Sorry about it being a little while. October was a crazy month for me. Since you last saw me I was in two weddings, went to two more, went to see Wicked, and got engaged. Not even going to mention the ridiculousness of work.
Unfortunately, this will be the last chapter for a bit. It does cover the rest of summer, though. I'm a bit drained on the story, and don't have a good outline for the next chapters. That's what generally gets me through the slumps.
I will be posting little blurbs on tumblr, hopefully about once a week. They wont be this unless its background info or questions (which you can always ask. I encourage it). I'm going to take some time and outline, reread it, and put together a strong conclusion.
Finally, the Wicked Fanfic awards are going on. I'd love for you to vote for me, but I hope you'd just go and vote in general. I know our authors love it when nominated. The nominations are in the K-T parts of the archive, posted on October 30th. Read the rules and vote.
Finally, read, enjoy, review; on here or on tumblr.
11/9/15
The little town of Manlin sat less than an hour ride from Colwen Grounds. The official carriage was a much smoother than the carriages they had ridden in the last few weeks. Glinda attempted to make small talk, but Elphaba was very guarded around her great-grandfather. The Eminence himself engaged her when spoken to, but was reviewing his notes so his answers were brief. Glinda eventually gave up.
As they rolled slowly into Manlin, Glinda inwardly sighed. The town was much like the others in Munchkinland; sod houses. The only difference was the streets were cobblestone instead of dirt. As they pulled into a carriage stable, Glinda noticed a lively street bazaar. Her heart quickened.
As the carriage stopped Elphaba made to the door. A light cough stopped her. Sighing, she sat back down. Peerless waited until the door opened and headed out. Elphaba wrinkled her nose but followed. Glinda went out after her. Peerless had his hand extended to help the petite blonde. She accepted as proper.
As her feet touched down, Glinda noted the difference in traveling with an Eminence. There were at least four short Munchkinlanders in the Thropp livery, and a few tall ones. Elphaba fidgeted in impatience and dislike at the entourage. Glinda noticed the carriage and footmen had drawn the attention of the crowd.
"We are not expected to stay with you the entire time, are we? That's not exactly what I was hoping for." Elphaba grumbled softly to her grandfather. He lightly shook his head.
"No; in about an hour I have to meet with one of the estate owners here. After that you'll be on your own." Peerless paused. "In a manner of speaking. You'll still have an escort, but a small one."
"I assure you we do not need it; we are perfectly fine by ourselves." Elphaba protested.
"As I said before, this is not Gillikin. Young ladies, especially a future Eminence, do not go around unescorted. And let it be at that." Peerless rebutted. Elphaba fumed unnoticeably to anyone but Peerless and Glinda.
The large group made their way into the street bazaar. It was slow going due to their size, but also due to their prominence. Munchkinlanders came to pay their respects or beg a hearing with the Thropps. Glinda watched in professional admiration as Peerless sorted the well-wishers from the applicants with practiced ease. Some were even sent away with small coin for their troubles.
It was not only Peerless that was approached. Elphaba drew many of the younger Munchkinlanders' attention. Glinda thought it was partly her skin, but also partly her own strange charisma. Her musings were interrupted, however, when some Munchkinlanders approached her. Young men, by Glinda's guess (though she noticed all looked younger than they were). Glinda smiled and properly entertained their attentions. They went away pleased.
As they made their way into the street fair Glinda was surprised watching Peerless interact with the shopkeepers. He examined each ware carefully, commenting on its superb craftsmanship. He then proceeded to haggle with the owner with skill that would make any merchant prince proud. At end both parties left pleased. Glinda noted that he bought very specific gifts.
In contrast, Elphaba would select a ware and pepper the shop keeper with questions about its history, design, and manufacture. The first she did it to barely concealed his annoyance until Elphaba inquired about the price. Elphaba paid it, along with a few extra coins. The row of vendors took note, and were much more patient.
