Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing.
Also thank you to my tumblr reviewers. Also, bug me about putting some of the reference material on tumblr. Been meaning to but I forget.
I've been slow. I may have tone up next week; I may not. Sorry, work.
As always, read, enjoy, review.
7/20/15
"End of the line, Frottica!" came the conductor's voice. Déjà vu struck the girls as they began to gather their things in their compartments.
After the initial night in Red Sand, the Charmed Circle had spent two more days there. It had been trying for all of them. Milla's parents had thrown numerous functions to show off their daughter to society. As such, Milla's attention was almost constantly be called by some old friend or potential suitor, giving her no time for her friends.
For the other members the functions were just as bad. Fiyero was constantly either treated like an exotic wonder or met with disdain. Elphaba's time was much the same. Pfannee, with her being from Munchkinland, was the subject of condescension or passive-aggression. Glinda was also constantly pursued by suitors, or met with general distrust from the local girls who saw her as poaching their potentials.
Avaric, however, had it the worst. The future Margreave was constantly beset by those who wanted something from him. Older men wanted to talk business or make a potential contact; younger men wanted to compare their inheritance to his or attempt to talk their way into a patron; and unattached (though sometimes not) women threw themselves at him, hoping to be the next Margreavess.
To top it all off, at the going away dinner Milla's parents pulled her aside and told her in no uncertain terms that Boq would not do, regardless of his future potential wealth. They had a number of offers for her hand, and when she graduated Shiz they would have one waiting for her. The girl had exploded in rage and tears, but it had done nothing to change their minds. She had abandoned the dinner for the solace of her room.
After that display, her parents had decided that to let her continue on with the Circle was too much of a liability. They had rejoined the dinner to let them know of their decision. That may have been that if Avaric had not been a foul mood from the experience and spoiling for a fight. He let them know that he would consider it extremely uncultured of them to prohibit their daughter from the rest of the trip. He finished with the tacit threat of informing everyone he knew of their worth.
Milla's parents had a quick change of heart at that. The Margreave of Tenmeadows was one of the first tier Barons of Gillikin, and could easily spoil their reputation. They apologized profusely from acting out of emotion instead of thought, and went to tell their daughter they had changed their minds. Avaric had the girls go with them; to comfort her, he said. After that the boys had excused themselves and went back to their rented rooms.
Thus, the Circle gathered on the train in a foul mood. It had only deepened when they reached Wittica. Shenshen's parents had sent a messenger that plans had changed and they could not be at home to meet them. While the girls could stay at the great house for the prescribed days, they would not be able to socialize. Glinda had come to their rescue. She offered her residency early and the Circle jumped at the chance. After eating in Wittica, they had set off to Frottica.
Elphaba got off with the rest of the girls. As she had met Glinda's parents previously, there would be no way of fooling them that she was male. Not that she wanted to; the hassle in Red Sand had almost made it more trouble than it was worth. Adding in the fact she had to sleep away from Glinda, Elphaba thought it had been more trouble than it was worth.
As they were not expected, the Circle had to fend for their own cab. The bustle of people trying to secure cabs made it nearly impossible to get the size they needed for one, let alone two. Avaric handled it easily by offering to pay triple rates. Not a few minutes later they had their items secured to the roof and were on the way to the Arduenna-Upland estate.
The atmosphere in Frottica was different than Red Sands. Further removed from the heart of Gillikin, the town held onto its country origins a bit tighter. The fashion sense was more pragmatic than in other cities with high boots and looser clothing. There were also signs of cultural blending from the Vinkus with more furs and exotic colors. There were even some darker colored men and women walking around; a tell tale sign of mixed heritage.
The carriages bumped as they exited the stone road. The hard earth made the going slower but the Circle did not mind. They rarely made their way out of the cities; even Milla's parents' estate had been not too far off the main way. As such, they enjoyed the variety of natural scenery. The rolling meadows gave way to trees as the carriages turned again. Elphaba could sense Glinda's growing unease.
The Circle began to grow restless as the trip carried on. They had expected an hour ride, possibly two; it was now approaching three. The Gillikin girls and Avaric knew that an estate this far from Frottica meant Glinda's family was less affluent. Already knowing this visit of Glinda's parents, none made mention of it for Glinda's sake.
