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I apologize for my lateness. Work has kept me busy. As always, read, enjoy, review.
7/8/15
"Next stop, Red Sand!" came the call through the train.
The girls started to sift to get their stored luggage. Elphaba calmly looked up from her book. With five girls and three Amas, there was very little room. The green girl decided to wait until the others were finished. With that, she dropped her eyes back to the Sorcery book. Her Life Science book and Doctor Dillamond's journal were stored securely in her valise but she dared not pull them out here.
Her progress in Sorcery was coming along well; without classes and assignments taking up time, she found she could devote a large amount of it to make quick strides. Having Glinda nearby also helped. While she knew her girlfriend needed no review of the material, she was proud Glinda had chosen to use the time to refine her command. Her command of sorcery was growing every day.
Elphaba knew they had precious little time. She had not forgotten the other set of sorcery books they had obtained, or their deal with the man. By Elphaba's calculation, they had roughly three weeks to cram a full year of sorcery into before moving on to the other material. No matter how often she did the math, it was not possible. Not for her, anyway.
"Elphie, are you coming?" asked Glinda. Elphaba shook herself from her thoughts. She only now realized the car had emptied.
"Of course." Elphaba said. She tucked her book under her arm and stood to grab her valise. Glinda smiled.
"Lost in your book again?" she teased. Elphaba smiled back.
"You know me."
The girls followed the group in front of them. Elphaba noticed it was easy if she concentrated on Milla's hair. Remembering their earlier conversation, Elphaba began to pay attention to the crowd. There was a noticeable amount of attention paid to Milla; that was, of course, until they caught sight of Elphaba.
The green girl had remembered to wear a long sleeved summer dress but had forgotten to place her hat on. Stopping for a moment, she pulled it on her head and angled it so it hid her face. The other side was obscured by her long hair. Elphaba told herself it was not hiding, just avoiding unnecessary attention.
Milla had stopped in front of a man and was chatting with him. She glanced at the cab and began to speak more animatedly. As Elphaba got closer she could hear the tone but not the words. Milla was not happy and the man apologetic. He bowed and hurried off towards the train station.
"Problem?" Elphaba asked as she reached them. Milla turned. Her face was flushed.
"This cab is only seats eight."
"There's only eight of us." Elphaba assured. Milla shook her head.
"No, the man I was speaking with is our footman, not our cabbie. Which means we are a seat short." She explained. Elphaba tilted her head up for a second, then nodded.
"I shall go with the men." She resolved, her voice pitching deeper. Milla flustered.
"That simply won't do!" she objected but Elphaba gave her steely look. The girl's tone softened, and her voice was quieter. "It's completely improper for you to do so."
"Our merry band of ruffians will not see me harmed." Elphaba replied. "But we must finish this now as your footman is on his way."
"I will not say I am pleased." Milla said.
"But it is acceptable for now. I shall come over later with the boys."
"Take care, Elphie." Glinda said, and gave her had a small squeeze. Turning to intercept the footman, she handed him her valise. He placed it with the other luggage. By the time Glinda turned back around, Elphaba had blended in with their young men.
Elphaba stashed her valise on top of the coach with the other bags. As she entered the coach, Avaric arched and eyebrow.
"They did not want you?" he asked.
"They could not count properly." Elphaba replied evenly. "Therefore I am stuck with you gentlemen, if I may use the term loosely."
"Will you be staying with them still?" asked Boq. Elphaba nodded.
"I shall think so. However, if they are incapable of counting the proper number for a coach ride, I hold little faith they have made the proper accommodations."
"So what will that mean?" Boq ask.
"What that means, Boq, is that I may have to go shopping for some more clothing."
"You mean male clothing?" Boq asked incredulously. "Elphie, the one time was funny but pulling it off for a few days is…is…"
"Is what, Master Boq?" she asked coldly.
"Is another whole affair." He answered sternly. "We will be in mixed company most of the time, and will not be able to have the same level of closeness you are used to. In fact, you will be required to lodge with us."
"Are you worried that your baser instincts may overcome you, Boq?" Elphaba asked. He flushed.
"Of course not!"
"Or any other of our gentleman?"
"No!"
"Then I do not see the issue. Besides, it will allow me to be openly courting Glinda rather than hide it."
"What if someone recognizes you? You are very distinct." Boq countered.
