Fiyero waited outside on the manor steps for his family. He had sent an urgent message to Wistra Ir that Elphaba had gone into labor, and received a response that they would be there later that morning. He wasn't wearing a cloak, but was too distracted to feel the cold.

His wife was currently with her mother, and he only left her side when he heard that his family was almost there. He heard the horses and carriage wheels before he saw them, and when he looked up, three large carriages were coming through the gate. The drivers dismounted and bowed before opening the doors.

Hannalyn and Sarima were in the first carriage, and Hannalyn practically flew out and jumped into her brother's arms. "Yero!"

"Hi, Hanna," the prince smiled, eagerly hugging his younger sister and kissing her cheek. "I've missed you."

"I know. I've missed you, too… I guess."

"Any news of another royal wedding?" he teased.

She whacked his arm. "We're not here to talk about that. We're here for the birth of my new niece or nephew. I signed up for royal birth attendant duty."

"Willingly?"

"Yes!"

"Of course. Hello, Sarima."

"Hello, Fiyero," Sarima nodded, unable to hide her surprise when Fiyero gave her a friendly hug. "Uh… Happy Lurlinemas."

"Happy Lurlinemas. Where are the children?"

"We left them at Wistra Ir. Having them here would be too chaotic."

The second carriage opened, and Amalie and Raal stepped down, eagerly greeting their son. Everyone turned as the final carriage door opened and Marilott and Baxiana stepped down. Fiyero stepped forward, gave his grandparents a deep bow, and kissed their hands. "Your Grandnesses."

"Yero," Marilott smiled, pulling his grandson into a hug. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Nervous, but excited."

"How's Elphaba?"

"She's in the bedroom with her mother."

"Her mother?" Hannalyn blinked.

"Yes, Hanna. She has a mother, as so many do."

"No, I mean… her mother came from Munchkinland?"

"Yes. Elphaba wanted her here. That's alright, isn't it?"

"Of course, Yero," Baxiana nodded. "Elphaba can have whatever and whoever she wants."

"We brought the supplies to prepare the birthing room," Amalie said, directing the servants to bring the trunks into the manor. "Has the midwife arrived yet?"

"Not yet. We sent for her. She should be here within the hour."

Amalie hummed. "Good. I would like to meet Elphaba's mother."

Fiyero ushered his family into the manor. Baxiana and Amalie went to greet Elphaba, while Hannalyn and Sarima stayed downstairs. The older women followed Fiyero to the bedroom and Baxiana knocked.

"Come in," came Elphaba's soft voice.

They opened the door and saw Elphaba standing next to the bed, a firm grip on the tall bedpost. Melena stood beside her, providing support and rubbing her back. She looked up, noticed the royals, and redirected her daughter's attention to them.

"Hello, Elphaba," Baxiana smiled.

"Your Grandness. High Princess," Elphaba greeted respectfully, trying to get through the contraction. It was unclear whether she was bowing or doubled over in pain.

The older women smiled knowingly. Elphaba took a deep breath and straightened.

"How are you doing?" Amalie asked, hugging the young girl.

"I'm alright… Amma. Yuga." She looked over her shoulder at the Chieftess. "This is my mother, Melena." She reached back and took her mother's hand, gripping it tightly.

Melena smiled and bowed, squeezing Elphaba's hand. The royals smiled and nodded to the younger woman.

"We must prepare the room for the birth now," Baxiana said. "Give us a few moments."

Elphaba nodded and translated for her mother, who wrapped an arm around her and helped her walk out.

"Nursery," Elphaba immediately directed once she saw her husband.

Fiyero nodded and followed the women down the hall to the baby's room. Elphaba immediately went to the rocking chair and sat down. As she rocked, her fingers played with the soft fabric and fringes on the end of the bassinet.

A few moments later, the room was ready, and they ventured back. The first thing Elphaba realized was how dark it was. The curtains were replaced with thicker ones, blocking out most of the natural light. The only light came from a few lamps and candles. The bed was covered with a new quilt made of blue brocade fabric, patterned with embroidered white and silver floral designs. It had a warm and cozy feeling, ideal for welcoming a new baby.

