Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I'm glad you like the eminence background. Now watch me dance around me missing some info from meth books in this chapter about them . And yes, Fiyero seems worrisome.
Thank you to nursejoy7 for reviewing. I hope you like Elphaba's secret. And yes, the Fiyero hate.
Thank you to Melanie for reviewing. Don't worry, I won't.
Thank you to Tessa for reviewing. I hope this chapter satisfies.
I apologize for the lateness. I've been interviewing for real jobs this last couple of weeks so its been hard to write.
As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and Critiques welcome.
6/21/14
Elphaba walked through the door at their approximate dinner time to find an irate looking Glinda.
"And where have you been?"
"Didn't Nessa tell you?" Elphaba asked, moving towards their closet.
"She said you went to get a book. Must've been a good one to keep you out so long. Was it on the Vinkus?" Glinda hissed.
"No." Elphaba replied and started rifling through the clothes in their closet.
"What are you doing on my side of the closet?"
"Looking for this." Elphaba replied and tossed a yellow, long, casual dress at her.
"What's this for?" Glinda asked angrily.
"Were going out." Elphaba replied.
"What of your precious studying?" Glinda said, vitriol seeping back into her voice.
"Something more important came up."
"Something more important to Elphaba Thropp than studying? What, pray tell, could that be?" Glinda asked, throwing her hands in the air.
"You."
"Wh-what?" Glinda said, taken off guard.
"Yes. We're going out. Now, do you need help with that dress?" Elphaba asked as she grabbed something out from under her bed.
"No. I'm quite fine." Glinda replied dazed and switched her dresses.
As soon as she was finished Elphaba wrangled her arm and pulled her out the door. Glinda was a bit irked at the commanding manner which Elphaba led her, but was more curious. They left Crage (out the back door) and in the direction of the Suicide Canal. Elphaba led them through a less well kept section of the path and Glinda started to worry; worry that melted into affection when they burst into a clearing and there, sitting on a blanket, was a picnic basket. Glinda's hands came to her face.
"Rae, a picnic?" she breathed, her voice becoming thick with emotion.
"A small one." Elphaba confirmed quietly. She led Glinda by her hand to the blanket and sat them on it. "I thought we would enjoy a sunset, and then I could take you to Gerand's again."
"That sounds wonderful. But what about school tomorrow?"
"We'll fake illness. We're both ahead anyway."
"But you never miss class, Rae."
"Well, it's very important." Elphaba whispered and Glinda eyes widened. She leant in quickly to capture her girlfriend's lips. Elphaba indulged herself for a moment before slowly pushing Glinda away.
"While I'd love to continue, my sweet, we are in direct sight of the Canal. Someone could see."
"Then I guess I'll have to behave myself."
As the world slowly dimmed the two girls cuddled close on the blanket. Glinda was particularly grateful for Elphaba's body heat as the spring air was chilly. Sometime as dusk approached Elphaba stiffened slightly.
"I apologize, my sweet." Elphaba said softly.
"For what?"
"We are currently facing south."
"And?"
"The sun is setting in the northwest tonight." Elphaba's voice held something close to embarrassment. "I hope you are not too disappointed."
Glinda looked at her for a moment and then began to giggle. Elphaba arched an eyebrow.
"I do not know how you find my lack of astronomical skill amusing."
"Only you, Rae; only you would be embarrassed by not giving me a perfect view of a sunset. No, I am content to sit here with you and watch the sun go down even if I cannot see it."
"That is good." Elphaba replied with a hint of her own amusement.
The girls continued to cuddle as the sky morphed into shades of purple and gold. As the light faded Elphaba decided that it was late enough and gently prodded Glinda to standing. Glinda shivered due to the cold air and the now absent body heat. Elphaba noticed and threw her shawl around Glinda's shoulders. She wrinkled her nose at the coarse, black fabric but said nothing. Elphaba left the blanket and basket, saying they would come back for it. She quickly hailed a cab and they set off to Gerand's.
"Oh, Elphie, that was delicious." Glinda said as the waiter picked up their plates. Elphaba smiled slightly.
"Does that mean you have no room for dessert?" she teased.
"What a dreadful question! Of course I do."
"Good. Because I hear they have great chocolate here."
"Really?" Glinda perked up. She loved chocolate.
"Yes. In fact," Elphaba smiled coyly, "I hear they get it from Frottica."
"Frottican chocolate?"
"Yes." Elphaba smiled, and it only broadened as a plate of chocolate truffles were placed in front of Glinda. Glinda's eyes widened.
"Oh my."
"Yes. By a fairly famous chocolatier in Frottica. I can't remember his name. Gerand?"
"Varesh." Came the Dog's gruff voice. Glinda's surprise did not excuse her to be manner less.
"Master Gerand, the food was impeccable as always." She said.
"Thank you, Miss Glinda."
"And to have Varesh chocolate? That is quite a feat. Even being Frottican I have never tasted it."
"Well, I did have to name drop, honestly." Gerand said, shuffling his paws. Elphaba's eyes narrowed a bit.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Varesh would not sell to me on my account alone."
"Because you're an Animal." Elphaba's voice was cold.
"No; because he is a snob. He does not think much of Emerald City style cooking."
"I see."
"So, I had to let it slip that it was for the future Eminence of Munchkinland."
"Ah."
"I hope you are not too upset with me, Miss Thropp."
"Gerand, I dislike using my title to get things for myself." Elphaba said and she paused a long moment. "However, when it is for my Glinda, I do not much mind it. Thank you for going out of your way to get it."
"It was my pleasure, dear."
"Thank you Gerand." Glinda said and reached over to take Elphaba's hand. "I appreciate it too."
