Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. At the end of the chapter, I'll have some of the back history that I've designed for the Vinkus and some for the Munchkins. I hope it is interesting for you. As for Avaric: I've always felt Elphaba was the only woman he ever respected in the world, and after she left he simply became more of a bad guy. His later comments in Wicked I think are a lie to cover for himself. If he didn't remember her, he would have had more of a reaction like when he first actually meets her. Glinda is still a novice now. Also, in the bookverse, magic seems to be more difficult to do than the playverse. And did you ever getting around to reading it?
Thanks to heatqueen for reviewing. Of course, and I seem to make you do it a lot. Thank you for the comments on Duran. Like I've said before, a literary indulgence of mine. I think there should be some mystery to Elphaba's life she didn't create. And Crope isn't single, just like Elphie isn't single. But propriety would not let him go with who he wanted.
Thanks to Crzyratlady for reviewing. There will be, and I guess Pysc wasn't that interesting, huh?
Thanks to nursejoy7 for reviewing. Hooray for summer vacation.
Thank you to Melanie for reviewing. You're not supposed to know who they are (yet). But you can always google them.
Sorry I'm late. I had my first real person job interview, and it threw everything off.
As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and Critiques welcome.
(But seriously, Out Live a Lie's stuff is great)
A groan escaped Glinda's mouth as she rolled over. The spot next to her was empty. She braved opening an eye and was grateful the curtains were pulled tight. Looking around she spotted a green figure sitting on the other bed. Her emerald girlfriend smiled at her.
"Awake, I see. I have a glass of water and your wand right there. Unless you want me to do it?"
"Mmmmmrgggggghhhh."
"I'll take that as a yes." Elphaba replied with a smile. She handed Glinda the glass of water and raised her own wand. With a brief look of concentration Elphaba cast the spell and Glinda's headache went away.
"Much better. Thank you, Rae. Maybe you should do the same for Nessa."
"I already did. It's quite late, Miss Glinda, and we have to be going if we are to catch our brunch appointment." Elphaba teased. Glinda sprang out of bed.
"It's that late already! Oh, I have to get ready!" Glinda exclaimed and popped out of bed. She darted into the bathroom. A few minutes later she jumped back out, hair curled and make up on. "I completely forgot that we still have oil in the tub! Nothing to be done about it now."
Elphaba shook her head as Glinda moved to her closet. She found a dress she liked for Elphaba, a simple long sleeved black frock, and then attacked her own closet. She threw out a blue dress, a blue bodice and a white chemise. She quickly changed into them and then dragged Elphaba out the door behind her.
The two girls arrived at the pub where the rest of the Circle was meeting. They ahd arrived first and had to wait almost a half an hour. A perturbed Elphaba was contemplating leaving when the rest of the Circle finally appeared. Glinda took pity on their ragged forms but Elphaba was all ice.
"And just what have you been up to that it should keep us waiting?" Elphaba asked evenly.
"Shh, Elphie; not so loud." Boq groaned.
"I'm sorry, Master Boq," Elphaba said louder, "what was that?"
"Elphie, be nice." Glinda chastised. Elphaba shot her a look but Glinda responded with one of her own. Elphaba's lips quirked slightly.
"You pity them so, Glinda; you truly live up to your namesake." Elphaba said.
"And you yours, Miss Elphaba."
"And how so?"
"All you want is your privacy and a good book. You have no time for unwanted advances."
"Now only if there was a waterfall somewhere in Shiz."
"No, we can't have that. You'd melt. An oil fall?"
"I think the chances of that are even slimmer."
"What the hell are you two babbling about?" Crope groaned.
"Yes," Tibbett agreed, "normally it is us that don't make sense."
"Is this how they feel, then?" Crope asked.
"Absolutely." Elphaba answered.
"Elphaba, we should put them out of their misery." Glinda advised. Elphaba sighed.
"Thank Oz, Glinda." Milla groaned. "Magic, please."
"Yes. You're such a good friend." Shenshen added.
"So good." Pfannee painfully agreed.
"Oh, Miss Glinda, you're just too good!" Elphaba mocked in high falsetto.
"Oh, stop." Glinda simpered, batting her eyelashes and waving her hand. "I'm not that good."