"Hannalyn. Sarima," Elphaba said in surprise, seeing the two.

"Hi, Elphaba," the younger princess smiled, going over and hugging her.

She had to admit, she was happy to see Hanna again. She had missed her. She looked at Sarima, who offered a small smile, but not a hug, which was okay. They weren't there yet.

"What's that smell?" Elphaba asked, wrinkling her nose.

"Rosemary oil. To ward off bad spirits," Amalie explained. "On the doorways and windowpanes."

"Here," Baxiana said, handing Elphaba a long, silk robe. "Wear this labor robe. You'll feel more comfortable."

Melena helped her undress and into the robe. The loose sleeves stopped at her elbows, and the skirt flowed down her legs. Once she was settled in bed, the midwife came and examined her progress. In between contractions, Elphaba walked around the room, and was treated to massages and other little pampering activities to keep her calm and relaxed. Her discomfort was mild, and since she wasn't experiencing any major labor pains yet, she was more active, which scared Fiyero, and amused the women.

"What time is it?" Elphaba asked as Baxiana helped her drink a mug of red raspberry leaf tea.

"Almost three o'clock," Amalie said, folding the spare sheets.

Elphaba groaned and turned away from the straw Baxiana was holding up to her lips. She reached for Fiyero and got him to help her stand. He rocked her in his arms, rubbing her back and kissing her hair.

"I want to be alone with you now," she whispered against his shoulder. "Make them go away."

"Can we have a moment, please?" Fiyero asked the room.

The Vinkun women nodded and filed out. Melena looked from them to Elphaba before following them out.

"I love you," Fiyero whispered as he continued to rock her.

Elphaba moaned and pressed her face against him. "I need to lie down."

He helped her back into the bed and kissed her nose. She gripped his hand and groaned through a contraction.

"I need to stand," she said as soon as it was over.

He helped her up, but stiffened when he noticed a large bloodstain on the bedsheets. "Amma! Yuga!" he called, which effectively brought all the women back into the room.

"A bit of bleeding is normal. How's the pain, Prinzinne?" the midwife asked as Sarima and Hannalyn got to work changing the sheets. "Scale of one to ten."

Elphaba bit her lip. "Uh… five. Maybe six. My hips hurt."

"Sarima, get a bowl of ice chips, please," Amalie said.

"Yes, Amma," Sarima nodded and disappeared.

Baxiana suggested she use the birthing ball and Fiyero kept her balanced and steady as she rocked and bounced. It eased her discomfort, and she got around an hour of respite before the pain intensified.

"Would you like a warm bath, Fabala?" Melena asked, wiping away her daughter's hair that was clinging to her forehead.

Elphaba nodded and voiced her request. Hannalyn ran the water and got the bath salts. Once it was ready, they helped Elphaba in and Fiyero sat behind her.

"Yero," Elphaba whispered once a contraction ended.

"Hmm?"

"I'm still bleeding."

He looked over her shoulder and saw the water in front of them slowly turning red. "Amma!" he called, and his mother came in with the midwife.

"What's going on?" Elphaba moaned.

"Don't move, Prinzinne," the midwife said, her calm demeanor doing little to reassure her. She gently prodded her stomach, and Elphaba had to fight the urge to slap her hand away. "Your contractions are getting stronger, and it feels like the baby is breeched. That might be what's causing the bleeding."

"I want to get out now."

The midwife nodded and Fiyero carefully stood and helped Elphaba, cleaning her off before helping her back into the silk robe and into bed. Once settled against the pillows, the midwife pressed against her stomach, trying to be as gentle as possible and get the baby to turn properly. It took a while, but she got the baby in the correct position before Elphaba's next contraction.

"You've still got a ways to go, Prinzinne," she said after checking her. "Your contractions are still irregular."

"Yuga, she's been laboring for hours. Is there nothing we can do?" Fiyero asked, desperately looking at his grandmother.

"I'm afraid not, Yero. These things take time. But we'll do everything we can to keep her comfortable," Baxiana said, watching as her daughter-in-law and Elphaba's mother coaxed her to sleep. "Right now, she needs to rest. You stay here with your mother and Melena. Hannalyn, Sarima, and I will go back downstairs for more supplies."

