As the train steamed out of Muchkinland, Glinda finally let her sorrow show.
Elphaba had said she loved her and Glinda had no idea how to cultivate an appropriate reply. Lady Glinda Chuffrey (for that is who she was, she could pretend all she liked, but there was no escaping the fact) didn't know the meaning of love.
She cared for her Elphie deeply and that was the reason she'd had to leave.
The Eminent of Munchkinland had begged her to stay. She would keep her safe, she would send her to a castle in The Vinkus, along with Nessarose, until all of this was over.
She wanted to hide Glinda away, she thought her a fragile, china doll.
Everything had all happened so fast, Glinda didn't know where to begin in her assessment.
To start with, she was travelling back to The Emerald City alone. Pikney had fallen in love with Munchkinland (and possibly Shell) and found freedom in the culture. Glinda had divested her maid of her duties, she was glad Pikney could retain some small pinch of happiness and her conscience wouldn't allow her to deprive the servant she now saw as a friend, just because of her own bitterness. The girl was now to go with Nessarose to Kiamo Ko, as Nanny would be staying with Elphaba, the old woman wanted to fight.
The castle that would house Nessarose, belonged to Fiyero, (just another reason why Glinda did not wish to stay there) the Soldier had been working on tempting the Vinkuns to join forces with Munchkinland. He had been successful in his aims and had garnered support from the entire Vinkun army.
Avaric had also amassed a following. This one, a little more politically influential than the last. Lord Tenmeadows had been drumming up support for Elphaba's cause amongst the kinder-hearted businessmen in Gillikin. The Margreave had been doing this for some time now, that was where he had been disappearing to when he had told her he was visiting his Mother.
That only left Quadling Country, but Glinda had no doubt Elphaba would bring them on board. The green woman had spent a large part of her childhood traipsing through the marshes with her Father. It was there she'd begun her career in political activism, something like that didn't just happen out of the blue. Glinda believed there must have been someone there who had opened Elphaba's mind, they would be sympathetic to her plight and would, no doubt, assist her in her ridiculous, suicide mission.
She had seen the hope in Elphaba's eyes slowly drain away, Glinda couldn't say the words but she knew her expression was conveying everything needed, she couldn't stay, she didn't belong in Elphaba's world, she belonged in the one she was fighting.
The rest of the journey was spent mourning the loss of her happiness and brief glimpse of freedom.
XXX
Entering the Chuffrey Townhouse had not been a pleasant experience. The place had never felt like home to her, but nor had it felt like a prison.
Her husband was there, waiting, and he was not alone. She had sent a telegram on ahead, before her departure. It was all about maintaining appearances now. No matter how dense or blind to the world people thought her to be, Glinda wasn't dense enough to ignore the obvious. News, of Elphaba's war cry, would have reached The Emerald City faster than any train.
"What did you know about this?" Chuffrey seethed. She could tell he was attempting to curb his anger in the presence of The Wizard. Glinda knew, that if they had been alone, the possibility of her waking up tomorrow, bruises covering her skin, would be very high.
"Lord Chuffrey", the older gentleman interrupted, "I think we should allow you wife to sit down and catch her breath, before bombarding her with questions."
Her husband harrumphed and stalked his way up to the main sitting room.
"Come, Lady Glinda. You've had a long journey and I suspect your last few days have been very stressful. Let us go and sit and you can tell me all about it." The Wizard took her arm and led her in the wake of his associate. He was trying to play this cleverly. Trying to pretend he was a comforting ear to Glinda, whilst all he really wanted, was to get enough information out of her to wield against Elphaba. It was to be a good cop-bad cop situation. They could try all they liked, Glinda wasn't going to hand them the fully loaded gun.
Sitting across from the two men, Glinda felt like a wounded buffalo being stalked by hungry hyenas. The scent of her blood was in the air but she wouldn't allow them near her wounds. They were sacred, they were the only reminders she had of the exhilarating battle.
"It seems the new Eminent of Munchkinland wishes to revolt against our Government, but I'm sure you already know that, you will have heard her speech first-hand?" The Wizard was a clever man indeed.
"I was in Colwen Grounds during the inauguration, yes, but I must confess, Your Ozness, I am not a very politically minded person. Whilst I understood the new Eminent has become disillusioned by the Government of Oz, I could not read much more into it than that. I'm afraid a lot of what she said, went over the top of my head." Glinda could play coy too.
