The figure stepped forward, her cold, calculating smile sending a shiver down Elphaba's spine. "Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "Look what we have here."
Aurora and Eamon stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the newcomer. Elphaba, however, seemed to know exactly who she was.
"Madam Morrible," Elphaba said, her voice firm, but with a hint of unease.
Madam Morrible chuckled, her eyes glining with amusement. "Ah, Elphaba, always so quick to recognize an old...acquaintance."
Aurora felt a surge of curiosity. Who was Madam Morrible, and what did she want?
Eamon's eyes narrowed, his face set in a stern expression. "What brings you here, Madam Morrible?" he asked, his voice firm.
Madam Morrible's smile grew wider. "Oh, I'm just here to offer my...assistance. I know a thing or two about the darkness that's threatening Aethereia. And I'm willing to help...for a price, of course."
Elphaba's eyes flashed with suspicion. "What kind of price?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Madam Morrible's eyes glined with excitement. "Oh, I'm sure we can come to some sort of...arrangement."
The air was thick with tension as Elphaba and Madam Morrible engaged in a silent battle of wills. Aurora felt like she was caught in the middle, unsure of what to do.The group quickly returned to the camp, where they found the other witches and wizards gathered around a large map of Aethereia. Faramir, the leader of the group, looked up as they approached.
"What's happened?" he asked, his eyes serious.
Eamon quickly filled him in on the encounter with Madam Morrible. Faramir's face grew grimmer with each passing moment.
"We need to prepare for battle," he said, his voice firm. "Madam Morrible is a formidable foe, and she won't hesitate to use any means necessary to achieve her goals."
The group began to discuss strategy, poring over the map and planning their defense. Elphaba, meanwhile, excused herself to think.
She walked to the edge of the camp, staring out at the darkening landscape. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the land. But Elphaba knew that the darkness was coming, and it wouldn't be long before it reached their doorstep.
As she stood there, lost in thought, she heard a rustling in the bushes. She turned to see a small, furry creature emerge, its eyes shining with a soft, green light.
"Greetings, Elphaba," it said, in a soft, melodious voice. "I've been sent to help you."
Elphaba's eyes widened in surprise. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The creature smiled, revealing sharp, pointed teeth. "My name is Fliak," it said. "And I'm here to help you defeat Madam Morrible."