Glinda's turn to engage came as they made their way into the clothier section. Most of the clothier was of the dour, rustic sort of pragmatic Munchkinland. Glinda despaired of finding nothing but perhaps a good pair of boots; however, one stall near the end held the fruits of Munchkinland's more artistic labors. Glinda smiled as she caught sight of the colors. The man in the stall smiled also, and it broadened when he caught sight of Peerless.
"Peerless! Who are these two young ladies? Don't tell me you've put yourself back onto the market? If so, I have a few nieces of good age, and perhaps a sister-in-law if you want older." The man said jovially. Peerless laughed.
"Armound, you haven't changed. You'd try to sell me the shirt off your back." Peerless replied, amused. Armound looked aghast.
"This? No. My wife made it especially for me." He answered, but then his face shifted into a grin. "Unless you're making an offer."
The two men laughed and then shook hands. Peerless turned to the girls.
"Let me introduce you. This is my granddaughter Elphaba." He said. Armound extended a hand and Elphaba took it.
"Pleasure to meet you." He said.
"Likewise." Elphaba replied.
"And this is her friend and school mate, Miss Glinda Arduenna of the Uplands of Frottica." Peerless said. Glinda put out a hand. The Munchkinlander bowed over it, and Glinda curtsied.
"How do you do?" Glinda asked.
"Much better, now. I have not seen Frottica in years, and you are its embodiment." Armoud replied. Glinda dipped her head in acknowledgement of the compliment. "Now what can I do for you both?"
"Not me." Elphaba responded quickly. "Glinda is the fashion expert."
"I would not call myself an expert." Glinda replied. "But I am searching for some new garments."
"Well, come right this way." Armound said and stepped back. "We have the finest clothing from the best tailors in Munchkinland. All the way up to Upper Applerue and down to Wend Hardings are here."
"Thank you." Glinda replied.
The blonde made her way among the wares to try and find something she liked. Elphaba and Peerless remained outside as there was little room. Elphaba watched as Munchkinlanders went on their way. A small group stopped and Elphaba knew they wanted her grandfather's attention. He strode over to them. Though Elphaba tried to hear, she could not make out the words.
"How are you finding Munchkinland?" asked Armound. Elphaba turned to him.
"Well. It has been a long time since I was here; I'd almost forgotten how it was." She replied.
"I see you with your grandfather today, and wonder if you are becoming more interested in the eminence. My son tells me good things about you at Shiz." He continued. Elphaba's eyes narrowed.
"I've heard that from many here. I quite wonder what tales they are." She said.
"About your excellence in academic matters, and integrity in personal." Armound answered. "My son even said he spoke to you once."
"Did he?" Elphaba asked, intrigued. "What is his name?"
"Davon." Armound said. "He said he didn't get a chance to tell you because he was so nervous."
"I remember him. He is in one of my lectures. Tell him I appreciated his words." Elphaba replied. Armound nodded.
"Excuse me, Master Armound?" Glinda voice carried. "I'd like to make some purchases."
"I shall be right there." He said, and turned to help Glinda.
"This is quite lovely." Glinda said. They were walking arm in arm on a cobblestone path with overarching trees. "I loved the trellises, too. The roses that covered it were gorgeous."
"That they are." Elphaba replied evenly. Glinda had noticed Elphaba's short replied during their walk; she assumed she was simply tired. Peerless had kept her in meetings all day. From their previous talks on the subject, Glinda knew they could be quite taxing.
"So we are we heading, my beautiful emerald?" asked Glinda. Elphaba tensed.
"We are going to do something I've put off too long." She replied.
Glinda stared at her curiously. The blonde blinked as they emerged from the tunnel of trees and the sun hit her eyes. As it cleared Glinda saw a forest in front of them; not of trees but monoliths. Glinda did not understand, at first, but had learned from Elphaba to not immediately ask questions. Her mind cycled through the possibilities until she landed on the only one that seemed correct.
"We are going to see your mother, aren't we?"
"That would be quiet impossible as my mother has long since passed. We are going to see her headstone, however."
