A/N: A shout out to my anonymous reviewer! They are indeed - a little background in this chapter first though. ;) Thanks!
Chapter 28
Once the injured and sick Munchkins had been helped, Glinda quickly sent word to the Vinkus and to Quadling country to alert them to what was going on. Her parents wrote home as well. The Council quickly gathered and made plans to help the scores Munchkins who they imagined were going to need help. Elphaba paced the floor in Morrible's office, nervous at the prospect of what came next.
"Miss Elphaba, the bottoms of your shoes must be worn out," it was Mopsi, his words made her stop pacing.
"Master Mopsi," she looked over at him, standing in the doorway. He walked over to her and gave her a hug. It was a bit unexpected but not unwelcome and she returned it.
"I am sorry that you suffer so. I have little doubt that your Prince will return victorious," he said as they parted.
"I do not just worry for him," Elphaba said.
"Of course, not but none mean as much as him, apart from Master Chistery perhaps," Mopsi winked. Elphaba laughed a little.
"It is good to see you smile. Now the reason I came to find you is that Lady Glinda would like your presence in the Council Chamber. It seems that the Councilmen have come up with something they'd like to go over," he said.
"Ah. They're worried that we'll get more Munchkins like those that came our way," she said.
"I fear they are right. More than likely, we will need to go to them," Mopsi figured.
"Indeed. Would you and Popsi come with me?" She asked.
"If you wish it, we will go," he promised as they exited the room and headed down the hallway.
"I cannot thank you and Popsi enough. You have done a lot for me and for Oz," Elphaba told him.
"You never need thank us. Besides, we did it mostly for you," Mopsi admitted. He only spoke the truth, not one to mince words. The two Munchkins had suffered at the hands of their own people and at the hands of those that did not know them. She actually shared quite a bit in common with them.
"Miss Elphaba, Mr. Mopsi, please join us," Councilman Fekri smiled at them as they entered the room.
"Mopsi tells me you have come up with a plan to help Munchkinland. I'm all ears," she said.
"Well, we do not want to alienate Munchkinlanders. They're coming off being used as pawns by their current leadership for a crazy idea that was never going to work. The stories from those in the medical tent and infirmary are disturbing," Chalumpo spoke up.
"Indeed. Regrettably, not a story that was unheard in the history of Munchkinland. We need to prove to them that Lady Glinda does not have those kinds of intentions," Elphaba agreed.
"The easiest way would be to just give them what they need – food, water, supplies, etc. and not asking for anything in return," Glinda addressed the group.
"Certainly, a good place to start but you didn't need me for that," her friend raised an eyebrow.
"Well not exactly. We need to get the supplies there faster than by cart…" Barat spoke up.
"Ah…" Elphaba knew what they meant. It would be a big spell, one that she had not attempted before.
"Do you think we can do it, if we combine our magic?" The blonde wondered.
"That I do not know but we will certainly try. First, you need to pull out your crystal ball. We must check on the troops," the green woman told her. Glinda nodded and quickly left to go get the ball.
To Be Continued…
