Chapter 24: Free At Last

The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Elphaba and the other gladiators quietly made it out of the underground. They knocked out the guards and made their ways outside with Elphaba leading the group.

"It looks like we have some company," Fiyero said nodded behind the green woman.

Elphaba smiled when she turned around, and saw a familiar looking Lion coming towards them with a huge band of Animals behind him.

"So we meet again green warrior," The Lion replied, his voice deep and graceful. "My loyal Rat scout has informed me that you and your gladiators are going to storm Sir Chuffrey's palace. I'm glad we had another chance to meet, for I heard rumors that you were killed in the arena not long ago."

"Sir Chuffrey can't get rid of me that easily," Elphaba answered, as she secured her sword and shield. "It's good to see you again my Animal friend."

The Lion grinned at these kinds words. "I have brought my best male and female fighters. They will aid you in your struggle for your freedom. You have aided me too many times for me not to return the favor. You and these others here deserve to be free just like anyone else."

Elphaba bowed her head to show respect. "We are honored by your willingness to help us. In order for us to win, we'll need every sword and shield in our favor."

"Then let's not wait another moment," The Lion added. "Let's get your freedom."

Elphaba nodded and turned to her gladiator army, "Today we either gain or freedom, or die trying. We are not going to accept anything less than freedom. So let us rise together and show them what gladiator can truly do." The gladiators cheered in response before following Elphaba towards Sir Chuffrey's palace for the final battle.

...X...

"My Lord, what troubles you? You don't seem like yourself?" The Wizard asked, as he noticed Sir Chuffrey's blank, lifeless stare.

"Disobedience! That's what troubles me! There is disobedience among my ranks!" Sir Chuffrey spat as he slammed his fists.

"Disobedience? I see none, my Lord. Your royal guards would fight to the death for you, and your people speak no words against you." The Wizard answered, his voice confident. The Wizard knew that no one spoke up against the massive Emperor because they wouldn't live long after.

"It means nothing if my own wife doesn't pay heed to my words!" Sir Chuffrey was yelling with such power that saliva was spraying from his mouth. "Why does she hate me so? What say you Wizard?" The Wizard looked clearly uncomfortable by this question, and bowed his head. He then rubbed his hands together and turned his gaze away. "I said what say you? Answer your Emperor!"

The Wizard wet his lips and took a deep breath in before speaking, "I believe the Empress hates you because...because you pretty much killed her lover."

"I didn't drive a sword through her heart!" The Emperor growled.

"No, but putting the green gladiator up against her daughter was close enough. You knew she wouldn't kill her own daughter. The fight she was in wasn't fair."

"Silence! I will hear no more!" Lord Chuffrey's eyes narrowed and he raised a finger at his advisor to warn him to hold his tongue, but the Wizard continued.

"You wanted my opinion about why the Empress hates you and I gave it to you. You're not foolish, my Lord, you knew this. The Empress doesn't love you. She never has and she never will." With those words the Wizard thought it would be best to take his leave. "But not before saying one last thing, "At least you have a loyal son, my Lord."

The Wizard made a hastily retreat after that so he didn't hear Sir Chuffrey when he whispered, "I have no son."

...X...

"So Elphaba what's the plan?" Fiyero whispered, once they got as close as they could to the palace without giving their position away to the royal guards. Elphaba opened a map as she talked.

"I will lead you through the palace as his royal highness take the exits around the perimeter." Elphaba pointed to the Lion. "Only this one exit here will remain unguarded."

"That exit leads to the arena!" Fiyero noted.

"Exactly!" Elphaba said, with a sparkle in her eyes. "Sir Chuffrey will then be forced to go through the arena. That is where I will be waiting for him. If the guards get to much then leave the palace and made a break for it. The guards will be too concerned about their Emperor to try to chase after you all. Don't look back once you made your escape. Run as fast you can towards freedom."

"Do you plan to escape Rome as well?" Fiyero asked.