Fiyero could only nod, watching his grandmother give orders and leave with his sister and sister-in-law. He stepped up to his sleeping wife and Amalie stepped aside, letting him take her spot, and letting Melena keep hers. He slowly sat, successfully not waking her, and leaned over to kiss her forehead.

Elphaba's labor progressed slowly for the rest of the day and into the night. No one in the manor slept, keeping a constant vigil over Elphaba and waiting for the baby. Her contractions started to regulate and came closer together.

"Fiyero, it's time for you to leave now," Amalie said gently, yet firmly, trying to pry Fiyero from Elphaba's side.

It was a few minutes past midnight. If they'd pulled back the curtains, they would've seen the full moon directly above them. Everyone was tired, yet no one slept.

Fiyero was half-asleep, but the request to leave got his full attention. "What? But Amma, Fae's –"

"In active labor now, and I told you this would happen. It's time to let us women do what we need to do."

"But –"

"Appa and Yugo are downstairs," Hannalyn reminded him. "I don't think they're sleeping. They'll keep you company."

"They've been through this before, and so have we. You know we will take wonderful care of Elphaba and the baby, but you must go now," Amalie said.

He walked up to Elphaba, who was quietly breathing through a strong contraction. "I have to go now, Fae," he said before she could say anything.

"What? Why?" She frowned and looked up at Amalie. "Why can't he stay?"

"Tradition dictates that men should not be present during active birth. We let him stay as long as we could," Amalie explained gently. "We cannot begin the birth rituals until there are no men."

Elphaba made a face and looked at her mother. "Was Papa allowed in the room when you gave birth to us?"

Melena, figuring out what was being said, smiled softly. "I was separated from Papa as soon as I went into labor. And it was probably a good thing. He wouldn't have liked what I called him while pushing."

Elphaba reached for her husband, who immediately complied. "Okay."

"I love you," he whispered against her lips, their foreheads touching.

"I love you, too," she whispered back, then kissed him, staring after him as he disappeared behind the closed door.

"Let us begin," Baxiana said, directing everyone to stand in a circle around the bed. She guided Elphaba to sit up on the edge, and started a melodic chant in a low voice. Hannalyn and Sarima had little finger cymbals and small bells and provided a rhythmic beat. Amalie guided Melena to sit behind Elphaba on the bed and support her from behind, while she joined her mother in the singing and chanting.

Once she finished, Baxiana went to the table and pounded something with a strong scent in a mortar and pestle, scooped it into a bowl, and mixed it with water, creating a paste. She instructed Elphaba to untie her robe so her stomach was out. "Blessings for a safe delivery," she recited, taking a small amount of the paste and smearing it onto her stomach.

Elphaba immediately identified it as turmeric paste. It felt cool against her skin, and refreshing against her rising temperature. Baxiana stepped aside, and Amalie stepped up next.

"Blessings for happiness and health," the High Princess said, doing the same.

Hannalyn took her turn unprompted. "Blessings for labor strength and protection."

Sarima stepped forward, more hesitant than Hannalyn, and scooped some paste. "Blessings for a quick recovery."

Baxiana handed the bowl to Amalie, and rubbed the paste into Elphaba's skin. The green girl closed her eyes and leaned back against her mother. "Let these words of blessings and protection be heard and received. May the baby be covered with these blessings as they enter the world. May the mother be covered with these blessings as she labors."

Melena watched with interest. She couldn't understand anything they were saying, and figured that's what Elphaba experienced when she first arrived. This unlocked a new respect for what her daughter went through.

After more affirmations, blessing passages, chants, and massages, Elphaba continued to labor in the warm bath until she felt the urge to push. Melena suggested she sit on the edge of the bed, rather than lay on her back. She started shaking uncontrollably, which let everyone know that it was almost time.

"Okay, Prinzinne. On the next contraction, push," the midwife said, kneeling beneath Elphaba on a blanket. "Only push on the contractions."

Elphaba moaned, but followed the instructions. She felt her mother behind her, arms wrapped around her waist and shoulders. She pushed, groaned, and cried, her strength draining with each passing moment.