"Naturally, naturally." Mused, The Wizard, "a source of mine from Munchkinland was able to inform me of the exact wording Miss Elphaba used at her ceremony. I wonder if you held any inclination of her plans beforehand?"
"No Sir. Miss Elphaba had no time for me, really. I spent my time there, with her Sister and Nanny, the woman who raised them, I hardly saw The Eminent." During the day, is what Glinda should have added at the end of that sentence. She certainly saw plenty of Elphie, once the sun had disappeared.
"Even you're not that stupid!" Chuffrey chimed in. He could never go long without slapping her with insults. "Don't sit there and tell me, you knew nothing about this!"
"I didn't", she said, calmly.
"Liar!" Her husband jumped to his feet, she could see the veins of his neck pulsing, threatening to pop the buttons of his collar.
"Now, now, there's no need for anyone to get all het up over this." Like her, The Wizard stayed calm throughout the Baron's rage. "Chuffrey, your wife has told us all she can recall at this present time", he looked to her and gave a condescending smile. "I think we should go and get a drink, I have a nice bottle of brandy in my drinks cabinet, you can accompany me back to The Palace and Lady Glinda can get herself settled."
Not wanting to let this go, the younger man stared at Glinda with pure and utter hatred. In one look, she knew, there was nothing he'd like better, than to crack her like an egg, until she would spill. Little did he know, this egg, was hard boiled. To appease his Dictator, he eventually surrendered. The two men made their way to the door, The Wizard turning back at the last moment.
"If, anything else comes to you, Lady Glinda, please, don't hesitate in contacting me. My first and only duty, is to the citizens of Oz, I will do my utmost to keep them safe, even in the face of terror."
With one last smile and the tip of a hat, she was left alone.
XXX
Weeks passed and nothing came.
There was no army climbing The City walls.
There was no threats against The Wizard or any of his minions.
There was no letters written to Glinda.
The only emerald she saw, was those that lined the streets.
A few days after her return, her husband seemed to give up his interrogations, he never mentioned the topic of Munchkinland, or its residents, again. Things in the Chuffrey household reverted to the way they had always been, little-to-no communication passed between its occupants.
Forgetting everything, keeping up a pretence, was much harder on Glinda. She tried her very best to keep herself occupied during the day, it was difficult, she had no one to visit, all her friends were in Munchkinland, she couldn't even turn to Pikney for company and entertainment. She had no one.
Due to the fact she no longer employed a lady's maid, Glinda had to ask Mrs Hopkins to assist her in dressing and undressing. A woman as old as Nanny but not nearly as much fun, her housekeeper hadn't the time to play court jester.
For something to do, she found herself accepting most of the invitations she received. She would sit mutely at luncheons and dinners. She went to the theatre and couldn't watch. She stood aimlessly on the edges of ballrooms, even the spinsters failed to pay her any mind.
She walked the streets like a ghost.
Reading proved difficult, she would often read the same page four or five times, nothing making sense, before moving on.
Being alone was what she dreaded most of all. The memories and feelings never went away, even in company, but alone meant she had no distraction. Alone, she had to face them.
Her bed became a means of torture. Instead of a soft mattress, silken sheets and a fluffy, down duvet, Glinda felt as though she were strapped to a rack, someone was slowly turning the crank, stretching her limbs to the point of snapping.
A wicked witch, with green skin, visited her every evening as she slept, without fail. Her wickedness was derived from the fact of her teasing. Green skin would caress the blonde, drive her higher and higher, right the brink of ultimate pleasure. Then it would stop.
Glinda would wake breathless, tears in her eyes, words on her lips and wetness between her thighs. Finding release on her own was impossible. She managed to reach physical climax but this only enhanced her visions. They plagued her constantly.
She missed her. She missed, her Elphie.
Different to the loss of her Son, Glinda knew Elphaba was alive, she was there, to be touched, to be held. Yet, not unlike the veil of death that kept Andrew from her, they were separated. They could not be.
Her lover had healed the hole in her heart, and then blasted it open once more. This time, there was no knowledge of death, there was no applicable reason. So, the hole continued to widen. It widened to the point Glinda was no longer sure she possessed that particular organ.
