The Wicked Witch of the East: Evanora's Return
[Part 2]
CHAPTER 19: ZURLINE
-Emerald City-
*~ Evanora ~*
The night before the arranged day, Evanora finds herself pacing back and forth across the length of her bedroom. Anxiety grips her, as other concerns do as well. There is just so much to consider, so many things that could go wrong. Regardless of the revelations made and the agreement of those involved with the true plan, she cannot help but to doubt Locasta's intentions.
The witch has long desired to take down her mother. In part, to do onto her the pain that she felt upon discovering that she had been cast aside for the sake of wickedness. Although Locasta thinks it a means of avenging herself, Evanora knows the Witch of the North well enough to understand that she will find no solace in it.
The wound is too deep.
Perhaps that is what drew Locasta to her daughter. She must have - if only once - imagined that Ozma had been abandoned just as she had been, but the truth is that Evanora had not turned to wickedness until after she had lost her daughter, and even then the purpose thereof had been to find her. That is the main difference between her and the Faerie-Witch, but how great a distinction is it truly?
Evanora wanted to find her daughter, but what of the manner she went about it?
Zurline may have been the controlling hand behind her movements and the true master of the flying baboons, but Evanora took a bite of the apple and killed King Pastoria of her own choice. Her wickedness may have been by design, but it was her own nonetheless.
Which brings another thought to mind.
Is Zurline's devotion to her sister truly of such a nature that she would kill her brother-in-law and his entire family on the belief that he had betrayed her? Were her actions her own or were they dictated by another force weaving the threads of deceit and misinformation, as Zurline herself had done?
Where does Orison fit into all of this, in truth? According to Ozma, he is the one that disposed of Queen Lurline. Did he plan it all? Did he purposely manipulate Zurline against the royal family in a bid to use her to seek his revenge against King Pastoria for banishing him? Did he know of their relation? Or was it a coincidence of which he took advantage?
Evanora does not know, but whatever his role, it now affects their present as well as the future of their children. She was not able to raise her daughter. In fact, Firefly grew up believing herself a male child and was near stuffed full with the lies fed to her by Mombi.
Now, at last Ozma has found true family in Locasta, Glinda and the China Princess, and perhaps in the Wizard as well. Emerald City has become her home, but both it and the people she so adores will be the ones most affected by Zurline's choices come tomorrow.
What happens if the plan fails and Glinda is struck down? What of Locasta or the Wizard? Either and any of them could fall by Zurline's hand or even a stray spell. Loss is only to be expected from battle. Do they not see that something like that would bring grief to the girls?
On the other hand, there is Zurline herself. What do Glinda and Locasta plan to do if they have completely misunderstood her? What if she is as much a victim as them? True, her actions cannot be excused anymore than Evanora's, but if it was done in the name of reuniting with her sister, how different is she truly from Evanora? What is her truth?
There are far too many unknowns. Too many possibilities that could change the course of everything. Granted, pacing her guest room won't bring answers.
She stills in the middle of the floor, once again contemplating the merit of approaching Locasta. A confrontation could go either way. Considering that the Witch of the North seems to have returned to being comfortable in her presence, yet keeps a certain distance between them even so.
It is unlikely that their relationship will be as it once was, not with all that has happened and all that now stands between them.
To ask her may do no more than invoke her rage or drive her from Firefly's side. She is stubborn and will push for what she wants, leaving Evanora's opinion meaningless. Alive and avoiding them, or dead and beyond reach? There is no advantageous path. No means of steering the woman towards reason if she is unwilling to listen.
Worse still, what if Zurline doesn't fall into the snare at all? What if she turns it on them by staying away or personally infiltrating the palace? Evanora was charged with defending the girls, but even she has her doubts in regards to her strength when it comes to the Faeries. Former or otherwise.
Her family may be descendants of the Faerie-Witch Enilrul, but the bloodline leans far heavier towards producing witches than Faeries. Even more convincingly so when one considers the curse of of wickedness - and more often then not slain and/or betrayed sisters.
She sighs, feeling a headache start to bloom in her right temple.
So much is at stake, so much rides on tomorrow.
A sudden knock at the door startles her, but before she can consider inviting the offender in, the door opens and closes with Locasta approaching her without an ounce of surprise at being awake or question at her position in the middle of the room.
Her confusion must show on her face, because Locasta huffs, a half-smirk tugging at her lips. "I could all but hear your thoughts sounding across the floor like a warning bell." She makes herself comfortable and rolls her eyes when Evanora doesn't respond to her words. "I felt your agitated magic."
