As the darkness passed and, as a family, they looked out over the O.Z. Happiness flooded everyone in the room as the brightness of the sun revealed the long hidden beauty of their world. With the witch gone the sunlight seemed brighter and more peaceful, but the darkness her touch had caused was not completely gone. There were still the corrupted Long Coats to deal with, and a decision would need to be made fast about them because several were already in the castle.

Azkadellia, no longer under the evil rule of the witch, let a tear escape from her eye, both in joy and anguish. She knew the Long Coats weren't being controlled like she was, but that didn't stop her from remembering that they had been loyal to her for so long, even though it was just her body. She had so many memories left over from her reign of destruction, memories that would be better forgotten. She knew it wasn't her fault she did those things but the memories of her doing them were hers alone.

She wasn't the only one whose thoughts ran in this stream, though they couldn't know exactly what she did remember, her parents knew it was going to be hard for her to readjust to things. They were sure that the people of the O.Z. would learn to love her as they once had, but they also knew it would take time for them to be able to see her and not the witch.

As a few straggling Long Coats burst through the heavy wooden door to find out what happened to their dark mistress, they were quickly followed by Jeb and a small group of his rebels. They were greatly outnumbered and quickly captured, but when Lurline gave the order to take them to the dungeons they stared bewildered at Azkadellia who said nothing in their defense.

Tears continued to drop from Azkadellia's eyes as they were carried away. She turned her back to everyone and returned to the sight the balcony offered. Moments later she felt her mother's presence behind her and then came the gentle stroke of her hand on her back. Without another thought, she threw herself into her mother's arms and began to sob; she was so tired of being strong.

Gently, Lurline whispered into her ear, "I know this is going to be hard for you Az, how about you and DG take a trip together. You both deserve a beak from everything that has been going on here, and we could set everything back in order while you are gone. How does that sound darling?"

Pulling away just enough to wipe away her tears, Azkadellia gave a faint smile and nodded. DG was close enough to hear the end of her mother's suggestion and took this opportunity to cut in. "I know Mom! We can stay in Kansas for a while. We will be perfectly safe there and no one will think twice about Az being with me. And while I'm there I could get some of my stuff to bring back with me."

As Azkadellia seemed to like this plan there was nothing either parent could say against it. It seemed like an ideal solution to this problem. But they would still need protection, but they wouldn't have to know about that part of it yet.

"A few things need to be sorted out and then we will summon a storm for you." Lurline said as she took her husbands arm and proceeded to leave the room. As she reached the doorway she turned to the three men standing to the side of the room that had been temporarily forgotten. "One more thing, I need to see you three in the throne room."

Giving her a surprised look they answered in unison. "Yes, your Highness."

It might seem a bit serious so far but I have every intention of making it humorous. Hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you think. Thanks :)

Shylia