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Elphaba was pacing back and forth. Twisting her fingers, like she always did when she was nervous. And how could she not be? In twenty-four hours she would be in the Vinkus, meeting Fiyero’s parents for the first time. And that wasn’t even the most nerve wracking part. Fiyero’s parents had no clue they were dating. Which Fiyero had neglected to tell her up until a week before their trip. Given his previous history it made sense that his parents had imposed the no dating rule. It was all a part of their agreement to pay for one more university. Except for the small glaring issue, Fiyero had met his soulmate at Shiz University. His words not hers, though she was inclined to agree with his assessment of their relationship. It was that serious. So they would have to play friends for the next three weeks.
“You’re going to wear a hole through the floor if you keep that up” A familiar voice said
Elphaba stopped dead in her tracks and looked up. Fiyero was leaning against the door frame of her dorm. Seeing the look on her face he started towards her.
“Hey…” Fiyero said softly, grabbing her hands.
He pressed his forehead to hers and held her close for a moment before speaking.
“I’m sorry I’ve put you in this position” He said earnestly
“I thought I’d have more time to explain it to them” He continued softly
“I just don’t like this sneaking around” Elphaba said more sad than angry
“I know Fae, I’m sorry. But it’s only for a few weeks” Fiyero replied
“They wouldn’t really cut you off for breaking their no dating rule, would they?” Elphaba asked meekly
“Never, especially when they find out it’s you” Fiyero said confidently
“I’ve just handed them the most perfect future queen the Vinkus could ever hope for” He continued
“Who is also green” She retorted
“Who is the most beautiful woman in all of Oz” He corrected
She blushed, then kissed him long and slow. Then Fiyero surprised her by picking her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist. He carefully walked them over to Elphaba’s bed. Then laid her down onto the plush comforter. He began to kiss down her neck and Elphaba gasped.
“My love, as much as I would love to continue the carriage will be here any minute” She said exasperated
Fiyero pouted but relented and helped her sit up. He pressed one more breathtaking kiss to her mouth, before he stood up and held out his arm to her.
“Come along Fae, your carriage awaits” Fiyero said
The vinkun royal carriage had pulled up to the front steps of Elphaba’s dorm. If it weren’t for the Tigelaar family crest and the intricate metal work. One wouldn’t be able to tell it was a royal carriage. Elphaba had done her due diligence and done as much research on the Vinkus as she could. They were a proud people that valued metalwork and traditional geometric patterns over flashy jewels. A sentiment echoed by Fiyero when she asked.
Elphaba had been woefully unprepared for the winters at Shiz. She was even less prepared for the winters in the Vinkus. According to Fiyero they got multiple feet of snow every winter. The winters in Munchkin land were far milder than anywhere else in Oz. So in the weeks prior as winter rapidly approached Glinda had dragged her out shopping.
“We have to make you look like a princess!!” Glinda had squealed when she found out that Elphaba would be spending winter break with Fiyero’s family.
Elphaba had put her foot down at that. She wanted to look like herself. Not like she was trying to impress anyone. She wanted Fiyero’s parents to like her as she was. Not because she’d let Glinda give her a makeover. So they had settled on getting Elphaba the necessary winter gear. Plus one new dress that she would wear to the private Tigelaar family Lurlinemas celebration.
So here she was in the royal carriage bundled up in her new wool coat and gloves. Which were black of course. She’d topped it with the rich blue scarf that Fiyero had gifted her. He’d insisted it was a gift to celebrate her finishing her finals with flying colors. But really she knew he was looking for any excuse to see her wear his family’s colors. It was woven with the gold geometric triangle patterns that were a symbol of the Arjiki tribe. The tribe Fiyero’s family hailed from. In addition to researching the culture, Elphaba had also spent time researching the history. Fiyero’s father Marilott, the current king, had been the one to unite the tribes of the Vinkus. Though the Tigelaars had been the de facto leaders of the Vinkus for generations.
