A/N - I had hoped to get this up yesterday but the real world called, so once again, there might be a some typos but I tried to catch them all. I don't own anything!
Chapter 9
The day after Glinda returned to the Palace, she tried to appear completely at ease when she received a summons for a private meeting with the Wizard. She smoothed down her dress and hair as she stood outside his chambers. Taking a deep, calming breath, she entered the room and saw the short portly man seated on the steps in front of his giant mechanical head.
"Ah, Glinda dear, come in, come in!" He called excitedly. "So good to see you!"
Glinda reached the steps and sat down beside him when he patted the spot next to him. She smiled her signature smile and waited for him to begin.
"Glinda dear, no need to pretend with me. I know that smile." He said with a chuckle. "I just want to talk to you. It's been so long since we've chatted, you must think I've abandoned you. Well, tell me, are you quite well?"
Glinda tried to keep the confusion from her face as she glanced towards him. During her time in the Palace, she and the Wizard did not spend much time together other than the occasional briefing as to what was to be said during public appearances. They certainly rarely engaged in small talk.
"I'm quite well, thank you Sir." She said. "I'm sure you've heard that I purchased a home in the southern district and I've been just swamped with renovations."
"Ah yes, I did hear about that." The Wizard rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea you had there either my dear, attempting to clean up that part of the City. I've had Madame Morrible looking into purchasing a few buildings for just that same purpose. It will certainly help keep an eye on those rebel miscreants at the very least."
Glinda nodded and smiled, hoping she looked more at ease than she felt. The Wizard paid her no mind and spoke as if he had just had an idea. "You know Glinda, I've heard your old roommate has been tied to the Resistance. She had quite the talent for magic if you remember. Do you, in fact remember Miss Glinda?"
"Oh, well, yes, I suppose I do remember something about her abilities if you will." Glinda replied somewhat confused. "I only witnessed a few such testaments to those talents though."
The Wizard nodded again. "It's a true pity. She had such potential. If we only had her working on our side, I just know we could restore this nation to peace in no time at all. If there was just some way to reach out to her and just talk to her…" He cast a sideways glance at Glinda. "Do you think she would be willing to talk to you?"
Glinda was certain her eyes were as wide as saucers. "Sir, I heard she was killed recently. Madame herself indicated that…"
"Nonsense girl." The Wizard interrupted. "They found no body when they finished sifting through the rubble. I'm sure she's just fine. If we could just get her into the Palace for a brief meeting."
"Just what kind of meeting Sir, if you don't mind my asking? Would she be asked here for a talk and then escorted to Southstairs? I'm not certain I understand the logic of why you think she would voluntarily walk right into the Palace. What could she possibly hope to gain from such a meeting?"
"Well," the Wizard replied. "If she would agree to meet with us, she would have my word that she would be free to leave once the meeting was concluded."
"Forgive me for saying so your Wizardness, but I just don't believe any Resistance fighter places much merit on your word." Glinda cringed slightly as if she expected a booming retort or worse, a physical slap. Instead, the Wizard just laughed.
"How very true my dear. That's why you would need to be the one to reach out and invite her. She just might still trust you."
Glinda nodded. "But what exactly do you need her for? How is magic going to help your situation?"
The Wizard's face lit then as if he had been waiting for Glinda to ask just that question. "Well, you see, Madame Morrible has a certain book. A magic book. She herself can only decipher bits and pieces of it but surely, one as talented as Miss Elphaba would be able to not only read the spells, but perform them! We would be willing to adequately compensate her for her time of course."
"Oh, of course." Glinda said softly. "But Sir, and I'm sorry for being so dense, just why would she ever be willing to help you? Why would she willingly read from this book? What kind of spells would you want her to perform?"
The Wizard patted her knee in an almost fatherly fashion, as if he were speaking to a child instead of a grown woman. "That my dear is boring political nonsense and nothing for you to worry about. Let's just say that with this book, we would have the means to locate any and all resistance members, Animals, or just about anything else we would want. We could even amass an army of spies. Glinda, this book has a spell for everything. We could heal the sick even. The possibilities would be unlimited!"
"Well, I can certainly see why you would want the book and want someone to read it. But again, what could she possibly expect to receive in return. I doubt she would ever willingly betray the Animals or the Resistance."
