Chapter 17. What Happened?
Rifiuto: Non Miniera
Thanks to Akasharouge for reviewing 16.
Anakinsa handed her aunt the cup of tea.
The older woman gave her a small smile, and took it, sniffling. Glinda was gently working on the burns on her friend's skin, and Elphaba flinched slightly as the oil came in contact with the welts.
"There. Done." Glinda announced, getting up. "You okay Elphie?"
Elphaba nodded.
"Thanks Glinda." She whispered.
As the group settled down, they all watched the Queen of the Vinkus, waiting for her to speak. It was a rule of the court of the Arjiki to stay silent until the king or queen spoke. Finally, unable to take the silence, Nessa asked,
"Fabla, what happened?"
The Queen of the Vinkus took a shaky breath, before speaking.
"I went to the mermaid pool. I saw.......the mermaid. You know, if you see her, she'll give you your heart's desire. Either that, eternal life, or drag you down to the bottom of the pool. Anyway, she wanted to know my heart's desire, and....."
Elphaba desolved into tears, gasping to catch her breath.
"....and.....what I desire......is gone........what I desire is my daughter back in my arms. What I desire is my daughter. And.....she knew she couldn't give me Fae back, so.....I asked to die. I don't see any other exits, and I asked to die. That's when Fiyero found me."
"Mom?" Elphaba looked up, to see Liir standing over her.
"What is it?"
"Are you alright?" Elphaba nodded, and reached up, taking her son's hand.
"I'm okay. I promise."