"I highly doubt any will. If they do, they will not approach and simply assume it is another strange facet of my unusualness." Elphaba answered Boq snorted.
"Fine. But you're getting your own room."
"I would not have it any other way. You boys are too messy." Elphaba answered with a smile. Finally, the last occupant entered the coach.
"This shall be an interesting trip." Fiyero said without a smile. Elphaba inwardly frowned but figured she would let it lie for now. There was not anything to be done.
"Give me one moment." Avaric suddenly said and he hung out the door. The two boys and one green girl could hear voices, and there a rustling above them. Avaric came back in holding a valise. "Here."
"And what am I supposed to do with that?" Elphaba asked. Avaric shook his head.
"You cannot go shopping for male clothes dressed as a woman."Avaric replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"You expect me to change here?" Elphaba asked warily. Avaric nodded.
"Slip your breeches on under your dress and your shirt over. Then you can shimmy out of it."
"Avaric, this is way out of line." Boq jumped in.
"Hey, we can go to the store with Elphaba looking like a girl but coming out a man, but then she won't be fooling anyone." He replied.
"He has a point." Elphaba agreed. "But I have no bindings for my chest."
"Slip a vest on over it and no one will be able to tell." Fiyero commented softly.
Elphaba gave him a sorrowful look but nodded. Grabbing for her valise, she quickly found her one set of male clothing. Setting it out, she went to start slipping her legs into her short breeches but noticed something.
"Can you all not watch me do this?" she snapped. Boq blushed and looked away. Fiyero smiled and looked out the window. Avaric just smiled. "Avaric."
"What? Curiosity has me in its hold." He replied.
Elphaba glared at him until Fiyero took out his hat and placed it in front of the aristocrat's eyes. He closed his own. She quickly wiggled into the pants and laced them, and threw her man's shirt over her dress. After giving the first thanks ever to the fact she had small hips, she wiggled out of the dress. The vest quickly went over the top of it. Elphaba had to admit that it did feel better.
"All done. You can look now."
"After the fun is over, of course." Avaric replied.
"Strange coming from the person a year ago who said they would not touch me."
"People change, Master Thropp, and more than just clothes."
"A very deep comment from an aristocrat."
"I know; I've been hanging out with a bad company. All those intellectuals. But thank Oz that is over. Now I am able to just sit and drink wine and chase women." Avaric said gleefully, throwing his hands up.
"Proper man's work." Elphaba scoffed.
"Proper aristocratic man's work." Avaric corrected.
"So where are we to go shopping?" Elphaba asked as she adjusted her vest.
"There's a store the cabbie recommended. Says it the go-to store for those in Red Sand. So it should be well enough to make you pass for a Munchkinland noble." Avaric answered.
"There's the condescension I was missing." Elphaba said as she let down her hair and tied it back in a leather thong.
"All the cities of Northern Gillikin pale in comparison to Shiz."
"I'm sure they think the same thing."
"And yet they do not have the top university in all of Oz in their cities. Yes, some are better than others; Shiz is not an industrial powerhouse like Traum. But Shiz raises Gillikin's elite, and therefore the culture of it is the culture of Gillikin. Not only that, but it raises the Emerald City elite, so the culture of Oz is the culture of Shiz."
"Yes, yes, Avaric; Shiz is the center of the world." Boq sighed. "But how will we get Elphaba clothes without them knowing she's a girl? When they fit her they'll notice some differences."
"I simply won't let them fit me." Elphaba replied. Her voice was slightly deeper.
"How will your clothes be adjusted, then?" asked Fiyero.
"I'll do it myself. I haven't always lived a life of brocade ball gowns." Elphaba replied.
"Elphaba…" Boq started. "You'll need another name. Elphaba isn't male at all."
"Call me Shell." She answered.
"Shell?" Fiyero asked.
"Yes, it's my brother's name. I've heard it enough I'll respond, and if anyway has some knowledge of the Thropps it will fit in."
"Then it is decided. Master Shell Thropp shall stay with us." Avaric said. He waggled his eyebrows. "Perhaps he'll go out and fun with us also."
"Don't push it, Avaric."
"My Lady?" a footman called over to Milla. The four girls were in a sitting room sipping tea.
"Yes?" Milla answered.
"Your four male associates are here."
"I see. Please send them into the second dining area. We will join them shortly."
"As you wish."