"Here, Elphaba," Sarima said, offering Elphaba a bowl of ice chips. She held a piece up to her lips, helping her rehydrate in between contractions.

One hour passed, then two, and Elphaba was still pushing. "I'm tired," she moaned, tears streaming down her face.

"I know, Fabala. You're doing great," Melena whispered, tenderly wiping her cheeks.

"Why's it taking so long?"

"First babies love to take their time."

The room spun and her eyelids fluttered closed. "It hurts."

"I know. But it's almost over. You'll get to meet your baby soon. Breathe."

"I want ice chips."

It took a moment for Melena to realize they were the only two understanding the conversation. She pointed to the bowl of ice chips, and Hannalyn got it for her. She nodded her thanks and gave Elphaba a small handful to chew on.

"Alright, let's keep going," the midwife said, checking Elphaba's progress. "I can see the head."

Elphaba pushed, grunted, and panted, and a few moments later, the head was out. A few more pushes, and the shoulders emerged, followed by the rest of the baby.

"It's a boy!" the midwife exclaimed as Elphaba collapsed against her mother, squeezing her eyes shut and gasping for air.

Everyone's voices mixed and jumbled in her ears. She didn't know what they were saying, but she felt her mother's arms squeezing her shoulders. Then, a little wail broke through the jumbled voices, and she felt something wet and squirmy placed on her bare chest. She opened her eyes and stared at the baby. "It's a boy?" she whispered.

"Yes! Congratulations, Elphaba!" Amalie smiled, kissing her cheek.

Elphaba looked back at her mother, who had tears in her eyes as she stroked her hair. She didn't say anything, but snuggled closer, and Melena gently tightened her embrace.

"Let's get you and the baby cleaned," Baxiana said as the midwife cut the umbilical cord and took the baby.

The newborn cried at being separated from his mother, but calmed in his great-grandmother's arms. Sarima congratulated Elphaba, then went to inform the anxious men of the successful birth. Hannalyn tended to the baby with her grandmother, and Amalie helped Melena assist Elphaba into the bathroom before going to change the bedding.

"I have a baby, Mama," Elphaba said in awestruck disbelief.

"I know. You did so well, Fabala," Melena said, rubbing a warm, soft cloth over her daughter's body.

"Thanks." She appreciated her mother's care and warm, gentle touches as she finger-detangled her hair. She didn't get enough of it growing up, and they both knew it was in their best interests to take advantage now and soak up the familial moments.

"Massaging the stomach helps with the afterbirth delivery and bleeding," the elder Munchkin explained, massaging her stomach and kissing her forehead when she winced. Once she finished, she helped her into a nightgown, and back to the freshly-changed bed.

"Alright, little one. You can go back to Amma now," Baxiana said, handing the swaddled baby to Elphaba. "He's healthy. Five pounds, eleven ounces, eighteen inches long."

Elphaba gingerly took the tiny newborn and looked down at him. He yawned, and slowly opened his eyes, staring up at her. She took him in, from his curly black hair, large eyes, smooth brown skin, and fat cheeks. "Hi." She was relieved he didn't inherit her verdigris, but since no one else brought it up, she didn't.

"He looks just like Fiyero when he was born," Amalie smiled.

"Where's Fiyero?"

A knock and the door opened, and the proud, new father's eyes immediately locked on his wife. His grin widened when she smiled back at him, and he rushed over, gently pulling her into his arms. "Fae."

"We have a son, Yero," Elphaba laughed, looking from him to the baby.

"We do," he whispered in awe, looking down at him. "And he's perfect. How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted. Happy. Hold him."

Fiyero gently took his son, his eyes never leaving the tiny face. He looked like he was scared he was going to drop him, but it melted into confidence in his strong, fatherly hold. "Welcome, my son."

"The child is an hour old. We can complete the birth rites now," Baxiana interrupted gently.

