Chapter Text
Your baby is now full-grown and ready to meet you. As he nears delivery, his body systems are all mature and prepared to survive outside the womb. His fat cells continue to form and will provide him with the insulation he needs once he leaves his cosy home. The fat will also give him irresistibly chubby cheeks!
♥
Once the press caught on that the fifth in line to the throne had been born, there seemed to always be at least three reporters not so- discreetly hanging around outside the manor. Ordinarily, this would have infuriated Elphaba. She valued nothing more than their privacy, and always complained that she got stared at enough outside of the house, let alone in it. But she barely registered their presence, she was too utterly transfixed on her son.
Ashur was now three days old, and he could be easily forgiven for thinking that the world revolved around him. The manor suddenly seemed to be way too small to fit the sudden influx of people who were there every single day.
Izanami was still staying at the manor, to simply help Elphaba and Fiyero get themselves and Ashur into a routine and for any reason they may need. Likewise, Galinda and Boq were there and completely enthralled with their roles as godparents. Nessa and Halim were also spending a lot of time at the manor, and Ibrahim and Kasmira usually came around at least once a day. Kastle and Anton had come by, although more sparingly than the others, knowing from experience how crowded and overwhelming it was. They had brought Noak and Aaylis with them that morning to meet their new cousin, and Noak had been delighted to find that it was a boy and he’d have someone to play with.
Rayen had visited, as had Malea and Jewel, who was now only four weeks away from having her own baby. And people from all throughout the Vinkus were sending gifts, including, due to the timing of Ashur’s birth, a fig tree. Elphaba and Fiyero had laughed about that, and had it planted in the back garden.
As for Elphaba and Fiyero themselves, they were exhausted, happy and in Elphaba’s case, still highly hormonal and emotional. And the birth of his son seemed to have made Fiyero oddly philosophical.
“It all led to him,” he said softly one morning, watching Elphaba feed Ashur in the nursery.
Elphaba looked up in confusion. “What did?”
Fiyero came into the room, kneeling down beside her to stroke Ashur’s head gently. “Everything. Us. How we met, breaking up, getting back together, eloping. It all led to him.”
Elphaba thought about that for a moment and then smiled. “I guess so.”
Her gaze drifted back to Ashur and she sighed. “He’s so tiny.”
“Yeah. How can someone so tiny be so loud?” Fiyero asked.
Elphaba rolled her eyes. “Please. You don’t even hear him during the night.”
Fiyero grimaced apologetically. “Sorry. How’s he doing?”
“Hungry,” Elphaba chuckled. “But he had a big morning, so I guess that’s understandable.”
Ashur had been circumcised that morning, which he had coped with a lot better than Fiyero had.
Elphaba had just lifted the baby to her shoulder to burp him when there was a knock on the door. Elphaba and Fiyero both looked up to see Frex in the doorway.
Elphaba was admittedly surprised. Her father had come over with the rest of the family the day after Ashur was born to properly meet the new addition, but he hadn’t been by since. He hadn’t even held his grandson yet.
“Am I interrupting?” Frex asked them.
“No, come on in,” Elphaba replied.
Frex entered the room and looked at her. “Could I have a moment?”
Elphaba only paused for a moment before nodding, looking up at Fiyero.
“Give us a sec?”
Fiyero nodded. “Sure. Are you right with Ash?”
Elphaba smiled faintly. “We’re fine.”
Fiyero left the room, leaving Frex and Elphaba alone together. Elphaba waited for him to speak, focusing on getting Ashur to burp.
“How is he?” Frex asked finally.
“Perfect,” Elphaba answered with a loving smile at her little boy. “He eats, he sleeps, he cries, he poops. He basks in the adoration of everyone. The usual.”
“I apologise for not coming by sooner. I thought perhaps you’d have enough visitors.”
“It has been pretty crazy around here,” Elphaba acknowledged.
Silence fell once more and then Frex cleared his throat awkwardly. “Why did you choose the name you did?”
Ashur burped softly, and Elphaba lowered him back to rest in her arms, wiping some spit up from his chin with the cloth on her shoulder.
“Ashur means ‘the beginning’,” she told him simply. “He’s the beginning of our family, so we thought that was fitting. Bianco is after Fiyero’s grandfather, and Lux means ‘light’.”
When they’d picked it, mere minutes after his birth, Fiyero had referred to him as the light in their lives. Elphaba had thought that was slightly corny, but agreed with the sentiment.