Elphaba was still researching in fact. She sat with her head in Fiyero’s lap and her nose in a book. It would take at least a day for them to arrive in the Vinkus. As long as the mountains didn’t get too treacherous, they should make it to the palace by early afternoon the next day. So Elphaba took that time to continue reading the vinkun history book she’d brought along. Fiyero had his hand on Elphaba’s upper thigh and was lightly rubbing circles into it. Completely content to watch the forests of the Gillikin go by, while his lover read. They sat like that for about an hour, before Elphaba sat up and turned to face Fiyero
“Tell me about your family” Elphaba asked
“Well you’ve read plenty about my father’s achievements” Fiyero said laughing
“Yes but what’s he like?” Elphaba asked
Fiyero thought for a moment then spoke.
“Kind, they’re both very kind people” He said softly
“I didn’t really spend a lot of time with my parents when I was younger” Fiyero continued
“Oh?” Elphaba said surprised
“They were busy with uniting the tribes and setting up the tribal council” He said matter of factly
“But once I was about ten things settled enough that they began taking a more active role in my life. They’ve done their best to make up for that.” He continued
“I’m sorry Yero” Elphaba said softly
“They did all that for me, Elphaba. They wanted me to inherit a stable kingdom. And well you can see how I’ve repaid them. I’ve screwed up and let them down more times than I can count” Fiyero said, a little ashamed
“Stop that” Elphaba snapped
“What?” He said shocked at her outburst
“Stop selling yourself short. Fiyero Tigelaar in the year I have known and loved you, I have watched you grow so much. You just needed stability and friends that weren’t using you for your status. And professors that understood you, once we figured out that you need to be read to you’ve excelled academically. You are kind and thoughtful and a wonderful friend and lover. Your parents will be proud of you once they see the man you’ve become in the last year.” She said
Fiyero didn’t speak for a few moments after that. He stared at her, mouth slightly agape. Then she realized he had begun to cry. Suddenly he surged forward and kissed her.
“Fae… I love you so much” He said pressing his forehead to hers
“You bring out the best in me” Fiyero said softly
They spent the rest of the carriage ride just talking. Fiyero delighted her with tales of the mischief he’d gotten up to as a child. And Elphaba traded some of her own childhood stories.
“Wait, how did you even keep the frog hidden for half the school day?” Fiyero asked laughing
“Well being the teacher’s pet had some perks.” Elphaba said sweetly
He smiled at her. Then the carriage came to a stop. Fiyero poked his head out the window. Then got out of the carriage and began conversing with one of the footmen. A few minutes later he came back and opened the door for Elphaba.
“We’re stopping to rest the horses. Now’s a good time to get out and stretch our legs.” Fiyero said, holding his hand out to her.
She took it and eagerly climbed down from the carriage. She stretched luxuriously then stood and took in the view before her. Fiyero pointed to a distant mountain.
“That’s Winkie peak, though we’re still technically on the Gillikin side, it's Gillikin mountain.” Fiyero said
“We should reach it by day break tomorrow. After that it’s not too much farther till we reach home.” He continued
Elphaba smiled at him. Then too soon it was time to get back into the carriage. The footman tried to open the door for Elphaba. But Fiyero insisted on doing it himself. They both climbed back into the carriage and then they were off again. Finally after what felt like months, but in reality was only about half a day they had arrived at the palace.
A woman, who she assumed was Fiyero’s mother Baxiana ran towards the carriage. Fiyero opened the door to the carriage and stepped down into his mother’s waiting hug. Baxiana was an older woman of about fifty five if Elphaba had to guess. She shared her son’s dark blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Though her hair was beginning to be streaked with grey.
“Mom, it’s good to see you.” Fiyero said softly
Baxiana took a step back and took in her son for a moment. As if scrutinizing his appearance, then she spoke.
“You need to shave” She said matter of factly
Fiyero rubbed at his jaw and Elphaba giggled. Then Fiyero nudged her forward.
“Mom, this is my girlfr… friend Elphaba Thropp” Fiyero said stuttering slightly
Elphaba gave a little curtsy.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, your majesty. Thank you for welcoming me into your home.” Elphaba said sweetly
“Oh please none of that. You’re Fiyero’s friend, call me Baxiana” Baxiana said earnestly
Fiyero looked over at Elphaba and smiled. And Oz she just wanted to run into his arms. But she held back.
