AN:

Hi everyone!

I'm super sorry for this really long wait! As it turns out, uni work is really overwhelming right now... :S

~O~O~O~O~O~

Guest: (I hope you're stills ticking around and haven't given up on this story due to the long wait)

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I feel very honoured! :D

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Alright, not sure if this chapter is very exciting, but here you go...

Happy reading! :3

xxx MLE

Like Sisters

Standing before the iron gate that kept unannounced visitors well at bay outside visiting hours, Galynda could feel her heart stutter in her chest as she was suddenly overcome with disquiet. She looked down on herself, cringing at the raggedy dress she wore, her bare feet and the poor condition of her personal hygiene. She reached up to nervously comb her hair with her fingers. She could only imagine how tangled and matted her once silky, golden curls had become. Would any of her father's servants know who she was? If they didn't, she would surely be chased away like a beggar before catching as much as a glimpse of her father. Some of the staff had known her for a long time, however, and the hope that they at least would recognise her in nearly any state of dress or cleanliness helped her to gather enough courage to reach for the thin brass chain that rang the bell.

Nervous, yet expectantly, she watched the door of the cottage sitting next to the gate on the other side of the fence. It was late afternoon and the groundkeeper that lived in the small half-timbered house with the blue beams was still on duty. Instead of him, his wife opened one of the windows on the upper floor to see who was interrupting her busy housework.

"Good afternoon," Galynda called, trying to let her soft-spoken mannerism show while still being loud enough so that her voice would carry far enough for the woman to hear. "I apologise for my unusual and improper appearance. I might not look it, but my name is Galynda. I am the Margreave's daughter, returning from a long and dreadful journey."

She wished she knew the woman's, or at the very least her husband's name to give her claim some validity. As soon as she had spoken, the window was slammed shut, making her jump. Her eyes still glued to the window, the young lady exhaled and let her shoulders slump. This was bound to happen, she told herself and reached for the chain again. Initial failure would not discourage her so easily.

Chain already in hand, and just before she could tug on it, the creaking noise of the front door caught her attention. The groundkeeper's wife was approaching her with long strides, a young boy in tow. As she reached the gate, she cocked her head to inspect the blonde critically. Galynda took a step forward, gingerly resting her palms against the ornate bars.

"I am Galynda, the Margreave's daughter," she reiterated in her sweetest voice. "Please let me in and allow me to see him. You will find I am not lying."

A slow smile crept across the woman's face.

"By my auntie's chest hair, it's the Margreave's daughter!"

Swiftly, the sliding bot was removed and the gate opened.

"My dear, my dear," the woman chuckled, patting Galynda's hands, "Wait till your lord father learns of this, my lady!" Turning towards the boy that had quietly stood by, waiting for instructions, she said: "Hurry ahead and notify the staff in the house. Let them prepare a hot bath and clean clothes."

The boy's head of very un-Gillikinese black hair bobbed once in acknowledgement, and off he ran.

"Oh, my lady, you must be worn and tired; I'll put the kettle on right away so you can enjoy some tea while I fetch the pony."

"The pony?" Galynda repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"I can't have you walk all the way up to the castle, my lady!"

The woman shook her head amusedly and waved her hand, signalling Galynda to follow her into the house. Once the blonde had a cup of steaming tea and a small tray of biscuits placed in front of her, the groundkeeper's wife slipped out of the door, telling her she wouldn't be long.

Not really feeling like tea, as she had had plenty of it while traveling with the old witch in her caravan, Galynda was still grateful for the biscuits. Hungrily, she stuffed three in her mouth at once – after all, her only witness was an old mountain dog, sleeping outstretched by the fireplace. Still chewing, she rested her head on her hands, and her elbows on the table. After such a long and turbulent time, the realisation that she was finally back home took a while to settle in.

Her thoughts drifted back to that fateful day the outlaws had ambushed and captured her. For the first time in a long while, she thought of her lady in waiting and closest friend, Millifen. She jumped in her seat and knocked over the cup, but didn't pay the hot liquid spilling over the table and on her dress any attention. Her head snapped around to the window on her right, from where she could see her father's castle. Had Millifen escaped and returned safely? She remembered the sight of the other woman's horse galloping away in panic. Her mount out of control, Millifen could have fallen and injured herself, or even worse.