"Yes, you are!" Elphaba protested, mimicking Glinda.
"No."
"Yes!"
"Well, alright." Glinda flounced. The boys looked at each other.
"Do you know what the hell is going on?" Avaric asked Fiyero.
"I thought it was some strange Ozian thing you all do." Fiyero replied.
"Don't worry. I'll go get you a pitcher of water." Elphaba said and stood. Glinda looked nervous. "Don't worry, my sweet; I shall be fine. I have handled water pitchers before."
"Ok." Glinda replied. Even through bleary, pain fogged brains the Circle noticed that the conversation was odd.
Glinda watched Elphaba go, and then turned back to the group. She pulled out her wand and began to concentrate. The tingling sensation she always got when casting this spell started and she muttered under her breath. Opening her eyes, she directed the spell over he friends. She instantly saw them straighten or relax.
"So, what is this about Elphaba and water?" Avaric asked. Glinda did not start through sheer will.
"She is coming with some in a moment. You need to drink a lot of it if you don't want your hangover to come back." Glinda deflected smoothly.
"That's not what it sounded like earlier." Avaric continued, undeterred. "You made a comment about her melting."
"If you recall, Master Avaric, we were being quite silly in that moment. Melting if one comes into contact with water is quite a silly notion."
"But our Elphie does not like water. I've noticed she always wears heavy clothes if even the slightest threat of dampness." Tibbett said.
"You would notice her clothes." Boq put in.
"I agree with Glinda." Pfannee added. "A water allergy? How preposterous."
"She probably bundles so people won't stare." Milla offered. "I know when I don't want extra attention I cover my hair."
"But I love your red hair, Milly-dilly." Boq said. She smiled at him.
"I know you do, Boqykins, but it does draw a lot of attention."
"I think I'm going to be sick." Avaric said and Boq scowled at him.
"This is one of those rare occasions I agree with you, Avaric." Elphaba said from behind him. He jumped slightly, as did the rest of the table. They did not know how Elphaba could sneak up on them like that.
"Oz, Elphaba! How do you do that?" Boq asked as she leaned over the table to palce the pitcher down. She smiled ferally at him.
"Like you are part-Hedgehog, Boqykins, I am part Chameleon. I can change the color of my skin to match my surroundings." Elphaba said, leaving everyone but Boq and Glinda confused.
After lunch, the group parted ways. Most went to their beds to sleep the rest of the day away. When Glinda went to get into the carriage with the rest of the girls, Elphaba stopped her. Glinda gave Elphaba a quizzical look.
"Are we not going back to Crage Hall?" she asked.
"Not unless you want to miss the architecture tour of the old banks."
"Oh! Of course not!"
The carriage driver went on his way and Elphaba summoned another. Glinda eagerly hopped in and Elphaba followed, directing the cabbie to the financial district. As they approached Glinda could already see Firamen waiting for them. She almost forgot herself in excitement and went to jump out, but remembered at the last moment. She did not want to miss Elphaba helping her out. Elphaba hopped out of the carriage, shoulder set and back straight and turned to help Glinda out of the carriage. Both ladies smiled as Firamen bowed.
"Your Excellency; my lady; it is a pleasure for you to be with us today."
"We are pleased to be here." Elphaba answered authoritatively. Glinda could say she liked it. Firaman smiled.
"If you ladies will follow me."
He walked towards the bank door and held it for them. Elphaba walked through and, before Firamen could get there, held the door for Glinda. Glinda tipped her head graciously. Firamen covered his surprise well when Elphaba gestured him in. The Third Descending holding the door was something different, but he knew she was not pretentious in her mannerisms.
Firamen turned to wait for the two girls and had to cover his surprise again when Elphaba offered the Gillikin girl her arm. His mental abacus clicked a few times, adding weight to the Gillikin girl's side, but the look Elphaba gave him from behind her professional mask told him to keep this information to himself, or suffer the consequences. He bowed again.
"I apologize, my ladies, but our art retainer has been involved in an unfortunate accident. I shall have to suffice as your guide. Never fear, I have been schooling myself on the architecture of not only this building, but all along the Exchange. I am sure it will suffice."