When the Wizard grinned, Glinda felt a sickening feeling in her belly. "She would if she wished to protect her sister."
xxxx
The Wizard had excused Glinda saying instructions would be forthcoming. He had also specifically told her she was not to leave the Palace again anytime soon. He feigned concern for her but Glinda had the distinct feeling she was being watched.
Later that evening, her presence was once again requested by the Wizard. She walked into the appointed meeting place and felt her stomach drop even further at the sight of Morrible and Chuffrey both seated with the Wizard.
Chuffrey smiled reassuringly at her, at least in his mind. Glinda tried to return the smile but feared it came out more of a grimace. Morrible made a hissing sound and Glinda turned her attention back to her. The Wizard just sat quietly until Glinda took her seat across from him.
"Glinda," the Wizard began, "no doubt you remember our conversation from earlier today." At Glinda's nod, he continued. "Madame Morrible had a thought. You studied sorcery back at Shiz, didn't you?"
Glinda nodded again. "I was far from proficient at it however."
Morrible clucked. "That is an understatement Dearie."
"Now, now, we have faith in you Glinda!" The Wizard exclaimed. "Madame, show her the book."
Morrible huffed again but pulled a large book from underneath the table. "This, Dearie, is the Grimmerie. It's a powerful book and not to be handled lightly. This book contains spells for anything and everything you could possibly imagine. However, the writing itself is also magic and not easily deciphered. The Wizard has a far-fetched idea that you might be able to read portions. If that were true, we would have no need of your dear old roomie."
"Me? Read the Grimmerie?" Glinda practically choked out the words. "Sir, I certainly appreciate the vote of confidence but I sincerely doubt…"
"What does this say?" Morrible interrupted, holding the book open in front of Glinda's face.
"Oh Oz, something about bubbles, but really…wait, I can read that? I could read that!" Glinda exclaimed. "Sweet Oz."
The Wizard clapped excitedly and Chuffrey was beaming at her. Morrible squinted her eyes before turning the book around to see what passage Glinda was referring to.
"Leave it to Miss Glinda to pick out a frilly bubble spell." Morrible sneered.
"But she can read it!" The Wizard exclaimed. "Oh, Miss Glinda, this is good news. Madame, give her the book. Let's see what else she can do!"
Morrible growled but slid the book back toward Glinda. She reached a shaking hand and pulled the book closer. She leaned over the book, brow furrowed as she tried to read. "Bubbles. That's all I've got. I can't even tell what to do with the bubbles." She dejectedly slid the book back to Morrible.
As Morrible grinned triumphantly, the Wizard reached and patted her hand. "Well, that just means you need to study a little. But you read from the book the very first time you laid eyes on it! That is quite remarkable."
"Elphaba could read the book cover to cover. I still say we need to get her here in the Palace." Morrible said lowly.
"Madame," Glinda said looking at her pointedly. "I still don't understand just how you expect to get her read from the book. Ask politely? Somehow I doubt it."
Morrible narrowed her eyes on Glinda again and pursed her lips. "Well, if she's not interested in saving her sister, I have certain other ways of persuasion. Spells can do wondrous things to loosen the tongue. Keep that in mind Dearie."
xxxx
Glinda spent the next five days under Morrible's tutelage studying the Grimmerie. Aside from the night spent worrying over Elphaba's injuries, the time with Morrible was by far the worst experience of Glinda's young life.
By the end of the fifth day, Glinda had made some progress. The bubble spell was understood as a form of transportation spell, though Glinda quickly declared herself terrified of heights. Morrible had more than a few headaches to show for her training sessions. Glinda felt a small amount of satisfaction when she would see Morrible pinching the bridge of her nose and reaching for her smelling salts with a moan.
Glinda did truly try to understand the book. At times, it would seem that the swirling images would form words but they would scatter just as quickly. She was only able to pick out single words usually and was failing to piece together entire passages.
When she was finally dismissed for the evening, Glinda retreated to her room, exhausted, but found she was unable to rest. If she could only decipher the book, Elphaba wouldn't be sought out and Nessarose would escape the threat as well. But try as she might, and she did try, she was unable to make further progress.