XXX
Tomorrow afternoon was the state opening of government. Each year, The Wizard would announce his plans for the coming term, in front of millions. A ball was held the night before, to celebrate, to honour all the good that had been achieved throughout the year prior. It was a farcical event, nothing more than The Wizard enjoying his showboating and receiving praise.
Unfortunately, the ball, was something she was forced to attend.
Chuffrey had been unknowingly cruel (or knowingly, Glinda wasn't one-hundred-percent certain.) He had requested, nigh, demanded, she wear the light green ballgown that reminded her so much of Elphaba.
Glinda had been unable to stand in front of the mirror whilst Mrs Hopkins fastened her bodice. She knew all she would see, was the image of Elphaba, unlacing her corset.
Her housekeeper was far too gentle in pulling the laces. She missed the way Pikney would tighten them until her ribs felt as though they would fold in on themselves. At least then, her waist was clinched and her breasts secure. The way Mrs Hopkins had done it, made Glinda frightened her chest would spill free if she made any sudden movements.
Thank goodness she had no intention of dancing this evening.
XXX
Despite all its splendour and grandeur, Glinda hated the sight of The Palace. It represented everything her eyes had been opened to theses past six months. It was like putting a coat of paint atop a patch of mould. The dirt and infestation wold still spread and cause damage, even though the naked eye wouldn't be able to see.
She detested the way the footman announced them as 'The Baron and Baroness Chuffrey'. It was an unfair act of mis-representation. Glinda's title meant nothing to her. She knew too much. The word 'Baroness', felt like a slur to her now.
After a few minuets of showing her off, Chuffrey discarded her in a corner and told her to 'keep out of trouble'. She was left again, amongst the other inanimate objects. At least she would not be bothered here.
Circling the hall and catching snippets of other people's conversations was how she spent her time.
"...did you hear?"
"...lost it all, gambling debts!"
"...his poor Mother."
"...not a good match. He's a rake. I hope she knows what she's in for."
"...yes, tomorrow. The Eminent Tropp was due to meet with him, tomorrow."
Glinda stopped dead in her tracks! A cool shiver ran down her spine. Had she heard right? The couple speaking, were two elderly men she didn't recognise. She edged the slightest bit closer, still trying to remain inconspicuous.
"Do you think she'll show up?"
"How can she? After what she's said about The Wizard, only a fool would do such a thing."
She must've been leaning her neck out a bit too much, the next thing she knew, she was stumbling over a ridiculously, large fern plant.
"Are you alright, dear?" It was one of the men she'd been eavesdropping on, he was looking at her in concern, at least neither of them had realised what she was up to.
"Yes. I'm fine, thank you. It's rather hot in here, I think I'd best grab some air, do excuse me."
The blonde didn't wait for a reply, she made a quick dash for the patio doors, leading to the garden.
It was a cool, crisp night. Autumn was well under way; the leaves were beginning to change and the hours of darkness were growing longer. Down the stone steps she went, entering the large hedge maze that was commonly used as the go-to spot for a lover's tryst.
Thankfully, she came across no such pairs. She traversed her way to the centre, taking a few wrong turns before eventually emerging into a clearing. Late last night, or early this morning, depending which way you look at it, Glinda had been reading her book of statues, in attempt to cure her insomnia. She had read that The Palace gardens were the only place in Oz that still housed one of the five original statues of Lurline.
The shrines had been commissioned by the first Ozma, over one-thousand years ago. One had been placed in each region of Oz and the fifth had been kept with her, in The Emerald City. Before her death, it was said, she placed a powerful enchantment on the statue, meaning it could not be destroyed, removed, or come to any sort of foul play. After The Wizard's arrival, the other four statues had been removed but the one in his back garden refused to budge. He had built a large hedge maze, trying to hide it from view.
Glinda could see why he might fear this statue of the deity over-shadowing him. It was entrancing. Looking upon it gave her the sense of warmth and excitement. Made out of solid, white marble and pure gold, it certainly was a sight to behold.
CRACK!
Glinda whipped around so fast, her blonde curls slapped her in the face.
"Who's there?" She asked, voice trembling.
No answer.
Not a sound, bar the hoot of an owl and the rustle of the wind.
She was sure she'd heard the snap of a twig. As if someone had stepped on it.