Galynda had had enough of waiting. She suddenly felt the guilt like a hard punch in her stomach. For months she had not once thought about her friend's fate, and now she felt terrible about it. It no longer mattered to her whether she would have to walk the entire way, or crawl on her knees. She needed to see Millifen, make sure she was all right. If not, she would never forgive herself. Although it had all been an unfortunate coincidence, a typical case of the wrong place at the wrong time, it ultimately still had been her fault for hopping off her horse and carelessly roaming across the clearing.

She pushed back the chair and made for the door. Halfway towards the door, she froze when it suddenly opened. The groundkeeper's wife looked a little startled herself, but recovered quickly and offered her a broad smile.

"Quite impatient, aren't we, my lady? – Oops -" She covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. "I apologise if I'm acting too familiar. I simply can't help it - which is probably why I'm not working at the castle.

"But now come, my husband has returned with our pony and will now escort you to your lord father."

Galynda wished his wife would have accompanied her instead, for the groundkeeper himself was evidently a man of few words, and his demeanour intimidated the young lady. She wanted to ask whether he knew anything about Millifen, however, it somehow seemed unlikely to her that he even took interest in the people living up in the castle, and so she remained quiet, waiting for her chance once they arrived at the courtyard and the servants awaiting her.

Even before they reached the large, ivy-clad arch leading to the inner courtyard, she could see a slim, tall figure leaning against the green backdrop of leaves, arms wrapped around her waist. Galynda's eyes widened and her mouth stretched into the widest grin it was capable of.

"Thank you," she quickly tossed out as she slid out of the saddle and sprinted the final paces on her own, bare feet. The gravel between her toes and poking into the soft skin might not have been the most pleasant feeling, but she hardly noticed. Her friend awaited her with a lopsided smile on her lips, and she flung herself right into her arms.

"Mill," she sighed her relief, calling her lady in waiting by her pet name. Two arms firmly pressed her against the other woman's body for a brief moment, before she was gently pushed away again so that Millifen could look her over.

"Welcome back," Millifen smiled and gave Galynda's shoulders a quick squeeze.

Galynda blushed.

"Quit staring at me so intently – I look terrible."

"So you do," her friend laughed. "Come, the maids already drew you a nice, refreshing bath. I'll help you clean up and once you're presentable, your father is eager to meet you."

Galynda nodded and told Millifen to lead the way.

After the hot bath, and dressed in her favourite gown, the blonde almost felt like a new woman. As promised, her father had made some time to see her in between his meetings with tenants, lower nobles and business partners. The double doors to the audience chamber opened, and Galynda had to remind herself not to run. She curtly acknowledged her father's previous visitor with a nod as she passed him, and headed straight for the small dais. The Margreave rose from his masterly crafted quoxwood chair and stepped down from the podium to greet his daughter. Holding her at arm's length, he smiled down at her.

"My dear child. Welcome back."

Nearly as impassive as always. Galynda chuckled to herself. She hadn't expected anything else, and in a strange way she appreciated the familiarity. Her father began to tilt his head left and right, examining his daughter critically.

"What did they do to you? Did they hurt you? Did… did they-"

"I'm fine, father," she interrupted him, her lips twitching as her smile began to falter.

The Margreave's eyes searched hers for truth, then moved on and found another target. Galynda turned her head to see Millifen nod to her father, confirming that everything was all right. Her father looked back at his child, then folded her in his arms, perfectly unexpectedly.

A few clock ticks later, he gently patted her back and detached himself from her.

"Well, I'll see you at dinner, yes? In the meantime, why don't you take Millifen and visit Mauve in the stables?"

Her face lit up. With a slight curtsy, she excused herself, before turning around, grabbing her friend by her arm on the way out.

"I never dared to hope Mauve would be here when I return," she gushed excitedly as the two women hurried down several flights of stairs.

"He came back home a few hours after I did."

"And father didn't sell him or give him away?"

"He always hoped you'd come back to ride him again."

"So much sentimentalism! That doesn't sound like him at all," Galynda laughed incredulously. Part of her could only believe it when she finally saw her faithful friend with her own eyes.

