Thank you to MyLittlElphie for reviewing.
Thank you to RavenCurls for reviewing.
Thank you to Cliax for reviewing.
I will not be posting next week as I will be on vacation.
As always, read ,enjoy, review. Comments nad Critique welcome.
6/24/15
"Hey Avaric, what's up?" Boq asked as he was led into the young man's study. Avaric looked up from a pile of papers and smiled.
"Tacky overpriced ceilings. Take a seat, will you?" Avaric asked. Boq did so, uncertain.
"What's going on, Avaric? You call me over and then usher me into your study. I'm guessing this isn't a social visit."
"Not yet anyway." Avaric confirmed with a wry smile. He looked down, made a mark on the paper, and then looked back up. "How's the family doing?"
"Well enough, I suppose. Still trying to farm dry dirt." Boq answered.
"Looking forward to seeing them here in what, a month?"
"Something like that." Boq confirmed. "When are you going to tell me what this is about?"
"I have a business proposition for you." Avaric said after a moment.
"What kind of proposition?"
"Currently, Munchkinland is going through a drought and small farmers are having a hard time making ends meet. However, it won't always be like that."
"And?"
"And, a smart man such as myself understands this. A groomed aristocrat also sees the opportunities when they come before him."
"Get to the point, Avaric."
"The point, my dear Boq, is that it would do well for me to move into Munchkinland; specifically farming in Munchkinland. Your countrymen, however, are very distrustful of outsiders. I would need someone to be my face there."
"Are you asking me to run a farm for you?" Boq asked incredulously. Avaric shook his head.
"No; I'm asking you to become an estate manager for me. I'll supply the funds and you'll buy the property, manage the crops to get the best yields, and manage other farmers who are paid to do the harvesting."
"And you'll pay me?"
"Yes. A yearly stipend and five percent of the profits; I'll also buy you a hundred acres of land for your personal use as a show of good faith."
"Most of the Eminences control those tenants."
"But not those under the Thropp line, which you are. The current Thropp only cares if the tithes are paid."
"So you want me to go home and buy up land for crops and will give me more land than most in Munchkinland own as a sign of good faith?"
"And manage said lands, correct. I'll be a silent partner."
"And what do you propose I tell people who ask where I got the money?"
"Tell them you bagged a rich girl." Avaric replied with a smile. "It won't be false."
"This is a lot to spring on me, Avaric." Boq said slowly, his mind whirling.
"I know. I'll give you time to think on it."
"I don't need to." Boq replied and stood up. He held out a hand. "It's a deal."
Avaric's face broke into a wide, genuine smile Boq rarely saw. He stood and took Boq's hand.
"I'm glad. You won't regret it."
"I know. It's the chance of a lifetime, and I would be fool not to take it." Boq answered. Avaric was saying something to that but Boq was not listening. I'm no fool. Even if Munchkinland secedes, I'll still control it.
"Two picnics in a week? I'm a lucky girl." Cora was saying with a wry smile. Fiyero gave a small chuckle but his heart was pounding fast.
"Well, I do like to eat and be outdoors." He responded. It sounded weak but he hoped she would not notice.
"So what's the occasion?" asked Cora. Fiyero half choked on the sandwich he was eating.
"Occasion?" he gasped out.
"Yes, occasion. I'm not so foolish to not think there is a reason; especially how you are acting."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Fiyero…"
"Fine. There is something I wanted to tell you."
"Go on."
"You see, out in the Vinkus we do things differently."
"Fiyero, stop sugar coating it and just tell me."
"I have an arranged marriage." Fiyero dropped. There was silence.
"Is this recent?" Cora asked evenly. Fiyero shook his head.
"No. I haven't thought of it since I've never really seen my arranged wife, but it has been since I hit manhood."
"And she is how old?"
"Quite a few years younger than me."
"And she is from your tribe?"
"No. From a smaller cousin tribe."
"I see."
Silence hung in the air again.
"I didn't mean to hurt you." Fiyero said. Cora gave him a strange look.
