Raincheck

The evening did not end as emotionally charged as either expected it to once Nessa left. Maybe because it was all so much to process in just the two days Elphaba’s dream pulling had come to light. Oz, had it really only been days?

Galinda held Elphaba in the minutes following her sister's departure while the older girl's heart calmed and her tears slowed. A light knock at their door heralded the arrival of two bowls of warm stew, so they moved to the balcony to eat their dinner. 

Galinda wrapped a blanket tightly around Elphaba's shoulders while she pulled on a sweater and draped a blanket over her bare legs. They ate and looked out over the courtyard, watching small groups of students move between buildings and begin settling in for the night ahead of classes resuming the next day. 

Elphaba set her empty bowl off to the side and let her eyes drift to Galinda, who had eaten half of her portion and absentmindedly pushed around the rest. "Not very  hungry?" Elphaba asked quietly, a small smile appearing as the blonde startled abruptly. 

"Oh! No, I'm…" Galinda sighed, closing her eyes and bringing a hand to rub her forehead. "I have a bit of a headache." Elphaba frowned, leaning forward and reaching for the blonde's hand. 

"It's been a long day. Shall we go in?" Elphaba's voice gave out at her final word, and she coughed into her shoulder to clear her throat. Galinda gave her a sympathetic pout and nodded, standing and taking both bowls. 

"Yes, yes—we should get you back into bed. You need to rest," Galinda said, motioning for Elphaba to enter the suite ahead of her. Elphaba stumbled, hesitating momentarily before stepping inside and moving toward the bed. Galinda was so quick to dismiss how she was feeling in favor of Elphaba's well-being. She assessed the blonde carefully, recalling the slight waver her voice had taken on over the evening and how distant her eyes seemed now. Something isn’t right. 

Elphaba returned to the bed and quietly watched Galinda move around their room as she prepared their space for the rest of the night, turning off desk lamps and blowing out a candle she had lit earlier. She was about to ask Galinda if she was feeling alright when the blonde suddenly seemed to shake off her growing exhaustion, toss tossing her hair and turning to Elphaba with a bright smile. 

"Let's get you cozy, yes?" Galinda said, taking two bouncing steps toward her, bending down to place an indulgent kiss on Elphaba's forehead before pulling their newly knitted blanket farther up the bed. The older girl smiled at her and pulled back the blanket on Galinda's side, patting the mattress in invitation for her to get in. 

After Galinda climbed in and turned off the light on her nightstand, she saw Elphaba holding her arms out to her while propped a little higher up on the pillows. "Come here," Elphaba said softly, the sweetest smile spreading across her face, making Galinda's heart backflip. She moved forward and sighed as her head came to rest comfortably on Elphaba's chest, her left arm wrapping around her waist, hand slipping just under the hem of her shirt to run along the smooth, emerald skin of the older girl's back. 

"Your fever has gone down," Galinda happily—sleepily—reported, turning to press a kiss to her jaw. She snuggled in closer, unaware that Elphaba was internally celebrating at the upper hand Galinda had just unknowingly given her. "The tonic must have helped."

"It has. Thanks to you, I'm on the mend," Elphaba said. "I meant what I said earlier - I wouldn't be surprised if I'm feeling worlds better by this time tomorrow." She turned to kiss Galinda's forehead. Warm. "You've taken wonderful care of me, my sweet." 

Galinda sighed contently, nestling her leg between Elphaba's to press even closer. "You still have to take it easy tomorrow. No class for you," Galinda mumbled against her collarbone, sleep taking over quickly. 

Elphaba smiled against golden hair. "Only if you'll stay with me."