"And if it does not?" Elphaba asked sternly. Firamen started to blanch but Glinda saved him.
"Miss Elphaba, do not tease the poor man. He is gracious enough to not only guide us on his personal time, but also to spend so much of it researching."
"You are quite right." Elphaba replied with the barest hint of a smile. She bowed her head to him. "My apologies, Master Firamen."
"Think nothing of it, Your Excellency. I hope I shall satisfy you and your guest." He replied as the abacus clicked a few more times in Glinda's direction. She was a natural diplomat and softened the very stern Elphaba. A powerful pair.
The tour progressed much like Elphaba expected. She remained silent, absorbing the information while Glinda politely peppered Firamen with questions. He responded and Elphaba was impressed at his level of knowledge. After finishing up with his bank, Firamen took them to the others. As they were of different nationalities, each bank was different. There was predominately Merthic of both the Early and Late varieties, but also a Gallatine and Bluestone Revival. The newest was of the Imperial Bombast. None of the bankers took much liking to the Industrial Modern style favored by the Wizard.
"Miss Elphaba; what time is it?" Glinda asked. Elphaba glanced at her and then withdrew her pocket watch.
"It's almost four, Miss Glinda."
"Oh! So late! I need to get to the market!" Glinda flustered.
"Calm down, my sweet. We have time. I'm sure Master Firamen can have a coach for us in a few minutes. Right, Master Firamen?" she replied, turning to him. She noticed the dazed look on his face.
"Of course, Your Excellency." He answered distantly. His mental abacus had tipped so quickly it had up ended. "I have one on standby."
Elphaba eyes narrowed, searching his face for the reason why he was acting strangely. Had Glinda done something wrong? When it hit her, it took all Elphaba's will to remain impassive.
"Thank you. You have always worked for my best interests, Master Firamen, and that is why I trust you so." Elphaba said evenly. Firamen did not miss the undertones.
"Your Excellency has always been fair and respectful. I would never dream of doing something to bring shame upon Your Excellency."
"That is good to hear."
"Now, I shall go summon the coachman." He said, and promptly left to do so. He returned and stood with the two ladies as the covered coach came around. He first helped Glinda in and then bowed to Elphaba. She nodded her head, and then stuck out her hand. Firamen grasped it tentatively.
"Thank you, Master Firamen. Your service was excellent, as always." She said shaking his hand briefly before climbing in after Glinda.
"It is my pleasure to serve, Your Excellency." Firamen replied and bowed again.
The coach took off and Firamen headed inside to his office. He plopped down in his chair and slowly took the bottle out of his desk for just such occasions. Pouring some into his glass, he sighed. The Gillikin girl meant much to Her Excellency, and she knew Firamen knew. This information, however, was the kind he could never use for his own gain; only his own destruction. Besides, he mused as he took a drink, he actually rather liked Her Excellency. He thought she would make a fine Eminent one day.
"Elphaba, what was all that about?" Glinda asked as they ambled along in the coach.
"Firamen knows." Elphaba replied cryptically but Glinda got it instantly.
"How? Was I too affectionate in my manner?" she asked confused.
"No, it was my mistake." Elphaba replied in a dead tone. Glinda put a hand to her mouth.
"Oh no; you called me my sweet."
"Yes." Elphaba dove her hands into her face. "Damnit! Why do I always do this!"
Glinda took Elphaba's hands into her own. She gently stroked them until Elphaba looked up at her, and Glinda planted a light kiss on her lips.
"We all make mistakes, Elphaba. Even you. It's not that we do so, but how we respond to them that makes us who we are."
"It is quite unfair, my sweet, for you to be beautiful and wise." Elphaba replied dryly and Glinda giggled.
"I will admit I pulled that from a book."
"Really?"
"Yes. I was waiting for you in the library and was very bored. I picked up a book on philosophy to pass the time. Like usual, you were quite late so I read significant portion of it. I can't remember anything out of the book but that stuck with me."
"Oz save us from a book learned Miss Glinda Arduenna."
"You know what you are?"
"Mean and green."
"I was going to say: in possession of a wicked tongue." Glinda purred and Elphaba blushed.
"At this rate, I shall not make it out of the year."