"Intentions are good but actions trump them. We're you planning to break it off with her to pursue me?"
"No."
"So you were planning on laying the decision on my lap. To be a mistress to an Arjiki chieftain or break it off."
"I guess I didn't think of it like that."
"Thoughtlessness seems to be a trend here." Cora replied coldly. Fiyero winced.
"I deserved that."
"Yes you did."Cora agreed. "I'll make this easy for you, Fiyero; this will be our last date. I may not be worth as much as a chieftain's son, or tribal princess, but I am worth enough to be dealt with honestly. That was never the case here nor can it ever be."
"I'm sorry." Fiyero said softly. Cora nodded.
"As am I." Cora answered and stood. "I did enjoy our time together. I would appreciate it if you steered cleared of me for awhile."
"Of course. Whatever you want."
"We rarely get what we want in this world, Fiyero; this is just simply another example."
With that, the tall dark haired girl strode away. Fiyero watched her go.
"One more day until we set off for home." Milla almost squealed. The four girls (minus Elphaba) were sitting in Pfannee and Shenshen's room. "I miss it so much."
"Not me." Countered Pfannee. "All dirt all the time. Plus, it takes so long to get there. I wish we had a train like Gillikin."
"I wonder why you don't." Milla said. Pfannee shrugged.
"It's because the Barons of Gillikin feared the Wizard tightening his grip on them." Glinda replied almost absentmindedly. The girls looked at her and she stopped herself from blushing. "The train would have to go to the Emerald City first as Glikkun would not be suitable."
"I'm guessing if the Gillikinese didn't want the Wizard closer to them neither did the Munchkinlanders." Pfannee added. Glinda nodded.
"Yes, but it makes more sense for Munchkinland. Grain spoils; goods do not. Plus, their biggest buyer is the Emerald City." Glinda answered. "But Munchkinland does not have much in the way of money, so they could not finance it."
"And I'm guessing the Gillikin Barons don't mind keeping the Emerald City dependant on slow grain supplies." Pfannee added.
"I didn't think of it that way, but most likely." Glinda agreed. She stood and smoothed her skirt. "I have to go and pack. I've given Elphaba plenty of study time. It was nice to talk to you girls."
"I, also." Milla said.
The girls said their goodbyes and escorted them to the door. Afterwards, they sat down. Both Pfannee and Shenshen had already packed; the diminutive blonde packed much for her trip was much longer than her brunette friend's.
"Are you excited to go home?" Pfannee asked Shenshen.
"Somewhat. It will be nice to see everyone again. However, I fear I may have outgrown them."
"You mean in fencing?"
"No, I mean all around." Shenshen replied softly. "My parents and friends have very typical views of the world. What one should do, speak like, and think. I fear my exposure here has led me to think it…old fashioned."
"I understand what you mean." Pfannee said. "There's so much more life to live and we've only been living it for a few short years. I don't want to go back to a gilded cage."
"Now we are sounding like Elphaba." Shenshen said with a smile. Pfannee laughed.
"Don't say that. I know I for one still like a good male roll as often as possible."
"Am I not good enough?" Shenshen mock pouted. Pfannee laughed.
"I said nothing of the sort. I just like different flavors at different times."
"And what flavor do you want now?" purred Shenshen, pulling the other girl close. Pfannee giggled.
"My, where did this mood come from?"
"I don't know, but indulge me."
"Of course."
The brunette picked up the tiny blonde and tossed her on the bed. Pfannee gave a cry of surprise but it was soon stifled by Shenshen's lips. The two girls fiercely contested each other but ultimately Pfannee decided to give in. The kiss deepened, eliciting gentle moans from each.
"In this mood, are we?" asked Pfannee breathlessly. Shenshen gave a wicked smile.
"Yes. I want and am in the mood to take it."
"Oh? Well then take it. I'm yours, at least for right now."
Shenshen leaned down and sank her teeth into the soft skin of Pfannee's collar bone. Pfannee gasped and whimpered as the other girl pulled back, leaving a dark red mark.
