No one was more excited than Chistery when Elphaba appeared at breakfast on New Year's morning. He was practically glued to her side and sat on her lap while he chattered on about the festival of lights and the presents he received. She often forgot that he really was still a child, though his body was full grown, he still had years to go.

A couple days passed and Galinda was preparing the castle for the Lurlinemas festivations. She asked Elphaba's opinion, and upon learning she had none, insisted it was fine because the plans were already set anyway.

The children were excited about it at least. Elphaba nearly melted when she discoverated that Fiyero had collected all the homeless children in the Vinkus to give them food, shelter, and an education.

She didn't swoon, but the kindness and generosity did make her a little weak in the knees.

"Oh, shoot!"

Elphaba looked up to see Fiyero glaring at a piece of armor in annoyance. It seemed loose fabric on his chest had caught the weapon it held and had torn a hole clear through his side. Wool and straw spilled out.

"Alright, come on," she said and brought him to her old work room where her loom still stood along with baskets with sewing projects. "Strip."

"W-What?"

"Fiyero, you don't have anything for me to see," she said. "Let me patch you up. Unless Miss Galinda is handling your repairs."

He shook his head and undressed while Elphaba eased out of the wheelchair and gathered her supplies.

"I never apologized for yanking your head off," she said, sitting on a low stool. "I know how much you hate it and that's why I did it."

"It's okay," he said, sitting at her feet. "I deserved it for ditching you and then acting all upset when you were dancing with that bookseller."

She reached into the hole to pull out the rest of the wool and straw, figuring she might as well restuff him.

"Why can I feel you?" he asked.

"Probably because I have my hand stuck in your chest," she said and shrieked as something started crawling around on her fingers.

She jerked her hand out and something small and brown scurried off. Fiyero caught it and in the light, they saw it was a mouse.

"No wonder you feel something, you have a mouse for your heart," said Elphaba, gingerly pulling out the rest and sifting through the pieces in case there were babies. "It doesn't hurt does it? When I pull out the stuffing?"

"No," he said. "It kinda feels like when the air is knocked out of you. I don't really feel much except—"

Elphaba started suturing the smaller rips and picked out fabrics for the larger rips.

"Except?"

"Well, for some reason I can feel you," he said. "Everyone else is just a presence, if they stuck their hand in my chest I wouldn't feel it."

She scoffed lightly.

"I'm sure it's just because I've too much magic for my body," she said. "And you are technically a being made of magic, so it makes sense that you would react to me."

She restuffed him and finished sewing up the hole. She stood, needing to support herself on his shoulders as she did so, and collected the clothes that she had sewn for him back in October but never gave him.

"Here we are," she said.

"Thank you." He dressed and rose to his feet. "How do I look?"

She smoothed the vest and nodded.

"Very handsome," she said and frowned, running her fingers along the side of his head. "Did the crows get at you again? There's an odd pattern here."

"No, I don't think so," he said. "I've been refilling their feeders and the piebald one greets me. I bet it's from those Jabberwocks. They're still hanging around the garden. The crows don't seem to mind them."

"Really? It's been a few days," she said, settling back into the wheelchair and sighing softly as the pain eased off her back. "What do they eat?"

"They've been feasting on my poor flowers," Fiyero sighed and shook his head. "But they're leaving the poppies alone as I asked so…"

Elphaba smiled.

"I think I need to lie down," she said.

"Sure. Do you need help?"

She nodded and he took the handles of her chair, taking her to his quarters. The stairs were a pain, but Castle helped by making ramps where she could.

Elphaba settled down and glanced around the room.

"Did you draw all of these?" she asked.

He nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I don't sleep and skulking around the castle can get pretty boring," he said. "Drawing like this is sort of like dreaming."

"And what do you dream?" she asked.

"You asking for a story for naptime?" he teased.

"I don't really intend to sleep, I just need to lie flat," she said. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

He stood up and took down some of the drawings, bringing them to her.

"Sometimes I draw memories from when I was human," he said. "Sometimes I draw things that are just trapped in my head."

A few looked like real scenes and others were just scribbles as if he was tormented while he was drawing them.

"I'd give anything to be able to sleep for real," he said. "To just place my head on a pillow and close my eyes and just turn off for a bit."

"Well, why don't you just lie down with me?" she suggested. "Not trying to sleep, just lay down and not think of anything."

"Well, not thinking is my specialty," he said. "But I'm not sure you can swing it."

