Despite everything, Elphaba still intended to send her sister a birthday present. Surely if Nessa got married she could still attend the wedding? Even before the ceremony, there was a contract. Breaking it off could have consequences. All these societal norms were stupid and didn't quite make sense to Elphaba, but she could use them to her advantage if necessary.

She was also trying desperately not to show that her dis-invitation was bothering her. Instead, she looked through everything she had made to see what she could send.

"Fae?"

She looked over her shoulder at Fiyero.

"I have an idea," he said. "Why don't you pick something from the jewel vault?"

Elphaba looked at him in surprise.

"Is that okay?" she asked.

"It's not like they're getting used," he said, shrugging. "And I'm the prince, so it's my property and I say what can be done with it."

She smiled slightly. He could be so thoughtful.

"Thank you," she said. "Why don't we go take care of that now? I want to go into town anyway for some blood meal."

"What's that for?" he asked.

"The plants. It helps them grow faster."

"Oh! That's… kind of frightening."

She folded up the blanket she had knitted and accepted his help in standing.

Fiyero led her to the vault, which was hidden behind a panel, which could only be opened using a key in a hidden keyhole and a stairwell led up to a small tower that was hidden from the road. The interior wasn't exactly the treasure vault she had pictured in her head and looked more like the room the good dishes and silverware were kept in. The only difference being that these cabinets were kept behind gates like a jail cell. So close that the drawers wouldn't even open. The only standalone piece of furniture in the room was a table filled with polishing equipment.

At the very least the glow of the sun kept the room well lit.

"Underwhelmed?" Fiyero laughed.

"Just a little," she admitted.

"Well, what do you think Nessa would like?" he asked. "Earrings? A necklace? A tiara for her royalness?"

"You really have tiaras to spare?" Elphaba scoffed.

"Actually, we have five in here," he said, unlocking one of the cages.

He opened a cabinet and brought a box out, opening it up. Nestled in velvet was a sparkling tiara with glittering blue and white jewels. It was the finest thing she had ever seen in her life.

"Oh, my!" Elphaba gasped.

Fiyero carefully lifted it out to show her, the jewels catching in the light. Elphaba reached a hand out to touch it, then drew it back.

"If you want to try it on, just say so," said Fiyero, grinning.

"I don't think it would suit me," she said.

"Come on. Just a moment. It hasn't been worn in forever."

Elphaba bit her lips. It was so beautiful…

"Okay," she said. "Just for a moment."

Fiyero grinned and placed it on her head. It was heavier than she expected. He grabbed the hand mirror and wiped it clean on his sleeve before showing it to her.

"I think it suits you just fine," he said.

Elphaba looked at her reflection. She didn't know if it suited her or not. It was very pretty, but she didn't know if it was enough to make her pretty as well.

She set the mirror down and removed the tiara, placing it back in its box.

"Well, I don't think a tiara would be suitable for Nessa," she said. "Where would she even wear it? Perhaps… a necklace? Or maybe a pair of earrings."

"Sure," he said and handed her the keys. "Go ahead and take your time picking something. There's plenty of daylight left to go to town."

"Where are you going?" she asked. "What if I pick something you don't want me to give away?"

"Tell you what, pick a top three and when I come back I'll tell you if any of them are okay," he said. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Well, okay."

Elphaba looked through the boxes and the drawers, being careful not to touch the precious items too much. And then she found a necklace that practically screamed Nessa. It was a delicate necklace set with diamonds and pink coral. It would look beautiful on her.

She set it down alongside a set of pearl earrings and a delicate hair comb.

Fiyero returned with Chistery in tow.

"Pick something?" he asked.

"I think she would like this," said Elphaba, tapping the necklace. "Actually, I think she would love it."

"Then give her that one," he said. "I may not like how she's spoiled rotten and you're treated as an afterthought, but you love your sister and want the best, so give her that one."

Elphaba sighed softly and tucked a loose strand of hair back.

"Giving her this feels wrong, but not giving her this feels wrong, too," she admitted.

"Well, for your peace of mind, I think it's better to give it to her," said Fiyero, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Wrap it up, pay for express delivery."

She nodded and put the other two pieces back in their proper places before locking everything up. Fiyero handed her paper and ribbon.

"Thank you," she said and hugged him, then frowned. "Did you stuff yourself with more straw?"