“Come along now, let’s get you two out of the cold.” Baxiana said
The pair followed Baxiana into the castle. And what a castle it was. It was grand but not in a flashy way,instead it was in that practical but beautiful way that everything in the Vinkus was. The castle was less about showing off the power and wealth that the Tigelaars possessed and more about showing off the stability that they were able to provide.
“Where’s dad?” Fiyero asked as they walked down the main hallway
“Council meeting, it’s the last one before they break for Lurlinemas so of course it’s gone several hours over time.” Baxiana grimaced
They stopped before a grand staircase. And Elphaba looked up in awe.
“Sorry, we don’t have this kind of architecture in Munchkinland" Elphaba said blushing slightly when Baxiana noticed her staring.
“By all means appreciate our architecture as long as you like. But first let me show you to your room. I made sure to put you in the one across the hall from Fiyero’s room.” She replied
The three of them made their way up the stairs. Once they arrived at Elphaba’s room Baxiana stopped and turned to face Elphaba.
“Here we are! Now as much as I would like to show you around myself. I have to make the final preparations for Lurlinemas tomorrow. Dinner will be served in two hours. Until then I’m sure Fiyero would love to show you around the castle.” Baxiana said
Elphaba and Fiyero smiled as they watched Baxiana make her way down the hall. Then once she had turned the corner Fiyero pulled Elphaba into his arms and kissed her.
“I’ve been wanting to do that since we got here.” He said sheepishly
“You are insatiable” Elphaba said rolling her eyes but she made no move to leave his arms
“Now why don’t I make good on my mother’s promise and show you around” Fiyero said smiling down at her
And he did. Fiyero and Elphaba spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the castle. Fiyero showed her all his favorite childhood spots. It was far too cold to go on a walk in the vast gardens around the castle. But Fiyero made sure to point out his favorite tree from the warmth of the castle.
“I fell out of it and broke my arm when I was about eight.” Fiyero said sheepishly
“I’m sure your parents were thrilled” Elphaba deadpanned
“They actually were! It gave them an excuse to take a break from politics and spend more time with me.” Fiyero said with a smile
From there they made their way to the library. Elphaba was amazed, the library was far bigger than anything she’d ever seen. It was even bigger than the one they had at Shiz.
“Wow, how many books are in here do you think? Elphaba said in awe
Fiyero didn’t speak for a moment. He just stared lovingly at Elphaba. She looked over at him and blushed a deep shade of emerald when she noticed his staring. She repeated the question.
“Oh! I’m not sure, you’d have to ask my father. I’m sure he’ll know” Fiyero said quickly
Fiyero checked his watch. Then looked at Elphaba who had begun to explore the library.
“Fae I hate to cut this visit short, but it’s time for dinner. We should head down to the dining room” Fiyero said apologetically
“It’s alright love, I’m sure I’ll find more time for the library later” Elphaba replied
Fiyero leaned down and kissed Elphaba. Then the pair made their way to the dining room. Where Marilott and Baxiana were waiting for them.
“Dad, this is my friend Elphaba Thropp.” Fiyero said motioning towards her
Marilott stood and held out his hand for a handshake. Elphaba gladly took it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Elphaba said shaking his hand
“The pleasure’s all ours. Thank you for agreeing to spend Lurlinemas with us.” Marilott replied
They sat and Marilott began dishing out their dinner. Which Elphaba found odd given their status. Her own father, the governor of Munchkinland, would never in a million years serve his own meal. He would consider it below his station. Usually he made Elphaba serve their meals.
“So Elphaba tell us about your studies. Fiyero told us you major in sorcery?” Marilott asked
“Yes, I also have a minor in law.” Elphaba replied
“Most impressive.” Marilott replied
“So how did the two of you meet?” Baxiana asked
Elphaba laughed and Fiyero sunk down into his seat. Elphaba and Fiyero looked at each other. Then Elphaba spoke,
“Do you want to explain yourself or should I?” Elphaba said with a laugh.
