First Encounter
Through the long journey from Oz to Upland(which they also need to go through the forest between the two countries), it spanned two days with rest.
Inside the carriage, a thick silence enveloped Elphaba and Mr Thropp as the landscape outside shifted closer to their destination, Upland.
Elphaba sat quietly on the plush velvet seat, her fingers nervously tracing the intricate decorations of her black silk dress, which enveloped her from neck to ankle like a second skin.
Across from her, Mr. Thropp's eyes were momentarily lost in thought.
“Father, after I get married, will I be able to return to visit Oz?” Elphaba's voice broke the stillness.
Her father hesitated, the weight of the question settling upon them.
“I... I’m not sure. After you marry, you will no longer belong to me. Your ability to visit Oz will depend on the Uplands, not on my wishes. But remember, Oz—your home, and Nessarose and I—will always welcome you back,” he replied, his voice tinged with melancholy.
Elphaba nodded, swallowing the lump forming in her throat.
“I hope this marriage will truly bring peace between us and Upland,” she said, her voice determined despite the fluttering anxiety in her chest.
Mr. Thropp echoed her sentiment with a solemn nod. “They originally insisted we pay reparations for their victory in the war.”
“But didn’t they start it?” Elphaba interjected, her voice rising in indignation.
Mr. Thropp sighed, his expression grave. “Indeed, I refuse to pay them; we do not have the resources. Then they threatened me with invasion unless…” He trailed off, the truth hanging heavily between them.
“Unless I marry his daughter, isn't it?” Elphaba finished for him.
He nodded, weary resignation marking his features.
“Don’t worry, father. I’m willing to sacrifice myself if it means peace for our people. It may save countless innocent lives,” she asserted, her resolve crystallizing in the face of deep uncertainty.
“I love you, Elphaba. If the war can be avoided, I will never force my precious daughter into a marriage without love…” Mr. Thropp took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring.
Before long, the carriage pulled to a halt at the grand gates of the Upland palace.
Mr Thropp stepped out of the carriage. Then Elphaba stepped out, retrieving her solitary suitcase, the only remnant of her past life.
They were ushered into the imperial chamber, where the opulence was overwhelming.
The king and queen of Upland presided over the room with regal grace, their daughter, Galinda Upland, seated poised at their side. Each regal figure wore sumptuous garments that glittered in the ambient light, befitting their elevated status.
“Good afternoon,” Mr. Thropp said, a tinge of respect in his voice.
“Good afternoon,” replied the Highmaster, his tone equally formal.
“You must be Elphaba,” said Larena, her gaze assessing yet kind.
Elphaba nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.
“Galinda, why don’t you take Elphaba on a tour of our palace and show her to her room?” Larena suggested a motherly smile on her face.
“Yes, mother. Follow me,” Galinda chimed, her bright demeanor contrasting sharply with the somber atmosphere Elphaba had just left behind.
Casting a last glance at her father, Elphaba’s worry surfaced again.
“We’re just going to discuss the wedding arrangements,” Larena assured her, and Mr. Thropp shot Elphaba an encouraging smile.
With a tentative smile in return, Elphaba turned to Galinda, who was already waiting with an inviting look.
“Let’s go,” Galinda said, leading the way through the towering archways of the palace.
As they walked down the long corridor, the ceiling dazzled with gilded designs, capturing Elphaba’s wide-eyed wonder.
“Are you okay, Elphaba?” Galinda asked, glancing back when she noticed Elphaba’s gaze transfixed on the lavish decor.
“Hm? Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen such luxurious designs before,” Elphaba replied, her cheeks warming at the admission.
“That’s alright,” Galinda said with an understanding smile.
When they reached double doors that opened to an enormous library, Elphaba peered inside, awe-struck by the countless shelves lined with books of every imaginable genre: volumes of magic, astrology, and much more.
“Wow,” she breathed, astonished by the sheer magnitude of it all.
“If you’d like, you can read or borrow books anytime. Just let Doctor Dillamond know; he takes care of the library,” said Galinda.
“Thank you,” Elphaba replied, her heart lifting at the thought of so many stories waiting for her to be discovered.
“Not a problem,” Galinda said, her smile bright enough to light the dim corridor.
A few moments later, they stepped into the enchanting glass greenhouse garden, where vibrant flowers flourished in an atmosphere of tranquility.
" I call this an interior garden. You can read it here if you like. In springtime, it’s particularly beautiful,” Galinda said, her excitement evident as she gestured around her with a radiant smile.
She doesn’t seem at all like a typical alpha… Elphaba thought, intrigued by Galinda’s warm disposition.
Nodding along, Elphaba took in the scene as they wandered back through the corridor, eventually arriving at a door leading to the royal living quarters.
“Do you want me to help carry your suitcase? It’s still a great distance to the bedrooms,” Galinda offered, concern etching her features.
“Um…,” Elphaba stammered, unsure.
“I mean, you’ve traveled for days; you must be tired. Let me take it for you, alright?” Galinda insisted, reaching out for Elphaba's suitcase. Without a word, Elphaba relinquished her grip.
“Now, let’s go,” Galinda said cheerfully, her energy infectious.
After a brief journey, the two women arrived at the bedroom door.
“So this is your room; mine is next door,” Galinda announced, pointing to the door adjacent to Elphaba's.
Nodding again, Elphaba stepped inside her room, taking in the delicate details of her new room. Galinda held the door open, a subtle gesture meant to reassure Elphaba( for being alone with an alpha).
“Where should I put your suitcase?” Galinda asked after stepping in.
“Just on the couch, please,” Elphaba replied, finally feeling a hint of relaxation.
With a nod, Galinda placed the suitcase gently on the plush couch.
“Alright, take a moment to rest. This evening, the royal butler will notify us when it’s time for dinner,” Galinda said, her vibrant energy leaving a lingering warmth in the room.
And as the afternoon light spilled into her new room, Elphaba contemplated the journey ahead, the weight of her choices pressing on her heart.