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2.
The small cabin was in chaos the day before their departure, a week or so later. His own thoughts were in turmoil - he was looking forward to seeing his friends again, and was curious to see what had become of the Emerald City under Glinda's reign, but he was also dreading getting back there. Every time he had been there ended in some sort of disaster, be it the unfortunate surprise engagement party or nearly losing Elphaba when Talleen was born. Whereas Elphaba was convinced of their safety, she was pessimistic by nature, and it was impossible not to get sucked into a similar mindset himself. So while trying very hard not to think of everything that might go wrong in the Emerald City, there was at least one thing he felt optimistic about, one thing he was bound to do before they embarked on their journey.
He found Elphaba in their bedroom, putting the twins to sleep. She was leaning over their crib, softly singing a lullaby. Learning she could carry a tune so effortlessly had come as a revelation some years before, and he never tired of hearing it. He stood on the threshold, just listening, until her murmur faded into a hum. She looked almost sad as she watched the babies. He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her waist. "What's the matter?"
"I was just thinking about Glinda. How unfair it is. That we have them, while she..." Her voice trailed off as she leaned back against his chest and sighed wistfully. "It just isn't right, all this heartbreak."
He knew she was hurting for Glinda, that her heart was breaking over every letter that described another failed attempt, another child that would never be. He remembered how hesitant she was to even tell Glinda about being pregnant again, and then about the twins, fearing her best friend would resent her. "It is unfair," he agreed. He wanted to say more, but didn't know what. Everything sounded so wrong, so inadequate. "We can always give her one of ours. Maybe we'll sleep more."
She chuckled humorlessly, her eyes never leaving the sleeping infants. Taking advantage on her distraction, he reached for the ring he'd kept in his pocket, then slipped it onto her finger, all but holding his breath. But he needn't have worried, though. His father's jeweler was a genius, and it was a perfect fit. But before he could even rejoice in this fact, she turned to face him with confusion in her eyes. "Fiyero, what in Oz..."
"A belated engagement ring," he shrugged meekly, as if this ring wasn't so much more than this by now. He would later tell her how he came up with the idea the night after the doctor had heard two distinct heartbeats within her, how he swapped letters back and forth with his father, and how, on his parents' recent visit, his father slipped the jewelry box covertly into his pocket with a secretive smile. Now he raised her hand to their eye level, watching her watch the ring he had imagined so many times before. And in all honesty, his imagination hadn't done it justice. The white gold looked just right against her emerald skin, and he was glad he didn't go for the more traditional yellow gold. The three diamonds embedded in it - one grey, also somewhat less conventional, and two slightly smaller white ones on its both sides - glimmered in the dimming light.
"It's the children, see," he murmured, gently lacing their fingers together. "The grey one is Talleen and the white ones are the boys. Diamonds are the strongest elements in nature, you know," he added knowingly with the princely sneer of his youth. But she didn't even roll her eyes at him or made a snide comment. She was staring at the ring, with an expression he had never seen on her face before. She looked genuinely spellbound.
Finally, she looked up at him. There was so much emotion in her eyes he thought she might burst into tears. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," she said eventually, very softly.
"I beg to differ," he replied just as softly, leaning in to kiss her deeply before she had a chance to protest.
"Thank you, my Yero," she said as they slowly pulled away.
He rubbed his nose against hers, smiling sort of haughtily. "You've never called me Yero before."
"Not to your face." Her cheeks darkened at her confession. And for that reaction alone he vowed to trick her into saying it as much as possible, for the rest of their lives.
"Are you afraid?" For a moment he thought she'd brush him off dismissively, but her eyes never left his as she nodded. "Whatever happens tomorrow, we're in this together."
"Whatever happens," she echoed. She reached out to caress his cheek, her fingers lingering on the scar left behind by the Lion cub. "I love you more than you'll ever know."
"And I you. Always."
Despite having to say goodbye to their friends at the village, they boarded the train in high spirits. He knew that whatever happened, they were bound to return within the week, so their farewell didn't feel so imminent. Even by train, it was a long ride, and they spent the first couple of hours enjoying the novelty of taking a train from their small village. At some point, he felt himself begin to doze off. Trains had always lulled him to sleep, for as long as he could remember. He tried to resist it at first, reluctant to leave Elphaba alone to handle the children, but she promised she didn't mind. And he was so very tired. Just for a few minutes, he told himself, finally giving in.
The next thing he knew, her fingers were fluttering against his cheek, her soft voice telling him to wake up, Yero my love (fine, he might have imagined that last bit). Grunting a bit, he opened his eyes. "Are we there yet?" he asked her, slowly sitting up. He ran his fingers through his hair, and straightened his clothes the best he could. There was the tiniest smile on Elphaba's lips as she pointed her chin at the window, for him to see for himself, for there was the Emerald City, looming closer in the distance.
"Are we there yet, Mama?" asked Talleen, who's been napping by his side.
"Almost, sweetheart, come see." Talleen climbed onto Elphaba's lap, her nose all but stuck to the window as she stared at the glorious city that years before had forced her mother into exile. He was glad that dark had already fallen as they pulled into the terminus - it wouldn't look quite as impressive in daytime. "Pretty, isn't it?" Elphaba asked her cheerfully, but he would have detected the edge of her voice even if she didn't reach out to grasp his hand as soon as she uttered the question. He squeezed lightly back, wordlessly reminding her it wasn't like last time. Never again.
They remained in their compartment after the train came to a complete halt. It suddenly became very noisy as in the neighboring compartments, people began to gather their belongings, preparing to disembark, then shortly afterwards, squeals of delight and families reunited on the platform. Slowly, the voices thinned, the train emptied; and still, they eyed one another, unsure what to do next. "I don't see Glinda," said Elphaba, who was scanning the platform for the fifth time.
"Surely she would be here by now?" he half said, half asked. Their luggage was ready, the twins settled in their pram. Talleen seemed fine for now, but it was passed her bedtime and it was a matter of time before she'd become antsy at some point.
"Do you think we should…"
But Elphaba's voice trailed off as a familiar knock came on the compartment's door. "Master Tiggular?"
He was almost ashamed at the tears that immediately blinded him, for there was his old friend Avaric, poking his head through the door, his grin as wide as could possibly be as their eyes met. The change in his former servant was astounding; looked like a different man, a proper gentleman.
"Well, you're a sight for sore eyes! I've only been waiting on the platform for two hours!" he joked as they fell into each other's arms.
"Where's Glinda?" asked Elphaba as Avaric chivalrously yet jokingly kissed the back of her hand.
"She's… a bit under the weather, we thought it best she waited for you at the palace." He could see Elphaba's worried brow, but before she managed to question it, Avaric leaned slightly towards Talleen, who was watching their exchange with curiosity and fear in equal measures. "And this must be Miss Tiggular," he said, holding out a hand to the child, who in return cowered behind Elphaba ever so slightly. "Don't be afraid, little one. I'm an old friend of your father's. I've known you since you were born."
"Really?" she asked, transfixed. Avaric went on to charm her into shaking hands with him, and it was the most adorable yet heartbreaking sight he'd ever seen.
When they finally disembark, the crisp air hit his lungs and he breathed deeply. The platform was almost deserted. He glanced at Elphaba, but she didn't try to conceal herself by lowering her head or cowering behind him. It boosted his own confidence just a little bit. Avaric promised their belongings would be sent directly to the palace. He carried Talleen on his shoulders and Elphaba pushed forward the pram as they followed Avaric into the awaiting carriage outside the train station.