They made the rest of the walk in silence. Glinda noted the stone wall around the cemetery was old; hundreds of years old. The wrought iron gate, however, was much newer. As they walked through the headstones and monoliths Glinda noted their well maintained state. Someone took great care of this place.
The pair headed towards the back. A plinth stood topped with a winged angel. Glinda dipped her head as they approached; Elphaba walked plainly. Stopping in front of it, Elphaba bent down. The emerald girl cleaned some collected dirt and grass off the engraving on the stone. Bending low with her girlfriend, Glinda read the names.
Parta Thropp
Romen Skarr
Sophelia Thropp
Melena Thropp
Glinda noticed there was a blank space. She guessed that would be for Elphaba's father Frexspar.
"Rae, I have a question."
"Of course, my beauty, what is it?"
"I'm guessing this headstone was for your grandparents by Peerless, correct?"
"Yes."
"So if Peerless is your great-grandfather, why do you call him grandfather?"
"Munchkinlander tradition. My grandparents are dead; therefore my great-grandfather is essentially my grandfather. It makes no real difference either way what I call him."
"Oh, ok. " Glinda paused. "I'm guessing your grandparents died young?"
"Yes, when my mother and aunt were barely a few years old. A plague came through Munchkinland, and they were taken. My great-grandfather was distraught, but raised their children as his own."
"He must have been young when he married your great-grandmother." Glinda continued. Elphaba's lips quirked and she sat. Glinda sat next to her.
"A bit too young." She said with a hint of amusement. She made a motion with her hand. "Thropp men."
"Ah." Glinda answered. That answered it all. "And your parents must have been young."
"Thropps are known not to reach twenty without having one on the way, at the least."
"A very…prolific family."
"An oversexed family." Elphaba snorted.
"So, what of your aunt Sophelia? You never speak of her."
"My aunt passed before I was born. It's not common knowledge." Elphaba explained. "She had mental issues, and grandfather placed her in an asylum with hopes of her getting better. Unfortunately, asylums are not well known for care; she died not a year later. My grandfather was furious, and shut down every asylum he could. My father suggested turning them into religious hospitals, and grandfather agreed. One of the sister orders of the Unnamed God known for their care gleefully took them up on their offer. They provide good care for Munchkinland, if done so with the sole purpose of conversion."
"Hmm." Glinda replied as she so often did when Elphaba would turn a personal conversation into a political one.
"Come. We should get back. I've done what I came for." Elphaba said, standing briskly. Glinda hurried to catch up. On the walk back she could not help but think Elphaba's old habits still remained strong.
Glinda hummed in relief as their carriage pulled into the Emerald City. Their stay in Munchkinland lasted not much longer than their visit to Melena's grave. Peerless had to go away on business, and Frexspar was proselytizing elsewhere. Thus, there would have been no chaperone outside of Nanny. As she looked after Nessa full time it would not be proper for them to stay.
Peerless had sent them with the Colwen Grounds carriage to the Emerald City. Glinda was grateful for the space and room. As they would not be returning, Nessa and Nanny traveled with them. Peerless did also, at least until Rush Margins. There he conversed with Boq's father about Avaric's deal. Glinda was not privy to the meeting, but Elphaba was; she said that they would accept the deal pending Avaric coming out to meet the both of them. The next morning Boq was added to the passenger list in the carriage.
Glinda could see why Peerless had grown the Thropp name. Every stop was timed perfectly to stay at a reputable inn for the night. There was clean beds and hot food. The staff even treated them with increased deference. In all, a much different trip than before. Peerless must have been a genius at organization to set it all up in a couple of days.
Their carriage slowly maneuvered its way to cab port. The size made it nearly impossible to maneuver through the City; as such, it was required to drop its passengers at a cab port. The smaller cabs could get around the City easier. Glinda disliked it, but saw the reasoning. As the port pulled into view she saw a cab with familiar looking men waiting for them.