"No!" he said quickly. "Maybe?"

She hummed and quickly wrapped the gift. He could be so odd.

"Let's go," she said and fetched her broom.

They flew down to the village.

"You handle that," said Fiyero. "I have… an errand to run."

"An errand?" she said. Wondering what sort of errand he possibly had to run. "Well, alright. I already know what I need from the gardening shop, so Chistery and I will pop into the bookstore after."

"Sure, I'll come find you," he said and hurried off.

Strange.

Elphaba entered the post office first.

"Good afternoon, Lady Elphaba," said Jispa. "How is your family?"

"Good afternoon, not too bad. How is your wife?"

"Just fine," she said. "Another package for your sister?"

"Yes, it's very important that this one is expressed," said Elphaba. "It's her birthday present and it's fragile."

"Of course! I'll send my best carrier on it!" she said, weighing it.

Elphaba paid the fee and was pleased that she called one of her pony express carriers forward.

"Bring this to Colwen Grounds, Nest Harding, Munchkinland as fast as you can," said Jispa.

"Yes, sir," he replied and placed it securely in his postal bag.

Satisfied, Elphaba and Chistery went to the gardening store. She bought the blood meal and some seeds she hadn't been able to find elsewhere, then went to the bookshop. Chistery perused the shelves while Elphaba waited at the checkout counter. She knew if she looked she'd leave with too many.

Fiyero still hadn't come when Chistery made his selection, so they moved on to the sweet shop a few doors down. Elphaba had always wanted to try something from this shop, as Frex rarely allowed either of his daughters candy, and she still felt a little anxious about buying herself a sweet or two.

She and Chistery inhaled deeply as they entered.

"Welcome, Lady Scarecrow!" said the creaky old Orangutan running the counter.

"You can just call me Elphaba," she said. "Chistery, go on and pick something."

He eagerly started looking amongst the brightly colored jars.

"What sort of sweeties do you like, my lady?" the candy man asked.

"I don't know," she said. "I like chocolate."

"Well, we have some delectable bonbons and truffles made right here in the shop," he said, gesturing to the beautiful array behind the glass. "Perhaps I could interest you in a sample box of our best treats?"

Chistery came back with a paper bag full of sugar-covered jelly candy. Elphaba took out her purse and the man waved her off.

"On the house," he said. "You never accept payment for healing, but I'd like to thank you in some way. My granddaughter and my wife have been healed thanks to you."

"It's alright—"

"I won't hear a word to the contrary!" he said. "That doctor doesn't know how to treat Animals, so I'm glad someone who does came into town."

Elphaba smiled slightly.

"Okay, but just this once," she said, putting the candies away in her bag.

"Thank you, sir," said Chistery.

"Of course! Goodbye!"

Elphaba waved and stepped out, to see Fiyero looking around for her. She raised her hand in a wave and he smiled and crossed to meet her.

Suddenly, she felt as if she had been struck. Was this how it felt to be liked rather than tolerated? To have someone recognize that you had been kind and to repay that with further kindness? To have someone look and see and be happy that they found you? All she'd ever felt her whole life was thinly veiled disgust and distrust. It took some time… but could it be that she found a place she could live her life out in?

What would happen if Fiyero's curse was broken and he wanted her to leave?

"Surprised to find you in a candy store," he said.

"Oh. You know… just thought I'd try it," she said, feeling shy and uncertain of herself. "Finish your errand?"

"Sure did," he said. "Did you want to walk around for a bit?"

"Oh! Prince Scarecrow!" Mrs. Abolar called out, hurrying over to them. "So glad I caught you both before you left town. Here."

She held out a letter.

"What's this?" Elphaba asked.

"An invitation," she said. "To the annual gala at the burgomaster's manor. I know the Harvest Festival is still a few months away, but I thought we'd put in our bid early."

A party invitation? Elphaba looked at Fiyero who appeared as stunned as she felt.

"We… we'd be honored," said Elphaba, putting it away. "I'll mark our calendar."

"Wonderful!" she said. "And feel free to call anytime."

"Of course," said Elphaba.

The call of a horn cut through the square and just like their first visit to the town, people scattered. Mrs. Abolar grabbed her children and sped into the candy shop as it was the closest door.

Confused, Elphaba, Fiyero, and Chistery followed.

"What's going on?" Elphaba asked. "Who are they?"