Glinda feared involving Elphaba. She knew allowing Elphaba to set foot inside the Palace was out of the question. Glinda knew better than to doubt Morrible's skill with spells and she refused to put Elphaba within the woman's reach. But she also knew if Elphaba could get her hands on the book, she could use it to help the Animals and possibly even help oust the Wizard and Morrible.
A soft knock at her door broke Glinda from her reverie. She hesitantly walked to the door and opened it slightly. She fought down both panic and disgust as she took in the sight of Sir Chuffrey standing before her.
"Hello Glinda." He said softly. "I wanted to make sure that you're alright. May I come in? I won't keep you long I promise."
"It's late William. I really should try to rest…" Glinda faltered slightly.
"I know, please, I just want to speak with you for a moment." Chuffrey said quickly placing a hand on her shoulder and softly trailing his hand down to cup her elbow.
Glinda groaned inwardly and stepped aside to allow him to enter her suite. Closing the door softly she stepped further into the room where he stood waiting for her.
"They're working you too hard." He said softly, his brow furrowed. "I intend to speak to Madame Morrible about it tomorrow. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Glinda replied. "I'm just very tired."
Chuffrey stepped closer and tentatively rested his hands on her shoulders. He raised one hand and placed it under her chin, lifting her face so she had to meet his gaze. "Is there anything I can do?"
Glinda once again felt a plot forming. "I just want to go home and rest for a few days." She said softly, leaning into his palm. Her mind retreated to the moment she had shared with Elphaba and Glinda found she had to fight to keep a grimace from her face at the difference she felt at this contact. "Do you think Madame would allow me to have a few days off, if you were to speak to her?"
Chuffrey beamed at the notion of being of service to her. "You let me handle Madame Morrible. In fact, have your bags packed and ready first thing tomorrow. I'll escort you myself. No need to even mention it to Madame beforehand. It's much easier to receive forgiveness than permission I've learned."
"Oh," Glinda said forcing a smile. "You're too kind. But an escort won't be necessary. I can see my way tomorrow. If I could just have a few days to rest away from all this, I'm certain I could decipher those spells."
Chuffrey stroked her cheek with his thumb and chuckled. "Then a few days rest you shall have. On one condition," he said with a sly grin. "You agree to have dinner with me the evening you return."
Glinda's felt her forced smile widening. "That would be…delightful." She replied, searching for the right word.
Chuffrey smiled back down at her. His smiled faded slightly and leaned down quickly and pressed his lips to hers. Glinda felt no spark, no tingling, just a deep sense of nausea boiling in her belly. She said nothing and tried to school her expression when he pulled away.
"It's settled then. You go on your way tomorrow, and I'll see you when you get back for a nice quiet dinner somewhere. Now, I'll leave you to rest." He placed a soft kiss to her forehead and then silently retreated from the room.
Glinda quickly rushed to the bathroom and scrubbed her face, almost harshly, to remove the remnants of his kisses.
xxxx
The next morning, Glinda was seated in a carriage, the Palace fading into the distance behind her, before anyone was awake to take note of her absence. Before long, her now beloved home loomed in front of her.
As she stepped from the Carriage and her bag was settled on the sidewalk beside her, Quincy, another resistance member strode forward to see her inside. He was passing as the new gardener and was taking his alleged position quite seriously by planting an assortment of flowers and plants. Glinda smiled as he picked up the bag and bowed slightly with a grin.
"Good morning my Lady." He said good-naturedly. "You're certain out and about early."
"I could say the same for you." She replied. "The flowers are beautiful. Thank you."
He nodded slightly and opened the door for her to enter. Once inside, she was met again with the sight of progress as the inside continued to be remodeled. "Oh, this place is looking wonderful! You all are doing a remarkable job."
Quincy smiled again. "We're happy to have a relatively safe place to stay. And now, to be able to come and go with the excuse of construction work, well, it has certainly relieved some stress."
Glinda smiled and placed a hand on the older man's forearm. "I'm glad. How are things going without Quillian?"
Quincy's smiled didn't fade as he answered. "Quillian's death will never be anything but tragic. But we all saw it coming. Now, with Fiyero taking the reins, the Resistance has a heart again. We've even seen a few new recruits."
"I'm glad to hear it. And Elphaba, how is she?"
Quincy gave Glinda a tender look and nodded. "She's doing quite well. We've all been making sure she's taking it easy, much to her chagrin."