“I will.” Fiyero said sheepishly
“So Feldspur and I sort of ran her over when she was walking through the woods one night” Fiyero said face turning red
“And then he told me he didn’t see me because I blend in with foliage” Elphaba said with a smile
“Fiyero! We raised you better than that!” Baxiana shouted
“It’s fine! I’ve heard way worse. And he’s more than made up for it since then.” Elphaba said softly looking at Fiyero lovingly
“That doesn’t excuse it of course. But I still feel really bad about it. So does Feldspur.” Fiyero said earnestly
“Still, clearly he didn’t scare me off.” Elphaba replied
“Will you two be staying for our new year’s ball? We’d love to have you attend, Elphaba” Baxiana asked
“I would love to, but I don’t have anything to wear that’d be suitable.” Elphaba said sheepishly
“Well that’s no problem at all, I’m sure we can find you something.” Baxiana
“I’ve never been to a ball before…” Elphaba said trailing off
“Really? Your father is the governor of Munchkinland is he not? Surely he’s had them before. If a little smaller than ours.” Marilott asked puzzled
“Well he did, I was just never allowed to attend. He didn’t want me to make a spectacle of myself, and take the attention away from my sister, Nessarose.” Elphaba said softly
Fiyero grabbed her hand under the table and rubbed soothing circles into it. Marilott looked stunned. Most people outside of Munchkinland were unaware of her existence. People had heard rumors of the green daughter of the governor. But most people assumed it was just that, a rumor. So it was no surprise to Elphaba that Marilott hadn’t heard of her father’s treatment of her. Her father was able to keep up the air of the perfect doting father to the leaders outside of Munchkinland. Elphaba’s father’s treatment of her was something deeply personal for her to admit. So she wasn’t upset that Fiyero hadn’t told his parents the full truth.
“I apologize if I’ve caused you any pain by bringing up that memory.” Marilott said gently
“It’s fine, it would have come up eventually.” Elphaba said softly
“But rest assured you will never be treated like that while you reside in the Vinkus.” Marilott replied
“Thank you for that. It means more to me than you will ever understand” Elphaba replied
Despite the painful memory that Marilott had brought up at dinner. Elphaba realized just how comfortable she felt here with Fiyero’s family. It felt like home in a way that was foreign to Elphaba. Marilott and Baxiana had not once mentioned her skin in a negative way. They’d even reprimanded Fiyero for the way he’d spoken to her when they first met. Of course her stupid brain had to ruin it somehow. Now all she could focus on was the idea of losing this. What would happen when they found out about their relationship? Sure, Fiyero said they’d be fine with it. Especially once they got to know her. But it was one thing to love the woman you thought was just your son’s college friend. It was another thing entirely for that same woman to be your future daughter in law. Especially when that meant that their future heirs might end up green.
Once she had gone to bed hours later it was all her mind could focus on. She tossed and turned in the too large bed. Then she sat up, frustrated and slipped out of bed. She grabbed her shawl from where she’d tossed it onto a chair earlier in the evening. She carefully eased open the door that led to the vast hallway. Then she creeped across the hall to where Fiyero’s room was. She entered and gently shook Fiyero awake. Fiyero silently pulled back the covers and she scooted in beside him. She curled tightly into his side, the feeling of his breathing soothing her. He didn’t demand an explanation. Fiyero was used to this by now. There had been many nights like this at Shiz. Her brain wouldn’t shut up long enough for her to sleep. So she’d slip out of her dorm long after curfew had started. She’d sneak halfway across campus to Fiyero’s dorm. There she’d slip into his bed much like she was doing right now. The only cure for her insomnia was the quiet peace of Fiyero’s bed. No nightmares or anxious thoughts could follow her here. Finally safe in his arms she drifted off to sleep. It was the best sleep she’d had in days. Far too soon she awoke to the sun streaming in through the large windows of Fiyero’s bedroom. She yawned and stretched sleepily before curling back into Fiyero’s side.