"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, now, let's move out!" With those words the giant gladiator army followed their green leader towards the gate of Lord Chuffrey's palace.

...X...

Glinda was still trapped her room. She had been thinking of all possible ways to break loose from this awful place with her children, but no idea seemed well enough to work. Any failed attempt could lead to Liir's and Cora's death, and that was the last thing Glinda wanted.

Just as her mind started to consider another idea for freedom, a tremendous sound entered her ears. The sound was a breaking sound, and it frightened the Empress. She then heard loud shouts and the pounding of boots hitting the floor in every direction. Yelps of pain and victory also filled the air; in turn Glinda bit her lip in worry, and prayed her children were safe.

Suddenly the door to her room flew open with a mighty burst. She gasped in surprise and in fear. Her fearfulness only grew when she saw Sir Chuffrey in the doorway. His eyes were wild from his own concern, and his chest was heaving like he had run a great distance.

"Come we must leave NOW!" The Emperor shouted, as he seized Glinda and pulled her out of the room with exceptional speed.

"What's going on?" Glinda asked, her voice was trembling as a result of hearing the sounds of battle that was taking place downstairs.

"The gladiators from the underground are attacking the palace as I speak! They are demanding their freedom, and making short work of the royal guards because they are being aided by Animals! Filthy savages, I'll make sure they all die for this! Now made haste, my Empress, there is still one exit where those barbaric fools haven't sealed off. It will be our ticket to safety." With those words Lord Chuffrey dragged Glinda towards the arena exit...where Elphaba was waiting.

...X...

Once Sir Chuffrey and Glinda made it out the exit and on to the arena floor, Glinda began to try to pull away.

"Let me go! I need to see if my children are safe!" Lord Chuffrey would not release the blonde, and only gave a snort at her demand. "I said let me go!" Glinda shouted, as she kicked the giant Emperor in the knee.

Sir Chuffrey let out a howl of pain before shaking her roughly. "You need not to think of your children anymore, for together we will make more children...of royal blood."

"I rather die than lay with you," Glinda retorted as she spit in his face. "Now let me free!"

"You ARE coming with me either willingly or as my hostage, that much is certain!" Lord Chuffrey was growing frustrated with every passing second. "Why do you despise me so?" Sir Chuffrey roared in an enraged manner, as he squeezed Glinda's wrist so tight that the blonde Empress hissed in pain. "Why...no...how could you love a green freak more than me?"

"You're a pig and a fraud!" Glinda snarled, only to get backhanded hard against her cheek. This strike was the hardest Sir Chuffrey had ever delivered; in turn Glinda fell to the ground, and did not get up. The Empress remained so still and motionless, it was clear the strike had caused her to lose conscious.

At seeing this Elphaba leaped out from her hiding place and drew her sword. "You're a pathetic excuse for a man, and you will pay for your malevolent deeds."

The Emperor's head snapped in Elphaba's direction as he asked, "Who are you?" He was clearly caught off guard for his voice gave him away.

"I guess you could call me a past interference, but Sir Chuffrey you should know more than anyone that you can't run away from the past. You can't run away from your fate!" Elphaba then removed her hood to show her true identity.

The Emperor's jaw dropped, and his face loss its color once he saw the emerald skin shining behind the cloak. "By the gods, it cannot be true! You died, I saw you!"

"There was no way, in Tartarus, I was going to let you steal my family, and have them be subjected to your manmade hell!" Elphaba snarled, as she began to inch her way close to the Emperor of Rome.

Sir Chuffrey just shook his head. "You forget our deal, green gladiator, you lost your fight to the death, so Glinda stays with me as my Empress once again until the day I die."

"First of all your so called battle was unfair. Putting me up against my own daughter! Only a low life bastard with no respect for honor would do that, but no matter. Glinda only remains your Empress until the day you die, and that day is today!" Elphaba shouted, as she swung her sword in a threatening manner to show off her skills.