“It’s a Munchkin name,” Frex noted.
“Well, he is part Munchkin,” Elphaba returned.
She may not have a great affection for her homeland, but it was her home for most of her life, and part of her and Ashur’s heritage. She and Fiyero had wanted to acknowledge that.
“Do you want to hold him?”
Frex hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. Elphaba stood up slowly, both not wanting to jostle the baby and also because she was still sore from giving birth and gestured for Frex to take her place in the rocking chair. He did so awkwardly and Elphaba placed Ashur in his arms before either of them changed their mind. Elphaba wondered when had been the last time her father had held a baby, surely he had the chance do so since Nessa was born? Just because she had no memory of it, doesn’t mean it had never happened.
“He has your nose,” Frex said finally. “Your mother’s nose.”
Elphaba didn’t know what to say to that.
“Izanami thinks his eyes will be brown like mine too. Overall, I think he’s a pretty good mix of Fiyero and I.”
“And personality wise?”
Elphaba rolled her eyes slightly. “He’s definishly taking after Fiyero. Of course, it’s a little early to tell, but I just know.”
Frex just nodded. Elphaba gathered he wasn’t too impressed by that, but she couldn’t imagine he’d be thrillified if Ashur was exhibiting signs of inheriting her personality either.
Frex was studying the infant’s features closely, and Ashur was simply staring back at him. Finally, Frex looked up at his daughter.
“How are your dreams?”
Elphaba was shocked he’d asked and she faltered slightly. “I- I haven’t had one the past few nights. But then again, I haven’t really slept long enough to dream yet. Ashur’s waking up every few hours.”
Ashur started to fuss in Frex’s arms, and Elphaba swiftly picked him up before he actually started crying.
“It’s nap time,” she explained. “And he definishly needs one before this afternoon.”
“What’s this afternoon?” Frex asked.
“His first public outing,” Elphaba explained. “Just a little walk to give everyone a little look at him, and hopefully keep the press of our lawn.”
She wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about the idea, not thrillified with the idea of going out just to let the press hound them; but Kastle had reassured her that it would help the media calm down and give them back their privacy. Frex was silent, watching as she put him down for a nap before following her quietly out of the room.
“You’re all staying until the christening, aren’t you?” she asked as they headed downstairs.
“Yes,” Frex answered.
The christening would be in a month’s time, and Galinda and Boq were also leaving after the ceremony.
“I was thinking about Lurlinemas,” he said to her as they entered the living room and Elphaba turned to him quizzically.
“Lurlinemas?” she repeated, slightly confused. It was still four months away, and this year they were due to travel to Munchkinland for the holiday.
“Yes. I was thinking that perhaps Nessa, Halim and I could return here. It would save you and Fiyero the hassle of travelling all that way with a baby, and the- the whole family could be together for Ashur’s first Lurlinemas.”
Elphaba smiled at her father, a real smile.
“I’d like that,” she agreed and Frex looked genuinely pleased.
When Elphaba told Fiyero her father’s suggestion after Frex had left, Fiyero was cautiously hopeful.
“This is good, right?”
She nodded. “It’s good.”
Galinda and Elphaba- well, namely Galinda spent a lot of time considering what Ashur was going to wear for his first public appearance.
“Glin, I don’t think they’re going to care what he’s wearing,” Elphaba pointed out wearily.
“I guess he is cute enough it doesn’t matter,” Galinda acknowledged and Elphaba smiled. She couldn’t fault that logic.
Ashur gurgled as though he knew he was being complimented, and Elphaba was sure if he could have, he would have been smirking at them.
“Oh, you are such your father’s son,” she said softly, scooping him into her arms and kissing his cheek.
Galinda smiled at the sight before her.
“So, how are you doing Elphie?” she asked her friend, as Elphaba dressed Ashur in the outfit Galinda had decided was best.
Elphaba never knew how to answer that question. “I’m tired. And sore. And I’m happy,” she answered finally. “You? I’m sorry if this little guy is keeping you up at night,” she apologised. “But Kasmira said you and Boq are more than welcome to stay at Kiamo Ko if you want to get some rest.”
Galinda shook her head. “No! I mean, yeah, I get woken up but I wouldn’t leave! I want to spend as much time with you and little gorgeous Ash while I can!”
Elphaba laughed. “It’s going to stick, by the way. The ‘Ash’. Fiyero’s already started.”