She smiled and patted the space next to her. Fiyero laid down beside her, resting his head on the pillow.

After ten minutes, she spoke up.

"I've been thinking."

"I'm shocked," he said.

She smacked his chest.

"Why don't I stay until spring?" she suggested. "I don't have the energy to maintain the cottage through the winter and then that way I can see if I truly am still needed here."

"Shall I bring your things back then?" he asked.

"I can fetch them myself," she said. "I just need energy to enchant a new broom. I'd like to keep my tower."

"Of course," he said. "Though I must say it's been nice having someone in my bed again."

She grabbed a cushion and thumped him on the face with it so he couldn't notice her ears turning red.

"Making goo-goo eyes at the maid picking your clothes up doesn't count, you know," she said.

He thumped her back and she cackled. He shifted onto his side.

"I'm glad you're staying longer," he said. "The castle hasn't been the same without you."

She hummed.

"I think I'm coming close on finding the entrance to Vadallet Du," he said, changing the subject.

"Oh?"

He nodded. "Only trouble is, I think it's behind this boulder that has a sigil I don't recognize on it."

Elphaba nodded. "I'll have to take a look."

"Have they said anything about their plans?" Fiyero asked.

"Well, there's arguments that they have enough loot to buy their own kingdom elsewhere," she said. "And they have other bases I've been trying to find but can't quite figure out just yet. For the moment, they're lying low. That woman, I heard them call her Ione, has convinced them to let alone for some time. Lull us into a false sense of security."

"Hm." Fiyero's eyes dimmed as he fell deep in thought. "You know… when they decide to act it would be a pretty great time to throw a party at the castle."

"I smell what you're stepping in," she said.

He chuckled.

~o0o~

Things moved on. Dr. Dillamond ended up moving out to live in the village so he could be more convenient for those living there. Elphaba remained at the castle, though she escorted the children to school every morning. Amazingly, they got used to her fairly quickly and often came to her with questions regarding their schooling.

Elphaba didn't think she was very good with children, but she did know how to explain concepts and could keep them on a schedule.

The Jabberwocks didn't go away either, even as the snow began to melt into spring. They ended up being named Bumble and Bramble, which seemed a little too cutesy for the monstrosities they were, but the children insisted the names suited them.

"Elphie!"

Well, that wasn't going away.

"Galinda, come in," said Elphaba, despite the blonde already taking a seat on her desk. "How can I help you?"

"You know, Elphie, this whole thing will be easier if we become friends," said Galinda.

"I'm sure it will," said Elphaba. "As soon as you're honest with me about why you're here. Fiyero has no intentions to marry you, so why would you want to stay here as Castle Manager when you could be hitched to some lord?"

Galinda's smile tightened.

"You first. You could be off with that handsome bookseller."

"And wait for him to get sick of me? No thank you. Your turn."

"My parents want to match me off to an ugly old man who doesn't want me to follow my passions," said Galinda.

"And what are your passions?" Elphaba asked, expecting something stupid.

"Social events. I live to create social connections to my advantage and I can't meet a wide array of people if the only ones I'm allowed to meet are upper class ladies who lunch and are only focused on providing heirs because that's what we are expected to do."

"Ambitious," said Elphaba. "I respect that. You seem to have given up on flirting with Fiyero."

"Well, I'm uninterested in kissing frogs," said Galinda. "You get a man out of it when you should be getting better compensation like jewelry and shoes. Besides, I don't think I'm the right one to break his curse. I think his heart's already taken by another."

Elphaba pursed her lips and wondered who.

"Do you need something?" she asked.

"I want you to teach me magic."

Elphaba stopped writing and looked up at her. This was unexpected.

"Aren't you already trained?"

"I'm trained in magic that's used for show," said Galinda. "To astonish, to amaze, to make beautiful things. And if we are to eventually go up against an entire army then you need a partner. I have the talent, Miss Elphaba, not the repertoire."

"Fair enough," said Elphaba. "What's in it for me?"

"I could give you a makeover," she said, swiping at some ink on Elphaba's nose. "Help you catch the eye of a certain prince."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," said Elphaba, standing up to collect more books not because she needed them, but so she wouldn't sit there with Galinda staring down at her knowingly.

"Elphie! You're very old-fashioned and if you are first in command, then you should look the part!"

"I'm not first in command, Fiyero is the head of this town."

Galinda laughed. "Let me tell you some good wisdom that my dear momsie imparted on me. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck who may turn the head whichever way she wants."

