Hello again and thanks as always to anyone who's read and reviewed so far! The last couple of chapters were on the short side, so I've made the next couple a bit longer to make up for it.
Fiyero awoke with some confusion, then smiled as he rolled over and took note of the woman sleeping beside him. He still marveled at the fact that Elphaba had taken him up on his offer to stay the night, but he wasn't about to complain in the face of her very blatant show of trust. The arrangement hadn't involved anything more scandalous than sharing a bed for the night, but he's still felt his heart flutter as Elphaba had settled into the bed beside him. He was surprised to be up before her, but he supposed the exhaustion of the past few days had finally taken its toll.
Very carefully, so as not to disturb the sleeping witch, Fiyero crept out of bed and smoothed the covers behind him. He was very much hoping to have words with his mother alone before she insisted on revisiting their conversation from the previous night. He kept his footsteps light and silent as he carefully pried open the wooden door and slipped out of the room.
He made his way down the stairs and set off to find his mother. He was certain she was already awake. The woman was usually up with the sun. He found her taking her breakfast in a small sitting room on the second floor. He stepped between the two guards standing outside in the hall and cleared his throat in the doorway.
"Ah, Fiyero, good morning," said Allina, glancing up at him as she spread some jam on a slice of bread. Fiyero wondered absently if she'd brought cooks and attendants from their other castle with her. He couldn't imagine his mother preparing her own breakfast.
"Good morning, Mother," he responded, crossing the room to take a seat on the couch across from her. "I trust you slept well?"
"Yes, quite," she responded. "I imagine you must have as well," she said, fixing Fiyero with a look that had him wondering exactly how much she knew about his present sleeping arrangements.
He cleared his throat again, suddenly feeling self-conscious, and said, "Look, about Elphaba. I know you must still be a bit concerned. I just wanted to reassure you again that she really is here at my invitation, and that I'm not under any sort of spell."
His mother gave a short laugh at this and responded, "Oh don't worry, dear. I'm quite aware you're not bewitched. At least, not in the way I'd initially suspected."
When Fiyero only blinked at her in response, Allina went on. "I've met someone else. I suddenly want to be a better person and live up to all of your expectations," she said in a mocking imitation of the words Fiyero had spoken to her the night before. "Please, Fiyero, I'm neither blind nor an imbecile."
Fiyero felt his face grow hot as he realized the implication of Allina's words. "Mother-" he started, but Allina cut him off.
"Are you out of your mind?" she demanded, the volume of her voice increasing slightly, "She's the most wanted fugitive in Oz. You gave up a very favorable marriage to Glinda Upland, and for what? I know you've made it your mission in life to defy your father and me at every turn, but this may just be your finest work to date."
Fiyero could already feel the rage beginning to burn in his chest at his mother's words. "Did it ever occur to you that I don't make every one of my life's decisions with the intention of disappointing you?" he said through gritted teeth. "I'm sorry that my feelings for Elphaba don't come with favorable political gains, but that doesn't mean I regret my decision to break off my engagement to Glinda."
"Political gains?" his mother scoffed, "Political gain should be the least of your worries, Fiyero. How do you expect this to play out? Do you expect your people to accept this union?"
"I think we're a long way out from discussing any unions," Fiyero bit back, "but I would expect to have the support of the king and queen of the Vinkus behind me should that possibility ever arise."
"I hope you're not arguing on my account," came a sarcastic voice from the doorway. Both Fiyero and Allina whipped around to find Elphaba standing outside the sitting room with a winged Monkey perched on her shoulder. The two guards at the door were standing in front of her, the shafts of their spears crossed to bar her entry. Fiyero was surprised that Elphaba had both the courage to seek him out while in the company of his mother and to interrupt their conversation. He wondered if his show of solidarity last night had emboldened her and felt a rush of self-satisfaction at the thought.
