1/27/10 - Did a re-read, along with some editing and reworking of this story. Sorry for the extra chapter update.

Chapter 26: A Time to Dance

Later that evening, Elphaba sat in one of the rocking chairs on the porch, watching the sun sink below the horizon. It looked tired tonight, as though the storm had sapped some of its strength, muted some of its brilliance. Still, the remnants of the storm clouds soaked up the waning light and gave off a hazy, purple hue, like they were lit from within. The glory of the western sky was perhaps the only thing Elphaba had truly embraced from her former title. There was something about the sunset, the last breath of each day, which captivated her. Perhaps it was the idea that she was watching the past slip through her fingers. With each moment, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, she was watching the day close, sealing forever what had happened, and promising that beyond the horizon was a new morning.

On this evening, she was struck by the fact that, if all went as planned, this was the last day she would spend as simply Elphaba Thropp. Tomorrow, she would wed herself to Fiyero, which was a tie that would bind them until death intervened. She could really call herself Elphaba Tigelaar. Upon her death, she would be more than just the former Wicked Witch of the West, more than the unsuccessful Thropp Third Descending. She would be someone's wife, the wife of an Arjiki prince, for those in Oz who cared to remember. It was a bit overwhelming, but the feeling was not entirely negative. It was a nice enough label.

Elphaba supposed this was not what most brides would be thinking about on the day before their wedding. She laughed a little to herself, because even such a normal event wasn't so normal when she was involved.

"Something funny?"

Elphaba turned around, startled. Tessy was leaning against the doorframe, smirking.

"We've established that perhaps I'm not entirely wicked, but no one has ever proven I'm not crazy," Elphaba threw out, still laughing to herself.

"A little crazy never hurt anyone," Tessy threw back, "So, are you dreaming of your perfect wedding tomorrow?"

Elphaba looked away, thoughtful, "I don't suppose I know what a perfect wedding is. I don't think I've ever considered a wedding of any kind," she admitted.

"Never? You never dreamed of a wedding? Even as a little girl?" Tessy looked stupefied.

"Green girls don't dream about getting married," Elphaba answered dryly.

Tessy looked suddenly compassionate, "Oh Elphie…we'll make you beautiful. I promise."

Elphaba had a sudden, prickly feeling, like a flashback or perhaps a touch of deja-vu. For a second, she was a young girl again, eighteen and quite naïve. She remembered Galinda, in all her fluffy, pink softness, hopping around their room chanting about marrying a handsome, rich boy. Galinda had tried to make her beautiful more than once. Elphaba supposed she was born too jaded for it to take.

"Elphie? Elphaba?" Tessy was asking, "Are you okay? You look pale…"

Elphaba sighed, "I'm sorry. I was just…remembering."

"Remembering what?" Tessy pressed softly.

"Someone…someone I cared a lot about," Elphaba started, haltingly, "Her name was Galinda. She was, I think, my first friend. She was my roommate, at the university…"

"Your first friend? At what…eighteen?" Tessy looked shocked.

"Green girls also do not easily attract friends," Elphaba spat.

Tessy's shock turned to compassion, "I'm sorry, Elphie."

Elphaba considered whether to continue, and then added, "I sometimes wish…that we had parted on better terms. We had different lives, she and I. I left her behind when I left school…because I couldn't stand for her to get mixed up in my life. I think I knew it would be a tragedy, somehow. The one other time we saw each other…I was incredibly bitter…" she let her thoughts trail off, already unsure as to why she'd said so much.

"She was your only friend?" Tessy finally asked.

"No, just the first," Elphaba answered, "There were four or five of us, when I was a part of the Resistance against the Wizard. Nyalana was the first person I really trusted in the whole, wretched Emerald City. She was dark-skinned, from the Vinkus, like Fiyero. She used to braid hair, hers and mine, in the most beautiful ways. I think….that you…remind me of her."

Neither spoke for a moment. Tessy was silent, touched by what was a rare, if indirect, compliment from Elphaba.