The hairs on the back of her neck raised with awareness. She was being watched. She knew it.
The crinkle of leaves came from the other side of the clearing. She saw the briefest glimpse of a shadow. Glinda had no idea what she should do. Too far from The Palace to call for help. Too frightened to attempt an escape.
"Glinda?"
No. It couldn't be.
But of course, it was.
Out of the shadows, stepped, the colour of emeralds.
Breath failed to leave her body. Had her dreams finally driven her to madness? Was the beautiful, tall wood-nymph in front of her, a mirage?
"Good evening, Glinda."
Closing the distance, Glinda grabbed Elphaba's shoulders roughly, the green woman was real and very much present. "You stupid, wicked thing! Almost everyone in there wants your guts for garters", she hissed, pointing toward where the light was streaming from The Palace. "Why have you come her, do you know how dangerous it is?"
"Dangerous tonight, yes. Dangerous tomorrow, no." Whispered Elphaba.
"What on earth are you talking about, you insufferable woman?"
"I have an arranged appointment tomorrow."
"You can't be serious!" Screeched the blonde, "you're not seriously considering attending?"
"I'm not considering it, I'm going." The seriousness clouding Elphaba's vision was unnerving.
"Elphaba-"
"Please", interrupted the Munchkin, "don't try and change my mind, it won't work."
"But Elphaba-"
"Please, my sweet?"
The term of affection stopped the words trying to escape her mouth. An overwhelming sadness clung to her shoulders. It made her eyes water, or perhaps that was the wind's doing?
"If you're here to see The Wizard, why have you risked blowing your plan by coming here tonight?"
Dark eyes softened, "I had to see you. I had to ask you one last time. Run away with me Glinda?"
The blonde turned away, why did Elphaba feel the need to torture her so? "You know that's not possible."
A hand on her shoulder spun her around, she was wrapped in strong, feminine arms, somewhere she'd longed to be since the moment she'd left them. "Give me five minuets then? Five minuets to pretend we are normal, and none of this is happening."
It wasn't a good idea. She knew those five minuets could steal the remaining vestiges of her sanity. But the prospect was too irresistible.
Slowly, soft, green lips touched her own. Glinda whimpered into their kiss. It was bittersweet, on the one hand, she felt everything one should feel during a kiss with their lover. Saftey, arousal, excitement. On the other hand, it broke her heart. She was too weak-willed to pull away. Even though the cons far outweighed the pros, Elphaba's kiss, was to her, what water was to a man in the dessert.
Eventually they had to break for breath, but neither made a move to leave the others grasp.
"I like your dress." Elphaba said, breathlessly.
"It reminds me of you." Her candid answer stunned the taller woman.
"You suit the colour..."
Pulling back and allowing her eyes to travel from Elphaba's face, to the hem of her dress, she suppressed a sob. Elphie was wearing the dress Glinda had designed for her.
"Do you like it?" Asked Elphaba shyly.
The material fitted her tall, slender frame, like a glove. A high collar, long sleeves and a full-length skirt, gave off an ultra-conservative vibe. But Glinda knew what the back should look like. "It's beautiful! Turn around and let me see?"
Elphaba did as she was asked, slowly pivoting to reveal the expanse of gloriously, emerald skin. The high collar gave way to an open back, no material lay here. She could see the outline of sharp, shoulder blades, and suddenly had the urge to run her tongue over them. This, she did not do, she knew if she started, she would not stop. The most titillating thing about this dress was the clear absence of any sort of garment that might support Elphaba's breasts. They were completely free underneath her gown.
"How does it make you feel?" Glinda asked.
"Over-exposed." Elphaba replied, turning back to face her. "I think it may have released an exhibitionist streak in me."
The green woman claimed her lips once more. Hands descending onto hips this time, it was a much more passionate embrace than the last. Glinda could feel her arousal crash into her like the tide on a beach, her nipples pebbled, begging to be touched.
"If you could go anywhere in Oz, where would it be?"
It was a very odd question for Elphaba to ask at this particular moment. "What do you mean?"
"We are pretending we're just two average women", replied Elphie, "where are we? Where have you always wanted to go."
"There is a small University town on the outskirts of Gillikin", Glinda replied, honestly. "Shiz. I've wanted to visit since I was a child."