"Ooh, those ruffians," Mrs. Abolar growled. "They're supposedly soldiers to the crown, but really they're just a big bunch of bullies!"

"They're on orders to the Crown?" Fiyero asked in alarm.

"Well, no," she said. "Ever since the king, queen, and crown prince disappeared, a great wall of briar has grown surrounding Uma Lu. Thorns three feet long, they say!"

"And the princess?" asked Fiyero anxiously.

"Rumor says she's locked in a tower, asleep," said Mrs. Abolar. "My husband and some men from the village managed to get past the wall and found that the whole town inside is… off. No one retains new information, everyone is in a daze, children don't age, and seasons don't change… It was June and yet there was snow still piled up."

"Must be some curse," said Elphaba, looking at Fiyero.

It was so hard to read his pumpkin face. At least he stopped wearing that burlap sack.

"Well," he said at last. "I'm the master of Kiamo Ko and the village is under our protection. We should be able to do something."

"I don't see how you can without an army," said Mrs. Abolar. "They don't come 'round often, but they like to pillage and steal and chase after young women. And because they're soldiers, they think they're above the law rather than enforcers. And they demand everything we have for protection from them."

The men rode in on horseback hooting and hollering.

"Time to pay up!" said the leader. "I don't like to be kept waiting!"

"Elphaba, I need spell number three-two-seven," said Fiyero.

"What?"

"Now! Please!"

Elphaba looked around and grabbed an umbrella out of the stand by the door and her grimoire from her bag. She chanted under her breath and it transformed into a fine looking sword. Fiyero took it and nodded at the balance.

"I'm going with you," she said firmly. "We're stronger together. Mrs. Abolar, watch Chistery for us."

The woman nodded.

"You don't have our payment ready?" the leader scoffed. "How rude, making my men do all the work."

"Enough!"

Fiyero and Elphaba strode out, side-by-side. Their appearance startled the men at first, but then the leader started to laugh.

"Is this what you have to offer?" he called out. "A talking scarecrow and some… she-troll?"

"They didn't send us," said Elphaba. "We just don't like how you're treating these people. Leave them in peace."

"Hey, I know this chit!" said one of the men. "She's the reason our dear doctor friend doesn't get much business anymore."

"It's thanks to you that thirty-eight children could have died," Fiyero growled. "How dare you!"

"Maybe their parents just didn't care enough about them," the leader retorted with a grin.

"Or maybe you're squeezing every cent out of them so they can't even pay for the important matters!" Elphaba spat. "How dare you act so shamefully!"

"We are protecting these good people from the beasts that live in the forest! Surely you've heard of them? These things cost time and money, you know."

"The only beasts around here are you!" said Fiyero. "Leave now and there won't be any trouble."

Their leader scoffed and waved a hand. Two of his followers ran forward, weapons at the ready. Fiyero engaged with the one on the right and Elphaba danced away from the one on the left, trying to decide what spell to use.

He brought his sword down and she raised her hand up defensively. Rather than cleave her arm in two, flower petals showered over her. The man looked stunned. Elphaba smirked and slapped him with another spell.

"Itchita copita meleka mystica!"

He bent backwards, shrinking down and sprouting brown fur until a cat was left in his place. Jaws and defenses dropped, giving Fiyero an advantage. He hit his opponent in the head with the hilt, knocking him out cold.

"Are you going to leave this place alone?" Elphaba demanded, raising a hand. "Or shall I turn each and every one of you into a little kitty cat?"

"Wicked witch!" their leader spat. "Burn the village to the ground and toss her in the flames!"

Elphaba mounted her broom and flew into the sky. She put out the torches the men snatched up along with anything that had caught fire.

"Get out of our town!" a new voice shouted.

Avaric ran out of the shop. He grabbed a stone off the ground and hurled it at the leader. The horse reared up. It was the catalyst. More villagers came out with whatever they could find as weapons. Pitchforks, pieces of wood, iron pokers, stones picked up from the ground.

Elphaba sent spells at the men to scare their horses and them, doing her best to turn the soldiers' weapons into flowers, bubbles, and anything else completely harmless. Chistery helped by flying up high and throwing things down at them. Fiyero led the charge from the ground, using his sword to break spears and drive the men back so they couldn't retaliate.