"Your mine for as long as I'm willing to take it."
"Outside, roll, jab and full thrust. Good." Duran said, coaching Shenshen along a sequence of parries and strike. Both were wearing masks and thick protective clothing. In the growing heat of near summer it caused them to be soaked. "That should be good for today."
"Truly? I was hoping to get some extra practice in." Shenshen huffed. Duran took off his mask and wiped a hand over his brow to clear off the extra sweat.
"Training exhausted merely brings poor habits." He replied as he held out his hand.
Shenshen grudgingly obliged and handed him her mask. He took out both the liners and placed them in a bucket and then disappeared through a door. Shenshen always wondered at his strange hygiene habits. However, that did not stop her from shedding her outer layer of protective clothing to leave her in her chemise and short breeches. She knew what came next and often enjoyed it.
"A bath is ready for you." He said as he reappeared. He had a bucket in his own hand. Dipping a rag into it, he began to wipe down the masks and other equipment.
"Is it alright if I just leave my clothing here?" Shenshen asked. Duran nodded.
"Of course."
Shenshen sat and wiggled out of her boots. Off came her stockings, then the short breeches. Finally, she shed the chemise to the floor. Duran looked up and cocked an eyebrow in surprise.
"I did not know you meant here so literally." He said and went back to cleaning the equipment.
"Is that a problem?" Shenshen challenged. Duran laughed.
"None so much. Hurry before your bath gets cold." He replied.
Shenshen smiled. She had played this game many a time and it was always the same. Duran had no attraction to her. Not that Shenshen minded either way; she just thought it was great fun to be naughty when no one was around to stop her. With that thought, she bounced off through the same door. Going past a set of stairs and a small kitchen, she sank gratefully into the steaming bath readied for her.
After a nice long bath in the large metal tub, Shenshen felt much better. She always marveled at the array of products Duran kept in the bath: very fine soap and shampoo; scented oils for her skin; a plethora of make up; and a few decorative pins. On the last visit she had moved some things around to see if they would be changed this time. They were not, which confirmed that Duran kept it her for her personal use. The girl did not mind.
When she returned to the sparring area in just her towel, only her boots remained. Shenshen knew that Duran had probably absconded her clothes to some tub for cleaning. Shaking her head with a smile, she walked over to where her bag was. She frowned slightly as she saw the clothes she had packed hanging up. Examining them she realized they had even been steam pressed. She shook her head again.
"Have water in your ear?" came a voice behind her. Shenshen jumped. She turned to Duran.
"No, just marveling at your obsessive cleaning habits." She replied. He laughed.
"Not obsessive; just good. Good hygiene leads to good health." He replied. She smiled back.
"Speaking of good health: any way I could convince you to give me a massage?" she asked sultrily. He laughed again.
"What am I? A fencing instructor and a masseur now?"
"Please?" Shenshen pouted. Duran sighed.
"Put the lips away. I'll do it, if you have the time." He answered with a smile. Shenshen checked the clock and nodded. Duran shook his head but walked out of the room.
He came back with a folded table under his arm. Setting it up, he disappeared again. Shenshen knew what he was getting and practically wiggled in excitement. He returned and laid a large mat over the table and disappeared one last time. Shenshen could not wait. She shed her towel and climbed face down on the table. Duran appeared and gave a laugh.
"Eager, are we?" he asked
"Of course. Your hands are magic; better than any other's I've had." She replied.
"I've had plenty of practice. Surprisingly, fencing and massage have much in common." He answered as he spread some oil on his palms.
Shenshen just sighed in response as he went to work loosening up the muscles on her back. She wished she could tell everyone how great of a massage she got to make them jealous; at the same time, she wanted to keep him all to herself.
"I need your opinion on something." Shenshen said as she slipped on her chemise.
"What's that?" Duran asked as he cleaned up after the massage.
"Should I visit my old school and teacher in Wittica?"