"'Kay," the blonde murmured before quickly drifting off to sleep. 

~~~

When Elphaba woke next, she had no sense of how much time had passed since she fell asleep rubbing Galinda's back. The room was as dark as it ever was, with only the light of the moon shining through the balcony door from where it hung in the sky. There was minimal cloud cover at night this time of year, so the stars twinkled brightly, creating an even more magical atmosphere than typically felt around Shiz.

Elphaba hadn't yet moved since waking and enjoyed the warm, relaxed feeling in her muscles. She kept her breath even, pleased to note that while the ache in her chest remained present, the heavy, wet feeling had all but disappeared, and she no longer felt painful shivers throughout her body, meaning her temperature had likely stabilized. Her time in Galinda's steam room had really done wonders. 

A tiny squeak to her left suddenly caught her attention, and she opened her eyes. First, staring up at the ceiling as she began to collect herself and let her eyes adjust. Another barely audible squeak from her left had her head turning, and she saw Galinda standing at her desk, slowly opening a drawer and extracting a handkerchief before quietly dipping forward and stifling a silent sneeze into it. Oh, Galinda. 

The older girl stayed silent and hoped she wasn't discovered to be awake yet. She knew Galinda wasn’t feeling well.

The blonde ran her free hand through her hair and closed her eyes. She winced as her hand came into contact with the stiff muscles on her neck, squeezing gently. Her lips fell open as her breath suddenly caught-

"Hh'mmptchiii! … hh'hh… hh'mptchiew!" She sneezed breathlessly, barely managing to catch them in the handkerchief, and unfortunately—for her— forgetting to try and stifle them into complete silence. Her eyes quickly flicked to the bed to see if she'd awoken Elphaba, and her shoulders fell when she saw tired, emerald eyes gazing at her from the bed.  

"Oh, I'm sorry to wake you, Elphie," she whispered, returning to the bed. She sat on the edge and reached out to lightly rub a hand across Elphaba's chest and collarbone. "Go back to sleep." 

Elphaba gazed at Galinda, taking in her exhausted expression and adorably pink nose. Her cheeks were lightly flushed, and her eyes now had a feverish sheen. Poor thing. 

"You too," she rasped back to her, clearing her throat carefully before attempting to continue. She reached up and ran her hand along Galinda's arm, the blonde's hand still lightly resting on her chest. "Come back to bed." 

Galinda nodded. "I'll just pop into the bathroom and come right back." 

While she waited, Elphaba began to brainstorm how she'd handle a sick Galinda, anticipating her intent on denying she was ill until her last breath. Getting the blonde to rest or relax, especially while Elphaba was still mildly under the weather herself, would be a challenge. 

The sound of another half-stifled sneeze reached her ears from the bathroom, and she flinched. Poor thing. She needs to stop holding them in like that. No wonder she went to sleep with a headache. The bathroom door opened, and Galinda emerged, tip-toeing to the bed in case Elphaba had fallen back asleep already. Ahh, that's an idea. 

Elphaba let her eyes flutter shut sleepily, pretending to be drifting in and out of sleep. She lifted a sleepy hand toward the blonde as she approached her side of the bed. "C'mere," she mumbled, motioning for Galinda to join her. 

Galinda chuckled and crawled back into bed. Elphaba proceeded to wrap herself around her, holding her tightly. "I'm cold," she mumbled again into Galinda's neck, waiting to see if she'd take the bait. 

She did. Galinda scooted down deeper into the bed and under their new blanket, turning her body to more easily hold Elphaba in her arms— thus allowing Elphaba to wrap hers around the smaller girl more tightly. "I'll keep you warm, darling. Just go back to sleep." 

Elphaba's heart clenched. No, I'll keep you warm, darling. Galinda's body trembled slightly with what the Elphaba was sure was the beginning of fever chills. She knew it. Poor thing. She had a feeling the only way she would get Galinda to rest for the next couple of days properly was to make it seem as though the older girl needed comfort or tending to. She could work with that. 

Galinda sniffled quietly. Elphaba ran her hands up and down the blonde's back and nuzzled her nose against her neck, playing up her exhaustion by keeping her eyes closed and her voice weak "…you’re sniffly," she mumbled, trying to sound half-asleep, preparing to play her comments off as a sleep talking. 

"Oh, I'm fine, sweets," Galinda said, sniffling quietly again, running her hands up and down Elphaba's back. She gently cleared her throat. "I'm just fine." 

~~~

Galinda was decidedly not fine when she woke the following day. She raised a trembling hand toward her pounding head, her arm feeling ten times heavier than usual. “Lurline…" she whispered weakly, wincing as she cracked her eyes open. 