Approaching slowly, Evanora joins her. "Are you certain about tomorrow?"
Locasta's face falls and she slumps into her seat, head thrown back and eyes closed. "Honestly? No. Glinda's never been much of a fighter and the so-called Wizard is easy pickings for witches like us, let alone someone of her power."
"Then why insist on this plan? We had time to come up with alternatives."
"Will you tell me why you simply stole the shoes rather than ask me directly?"
Silence falls over them and Evanora is the first to give in when Locasta remains without further comment. It seems everyone wants her to explain these days. "I assumed you would have heard about my turn and would not be willing to do me any favours. I was also avoiding a confrontation, as I wasn't prepared to test my weakened state against you."
"So you admit that I've grown stronger?"
Evanora bites back her sarcasm at the last moment, reminding herself not to escalate the situation regardless of how frustrated she currently is. "Let's go with that then, shall we?"
Locasta chuckles. "Pull that stick out your arse, Nora. I know what you meant." She sits up, the exhaustion in her expression suddenly evident. "Despite what you might think, I am worried about tomorrow. I know Glinda isn't a real fighter. She's strong, certainly, and she can hold her own well enough, but she's never been in a real war. Zurline will devour her."
"Why continue, knowing the risks?"
"Because this might be our only chance to end things. Her army is in disarray right now, but it won't be long before she straightens them out or simply replaces them. The longer we take to act, the more likely it is that we'll be overwhelmed."
As much as she would like to refute, Evanora has no assurance to give. There is logic in what Locasta says, true methods of strategy in her words. Emerald City truly is balancing on a precarious ledge.
"So confronting your mother has become our only escape, has it?" The words themselves seem a taunt, but she hopes the fact that she says them in a near-whisper will prevent an eruption of anger.
"You would know more of that than me. Avoiding confrontations and all that."
Evanora sighs. "I apologise for trespassing in your home and stealing the slippers."
"As you should. All you had to do was ask. I would have heard you out."
"I couldn't be certain of that. Everyone was hunting the Wicked Witch. My every action was deemed treachery and I couldn't afford to be locked away or banished." She shakes her head. "Though I suppose it was pointless in the end. The person I was looking for was with you, after all."
"I wouldn't have found her if you hadn't taken the Silver Slippers."
Evanora laughs sharply. "One mercy that stems from my crimes."
Silence again, though only for a moment until Locasta's whisper shatters it. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell anyone? We would have helped you."
Evanora lowers her gaze to her hands, wondering how to answer. In the end, she decides to be frank. "Guilt. Fear. We were at war, after all, and of all the magics she had at her disposal, Zurline chose fire." Her voice shakes and she despises it, curling her fingers until her nails dig into her palms. "I spent so long running from that man, trying to protect Theodora from him, only to have to confront him on the battlefield. Then he kills my husband and suddenly Heather was dead and my daughter was gone, both taken in a blaze of flames. I thought it was him. A warning that I would never be able to escape him. That he would keep taking all those dear to me."
She rises, unable to remain sitting, and spins away from Locasta's watching eyes. "Emotion clouded my judgement. I knew any of you would do your best to provide aid had I only asked, but against a man like that? He took my family from me twice over. What would stop him from burning the world to bring me back under his control?"
"And then you found out that it wasn't him."
She nods, repeating, "And then I found out it wasn't him." Her hands shake at her sides, so she crosses her arms, shame and foolishness colliding in her mind. "I should have expected the possibility and remembered their first confrontation with us, but fire was all I could see. In my head, if not him, the only alternative I could consider was my sister."
She hears Locasta sigh, the witch's magic slowly spreading through the room in an attempt to console. "A betrayal from all sides, regardless of how you look at it."
"Yes."
"I'm sorry that you felt that you couldn't trust us."
"I don't want to make that mistake again." She admits, quietly. "Can I trust you with this now? Trust that this isn't an attempt at revenge, that you're not risking yourself and Glinda out of anger?"
She doesn't expect Locasta to be right behind her, doesn't expect to be turned around and pulled into an embrace. It's bewildering.
"I can't say that I hadn't considered it. Up until an hour ago, that was exactly what I hoped to do. I wanted to win, just this once." Locasta exhales, the sound heavy. "But nothing good will come from acting blindly. I promise I won't disappoint you. We'll return tomorrow, all of us. With or without that cursed woman."