"You are very welcome. I shall leave you ladies in peace."
After he had left Glinda said,
"Elphie, you are not too upset are, you?"
Elphaba let out a deep breath.
"No. While I dislike it, I cannot see any harm in it. And if it helps him then I am happy to do so."
"Good. Because this chocolate," Glinda said taking a bite, "Is dericious."
"Don't talk with your mouth full, my sweet."
The two girls waved off the cabbie (after tipping him), and strolled on the paths near the Suicide Canal. The oil lamps cast a soft glow over the pair as they cuddled close; closer than was proper as there was no one in sight. Both girls relished the feeling of being a proper couple; Glinda because she felt what the stories always said she should, and could do so openly, and Elphaba because this feeling was something so new and foreign, yet what she craved.
As they got to their little hidden area Elphaba began to pack the basket and Glinda sighed, looking at the stars. She wondered what it would be like to make love under those stars. Looking at Elphaba and seeing she was still distracted, Glinda smiled wickedly.
"Rae…" she cooed but Elphaba did not turn her head. "Oh Rae…"
"Yes?" Elphaba replied distractedly.
"How do you think I looked tonight?"
"Beautiful, as always my sweet." She answered in the same tone.
"You didn't even look." There was a pout in Glinda's voice.
"You always look…." Elphaba said as she turned and saw Glinda's body reflected in the moonlight. Her whole body. Elphaba's breath caught. "Stunning."
"You think so?" Glinda giggled.
"Of course. But you best put some clothes on before you catch a chill."
"I can think of a better way to keep warm."
"Truly?"
"Truly. The stars are beautiful and I want to enjoy them."
"I somehow think a telescope would be better-" Elphaba started but stopped as Glinda kissed her, knocking her off her haunches and to the blanket. Elphaba caught Glinda and the heat of her lover's flesh under her hands sent her tumbling over the edge and into love.
The next morning the pair slept late; something which never happened (at least for Elphaba). The girls were only woken for a moment before noon when Nanny pounded on the door. They ignored her and eventually she went away. Glinda cuddled closer and the two young lovers sank back into shared rest.
By mid-day the lovers managed to pry themselves from their bed (and each other's arms). After a quickly putting on casual (but matching) light outfits, the girls leisurely made their way to the Peach and Kidney's for the Friday weekly get-together. They entered after the entire Circle had already been gathered for close to an hour.
"Where have you two been?" asked Avaric, the only one brave enough to broach the subject. "We didn't see you in class."
"Probably enjoying themselves sleeping in." Crope added.
"I know I would be, if some annoying little munchkin bug did not bang on our door." Tibbett continued.
"If I didn't get you up to class you'd never go." Boq protested from Milla's side.
"And yet were still graduating on time, unlike some other bug." Tibbett shot back. Boq lost some color and Elphaba's eyes narrowed. Tibbett realized his mistake.
"What do they mean by that, Boq?" Elphaba asked.
"Just that we will graduate next year as were supposed to, that's all." Tibbett quickly amended. "We're thinking of going to the ceremony naked under the robes and throwing them off instead of our hats."
"I quite agree." Crope joined in. "Perhaps wear a big flowery hat instead, so we're more noticeable."
"A pair of stocking and heels then." Tibbett added.
"Oh, perhaps we can borrow Elphie's. Do you think we'd fit in your stockings, Elphie?" Crope continued.
"Though we will need to borrow some shoes from someone. Your combat boots won't do. Perhaps some from you, Miss Glinda?" Tibbett finished. Glinda sat, baffled by the question.
"Boq never answered my question." Elphaba said calmly in the low voice she could get. Boq winced but then turned a glare om Tibbett, who gave him an apologetic look.
"My grades last year were…less than good." Boq said slowly. Elphaba leaned forward on to the table and steepled her fingers.
"And how," she said slowly, drawing each word out, "are your grades now, Master Bfeeson?"
"Better."
"Better?"
"Much better."
"Much better than mine, to say the least." Avaric added jovially, but he shrank as Elphaba sent him a withering stare.
"Unlike you, Margreave," Elphaba returned slowly, "Boq Bfeeson does not have a title, or rich patrons, or charming suitors to fall back upon."
There was a growing uneasy silence at the table for the Circle knew Elphaba had not finished; she was just letting her point sink in.
"In fact," she continued, "Boq Bfeeson has much more responsibility on his shoulders than any of us here, for he has the hopes of an entire village riding on him. If he fails he has nothing to fall back on and will takes the entirety of Rush Margins with him."
There was a guilty silence from the rest of the table; Boq for his failures and the rest of the table for their carefree attitudes toward their education. Elphaba let them stew; she felt it good for them to be reminded the world was not as easy as Shiz led them to believe. It was Fiyero who broke the silence.
"The men were discussing going to the gym tomorrow. Word has it you were interested in going with us, Elphaba."
"I would hardly describe as you all as something as misogynistic as men," replied Elphaba, "and your word is peculiar for taking such interests in my own."
"Was that a yes? I can hardly ever tell when you speak like that." Fiyero replied with a smile.
"That is a yes."
"Good." Avaric answered. "Now, since finals are far enough away that we don't have yet to panic, but close enough to give an excuse to worry, we shall indulge in a yearly ritual."
"Which is?" asked Glinda.
"The final, guiltless drunk night." Avaric replied with a large smile. Boq shook his head.
"I don't know if you ever regretted a drunken night." He quipped. Avaric laughed.
"Too true. Excuse me, while I go get some drinks." Avaric agreed and got up. The table began to devolve into separate conversations and Boq turned to Milla, but Elphaba caught him by the scruff of the neck.
"How are your grades now?" Elphaba asked.