She turned her head slowly to the right and was grateful to find Elphaba fast asleep, hand curled loosely near her lips, resting on her pillow. The blonde smiled at how sweet the other girl appeared and noted that she seemed to be sleeping more comfortably now than she had since first falling ill days prior. Bracing herself, Galinda slowly rolled toward the edge of the bed, delaying the moment she'd have to push herself upright as long as possible, knowing her head would start pounding in earnest.

When Galinda was finally on her feet—unsteady, much to her dismay—she began planning the day. They were both skipping classes, so that was good. They needed breakfast, possibly more tonic in case Elphaba's fever returned, and something new to fill their time in the afternoon. Maybe she could track down more yarn and teach Elphaba to knit properly. 

Galinda finally reached the bathroom and flipped the light on, eyeing the towels still on the floor by the empty tub with dismay. She had neglected to clean the space up properly before they went to sleep last night. After using the facilities to freshen up, she bent down to pick up the towels but quickly lost her balance and landed hard on her knees on the tile floor. She hissed as pain shot up her thighs.

Just take a breath. Galinda closed her eyes and tried to slow her pounding heart from the sudden fall. She was unbearably lightheaded and feeling weak. Abandoning the towels, she used the tub's edge to push herself up and turned around slowly, carefully sitting on the edge and giving herself a few moments to settle. She gripped the tub's edge firmly and leaned forward, placing her head almost entirely between her knees as she slowly breathed in, and out… 

Oh. Galinda's eyes shot open while her head remained down between her knees. The last time she felt like this was the week of her boarding school pageant, years before she arrived at Shiz. There was so much pressure on the contestants as the pageant drew closer and the schedule for the girls participating was so tight, and none of them had been eating regularly—

No, no—that can't be right. She’d been eating. She had the stew last night. Galinda rapidly ran through their last few meals from the weekend…and was startled to realize she hadn't eaten an adequate meal since Elphaba first fell ill. 

Yesterday, the stew, that was dinner… breakfast yesterday was oatmeal. Did Galinda have any? No, she only had a couple of pieces of fruit. Saturday… did she—there was bread, right? And that was soup-for-breakfast-Saturday. She brought Elphaba that delicious creamy tomato soup in the morning, but did Galinda have any? 

"Oh, Oz—Friday?" Galinda whispered as she finished her calculations and confirmed that—before last night’s stew—her last real meal was two whole days ago. She was usually much better about things like this. She made sure Elphaba was eating properly, she was certain of that, at least. 