"Four?" Milla said after the footman had left. "Who did they pick up? And where is Elphaba?"
"I'm guessing she is the fourth." Shenshen said. "Playing her Master Thropp role again."
"That will be a treat to watch." Pfannee said.
"You're silent, Glinda. Why?" Milla asked. The blonde looked up.
"It's a very dangerous game she is playing. A green girl masquerading as a green boy." Glinda replied softly.
"There's something more to it than that." Pfannee surmised. Glinda shook her head slightly, and then drew a finger across her eyes. "It's just, if she is pretending to be a he, I won't get to stay with her at night."
"Oh, dear me, I quite forgot. You've been with yours since you've gotten together; unlike I who has been used to him slipping away." Milla replied, and gave the blonde girl a hug. Glinda sniffled.
"It's silly, I know; but I'm so used to her being there by now I don't know how I'll sleep without her." She continued. Milla pet her head.
"How about this? You can stay with me. That way either us doesn't have to worry about sleeping alone. Hm?"
"Sounds great, Milla." Glinda answered.
"Good. Now, let us go meet our men." Milla giggled.
Glinda joined in for a moment before she stood. The girls followed Milla's lead as they went to the room the boys were currently deposited in. As they entered they saw Avaric sitting talking to Boq as both Elphaba and Fiyero stood, examining the room. Elphaba was dressed in a dark brown pair of breeches and matching vest with a cream undershirt. Glinda blinked at the wardrobe and decided she did not care for it.
"The Ladies Milla Louvrean, Shenshen of the Minkos, Glinda Arduenna of the Uplands, and Pfannee of Pfann Hall." Intoned a footman in the room. Avaric and Boq stood abruptly.
"Masters Avaric of Tenmeadows, Shell Thropp of Nest Hardings, Boq of Rush Margins, and Fiyero Tigelaar of the Vinkus." He continued. Pfannee audibly sighed at the formality.
"It's nice to see you, Shell." Glinda said as she walked up to Elphaba. She presented her hand. Elphaba grasped and bowed to kiss it. Glinda noticed she was wearing a pair of dark gloves.
"And it's always nice to see you, Miss Glinda." Elphaba replied formally. Glinda noted her voice was deeper.
"I can't say that I know you all that well, but I am a good friend of your sisters."
"They're an interesting pair, aren't they?" Elphaba played along. "Nessa's always praying and Elphaba never shuts up."
Avaric barked out a laugh at that comment. They looked at him and he smiled.
"What? It's funny. Anyway, what shall we do until our formal dining time?" he asked.
"I can take you on a walk of the grounds." Milla said.
The group nodded as it seemed like a good idea. Boq offered his arm to Milla who happily obliged him. Avaric offered his to Shenshen and Fiyero to Pfannee. The last was Elphaba, who tentatively offered it to Glinda. The blonde took it. There was no outcry from the footman standing around. The Circle breathed a sigh of relief. The redhead nodded and led the group out the door.
Milla led them out the back to the veranda. As she walked them around the sprawling grounds she pointed out the various types of gardens, the notable landmarks, and the prize winning horses. Interspersed with these were little stories from her childhood: where she played, where she hurt herself, where she used to sneak away.
Around dinner time a footman came to get them. They had stopped their walk in a small gazebo on the grounds and were lounging easily. After the footman delivered the message the group got up. Elphaba, however hung back.
"Amas Clipp, Vimp, Ren; may I speak to you?" she asked. The Amas looked at her and then nodded. The group continued their walk with the footmen while the four stayed where they were at.
"What is it, Miss Elphaba?" asked Ama Ren quietly.
"This isn't going to be an issue, is it? Me pretending to be a man." Elphaba answered just as quiet with her voice the normal pitch. The Amas looked at each other.
"Miss Elphaba, do you know what they do to girls who cross-dress in Gillikin?" Ama Ren asked. The green girl shook her head. "They give them over to the Unnamed God's monasteries for purification. They believe a wicked spirit inherits them. The priests do their best to exorcise the wickedness. I remember you said your father was a minister so I assume you are familiar with the rights?"
"Yes. He performed an exorcism on me when I was an infant to try to clear my skin." Elphaba answered. The Amas nodded.