"Better, like I said."
"Good. For I shall be expecting you to pass with high marks or I will be very disappointed in you."
"Thank you, Mother."
There was an uneasy pause as Elphaba continued to hold Boq by the scruff and stare at him but said nothing.
"I have another question for you, Boq; one on Munchkinland politics." She finally said.
"Since when have you taken such an interest?"
"You're the one who asked me to take more so and now you're questioning it?"
"Point. What's your question?"
"Who's the Eminence over Rush Margins? I know there are some other Eminence's in existence, but most of the time I only hear about the Thropp line."
"That's because the Thropp line is the only line that really lives up to the name. The other Eminent families are not up to the old standard. Neither is yours, by the way, but it's close enough." Boq added. Had it not been Elphaba he would have worried about such a comment.
"I was told that after the Ozma's reign my family was the only Eminence left and given rule over all of Munchkinland. However, now that does not seem to be the case. When did that happen?"
Boq's face grew still and his eyes shifty. He glanced around and dropped his voice.
"Whoever told you that knows their history, and not from Munchkinland's view. This is quite dangerous talk, Elphaba."
"Why is that?"
"The Powers That Be do not like their inglorious past brought up. Munchkinlanders have disappeared for talking about it."
"I can use my title to protect you, if it comes to that."
"Who do you think causes them to disappear?" Boq countered, and then took a deep breath. "Elphie, promise you won't repeat this, ok?"
"I can't promise that. I can only not say where I heard it."
"I guess that will have to do since you won't let this lie. Yes, the Thropps were given title over Munchkinland; however, there wasn't a very good road system and the Thropps grew complacent. Slowly their grasp slipped until other preeminent families came into power." He paused for a moment and looked around, but then continued.
"They hold the nominal title of Eminence over all of Munchkinland, but it's hollow. They have retreated mostly to Nest Hardings; however, your grandfather has expanded his rule to cover all the way to Wend Hardings and Stonespar End. Both Bright Lettins and Old Pastoria have their own Eminences, though they don't rule much more than the town. It's the same with the other towns in Munchkinland. Some say that your grandfather is working on expanding into Center Munch; your mother was supposed to marry the current Eminence there."
"I never knew that. She spoke of Colwen Grounds so highly I wondered why she left." Elphaba said.
"Who knows? Either way, Center Munch and Dragon Cupboard are under your grandfather's influence, if not direct control. As such, your family is the only one who come close to the traditional Eminence as a regional lord instead of a town lord."
"Interesting. So I am your future lord?"
"Essentially, but you already knew that. So why the roundabout questions?"
"It is better to get a whole picture instead of a partial one."
"Hey, Elphie?" Glinda said. Elphaba turned to her.
"Yes?"
"Did you notice neither Tibbett nor Crope are here?"
"I did. I assumed they had something better to do."
"They were going to see a new theater production put on by the Three Queens boys." Shenshen said, leaning over. "It sounded quite interesting."
"Oh." Glinda replied. "Well, I do hope they enjoy themselves."
"Speaking of enjoying ourselves, let's get drunk!" Avaric cheered coming back to the table. He had a bottle in each hand. A sheepish Fiyero followed behind with another two bottles.
"Your fascination with intoxication defies explanation." Elphaba said disdainfully. Avaric blinked.
"I swear you do that on purpose." He retorted and sat down.
"Do what? Please tell."
"Speak in riddles and rhymes." He answered and Elphaba snorted.
"I do no such thing. Perhaps to your mind any sophisticated speech is riddle."
"No, I quite agree." Boq said and earned a glare from Elphaba. "How do you live with it, Miss Glinda?"
"I find it quite endearing." Glinda responded. Elphaba glared at her too but it had no effect.
"I do not speak in riddles."
"Sure you don't." Avaric patronized. "Now let's get drunk and see if you still do."
"Hardly. I will not drink that much."
"You only say that, Elphie, because you can't get drunk." Glinda put in good naturedly, and at her friends curious glances realized she may have let something slip.
"You mean she hasn't ever been drunk." Avaric supplied. Glinda looked to Elphaba who gave her a look of exasperation before setting her face and turning to Avaric.
"What Miss Glinda meant was that it takes significantly more alcohol to intoxicate me to the point I have never been impaired."
"Well, you drink like a lightweight." Avaric responded and Elphaba's face shifted into a glare.
"Considering I keep up with you, Avaric, that says something."
"Then match me tonight, glass for glass and drink for drink!" Avaric challenged but Elphaba's lips twisted in disdain.
"I think not. I do not want to end up putting your vomiting excuse for a person into a cab tonight."
"One day I will get you drunk."
"Perhaps. But not tonight."
The next day the Circle met up around at the cab square outside of the Shiz University gates. Most looked fine after their night of drinking, but Avaric still looked a little tired and was less lively in his banter. The girls had once again slipped their Amas by going out the laundry door as it would not be appropriate for them to be seen at a male gym.
"Are you sure no one will notice us there?" Shenshen asked. Of all the girls she still cared the most for her image.
"Of course." Avaric supplied. "On most Saturdays the gym section of the club is closed. The members, if they decide to come, go rowing or hunting, and the club staff accompanies them. If we see another soul besides our Master Fanel I would be surprised."
"Alright." Shenshen replied, mollified.
"I feel like a school child going somewhere they shouldn't be." Glinda said a little while into the trip. Elphaba beamed.
"An accurate description of us, my sweet." She said. Glinda shot her half annoyed, half charmed look.
"Well, I for one think I am a much better dressed than any naughty school girl." Glinda said without thinking, and then blushed. Avaric opened his mouth but Elphaba cut him off.