Their letter had flown ahead, and as such Avaric, Crope, Tibbett, and Fiyero were waiting. They all wore the latest Emerald City fashions well. As the carriage jerked to a halt the boys stepped to it. The Colwen Grounds retainers hopped down while eyeing the boys warily. One stepped up to the window.
"Your Excellency, do you know these young men?" he asked. Elphaba tensed but nodded her head.
"Yes. They are to accompany us to Shiz." She replied. The retainer nodded and stepped back, opening the door.
As they disembarked Avaric met them all formally. Glinda found it a bit pretentious but understood the necessity. Elphaba did not; she yanked her hand back as Avaric bent to kiss it. He simply gave her a smug smile.
"It is nice to see you ladies again." He said. "As I knew you would be coming, and to prevent any scandalous rumors, I took the liberty of renting a flat next to my own for you to stay. Good thing I did it so in advance, too."
"Thank you, Avaric, it is much appreciated." Glinda answered for the travelers.
"Boq, you'll be staying with me. Just like old times." Avaric continued.
"Do you still take forever to do your hair?" he retorted.
"It takes dedication to look this good. Now, shall we?" Avaric replied, and tossed his walking stick into the air before nimbly catching it. The Charmed Circle shook their head at his antics.
The trip back was a riot of conversation. The two groups tried to catch each other up on the events. Crope and Tibbett tried reenacting some of the stories, which caused the cab to bounce wildly until the cabbie cracked his whip at them. They made faces as soon as he turned around but only gestured from then on.
When they reached their destination, Avaric hopped out to lead the girls to their flat. He smiled as he took out the key and opened the door and stepped aside to let the girls enter. Elphaba felt unnerved by it. As she placed her luggage down she heard footsteps. She turned to see two girls walk into the room.
"Shenshen! Milla! What are you doing here?" asked Glinda.
"Avaric asked if we wanted to join him for one last bit of fun before going back to Shiz." Shenshen replied. "Our parents were unsure at first, but since we have our Amas and are staying in a separate flat, they eventually gave in."
"It helped Avaric said he would be introducing us to the right circles." added Milla.
"And with your unexpected, but not unwelcome, early arrival, we'll have almost a week in the Emerald City before we need to head home." Avaric interjected. "Get settled in ladies, for we have dinner plans."
"We're a bit weary from the trip, Avaric." Glinda said before Elphaba could comment. "I do not think we are up to going out."
"A good thing too; we'll be dining next door at our flat." Avaric replied with a wink before he turned and strode out.
Elphaba sighed.
Dinner was a raucous affair. Avaric plied the Amas with wine early on. The matrons knew what he was doing and told him so; that did not stop them, however. Their charges were almost fully grown, and grown enough to keep their merriment hidden. The Amas let them have their fun, and had their own.
After dinner the girls retired to their own flat. It was a four room affair with Nanny and Nessa sharing a room, Elphaba and Glinda, Milla and Shenshen, and finally the two Amas. All seemed to be pleased by the arrangement. The next morning, however, Shenshen grumbled quietly about the noise of a certain Munchkinland lark. Milla turned red.
"You did not say anything." She quietly responded.
"The view was nice." Rebutted Shenshen with a toothy smile. Milla's face matched the color of her hair.
After breakfast the Circle (minus Nessa) went shopping on Mennepin Square. Glinda's country origins wrinkled its nose once again at the ruche and bustles of the dresses; her socialite knew she needed them to set herself apart at Shiz. Glinda bought five though her purse could barely afford it. Elphaba helped to pay.
They took in lunch at one of the better pubs on the square. The Circle was tacitly watched by many patrons. Elphaba thought it was due to their obviously tourist nature; Avaric thought it was because of their youth and vigor. Crope and Tibbett knew it was because people-watching was a pastime in the Emerald City.
After lunch Elphaba announced she was splitting from the group.
"Oh? What for, our dear Miss Elphaba?" Crope asked.