"I'm not the one you would have left heartbroken." Evanora whispers, finally returning the hug.
Locasta laughs. "Your daughter is rather attached to me, isn't she? Should I call her mine at this point?"
"If you do, remember your promise. Don't make her have to suffer your loss."
"You're right." Locasta's voice shakes, her hold on Evanora tightening. "I'm sorry. I'll come back."
Despite Locasta's promise and assurances before her departure, Evanora finds no rest during the night. She lays awake with closed eyes and a gnawing worry for their plan and the coming dawn.
Of course, as all things do, the night passes and morning arrives, the beauty of the new day lost on Evanora as fear grips her mind and anxiety holds her heart.
Another breakfast gathering is had to which she is invited, again seated next to Locasta. Glinda and the Wizard give a speech, but there is a weight in the air that everyone seems to attempt to conceal from the children. Neither Evanora nor Locasta speak. No doubt their last conversation as heavy in Locasta's mind as in Evanora's.
When the time comes, everyone bids their greeting and Evanora lingers in the dining hall with the children, watching her sister witches and their allies depart for a battle that will decide the fate of them and all of Emerald City.
-Emerald City-
*~ Firefly / Ozma ~*
Mother is quiet when she guides them out of the dining hall and seems distracted on the way to her room. She doesn't really listen to what they say, but China Girl doesn't appear to mind. She keeps talking and Firefly is drawn into the conversation, but every now and then she looks up to check if Mother is still there because she doesn't make any sound. Even her heels seem quiet today.
Now that she thinks about it, not just Mother, but Miss Casta was quiet during breakfast too. If it was only them, she would think that they had a fight, but the other adults were acting strange as well. They all smiled, but there was something more to it. Like they were trying to keep everything cheerful even though it might not be.
Is Miss Glinda and Mr Wizard's plan risky then? They did say that they might have to fight the witch. So if they are hesitating, she must be really strong. More powerful than Mombi, certainly, because Miss Casta said that she was hardly a challenge.
Ozma's eyes dart from China Girl, held in her mother's arms, then up at her mother's face. After a moment's contemplation, she steels herself and grabs a fistful of fabric at her mother's hip. Mother startles, looking down at her in surprise before her features soften, eyes becoming warm.
"Something the matter?"
Firefly wonders if she should say what she thinks, but ends up shaking her head. "Just want some attention." There's a flash of guilt in the 'feeling' that surrounds Mother, but Ozma pretends not to notice.
Mother smiles outwardly. "How about we play a game then?"
China Girl claps her hands, a bright smile on her face. "Oh, what kind of game?"
Mother seems to think about it, then shakes her head before looking at Firefly again. "I can't decide. Perhaps you have a suggestion, my dear?"
She has several, all of which can be played inside in a single room. She has to teach them, of course, but the rules are simple enough and Mother takes part in each game as well. They play all the way until lunch and after eating, Mother tells them a story and tucks them in for a nap.
-Emerald City-
*~ Evanora ~*
The first bit of news arrives by late afternoon: By combining their power, Glinda the Good and Locasta the Wise subdued the the Faerie-Witch. Though a far cry from the full story, it means they succeeded and that both are still alive.
"Thank Enilrul." She feels more than registers herself near instantly sink into the nearest chair in relief as the information sets in, startling the servant who brought her the news. The girl runs off to fetch her a glass of water, or so Evanora assumes, not having quite heard her ramblings.
At sunset, trumpets blare to announce their return, waking the children from their slumber.
"What's happening?" Her daughter rubs at her eyes, still half asleep despite the great noise outside.
The China Princess stretches and as she adjusts to being awake, a change overcomes her and a bright smile lights up her face. "They're back!" Evanora doesn't have the chance to stop her before the girl clambers off the bed and rushes across the floor with a clink-clank of her glass shoes. She jumps onto a chair and from there to the windowsill, pressing hands and body flush against the glass to look out into the courtyard below.
Ozma makes a sleepy gesture with her hands ghat indicate a desire to be picked up, so Evanora abides and carries her daughter on the hip to the window despite retaining some misgivings about potential danger in doing so.
The first to come into sight are the leading guards, eventually followed by Zurline in chains and magic-suppressant handcuffs near the mid-rear. It must seem like a parade to the children, never having seen the Emerald City guard escorting war prisoners through the streets and toward the dungeon. For Evanora, it's a familiar sight. Rare under the rule of King Pastoria Ozgood, but a common occurrence in the West when Orison reigned. She will always appreciate that difference.