"Pish posh. I'd never let that happen."
"I don't see why I need this many bottles." Elphaba complained as she gently put down the case she was carrying. Glinda had purchased all of the bottles made by the Quadling glassblower they had seen before.
"Well, it's not exactly like we can keep the tub full of oil." Glinda replied.
"Changing it back to water would have been a much cheaper option."
"I don't think wasting so much oil would have been smart. Besides, now you don't have to worry about your oil for months."
"And what will we do with all these bottles afterward?"
"I can conjure more than just sandalwood, you know."
"Ah."
After a mild bit of sorcery practice (in which Glinda and Elphaba magicked the oil into the bottles) the two girls had cleaned and went to bed. The next morning brought a downpour and a sour Elphaba. There was no way she could maneuver through the rain and not get wet. Glinda had attempted to stay with her, but Elphaba sent her on her way. Even her goodbye kiss was less affectionate. Glinda sighed and just resigned herself to it.
Later that afternoon, there was a knock at the door. When Elphaba got up she saw Glinda standing with Boq and an annoyed looking Nanny.
"Boq, what are you doing here?" Elphaba asked curtly. He stuck out a notebook.
"I brought you notes. Thought it might help you be less grumpy."
"I am not grumpy."
"Of course not." He replied and looked out their window. "Do you ever wonder why it never gets to Munchkinland?"
Elphaba glared at him, not wanting to be brought into the conversation about succession again. Boq saw this and bid a hasty retreat. Glinda sighed as Elphaba forcefully sat down at the desk and poured over Boq's notes. Not fifteen minutes later she shoved them away.
"Useless." She muttered. Glinda sighed again, and practiced her sorcery while Elphaba continued her note taking from her book.
"Rae, it's about lunch. Do you want to go down to the lunch hall and get something?" Glinda asked.
"No."
"Do you want me to bring you something?"
"I'm not hungry."
Glinda sighed again and went by herself. She grabbed lunch not only for herself, but also for Elphaba. When she returned she set it next to her girlfriend, who only a grunt in acknowledgment. Glinda practiced some more but then decided it was time for Elphaba to switch tasks.
"Rae, it's time for you to practice sorcery."
"I don't have time for that right now."
"Yes, you do."
"I don't want to waste my time on something silly." Elphaba replied sharply and it hurt Glinda a bit to hear.
"You said it was important."
"Now I'm starting to wonder."
"No, you're not. You're just diving into something familiar because you're in a foul mood. Now, it's time for sorcery, just like it is every time this week."
"Not right now."
Glinda sighed and concentrated. Elphaba's books levitated in the air until they floated to the ceiling.
"Glinda, give those back!" Elphaba snarled, rounding on her. Glinda maintained her composure.
"Get them yourself." She replied calmly.
"This is important!"
"So is this. If you can't overcome something as simple as floating books, how are you planning to overcome Morrible?"
Elphaba's eyes flashed angrily and her face hardened.
"Fine." She spat. She went and got out her wand. As she began to review her notes there was a knock at the door. Opening it, Glinda saw Nessa and Nanny.
"Is it time for our soercery practice?" Nessa asked. Elphaba scoffed and Nessa looked at her concerned.
"Ignore your sister. She is a bit of a foul mood today." Glinda said.
"Undoubtedly because of the weather." Nessa replied and walked in. "Fabala, why are your books on the ceiling?"
The next day was not any better. Though Glinda had gone to bed hopeful (as Elphaba had finally relented to sleeping with her) more rain had come and Elphaba's mood deteriorated. Glinda could not take it anymore and stormed out, leaving a smarting Elphaba behind her. They did not see each other for the rest of the day. Though neither spoke much to each other, they both relished in the other's presence as they went to sleep.
The next morning the girls woke with sunshine on their faces. Glinda wiggled out of bed happily and knelt before the window.
"Dearest Lurline, thank you for the nice weather." She started and Elphaba sighed.
"Glinda…"
"I hope the sun continues to shine; though some rain in Munchkinland may be useful."
"Seriously, Glinda."
"Or at least no more than one day. Rae turns into a mean beast when it rains too much."
"First, Glinda; I do not."
