Short chapter, but Fiyero's going to get some insight on Elphaba's life. Hold out, however, for the next chapter is truly one of my favorites and it involves our beloved lovers having a legitimate conversation with one another. Review, and I have a very good feeling I'll be motivated to post that one early...
"Tell me about your childhood."
They were sitting at a local café they often frequented during the break following their law class. Nessa's wheelchair was parked opposite of him at the wrought-iron patio table, where a waitress had just brought them their drinks. She was stirring sugar into her tea; he never once heard the clink of her spoon against the porcelain cup until she gently dragged the edge against the rim and placed it on the saucer with graceful precision.
"Why do you ask?"
He smiled gently over the rim of his espresso, taking a moment before risking his tongue on the steaming liquid to say, "Well, you grew up in the governor's house, so obviously there's that parallel between us. We are both children of heads of state. I would just enjoy hearing a different version of things. What was it like for your and your sister?"
"It was quiet, mostly. Father sheltered us for a great deal of our time in Munchkinland, wishing not to burden us with his obligations. Still, Father liked to bring me out to his parties and assemblies, even if it was just for a little while, and I loved it so. I would revel in an opportunity to share my faith with others and learn more about the responsibilities I will have long down the road."
"What of your sister?"
"Father never allowed her to mingle. Can you just imagine? I shudder to think how she would behave in such circumstances. She's always been, well, the way she is."
"You don't mean green."
"No, of course not, though obviously that is the case as well. She always has to make such a to-do about everything! No, Father insisted that she keep out of the way, and that's how she likes it. Father kept her quiet with books. It was all he knew to do."
"Did you and she spend time together?"
"Naturally. She has always looked after me. I know it is because she feels guilty."
"What do you mean?"
"Elphaba faults herself for my condition. Father and Mother were desperate to avoid having another child like her – green and spoilt as she was – and so Mother chewed milkflowers as she carried me to prevent it from happening again. But I was born damaged, all because of her. She is aware of her blameworthiness."
"She has said this?"
"She hasn't needed to. She is my sister; she does not always need to utter things for me to know them."
"And you haven't told her otherwise?"
"I should lie simply to mollify her? It is what Father believes, and I trust Father."
"That's not fair."
"But it is, Fiyero. It's true. It is her doing. Had she not been green and vile I could have had legs that work."
"If you and your Father blame her for your condition, who is to blame for hers?"
"The Unnamed God's will is one that isn't always to be understood but is never to be questioned. Perhaps He felt it fitting."
What impossible standards, Fiyero thought to himself, putting his espresso cup down more forcefully than he meant to. The coffee splashed over the rim and burnt his fingers, and he pulled it to his mouth in agitation. Nessa handed him her napkin thoughtfully and he deflated at her kind gesture.
"Fabala understands, and so should you. At least respect that it is something about which she doesn't wish to discuss."
He sighed, acquiescent, and stared at the contents of his cup until it was safe enough to down in one swallow like a shot. Nessarose continued to silently sip her tea, and they settled into companionate quiet as they both settled into their own musings. Finally, Fiyero spoke, but with an attempt at whimsy following his previous outburst. "You know, regardless of causality, your situation isn't so terrible. I mean, consider that instead of having working arms you only had working legs?"
"I shudder to think."
"Or, even more tragic, a working body without a working brain! You all forget how bad I have it."
"You raise a valid point," Nessa said, hiding her smile behind her teacup.
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