A stable hand opened the door for them, and Galynda immediately rushed to her horse's stall. The palomino greeted her by tenderly rubbing his head against her chest and softly blowing his nose.

"What happened to "Rorick, the huntsman?" Galynda asked tentatively as she stroked Mauve's neck. "Did they find him? Did they bring him back?"

Millifen sighed, but nodded.

"I had to show them where to look. Some animal had already taken a chunk out of him by then. It still gives me nightmares."

Galynda bit her lip.

"What about you? Did you get home safely?"

"I was scared as hell when Tyra galloped with me over hedge and ditch, but I stayed in the saddle. A few scratches from the one or the other branch, but otherwise I was unharmed.

"You won't believe how glad I am you're back here with us now, Glyn," she added after a moment of despondent silence. "It's like a small miracle."

This evening's dinner conversation turned out to be far less pleasant than Galynda's earlier reunion with her father, and by the end of it, all she wanted was to disappear into her room and bury herself under her plush comforter.

A knocking sounded, and hesitantly Galynda poked her head out from under the blanket.

"Go away," she groaned.

"Galynda?" It was Millifen. "I thought I could keep you some company... cheer you up a little?"

"Thank you, but no thank you," Galynda replied. "Please, go a way, I don't want to have to shout at you."

Another knock and another time her name was called. She ignored it and slipped back under the comforter. Between her father's ridiculous interrogation concerning her whereabouts over the past three months and his even more ridiculous revelation that she was set to be engaged within the next week or two, she'd clearly had enough. She curled up under the blanket, drawing her knees up to her chest. She had expected her father to find a husband for her eventually, but this was far too soon, leaving her not the slightest chance to at least heal the shallowest of her recent wounds and prepare herself for the loveless life as some rich bloke's wife. She could feel her heart pinch and concentrated on taking deep breaths in and out, hoping for it to pass.

The engagement was a brief and quiet affair. The young gentleman – Master Muggins, or something like that, a big name from the big city, her father had told her proudly the night before – had come without his parents and only with his older brother to stand by his side. The wedding, he had promised her, would be far grander and every young lady's dream come true. He was handsome enough, she supposed, but nondescript. What that meant was that as soon as she moved the Emerald City with him, she was sure to loose him in the without a doubt equally fine-looking crowd. He seemed polite and generous, too, and upon his arrival had surprised her with a more than fancy dress. Galynda only hoped, he didn't intend to say that her usual style was too country for his taste.

After the exchange of a few pleasantries under the Margreave's strict supervision, there was food and wine for lunch, followed by an awkwardly silent walk through the castle's rose garden, and then finally, there was dinner and the grand announcement in front of all her father's family and closest friends. Young Master Muggins-or-whatever-his-name-was left her with one more present before he took his leave. Galynda thanked him rigidly, but didn't bother opening the small box. She fled to the safety of her room as soon as his carriage had passed the ivy-clad arch and was out of sight. When Millifen entered the room a couple of minutes later to help her undress, she found Galynda on her bed, face burrowed between her pillows and crying.

"There, there," she whispered, gingerly placing her hand on her friend's back and rubbing it in a soothing manner. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Do you not like Master Mullince? I personally thought he was quite charming."

Galynda's sobbing subsided eventually – not because of her friend's comforting presence, but because the young lady did not wish to be watched bawling without any restraint. It made her feel childish, crude, and above everything else, she was afraid it might draw unwanted attention to her little, until then well-kept secret. She pushed herself up to a sitting position, wiping at the tears fiercely as she turned to face the other woman.

"I feel like merchandise," she hiccupped, after deciding that her explanation might be most convincing if she shared at least a small measure of the truth. "I'd been missing without a trace for three months. I could have been dead for all father knew. Yet, the moment I reappear, I'm practically sold off to the man whose family would reap him the greatest benefit."

Millifen quickly enveloped her in a tight embrace.

"Please don't think of it this way! Surely your father loves you and just wants to see you in best hands. And a nobleman from the capital isn't an opportunity that arises all too often. Once this gentleman is married to someone else, who knows when the next one will come along? Perhaps time pressure simply forced your father's hand."