“Happy Lurlinemas Fae” Fiyero said softly
“Happy Lurlinemas Yero” She replied sleepily
“As much as I would love to spend the morning in bed with you. You should probably get back to your room before someone catches us.” Fiyero said pressing a kiss to her hair
Elphaba grumbled, but then relented. She slipped out of Fiyero’s bed and then Fiyero grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to it. She smiled down at him before she left for her room. She quickly ran across the hall before anyone could catch her. She made it back to her room then began to get ready for the day. She carefully slipped into the dress Glinda had helped her pick out for the occasion. Glinda had insisted she chose any other color besides black. Elphaba had decided on a deep plum colored dress. It had a square neckline and long sleeves. Which Glinda had said would make her look more sophisticated. It was currently eight thirty and Baxiana had said they would have breakfast at nine am sharp. Then they would open presents. Elphaba nervously checked her bag that held the presents she had brought for Fiyero and his parents. She hoped they would like them. She finished getting ready as quickly as she could. Then she made her way down to the dining room. When she arrived Fiyero, Marilott and Baxiana were already waiting for her.
“Good morning Elphaba” Baxiana said brightly
“Happy Lurlinemas!” Elphaba replied
They sat down and ate breakfast. Fiyero didn’t say much, the hour was still too early for his normal gregariousness. He silently sipped at his coffee and watched the conversations unfold. The more time Elphaba spent with Marilott and Baxiana the easier the conversations got. They spent the meal talking endlessly about various topics. Elphaba finally got to put some of her research to use. Marilott and Elphaba talked at length about the tribal council. She’d always thought that a council always made more sense. Rather than the singular governor like they had in Munchkinland. Of course Marilott still made the final decisions as king. But the council could veto him if they had a majority vote.
The group made their way to the sitting room where they would open presents. Elphaba had gone to get her bag after they finished breakfast. By that point Fiyero had woken up and was now happily conversing with his father. Fiyero and Elphaba sat next to each other on a couch. And Baxiana and Marilott sat opposite them. In accordance with their family tradition Elphaba went first since she was the youngest at twenty one. Elphaba opened her first gift, which was from Marilott and Baxiana. It was a silver hair stick that had been made by a local artisan. It had an intricate filigree design.
“It’s beautiful! Thank you both” Elphaba said happily
“Fiyero told us you like hair sticks, we thought you’d appreciate it” Baxiana replied
Her next gift was of course from Fiyero. He had gotten her a necklace that matched the silver hair stick. He also got her a small leatherbound journal. She leaned over and hugged him.
“Thank you Fiyero. The necklace is absolutely beautiful. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of use out of the journal. ” She said softly
“Well you’ll be going to your first ball soon. You’ll need plenty of accessories” Fiyero said with a wink
Fiyero went next as the secondest youngest at twenty four. His parents gifted him a new horse blanket for Feldspur which was woven with the traditional Arjikis patterns. They also gave him a lapel pin that matched the hair stick they had given her. Elphaba wondered if that had been on purpose. Or more likely given their ignorance of their relationship, it had been a coincidence. Elphaba handed Fiyero a small box. Inside was a book of poetry. They had discovered Fiyero’s love of poetry during their poetry class they had taken that past semester.
“Thank you Fae.” Fiyero said cheerfully reaching over to hug her
“Fae?” Marilott asked
“Oh it’s a nickname he came up with.” Elphaba said smiling at Fiyero
Then it was time for Elphaba to give her gifts to Fiyero’s parents. She was nervous of course. She had gotten Marilott a bottle of munchkin wine. Since Fiyero mentioned he was quite the wine connoisseur. And for Baxiana she had gotten her a pashmina shawl woven with a traditional munchkin pattern.
“Thank you for the gifts Elphaba. They’re very thoughtful” Baxiana said warmly
“Of course, thank you again for the hair stick.” Elphaba replied softly
They spent the rest of the day playing games and spending time together. And for once Elphaba felt like she truly belonged to a family. It had been a successful Lurlinemas, one Elphaba would not soon forget. After Fiyero’s parents had turned in for the night, they made their way to one of the sitting rooms. Elphaba laid curled next to Fiyero on the chaise lounge in front of the fire. He carefully tucked a loose braid behind her ear before pressing a soft kiss to her mouth.
“This was nice” Elphaba said quietly
“Thank you for coming home with me” Fiyero replied
Elphaba snuggled closer to him. For once Elphaba was excited for the future. Because if this is what the rest of her life would look like then she was more than ready.