It was Galinda who had referred to the baby as Ash the night he was born, not that Elphaba should have been surprised.
Galinda giggled. “Good. It suits him.”
Elphaba handed the baby over to his godmother. “Would you mind watching him while I shower? He’s been fed and changed, so he shouldn’t be too much trouble.”
Galinda waved her off. “Of course! Take all the time you need.”
Elphaba laughed hollowly. “Oh, don’t say that. You might be waiting forever. I look and feel disgustifying.”
“You look great!” Galinda protested.
Elphaba highly doubted that, but didn’t respond as she left to go shower.
That night found Elphaba sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery, the pregnancy journal in her hand. As she had hoped, she wanted to write one final entry to complete the project before it went into safe keeping to be given to Ashur on his eighteenth birthday- an idea which made Elphaba feel suddenly very old. She was already dreading that day.
With a heavy sigh and a longing look towards the tiny lump lying in the crib across the room, Elphaba picked up her pen and began to write.
“Dear Baby... Dear Ashur,
For the first time I can write to you and address you by your name, which is a wonderful feeling. You’ve been this tiny person growing inside me for so long that I talk to and write to, and now just with a name, you have an identity.
You’ve only been in the world for three days, and yet you’ve already changed our lives so completely. Today was your first day out, Dad and I took you to the park around the corner, which I think you enjoyed. You didn’t cry anyway, just kind of lay there and stared around. At three days old, I’m not sure how much you comprehend, but you still look as though everything fascinates you.
You are so small and so perfect, and I’m already finding it hard to remember what life was like before you arrived.
But Dad said something to me this morning that I’ve been thinking about all day- that everything has led to you. From the day we met, everything that happened- good and bad, has led to your creation and entrance into the world. That’s a strange concept to imagine, and it calls all sorts of things into question- like the existence of Fate for instance. I’m not sure if I believe in that, but I can admit that when I can see reasons why some things happened, to lead to some kind of growth or experience to make me and your father into the people we are today- the people who will raise you and influence the person you will become.
But then again, you can see anything in hindsight.
It’s strange to think about everything that has happened or changed in the past nine months. In forty weeks, you went from a few bundles of cells to a fully formed human being. And we... went on living. I saw and felt so much in these past nine months whilst preparing for you. Love, pain, friendship, family, tears.
All of these you will experience, and I wish I could help that. The pain and tears part, that is; all the other stuff I’m hoping and am so glad that you will experience and hope that the good will help you get through the bad.
Right now, your world is so little, so peaceful, so utterly and completely revolved around you. You know nothing of the world- all you know is that if you cry, you get fed. Or changed. Or just held. There’s more than half a dozen people who suddenly appear just to hold you or look at you adoringly. I wish I could promise it would stay that way.
I’m sure by the time you read this, you will have heard a million times the story of your birth and the meaning behind your name. But I have never told you those stories yet as of this moment, so indulge me.
First of all, although it wasn’t my fault or choosing, I’m sorry you were born during the fig festival, of all things. Although you may not find this such a bad thing on years when your birthday falls at this same time- it does essentially mean you get to festivate your birth with rides and junk food... and figs.
From the moment you were born, your father and I loved you. You were more tiny and perfect than I ever could have imagined, and seeing you for the first time was perhaps the greatest joy of my life.
We chose the name Ashur, because it means “the beginning.” It was a name we found about a month before you were born, and we liked the meaning of it. When we were looking at our list after you were born, it seemed appropriate. And the more I think about it, the more I think it fits on more than one level.
Your birth is the beginning of our family, and the beginning of a whole new chapter of our lives. And your birth led to many other things. I know it’s been mentioned, and you will surely know by the time you read this, that my father and I haven’t had an easy relationship. However, we’re both trying to change that, for your sake. So that’s another beginning.
It was because I was pregnant that I first related to Jewel, who I’m sure will be in our lives for many years- as well as her child. I honestly don’t know if I would have gotten to know her as well as I have and done as much to help her as I have if we hadn’t been experiencing this stage of our lives at the same time. But because I did, we’ve created this wonderful project in The Fortunatorium that is going to be able to help so many other people.
Bianco is after your great-grandfather, because it’s been a tradition in the family to include the name of a deceased family member for generations. If you’d been a girl (or should sometime in the future have a sister), I’m pretty sure that you would have had the name of your great-grandmother or maternal grandmother- my mother.
