10.

The day of their departure couldn't have been more different than the day they had arrived. He couldn't believe it was merely a week ago, and so much had happened - and changed - between then and now. Their train was leaving at noon, and the air around the breakfast table was gloomy, as if they weren't due to return in the very near future.

Nothing could prepare them for the commotion that awaited them as the carriage stopped in front of the station. "What in Oz?" he muttered, looking around him in astonishment. Among the sea of green balloons he noticed several Oz Speed, Miss Elphaba! banners. A band was playing cheerful tunes. There was a collective cheer as Elphaba stepped out of the carriage. Not expecting it, but with some practice after the following week, she raised an arm with a timid wave. There was a louder clamor in response.

"Madness," she muttered as she helped Talleen off the carriage as well. The child seemed flabbergasted by the many reporters and well-wishers, but imitated her mother and waved, which made them erupt in loud applause yet again.

"She's a natural," he laughed, lifting Talleen in his arms. He took another look around, then told Elphaba, "They've been Galindafied." They both turned to mock-glare at Glinda, who raised her arms in self-defense.

"I had nothing to do with this! The folks of Oz may have changed for good, but they still love their gossip. And a good celebration."

Avaric placed the twins' pram at Elphaba's feet, and Myla helped her settle them back into it, which elicited an awww from the watching crowd. This time Elphaba didn't acknowledge it, but rather grasped the governess' paw, her gaze traveling between their friends, old and new. "Thank you. For this week."

"Don't be silly, Elphie. It was a pleasure to have you." Glinda's tone was dismissive, but she was obviously trying to keep it together, unfazed as she seemed by the frenzy around them. Elphaba laughed softy, then gently lay her hand on Glinda's bump. It pulled him years back, to the kiss Glinda placed on newborn Talleen's forehead.

"We'll be back before this little one is born. I promise."

"You better. I'm hardly as brave as you."

"You're braver than you think, Glinda," he told her. From the corner of his eye, he saw Elphaba nod.

"Goodbye, Fiyero dearest. Safe travels." Her expression softened further as she caressed Talleen's hair. "Goodbye, sweetness. It was so lovely to meet you. Take care of your parents for me."

"Bye, Auntie Ginda."

"All aboard!" yelled the conductor, an oldish, well-attired Tiger. The sound of the horn was deafening. They were the last ones to board the train. A smiling stewardess offered to take the children to their compartment. He was about to say it wasn't necessary when he noticed Elphaba lingering at the door. She jumped a little as he wrapped his arm around her waist. He nodded reassuringly, guessing what she had in mind.

She raised her arm slightly; the crowd silenced at once. "Thank you, all of you. You have no idea what this means. This isn't really goodbye. We'll be back before you know it. In the meantime, Oz speed. Be good to Glinda, to each other. Until we meet again."

"Safe travels, Miss Elphaba!"

The crowd erupted with applause again. Elphaba waved once more, then nodded to the conductor who shut the door. When she turned to smile at him, she was visibly tearing up.

"Come on, Your Spectacularness," he said teasingly, yet softly. "Let's go home."

She shook her head, and looked at him seriously. "I am home." He must have seemed confused, for she chuckled and made one step towards him, then caressed his cheek, and flashed a soft smile at him; his smile. "It's where you are."

As understanding turned his frown into a smile, he leaned down to kiss her, and felt her smile in return as she kissed him back. He took her hand and laced their fingers together as they made the way to their compartment. Beneath them, the train came alive, it's horn blaring merrily, as it carried them away from the Emerald City.

At least for the time being.