Elphaba scoffed and pulled a book down, returning to her desk. What advice could Galinda even give her? Their tastes were entirely different as evidenced by Galinda's new-fashioned dress that was pretty and flowing like a brilliant blue butterfly, while Elphaba's old-fashioned attire was black and simple, covering as much skin as possible without being in the way.

"I don't think it's all really necessary," she said. "Everyone knows what I look like."

"Do you?" Galinda hopped back on the desk and grabbed her arm. "Please? I need a little side project."

Elphaba worked her jaw and sighed.

"Oh, very well. If you must."

Galinda squealed and threw her arms around her.

"I can tell we are going to become the best of friends!" she gushed. "Now what do you say about sending in for some new fabrics?"

"Well, it's not really up to me," said Elphaba. "You should ask Fiyero."

"Ask Fiyero what?" the scarecrow in question asked, strolling in.

"What happened to your arm?" Elphaba demanded, noting one was missing.

He sheepishly held it out and waggled the fingers at her. Galinda swayed, her eyes rolling back. Elphaba braced a hand against her back and she swung up.

"Fiyero!" Galinda squeaked. "What do you think about bringing in some fabric so Miss Elphaba can be made a whole new wardrobe?"

"I thought you meant for a dress or two!" Elphaba protested.

"Mm, well, if you want, Fae," he said.

"We'd be much better off having new clothes made for the children," said Elphaba.

Fiyero nodded. "I agree. Let's focus on the children in that regard."

Galinda made a small noise in the back of her throat that was almost a laugh and hopped to her feet.

"Very well," she said. "I will organize clothes for the children."

"I think they'd like that," said Elphaba, taking out a pot of glue and a roll of linen. "Fiyero, how did this happen?"

"I thought I could move that boulder with force," he said, rolling up his sleeve.

Elphaba dabbed on the glue, then wrapped his limb. It had broken off at an angle, but thankfully it hadn't splintered too much.

"Does that hurt?" Galinda asked, still looking ashen.

"Not a bit," said Fiyero.

Elphaba finished wrapping him up, then kissed the spot and immediately regretted it.

"Forget that happened," she said, waving her hand. "Habit with the children. We'll go next week to remove the boulder."

"Sure," said Fiyero.

~o0o~

"Here it is!"

Elphaba handed Fiyero the lantern and studied the boulder in question. It fit much too snugly in the tunnel to be a natural formation. She studied the rune and took out her notes. It was exactly as Fiyero had drawn.

"Well," she said. "I think it would require a spell of opening, but since it's a Vinkun tunnel I should recite the Old Vinkish charm."

Fiyero nodded and readied a shield, holding it over her head.

Elphaba cleared her throat and looked down at her book. She recited the spell and looked at Fiyero for approval.

"Your Old Vinkish is better than mine," he said.

The boulder suddenly vanished, nowhere to be found.

"That was anti-climactic," said Fiyero.

Elphaba had to agree, but if they were coming up on Vadallet Du the last thing they needed was a light show and a frackus.

They made their way down the tunnel, which was more straightforward than expected. No branching, though it did weave around a bit in a slow decline.

Finally they came upon a hole just big enough for her or Fiyero to squeeze through. It was covered by a wooden panel.

"If there's trouble, run and seal the tunnel and don't look back," said Fiyero.

Elphaba nodded and hung back.

Fiyero pushed on the panel, but it didn't budge. He ran his fingers along the edge and found a small latch. He undid it, needing to exert some force as it was rusted with age, but finally the panel swung open.

Thankfully it was in a nook covered by a curtain. He climbed out first and looked around, then motioned for Elphaba to follow.

The room looked part cavern and part castle with plaster and bricks leading to a door. In the glow of the lantern, mounds of treasure glittered. Piles of coins, stacks of gold and silver plates, tables overflowing with jewelry, fine clothes and textiles were wadded up in heaps, candlesticks, altar bowls, vases, paintings, ornate furniture, plain furniture, bronze kettles, copper kettles, iron kettles, things belonging to every class of person.

It was sickening.

Elphaba raised her hand and muttered an enchantment to find enchantments.

If it was booby trapped it wasn't by magic.

She opened her bag and moved forward to shovel money into it. Fiyero helped her.

The goal this time was to see if it was noticed.

There was the sound of a latch clicking. Elphaba backed up into Fiyero and they staggered backwards, crashing to the ground.