"I suppose I'm honored," Tessy finally replied.

"You would have liked her," Elphaba confessed before continuing, "There was also Frederick, but I don't think I was decent enough to him to say I was his friend. He deserved better…" she mused.

"It's in the past, Elphie…" Tessy gently reminded.

"I know," Elphaba looked far away, remembering, "I think my greatest regret is Malky. I never did get to give him a proper goodbye. He was the only thing that stood between me and crazy for a long time. And Zaar…I sincerely hope she's done something great. She had greatness in her…"

"Were they all part of this…Resistance?" Tessy asked.

"Yes…Animals. They were stripped of their rights, yet fought back. They were both Cats, father and daughter. One black, one white. They made me who I am, in a way. This constant drive to make things right, to change people who refuse to change, it was for them, I think…"

Tessy shook her head a little, "I believe you, but it's still amazing for me to think that in your world, animals can speak…"

"They have great things to offer and great things to say…or some of them did," Elphaba remembered sadly, "But then, some of them were every bit as rotten as humans can be…"

Elphaba's countenance took on a hard, steely quality that spoke of tears shed long ago. She was calm, but caught up in the memory of wounds that can never be completely healed.

"Elphie," Tessy finally spoke, "I admire you more than you know. I know you're not perfect, none of us are, but you've survived until now. You've lived to see the day when you can be with Fiyero, and make your own future, whatever that is."

Elphaba's face softened, and she considered her friend. She seemed to be struggling with her words, "Tessy…your life…it hasn't been any easier than mine. But you've given me courage…to admit to the horrors I've been through, to lay them to rest, somewhat. When I look back now…to Galinda and Nyalana, and now you…" she struggled to finish.

"Sisters aren't always bound by blood," Tessy supplied. her eyes welling up a little, "I think we've made each other brave…"

Elphaba nodded, "Thank you for forgiving me…for…Adrian. I suppose my impulses are something I've never reigned in properly."

Tessy shook her head, "It's the past. Thank you…for bringing me Adrian," she couldn't help shedding a few tears.

"And now this time I've made you cry," Elphaba teased.

"I don't believe there should be any crying today," they both jumped a little, and turned to see Mae come through the door, "Whatever are you both doing to make yourselves sad today? I want no more crying! We've had enough tears around here for a lifetime. Tomorrow is a happy day."

Tessy chuckled and wiped her face, "It's all right Mae, they're happy tears."

"Well, I suppose that's all right, then," Mae conceded, "Come with me, both of you, I have something to show you," she turned back toward the door, gesturing for them to follow.

Elphaba quirked an eyebrow, but stood to follow Mae anyway. Tessy was on her heels, curious. They followed Mae up the stairs, past the third floor and into the attic, which was nothing more than a small, dark room off the top of the staircase. As their eyes adjusted to the light, Elphaba could see that Mae had been digging through some of the trunks against the wall. Clothes were scattered about, and Mae emerged from the mess with an armload of white fabric. Whatever it was tried to spill out of her grasp in a waterfall of eyelet lace, satin, and taffeta.

"Here," Mae offered, "I found my wedding dress. Now, it's some forty years old, or more now, but I've kept it in good shape…"

Elphaba eyes widened as Mae unfurled the dress. It was beautiful, in its way. It had several layers of satin and tulle, and the skirt was covered in delicate lace, cascading in several layers of ruffle. The sleeves were puffed and beaded, and the bodice sported the same lace as the skirt. It was a dress fit for a young, beautiful bride who would be given away by a glowing father. It was the kind of gown that would make a young groom weak-kneed, as his bride-become-princess floated down the aisle of a perfectly decorated church. It was a beautiful idea, and the opposite of everything Elphaba could imagine for herself.

"Oh Mae…" Elphaba started, her expression troubled.

"What?" Mae furrowed her brow, "I know it's a bit dusty, but it'll come clean…"

"No, it's not…" Elphaba took a long breath, "It's not me. And I don't think it's Fiyero, either. It's a beautiful dress, but I'm not a young girl. I'm not…fluffy. And I think, more than anything, I need this to be about…me. Can you understand that?"