Allina had the grace to at least seem embarrassed that she'd been overheard by the very person she'd been discussing. She gave a nod to the guards, and they backed off to allow Elphaba to enter the sitting room. Fiyero shot his mother a sharp look, then scooted over on the couch so that Elphaba could sit beside him.
"Who's this?" Fiyero asked with a nod to the Monkey, hoping to derail the trajectory of the previous conversation.
"His name is Chistery," Elphaba responded, apparently willing to ignore what she'd so obviously overheard in the same way she was pointedly ignoring the way Allina and the guards were eyeing Chistery with barely concealed disdain. "He's going to deliver a letter to Glinda for me, to let her know that I made it back safely. The Monkeys have agreed to help us keep up correspondence, since we have to assume the Wizard and Morrible are keeping tabs on the mail going into and out of the Palace." she explained. The fondness she felt for her new winged companions was apparent in her tone.
"Elphaba does a lot of work for Animal rights," Fiyero supplied when he saw the look on his mother's face morph into one of confusion. He knew that it was barely a fraction of the explanation required to understand anything Elphaba had just said, but he didn't really see the point in diving into the full backstory at present.
"Yes, I had heard that Animal rights had come under fire recently in certain regions," his mother said carefully. Fiyero could tell that, even amidst the bizarre situation Allina had found herself in, she couldn't resist the discussion of politics.
Elphaba, it seemed, was of a similar nature. "Is that not the case in the Vinkus?" she asked with curiosity, one hand reaching up to absentmindedly stroke the head of the Monkey still perched on her shoulder.
Fiyero suddenly found himself interested as well. He was embarrassed to realize that he'd spent so much time awash in the tide of Emerald City sentiment, he didn't actually know what stance his own people took in their perception of Animals.
"We don't make a habit of senseless oppression in the Vinkus," his mother said with a measure of pride. "We've never been a top priority for Oz's beloved ruler, it seems. It's important that every resident of the Vinkus, be they human or Animal, feels a sense of community and duty to our people first."
Fiyero could tell by the look on Elphaba's face that his mother's commitment to equality and denouncement of the Wizard had endeared Elphaba to her immensely. Fiyero had never seen the green woman look so impressed. A though occurred to him, and he turned to his mother and asked, "Would it be possible for the Vinkus to provide a safe haven for Animals displaced under the Wizard's regime?"
Allina seemed less than thrilled by the suggestion as she responded, "Refugees, Fiyero? We barely have the resources to ensure the livelihood of our own people."
Fiyero shook his head at his mother's dismissal. "These Animal groups already have a lot of their own infrastructure in place. They're living in established camps as it is. All we'd need to do is allow them to relocate within our borders."
Elphaba seemed to realize the implications of what Fiyero was proposing and said eagerly, "I would be happy to help with such an effort. I'm already involved with several of the camps Fiyero mentioned, and I would be happy to continue to aid in supplying them. They needn't be a drain on the Vinkan economy."
Allina was now staring at both of them with a curious expression on her face. Fiyero realized that this was the first time he'd had any kind of discussion about the politics of the Vinkus with either of his parents. After a moment, his mother asked, "And what of the political tension this would bring between the Vinkus and the rest of Oz? We may not enforce the Wizard's Animal bans, but we're able to remain inconspicuous because he doesn't pay us much attention. If we begin harboring wanted Animals from outside of our borders, we would be inviting a new level of scrutiny, and openly opposing the Wizard's law." She paused to regard Elphaba for a moment and then added, "Not to mention working with a known fugitive."
If Elphaba was offended by Allina's comment she didn't let it show. "I can be discreet when I need to," she responded.
Fiyero crossed his arms and leaned back into the couch, considering his mother's words. He glanced over at Elphaba and then another thought occurred to him. "What if we weren't going against the entirety of the rest of Oz with this decision? Anti-Animal sentiment comes from the Wizard, right?" he asked, sparing a glance in Elphaba's direction. She nodded at him in response, clearly pleased by his analysis of the situation but unsure of where he was going with it.