"There are some bookstores I saw on our way through the first time that I did not properly get to examine. I wish to dig deeper now."
"I'll come with you." Glinda said. Elphaba held up a hand.
"No, I do not wish to bore you my sweet. I promise I will be just fine."
"If that's your wish." Glinda said. She knew there was something else Elphaba was searching for, but trusted she would get it out of her later.
"It is. And thank you for everything, my sweet." Elphaba gave her a quick peck on her forehead before drawing her head scarves over her head. Even the light fabric seemed to obscure her features. The green girl strode away. Glinda watched her disappear into the crowd.
"Oz that feels good." Shenshen moaned. Milla gave a little giggle.
"I thought you might like that. Beats doing it yourself, doesn't it?" she asked. Shenshen gasped as fingers hit a sensitive spot.
"Usually I have Pfannee." She replied breathlessly. Milla giggled again.
"But she has such small fingers!"
"She knows how to use them." Shenshen managed to groan out in appreciation. Milla giggled.
"And how about you, Glinda? Enjoying yourself?" Milla purred.
"Quite. Elphaba is good but," Glinda moaned in pleasure and closed her eyes, "she can be a bit too rough."
"Sometimes a lady needs delicate." Milla agreed with a smile.
"Yes, and sometimes she needs rough." Glinda replied. The girls gasped.
"Miss Glinda! We're merely talking about our massages!" Milla said from her table.
"Quite! Where is your mind?" Shenshen laughed. Glinda pooped open one eye.
"On my massage. Just like your own." Glinda smiled mischievously. The masseurs said nothing.
"Sometimes I wish…" Milla started but trailed off. Glinda and Shenshen looked over at her. They had been getting dressed and were not in more than their camisoles.
"Wish?" asked Glinda.
"Wish…" Milla hesitated again. "Wish…had someone I could be close to like you and Elphaba, or you and Pfannee."
"Has your love for Boq cooled?" asked Glinda. Milla shook her head.
"No, but he's a man; he is focused on those things. Not that he is inattentive, but he does not understand how it is to be a woman." Milla explained, and looked down. "Not to mention the distance he has to keep all the time for sake of propriety. I cannot hold him every night, or shop with him arm in arm, or give more than a chaste kiss in public."
"The secrecy can be fun." Shenshen added helpfully.
"Yes, but it is also wearing." Milla replied.
"That is true." Glinda agreed. "I know it is hard sometimes on me and Elphaba."
"Me and Pfannee are close, but not that close." Shenshen admitted. "I do not really long for her more than you would a fond friend. More than you, Miss Milla, or you Miss Glinda."
"That sounds dreadful." Gasped Milla. Shenshen shrugged.
"You'd be surprised. I do not get jealous when she is with someone else or guilty when I am. We are both free to pursue who we want; we are just always there for each other." She answered.
"I knew your relationship was interesting, but I did not know you were not each other's only." Milla pondered. "It seems strange to me."
"I might, but it is how I like it. I feel like it allows me to experience each person to the fullest extent they'll allow me, rather than being held back by anything."
"Do you always explore everyone to their fullest?" asked Milla. Shenshen nodded.
"For the most part; even those I do not take an initial liking to. One never knows what you will learn from someone else." Shenshen replied.
"That is intriguing." Milla wondered. Shenshen's eyes dipped low.
"Curious, Miss Milla?" Shenshen almost purred. The red headed girl started for a moment.
"No! Well, yes, but no! I promised myself to Boq, and him only." Milla answered. Shenshen nodded.
"Then I won't push the issue. Miss Glinda? I would feel remiss if I were not to extend the same invitation to you."
"Thank you, Miss Shenshen, but I am still trying to figure out my own self; I feel no need to complicate it yet."
"As you wish. The invitation is always open; you merely have to ask." She replied. She then checked the grandfather clock in the corner and swore. "I'm late. You lovely ladies distracted me."
"Late for what?" asked Milla. Shenshen hurriedly threw on a frock and boots.