"Shiz, it is. Perhaps we are roommates? You have cleverly seduced me with your charms."
Glinda chuckled at the notion, "I believe it was the other way around, it was I who found your book of erotica. It was you, who taught me, the meaning of pleasure."
Elphaba hummed into the crook of her neck in reply. Glinda could feel talented hands growing bolder. Snaking round her back and cupping the softness of her rear. "I could be studying Life Sciences, I think that would be interesting. What about you, my sweet, what would you study?"
Elphie's touch was making the process of answering rather difficult. "Sorcery, p-perhaps? Or architecture and design..."
"And in the evenings", Elphaba whispered, "I could study you."
The blonde gasped as her breasts were found and her neck was devoured by a vampiric woman. One of Elphaba's thighs, slipped between her own, despite the many layers in the way, she felt the contact, deep in her centre.
Glinda knew what this would lead to. She knew she wanted it. But she knew, ultimately, it would hurt them both.
They weren't at Shiz. They were not in their teens. They were not meant to be.
She pulled away, hurt gracing Elphaba's features immediately. "Even the greatest Sorceresses are unable to manipulate time. In another life, perhaps it would be possible, for you and I to meet like that. But not in this one."
"Glinda-"
"No Elphie." The blonde stepped back, ensuring there was distance between the pair. "I cannot pretend. I learned, long ago, dreams have no base in reality."
"Run away with me?" It was breaking Glinda's heart, seeing Elphaba, her Elphie, the powerful, strong-willed, independent and determined, Eminent of Muckinland, begging her to run.
"I can't!" She cried. "I cannot just drop everything, do you realise a woman like me is considered no better than a whore, if she leaves her marriage? I would have nothing."
"You would have me. I know I'm not much, but I can give you love and security."
"It's not that easy!" Glinda screamed, her temper and upset colliding and creating a bolt of lightning. "All that I have is this. I hate it, but there is nothing more. I signed myself to a man I don't love, I can't just walk away, he would ruin me, he would ruin you. And whilst you would have me give up my entire life, becoming nothing but your harem, what would you give up for me? Would you be willing to abandon your suicidal grudge against The Wizard?"
Elphaba stared back at her mutely, her eyes telling her exactly what she already knew.
"I didn't think so".
A tear fell from dark eyes, rolling down an emerald cheek, "but Glinda, I love you."
Glinda could only turn away, she wouldn't allow Elphaba to think her words had weakened her. How could three, little words inflict more damage, than three, powerful blows?
"Please go Elphaba, and do not return..."
Silence remained, Glinda could still sense a presence. She knew her words were bound to have hurt, but they were a necessary shield for her heart, there was no way she could survive another profession of love, not from Miss Elphaba.
"Glinda, you are so much more than a Baroness, you are so much more than his wife. Please, remember that, you are bound to no-one. You are Glinda, and you can do anything you set your mind to."
Her blonde head stayed bowed, eyes clenched, trying to damn the torrent of tears that threatened to fall. She only moved once the rustling of leaves had told her, Miss Elphaba had left, no more to return.
She was alone.
But she was far from free.
XXX
AN:
WHY HAVE I DONE THIS TO MYSELF?
Proof reading this chapter has literally, broken my little, gay heart.
For everyone who was waiting for the revelation of Elphaba's famous dress, I'm sorry it had to be at such a bitter-sweet moment.
It's rather a strange thing to say, but this, is the second last chapter. Chapter 13 will be the final instalment, followed by an epilogue. I don't think I'm ready to end this journey! I cannot believe it only took me, roughly, three weeks to complete this story, and I have so enjoyed sharing it with you all.
I do have another, more modern, multi-chaptered Gelphie fic in the works, but when we will see that, who knows? Probably not until the new year. But, I do promise to post some festive-themed writings throughout the month of December.
I also have a Hicsqueak multi-chapter fic not too far away, and I'm trying to get that out as soon as possible, but I'm only finishing chapter 2 and I don't like to start posting anything until it's at least, halfway written.
As always, the support I receive from you guys, on here, on tumblr and on instagram, inspires me and fuels my desire to write. I am truly thankful that so many of you have shared your enthusiasm for this story and I have to give a quick shoutout to darkwillowverse on instagram, who's running commentary on her instagram story every week, really does make me die with laughter.
Anyway, until next week lads, catch.
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