Fiyero continued, "The rest of Oz has gone along with the oppression of Animals because no one has stood up to oppose him." Elphaba cleared her throat loudly at his words, and Fiyero quickly amended, "Almost no one has stood up to oppose him. But we have a unique opportunity here. We're the ruling family of the Vinkus and Elphaba is the sister to the governor of Munchkinland. Glinda is already established as an important figurehead in the Emerald City and comes from a respected family in the Gillikin. Between the three of us…" he trailed off, hoping that his mother and Elphaba would catch his meaning.
His mother spoke first. "Fiyero, you can't possibly be suggesting-" she started, before Elphaba's protests overlapped hers.
"My relationship with my sister isn't exactly rosy," she said, "and what on earth makes you think that Glinda would want to get mixed up in something like this? She's already made it quite clear where her priorities lie."
"We don't have to rely on your personal relationship with your sister," Fiyero said, recalling that the governor had made many a statement denouncing the Wicked Witch of the West, "We only need to use it to get in the door. What we'd be proposing is a purely political alliance."
"And what possible reason could she have for agreeing to such an alliance?" Elphaba asked skeptically.
Allina joined in the rebuttal. "You seem to be assuming that the Vinkus would be willing to commit to such a thing as well. We need to think of our of own people first."
"We're talking about the oppression and quite possible eradication of an entire group of Ozian citizens," Fiyero argued. "Setting aside the moral implications, that's thousands of Animals who would be loyal to the side that stands up to fight for their rights. If we position ourselves alongside them, we're already bargaining from a place of strength."
"What you're suggesting is treason," his mother said in shock. "I understand that you want to help the Animals, but what you're suggesting could incite a war throughout all of Oz."
"And what are wars fought for, if not for this?" Fiyero asked. "You've said yourself that the Wizard isn't a ruler with the best interests of the Vinkus at heart. What do we gain by continuing to facilitate his lies and oppression? Wouldn't you rather fight to see someone who cares about the good of all of Oz on the throne?"
"Fiyero, where on earth is all of this coming from?" his mother asked, clearly confused by his sudden passion for political justice. Allina's eyes flickered over to Elphaba in that moment, and Fiyero was slightly mortified as he saw the comprehension dawn on his mother's face.
He ignored it and went on. "I'm going to be king one day," he said decisively. He knew it now in a way he'd never had the confidence to know it before. He got to his feet and continued, "This is the kind of king I intend to be. I know my duty is to my people first, but we're a part of Oz, and we should use the power we have to stand against a corrupt regime. How can we take pride in ourselves as people of the Vinkus if we're just going to roll over and allow the Wizard to make us complicit in his injustice?"
He searched his mother's face for a moment longer, before he said, "You and Father have been telling me for years that I need to get my priorities in order if I want to be king someday. Well, they're in order now, and if you still want me to succeed you on the throne, then I'd take some time to think about it."
With that he nodded, turned on his heel, and exited the room, leaving a stunned Allina in his wake before she could say another word in protest.
Fiyero let his momentum carry him forward as he exited the sitting room and made his way down the hall. He kept his eyes focused ahead and his shoulders back, not daring to even glance behind him. It wasn't until he reached the kitchen that he slammed his hand down on the counter, doubled over and allowed himself to release the breath he'd been holding.
"What was all that about?" came a voice from behind him. Fiyero let out a yelp and nearly smacked his head against the counter at the unexpected presence. He hadn't realized he'd been followed.
He turned to find Elphaba, sans Monkey, standing across from him with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her tone was confused but not accusatory as she met his gaze.
He gave her a weak smile as he straightened up to his full height and answered, "I guess you gave me more to think about than I'd realized these past few weeks."
"So, you listen to one or two of my Animal rights spiels and now you've decided that we're going to stage a coup?" she asked incredulously. "Setting aside how utterly insane that is, your plan has a few gaping holes in it."
