Chapter 7
When the sun rose all the women met to figure out the rest of the plan. As they sat at the table eating and talking they all felt a lightness even though the rest of the quest was very dangerous. They laughed like they haven’t in a long time. Elinor was surprised to see her daughter in such high spirits. As she watched on she could see that Merida’s focus was mostly on Mulan. She never thought she would see the day when her daughter found someone. Elinor was happy to see love shine in Merida’s eyes. She just hoped that Mulan would stay behind to keep that shine.
“So, Mulan, will you be staying here a little longer or going back with your friends?”
The room got quiet as all eyes went to the dragon warrior. She looked to Merida, a slight blush showing on her face, “I will stay as long as I am wanted.”
“Then I guess you will be old before you leave,” Merida said with a smile. Elinor smiled at the two.
Red let out a howl as she clapped, “About time!” Dorothy giggled at her girl’s reaction. “I knew this quest would end with both our happy beginnings.”
“For that I am grateful. I have truly found my own pack.” Mulan smiled her shy smile before looking at Merida.
The rest of the day went by fast as Dorothy and Red prepared for their journey. There was much to do to make sure they were ready for a quick exit. Dorothy took time to focus on all she remembered of the door, so as to make sure she fully remembered what she was going for. Her mind creating a picture that she will be able to use quickly.
Red had decided that she would wolf out before they left. Dorothy would wear the red cloak just in case it was needed. Dorothy would ride on her like she has before so they could be fast should they need to run away from the door. If a retreat was needed they would come back to Merida’s meeting room and regroup again. If they had to do that Merida planned on calling her armies to make it happen. She would rather avoid that but would do what needed to be done for her friends.
As the sun set they stood in the meeting room doing the last of the preparations. With Dorothy stocked up on bolts, Red turned into her wolf. Merida and Mulan pet her head, an action she would not let just anyone do, but she found her family, her pack, and their touches calmed her as well as gave her strength. They would see each other again, Ruby would make sure of that.
Dorothy found that she was going to miss the two. She was so used to being on her own that she was surprised she felt a connection with these people like she did. She just hoped they got through this so they could find another again. She made a mental note to find a way to contact them when they were not in the same realm. Hugging the two she started to tap her heels together focusing on the door. Smoke filled the air and the two were gone.
“I’m going to miss them.” Mulan stated.
“We will see them again. As you said they are pack and packs stick together.” Merida said as she grabbed Mulan’s hand and kissed her cheek. Mulan felt herself blush, deciding that she was going to love getting used to such affection.
When the smoke cleared they were right in front of the door. Dorothy grabbed the door handle and opened it. An arrow flew past her into the opened entrance. Without hesitation both women ran through the door. Arrows flew towards them but they did not come through the door as it shut.
Looking around they took in the cold atmosphere of the new realm. Ruby stayed wolf to keep warm. Her cloak would help should she go human but Dorothy needed it right now. Dorothy searched but did not see anyone. When Snow told them about the witch she said she was easy to find once in the door. No one came out. Dorothy looked to Red trying to figure out what to do.
Red willed Dorothy to see what she wanted her to do. Yell out for the witch, surely she would be the only one here. Dorothy nodded that she did understand. Looking out she took a breath, “Glinda!” She took a few steps forward, Ruby following close behind. “Glinda!” Nothing.
Looking around some more Dorothy noticed a cave. She pointed it out to Red who sniffed the air. Red moved forward first and Dorothy armed herself. Red sniffed the air trying to find any sign of enemy or the witch. With slow steps they finally made it to the cave. When they made it to the entrance Red smelled a fire. Still being cautious she took careful steps, Dorothy not far behind.
When they made it to the fire they found an old woman shivering. “Glinda?” Dorothy asked and the woman looked to her.
“Dorothy?” Was whispered as the woman shivered.
Dorothy smiled, “Yes, and we are here to save you.”
“Thank the gods,” The woman said as she smiled back, “I was running out of steam to keep myself going.”
“Well then let's get you back home.” Dorothy walked over to the woman, grabbing her hand and she turned to Red grabbing her fur. With three clicks of her heels they were back at the table of witches. The other two were waiting for them.
Wasting no time the other two helped Glinda to her seat. They looked to Dorothy then pointed to the seat to the west. Nodding, Dorothy took her seat to the west. Holding hands the witch of the north spoke, “Let us be balanced once again.”
Magick flowed around them and shot up into the sky then flowing out around the realm. Flowers began to grow and laughter could be heard from their seats. When it was done Dorothy let out a sigh. She felt at peace, one with all that was around. For the first time she felt like she understood what could be and what she should be grateful for.
Red had turned back and Dorothy gave the red cloak back. “Looks like things are back as they should be,” Red said as she secured the cloak.
“Finally we have found balance again,” Glinda said as she smiled between the two. She had gained her ageless appearance again.
“Can I leave?” Dorothy asked.
“As long as you come back when we need you, yes.” Galinda smiled wide. “Just keep an eye on your pendant, should it change colors you will need to come to us.”
Dorothy looked at the necklace then back to the other witches, “I will come when I am needed.” Looking to Red she smiled, “But we have friends we must see and other adventures.”
Red smiled wide as she took in the woman that had stolen her heart, “Agreed.”
“Pack is important, just remember, we are a part of it as well.” The witch of the north said with a smile.
With the blessings of her sister witches Dorothy grabbed Red’s hand and left smoke behind as they went forth for their new adventure.