Two weeks later it was finally time for the Tigelaars new years ball. Baxiana had found a dress of hers from when she was around Elphaba’s age. It needed to be altered slightly to fit her smaller frame. Luckily the Arjikis were famed for their clothing so there were no shortages of seamstresses available to help. They were able to make quick work of it.
Elphaba stood on a small stool watching herself in the mirror. As the seamstress finished the final alterations on the gown she would be wearing to that night’s ball. And what a dress it was. It was by far the nicest thing she had ever worn. It was made of a deep blue velvet that complemented her hair and skin perfectly. It had a sweetheart neckline and bishop sleeves. It also had crystal rhinestones scattered throughout the dress. Her microbraids had been twisted up into an updo. She wasn’t a royal so she couldn’t wear a tiara. But she made use of Baxiana’s and Fiyero’s gifts. The silver hairstick she’d gifted her was nestled snugly in her braids.And the necklace sat nestled at her collarbones. Fiyero would be absolutely insatiable when he saw her in this dress. It would be a miracle if they made it through the evening without blowing their cover.
“You look beautiful Elphaba.” Baxiana said, when she entered the room
“Thank you” Elphaba said, stepping down to meet her once the seamstress finished.
The seamstress curtseyed and Elphaba and Baxiana both thanked her before she left. Then Baxiana turned to face Elphaba.
“Fiyero is going to be stunned when he sees you” Baxiana said with a smile
“Why would he? We’re just friends. He doesn’t see me like that.” Elphaba said quietly
“Elphaba we know about your relationship” Baxiana replied matter of factly
“What?” Elphaba said stunned
“You two are about as subtle as a canon going off” Baxiana said with a smile
“Were we that obvious?” Elphaba said blushing
“That’s not a bad thing my dear. True love as deep as yours is a rarity nowadays.” Baxiana said, putting a gloved hand on Elphaba’s shoulder.
“We just wanted Fiyero to focus on his studies. That’s why we banned him from dating. We didn’t want another repeat of the last six schools. But you are the exact type of person we had always hoped he would end up with.” Baxiana continued
“Really? You don’t care that I’m green? That our children could be green?” Elphaba said stunned
“We never cared what you looked like Elphaba. You and Fiyero bring out the best in each other. It’s as clear as day that you two are made for each other. Marilott and I would be stupid to oppose the match just because of the color of your skin. And if any children of yours ended up green we would love them just the same.” Baxiana said earnestly
The two women hugged, then Baxiana stood up and grabbed Elphaba’s hands
“Now come along, your prince awaits.” She said smiling
The two women stepped out into the hall where Marilott and Fiyero stood waiting. Fiyero’s eyes practically fell out of his head when he saw Elphaba enter. He ran to meet her then picked her up and swung her around. Before kissing her soundly and pressing his forehead to hers.
“Elphaba Thropp you are truly the most beautiful woman in all of Oz” Fiyero said softly only to her
“You don’t clean up too badly yourself” Elphaba said equally softly
He was wearing the jacket he had worn that fateful night at the oz dust. But this night would go so much better than that last night. Elphaba would get to dance with the love of her life as his girlfriend. And nobody here would make fun of her for her skintone. Marilott and Baxiana would make sure of that. He also wore the lapel pin his parents gifted him that matched with her jewelry. There was a part of her that was nervous. Shiz was very insular. There was a reason why so many nobles and politicians sent their children to Shiz. Once she walked into that ballroom the world would finally know who she was. And that she was in love with the prince of the Vinkus. Fiyero offered his arm and she gladly took it. Fiyero’s parents looked on proudly.
“You two make quite the pair” Marilott said proudly
“Are you ready Fae?” Fiyero asked softly pressing a kiss to her hand that was held in his
She nodded, then the two couples made their way to the ballroom. Elphaba knew no matter what happened in there Fiyero and his parents would have her back. And for once she felt completely at peace as she walked into the crowded room. She knew this moment would be all over the papers once they got back to Shiz. But she couldn’t find it in herself to care. All that mattered was this moment.