Chapter Text
Elphaba always felt more at home in the trees surrounding her family's farm than in the open fields. There was something grounding about having living things larger than yourself surrounding you.
Walking along the trail, Elphaba let her mind wander back to the patients she'd seen with Dr. Dillamond that day. A broken bone, a new baby, a farming accident, and old Mr. Igo who was nearing the end of his life and just needed a kind ear.
She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't hear the hoof-beats until the Horse and rider were upon her. She yelled in surprise as she tripped and fell into the brush trying to avoid the Horse's hooves.
"Whoa!"
"I did not see her!"
With a huff, Elphaba ignored the outstretched hand and climbed to her feet.
"Is this how you go through life? Trampling anyone in your path?!" She demanded.
The Horse gave a coughing snort, as if stifling laughter.
"I'm so sorry miss. You must have…….blended with the foliage…." She watched his eyes widen as he noted her appearance.
Here we go. Elphaba drew herself up, and began her practiced lines.
"No I am not seasick."
"Neither am I."
"No I did not eat grass as a child."
"Oh you didn't? I did!" Elphaba heard the Horse snicker again.
"And yes. I have always been green."
"And the defensiveness? Is that a recent development?" He threw her a small, self-deprecating smile, tilting his head as he did so.
Elphaba waited for more. The disbelief, the derision, the recoiling. When none came she narrowed her eyes and turned away.
"I'm off for some more trampling. May we offer you a ride?"
She didn't even slow down. "No thanks. Get stuffed."
The last thing she heard was the Horse finally losing it and laughing in deep, loud bursts.
~~~
Trying to enter the house quietly, Elphaba listened for the sounds of her father. He was likely the only one still awake as Nessa was in the habit of retiring early. Coming home after dark was something Frex deeply frowned on. After all, night was not the Unnamed God's domain. He only ruled over the light.
Sliding the latch back into place with a soft clink, Elphaba slipped off her boots and prepared to avoid the creaky step at the bottom of the stairs. The door to her father's study opened. She cursed under her breath.
"Elphaba, where have you been?"
She slowly turned to face him, resigned to the incoming lecture.
"I was out making rounds with Dr. Dillamond today. I told you this morning."
"That is no reason to be getting home after dark. If you cannot maintain proper behavior, I see no reason for you to continue your studies with the doctor."
Elphaba's heart lurched. Her training meant everything to her! It was the one way she could make her way out of this house and start loving her own life.
Elphaba made herself lower her head. "My apologies Father. I'll do better next time."
Frex pursed his lips. "See that you do. I won't have you neglecting your household duties to go waltzing around the county. You are dismissed."
Elphaba stole up the stairs and quickly entered her room. Kneeling, she flipped back the worn rug and pried the loose floor board up with her fingernails. Reaching into the small space, she drew out the jar. She quickly placed the small amount of money Dr. Dillamond had given her in payment for her work and replaced the jar.
It was all the money Elphaba had in the world. And one day, she'd take it and get far away from Munckinland, maybe even to the Emerald City where the Wonderful Wizard of Oz lived. She fell asleep with a smile on her face, dreaming of her future.
~~~
After breakfast, Elphaba and Nessa sat in the great room, each occupied with their own task; Nessa reading her scriptures, and Elphaba reading The Daily Ozian. They both looked up when Frex walked in.
"With my time being more occupied with the souls of the congregation, now that we've settled, I've hired a farm hand. He arrives today and we will meet him in town this afternoon. I expect you both to behave with the decorum and the propriety that benefits your station as minister's daughters. Elphaba, this means you are to relinquish the outdoor chores and return your focus to the household duties."
Frex leveled her with a look that displayed exactly what he thought of Elphaba doing manual labor, conveniently forgetting the fact that Elphaba only started doing the chores when Frex moved them away from Nest Hardings to this small farming town to preach the news of the Unnamed God.
Someone had to do them to keep the household going and it certainly wasn't going to be Frex.
"We leave at noon and I expect you to look presentable."
"Yes Father."
Elphaba didn't bother responding, she'd never meet Frex's idea of 'presentable' no matter what she was wearing.