"Look!"
Locasta and Glinda march straight-backed and blank-faced near the back of the escort, each looking tired and a little worse for wear, but there's no blood to be seen from this distance so no lasting injuries were sustained. Behind them is the Wizard, deep in discussion with a guard whom Evanora feels seems vaguely familiar. Beside them flies the monkey, Finley, sporting a large smile. There is no sign of injury on any of them, not even the guards.
While that is a relief, it is also unnerving. Surely the battle could not have been so calm? Her eyes drift to the Faerie-Witch who walks on her own, indifferent, yet stained by an air of defeat. Not the likes in which you have been beaten, but the likes wherein you have lost interest in fighting.
Did she surrender?
Not long after two sets of guards arrive at Evanora's door to escort her to the Wizard and queen. The girls insist on coming along and though reluctant, Evanora permits it.
Glinda and the Wizard await them just outside the dungeon, flanked by guards and allies. China Girl doesn't wait to be set down, instead she jumps from Evanora's arms and runs to her family. The Wizard takes her, embracing her. They exchange conversation that Evanora can't quite hear, but the pair laugh and Glinda smiles in response.
"Auntie!" Her daughter runs right up to Glinda for a hug of her own and Evanora has to pause a moment to process what her girl said. "Where's Miss Casta?" Ozma suddenly wonders, looking around.
The Good Witch shares a glance with her king, then simply says, "With Zurline."
At those two words, Evanora feels cold. Even so, neither Glinda nor the Wizard seem to think the situation warrants much concern, judging by their expressions. Nevertheless, they do seem uneasy. She understands that. "What happened?"
Glinda sighs. "She was expecting us and knew what we intended. Rather than bring harm to the soldiers however, she proposed a battle between we witches. Locasta and I combined our magic, using a Faerie spell. Although barely affected by it, Zurline seemed surprised and suddenly called off all her followers, surrendering herself."
Oz nods, a hand running through his hair. "She didn't try to pull any tricks either, not even when Locasta had her swear sincerity on the Faerie Queen's name."
Evanora doesn't know how to respond to that. In fact, this entire situation seems absurd. Locasta more or less alone with Zurline, Zurline surrendering of her own accord without some manner of trick in addition…
"We should go see her." Ozma says it without hesitation, easily meeting Evanora's eyes as the words leave her mouth. No regard for the person whom she speaks of or the ice that spreads through Evanora's veins at the suggestion of her daughter being near that woman again. "Miss Casta wants answers, but I think Miss Faerie-Witch wants some too." There is a resilience in her child's expression, a calm and a certainty that promises all shall be well.
"What could you possibly have to say to that woman?"
Firefly is quiet for a moment, then, after taking Evanora's hand and gently pulling her in the direction of the dungeon entrance, she says, "I have something to say and it might be something that Mother and Miss Casta need to hear as well."
Evanora doesn't speak again after that. Not for lack of an attempt to, but rather for being blind-sided by her daughter's vague response and the sudden aura of knowledge that touches upon her inner magic.
They make their way to the cell the former Faerie has been assigned to, finding Locasta standing outside and looking in, stone-faced and silent. On the other side of the bars stands Zurline, nearly Locasta's spitting image save for the inch or two she stands taller, the longer hair, the older appearance and a tanner complexion.
As they approach, Locasta's attention shifts to them, but only when they are right in front of her does she say, "You shouldn't be here."
Ozma isn't daunted by the disapproval, instead she walks up to the cell, standing between Locasta and Zurline. She looks Locasta in the eyes, a confidence overtaking her that Evanora has only seen rare glimpses of. This, right now isn't her Firefly. The person before them is Princess Ozma, a royal born of the bloodline of Enilrul herself. "Ask her what you want to know, Miss Casta."
There is dead silence that seems to stretch an eternity. Locasta doesn't respond, but she does eventually turn her gaze to Evanora, looking unsure and lost. A glance at the confidence still radiating from her daughter encourages Evanora to take the last few steps towards Locasta and take her hand, nodding.
She will trust her daughter and she will support her sister-witch.
Locasta's fingers squeeze in thanks, then as she turns back to the captured witch, she draws in a deep breath and asks, "Why did you choose wickedness over me?"
Apologies for the cliffhanger, but I'm already running late with this update due to my changing around the plan. I wanted to add more, but I also don't quite have enough for the last chapter, so I'm moving the rest over to that one as part of the final conclusion.
Until next time!
– L.L.