Lord Chuffrey just gave a light chortle and drew his Emperor sword from his belt. "Just try and slay me gladiator. You underestimate my power and my strength. I will slay you and gain even more glory."

"Your words mean nothing to me. Now approach and fight me, for I will have Glinda in my arms before this day is out, or I will die once again trying." Elphaba then to circle the Emperor like a cat playing with a mouse before it kills it.

"I WILL slay you!" Sir Chuffrey shouted, as he charged the green warrior.

Elphaba blocked his attempt and spun around to block a second strike to her leg. For a heavyset man Chuffrey was quite agile. The Emperor let a malevolent grin form upon his face as he held his sword close.

"I can see you are surprised that I can move and fight so well," Lord Chuffrey taunted, as he turned his head to the side slightly.

Elphaba shook her head, and let a sly smirk take shape upon her lips, as she answered, "You misunderstand my gaze, Emperor, I was really realizing just how ugly you truly are."

Sir Chuffrey's eyes narrowed in anger from the jeer and attacked once again. This time his he threw his weight into the strike. Elphaba wasn't expecting this and was pushed to the ground. She quickly rolled and got back on her feet in record time. She was playing defense until she saw an opening. Sir Chuffrey was large and powerful, but Elphaba soon came to the conclusion if he swung and missed he would tire quickly. Chuffrey's had more strength, but it clear his stamina was weak, and the green warrior knew she had to use that weakness to her advantage.

When the heavyweight Emperor made another strike attempt Elphaba pulled back and his blade caught nothing but air. A second time, a third time, and soon a fourth time this happened, and Sir Chuffrey was getting irritated.

"Have you come to fight me, or dance around me?" The Emperor growled in vexation. Elphaba just gave a cackle that sent a chill running down Sir Chuffrey's back. He then began whipping his sword around his body and tried to close in.

Elphaba jumped back and nailed him in the back with the hilt of her sword. The Emperor stumbled slightly but stayed on his feet. He then turned quickly and tried to hit Elphaba across the neck with his sword. Elphaba evaded the block and kicked him the leg before tripping him to the ground. He landed hard, but was able to dodge Elphaba's sword blade to his chest.

"What's the matter Wicked one? Finding it a challenge to kill me? Come now, if this keeps up it will be night," Sir Chuffrey spat; he was clearing enjoying mocking the green woman. Elphaba made no reply, instead brought her sword up and was just quick enough to give Sir Chuffrey a shallow wound in the leg. After the strike to his leg, the Emperor leaped back and cursed under his breath.

The green warrior then ran up and with a leap of her own to stab Sir Chuffrey in the back of his shoulders. He blocked the attempted just in time and was able to wound Elphaba's right arm slightly. She breathed out deeply from pain, but curled her top lip in a display to show it wasn't going to affect her fighting skills.

Their blades soon met again with a thunderous clash. The sound of their swords seemed to echo throughout the grand arena. Sir Chuffrey was stronger but his strikes weren't well planned, and Elphaba knew that was a lucky break for her.

Suddenly Lord Chuffrey ran up and faked a sword attack, but instead punched Elphaba in the stomach. She dropped to the one knee and pulled away. She was coughing extremely, for she was trying desperately to will air back into her lungs.

"Leave now and I'll show mercy to your son and daughter if they survive the gladiator's revolt," Sir Chuffrey's breathing was labored because of the throbbing wound coming from his leg as well running around after the green woman.

Elphaba answered by kicking sand in his direction, splitting at his feet, and whispering, "Damn you, I will never relent."

Sir Chuffrey's eyes narrowed in fury as well as madness. He then pointed his sword at Elphaba and replied, "Fine, then I will forget about being merciful. Once you are dead and gone for good, I'm going to kill your son and daughter. They will be begging for death once I get a hold of them. Then I can ravish Glinda unhindered over and over again, and in turn make a true heir!"

"That's what you think!" Elphaba shouted, as rose up with a new found strength, brought up her sword, and drove it into Sir Chuffrey's chest with a move as fast as lighting. His royal armor did little to protect him from Elphaba's sword.