"Duran is in the Emerald City. I let him know I was going to be here, and he invited me to a special practice with some of the Emerald City's teachers. I'll have to hustle." She answered and she strode for the door. She paused only briefly to plant gentle kisses on each of the girls' foreheads. She opened the door. "Until later, my lovelies!"
With a flourish she closed the door. Glinda shook her head.
"He rubs off on her far too much."
"I wonder how much he rubs up on her?" Milla giggled. Glinda gasped.
"Milla!"
"What? I thought it was a good turn of phrase."
"I will grant you that." Glinda paused. "It is quite a question."
"We have interesting friends, do we not?"
"That, my dear Milla, is an understatement."
Both girls giggled.
Elphaba inwardly sighed in relief as she saw the sign for the Dancing Bear. It had been over a month since she was in the City, and her command of the layout was not the best to begin with. Keeping a wary eye, she crossed the street and entered the pub. The Bear at the counter nodded to her. Elphaba moved to a back corner half hidden from view. The Bear finished serving some customers and then trudged over.
"How goes it?" he asked gravelly.
"Much the same." She replied. "No letters from home, unfortunately."
"It is to be expected. I'm afraid I have to go about my business, but some acquaintances would like to speak to you."
"And who may they be?" Elphaba asked dangerously. She was unnerved, but would not show it. "I do not like surprises."
"Which is why you're still in the business." The Bear replied as he trundled off to serve his customers.
Elphaba glanced around. She did not notice anyone suspicious; mostly Animals trying to have a peaceful meal. There were a few Ozians in contrast to the previous time. None seemed to be giving Elphaba extra attention. Elphaba dug into one of her pockets and pulled out a watch. At the same time, she double checked her knife.
The Bear came back over with some food. Elphaba opened her mouth to say something, but he quickly dropped it off before heading back to serve others. Elphaba frowned. The food looked to be porridge of some sorts. Elphaba spooned through it while discretely eyeing the establishment. Not seeing anything objectionable, she spooned a small amount into her mouth. Elphaba grimaced inwardly. Not the best food. It could use some salt.
Two men entered the establishment. They spoke to the Bear and he motioned towards Elphaba. She did not turn her head, but watched them out of the corner of her eye. One was much bigger than the other; a body guard. Elphaba put her spoon down and at the same time gently slid her knife partially out of its holster. The two men picked their way over and slid into the benches.
"I do not recall giving you permission to sit." Elphaba said easily. The smaller man quirked an eyebrow.
"I seem to think business associates did not need permission." He replied.
"Oh? Have we had business before?"
"No, but I am told you could be useful to my business."
"Useful, hm?" Elphaba replied evenly. "I suppose I could. And just who are you?"
"Friends of the flock." He answered. Elphaba did not give anything away, but those were the words she was waiting to hear.
"And to what use can I be?"
"We're thinking of promoting you out of postal service. Your unique talents could be very helpful."
"I am always looking to contribute more. What would you have me doing?"
"You'd be finding potentials clients and performing risk management."
"Risk management? What would that entail?" Elphaba asked quietly.
"Eliminating potential threats to the business." Replied the man in an equally low tone. Elphaba shook her head.
"I'm not here for that." She protested.
"Don't you want to help the business?" the man hissed.
"Of course. But I do not believe in that."
"Sometimes risks must be eliminated."
"Then we are no better than them." Elphaba retorted. She made to rise. "I think we are done here. You know how to find me if you need to find some clients."
The man's hand snaked out and grabbed Elphaba's wrist. She twisted but he held her firmly. Unfortunately for her, he also grabbed on top of her knife's sheath, pinning it in place.
"Sometimes risks must be eliminated; especially when assets become risks." He hissed. He stood as well and tugged on her arm. She struggled against it but managed to do no more than upend her bowl. The big man made to grab for her also.
"And what do you think you are doing?" came a horrendous growl from behind. The Bear had noticed the commotion and came over.
