Elphaba stepped off the worn wooden dock, her boots crunching on the sandy shore of Aethereia. The air was thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers and the sweet taste of magic. She breathed it in, feeling the weight of Oz slowly lifting from her shoulders.
As she made her way through the sleepy village, Elphaba couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the locals. They seemed to sense something about her, something that made them wary and watchful. But it wasn't just her green skin - the villagers' skin tones ranged from deep ebony to creamy alabaster, with every shade in between. Elphaba's own unique complexion was just another variation in the diverse crowd.
She found a small, unassuming inn on the outskirts of town, the sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The Golden Acacia, it was called. Elphaba pushed open the door, a bell above it jingle-jingleing as she entered.
The innkeeper, a warm and welcoming woman named Aria, greeted her with a steaming mug of tea and a kind smile. "Welcome, traveler. You're just in time for dinner. We don't get many strangers here."
Elphaba took a sip of the tea, feeling the warmth spread through her. As she set the mug down, her eyes scanned the inn, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the few patrons scattered about. But her gaze lingered on a figure in the corner, shrouded in shadows.
Aria followed her gaze, a hint of unease crossing her face. "Ah, don't mind him. That's just Eamon. He's been coming in here for weeks, always watching..."
Elphaba's instincts pricked. She had felt like someone was watching her for days, ever since she arrived in Aethereia. At first, she thought it was just paranoia, a leftover from her days on the run in Oz. But the feeling only intensified, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
As she pondered, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting a message from...no one. But the screen lit up with a single message:
"Welcome to Aethereia, Elphaba."
Her heart skipped a beat. How did they know her name? And how did they get her phone number?
Eamon pushed back his hood, revealing piercing green eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. His skin had a warm, golden undertone, and his dark hair was flecked with silver at the temples. "You have a message, my dear," he said, his voice low and gravelly.
Elphaba's fingers trembled as she looked up at him. It was him. He was the one watching her. But why?
Elphaba squared her shoulders, her green skin seeming to glow with determination. She stood up, her eyes never leaving Eamon's, and walked over to him. "You're the one who's been watching me," she said, her voice firm despite the nervous flutter in her chest.
Eamon's eyes cr crled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze flicking to Aria and the other patrons, who were all watching with interest. "I prefer to think of it as... observing," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Please, join me."
Elphaba hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. But her curiosity got the better of her. She sat down across from Eamon, her eyes locked on his.
Aria appeared at their table, a mug of steaming tea in hand. "Can I get you anything else?" she asked, her tone neutral.
Eamon smiled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Just the company, for now, thank you, Aria."
As Aria walked away, Elphaba leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you want from me?"
Eamon's smile grew wider, his eyes gl glinting with amusement. "I want to talk about your... unique abilities, Elphaba. And the message, of course. I sent it, yes."
Elphaba's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected as much. But what did he want with her powers?