Mae looked a bit disappointed, but not entirely heartbroken, "Then what do you propose? And I'll fight you until tomorrow if you think you're going to wed Fiyero in a black dress!" she gestured towards Elphaba's current attire.

Elphaba looked down at her basic, dark, well-fitted, yet plain dress. She thought for a moment and then turned to go back down the stairs. Mae and Tessy followed.

"Wait, Elphaba. I didn't mean to insult you--" Mae started.

"No," Elphaba called back, "I want to show you something," she lead the way to her bedroom, where she rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled something from the back, "Do you think this will come clean?" she asked, holding out the ivory-colored dress she had been wearing the day Fiyero returned. It was, as expected, covered in muddy stains from the barley field.

It was Mae's turn to raise an eyebrow, "Well you've certainly done an excellent job of trying to ruin it…" there was a smile in her eyes, though, in spite of her berating.

"Can it be salvaged?" Elphaba asked again, not wanting to dwell on why her dress was so dirty, or to discuss the fact that Mae had helped to get it off of her.

"I'll try," Mae conceded, her expression softening, "Luckily, these aren't grass stains. I fear those would never come out, but are you sure this is what you want?"

Elphaba took a deep breath, "I want this to be about Fiyero and me, not about expensive clothes and crowds of people. Mae…it's never been my dream to stand in front of a crowd and listen to an over-romanticized sermon on love and marriage. I just want what Fiyero and I have to be real, to be legitimate. I don't want to be more than who I am…for once. I just want him and me, and the two of you, if you'll come, to be there. No big speeches, no pomp and circumstance, just the reality of what's happening."

Mae looked distressed, and Tessy looked a little disappointed.

"Elphie, are you sure?" Tessy asked.

"You just said to me downstairs that little girls are supposed to dream about their weddings. From what I understand, this whole affair should fall in line with what I want. What I want is to have Fiyero. I've never been one for ceremony or pageantry. I don't need frilly and lacy and loud and overdone. It's not who I am, and isn't that what matters?"

Mae appeared to struggle with herself for a moment, before agreeing, "All right. You're right; you should have what you want. And this dress is certainly more suited for you anyway. I knew that when I made it. But when the wedding is done, we get to celebrate. All of us. I'll get the farmhands to help me cook, and we'll have a proper celebration."

Elphaba was silent for a long moment, before she answered, "All right."

Mae turned to leave, and then looked back, her eyes misty, "You know…I never got to see my daughter married…"

"I know," Elphaba cut her off, "but no more tears tonight."

Mae smiled, and then hurried downstairs to plan her celebration.

Elphaba was up well past dark. She sat in the oversized window seat in her room, trying to read a book by lamplight. Finding herself unsuccessful, she stared out at the stars, trying to remember how they were different than those in Oz. Her mind swirled around in nonsensical circles as she tried to determine which direction her future was taking. She wanted to be with Fiyero, she was certain, but she was also certain that she was no farm girl. She wanted to grab hold of her life and do something, something other than hole herself up in a castle and go insane. She had been given a new beginning, and she wanted to seize it.

Fiyero walked in then, quietly shuffling through the door and crossing the room to sit just behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his cheek against her hair, "You look lost," he commented softly.

Elphaba didn't answer immediately. She didn't want him to think she was second-guessing their relationship, "I'm considering your offer," she finally said, "I need to do something with my life. Maybe I do want to study veterinary medicine. Maybe I want to help Adrian understand the universe…"

She felt Fiyero bristle slightly at the mention of Adrian. Elphaba asked, "Does it bother you, what I told you about him and me? I didn't really intend it to hurt you, it's just…the truth."

Fiyero pulled her closer, "I don't love you any less, Fae. It's hard, to know that someone else has…been with you. Someone I respect and like and have no reason to hate. It's just hard to imagine sharing you at all. But I don't blame you. You thought I was dead. You had every right…"

"Fiyero…" Elphaba started, her voice catching, "was there anyone else? For you?"