"You know this isn't true," Galynda scoffed. "At least not the first part."

Now Millifen's mood began to turn sour.

"Well, if you already knew what a self-centred beast he is, then why are you even crying? You must have had an idea of what would await you for at least the past fifteen years."

Galynda's eyes flashed at her.

"You're cruel!" she hissed and jumped off the bed, scampering to the window where she stood, her arms wrapped around her waist, staring out into the moonless night. It took all her strength to stay upright, not to crumble to the floor in a tight ball. Her heart had begun hurting again, and more so than ever before. She had tried to hide it ever since she had taken the potion, even from herself; but she missed her love so terribly. Needless to say, the circumstances of this sudden engagement, her father's greed and her friend's ignorance only added insult to this grave wound in her heart.

Silence stretched between the two women. Galynda spent the time reminiscing about that night she had spent under the starry sky, lying in the lush grass - content, and side by side with Aelphaba. To her surprise, remembering soothed her aching heart a little. She actually had expected the opposite to be the case.

"Is there someone else you would rather marry," Millifen suddenly wondered loudly.

Galynda stiffened, her heart racing. Had she been too obvious or was her friend merely venturing a wild guess?

Without making a sound, Millifen slipped off the bed and crossed the room to hug Galynda from behind.

"Come on, Glyn. We have known each other for years. We grew up together like sisters. You can trust me completely. You know that, right?"

Galynda realised that her reluctant reaction had only helped to confirm Millifen's suspicion. She swallowed hard and licked her lips. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to confide in someone. Maybe it would even help to say it out loud. She reached for her friend's hands and untangled the arms wrapped around her midsection. Then she turned around to face Millifen, looking her straight in the eyes.

"I suppose there is." Her voice came out much squeakier than she had anticipated, and her cheeks immediately blushed a deep pink. She felt like a silly, little girl. Clearing her throat didn't help much either, so she continued as awkwardly as she had begun. "I haven't though much about marrying her, but I would have died to spend more time with her". She briefly paused, considering how true this little phrase was in her most peculiar case. But she forced a small, sad smile to gloss over her fluster. Millifen didn't need to know about those things.

A thoughtful "Mhmmm…" was the first reply she received. "Well, I can't say that I've seen that coming. I never took you for one of those girls who gravitate towards those of their own sex."

"I don't!" Galynda objected – too hastily for her own taste. She didn't intend to come across as desperate to deny it. It wasn't like she was ashamed. Why would she? It was only love; everyone knew how unpredictable it could be.

"I don't think I have any preferences," she explained, more composed now. "Or I suppose you could say I have a very specific preference." The colour began to flush her face again.

Millifen rolled her eyes and pivoted back to the bed.

"I know how that feels, Glyn, but believe me it will pass. I've been there several times already, you know?"

Biting her lip, Galynda shook her head slowly.

"I don't think it will."

"That's what they all say the first time 'round." Millifen patted the empty spot next to her on the bed. "Now come here and tell me all about her."

"What?"

"I listened to your bawling, so the least I can expect is a racy love story."

Heaving a heavy sigh, Galynda did as she was told.

"Racy?" she chuckled as she sat down. "You know, it's me we're talking about, not you."

Her friend cackled impishly.

"Oh, but still waters run deep. Don't leave anything out, I know this will be good!"

Tilting her head, Galynda took a few clock ticks, thinking of what to say. Her friend beside her huffed in frustration and slumped into the pillows, arms stretched out above her head.

"I don't know where to start," Galynda told her sheepishly.

"How about where and how you met her?"

Galynda mulled over this for a while, but finally decided that she could trust her childhood friend with the truth. Not with the entire truth, of course, for such a tale would only be rewarded with disbelieve and mockery. After a deep, calming breath, she began.

"I met her soon after escaping the outlaws. She helped me hide from them when they came looking for me. She… lives in a cave. Behind a waterfall."

Next to her, the other woman immediately burst into laughter.

"I see, your beloved is a water nymph!"

"I knew you wouldn't take me serious."

"Oh, but I do!" Millifen grabbed Galynda's upper arm to pull herself up. "Please, continue. I won't interrupt. I promise."