"Let's say we leave it there and not spoil that image." Elphaba said with a slight quirk on her lips. The rest of the cab laughed and so missed Elphaba gently touching Glinda's hand. Glinda blushed some more and turned her head.
As Avaric had said, the club was deserted. The only person around as the cab came to a stop was a smiling Duran. He was wearing a simple dark men's shirt and breeches.
"Good afternoon; I'm so glad you could join me today." He said as he walked up to the cab. He offered his hand to Elphaba, who ignored it and hopped out. He then offered it to Glinda, who demurely took it. He helped out Shenshen, Pfannee, and Milla as the boys departed the other side and as the cab left he led them inside.
The gym was a wide open space that had glass windows on one side overlooking a small enclosed courtyard. Near the windows was a ring with three ropes and near that were cloth sack men stuffed with something. There was equipment hung on the walls and Elphaba spotted both wooden and real swords. They also noticed a pair of young men warming up; they were astounded to see it was Crope and Tibbett.
"Welcome to the gym, my ladies and gentlemen. You'll notice we already have some guests." Duran said with a smile.
"You dogs!" Avaric said, running over to slap Crope on the back. "When did you get here?"
Crope grinned at him. "Not too far ahead of you. We didn't have any skirts to drag along after us."
"I bet you didn't." replied Avaric jovially.
"So what do the sirs want to do first?" Duran said.
"I think some boxing." Fiyero said. Duran nodded.
"Do you all remember the warm up?" he asked. The boys nodded and began to move their arms and bodies in circles. Duran observed for a moment, and with a nod of his head he turned to the girls. "And what do the ladies wish to do?"
"I think we'll watch for now." Pfannee said and the girls agreed.
"Well, then, I can't have you sitting on hard benches. Give me a few moments and I shall grab better chairs for you." He replied and bowed. He turned to a side door and began to move that way.
"Master Fanel, if I may accompany you?" Glinda said. The whole room looked at her astounded and she blushed. "I have a question to ask."
"It would be a pleasure, Miss Glinda." He replied with a smile and waited as she caught up. He held the door for her as they walked out and as the door shut he said, "Now what is your question, Miss?"
"I'm sure as a trainer you know the finer points of dietary habits."
"That I do. What is it you wish to know?"
"What type of diet would you do to gain weight?" she asked and when he looked at her askance she blushed.
"Not the type of question I expected to hear out of a young lady such as yourself. I'm assuming for Miss Elphaba, then."
"Please don't tell."
"I wouldn't dream of it. Oats, brans, and wheat are all good for putting on weight, but I'm guessing you knew that already."
"Yes. I first tried all the things we young ladies are told to stay away from. Although she eats more of it, and has gained a little weight, she still is perilously thin."
"I do believe there is more strength to Miss Elphaba than meets the eye. But her diet could be an issue. Continue with the grains, Miss, but include more meat also. She may be so thin due to a lack of muscle growth, and meats help with that."
"That's unfortunate, as she is a vegetarian for the most part."
"I see." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Then beans and nuts, Miss, for though while not as good for helping build muscle as meat, they are a decent substitute."
"Oh, thank you so much." Glinda beamed. Duran smiled back.
"It was nothing, Miss. Now, after I gather these chairs, can you please help me with the door?"
They arrived back in the room to find the boys starting to box. Boq, Crope and Tibbett were going through some partner drills while Avaric and Fiyero had put on gloves and headgear to climb into the ring. Duran shook his head.
"They're in a feisty mood this afternoon." He said and placed the chairs out for the ladies. They thanked him graciously but he was already moving towards the ring. He stopped next to Boq who was drilling with Crope. "You have to get closer, Boq, otherwise you'll get pounded all day."
"And you do know how Crope likes pounding boys." Tibbett sniggered. Boq shot him a glare but then turned to Duran.
"And how am I supposed to do that? He's got like five inches of reach on me." Boq asked and Duran shooed him aside.
"You move one way," and Duran did. Crope snaked a hand out and Duran faded in another direction, "and then cut back when they commit. Yes, they will bring the opposite hand in, but by then you're inside and shutting down his angles of attack. He may also back pedal, but that is harder to strike from compared to firmly planted feet. Then, as a short man, strike hard to the body. A man can be knocked out by a hard shot to the liver just as well as to the face. And you won't break your hand for it. Try that."
"But because he's bigger than me won't he be able to take the hit easily?" Boq asked and Duran gave him a rueful smile.
"I've found Munchkinlanders can produce just as much power from their squat frames as other Ozians. They tend to be built broader and with denser muscles. So no, it will hurt him the same, and possibly more."
He left them and headed towards the ring where Fiyero and Avaric had started in earnest. The girls, watching the match to this point, got up to get closer. The boys moved around the ring. Avaric tended to press forward but Fiyero danced easily away, trading blows with him. As Avaric would stop to reset himself Fiyero would press him, but soon the pattern of chase and evasion would continue. Duran observed calling out pointers and reminders. The two eventually decided to take a break after trading a pair of hard blows.
"Whew. Alright, who's next?" asked Avaric. "Boq? Crope? Tibbett?"
"I think I'll pass today." Boq replied called back. "I don't feel like taking a beating."
"Same here. I actually wanted to start to fence." Tibbett replied. Shenshen's stiffened.
"I'd like to give it a try." Elphaba said to the shock of all present (except perhaps Boq). The girls looked scandalized and the boys dumbfounded.
"I can't fight a girl." Avaric said and the rest of the boys nodded in agreement.
"I assuredly won't be." Pfannee said, lips twisted. All the girls made verbal their agreement.
"Are you looking for some training, or some actual sparring?" Duran asked. He had a half smile on his lips.