The leader roared in rage and sent his horse towards Fiyero. He kicked his head off his shoulders. A few of his men screamed upon seeing the body continue to move around, swinging the sword wildly.

"Get a grip!"

"No!" Elphaba swooped down to try and rescue Fiyero's head.

The leader beat her to it, sending his horse to trample it. Elphaba covered her mouth with her hand.

"Get to safety, Fae!" Fiyero shouted.

She recoiled in horror as his head was split in half by a hoof. His body seized and collapsed into a pile of stick. Elphaba scooped up his satchel, nearly getting dragged off her broomstick.

Chistery intervened, hopping onto the offending bandit's head, screeching and pulling on her hair.

Elphaba retreated upwards.

"GET OUT!" she shrieked and slammed her hands down.

The soldiers all stiffened and turned around as if they were on strings. They took off out of town with Elphaba hot on their heels.

"NEVER COME BACK!" She threw a fireball after them, and another and another.

"That's right!" Avaric shouted. "We don't even want to see you around here again!"

"This is our village!"

"You have no power here anymore!"

Elphaba watched them until they disappeared over the horizon, then returned to where Fiyero fell. The flower girl was already picking up the pieces, gathering them into a pile.

"Oh, Yero," Elphaba murmured, touching the pumpkin pieces.

"He was so brave," said Mrs. Abolar, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Yes." Elphaba picked his clothes out of the pile and stashed them away. "He'll be alright. A few days, he'll reform, better than ever."

"Oh?" she gasped. "He isn't dead?"

"He'll get better," said Elphaba. "But he was still very brave. As were you."

She stood up to face Avaric, then looked at the others.

"All of you were brave," she said. "I thank you for standing with us. I'll keep an eye on things, make sure they don't attempt to retaliate."

"We've been taking it lying down long enough," said Avaric, raising his head. "I still don't like you."

"I can live with that," she replied drily. "I should get home now."

She turned the sword over. Wasn't useful as an umbrella anymore, but still…

"Please return this to the candy shop," she said to the flower seller and gave her some money as well.

"Yes, miss!" she said and skirted around Avaric before running to the shop.

Elphaba raised an eyebrow.

"I'll leave her be," he promised. "Don't want to be turned into a cat."

She smirked and mounted her broom, taking off into the sky. Chistery scrambled onto the front end, secured behind her arms.

By the time she touched down in her tower, she was exhausted.

"Fiyero will be okay," said Chistery, patting her arm.

"I know," Elphaba sighed. "It's just… difficult to see him go through that. He was very brave."

She shrugged everything off into a pile, sent her broom to the stand she kept for it, and organized her purchases, giving Chistery his book and sweets. She poked around in Fiyero's bag, but didn't see anything he could have bought.

"Will you be alright?" Chistery asked.

"I'll be just fine," she said. "I've plenty to keep me busy until Fiyero returns."

She set her chocolates on the table by her chair and brought out the stick that made Fiyero's torso. She turned it over in her hands, then faced her crystal ball.

Show me the bandits, she thought hard.

It fogged red, then an image cleared. They were on horseback, walking through a forest.

"I'll kill that witch!" the leader spat. "If it's the last thing I do!"

"There are other villages," said the woman with him. "Be clever, Jarrod. We've got more than enough riches to last us a lifetime, it's all for the fun of it these days."

"I don't care!" he growled. "No ugly green creature is going to tell me what to do!"

"We'll bide our time then," said the woman. "Leave them alone and when their guard is down, we'll strike with all our men."

"Unfortunately for you, my guard is never down," Elphaba murmured. "When you're ready to act, I'll be ready too."

She swept her hand across the face of the crystal.

"Alert me when they're talking about me or the village," she said.

She watched them until the sun set and frowned as they approached a castle.

"Where is that in relation to here?" she asked.

It zoomed out far enough for her to find a marker. She went over to the desk that had been stored in this room and found a map. She marked down the location and saw the name of a castle.

Vadallet Du.

"Interesting," she murmured.

Frankly, it wasn't far from Kiamo Ko, just on the other side of the mountain. She wondered if there would be a way to get there from here. Fiyero mentioned that the secret passages within Kiamo Ko went deep into the mountain. It's possible they intercepted the mines and could reach other castles. Perhaps the way was just lost to time.

Elphaba covered her crystal ball and went down to dinner, still deep in thought.