks, before asking in a small, timid voice, "Are we lost?"
"No," Elphaba answered, somewhat to her surprise. "That is, I don't know where the road is, but I do know in which direction the castle is."
"Really?" Galinda's face lit up. "How?"
"Do you see the moss on the trees?"
"Um… yes."
But there was moss literally everywhere.
"Don't look at the areas too close to the ground; look higher. The moss up there grows on the same side on almost all of these trees. That's where north is."
"Oh."
Galinda had to admit that it might be indeed helpful every now and then to have such an over-studious companion.
"Unfortunately, it's getting dark and if we don't want to risk running into more dangerous creatures than this little lapdog of yours, or break a leg or something, we better lie low for the night. There, done. Are you coming?"
Elphaba had completed the small structure made of branches and leaves and carefully crawled inside.
Galinda watched her and suddenly began to cry again.
"E-Elphie," she sobbed, "I-I'm so s-sorry. I… it's just… after I was done and all, I g-got lost a-a ittle and then, and then…"
Elphaba heaved a weary sigh.
"It's fine Galinda. Now come. Maybe we can try and sleep. Tomorrow we'll find our way back."
"Elphie, I'm so, so sorry."
"Galinda."
"No, r-really! S-so s-sorry," Galinda hiccupped.
A frustrated cry shrilled from the inside of the hut and a clock-tick later, Elphaba came crawling out again.
"For Oz's sake, Galinda! Is whining and apologising all you can do? It won't change anything."
She unceremoniously wrapped her thick, warm mantle around Galinda's shoulders, pulled her to her feet and nudged and shoved her into the direction of the hut.
"In. Now," she commanded and the blonde went down on her knees to crawl inside. "Good girl."
Elphaba also kneeled and shuffled in backwards, trying to find enough space for herself - which wasn't too difficult, thanks to her scrawny frame.
As it turned out, they had made it just on time. Dusk passed quickly and soon it was completely dark.
Elphaba didn't say another word to Galinda, and when the blonde tried to listen to her breathing, it almost sounded like she was already asleep. Galinda allowed herself to gape, since nobody would see her in the dark. That green thing was absolutely unbelievable! How could she simply fall asleep like that, in the middle of the wilderness?
Heaving one of the heaviest sighs in her entire life, she shifted and twisted around a little, until she was lying on her back. The canopy of trees was quite thick, yet there were a few patches through which the bright stars of the Vinkus were visible. Another tear ran down Galinda's cheek. She was glad she wasn't alone, that Elphaba was with her, but she was still scared, especially after that terrifying encounter with the wolf.
A noise like thunder struck in the distance and Galinda jerked. Another, similar, yet not identical noise followed. The next few sounded much more like gunshots and then it dawned on her that this must be pyrotechnic display from the carnival. She closed her eyes and listened, wishing she was in her room back at the castle, watching the fireworks from her window as Elphaba had suggested.
The noise subsided after twenty long minutes and she decided that it would be best to try and sleep like her green friend next to her.
The ground was hard and whichever way she turned, some stone, root, or twig always poked her in the side, her shoulder, or her bottom. It was also cold -surprisingly so, given that it was still midsummer. Galinda shivered a little and rubbed her arms to gain some warmth.
Rather unexpectedly, a long arm wrapped around her and pulled her close. Galinda's eyes widened and she turned her head to face Elphaba, whose eyes were still closed.
"Elphie?" she whispered very quietly, wondering whether the Princess was aware of her actions.
"You're cold, my sweet," a soft, smooth voice she had never heard from Elphaba replied.
"Yes. I guess… A little bit."
She could see Elphaba's lips curl up and felt her hand move up and down her back.
"Better?"
"Hmmm. Thank you."
Encouraged by the fact that it had been the green woman herself who had initiated the contact, the blonde scooted even closer, curling into Elphaba's embrace. For warmth, she told herself and would tell Elphaba if she were to ask. But she didn't and so both women fell asleep arm in arm.
When Galinda first stirred, she found herself still tightly wrapped in Elphaba's mantle; Elphaba herself, however, was gone. She jolted up and hit her head on the branches that made up the hut. Some of the sticks and leaves dropped to the ground and she quickly scrambled out not to be buried underneath the makeshift construction.
When she looked around, she found Elphaba nearby. She walked over to her and gently rested a hand on the taller woman's shoulder.
"Hey," she said shyly.
"Hey," echoed Elphaba and turned around, smiling faintly at the blonde. "Care for breakfast?"
She offered Galinda a hand full of berries.
"You're definitely sure those are edible?"
"Of course," Elphaba chuckled.
Galinda picked one of the blue berries and popped it into her mouth.
"Sweet."
And then they heard them; voices. Voices calling both of their names.
The two girls froze on the spot. They both knew that being rescued meant being in trouble, but Elphaba was far better at hiding her unease. She took a brief moment to stare at the ground, then looked back at Galinda and offered her arm.
"Shall we?"
Galinda bit her lip and threw herself at Elphaba's arm.
"No worries, my sweet. You'll be fine."
As it turned out, the Princess had been right.
Once the search party had found them, Galinda and Elphaba were separated and ushered into different carriages that brought them back to the castle. The Queen greeted Galinda, obviously relieved. Naturally, she was displeased with her guest's unhealthy appetite for adventure, yet she did not find it necessary to be overly hard on her. She merely told her to return to her chambers and be ready by lunch, as usual. That was all.
Back in her room, Galinda called for her handmaiden and ordered her to prepare a hot bath. The young woman seemed a little awkward around Galinda. Most likely she already knew what had happened.
Ready by lunch, as ordered, Galinda left her quarters and headed for the lunchroom. On her way, she inevitably passed the King's office and heard a booming voice that even penetrated the heavy doors.
"I do not know what has gotten into you, girl, but such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. Look at me when I'm talking to you! I have allowed you every freedom and provided for you. Is that how you thank me?"
Galinda held her breath. Without a doubt, it was Elphaba who was being scolded and yelled at by her father. She inched slightly closer, undecided whether to be so audacious as to eavesdrop.
"… I will not allow you corrupting this young Lady with your wicked, your… your sinful spirit. You will not consort with her again, do you understand?
"Do you understand?"
"Galinda? Are you all right?"
Concerned, Fiyero touched the girl's arm and startled her so much she almost slapped him.
"Oh, It's you… I'm sorry, Fiyero."
"It's fine," he laughed. "You're on your way to lunch?"
"Um yes," she answered distractedly.
"Good for you. I have yet another appointment with my father."
"Oh. I wouldn't go in there right now if I were you."
The Prince arched an eyebrow and stood quiet for a moment, listening.
"Did he shout at you, as well?" he then wanted to know and the blonde shook her head.
"No. I just happened to pass by."
"I see. Well, you better hurry along. I'll see if I can talk to Elphaba later."
Galinda inclined her head slightly, then slowly turned her back to the door and continued on her way to the lunchroom, her arms tightly wrapped around her tiny frame.