"Do too."
"Second: Lurlinists don't pray on their knees with their hands together. Only Unionists do that. They pray standing with their hands in the air."
"Oh." Glinda paused, and stood, blushing. "And how would you know, oh Great atheist?"
Elphaba merely gestured to her rows of books.
"Point taken. Get up! It's time for breakfast."
Glinda quickly bustled them down to breakfast, where they ate with the other girls. Glinda chatted happily while Elphaba remained mostly silent. Afterwards they cleaned and Glinda picked out an outfit for Elphaba. It was a light cream dress and caused Elphaba to raise an eyebrow.
"Trust me." Glinda said as she moved about finishing her hair and makeup. She then attacked Elphaba. The green girl fell to the bed and spent the next quarter of an hour trying to survive Glinda's advances. She finally managed to squirm free and stood there, panting.
"We have to go to class, my sweet." Elphaba managed to get out. Glinda smiled angelically and went to fix her lipstick. As Elphaba was customarily locking their door, Glinda giggled and wiped some lipstick from Elphaba's face, causing her to blush slightly. The girls followed their usual habit of Elphaba walking Glinda to class, and then her going onto Life Sciences.
Today, they were doing liquid transformations in Sorcery. They started with a cup of tea, and Glinda easily waved her hand over it to change it to milk. She repeated the process changing it to coffee, wine, water, and then tea again. Miss Greyling pushed her for larger and larger amounts of water, and Glinda changed them easily until she was changing a large bowl of water with waves of her hand. Miss Greyling was stunned and an exhausted Glinda soaked in the praise and admiration. She was turning to leave class when she heard a booming voice.
"Excellent job, Miss Glinda." It said and Glinda fixed her smile to turn to the Headmistress. "Such a command of the spell."
"Sorcery seems becoming of me." Glinda replied.
"So it does. As do social functions. You were striking at the ball this past week. I got many compliments on you from the chaperones and alumni."
"Thank you. I am happy I was representing Crage Hall well."
"Some of your acquaintances worry me, however."
"How so, Madame?"
"They are not so fitting of you and your potential."
"Madame, all Ozians have their qualities. I find if I limit myself to only certain Ozians, I only experience certain qualities. I think that would be detrimental for broadening my horizons."
"Quite true, dearie. Your escort was unexpected, too. Did the future Margreave not ask you?"
"While Master Tenmeadows is a good friend, Master Tigelaar did invite me first. As there are no romantic notions between us, I found the Crown Prince of the Arjikis quite a suitable date. His dancing and manners were superb; a testament to Shiz' greatness as he has spent little time here."
"Good to hear he is becoming civilized. However, I think a Frottican girl such as yourself would have preferred a Shiz Margreave."
"Frottica is quite close to the Vinkus, Madame, and some of the tribes routinely come to trade in fall in preparation of winter. I cannot see how a good working relationship would not benefit me."
"Perhaps something to consider, my dear. But what of that other man, the low born one."
"Master Fanel? I can honestly say I've only interacted with him twice, including the ball. He seems to be a good dancer but is at Briscoe on a patronage scholarship. While a nice acquaintance to have, nothing more would be worth seeking."
"That is good to hear. Well, I've held you back long enough. Go on." Morrible said and waved her hand in dismissal. Glinda left, barely able to contain her shaking.
Elphaba had waited outside of Life Sciences for Glinda per usual, but the blonde did not appear. Elphaba began to worry, and moved towards the Sorcery building. Fiyero may have said something about tagging along, but she was not paying him any attention. After arriving at the Sorcery building and still not seeing her, she grabbed a student coming out.
"Have you seen Glinda Arduenna?" she asked him curtly.
"Probably still soaking in the praise." The boy said. "She was showing off in class and Miss Greyling was going on about it."
Elphaba sighed and let the boy go. No matter how much Glinda had changed she still loved attention.
"She'll probably be awhile." She said, more to herself than anything.
"Then why don't we get lunch?" Fiyero offered, and Elphaba was surprised. She had forgotten he was there.
"It's not a date." Elphaba half stated, half warned. Fiyero smiled.
"No. But you did say something about wanting to know more about the Eminents." He replied.