Marilott and Raal came in and congratulated Elphaba before joining the circle around the new parents. Fiyero returned the bundle to Elphaba as Baxiana led another round of chants and prayers, giving thanks for the safe arrival of the baby, and the health and strength of the mother. She grabbed the bowl of leftover turmeric paste and dipped her thumb in it. She gently speared it across the baby's forehead. He scrunched his face and looked prepared to cry, but decided against it. Sarima stepped forward with a large basin and placed it under Elphaba's feet, and Hannalyn handed her mother a pitcher filled with melted coconut oil.

The High Princess knelt and anointed Elphaba's feet as she recited a melodic prayer. She massaged the oil into her skin, then gently patted the excess away. She then did the same to Fiyero, then they both stuck their feet in the basin as Amalie poured the rest of the oil over them.

Elphaba felt her eyelids growing heavy, and Fiyero took his son back. He watched as Melena tended to her daughter, getting her comfortable and wiping her hair from her forehead. Her eyes didn't leave her as she slept.

"Melena." He held out the small bundle to her.

The Munchkin woman grinned and took the baby, lovingly cradling him in her arms. She couldn't believe she was holding her grandson. Oz, she was too young to be a grandmother. She carefully sat down, expertly calming the baby when he started fussing, and kept Elphaba from waking up. She couldn't believe she was here for this moment, and didn't take a single clock-tick for granted.

Elphaba stirred when she heard humming. She recognized her mother's voice and the Munchkin lullaby. It was the same one she used to sing to Nessa. When she opened her eyes, she expected to see her mother with the baby in her arms, but that's not what she saw. The baby was asleep in the bedside bassinet, and her mother was sitting beside her, holding her hand.

"I thought you were singing to the baby," she chuckled throatily.

"You needed to sleep, too," Melena said. "I'd hoped it wasn't too late to start doting on you."

Elphaba pushed herself up and looked at the baby. "Are you staying for the naming ceremony tomorrow evening?"

"Yes. I must return to Munchkinland the following day, to be back before the new year, but I need to know the name of my grandson before I go."

She hummed, slowly sliding to the edge of the bed. "What's that smell?"

"I made you something." She handed her daughter a large cup of a thick, reddish-brown liquid. "It's a louchabhetti. To get the breastmilk flowing. It was surprisingly easy to ask for the cloves, cinnamon, and sugar. I wanted you to have something from home."

Elphaba took a small sip of the warm, sweet drink. It felt good to have some Munchkin birth traditions with her in the Vinkus. A small taste of home. The baby fussed, also wanting to eat, and Elphaba lifted him into his arms, and Melena helped her disrobe to feed.

"I like having you here," Elphaba confessed once her son latched. Her mother had been a great help, and she was grateful for her staying. While everyone else was fussing over the baby, her mother stayed by her side, tending to her. "Mama?"

"Yes?"

"I want you to perform the Aminogao Rite."

Melena blinked. "Here?"

"Yes. The baby is half Munchkin and deserves both traditions. I know it's usually done by a Unionist minister, but I'm sure a Thropp Descending will do."

The elder Munchkin chuckled. "I will find Fiyero." She left, and was only gone for a few moments before Fiyero burst in.

"Fae, is everything alright?" he asked, rushing to her side.

Elphaba couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, Yero. Everything's fine." She handed him a piece of paper. "I want my mother to perform a Munchkin birth rite. I translated what she's going to say and what we have to say."

Fiyero looked over the paper and smiled. "Of course."

Elphaba handed the baby to him and pushed herself to her feet. "It's a welcoming ritual with Unionist origins, so my father would've done it. While I didn't inherit his love of religion, I've always viewed it as a cultural thing and have a deep respect for the tradition." She nodded to her mother to begin.

"Fiyero, Elphaba, do you accept the responsibility of raising this child, to love, care for, guide, and discipline to the best of your abilities? Will you stay strong in the face of adversity, relying on your parental instincts and the words of wisdom from those who came before you?"

"Yes, I do so promise as the child's mother," Elphaba recited.

"Yes, I do so promise as the child's father," Fiyero recited in his semi-decent Munchkin.