Well. This was something she could address quickly. The revelation seemed to give Galinda new energy. She finished her morning routine and quietly tip-toed out of the room in search of breakfast.

~~~

Elphaba woke to sharp knocking at her door. She sat up abruptly, looking every which way, not seeing Galinda anywhere in the room. Disoriented from the harsh awakening, but feeling significantly better than she had the day before, Elphaba swung her legs out from under the blankets, fumbled for her froat hanging on the bedpost, and went to open the door. 

Fiyero stood on the other side of the threshold, holding a grumpy, pale Galinda in his arms. Nessa was behind him, a tray holding two bowls of savory-smelling broth, rice, and a couple of smaller bowls filled with other items in her lap. Elphaba's stomach dropped straight to the floor. 

"What's going on?" Elphaba asked frantically, voice coming out hoarsely as it was being used the first time that morning. Fiyero entered swiftly and deposited Galinda, upright, onto her bed. The blonde immediately closed her eyes and leaned heavily on one hand, bringing the other up to massage her forehead. 

Fiyero turned to Elphaba while Nessa deposited the breakfast tray onto Elphaba's desk. "Your sister and I found this one,"he began, gesturing flamboyantly in Galinda's direction. "With her head between her knees, sitting on a bench outside the cafe. When asked what in Oz she was doing and if she was alright, she said—"he paused, turning to Nessa. "What was it again?"  

Nessa cleared her throat. "I believe it was—"Elphaba gave a frustrated huff, already prepared to be irritated with Galinda and whatever excuse or explanation she tried offering them to explain her poor state. "—'No. I'm afraid I'm not alright. Would you please help me back to my room.'"

Elphaba nearly choked. "Wait, what?" She was already outlining the speech she would be giving the blonde about how exactly the next few days would be going, where the blonde could expect to find herself resting, and how she needed to take care of herself or let someone else help her—

What Elphaba did not expect was…a surrender. Neither did Fiyero, from the way he was vigorously nodding. "Yes, exactly." He pulled a small cloth bag from his pocket. "I ran to the infirmary while Nessa sat with Lady Upland over here to pick up a few things so you wouldn't have to venture out later. I believe you're still under the weather yourself?" 

Elphaba shrugged. "Mostly on the mend, but yes. Thank you, I appreciate that, Fiyero." The prince stepped back toward the door where Elphaba still door, Nessa following him close behind. They both cast one more look at Galinda, who hadn't moved from the spot where she'd been sitting before turning back to Elphaba. Nessa gave her a sympathetic smile and exited the room. 

Fiyero lingered, catching her eye and handing her the cloth bag. "She's burning up," he said quietly. Elphaba nodded and squeezed his forearm in thanks. "I'll bring dinner for you two later. Send someone to find me if you need anything else today." He gave Elphaba a kind smile and a wink before following Nessa down the hall. 

The door clicked shut, and Elphaba turned around. Galinda still had not moved—hand gently massaging her forehead, leaning heavily to the side while the other hand kept her propped upright. 

"Galinda," Elphaba whispered sadly, walking toward the poor girl and stopping directly in front of her. As Galinda did to her just the other day, Elphaba gently pressed forward, encouraging the blonde to open her legs and let Elphaba come closer to her. The older girl raised her hands and cradled Galinda's face, running her thumbs over flushed cheeks. 

Galinda finally opened her eyes and dropped her hands. She looked up and made eye contact with Elphaba, wincing as a sharp pain bounced between her temples. "I’m afraid I’m not feeling very well, Elphie.”

Elphaba's heart broke at the weakly whispered confession. "I know, my sweet." She bent down slightly to kiss the blonde's burning forehead. "I'm so sorry." Galinda sighed heavily and leaned forward, pressing her forehead to Elphaba's stomach, wrapping her arms around the older girl and nuzzling her face against the soft shirt. 

A faint mumbling could be heard and felt against her stomach, making Elphaba smile. "What was that?" She asked, angling her head down to peek at the blonde. Galinda turned her head and pressed the side of her face to Elphaba's stomach instead so she could be heard. 

"Do you want tea?" Galinda asked, speaking softly to avoid setting off any more shooting pain along her forehead. 

"Yes, tea sounds lovely. Do you want tea?" She slowly unwrapped Galinda's arms when she felt her nod, much to the other girl's dismay. "I will take care of that—you stay right there." She gently guided the girl to scoot over and move up the bed to recline against the pillows. "We'll get you changed into more comfortable clothes in a few. Any preference for tea?"

Galinda nodded again before suddenly freezing and bringing a hand up to cover her eyes and forehead, making Elphaba worry. She seemed to have a terrible headache right now. "There's a lemon black tea blend in my little…" Galinda waved her hand toward the bottom of the tea cart where she had kept a mauve-colored box. Elphaba had seen her go into the box occasionally, knowing it was where the blonde kept her smaller batches of tea. 

When Elphaba opened the box, she was hit by the strong scent of chamomile and lemon. "Oh, I think I've had this before," she exclaimed, looking at the familiar sachet. Galinda smiled, pleased. 

"It's from the cutest little tea shop in Frottica. I'll take you there." Galinda settled comfortably against the pillows while Elphaba started the water, continuing to whisper on about the tea shop, in an effort to distract herself and take her mind off how poorly she was beginning to feel. "Popsicle and the owner are good friends. They may have grown up together, I can’t recall exactly. She always sends me new blends. You'd love her new white tea…" 