The Emperor of Rome coughed and tried to rid the sword from his chest, but it was no use. Soon his legs shook and his eyes grew hazy. He stared at the blood on his hands before turning his gaze to Elphaba.

The green woman just gave him a scowl before removing her sword. The expression of shock, from being vanquished, soaked Sir Chuffrey's face and within moments he fell to his knees. He then gave a hoarse cry before his hands trembled, and his fell upon his back. He body was still as the last bit of his life drained. Finally the malevolent Emperor Chuffrey was dead.

Once she was sure Sir Chuffrey was truly dead, Elphaba could have swore she heard shouts from the Roman people who use to celebrate in her victory once she won a battle. After a moment or two, the green warrior raced over to Glinda who was still laying unconscious on the ground. Elphaba wasted no time as she kneeled down, brought the blonde Empress into her arms, and shook her gently in the attempts to wake her.

"Open you eyes, my sweet, you're safe now. Your Elphie is here." The green warrior saw her wife stir slightly, but her eyes remained closed. "Awake, please, open your eyes." Elphaba added, before placing a chaste kiss against her love's lips. Almost instantly Glinda's eyes fluttered open and focused on Elphaba's own.

"Elphie?" The Empress whispered in a shocked but dazed tone of voice.

Elphaba nodded her head and grinned at her wife. "It's me, my sweet, your Elphie."

Glinda continued to study Elphaba's face carefully before reaching a hand up to cup an emerald cheek. "Sir Chuffrey finally did it. He finally killed me."

"What? No, my sweet, you're not dead," Elphaba assured her. "You're very much alive."

Glinda's eyes narrowed in confusion as she replied, "No, I must be dead because you are dead. I saw you die."

"I've been given a second chance. I can prove it," Elphaba added, as she showed her wife her newly acquired wound on her right arm that was still bleeding slightly.

At the sight of the blood Glinda blinked wildly from the result of shock. "You're alive?" The Empress was bit nervous about asking this question because she feared this wasn't real. She feared that this was just a dream and it would fade away like water colors on canvas. But soon her head began to reel at an extreme pace, and she knew it wasn't because the strike by Sir Chuffrey.

"Yes, I'm alive, my sweet." Elphaba nodded her head and kissed her pale hand that had found its way back to her emerald cheek

At these words Glinda began to cry tears of joy. "My Elphie." Her joyousness only increased when she felt Elphaba's warm lips touch her skin. The blonde Empress then took her free hand and rested it against the green woman's chest. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with more beauty when she felt for herself Elphaba's beating heart. "I thought I lost you."

"Same here," the green woman said, as she nuzzled her love's neck before caressing her face. They held each other tightly in the effort to make up for all their time apart. Glinda never thought she would be holding her emerald love again and that made her weep a bit harder.

"The gods have answered my prayers. Oh, Elphie, I love you." Glinda's voice was weak from emotion, and she couldn't stop staring into the brown eyes she thought she would never see again.

"I love you too, my sweet. Now, come, we should not linger," Elphaba replied, as she helped her wife to her feet. She hated to rush, at a moment like this, but there was still work to be done.

Once they were both standing, however, Glinda wasted no time kissing the green warrior with great passion. They feasted on each other's lips determined to savor their closeness and love. When they parted the Empress couldn't help but smile in pure bliss. Her eyes then lit up with realization.

"What about Sir Chuffrey? What has happened to him?" Glinda questioned.

"He won't be bothering you or our family again," Elphaba answered, as she motioned with her head the lifeless body for the former Emperor of Rome.

The blonde Empress gave a gasp in surprise at seeing a dead Sir Chuffrey. "You killed him?" Elphaba nodded and Glinda embraced her green love as a sign of thanks.

"He's in Tartarus now." Elphaba added with in a stoic tone.