"I have no training but what I learned on the streets and in pubs." Elphaba replied. Duran nodded.
"Ok then. Let me see if I can find you some equipment."
Duran hurried off and Elphaba began to adjust her skirt to give her more room. She shifted her blouse also, loosening some of the ties to permit movement. As Duran came back with a pair of leather gloves and a head guard, he started listing things off.
"First, let me see a stance." He said and when she looked at him quizzically he added, "The position from where you fight from."
"I never really had time to prepare such a thing." She replied. He sighed.
"As to be expected. Here, get into the ring so we can start." He said and bent low between the ropes. Elphaba followed.
"Ok, first, your stance. You generally want to stand with one leg forward. That is dictated by which hand you feel comfortable having forward, or in front."
Elphaba nodded and adjusted so her right hand was forward. Duran eyed this with a small smile.
"A southpaw? Oh, they would hate you in the ring. Anyway, curl your hands into fists; good, just like that. Place them level with the tops of your cheekbones just where you can barely see them. Good. You want them there to protect your jaw. Although punching to the jaw is a terrible idea, getting your jaw broken can take you out of a fight."
"Is punching to the mandible poor because of its thickness in relation to the metacarpals?" Elphaba asked and Duran gave her a strange look.
"Exactly. I forgot you were a Life Science specialist. That will make some things easier. Now, when you punch you want to swivel your hips and waist into it."
"So does punching power come from the torso twisting?"
"No, it comes from the legs." He replied and she raised an eyebrow. "A good boxer uses their legs to generate power as they are the largest muscles in the body. They alternatively push and pull and that energy is transferred up the body through the torso. The torso twist merely channels and adds to the force. The rotation of the shoulders and upper body direct the energy down the arm and into the other person."
"I see."
"Throw a few punches from there and see how it feels." He said and Elphaba did so. She seemed to concentrate on her body movements and was having a difficult time of it. "Relax. Tense muscle opposes itself. Relaxed muscle lets the energy flow through."
"That is a difference." Elphaba said and seemed to improve. She stopped and looked at him "Shall we spar, now?"
"If that's your wish." Duran replied. Elphaba nodded and Duran set his own guard. "Are you ready?"
Elphaba's gaze intensified and she nodded. Duran approached slowly and showed some openings, hoping for Elphaba to attack. She did not. He shuffled closer, hoping to provoke a response, but did not get one. He raised a section of his guard far too out of position, and Elphaba's right hand swung out. Duran leaned slightly away, looking to take the hit and gauge Elphaba's strength. When the blow almost knocked the wind out of him, he decided to change tactics.
He moved fluidly around her, probing with soft, light attacks on her guard. Elphaba took advantage of the openings when he did so. Duran noticed she was an onerous fighter, willing to take the hits she could to deliver hammer blows back. It was a typical pattern of those who learned by brawling. Very effective but Duran could tell she was tiring quickly as non-professional fighters did; street fights rarely lasted longer than a minute and as such they did not have the stamina for sport fights. An errant jab on his part caught Elphaba in the nose and she let out a light cry of pain. Duran saw a small amount of blood come forth as Elphaba faded back. He raised a hand.
"You're injured and we're done." He said. She looked at him.
"I can continue."
"I have no doubt of it but injury is not the point of training. I sincerely hope I didn't break your nose."
"Elphaba's nose was hurt from a scuffle she got into a couple of weeks ago." Said Fiyero from ringside. Duran shot him a dark look.
"And no one thought to tell me? It is my job to train you and keep you healthy. An injury should always be reported as I will determine if the training is suitable or not."
"I went in knowing full well what could happen and accepted the risk." Elphaba replied. Glinda had come to her at ringside and brought a cloth.
"Of course you did. Trainees are haphazard with their own health. That's why they pay people like me: to make sure you're making smart decisions. Training with a broken nose is a poor decision." Duran sighed. "We better get you cleaned up."
"I can handle it myself." Elphaba retorted. Duran opened his mouth to reply but a ringing of metal caught his ears. He glanced across the floor.
"Miss Glinda, did you notice the powder room from where the chairs were at?" he said without looking at her.
"Yes, I did." Glinda replied, slightly confused. She expected him to put up more resistance.
"There's an aid bag over there," He said and pointed. "with bandages and the like in it. Please see Miss Elphaba uses them. I have to go chaperone those who decided to fence."
"What should I do with the equipment?" Elphaba asked. Duran shucked his and hopped the ropes.
"Leave it; I'll take care of it later." He called back to them. Glinda shrugged and helped Elphaba off with hers. Afterwards she headed them towards the aid bag, and then to the powder room to clean her up. Neither girl glanced over to see what was happening with the others.
As Duran had walked away Crope had gone to get on his fencing gear. Boq and Tibbett had followed, with Avaric not too far behind. The girls drifted with them, leaving only Fiyero, Elphaba and Glinda behind. The boys started to suit up in their protective helmets, doublets, and hand gear while the girls dragged their chairs over.
Afterwards, the boys went for their practice weapons of choice. Tibbett picked up a saber, while Boq and Crope picked up a lighter, thinner sword called a smallsword. Avaric went for the rapier. Each boy did a few practice motions with the weapons. Avaric noticed the girls' keen expression and decided to show off a bit.
"What I am holding her, ladies, is a training rapier. Very similar to a real rapier, but with dull edges. Notice the long, thin blade. This pattern of curved bars is called a swept hilt, and is useful in protecting the hand, gripping the weapon, and even catching and turning opponent's blades. It is a proper gentleman's weapon, doing well at both cutting and stabbing, and is effective up close and on horseback."