"I understand that. However, they do things…differently for those who are born one way, and those who chose to become another. They use ritual…well, there's no other word for it but torture, to try and cleanse the spirit. If that doesn't get the girl to renounce herself well enough to make them believe, and she hasn't died already, they usually give her one last test. The one I saw was they tied rocks to her legs and tossed her in a lake. If she drowned she was cleansed; if she came back up she was evil and they were to smite her. The girl never came back up and they pronounced her soul clean to go to the Unnamed God." Ama Ren finished with her face twisted in disgust. Elphaba lips were hard, and she noticed the other Amas were muttering and making the sign to ward off evil.
"My father would never do such a thing." Elphaba whispered harshly. "Never in all my years did he intentionally harm me even though I was the symbol of sin."
"Your father was a country preacher?" asked Ama Ren. Elphaba nodded. "The best are. They do not let themselves get fat and corrupted by the sins of the flesh. The priests in Gillikin live an easy life; too easy. That's why they play politics and send the true men of the Unnamed God out to the wilds. Only if they come back with a strong flock are they then taken into the fold and corrupted."
"Unfortunately your words ring true."
"So no, Miss Elphaba, this won't be a problem." Ama Ren finished. "For though while the girl's fate was terrible, her friends' fates were just as terrible. You see, they had to be the loudest in denouncing her, the first to cast garbage upon her, and the most painful when striking her; lest they be thought to approve of it and do it themselves. I would not put my charge through that; regardless what you think of me."
"Nor would I." Ama Clipp added.
"Or I."
"So your secret is safe. Just make sure it stays that way." Ama Ren finished. Elphaba nodded, and the four set off to the house.
"And this is Master Shell Thropp, Eminent Third Descending of Nest Hardings." Milla said as Elphaba walked into the door. The rest of the Circle was already seated. Standing next to Milla were a well dressed man and a woman. From their complexion and light hair color Elphaba guessed they were her parents.
"Pleasure to meet you." Said the man and put out his hand slowly. Elphaba grasped it firmly.
"The pleasure is mine." Elphaba replied.
"How do you do?" asked the woman, placing out a hand. Elphaba grasped it and bowed low over the top.
"Very well. And yourself?"
"Well." The woman replied evenly.
"Master Thropp, these are my parents Raoul and Kaeda Louvrean." Milla introduced.
"Please, sit and have dinner with us." Raoul motioned to the table. Elphaba nodded and took a seat next to Glinda. This put her close to Raoul on her right.
The first course was brought out, a simple salad of seasonal greens. Elphaba made sure to eat much of it as she was certain the next courses would include meat.
"Now, Milla, I thought you said there would be five girls with you?" her mother asked. There was slight stiffening at the table.
"Yes, well, she could not make it. She was called back home."
"Master Thropp." Raoul started.
"Just Shell, please." Elphaba replied.
"Shell it will be then. I'm not overly familiar with the title of Eminent. Can you elaborate?" he asked.
"Eminent in Munchkinland is a similar term to Baron in Gillikin; that is, a landed noble of some repute. Munchkinland does not have the different tiers of landed nobles, however; all are just Eminents."
"Then how do you know who is above who?" he probed.
"By who is the most preeminent." Elphaba smiled at the allusion. "An Eminence may rise or fall within their own worth; that doesn't usually happen, though, as most are overly cautious."
"An Eminence may fall from position?" Raoul asked with a look of horror. Elphaba's smile grew wider.
"Yes, they can. An Eminence may fall through their actions so they are more cautious and less abusive; a Munchkinlander may rise to the position of Eminence so the populace continues to strive for advancement. I feel it is better for Munchkinland as a whole as it allows for growth."
"But who determines who the Eminences are?" he asked in distress.
"They themselves do. Eminence is not a bestowed title; it is an assumed title. One has to have a certain amount of land, wealth, and prestige to command the respect to be referred to as Eminence. There are many petty people who call themselves such but no one heeds. There are those who do not call themselves such, but are referred to as anyway."
"That must make whatever legislature Munchkinland has very chaotic."
"Not particularly. Each Eminence is self-sustaining. They grow and manage their estates, property and influence. There is not much need for an overarching body to make decision. They do have seasonal meets and balls, but these are mostly to make connections, make marriage arrangements, and to gloat. Rarely does more come of it."
"How far does the Thropp family influence span? If you don't mind me asking."
"Nest Hardings is where Colwen Grounds, our great house, is located. We have influence to the west all the way to Rush Margins and to north we are creeping up to Dragon's Cupboard."