Glinda only answered by kissing her green love again before answering, "Let's us make great haste to the palace. We must find Liir and Cora." Elphaba nodded her head and lead the way, neither of them paying anymore attention to the lifeless body of Lord Chuffrey.

...X...

Once back inside the palace, the gladiators attacking it had already left. Behind they left certain areas of the rooms in shambles. Tables were overturned, glass was broken, and statues were cracked were only some examples of damage. Royal guards were trying to clean up the mess, but when they saw the Empress bowed in respect.

"Thank the gods you are unharmed, my Lady," The Captain exclaimed, not even noticing Elphaba.

"It is because of this green woman I am safe," Glinda admitted, as she touched her emerald love on the hand. The guards were stunned to see Elphaba was alive, but didn't make their shocked known. They only nodded and continued to clean.

"Have you see my son?" Glinda questioned.

"He's safe in his room," One of the guards replied. "You may see him now while we clean up."

Elphaba and Glinda hurried though the halls to towards Liir's room. They were halfway there when the green woman stopped her wife. She then pointed to a portrait of Sir Chuffrey. She then unsheathed her sword and held it out for Glinda to take.

"Would you like to do the honors?" Elphaba asked, with a sly grin.

The blonde Empress took the sword. She faltered slightly as she gripped the weapon, but after a few seconds held the sword steady. She then drew back the blade and stabbed the portrait right in the middle. This in turn tore the picture right in two. The sound of parting canvas filled their ears and caused both women to smile.

"Feel better?" Elphaba asked, as she took back her sword.

Glinda gave a satisfied sigh with a nod of her head. "Yes, I do."

"Good," Elphaba replied, as she gave the broken pieces of the portrait a hard kick. The pieces were sent flying into the corner with a mighty smash. "So do I."

It wasn't long before they made it to Liir's room. Glinda gave a knock on the door. When there was no answer, she tried again a little louder.

"Who is it?" A voice answered back. Glinda said nothing instead opened the door. She entered the room to see Liir wrapping a bandage around Cora's arm.

"Mother!" He shouted, jumped up, and embraced her tightly. Cora soon followed and joined her brother. Elphaba remained outside in the hallway taking deep breaths in. She then placed her hood back over her head before slowing entering the room as well.

"And who are you?" Liir demanded, at the hooded figure in an untrustworthy tone.

"Now, Liir, is that anyway to speak to your parent?" Elphaba found herself saying, as she careful lifted her hood and showed him her face. Liir seemed to stop breathing as his eyes grew hazy at the sight of Elphaba. He rubbed his eyes hard, for Liir was sure his eyes were playing tricks on him.

"Papa?" He choked, as he looked at his mother to confirm what he was truly seeing. Glinda nodded her head, and with that Liir raced over to the green woman and embraced her tightly.

"By the gods! It's a miracle!" Liir exclaimed, as she buried his face in her shoulder. "You live! But...but how?"

Elphaba kissed the young man's forehead before answering, "I was given a test by the gods. If I could kill the gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale, they promised to give me a second chance at life."

Liir grinned widely. "You're amazing Papa, and I'm so overjoyed you're here."

"I've missed you all so much," Elphaba admitted as she motioned with her arms for Glinda and Cora to join the hug.

After engaging in a family embrace Cora asked, "What of Sir Chuffrey?"

"He's dead," Elphaba answered plainly. "I killed him."

Liir looked up at his green parent. "Good riddance."

Just then there was a shout from downstairs. It sounded urgent so the family of four hurried downstairs to find the royal guards had captured a few of the gladiators who had stayed behind to see if Elphaba was okay, Fiyero was among them.

"Empress where is Sir Chuffrey? He must tell us what to do with these slaves," The Captain said, as he held his sword to Fiyero's neck.

"Lord Chuffrey is dead. His heart stopped beating as he was trying to exit," Glinda lied. "That means I get to rule on their fate, and my order is you are to let all the gladiators go free."

"Go free?" The Captain questioned.