"Now, what Boq and Crope are holding are called smallswords. Notice, they are thinner and lighter than the rapier. This makes it very quick, but is only particularly useful in stabbing as the blade is too light to have very good cutting application, especially through clothing. The hand guard is smaller, too, as it is expected to see less use. This is the new fashion for nobleman to have on, as it is very good in duels; or for those with daintier hands such as Munchkins, as it came from Munchkinland. However, it does not stand up well to the rigors of combat on horseback, so it is merely a court weapon."
"Now, what Tibbett is holding is a saber. Notice the additional thickness of the sword, the slight curve? That is a cavalry man's weapon. It is great for cutting, though stabbing with the curve is more difficult. However, the thickness of the blade means it is less agile when used. Saber fencing has broader strokes than either rapier or smallswords, and requires more room. Tibbett's variation has less a curve than most and a full covered hand guard called a basket hilt, as it is meant to be used on foot. It is a less sophisticated weapon but favored by those who want something easier to pick up."
The boys rolled his eyes as he gave this speech. Avaric was a good duelist but he was particularly full of himself when it came to it. Crope and Boq paired off with each other and Avaric did so with Tibbett, smiling. The boys gave each other a lot of room, and then saluted. Each pair approached cautiously, but soon they were fencing in full steam. After a few minutes of trading blows the pairs reached their match points and stopped for a breather. Shenshen cautiously approached.
"Would it be alright if I tried?" she asked. Pfannee and Milla looked scandalized as the question.
"Miss Shenshen, who do you think you are? Miss Elphaba?" Pfannee asked.
"Oh, Miss Pfannee calm down. There's no one around to see us. I just want a try." She replied and Avaric smiled.
"Of course." He said. "Let me get you some equipment. The smallsword would probably be best for you."
He went and got the equipment from a nearby hanger and brought it to her. He took unnecessary pleasure in assisting her with the doublet, and helping her hitch her skirt in a manner to keep it out of the way. After placing on her helmet and hand guards, he handed her the sword.
"Now, you want to hold the sword softly, and keep it high like so." he said, idling up behind her. He pressed his body close and began to adjust how she was standing. "A proper stance is one that allows you to close distance quickly for the thrust."
Shenshen giggled at their closeness and Pfannee huffed. Avaric's sly grin grew wider, and he placed a hand on her back.
"Now when you move you want to shuffle, like so." He said and pressed against while shuffling his feet. Shenshen giggled again but imitated him. "Quite good. Now thrust."
Shenshen thrust the sword forward in a dramatic motion and Avaric smiled.
"Quite good. But when you thrust," he said and wrapped and arm around her waist, and leaned them forward, "you want to put your whole body into it."
"Thank you. Can we fence now?" Shenshen asked again, a giggle in her voice. Avaric laughed and stepped back.
"I'll let you fence Boq. He should have someone he can beat." Avaric said and Boq glared at him. He squared off with Shenshen hesitantly and saluted. Gingerly approaching, he did a half-hearted thrust. Shenshen moved her sword and the point was on his chest.
"Point!" Avaric cried with a laugh and Shenshen giggled.
"Beginner's luck?" she said. Avaric nodded and the two squared off again. Boq approached a little more cautious this time, adding a brief feint to his thrust but the result was the same.
"Point again!" Avaric yelled. "Boq, dear boy, you best be on your game."
They set again and this time Boq tried in earnest but somehow Shenshen's point found his chest again.
"Match! Oh, that was too good." Avaric said with a laugh.
"Master Boq went easy on me." Shenshen replied sweetly. She pulled off her helmet and batted her lashes at him, which drew a glare from Milla. "Though I would like to continue."
"Why don't you give it a try, Crope?" Avaric said.
"No thanks. I don't like stabbing women." Crope replied, which sent the group into a fit of giggles. As they were coming out of it, Crope threw a wink at Tibbett who swooned dramatically, setting the group off again.
"What about you, Master Avaric?" Shenshen asked.
"Well, my dear," he drawled, "I do not want you to be discouraged. I am quite good."
"Really?"
"Yes. I have been taking lessons since I was eight, as is proper a Margreave's son."
"Oh. I promise I won't get discouraged."
"Fine, my dear. Boq, if I may borrow your smallsword? I wouldn't want to have an unfair advantage."
"That's so good of you, Master Avaric." Shenshen cooed, batting her lashes. He laughed, and borrowed Boq's sword. She replaced her helmet and so did Avaric. They saluted.
"Ready, my dear?"
"Always." Shenshen replied. There was a hint of amusement in her voice Avaric could not place. He smiled inside his helmet and threw a quick lunge. He was surprised to find Shenshen's point on his body.
"Good form." He replied coolly. Not wanting it to happen again, Avaric thrust half-heartedly. Shenshen's blade engaged his and he beat it away and took a step forward only to find the point on his body again.
"Point." Said Shenshen superiorly. He could see her smile in between the grating of the mask.
"Quite true. It seems your beginner's luck holds." Avaric replied and set himself.
They saluted and Avaric moved in quickly, using his long legs and reach to close the distance on the smaller Shenshen. Shenshen retreated, with many near misses until Avaric overcommitted and found her point at his chest again.
"Would that not be match?" she asked.
"Yes. Good match. You seem to be a prodigy at the smallsword, whereas I have always been a dunce at it." Avaric replied.
"Why not get your rapier then? I would not want you to be at a disadvantage, Master Avaric." Shenshen retorted. Avaric did not want to but could not stand his own words being thrown back at him.
"Smallsword against rapier is much different, Miss Shenshen."
"I shall manage, Master Avaric."