"Oh, and what are those?" Fiyero asked. In truth, he knew he had been rash in springing this idea on his mother over breakfast. It was as though he hadn't been able to stop himself once he'd started speaking. Still, now that he'd put it out there, he was growing more and more convinced that he wanted to see it through.
"First, as I mentioned before, my younger sister is far from endeared to me at present. Even if you had a sound political reason for an alliance, she'd likely spurn your efforts on my involvement alone. Second, there is no world in which 'Glinda the Good' brings any sort of risk upon herself to go up against the Wizard. And finally, while you may be heir to the throne of the Vinkus, you're not the one in charge yet, and your mother hardly seems eager to align herself with my cause" she said, listing each argument off on her fingers as she went.
Fiyero met her defiant gaze with one of his own. "Well, to answer each of your complaints in order: First, I would be the one to present my arguments and ask for your sister's assistance. I'd like your help, obviously, but she can hardly turn away another political leader. She at least has to hear me out," he said.
"So, we're just going to just waltz into Muchkinland and drop in on my sister? Are you forgetting that we're both wanted fugitives?" Elphaba asked.
"I thought maybe you could fly us there, if possible. You managed to avoid the entire Gale Force for years while we were searching for you. Surely you can manage a trip to Munchkinland and back," he said.
Elphaba seemed momentarily stunned by his audacity. "Am I mean to be your chauffeur?" she asked irritably.
"If you're against the idea then I can make the journey myself," he said, attempting to call her bluff. "I just think that, despite what you say about your sister, your being there can only help our case. You're still family after all."
"I think you'll find that family ties have never quite been to my advantage," Elphaba said bitterly.
Fiyero ignored her and continued, "Second, I think Glinda may surprise you. I know she didn't go with you the first time you asked, but she's had years to regret that decision. And besides, she wouldn't have to do anything overt to help us. She could be our woman on the inside, pulling strings from behind the scenes."
"You do realize this is Glinda you're talking about?" Elphaba asked, one eyebrow raised. "She's hardly a master of subterfuge."
"Third," Fiyero went on, "This is our cause now. You're the one who said I'd make a great leader, and my parents have been urging me to take more of an interest in my future position for years. I really think that if I present them with a sound argument, they'll stand behind us."
Elphaba seemed to be growing frustrated by Fiyero's immunity to her very sound and rational arguments. "If I'd have known a little bit of encouragement would escalate this quickly then I never would have given you those compliments," she grumbled. "I really think you need to take a step back and think about this. You know that I want to help the Animals and put a stop to the Wizard's lies more than anyone, but I can't allow you to drag the entire Vinkus into this."
"And what's the alternative?" Fiyero shot back. "You keep fighting on your own until you're eventually captured and killed, and then the Wizard finishes rounding up the rest of the Animals with no opposition?"
Elphaba opened her mouth as if to respond, but clearly could think of no satisfactory argument. Emboldened by her silence, Fiyero continued, "I know that you've been fighting on your own for a long time, but you don't have to do this alone anymore. You started this fight, but we can finish it together."
Elphaba held his gaze defiantly for a moment longer, and then her expression softened. "I don't want to see anyone get hurt on my behalf."
"Sometimes sacrifices have to be made in the name of change," Fiyero said. "I would think you'd understand that better than anyone."
She searched his eyes for a moment, as though trying to find some reason to doubt his sincerity, before she said quietly, "No one's ever offered to help me like this before."
Fiyero felt the remainder of his frustration evaporate at Elphaba's words. She usually projected such an air of confidence that it was easy to forget how much guilt and self-doubt she harbored. Without thinking, he reached an arm around her shoulder and drew her close. She tensed slightly at the sudden contact, but then relaxed against him a moment later. Fiyero took the opportunity to rub her arm gently in reassurance.
"From now on you're going to have to accept that your days of flying solo are over," he said.
"Why is it that you seem incapable of taking 'no' for an answer," she murmured from her place against his shoulder, but there was no bite to her words.