"Yes, everyone should be free, and they deserve it. So let them go, so they can pack their things." Once Glinda was done speaking the royal guards let the revolting gladiators go. As Fiyero passed by Elphaba she grabbed his arm and whispered to him, "Sir Chuffrey's dead body is laying in the arena. Take it and hide it well."

Fiyero nodded his head. It was clear to him that Lord Chuffrey's death was not from a stopped heart. He was sure the green woman was the real cause of death.

Glinda then realized that someone was missing. She then turned her head to the side before asking, "Where's the Wizard? Sir Chuffrey's advisor?"

"The gladiators and I saw him, make his escape, by flying away in something that looked like a giant bubble with a basket hanging from it," Cora answered. "He took off just as we made our attack."

"What of Rome now that Sir Chuffrey is dead?" Liir asked.

"The senate will most likely name you as the new ruler," Elphaba answered, as she patted her son's shoulder.

"Me?" Liir exclaimed.

Elphaba met her son's gaze. "Well they do think you're Sir Chuffrey's son."

"But I don't want to be Emperor! I don't know how to rule an empire, besides, I want to go back home and see Trism again."

"I wish to go home, but I don't want to leave Rome in such a fragile state," Glinda retorted, as she wrapped an arm around her son to comfort him.

Liir shook his head. "But I cannot rule alone!"

"Nor shall you," Elphaba interjected. "You have myself, Cora, and of course your mother. She knows more about ruling then any of those men in the senate. Besides the people love her. They would follow her through Tartarus and back."

"But the people have been brainwashed with lies of Sir Chuffrey. They believe you are a Wicked woman," Liir argued.

"Well it's time to expose the lies of Sir Chuffrey," Glinda said, as she began walking away. She motioned her family to follow.

"Mother, where are you going?" Cora asked.

The blonde Empress grinned as she replied, "To speak to the people of course. The truth must be known throughout the land."

...X...

It took sometime but the blonde Empress talked to the people and told them the truth about Lord Chuffrey. How he was a cruel and power-hungry man who based his leadership on lies, and with some positive words from Glinda denounced Sir Chuffrey's view on the green woman. Fiyero also helped, for he didn't leave Rome like the other fleeing gladiators. Instead he stayed and became a bard of Rome. He wrote the stories of Elphaba on scrolls for all to read.

...X...

Months passed and under Glinda's leadership, Rome began to prosper in more ways than it ever had before. Liir was learning much about ruling from his mother, and it was clear that he would was going to make a fine Emperor. Elphaba had taken a job as Glinda's official bodyguard as Cora was appointed to be Liir's official advisor as well as his royal guard. Liir loved serving and aiding Rome, but he longed for the day he would see Trism.

After a year passed however and Liir doubted he would ever see his love again. Elphaba noticed her son's change in mood and decided it was time to fix it. Within the hour she had sent out a bird with message tied to its leg.

A month passed before Liir was visited by some quite special. Liir was sitting at a table going over some new law with Glinda when Cora was walking up to them. Someone was following her but they were still a little too far away. Once the mystery person did get close enough, Liir almost fell over from shock.

Within seconds he recovered and dashed out to meet the person who was walking with Cora, which was Trism. The two young men embraced tightly and kissed. Their happiness could clearly be seen.

"I can't believe you're here!" Liir was beaming as he held Trism against him.

"It was your Papa that sent for me, and I'm here to stay," Trism answered, as he pulled away and looked at the green woman. "My parents say I can live with you here in Rome."

Liir's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?" Trism could only nod as they embraced again.

...X...

A few more weeks passed and Rome was returning to its former glory. No more gladiator games were allowed. This disappointed some people of Rome, but circuses were held in their place and this was more suitable then massive and pointless killing.

One day Glinda peered out from her balcony and took in a deep breath of fresh summer air. The warm breeze was extremely calming and settled her heart. Suddenly something caught the Empress' eye. It was Elphaba. She was standing on top of a hill practicing with her sword. Glinda watched her, for a few moments, then she headed out of the palace to meet her, but not before putting an item into a sack.