"That's quite the area."
"Does that mean you are Master Boq's landlord?" asked Kaeda. Boq and Milla both flushed at the comment.
"No." Elphaba replied easily. "The Thropps gave up the idea of serfdom in any form a long time ago. There are no indentured servants, tenured workers, or familial farm hands anywhere under our influence." Elphaba replied. Color crept up Raoul's neck as most of Gillikin's Barons used indentured servants to farm their land. Elphaba had guessed he did too, and was pleased to note she was right.
"Then how do you make your money and grow your influence?" he asked cautiously. Elphaba steepled her fingers.
"For much of it we pay Munchkinlanders to do the work. They get wages and we get a product. We sell that product through companies the companies we own or have partial ownership in. For those yeoman farmers that are looking to sell their own surplus we offer to combine it with our own; taking a small fee, of course. Remember how I said that Munchkinlanders are looking to increase their standing? Often they come to the Thropps for a loan. We become a part-owner with them, and continue to do so as they expand. We also have given scholarships to young Munchkinlanders to study at prestigious universities such as Shiz. This is also allowed the Thropps to stay involved with the many new inventions that come from enterprising Munchkins. Mostly agricultural, but sometimes others."
"Is that how Master Boq attended Shiz?" asked Kaeda.
"No." Elphaba smiled. "The town of Rush Margins sent them on their own purse. A both vexing and proud moment for the Thropps."
At that comment Boq sat up a little straighter.
"A strange way of doing it." Raoul declared. "I much prefer Gillikin's method."
"Of that I'm sure." Elphaba intoned. The subtext in her voice was clear but unknowable.
"The Thropps methods, though quaint, are true to the spirit of aristocrats anywhere." Avaric jumped in.
"Too true, Master Tenmeadows." Raoul agreed quickly.
"Just Avaric, please. I'm not Margreave yet." Avaric drawled with an easy smile. Both of Milla's parents returned them.
"Just Avaric then. As I said I agree but it seems too messy. I much prefer the honest competition here in Gillikin. Each knowing where the other stands and where their place is."
"So much talk of politics." Kaeda exasperated a bit too dramatically. "It quite turns my head."
"I'm sorry, my lady; we men can get this way sometimes." Avaric replied. "We can change subject."
"I'd like that." She replied, then paused. "You've recently graduated Shiz, correct? Any prospects of settling down? I'm sure there is a line of women vying for your hand."
Elphaba rolled her eyes but none but the Circle caught it.
"Not yet. I feel the need to make something of myself without riding on my father's coat tails before I'd look to settle down." Avaric replied smoothly.
"Good man." Raoul said, raising a wine glass. "And what of you, Shell? Any women in your future? I'm sure Miss Pfann's parents would have extended an offer. Her being your countrywoman."
Pfannee almost choked on the glass she was sipping but managed to recover smoothly. Glinda felt a rush of heat but cooled it. Milla's parents had no idea at the actual dynamics of the group.
"No, there have been no overtures." Elphaba replied smoothly. "Miss Pfann's is from Upper Applerue and her family is more northward looking. A Glikkus husband will be more likely for her. Whereas I am looking more westward and into Gillikin."
"Really?" asked Kaeda.
"Yes." Elphaba replied. "There is a particular young lady I have my eyes on, but we shall see what develops."
"Oh? A Gillikin girl?" Kaeda asked.
"Yes, from Frottica." Elphaba replied with a slight smile. Glinda's ears warmed at the bald faced declaration.
"Have you asked her parents?"
"No, but I'm being patient. We are both young and shall see how we feel after courting for a few years."
"A wise plan." Raoul continued. He turned to Boq. "And how are your prospects, Master Boq? Any Munchkin girl you have an eye on?"
"No. I've followed the future Eminence here and have my eye on a particular Gillikin girl."
"Oh? You think a Gillikin girl would go for a yeoman farmer such as yourself?" Raoul challenged. Boq flushed but Avaric cut off his reply with a hand on his shoulder.
"No so poor yeoman anymore. Master Boq and I just concluded a deal to be partners." Avaric replied with a smile. "His price was steep: a hundred acres and five percent of the profits, but I think I got the best estate manager in all of Oz. He'll be overseeing my initial investment of a thousand acres."
The silence was so loud one could hear a pin drop. The assembled group did hear the clatter of dropped utensils.