Lux is a Munchkinland name, meaning light. I can’t pretend that I feel particularly strongly towards Munchkinland, but it’s where I grew up. It’s a part of me, and therefore, a part of you. We chose Lux because you bring so much light to our lives, and have even before you were born.
So basically, we’ve come down a long road to this point. Now we’ve reached the bend in the road and we’re facing an entirely new, unknown path- being a parent. With only three days experience, I can’t say how we’re doing but I don’t think we’re failing too badly yet. Your healthy, happy and loved. And really, that’s all I can hope for.
I love you so much, and I hope you always know that.
Love, Momma.”
Elphaba closed the book and quietly left the nursery, heading downstairs. She found Fiyero in the living room alone.
“Where are Galinda and Boq?” she asked, tiredly sitting down on the couch next to him.
“Bed,” Fiyero replied. “Glin said something about needing her beauty sleep. They’re both pretty wiped.”
“I know the feeling,” Elphaba said, suppressing a yawn.
Then she handed him the journal. “Here. Is there anything you want to say to finish it off?”
Fiyero opened it and skimmed what she had just written.
“I don’t suppose I can just add a ‘Ditto. Love Dad’ and get away with it?”
Elphaba chuckled. “No. You don’t have to write anything if you don’t want to.”
“No, I’ll add something. I just don’t know what I can say that you haven’t already.”
“Anything but ‘Dancing Through Life’,” she said dryly and then leaned over and kissed him. “I’m going to bed too, before our darling son wakes up again.”
Fiyero grinned. “Okay. I’ll be up in a few minutes. I love you.”
Elphaba smiled softly. “I love you too.”
When she’d gone, Fiyero leaned back thoughtfully. Elphaba had given him an idea.
“Dear Ashur,
I’m not the smartest guy in Oz, but I wanted to impart every lesson or piece of wisdom and advice I can give you that you might need. Father to son.
So here goes:
- Learn skills (e.g. the meaning of flowers, etc) but don’t rely on them.
- Your life can change out of the blue. For the better. So be alert.
- Always be yourself. Being anyone else doesn’t impress anyone... well, not the right people.
- You never know where you might meet the love of your life. Even when you’re sleeping.
- Don’t be afraid of falling in love. It’s the greatest thing that can happen to you. And once you find her (or him, I’m not judging) don’t ever let her/him go- no matter what. Trust me, it only leads to heartache.
- If a woman tells you to not touch her DON’T. TOUCH. HER. She might have a fierce right hook, and you will pay.
- Date, but do things right. Get to know a girl and treat her right. And ALWAYS learn her name.
- Take note of those who genuinely are your friends, and not because of any title or amount of money.
- Study. It’s not fun, but it’s important. I took far too long to learn this lesson. Of course, that worked out for me, because I met your mom, but I can’t guarantee that will work for you. So study and try and get through the one university. It’s easier that way.
- “I don’t even know where the library is” is not a defence. Trust me on this. (You can probably substitute ‘library’ with other words, but you get the point.)
- Don’t spend all your time dancing through life. Just dance occasionally. Otherwise you miss a lot.
- Family is important. Cherish it. Even when you hit puberty and we bug the hell out of you.
- Not all family is blood related.
- Really think about your words before you speak. Especially in important situations. Because the slightest mistake can make you sound like an ass. In fact, if it’s really important, just write things down. And do several drafts.
- If you ever find yourself hungover, drink tomato juice mixed with lemon. Trust me, it works.
- Don’t drink on a school night or right before an exam. DEFINISHLY trust me on that. Not only is it the worst idea ever, but your mother would probably kill you.
- Eloping is probably not a great idea. I know that you’ll find this slightly hypocritical, but just don’t. In the royal family, it tends to cause a fuss.
- Don’t wear something just because it’s in style. Especially things like white jodhpurs. Well, jodhpurs in general, of any colour. They’re not the most comfortable of clothing.
- When breaking up with a girl (if you’re doing it for the right reasons, meaning she’s not the one or something along those lines), be gentle. And make sure she’s not holding anything she may try and stab you with. Even a pencil can hurt. (Again, this could apply to guys if you’re so that way inclined, I’m just warning you.)
- You know you’ve met the love of your life when you can’t imagine your life without them. And that can be scary. Terrifying. But it is so worth it to overcome that fear. And just remember that if you screw it up, someone else could come along and be what you couldn’t be. Now what’s scarier? Loving someone, or being without the person you love?
Think about that.
Love, Dad.”