Once Glinda made it out onto the hill, she kept silent for a minute. She just stood there watching her warrior practice. She was seemed transfixed on the green woman's muscles as they flexed with every movement. It was not until she moved slightly closer that Elphaba noticed someone was watching her.

"Have you been standing there long?" Elphaba asked, as she put away her weapon and approached her wife.

"Long enough," Glinda answered, as she brushed some raven hair from the green gladiator's brown eyes. The touch caused the green warrior to grin.

"My Empress," Elphaba whispered, as she sank down to one knee, and kissed the top of Glinda's free hand in a tender and loving manner. Glinda smiled at the display of affection before showing the green woman the sack.

"I have something for you," Glinda replied, as she watched Elphaba rise back up to a standing position.

Elphaba's brow came together in curiosity. "A gift for me?"

"Yes, I know people no longer see you as a gladiator, but as a free person. Nevertheless, I thought you should have this." With those words Glinda reached into the sack and pulled out the mystery item.

Elphaba's eyes narrowed in gratefulness when she saw the object. It was a wooden sword that had her name engraved on it. Glinda was giving her a rudis: The official item given to gladiators who had earned their freedom.

"My sweet, this is a wonderful gift," Elphaba mused, as she took the wooden sword into her hands and studied it.

Glinda closed the gap between them as she said. "You deserve it more than anyone. Now no one can question your freedom."

The green warrior answered by kissing her blonde wife on the lips. "You honor me, Empress, my wife." Just then two figures could be heard running up to them.

"There you two are," Cora said, as she took a position next to her parents.

"I thought you might be out practicing with your sword," Liir replied to Elphaba, before fixing his royal tunic.

Cora then noticed the wooden sword as she asked, "What's that?"

Elphaba lifted the rudis up, so her children could get a better look. "It's a gift for me from your mother."

"It's a rudis!" Cora exclaimed, as she looked up at her Papa with shining eyes.

"A rudis?" Liir questioned his brow narrowing. "Is that the sword given to gladiators that earn their freedom?"

Elphaba nodded. "Your mother wanted to make my freedom official, so no one could question it."

"I'm sure if someone did question a quick swipe with your real sword would put them in their place," Cora said with a snicker.

"Behave," Glinda answered, in mock anger, as she playfully slapped her daughter's shoulder. Cora smiled and replied by kissing both her parents on the cheek.

"You clearly deserve the wooden sword, Papa."

Liir nodded in agreement with his sister's words. "What a wonderful gift indeed Mother has given you."

Elphaba raised her gaze. Her brown eyes were shining with pride as she answered, "Yes, it is, but its not as wonderful as the gift of her love as well as you and your sister."

Glinda blushed at the words and couldn't help, but kiss the green warrior on the lips quickly as a sign of thanks. "Come let's go inside, it's almost dinner time."

Liir and Cora nodded and headed off back towards the palace. Elphaba and Glinda hung back for a moment, so they could share a kiss before linking arms and following their children.

Glinda couldn't help but think that she and Elphaba had beaten the odds, and now they were truly together with their children and without the fear of an insane Emperor trying to drive them apart. But the pains of the pass didn't matter anymore. All they knew was they were here in Rome together.

"I do admit I miss Sappho and her school." Glinda said, as she looked up at her green skinned love.

"We can always visit. I'm sure Sappho would love that," Elphaba replied, before pulling her blonde love even closer.

"But now that we are officially back in Rome, we must do what the Romans do," Glinda answered with a grin.

"Do Romans kiss and ravish their true love?" Elphaba asked, as she leaned in close.

Glinda giggled from the warmth of the warrior's breath on her neck, but nodded her head and answered, "Of course."

Elphaba's eyes grew sly and soft from love as she replied in a charming tone, "Well then...when in Rome..."

The End

A/N: Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing! I really enjoyed writing this story, and I'm considering a sequel. Thanks again for reading.