Fiyero drew a breath, and Elphaba knew the answer.

"Wait," she stopped him, "Maybe it's better that I don't know. Maybe we should just leave it alone and move on."

"No," Fiyero argued, "We should know each other. We should be honest and love each other for everything we are. No more secrets for us, no more shadows or unspoken fears," he stopped and considered a moment, "When I first found myself here…I was alone and afraid and devastated at having lost you. I had an idea of what had happened, but no idea how to ever fix it. I was aimless for a little while, drowning my pain in liquor and a handful of women. I wasn't cut out for that, though. I'm too soft, too spoiled maybe. I started running across children living on the streets, or as slaves. I started a family that just grew exponentially. They think I saved them, but I really think they saved me…"

Elphaba heart swelled with affection, as her body welled up with an overwhelming desire to take hold of Fiyero and never let him go. He had so much goodness in him. She could never hold his mistakes against him, because he loved so deeply, so truly, and he could so easily admit it.

She turned to face him, and raised a hand to touch his face, to look into his eyes and feel her heart melt. She straightened up, so they were face to face, and kissed him. When their lips met, Elphaba felt her body surge with a heat that welled up from the deepest parts of her and traveled to the very tips of her fingers and toes. She wrapped her hands around his neck, twining her fingers in his hair as she drowned in the kiss. Her heart raced, and she was surer than ever that no one else would ever make her feel this way. Fiyero had a power over her that moved beyond just physical pleasure. He could bring her to her knees and make her tremble. He caused her to drop her sharp, hard exterior and lay herself out, vulnerable and needy, before him. It had always been more than sex, more than lovemaking even. He knew her, in the biblical sense. The connection was so deep, so intimate, so personal and powerful that she was certain now that, for the past fifteen years, she'd been without a part of herself.

Fiyero pulled away first, breathless. His face gave away that his thoughts had traveled along the same line as hers, "Fae…" his voice was deep and saturated with feeling, "My god I want you. It's been so long..."

Elphaba smirked a little, "It's been what…two days?" she referenced the barley field.

Fiyero was too overwhelmed to tease, "No…that was a blur of emotion. I want to hold you and touch you. I want to see you, to look into your eyes and make love to you until dawn breaks…"

"You don't think we've gotten a bit old for that?" Elphaba quipped gently.

Fiyero kissed her again, and the warm, rushing response of their bodies disagreed. He pulled away, and she knew they were hovering on the edge of being able to stop.

"I mean what I said," Fiyero said softly, "I'll wait for you until you are my wife."

Elphaba smiled at him, which was her way of showing how much his promise meant, "So what do we do now?" she asked.

"Go jump in the watering trough?" Fiyero joked.

"It would certainly kill the mood," Elphaba answered dryly. She leaned back against him, mostly content. After a moment, Fiyero carefully pulled away and stood up.

"I almost forgot…" he said, crossing the room to fish something from his coat pocket. He came back to her and held out his hand to show her what he'd retrieved.

"When I was in town, making sure someone would marry us, I got these. They're not much, but then, I know you're not much for fancy jewelry. They're a little conventional, but I just hope you'll wear it, for me."

Elphaba realized he was holding out two rings, both silver, both very plain. They were polished to a shine, but were without ornamentation or gemstones. She took the smaller in her hand and studied it, and realized there was an inscription on the inside. She held it closer to read it.

"What does this say?" she finally asked.

"Fiyeraba," he admitted sheepishly.

"And what is that?" she asked with a slight smile.

"It's…us," he answered, "It's me and you, joined together forever. It's us so close together that we're one person, one soul…one name."

Elphaba chuckled, "It's a little…cute, don't you think?"

"Maybe," Fiyero admitted, "but the jeweler offered to engrave them and it just seemed…nice."

"It could grow on me….Fiyeraba," she finally conceded, "Although I can't imagine anyone else ever calling us that. It's very…" she stopped, realizing what it reminded her of.

