A/N: Shout out to my anonymous reviewer! I'm so glad you liked the last chapter. More fluffy moments ahead. ;)

Chapter 31

"Miss Elphaba?" Sarah awoke in the infirmary to find the green woman sitting next to her bed.

"What did I say…" Elphaba didn't even get to finish.

"To not but I can't help it," Sarah admitted, as she sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

"I know and it's ok because you won't be here too much longer," the green woman gave her a smile.

"I won't be?" Sarah was a little confused. She had not made any decision about heading back to the Vinkus. Fevzi had let her get some space to figure it out and Corporal Roth was more than happy to show the young Vinkun a day in the life of a Gale Force soldier.

"Something that I did not fully understand until I was with Fiyero is this: home is wherever you are loved. Fevzi is that home. His parents are that home. I know that you were attacked in a place where you felt safe and things may never go back to the way they were before but if you don't go home, they'll have won. All those people, who think you don't belong, will have gotten what they wanted. It's not easy but you have to be the stronger one. Admittedly, it will be a touch easier for you than it was for me," Elphaba said.

"How do you mean?" Sarah asked.

"Well, your Vinkun citizen paperwork has been completed. We received the message by Bird this morning. Even better news is that you've received an order of protection signed by the King and Queen. Housing for Vinkun troops will be built in the village and they will act as an increased police force. You'll be more than safe. The King and Queen will be getting weekly reports from the troops as well," the green woman explained.

"All this for me?" Sarah suddenly felt like people were putting themselves out to make her feel safe.

"Yes, because you're worth it. This will also be a moment for the village as well. The new troop barracks will mean expansion of the electricity in town. Benefits for all who know how to treat those who are different from themselves. You should know as well that everyone in the village was mortified. Mr. Ceyhun hasn't been able to go back to his shop," Elphaba shook her head. She was mad that someone could hurt such wonderful people. Sarah couldn't help the tears that ran down her face. The green woman pulled her into a hug.

"Why are people like that? Poor Mr. Ceyhun didn't deserve to be used like that," the Munchkin said as she pulled back from the hug and wiped her eyes.

"They know what they are doing is wrong and they rather someone else take the blame. Cowards the lot of them. It isn't fair that we have to be the bigger people but we must. We must stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, and we must not let them win. I know you're strong enough to do it. So does Fevzi," Elphaba let her know.

"You shouldn't care so much about me. I know I've asked before, but why?" Sarah asked.

"I was not loved by the man who I thought was my father. I was used – something you know all too well about. I found love and I rose above what that man wished for me – all for except maybe one thing. So, if that is to be my fate, I will continue to make my family of those around me, those who deserve my love. You are one of those people," the older woman said. This just made Sarah cry some more and a nurse rushed over with some tissues.

"Miss Elphaba, Doctor Talib is in. I think you are his first appointment," the nurse said.

"Yes, thank you. I'll be along in a minute," Elphaba smiled at her.

"Of course. We should all be so lucky to be loved ma'am," the nurse smiled back before leaving them alone.

To Be Continued…