"That's true. You seem to have some knowledge that I have not come across."
"Then shall we? I know just the place."
"Alright."
"So, tell me what you know about the Eminents." Elphaba said. They were at a Vinkun style café.
"First: how many Eminents are there in Munchkinland?"
"Only one. My grandfather. By right he is the governor of Munchkinland."
"Do you know where the title comes from?"
"Who does with these things? Probably some archaic honorific."
"Somewhat true. The title of Eminent comes from the words eminence."
"I suspected."
"Yes. They were the preeminent families in certain areas. From what I've read, there was Eminents in Nest Hardings, Wend Hardings, the Corn Basket, Rush Margins, Wend Fallows, Nest Fallows, and around Lake Mossemere."
"So like the barons of Gillikin."
"Correct. At this point there was no Ozma; just wealthy lords. When the Ozma rose to supremacy, and subjugated the other Gillikin barons to her, she turned her attention to Munchkinland. It started over the Glikkun."
"Of course it did."
"It was really over the Corn Basket, however. She needed more food if she wanted to subjugate the rest of Oz, and the surrounding countries. Each Eminence brought their men at arms and militia to the war. The strongest Eminence at the time was the Corn Basket; however, they suffered the brunt of the war and he eventually fell. They all did except for the Eminence of Nest Hardings."
"I see where this is going. But they all seem to be male. How did the matrilineal line start?"
"Well, after reaching a stalemate, the Ozma called a ceasefire. She offered a meeting in good faith to the Eminence but instead captured him. She tortured him and showed him to the militia; sure it would break their spirit. It didn't. His wife took over and inspired Munchkinland to fight more. After several more years both sides were exhausted. The Munchkinlanders could not push the Ozma out, but the Ozma could not move forward. This time, they met under a real truce. Munchkinland was to become part of the Ozma's Oz, but in return the Eminence of Nest Hardings was freed and set up as the ruler of all Munchkinland. It was agreed, but the Eminence soon died. He left the title to his wife, and it has passed to the first female ever since."
"That's quite different from the story we're told. How did you come by this information?"
"My grandfather, the one who took over Kiamo Ko, was trying to find out all the information he could on Oz. I think he had plans of eventually becoming its ruler."
"Ambitious."
"Truly. His library at Kiamo Ko is vast, and many of my private lessons were focused on the history of the other Ozian countries."
"Your grandfather did not even become King of the Vinkus. How did he think he was going to rule all of Oz?"
"I've looked at some of his old plans. Apparently, he was going to go through Quadling Country for its store of rubies, and use the wealth to improve the Vinkus."
"Of course. Everyone wants the Quadling rubies."
"Yes. But I've talked too much, and you haven't eaten."
"Nor shall I. I must be off."
And with that, Elphaba left without another word.
Elphaba opened the door to their dorm to find Glinda standing there, hands on her hips. She shut the door with a quizzical look on her face.
"Where were you?" Glinda demanded. It instantly set Elphaba on edge.
"What does it matter?"
"It matters because you didn't meet me after class like always. I was worried."
"I walked all the way to the Sorcery building. It was you who did not meet me."
"I was detained after class."
"Basking in the adoration, from what I hear."
"More like caught by Morrible. You think I wanted to sit there and have her interrogate me? And then when I come back you're not even here!"
"I don't live my life at your beck and call, Glinda."
"I would like to know where my girlfriend has been for the past couple of hours!"
"I went to lunch with Fiyero." Elphaba said evenly as she put her books down.
"What?" Glinda whispered.
"Yes. He invited me out and I went. Before you even say anything, it was not a date. I made that abundantly clear to him."
"It doesn't matter what you say, you still went out to lunch with him!"
"Glinda, he's a friend! One you know! It is perfectly acceptable for me to go out to lunch with him. Especially because I did not eat anything!"
"Then why did you go!"
"He had some information about Eminents I wanted to know."
"And he just decided to give it to you over lunch, huh?"
Elphaba threw her hands up in the air.
"I can't deal with this right now." She gathered some books and threw her coat back on.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Glinda hissed.
"Wherever I damn well please!" Elphaba growled and threw open the door. Try as she might, she could not resist slamming it closed.