"Very what?" Fiyero asked.

Elphaba swallowed, "It's very Galinda," she finally answered.

Fiyero didn't say anything for some time. He finally offered, "You miss her, don't you?"

Elphaba nodded, "She deserved better from me. The way I left her in the carriage, the years of silence, and the way we fought…I wish I could make it right."

Fiyero considered, "Maybe you can…"

"What?"

"Well, you can go back. Maybe you don't need to stay there, maybe we're not meant to live in Oz, but maybe you have some unfinished business. Maybe you should see Galinda."

Elphaba let the idea roll around inside of her. It was tempting. She desperately wanted to know that her friend had a good life. She wanted to know how she had fared after the Wizard had left. She considered whether she could return to her friend without upsetting all of Oz. And then, there was another thorn in her side.

"Liir," she finally said, "I'd like to know what's become of him."

"I'd like that, too," Fiyero admitted quietly.

"We have decisions to make," Elphaba stated, "Your family is waiting for you in White Springs. They need you."

"I know," Fiyero agreed, "and we'll go to them. We'll decide what's right, for all of us. But for now, for tomorrow, I plan to marry you."

They went to bed then, curled up with each other under the starlight, considering what the next day, the next week, and the next year held for them.

The following day, Mae made good on her word. She gently told the others that Elphaba wanted her ceremony to be private. She then hurried the household into action, preparing for a true celebration. Aunt Em was convinced to let Dorothy stay one more day, and even Myra came when called upon to help. Elphaba was overwhelmed by it all, and stayed in her room most of the morning.

Just after lunch, she washed up thoroughly and brushed her hair until it shone. She laid out her dress that Mae had managed to clean and did her best to prepare herself for a wedding.

Fiyero scrubbed himself clean and went into town to get a good shave and shoe shining. He stayed away from the house, letting the others fuss while trying to observe the custom that he shouldn't see his bride until they wed. It seemed a little conventional, but some things should be, he decided. He got a light lunch and met the pastor of Mae and Wilbur's little church at the church house just after noontime. He shook the older man's hand and thanked him for what he was doing.

"I know this is pretty unconventional, but I appreciate it," Fiyero said.

"Well, I don't believe in denying anyone the privilege of marriage. We haven't had colored folk in the church till now, but times are changing. They need to change. People will come around to accept it. That, or they'll die off and it won't matter," the pastor had a twinkle in his eye as he spoke.

"Well, I appreciate your feeling that way," Fiyero added, "I think we'll do the vows right out here, where the wildflowers grow. Elphaba is fond of nature…"

"It's your choice," the pastor said, "Do you have rings?"

"Yes," Fiyero answered.

"Fine. I'll do the vows, then the two of you can do the rings. Say what you like to each other. I'm not married to convention on that aspect," the pastor instructed.

"Thank you," Fiyero offered.

Just a short time later, under the warm, afternoon sun, Fiyero saw Mae, Tessy, and Elphaba making their way toward the church. It was a clear day, like only a storm can create. It looked as though the world was lit by a bright splash of cerulean ink, tossed across the canvas of the sky. The sun set the fields afire in hues of amber and gold, and the rich smell of spring promised new growth, and new life.

As Elphaba came closer, Fiyero's breath caught. She was wearing the same dress she'd worn when he'd first seen her in the barley field. It was ivory, as he remembered, and left her arms bare so that her emerald skin was set off by the color of the soft fabric. She had pulled off her boots to walk barefoot across the soft grass, and she'd clearly let Tessy fix her hair. It was pulled up loosely, with curls piled atop her head. The bottom portion fell around her in dark waves. She'd let Tessy put little flowers in her it, which was a beautiful effect against the ebony color of her hair.

When she got close enough to speak, she threw out, "I know…it's all a bit girly for me."

Fiyero couldn't answer, as his heart leapt up into his throat. Elphaba seemed to understand, and she smiled at him, "You don't look bad herself," she teased, but her eyes told him she meant it.