"Oh, it's definitely the royalty," he responded. "I haven't heard the word often enough to understand its meaning."
They stayed like that for a while longer, until Fiyero felt compelled to break the silence. "So, what do you say about paying a visit to your sister?"
Elphaba pulled away from his embrace and turned to face him. She was clearly still uncertain, but she nodded and said, "I still think this is a fool's errand, but if you want to try, then I'm willing to go with you. I actually haven't seen my sister in some time. Not since…" she trailed off and then shook her head. "At any rate, it might be easier to face her again if I'm with…" she paused for a moment, as if trying to choose the correct word, "an ally."
Fiyero supposed he would take it.
"Have you met her husband yet, then?" Fiyero asked. He didn't expect the absolutely stunned expression that flashed across Elphaba's face.
"Nessa is married?" she asked incredulously. Fiyero wasn't quite sure how to answer. He knew Elphaba had said that she and her sister were out of touch, but he hadn't quite realized the extent of their estrangement.
"Yes?" he said uncertainly.
"When did that happen?" Elphaba asked, her voice sounding a bit strained.
"A little over a year ago, I think?" Fiyero responded, wracking his brain for any additional information. "She married some Munchkinland baron or something around the time she became the governor. Did you really not know?"
"It's been a bit hard to keep up on current events," she said. She still seemed a bit dazed by the news.
"Well, I guess this trip will serve the secondary purpose of introducing you to your brother-in-law," Fiyero joked nervously.
Elphaba gave him a look that suggested she'd rather be painfully dismembered. "Meeting with Nessarose is one thing," she said, sounding exasperated. "I'm fairly certain she'll at least hear us out, once she gets through screaming at me, but adding in a complete stranger complicates things. For all we know, he'll be inclined to shoot me on sight."
"You don't know that. Maybe your sister has told him the truth about you?" Fiyero offered.
"I'm not convinced that any truths Nessa would be inclined to share would paint me in the most flattering light," Elphaba answered ruefully.
"Well, we won't know unless we try right?" Fiyero said, hoping not to completely lose Elphaba's already tentative enthusiasm. "I'll still be going with you. Maybe I can introduce myself first, smooth over some of the initial awkwardness."
"Awkwardness," Elphaba repeated, in a tone that told Fiyero she thought he was really underselling the possible reactions to her presence. She shook her head and said, "What I wouldn't give to have an iota of your confidence."
"It is entirely unearned, I assure you," he joked, content that she hadn't revoked her agreement to accompany him.
Seemingly resigned to her fate, Elphaba heaved a sigh and asked, "And when did you want to leave on this ill-fated excursion?"
"Ideally as soon as possible," Fiyero answered. "I think you'll agree that Kiamo Ko has been feeling a bit…crowded recently." Elphaba didn't make any move to protest that statement. Fiyero thought for a moment and added, "Though I know you just got back from your trip to the Emerald City. I wouldn't want to push you if you need more time to rest."
"No, it's fine," Elphaba said, waving a hand in front of her as if to dismiss his concerns. "I'm used to being on the move. I haven't exactly spent a lot of time in one place over the past few years."
"How long do you think the journey will take?" Fiyero asked.
"If we go by broomstick?" she paused to think it over, ignoring the look on Fiyero's face at the suggestion. "Around two days. We would travel for two nights and rest during the day in between. We'd likely arrive just before dawn on the second day."
Fiyero nodded at this, pushing down his apprehension at the thought of flying. "And how soon do you think you could be ready to leave?" he asked.
"As soon as this evening," she responded.
"It's a date then," he said. "So, I'll be picking you up around eight?"
Elphaba seemed to be repressing the urge to roll her eyes at him as she said, "Yes, that's fine. I'll be ready."
I realize that the flying Monkeys as portrayed in the musical would be too large to sit on Elphaba's shoulder, but I liked the visual, so I've shrunk them down to the size of large green vervet monkeys in my head.