Melena took the newborn from Fiyero. "May this child grow up in the wisdom and love of the Unnamed God and be blessed with long life." She slowly lifted him into the air, lowered him back, and kissed his cheek. "I am your grandmother. I welcome you on behalf of your Thropp relatives in Munchkinland. You have a large family there, and though they're not here now to welcome you, they love you, and no amount of distance can change that."

The baby looked at Melena with knitted eyebrows, making him appear angry, which made Elphaba laugh. His expression turned skeptical at his mother's laughter, and he squirmed, staring at her as he seemingly tried to figure out what was so funny.

…

Elphaba looked down at the newborn sleeping on her chest. She had just finished an evening breastfeeding session and he went right to sleep after burping. At two days old, she still believed he was the most perfect thing in her entire life. The sun was slowly rising, hitting his little face at just the perfect angle. She rocked in the rocking chair, listening to his little squeaks as she rubbed his back.

"Fae."

She looked up. "Hi. Is it time?"

"Almost. We should get ready."

She stood, bouncing the baby as she gently handed him off. She freshened up and slipped into a loose-fitting wrap dress. Her stomach was still round, and she was told it would take a few weeks to return to normal. When she came out, their son was awake and alert, sucking on Fiyero's finger as he stared up at him.

"I just fed him," Elphaba sighed, her tiredness catching up to her.

"He's fine. I think he'll make it through the ceremony. Has he had a bath yet?"

She shook her head and Fiyero prepared the small baby bath. The newborn didn't like the water at first, but calmed when he heard his father's deep, soothing voice. He settled and allowed the bath to continue without a big fuss.

"There. That wasn't so horrible, was it?" Fiyero asked, kissing his nose as he rubbed shea butter on his body. He dressed him in a warm onesie and got some quality time with him and his wife before they had to go outside.

Their naming ceremony was similar to Nzer and Defi's, and Elphaba was glad she mentally prepared herself to deal with all those people. She was surrounded by familiar faces, as well as some semi-new ones. Irji, Manek, and Nor arrived from Wistra Ir, very excited to see their aunt and uncle, and meet their new cousin. Glinda and Vilem were there, and Glinda was very eager to see her friend and the new baby.

After the Chieftain said a few words, it was time to introduce the new prince. Fiyero led Elphaba up onto the small platform, looking out at their guests.

"Our son, Prince Liir Eszno Tigulaar," he announced proudly. "Born two days ago on December twenty-eighth."

The crowd erupted into loud cheers, which surprisingly, didn't startle Liir. Baxiana and Marilott applauded proudly. Amalie covered her mouth, tears in her eyes. Hannalyn nodded approvingly, and Sarima looked surprised, then happy.

Elphaba gave Liir to Baxiana as she and Fiyero accepted more congratulations from their guests. They ate, danced, and celebrated the successful birth. While Elphaba and Liir made it longer than anyone thought they would, they still had to call it an early night. Elphaba went inside with Glinda and her mother, insisting that Fiyero stay at the party to speak to their guests.

"He's so tiny," Glinda whispered in awe, cradling the bundle as they took a break in the parlor. "The most perfect Lurlinemas present."

Elphaba thought she saw a fleeting shadow of envy cross Glinda's face, but it was gone before she could say anything. She watched as her best friend and mother cooed over her son.

"Elphie?" Glinda asked, noticing her friend crying.

"Ozdamned hormones," she chuckled, wiping her face and lowering herself onto the sofa.

Fiyero came in a few minutes later to check on them. After insisting she was fine, Elphaba took Liir back and sent her mother and Glinda back outside to the party.

"Would it be rude if we called it a night?" Elphaba asked.

"If you're asking if the party will continue in our absence, the answer is yes. The fourth wine barrel was just brought out, and it seems like no one has any intention of stopping soon. They probably won't even notice we're gone."

"But we're the guests of honor."

"That means nothing after four wine barrels," he chuckled.

Elphaba looked up at him, and couldn't even begin to describe the plethora of emotions that filled her body. She never felt this way before, nor did she ever imagine this for herself. But here she was with her loving husband and newborn son. She had a special reconnection with her mother, and for the first time, felt truly grounded in her life in the Vinkus.

I know I said this would be the last chapter, but there's gonna be an epilogue! SURPRISE!