The pastor and the four of them gathered together amidst the wildflowers then, and he began by reminding them all of what the Bible had to say about the enduring nature of love. Then, the pastor read the traditional wedding vows, having both Elphaba and Fiyero repeat them. It was nice, Fiyero thought. They were timeless words.

I take thee Elphaba, to be my wedded wife,

To have and to hold, for better or worse,

For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,

Forsaking all others, for as long as we both shall live.

Then, Fiyero took out the rings, and gave his to Elphaba. He held hers in his hand and took a breath, "I'm going to be a little untraditional about this now," he said as an explanation, "and if you want, you can do the same," he offered. He slid the ring on her finger and said, "Fae…there's no one else in this world like you. There's no one else in Oz like you. But I am more convinced now than ever that it has little to do with being green, or being a child of both worlds. You're the only person who makes me feel complete. Perhaps our beginning was rocky, but I love you. I love you no matter who you've been or what you will become. I will love you when the passion is gone and we are old and fading. I need no one else, ever," with that, he choked himself up and couldn't say anymore, for fear of the tears falling.

Elphaba studied him, turning his ring over in her hand and absorbing his words. She looked awestruck and wide-eyed, and then she smiled. It was a rare, genuine smile. It lit up her face, and proved she was beautiful.

"Fiyero," she whispered, "I need you. You saw it in me the first day…we loved each other. I needed someone to show me that love exists. No one would envy your mission, to love a wicked witch. It has been hard, I have been hard. But I need you. For me, that is more significant than to say I love you. I need you," she slipped his ring on his finger then, and Fiyero kissed her, without waiting for the pastor's approval.

After concluding the ceremony and exchanging long hugs with Mae and Tessy, they signed the papers the pastor had brought to make their wedding official. Elphaba was not nearly as afraid as she had imagined. She smiled in spite of herself as they made their way back to the house.

What waited for them filled Elphaba with humble gratitude. Mae and her farmhands had filled the kitchen with food. The whole house was alive the scent of fresh corn bread, biscuits, warm gravy, fresh pies, roasted vegetables and sweet corn. She'd even baked a cake with real sugar and sweet frosting made from honey. Mae had cooked no meat, out of respect for Elphaba's love of animals. Wilbur had asked a few of the men from town to bring their instruments and play dancing music, and some of their children played with Dorothy in the yard. Elphaba went straight to Mae and embraced her, unable to speak her gratitude.

"We've come a long way," Mae simply said, "from when you wouldn't dare to smile at me…"

Elphaba nodded, and allowed herself to be led by Mae to where the food awaited. It was a truly splendid party, and all involved feasted well and danced until the sun began to sink below the horizon.

As the others began to leave for the night, Elphaba found Fiyero in the living room, talking with Adrian. They were good men, both of them, she thought, to have made their peace. She pulled Fiyero up from the sofa and laced her fingers through his. She looked at him with smoldering eyes, and he knew. He followed her to thank Mae for all she had done, and to thank Tessy for witnessing their wedding. Without a backward glance, they climbed the stairs.

Elphaba pulled Fiyero into her bedroom, their bedroom, and shut the door. She latched it with nimble fingers and drew the curtains shut. Fiyero lit the lamps, and Elphaba met him at the foot of the bed. She crashed into him, kissing him with an unbridled fervor that nearly sent him reeling onto the bed behind him. He pulled away though, taking her hands to calm her.

"No," he said softly, "I won't rush this. We have no time limit, no drafty weather creeping in, no hidden agenda or spouses lurking in our subconscious. We have no government spies or terrorists brushing our doorstep. This is you and me, all of us…"

Elphaba touched his face then, studying his features and the dark, rich hue of his skin. She carefully pulled away his shirt and ran her hands over his patterned skin, taking in each diamond. She studied the scars, as though she could heal him, and their past, with her touch.

Fiyero ran his hands over her bare arms, relishing the softness of her skin. He kissed her gently, and carefully pulled the flowers from her hair. He slowly undid the buttons on her dress and let it fall to the floor. She had long since kicked off her shoes, and he slid away her undergarments. He kissed her again, and she reached up and pulled the pins from her hair. Elphaba knew he loved that.