The tears came slowly at first, leaking out of the corners of Glinda's eyes, but as the blonde threw herself on her bed they erupted in a torrent of sobs.
It was late, very late, when Elphaba attempted to steal into the dorm. She had stayed at the library until it had closed, intent on returning when Glinda was asleep. Creeping in, she saw her blonde girlfriend asleep on the bed. Elphaba suppressed a sigh of relief. She quietly set her books down and changed into a nightdress. Her bed creaked as Elphaba sat on it.
"Are you sleeping there tonight?" came a sad voice from across the room. Elphaba started. She had thought she made a clean escape. Mulling over the words, Elphaba thought about responding with an affirmative, but her own heart collapsed her anger. Instead of answering, she silently got up and slid into bed behind Glinda.
"Are you not going to ask where I've been?" Elphaba said and then cursed herself for letting her mouth run away from her.
"You smell like moldy parchment and dust; just like every time you go to the library." Glinda replied quietly. Elphaba was baffled that Glinda had recognized noticed such a small thing. Having nothing to say, Elphaba slowly drifted to sleep holding her girlfriend.
The next morning their anger had cooled into a chilly manner. Neither girl wanted to make the first concession. As such, they brusquely went about the usual days activities. They went to breakfast but Glinda stayed while Elphaba went up to the room. The dispute between the two did not go unnoticed but Pfannee, Shenshen, and Milla thought best not to mention it.
Afterwards the two went about their own separate activities. Elphaba reviewed her notes and studied from the new textbook while Glinda practiced some of the sorcery she would soon be required to learn. Her cold anger had given her a razor sharp focus, and she made much progress. Afterwards, Glinda went to get lunch but Elphaba had remained behind. When Glinda returned she placed a bowl of food on Elphaba's desk but did not say anything. Elphaba took the food and did not reply.
At the usual designated hour, Nessa came by for magic review. Glinda was particularly attentive to Nessa today, which made the girl feel a bit uncomfortable. She noticed the distance between the two, and how Elphaba was doing worse than usual (but still very well). She waited until Glinda excused herself to go to get something to drink to ask Elphaba.
"Fabala, what is going on between you and Glinda?"
"I think we've already had this discussion, my pretty." Elphaba replied distractedly.
"I mean right now. You seem…cold to each other."
"She is being ridiculous."
"So you're fighting."
"We are not fighting. She is being ridiculous."
"About what?"
"Nothing important."
"If it was nothing important you wouldn't be fighting."
"We are not fighting."
"Fine. What are you not fighting about?"
"She seems to think that Fiyero is attracted to me."
"Ah. I see."
"You see?" Elphaba asked incredulously, finally looking up from her work.
"Yes. The boys do hang off you."
"How is it that my fault? They're hormonal boys with no better prospects than the strange colored girl."
"You really don't see, do you?"
"Spare me, Nessa."
"And when have I ever?"
"Too true."
"The boys, like the girls, are drawn to you. It does not help you spar with them constantly."
"You would think that would make them like me less."
"Boys want a challenge; they want to conquer, Fabala. You present the ultimate challenge to them. To anyone, really."
"And how do you know so much about this?" Elphaba asked, raising an eyebrow. Nessa blushed.
"Nanny talks; sometimes to me, sometimes to the other Amas. Unfortunately I have no hands to cover my ears."
"Perhaps someone should talk to Nanny about such behavior."
"This coming from you, Fabala?"
"You don't have to sound so incredulous about it."
"Nanny would never listen, anyway."
"So what do you suggest I do? It's not exactly like I can make myself less attractive looking. And I refuse to simper."
"That would indeed be strange." Nessa agreed, pausing. She finally shook her head. "I have no suggestions for you."
"That's a first."
"Except pray to the Unnamed God for advice."
"There's my pretty. I was starting to worry."
The girls went back to their study, but now Elphaba was even more distracted. A glint caught her eye and she looked at her sun catcher in the window. An idea hit her, and she sprung up.
"Tell Glinda I've gone for a book and won't be back until dinner."
"Where are you going?"
"That's a secret."
This chapter covers the dates of Sunday, the 4th of Highspring to Thursday the 8th.