Avaric switched for the rapier and came back. Shenshen set herself and Avaric saluted. Avaric lunged again, trying for the same tactic as previously. Shenshen faded away from it but Avaric circled this time, bring the edge of the rapier into play. Shenshen deftly did a double shuffle, forward and back, and brought the point to Avaric's chest.
Avaric stepped back and reset himself. He was under no illusion now she was a novice. He stripped away the condescending part of his personality, the one that constantly underestimated her because she was female, and saw her merely as an opponent. He saluted and then lunged fast. This time Shenshen did a quick foot switch, bringing her to the outside of Avaric's blade. He shuffled back and attempted a cut against her but she deftly caught his blade and rolled it underneath her's. She lunged, locking Avaric's blade away from her and her point in his chest.
"A perfect Cadarn's defense." Duran's voice came. He walked over smiling.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Shenshen feigned.
"Miss Minkos, I know a student of the Niogente school when I see one. You are very well trained and without the flash of the later students. I'm guessing you started early." Duran stated and Shenshen smiled.
"When I was five."
"Intriguing. Most families don't train their daughters anymore."
"I always enjoyed the manly arts over the womanly ones. My parents indulged me, hoping I would grow out of it. At seven, they told me I could only continue to ride and fence if I behaved like a properly lady instead of the wild child I was, and am." Shenshen replied and flash her teeth in a feral grin.
"And you still even now?"
"Of course. I am not independent; I rely on my parents. Soon I will rely on my husband. Either way, I need them to fund my practice."
"I see. You are quite good. Almost master level."
"I am ranked second only to the master of Traum's Niogente school, and even last summer I beat him consistently."
"As I said, you are quite good. But there are some fundamental flaws."
"Then why don't you grab a sword and show me?"
"Which would you like?"
"Choose your best weapon."
"Well, I would choose charm but I wouldn't want you to be at a disadvantage."
"Master Fanel! Such a thing to say to a lady!"
"You are challenging my to a fencing match, my dear lady; nothing about this is proper. But I'll choose the smallsword." He said and motioned for Boq. The Munchkin tossed him the weapon.
"I bet you're quite familiar with a small sword in your hands." Shenshen shot out but Duran laughed.
"No; I most familiar with the long, broad sword." He replied with a wink and a smile. The girls' had the presence of mind to look indignant.
"What is going on here?" Glinda asked as she and Elphaba walked up.
"We are about to fence." Duran replied. "Please move by the others; I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."
"They have plenty of time, Master Fanel." Shenshen retorted. "You have yet to put on your equipment."
"I'll be fencing like this." He replied with his smile on her. She snorted.
"You can't be serious."
"Duran never fences with gear." Fiyero answered. "It has yet to be an issue."
"Then we shall see if that changes." Shenshen snarled. She saluted and Duran did likewise. He added a bow and a smile to it.
With that they were off. Shenshen went on the offensive, blade snaking out like lightning. Duran kept one step ahead of it. Their blades made no sound as they came close, but never in contact. Then, like thunder, a ring of steel and Duran's point was at Shenshen's heart. She stepped back. She saluted him, he returned it, and they went again.
Shenshen drove at him like a wind. Her blade feinted, measured, probed; but Duran never bit on her motions. Her point lashed out again and again, but he was never there, only his smile. It began to aggravate her as she watched the smile on his lips and the twinkle of amusement in his eye. She began to range her motions to his face; not an illegal target but frowned upon. He did not bat an eye. Another ring and Shenshen's sword was beat high. Duran was in a lunge, his point at her throat protector and his face almost touching her stomach. She looked down to see that aggravating smile.
Backing off, they saluted and Shenshen exploded forward with a cry of frustration. Duran easily beat her blade to the side and a large welt appeared on Shenshen's butt as she passed. Not a legal point, striking with the blade in smallsword fencing, so the match was still on. She spun in fury to finding him shaking his head.
"Never attack in anger. I thought they would teach you that." He chided her. She came at him again with a growl but he moved away. She dogged his steps.
"What are my fundamental flaws, Duran?" Shenshen hissed. "Did you not say I have some?"
"Of course." He replied, voice serious. "Niogente's style is very direct, very linear. His footwork reflects that."
"The faster you can close with the enemy, the faster they die." Shenshen forced out from between clenched teeth.
"Which is true in a duel, but Niogente's style actually evolved from close street and back alley combat, and fighting in buildings." Duran replied calmly.
"And so?" Shenshen huffed, out of breath. She stopped and so did Duran. He seemed perfectly fine.
"And so the footwork is linear, the angles only come into play after coming to blades with the enemy, and the stance is very high."
"A high stance is more mobile." Shenshen countered.
"That it is. But it does not take into account poor footing. A wider base is more stable, if less mobile."
Shenshen lunged then and Duran caught her blade on his.
"As it is all about the point, power is given very little thought to. Fine if you're an average sized man, but," Duran said, and threw his shoulder into Shenshen. She tumbled backwards to the ground. "But, it's poorer for those not that. And you were not trained properly."
"Did you not say I was trained very well? How was I not trained properly?" Shenshen snarled as she got to her feet. Duran smiled.
"Your stance is even higher than a normal Niogente. I'm guessing your trainers never had the heart to toss you around." He replied. She came at him again and he locked blades with her again. He turned and swept her feet out from under her. She looked up to find the point on her chest.
"I concede." She said and Duran smiled. Switching the sword to his other hand, he held out his right for her. She contemplated striking him now, but she was a lady, and with that came a certain honor. She took his hand as he helped her up.
"Your hand speed is very good. Work on lowering your stance just a bit. I recommend thrusting against a dummy, pressing your guard up against it and pushing to help develop that sweet spot."