Glinda laughed at the thought of Elphaba being forced to look after herself. She felt a tinge of guilt for those who crossed the fiery green woman after such a conversation. "Has she come down yet this morning?"
Quincy shook his head. "Not yet Miss. It's early even for her yet."
A sly smile spread over Glinda's face then. "I think perhaps I'll surprise her."
Chuckling, Quincy patted her shoulder. "Well go on up then. Good luck, I hope she doesn't take a swing at you should you wake her."
"Oh, don't you worry. I can handle Elphaba Thropp." Glinda said with a laugh.
"I don't doubt that a bit Miss." Quincy replied laughing.
Glinda made her way upstairs to Elphaba's room and quietly slipped inside. She choked down a chuckle at the sight of Elphaba, splayed across the bed, limbs extending in all directions. For someone so reserved when awake, you certainly do sleep relaxed. Glinda thought with a fond smile. She quickly pushed thoughts of being tangled up with those limbs out of her mind.
She knelt by the bed, bringing her face within inches of where Elphaba's face rested peacefully against the sheets. Glinda blew a soft, tickling breath onto Elphaba's face. A green nose twitched and her eyes squinted slightly but she didn't rouse.
"Elphie…" Glinda said in a singsong voice and blew again. "Wake up dearest." She reached a hand up and gently ran it through the raven tresses.
Elphaba groaned and cracked one eye open. "Glin?" She said groggily.
"Rise and shine. You're sleeping the day away!" Glinda replied in a mock chastisement.
Elphaba blearily opened both eyes and stretched, still not fully awake. "Sleepin' the day away. It's barely light out. I doubt I'm really awake anyway. Just probably dreaming you." Her eyes drifted closed again and Glinda could tell she was quickly drifting back into slumber.
"I'm real Elphie. I come all this way and I can't even get you out of bed? I'm hurt Thropp!" Glinda said giggling.
The sound of Glinda's laughter brought Elphaba's eyes back to the blonde's face. "Glinda? Are you really here?"
"Yes, Elphie, we've established that. Good morning." Glinda laughed as Elphaba finally gained her bearings. She pulled herself to her feet and turned to allow Elphaba some privacy as she too began to rise. Glinda felt a sharp and rather insistent slap on her backside. She yelped and turned seeing a wry grin on Elphaba's face.
"That's for waking me up before dawn." Elphaba said yawning and extended her arms over hear head stretching again.
"Oh, get your lazy bum out of bed so we can get breakfast. I'm starving! And has it occurred to you that I might actually have something important to discuss with you?"
Elphaba quickly swung her legs over the side of the bed, a serious expression immediately clouding her face. "What is it? Glinda, are you all right? What's wrong?"
Glinda turned and smiled, hoping to ease Elphaba's worry. "Now there you go again, being overly concerned. I'm fine Elphie. I just have some information is all. And it's nothing that can't wait until after we've had breakfast. Did I mention I'm starving?"
Elphaba cocked a brow and groaned. "It's too early even for breakfast."
"Has anyone ever told you that you're insufferable first thing in the morning? It's a good thing you woke up before me at Shiz or I fear we never would have remained friends." Glinda said smiling as she threw a dress toward Elphaba who was still grousing on the bed.
Glinda pulled back the curtains to allow sunlight to stream into the room as Elphaba shuffled into the bathroom to attempt to rally herself.
xxxx
An hour later, the women were sitting out in the newly remodeled garden. The garden was completely enclosed on all sides so even Glinda felt it would be safe enough for Elphaba to sit outside. Breakfast was eaten and Glinda had just finished telling Elphaba about the Grimmerie and Morrible's plan to spell her when she arrived for her "negotiations."
Glinda had debated about whether or not to tell Elphaba about the threat to Nessarose but had finally decided that Elphaba needed to know.
The green woman was thoughtful now as she processed the information. "Did they say what they would do specifically with Nessa?"
Glinda shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. I'll of course do anything I can to protect her, or get word out should they decide to act. But what about the Grimmerie Elphie? You're not just going to walk in there and agree to meet with them. I know what Morrible is capable of. I won't let her get her claws into you."
Elphaba smiled and Glinda felt a growing unease at the sparkle in the brown eyes. "Then I'll just have to go in and take the book from her without giving her that chance."