"A hundred acres?" Milla gasped.
"A thousand acre estate?" asked Kaeda at the same time.
"Yes to both." Avaric replied. "You see, Munchkinlanders industriousness is exactly what I'm looking for; Boq's sharp mind raising him above the rest. I'll be a silent partner but Munchkinland holds many opportunities."
"You may have to talk to Peerless, Boq." Elphaba's smooth timbre came. "He may have something to say on it. In fact, I know he will."
"Bad?" Boq asked. Elphaba shook her head.
"No. He'll just be looking for an opportunity."
"Well, a toast to Master Boq for his great opportunity." Raoul said and raised a glass.
As they walked outside to wait for the coach, Milla's parents and staff gave them a wide berth. They were still in the lamplight so nothing uncouth could happen, but so far that no one could hear.
"A thousand acres Avaric?" Boq asked. "You didn't tell me it would be that much!"
"I made up a number, Boq, to impress them." Avaric admitted. "They were being a bit too smug for my liking. No offense, Milla."
"None taken." Milla replied heatedly. "They get like that when trying to impress people. And they know damn well that Boq has been courting me."
"Then I am happy I could put them in their place." Avaric answered. He paused. "Shit, I don't even know if there are a thousand acres in Rush Margins!"
"There are, but not for sale." Boq replied.
"Peerless could help if you're serious. I know there are some properties down there but not how much." Elphaba replied. Her voice was still clad in her male falsehood. "I can set up a meeting for you to talk to him when we go there this summer."
"Thanks, Elp-Shell." Boq caught himself.
"A thousand acres." Pfannee whispered. "Boq, that could make you an Eminence of Rush Margins!"
"They're not mine, Pfannee; they're Avaric's. Besides, I doubt Peerless Thropp would allow it."
"True." Elphaba answered for him. "But a hundred is not a small number, either. It could well set you up to acquiring more land to the West of Rush Margins. In fact, Peerless may help you with that. The Eminences around Bright Lettins and Old Pastoria are less than amicable towards him. He would love to diminish their power."
"Shell, where did all this come from?" asked Glinda. Elphaba looked at her curiously.
"I spent almost half my life at Colwen Grounds; ever since my little brother was born." Elphaba barely loud enough to hear. "Though they do not wish me to be Eminence, they still trained me under the assumption I would be."
"And you are a great student at whatever you do." Glinda replied. Elphaba smiled.
"True."
"You've been quiet tonight." Glinda said towards Fiyero. The Vinkun boy shrugged.
"Didn't feel like fighting tonight. They were barely tolerating Boq, why bother making it worse?" Fiyero replied wearily. Glinda delicate brow furrowed. She snuck out a hand and grasped one of Fiyero's in her own. The dark hand looked massive compared to the pale dainty one.
"That bad, is it?" she asked. Fiyero nodded. Glinda ran a thumb over the top of Fiyero's hand.
"It will get better." She said with a small smile. He smiled back.
"Of course. But that is almost worse."
At that moment the cab decided to pull up. The boys (plus one) filed in and were soon on their way. The girls watched and then turned towards the stairs.
"You were quiet also." Glinda said to Shenshen. The brunette shrugged.
"Same stuff different day. 'When are you going to get married and pop out babies?' It will be much the same in Wittica when we stay with my parents." Shenshen replied. Glinda nodded.
"Probably for me, also." Glinda said and proceeded to let out an unladylike yawn. The other girls smiled. "I guess it is time for bed."
"Come. I'll show you to your rooms, girls." Milla said and led them inside.
"You're quiet, Elphaba." Boq said quietly. The green girl playing a green boy looked at him.
"That's nothing new." She replied.
"Yes, but the wistful look on your face is." Boq countered with a slight smile. Elphaba scowled.
"Better?"
"No. What's on your mind?"
"Many things."
"What puts that wistful look on your face?"
"I do not know if I wish to share it with you."
"Elphie, we've shared much with you. Can you not give us one thing?" Boq pleaded. Elphaba stared at him stonily and then turned her head to watch the buildings go by.
"I just realized," she said after several long moments, "that this will be the first night without Glinda near me since last year."
Boq smiled to himself.
"I understand the feeling. It's hard to be apart. But it makes coming together that much sweeter."
"I'll have to take your word for it."
This Chapter covers the 2nd of Newsummer.