"Is there anything else?" Shenshen asked. Her anger had cooled and she had become the student again.
"I find Niogente's rapier style to be very wanting, and thus his footwork in open areas. Without going to another school and getting training, there is not much you can do. However, I doubt you'll ever need such footwork as sword fights in large open areas are rare these days."
"And what school are you from?" she asked and Duran smiled.
"I study much but am from no specific school." He replied. Shenshen nodded.
"Well," Duran said, looking at the clock near the wall, "that seems to be all the time we have. It was nice seeing all of you."
Afterwards, the boys and girls went back to their respective dorms to clean up. They had dinner at a pub tonight as was becoming their weekly ritual. As the door shut on Pfannee and Shenshen's room, the blonde Munchkin spun on her brunette Gillikin.
"Why did you not tell me you could do that?" Pfannee questioned. Shenshen shucked top dress and began to work on her chemise and petticoat.
"Should I have? You're not too fond of my quirks as it is." Shenshen shot back. She still had not looked at Pfannee. She was almost shocked as a pair of hands spun her around. Pfannee was only in her chemise.
"If you're so strong why do you give in so easily?" Pfannee hissed seductively and threw Shenshen to their bed. As the blonde went to mount her Shenshen slipped the smaller girl's grasp and flipped her over so she was on top.
"Just because I like to dominate in one area of my life does not mean I want to in all my areas. Besides," She replied and began kissing down the Munchkin's neck and chemise covered chest. She stopped at the hem of the chemise. "You like when I give in to you."
Pfannee growled and pushed Shenshen to her knees on the floor. Grasping both sides of the brunette's head, she brought that sweet mouth back to her.
The next day Duran was working in the clothier shop. As the bell rang he turned to see a short blonde girl and a tall dark hair girl enter, both very well dressed. They were followed by two older women. He smiled.
"Good afternoon, Misses. I did not think I would see you here." He said.
"I wanted to speak to you, and I was so informed you work here." Shenshen replied. Pfannee eyed the store around her.
"Hello, Misses." The old shop owner came over. "While I appreciate your patronage, I cannot have misses coming into talk to the boy. He is still working."
"How much for me to talk to him?" Shenshen asked and the old man started.
"What?"
"How much for me to speak with him? A dress?"
"Five." The old man retorted.
"Three." She countered and he nodded.
"Done."
"Pfannee, go pick out three dresses. On me." Shenshen replied. Ama Vimp made a bit of a strangled noise but Pfannee moved off followed by Ama Clipp. She glared at the owner until he left. "Now that that's taken care of."
"How can I help you, Miss?" Duran asked.
"I want you to train me." She said bluntly. Ama Vimp made a noise.
"Miss Shenshen! I though we put all that nonsense behind you." Ama Vimp exclaimed.
"I was promised to be able to continue as long as it did not affect me here at Shiz. I've shown it hasn't." Shenshen retorted. Duran watched the exchange with interest. Shenshen turned to him and opened her small hand purse. She pulled out a thick stack of bills. "Here is the rest of my monthly allowance. I assume it will be sufficient?"
Duran arched an eyebrow. He picked up the stack of currency, quickly counted it, and then looked at Shenshen.
"What will you use for the rest of the month?"
"I shall manage. Now, do we have a deal or not?"
"How soon would you like to start?"
"As soon as possible."
"How many times a week?"
"Every day."
Duran sat the money down.
"That's not possible. I can do four days a week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday for review."
"And why not? With that much money per month you could quit your other work."
"Because I have other commitments."
"Then why should I pay you so much?"
"First, you came to me so you pay what I say. Second, good luck trying to find someone in Shiz who will train you and not gossip about it. Third, that money will be used to give you a place to train in between those days."
"Really?"
"Yes. I know some places, but that money will be needed to buy and support them."
"Then it's a deal." Shenshen put her hand out and so Duran shook it. He took the money and left about a quarter of it. Shenshen raised an eyebrow.
"You'll need money for the rest of the month. However, that much will be expected next month."
"Understood. Pfannee, are you done?"
"Yes." Came the diminutive girl with a dress. Ama Clipp was holding two more dresses. "I got two for me and one for you."
"Thank you. Let's pay and return to the dorm." Shenshen replied. Duran rang them up and as they left Duran closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them and sighed.
Sunday through Wednesday passed easily for the girls. On Sunday (while Shenshen was making her offer) the two hit a café and then returned to work on their various homework. Dinner was an in-dorm affair and the girls fell asleep cuddled close. Monday was a usual day for the girls, though Elphaba found bowls of nuts around the dorm. Try as she might, she found herself munching on nuts that were placed on her desk. On Tuesday the girls worked on various sorcery and science essays and projects. Elphaba had reviewed half of the previous sorcery year at that point.
There was a small hiccup on Wednesday. The Amas had organized a spa day for the girls, and Glinda had gone along, though Elphaba had declined. As Elphaba sat at a café sipping tea and reading a paper, Fiyero had sat down. They were soon engrossed in discussion of the fertility rituals of the Vinkus. When Elphaba had told Glinda the blonde had went into a jealous tirade that Elphaba just let wind down while reassuring Fiyero was nothing to her. Glinda huffed and pouted the rest of the night, but the two lovers fell asleep in each other's arms again.
Thursday morning there was a knocking at the dorm door. The girls groggily awoke and Glinda quickly threw on a presentable night dress while Elphaba threw on a ragged one of hers. Glinda sleepily opened the door.
"How may I help you?" Glinda said before her brain registered who it was. Her eyes widened in shock and she stuttered. "M-mother? Father?
"Good morning, Galinda." Her mother said.
This chapter covers the dates of the 8th to the 15th of Highspring.