The Secret Passageways were long and dark. The only light came from glowstones and glowing mushrooms. Although complex, Fiyero and Liir knew them well.
As they walked, Fiyero entertained everyone by telling stories of his adventures. He told of how he got his "Party Prince" persona, and how he used it to cover up his own insecurities; He told of how he fell in love with Elphaba, and how his love for Glinda started out as aesthetic, but morphed into being purely platonic.
"I do love her," Fiyero explained, "but as a friend. I tried to tell her, but I couldn't bear to break her heart. At least, not until I knew I could be with Elphaba."
"Can hearts break?" Jack asked.
"Physically, no." Liir answered, "But it can feel like it is, and sometimes that can lead to the heart not working."
"What happens if the heart stops working?" Jack asked.
"Then you die." Liir answered.
"Dear me!" Jack exclaimed, "I hope that never happens to us."
"Same here." Yero answered.
"Don't worry." Tip replied, "You and Yero don't have hearts. His Majesty used to have one, but he doesn't now."
"Correct." Fiyero replied, "Although just because you don't have a heart doesn't mean you can't feel. I still feel joy and sadness, as well as Boq."
If Jack could nod his head, he would've. "I understand Grandfather. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Fiyero answered, "Although, since me being Liir's father is a secret, only call me that in private."
"Ok." Jack replied.
As the group journeyed along, Liir decided that he should bring up his sister.
"Dad?" Liir asked.
"Yes?" Fiyero answered.
"Uh, um, a-are you aware that you have a daughter?"
There was a bit of silence before Fiyero sadly answered, "Yes."
This was quite the shock.
"When were you going to tell me?" Liir asked in a rage.
"When you were 18." Fiyero answered, "I, you know I was a different man before I met your mother. In order to prevent a scandal, the affairs were hushed up, and the women given monthly child support."
"Affairs?" Liir asked in shock.
Fiyero mentally cursed himself before continuing. "Oh, you also have two bothers. Irji & Manek. I, uh, had them before Nor."
An uncomfortable silence fell upon the group. They continued traveling until Tip and Liir's stomach gave a grumble.
"Guess we'd better stop." Fiyero remarked. "You did bring food, right?"
"Of course!" Liir answered, "Although not much is left."
"We'll make it last." Tip reassured.
"Good thing I no longer eat." Fiyero remarked as Tip and Liir sat upon Yero and ate the last of the dried fruit Liir had brought from home.
After eating their meager supper, the group came upon an exit, and seeing how it was now twilight, set up camp. It was the same as the night before, although now they also had to cover Fiyero, and there wasn't enough magical blankets for them all.
"Don't worry about me." Yero stated, "I'm sure no one will steal me, and I'm not going to spoil."
Due to being tired, the boys made no argument, and so wrapped themselves up in Yero's blanket, and fell fast asleep in each other's arms.