"Why are you hesitant?"
"I have improved so much since I left. I don't want to create any animosity."
"That could happen. I guess it depends on two things: first, why are you returning? To show off your progress, or to show off how much better you are than them? Second, how is your teacher predisposed? Is he fine with his students passing him, or does he like to be the best?"
"I see." Shenshen said thoughtfully. "I don't know on either of those."
"Think on it."
"I will. Do you mind if I ask you another question?"
"Go ahead."
"I know that as soon as Shiz ends I will no longer be able to do the things I want. I will become married and my husband will put an end to my fencing, riding, and other various fun."
"Yes?"
"My question is should I go down that path? Or should I go down another path, like Miss Elphaba? Be my own woman, society be damned."
"It depends on what you want. A man may be able to get by as sword for hire, but not a woman. You'll have to take many odd jobs, menial jobs, just to eat. All the pretty, fun things won't be available to you because you will to be able to afford it."
"But I won't be able to do it even if I'm married."
"Not unless you forge your path. Believe it or not, some husbands will let you ride, fence, and have fun if it benefits them. My suggestion would be to find one of those men."
"That will be really hard."
"Yes. But it will be worth it; if you're strong enough."
By then, Shenshen had finished dressing. She gave Duran a worried look, and strode out the door without a word.
"Crope; Tibbett; come over here!" called Avaric over the din of the party. The two boys looked at him and held up their hands. Avaric motioned and they began to cut across the party.
The pair's going away party was being held in one of the banquet halls of Shiz. This one was an informal hall where nothing but money mattered. As such, it was a favorite of wealthy youngsters and older patrons with more to hide. Avaric had paid and told the boys to invite whoever they wanted. It seemed to Avaric they had invited half of Shiz, but the young heir did not mind.
Another quirk of the party was that every couple had to come dressed as a male/female pair. Not that they had to be one, just dressed as. Though many had come solo or not adhered to the party's guidelines, a good amount had. As such there were many breeches clad women and skirt clad men. The most striking of which (in Avaric's biased opinion) was still Elphaba; mostly because no one could tell if she was a man or a woman.
As Crope and Tibbett reached Avaric, giggling, Crope almost tripped over his skirt.
"Come on, you saucy boys, I have something to talk to you about!" Avaric had to yell. The two gave him curious leers. "Not like that, you pervs!"
"You're the one who called us saucy." Tibbett pointed out as they walked down a small hallway.
Avaric saw a small side room not in use, and pulled the two boys into it. He shut the door behind them as the two leaned tipsily against one another.
"So what did you want?" asked Crope.
"I had a proposition for you." Avaric replied.
"Didn't take you for the type." Sniggered Tibbett. Avaric gave him a hard look. "What? You're making this easy and keeping us from the party."
"True." Avaric conceded. "I'll just lay it out since we're all a bit too into our cups to be subtle."
"That's a lie." Crope responded. "You haven't drunk anything tonight. I watched."
"Watched you watching Elphie." Tibbett added. Avaric glared at them both again.
"As I was saying, I'll just lay it out. My father has let our Emerald City contacts wane and shows no signs of renewing them. I can't do much more than try to reconnect to old contacts as I am not Margreave yet and to do so would be seen as stepping on my father's toes."
"Short version, Avaric." Tibbett urged.
"Right. My offer is one of support for you and help for me. I'll support you in your endeavors, give you little pushes her and there to make something grand of yourselves. In return you help me find contacts in the EC discreetly."
"Damn it, its politics. I hate politics." Grumbled Tibbett.
"Me too. But it's a very nice offer." Crope retorted. Tibbett sighed.
"When do you want an answer?" Tibbett asked. Avaric shrugged.
"I was hoping you'd jump on it; however, I would like to know by the time I come to the EC this summer."
"Fine. A month's time." Tibbett agreed.
"It's not that we don't appreciate it; it's just not what we think we want." Crope explained. "Let us see how things change for us over the next month, and we'll let you know."