Fiyero stepped back and looked at her, and had to close his eyes for a moment to keep from losing all control. When he opened them again, she stood there, bathed in flickering lamplight. When they had last been together, she had just begun to let him see her naked. They had had maybe two rendezvous in the milky light of the corn exchange before he'd been attacked. The memories didn't do her justice. She'd always been thin, but her time in Kansas had given her more curves. Her skin glowed a rich emerald; her hair tumbled to her waist in a luscious, ebony cascade. She was older, she bore a few more scars, and her body was softened and changed after having bore a child, but her eyes still captivated him. Their rich, dark color drew him in as she watched him.

"You're staring," she finally whispered.

"I can't stop," he finally choked out, "Sweet Oz, Fae…you are indescribable. For so long I truly believed I would never see you again. Do you realize…that I've never seen you like this? In the light?"

"Fiyero," she breathed, and kissed him. She ran her fingers through his hair and over his bare chest. She loosened his trousers and freed him of his clothes. She ran her mouth over his body, exploring and torturing him at the same time.

He finally pulled away and picked her up. He carried her to the bed and laid her back against the pillows. Fiyero kissed her deeply, pressing his body against hers and drawing a moan from deep within her. He ran kisses down her neck, and let himself touch her breasts and the soft skin of her stomach. He kissed all of her, twining his fingers through hers as he worked his way to her thighs. He ran his hand over her hip and down her leg, catching sight of the scars she'd so desperately tried to hide from him in the corn exchange. He touched the inside of her thigh, still angry she had to live with the tangible memory of such horrors. He looked her in the eyes, silently pleading with her to trust him, and then he pressed his lips to the inside of her thigh.

Elphaba felt her body tense, and for a moment she panicked. She had never been so exposed, so naked and uncovered and vulnerable. She had barely begun to let Fiyero really know her body when they had been separated. She forced herself to calm, though, and sunk back into her pillows.

Fiyero's breath on her body was warm, and yet she shivered as he kissed the inside of each thigh, and then let his mouth explore the folds of the most intimate parts of her. She gasped, as the sensation was entirely different than even the pleasures she'd know until now. She trembled as her body ached and responded with a rush that made her feel as though she'd lost all control. She was exposed and vulnerable, and yet she felt riveted to the spot, caught up in the power of a feeling that defied what she knew about lovemaking. Finally, she surrendered to the uncontrollable waves of pleasure from this experience she had so feared.

Fiyero pulled away then, and worked his way back up to her mouth. Elphaba kissed him and moved from beneath him to press him against the pillows. She covered him with her body and felt the heat between them. She remembered the moment in the corn exchange, with the blanket between them, when she knew she would make love to him. So many years later, she wanted him just as much. She took him inside of her then, and relished the feeling of their bodies, fitted so perfectly together. She worked kisses over him and moved against him until he finally pulled away, and gently turned her over. Their limbs tangled in the quilts as he made love to her, pressing his dark skin against hers, kissing her open mouth and taking in the intoxicating scent in her hair.

He could feel her body climax, and he had to brace himself as his body responded. Fiyero was frozen, unable to move, a complete victim of Elphaba Thropp-Tigelaar and her ability to send him half way to heaven. He was breathless and speechless when he finally looked into her eyes. Her chest rose and fell and her body was covered in the shimmer of sweat from fervent lovemaking. Fiyero kissed her gently, because there were no words.

They lost themselves in each other that night, whispering in the darkness, and then holding each other. At some point, Fiyero found Elphaba's oils, which were no longer a necessity, and he covered her in their soft scent, relishing her body, willing in his hands. She tormented him, with her long, exquisite fingers. They tumbled together, pressed each other against the quilts and the wall and drowned in the feeling of each other. They were one flesh, one mind, one soul. And in the light of dawn, they slept together, facing a future that wasn't yet written.