~~~ 

Before

~~~

Dulcibear stood to the left of the Governor with the rest of the household staff lined up behind her. To the Governor's right stood First Minister Darlan, who recently arrived from his personal trip to Frottica in Gillikin. They awaited an ornate golden carriage as it rumbled up the grand driveway to deliver them their guest of honor. 

"Remind me, again, Minister—how did you come to extend an invitation to visit Colwen Grounds to the Highmuster Arduenna while on your personal visit to Gillikin?" The Governor spoke quietly, not wanting his irritation with the noble's visit to be known. 

First Minister Darlan smiled pleasantly—glancing to Dulcibear to give her a wink—but did not turn to look at the Governor directly. "Highmuster Arduenna is patron of a charity I'm involved with in Frottica. We crossed paths at an event, and when he learned I was the First Minister of Munchkinland, he expressed interest in visiting—you, specifically, Frexspar—to compliment you on your exports of poppy by-products. He said the fashion industry in his state is thriving because of our colored dyes and pigments." 

Darlan looked at the Governor and was relieved to see the praise for his economic prowess had helped to relax him, the man's face settling into something calmer than before. "He mentioned his young daughter was particularly fond of the 'pink' our spring poppies produce." 

Governor Thropp affixed a crooked smile to his face once the carriage stopped before the grand staircase. The doors opened, and out stepped a tall, golden-haired man wearing an expensive-looking suit with cream, white, and mauve accents. His top hat just barely skimmed the top of the carriage as he exited yet it gracefully stayed atop his head. When he stood to his full height, he would tower over Frexspar. 

"Governor Thropp," Highmuster Arduenna greeted, his tone joyful and carrying a laugh. "Thank you kindly for allowing me to visit. It has been some time since I've stepped foot in Munchkinland." The Gillikinese noble bounded up the stone staircase and took Frexspar's hand firmly in a vigorous handshake. He turned to greet the First Minister in kind. 

"Hello, First Minister Darlan! Thanks to you for helping arrange this visit as well. I very much look forward to continuing our conversation from the charity gala." Highmuster boomed, glancing over the line of staff. "And a warm hello to you all!"

“Welcome, Highmuster Arduenna. It is an honor to have you at my home. Come, Dulcibear here will show you to your chambers. Dinner will be at sunset." Governor Thropp offered stiffly, a strange crooked smile still plastered to his face. He waved Dulcibear over to escort Highmuster inside while he guided the First Minister to his office to discuss strategy for navigating the rest of the noble's visit. 

Dulcibear bowed as Highmuster Arduenna turned his attention to her. She waved the household staff down the steps to collect the noble's travel chests and instructed them to bring them to his guest chambers and unpack what was appropriate. 

“Welcome, Highmuster Arduenna. I am Dulcibear. I run the Governor's household," she said kindly, turning toward the manor and waiting on their guest to take a step forward, indicating he would follow. He did not. He stared at her for a moment longer before moving closer, entering her space a bit more than typically considered appropriate. 

"Hello, Dulcibear," Highmuster said, smiling calmly. "I have heard wonderful things about you from our dearfriend, Darlan. I understand we have much to discuss while I am here." He stared intently into her eyes. "I was surprised the Governor's children were not present to greet me. Why, I'm no Wizard of Oz, by any means, but still—will they be dining with us this evening?"

Dulcibear returned his gaze with similar intensity. "The Governor's younger daughter, Miss Nessarose, will be in attendance. I'm afraid his eldest—Miss Elphaba—has been unwell and confined to her chambers in the West Wing." Oz, she hoped Darlan was right about this man. 

"Ah, I see." Highmuster Arduenna held his hand out before him to inspect his fingernails needlessly. A muscle in his cheek twitched as his jaw clenched. "My daughter enjoys a delightful lemon tea when she is under the weather. I always travel with a few sachets—I will leave some for young Miss Elphaba." 

"I am sure the Governor will be most grateful and appreciative of your kind gesture." Dulcibear took a breath. "Your guest chambers are located in the…East Wing, Highmuster. Where the Governor and Miss Nessarose reside, as do I. Please follow me, and I will show you the way." 

A booming laugh echoed from Highmuster as the household staff came stumbling up the stairs carrying his luggage. "Well done, gentleman! Excellent!" He turned to greet the munchkins hauling his chests up the stairs. "Onward then, to the West Wing! Miss Dulcibear, thank you for accommodating me and moving my guest chambers with such little notice. I do so enjoy—"the man waved his hand in the air, seemingly searching for words "—the west." He gave her one last meaningful look and winked before following his luggage into the manor. 

 ~~~