"That's good enough for me, boys." Avaric assured. "Now, there's a party in swing and it's doing so without us. Let's get back to it."
"That was an interesting party last night." Glinda was saying. The pair was sitting in cab on the way to Gerand's restaurant. Elphaba had surprised Glinda with offering to take out for a late lunch/ early evening dinner date. Elphaba reasoned that they would not be back for a few months so it would be nice to visit one more time.
"That it was. And surprisingly fun." Elphaba agreed with a slight smile. Glinda laughed.
"You just enjoyed the fact that people started taking bets on whether you were a man or a woman."
"I am more amused they did not believe it when it was revealed I was a woman. Their proposed solution was highly problematic, however."
"I agree. Stripping naked would have solved nothing." Glinda said with mock seriousness. "But what are we to expect from Crope and Tibbett's friends?"
"I think you take too much enjoyment of the idea of me being naked, my sweet girl."
"There is no such thing. In fact, I might have to steal you away before we have dinner for some dessert."
"Glinda! We are in public."
"Oh, poo your public. Our cabbie could care less."
"Who are you and what did you do with Glinda? Not caring about her appearance in public?"
"Not true. I just know now when to care."
"A very useful concept, indeed."
"It was unfortunate about Fiyero and Cora."
"Yes, but that was her decision, and I don't condemn her for it."
"Neither do I, but he must have really loved her. He was quiet despondent."
"Indeed, if that could be directly correlated to the amount of alcohol he consumed."
"Rae, that is not nice. He was just trying to dull the pain."
"And yet it will still come back tomorrow, and he'll be worse for wear to deal with it. Running from one's problems are not the way to solve them; once must face them, no matter how painful. If you run, they will only catch you when you're tired."
"Not everyone is as strong as you."
"Nor was I. Years of hardship will do that to you."
A moment later they pulled in front of Gerand's. Elphaba hopped out first and then helped Glinda out. The blonde took the opportunity to steal a kiss, much to Elphaba's feigned chagrin. Glinda waited as Elphaba placed their fare into the pouch on the Horses shoulder and thanked him. Finally, both girls walked into the restaurant. The Mountain Lion hostess was waiting for them.
"Ah, two of our favorites! Your usual table?" she asked with her toothy grin.
"Yes, please." Glinda said with her own smile.
The hostess led them to their table in the back. Having been here regularly enough, the two girls were able to place their orders with little time. The hostess smiled again and loped off. Not a minute later, Gerand came out to greet them.
"How are you ladies today?" he asked in his gruff voice.
"Good. Gerand. I hate to be rude, but is there a powder room somewhere where I could freshen up?"
"That way and turn to the left." Gerand pointed towards a different corner of the restaurant. Glinda thanked him and excused herself. "I hear you are tripping around Oz for the next couple of months."
"Yes, I am." Elphaba answered easily.
"Would there be any way to convince to drop off some letters for friends of mine?"
"Of course. Can you have them ready tomorrow?"
"Yes. I'll also let you know where to find them."
"Thank you; that would be helpful. Could I place an order of snacks and treats for our train ride?"
"They'll be on the house." Gerand said with a nod. He paused a moment, and then said, "I think you'll really like my friends, Elphaba."
"I do not doubt it."
"Perhaps you should consider spending time with them to get to know them better."
"Perhaps when I have the time. I will be very busy in the near future."
"It is important to expand your circle of friends."
"I find my circle expands whether it is important or not. But for now, I simply do not have the availability."
"You'll let me know when you do."
"Of course."
"What are you two discussing?" came Glinda's voice. The broad smile on her face made Elphaba's own lips quirk. Gerand did not miss it.
"Elphaba was putting in an order for your trip tomorrow."
"Oh, goody. Your treats are simply marvelous." Glinda said.
"I agree, my sweet." Elphaba replied with a slight smile.
"Now, back to work for me." Gerand said, and looked at Elphaba. "I will see you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow."
This chapter covers the 25th through the 27th of Wanespring.