They remained frozen as they were while one of the soldiers entered and lit the torches, illuminating part of the room but thankfully keeping Elphaba and Fiyero in shadow. Elphaba shot her hand out to turn off their lantern.

Fiyero held onto her tightly, his body tense as if he could launch her into the tunnel in case they were caught.

They watched as the soldier picked through the items, tossing aside some books and admiring a few pieces of jewelry.

He moved out of view a moment, then strode back to the empty aisle wearing a crown and a long, beautiful cloak. He waved around a gold and ivory scepter that was almost as tall as he was.

Fiyero started to sit up and Elphaba pushed him back down.

"Kneel before me peasants!" he said to an invisible crowd. "I am your king now! Bring me the finest women and wine or you shall be beheaded! I might behead you anyway."

The whole parade was weird and embarrassing to witness. Elphaba kept low, hoping he was too wrapped up in his fantasy to notice them.

The door opened and the man whipped around.

"Aella, you stupid girl, don't you know how to knock?!" he spat.

Elphaba slowly raised her head to spot a girl, maybe sixteen-years-old, cower in the doorway.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "It—It's j-j-just—"

"J-j-just what?! Spit it out!"

"J-Jarrod wants you," she squeaked.

"Hmph! Course. He ruins all the fun." The man tossed the crown behind him where it hit Elphaba smartly on the head. Fiyero held her tightly, muffling her cry of pain into his chest.

"Get on! A little rat like you isn't fit to look upon this room!"

Aella was dragged out by her braid and the door was shut and locked.

Elphaba stifled a sob, her head pounding and her eyes tearing up.

Fiyero helped her to her feet and snatched up the crown and lantern before hauling her back to the panel, which turned out to be a painting.

Once it was shut behind them, Elphaba sank to her knees with a moan.

"Oz, that hurt!" she growled.

Fiyero turned the lantern back on and grabbed her hand.

They hurried along the pathway, making sure to move the boulder back in place. Elphaba tried not to cry but her head just hurt so much.

It wasn't until they were safely back in Kiamo Ko that Fiyero turned back to her and tipped her chin up to look at him.

"Let me see," he said gently. "Hm. Your pupils are the same size I think."

He coasted his fingers lightly over the bump on her head. She hissed and swatted his hand away from the spot.

"Let's see about getting you some ice," he said.

The sunlight was agony. Elphaba sat at the work table in the kitchen and buried her head in her arms to block it out.

Fiyero went out to the icehouse and returned with a tea towel wrapped around it. Elphaba placed it on her head and immediately removed it.

"I'm gonna be sick!" She barreled over to the basin.

Fiyero rubbed slow circles between her shoulders. When she was done and was holding the ice back to her head, he brought her some water to rinse her mouth out with.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"I need a dark room for a few hours," she said.

He nodded and helped her to his room so he could draw the curtains on his bed for her and so she wouldn't have to make the trek to her tower.

She laid flat with only her head slightly inclined and the ice resting on the lump. She kept her eyes closed while Fiyero counted out the money they took.

"I'll put this towards public services," said Fiyero when he was done.

"Good idea," Elphaba mumbled. "What's with the crown though?"

Fiyero sighed softly. "It's mine. I guess that wall around Uma Lu didn't stop them from raiding it. If any of them lay even a finger on my sister they're going to— to… get the pain penalty!"

"Pain penalty?"

"Death would be too kind," he said darkly. "To the pain with them."

She hummed and had to agree.

"That girl, Aella," she said. "I wonder who she is. She didn't seem to want to be there and I've never seen her in my crystal ball."

"My best guess is a servant," he said. "Maybe a daughter from a Lord."

"Maybe."

When the ice started melting and getting her hair wet, Fiyero took it and dumped it on the balcony before hanging the towel up in the en suite bathroom.

When he came back the crown was perched on his head.

"Wow. You must've had a really fat head when you were human," she said.

He swatted at her and she laughed, sitting up to adjust it.

"You know, you don't need it," she said, dropping her hands to his shoulders. "People in town don't care if you're Prince Fiyero, they just care that you're their prince and that you're looking out for their best interests."

"I don't want to mess up," he said softly. "I'm so scared that I'm going to do something that will make them all hate me."

Elphaba hugged him, knowing what that was like.

"No leader is perfect," she said. "And mistakes are always made, but your intentions are good and as long as you are protecting them from the soldiers, then I think that's all you can do."

Fiyero nodded and leaned into her.