"We are simply taking our friend with us. She drank a bit much." The smaller man said smoothly.
"She has drunken nothing since she has been here." Growled the Bear even more forcefully. This time he showed his teeth. "You shall release her."
"You fool. She could be a threat to us all." The small man hissed. Elphaba could barely hear it; she doubted any of the other patrons could.
"Now." The Bear answered. The men did not and the big man started to reach into his cloak. The Bear rose up on his hind legs and bared his teeth one final time. "I said now."
"Fine." Spat the man. He threw Elphaba's arm against her, causing her to topple into her seat.
"If I see you around here again it will not go well for you." The Bear snarled.
"I think it won't go well for you soon enough." The smaller man snarled back.
"We shall see."
The two men stalked past the Bear who was still holding himself up to his full height. He followed them on his hind legs until they had left. Only then did the Bear put his forepaws on the ground. He wearily trudged back to Elphaba.
"I'm sorry. They were colleagues of colleagues; I did not realize how they would be." He apologized. Elphaba nodded.
"I understand. I did not think I would meet such acquaintances."
"They may be in the business for less…upstanding reasons, but strange bedfellows and all that."
"Indeed. Speaking of which, I must get back to my own fellows." Elphaba said as she gathered her things. She drew her head scarves over her as she set out. The Bear followed. "If you need me, you know how to contact me."
"Are you sure you do not wish to stay here? We could use your help." He asked. Elphaba looked both ways as she strode out the door, and then turned back.
"Perhaps I considered it before, but not at the present. Maybe sometime in the future."
With that, she turned and headed back to the flat.
"We can't leave someone so dangerous out there." The small man hissed as they wound their way through the back alleys of the Emerald City. "She knows too much and is too weak."
"I understand." The big man said. "We can't touch her here as it would be obvious, but we know she has to travel to Shiz. We can take care of it on the road."
"Make sure of it." The smaller man growled.
He was about to say something else when they saw their way was blocked. A man stood serenely in the alleyway. He was not overly large or small; both men were actually bigger than him. He had on the standard dark jacket common amongst the working class of the City, and a wide brimmed hat. The only thing of note was his walking stick on which both his hands were perched. Both men had lasted this long in their business by realizing when something was amiss. That sense was screaming at them right now.
"Who are you?" asked the smaller man.
"No one of importance." Replied the man in the alleyway easily. His tone was light.
"Oh? Then you won't mind moving; we have important business to attend to."
"I guess I should have specified." The man said. He popped his walking stick up into one hand and strode towards them. "In the scheme of things, I am no one important. However, to you I am the most important thing in the world."
"Oh? And why is that?" asked the smaller man. Both men shifted slightly for easier access to their weapons.
"I am the bringer of death. Your death, specifically." He continued jovially. Both men's stances shifted away from the approaching man to provide a smaller target.
"Oh? And what for?" hissed the smaller of the two.
"Simple. You, men of no consequence meddled in the affairs of those of the utmost."
The men did not respond. In a flash, both drew their side swords. The next thing the smaller man knew he was staring up at the dirty buildings as he bled out. His partner lay dead next to him, killed almost immediately. The smaller man blinked and gasped, but was losing the fight to survive. The smiling gentleman peered down at him while wiping the blood from his own sword.
"Bolo," was the last thing the man heard, "can you take care of clean up? I got somewhere I have to be."
"Of course." Came a deeper voice. The smiling man looked up at his assistant. The large man in the bowler hat had already procured a cart from somewhere.
"This jacket too." The man said and stripped it from himself. "It is ruined; not to mention being covered in blood would cause quite a bit of commotion."
"Yes indeed." Bolo agreed. He pointed at the man. "Missed a spot."
"Thank you." The other said as he caught it with a piece of cloth. He fished out an opera cape from the satchel near him. "How do I look?"
"A fop, like always."
"Perfect."
The man tipped his cap to his compatriot and sauntered away.
This chapter covers the dates of the 21st of High Summer to 7 of Wanesummer.