Galynda ground her teeth in mild disdain, but decided to give this conversation one last chance.

"She… is quite human, I assure you."

"I hope she's not one of those diminutive Munchkins," Millifen interjected once again.

"Indeed, she isn't," Galynda retorted, exhaling noisily through her nose. "She is a Munchkinlander; even taller than you, in fact, with the fairest skin, but dark hair. Her eyes are… strange, in a way. But beautiful! Pastel green – I've never seen anything like it."

The look in her eyes became dreamy as she imagined those exotic eyes looking one more time back into her own. She snapped out of it quite quickly however, and froze. Not used to her audience being so quiet, she tentatively turned her head to look at her friend. Millifen had scooted a little closer and her head was now resting on Galynda's shoulder. She batted her long lashes and smiled sweetly.

"You are absolutely smitten with her."

Galynda couldn't help but blush again.

"Why did you leave her? Did she not reciprocate your feelings?" Millifen seemed genuinely confused and Galynda was grateful for some empathy.

Shaking her head, she said: "She didn't think the life that awaited her was good enough for me." That much was true. "She thought I would be better off returning to my father. Part of me might have agreed back then, but now there is nothing in my life I ever regretted more."

The last few words came out coked, accompanied with another gush of fresh tears. She threw herself in her startled confidante's arms and clung to her until the waves of pain, sorrow and heartache raging within her chest had calmed.

"You're a good friend," she sniffed a little later as she extracted herself from her friend's embrace. "The best friend I could ask for."

"Shhhh," Millifen cooed, tucking one of Galynda's curls in place. "That's what I'm here for, right? But now it's time for bed. I'll help you undress and then you can decide whether you want me to stay for comfort, or whether you'd rather have some time to yourself."

Galynda nodded and they commenced their eventing routine. Once she was all cleaned up and had changed into her nightgown, she bade her companion goodnight, since she had decided that she had done enough talking for one night and didn't trust Millifen to fall asleep without further attempts at tickling some details out of her.

After this first night, Galynda and Millifen spent many evenings talking about her 'little adventure' as they called it to take away some of the dreadful feelings associated with her involuntary journey to Munchkinland and back again. They discussed all sorts of things she had seen and encountered, but mostly, they talked about Aelphaba. Although there really wasn't much to tell, since Galynda was careful to avoid mentioning anything that seemed particularly extraordinary or unnatural. Topics such as the Grimmerie, as well as certain aspects of Aelphaba's past – and present – were taboo. Sometimes she felt silly for repeating herself over and over when raving about her love's beauty like an obsessed worshipper. Yet somehow, it helped to overcome her loneliness and the more often she thought of Aelphaba, the more it warmed and soothed her still aching heart. And Millifen never complained, which put her somewhat at ease.

One evening, about four weeks later, Millifen sorted through Galynda's laundry, while she was sitting at her vanity, brushing out her hair. She hadn't even trimmed it ever since she had been abducted and it was growing long. Wistfully she let her left hand glide over it after every brush stroke. She would be married in less than three months, and it was an old custom for young women to cut their hair to about shoulder length on the day of their wedding, to signify this turning point in their life and a new start. She liked it better long. Aelphaba's hair was long even longer.

"Glyn?

"Galynda?"

It took a tick tock or two, until her friend's voice was able to bring her back from her deep contemplations.

"Galynda!"

"Mhmm?"

Millifen stood and walked up to her, carrying the wicker basket with her used clothes. She looked concerned and somewhat flustered.

"I was just wondering… Are you feeling all right?"

Furrowing her brow, Galynda put her brush aside and looked up to her.

"Yes," she replied slowly, "I'm feeling quite fine. Why are you asking?"

"Your sheets and smallclothes are still clean. After over six weeks. Are you sure you're not ill?"

Galynda averted her gaze, staring at her hands. Her heart began to quickened, leaping up into her mouth. She knew what her friend was driving at, but she wasn't aware of any misdoing on her part.

Behind her, Millifen began to fidget, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

"Well…" she said a moment later, the anxiety clearly showing in her voice, "I'm sure everything will be all right." She kissed Galynda's forehead and hurried out of the room.