Finally, in the fading light, the Arduenna-Upland estate came into view. The Gillikinese of the Circle noted its older design; not old enough to be considered classic but enough to be considered less well off. The grounds, while neatly kept, were sparse of much furnishing. Even the other buildings around the great house seemed to be maintained in a pragmatic rather than aristocratic function.
A page boy saw the approaching carriages and quickly ran to the house. The Circle saw him talking to another man. The man spoke to the page boy, who ran off. The man himself straightened his outfit and then walked towards the disembarking area. He patiently waited as the carriages rolled to a stop before opening the first door.
"Welcome to the Arduenna-Upland Estate. May I ask who is calling?" he said and bowed.
"You forget me so soon, Yanos?" Glinda replied lightly. The man's head snapped up.
"My Lady Galinda!" he said with obvious delight (and slight shock). He held out his hand to help Glinda down. "What are you doing here? You are next expected for another few days."
"Plans changed, Yanos. And it is Glinda, now." She answered as her feet hit the ground. The man looked slightly aback.
"Of course, My Lady Ga-Glinda. It's much more metropolitan sounding." He said quickly. He turned to the carriage to begin helping the other women out.
By now there was a buzz of activity behind him as page boys and footmen moved to start unloading the carriages. The boys had hopped out of their own carriage. It was a refreshing change for them as no one stared or gave them even second glances. Milla likewise came out of the boys' carriage with their minder. Yanos had finished with the other two girls and their minders when he turned to help the last occupant out. He froze.
"Don't worry, Yanos," Glinda smoothly intervened, "Miss Elphaba does not like being helped into and out of carriages."
"Quite." Was Elphaba's response as she dismounted the steps. "I am far from conventional."
Glinda rolled her eyes at the typical Elphaba double entendre. Yanos unfroze and placed the smile back on his face.
"My apologies, My Lady Elphaba. I shall remember." He said.
"No My Lady." Elphaba replied.
"Yes, Miss Elphaba here is the Eminent Thropp Third Descending." Glinda quickly slid in. "Her Excellency is the proper title."
"Elphaba will be fine." The green girl glared at her girlfriend.
"Yes, Miss Elphaba." Yanos answered.
"Glinda! What a pleasant surprise." Came a melodic voice from the house steps. Glinda looked up to see her mother, Larena, standing there. She was a shorter woman with light brown hair and grey eyes. The older woman slowly descended. "What change of plans brought you home early?"
"Miss Shenshen's parents had to cancel as another arrangement came up." Glinda answered. "I hope it is not too much of a trouble."
"Of course not, dear. You and your friends are always welcome." Larena replied.
The older woman had reached them now, and began to greet the Circle in turn. They were very impressed when she did so by name and asked after their studies. The Circle knew it was a tactic to create a report between them, but had to acknowledge it worked. Glinda even noted how her mother among all else referred to her as Glinda. Even family was not excluded from her mother's charm.
"Unfortunate that your father could not be here to greet you." Larena was saying. "He is still away on business. However, we are quite ready so come on in. I'll have the cook make a dinner; I am sure you are famished from the road."
The Circle nodded. They were completely defenseless against the charm offensive of the older Arduenna woman. They saw both where Glinda got it from, and a vision of her future.
"Highmuster and I were discussing it," Larena was saying as the dinner was coming to a close, "and we thought it would be quite rude for us to force you boys to rent rooms in Frottica. Therefore, if it is not too troubling, you can stay in the guest house. I fear it is much smaller than the places you are used to, but I hope it is acceptable."
"What a wonderful idea, Mother." Glinda said with a small hint of excitement. "I dare say the three could fit comfortably."
"I have no doubt it is good enough for three young men to stay in." Avaric answered graciously. "We thank you for letting us stay close and for sparing us the expense."
"Think nothing of it." Larena answered. "I can have our staff move your belongings to the guest house for you."
"Thank you." Avaric replied.
Larena smiled and rang a bell. Yanos came through the door and bent low. Larena explained what she needed from him, and the man dipped his head in acknowledgement. He left quickly to see to his duties. Larena smiled again as a few more waiters came in to deliver dessert. Glinda's face lit up as she realized it was her favorite.
"Oh, you didn't have to Mother." Glinda said. Her mother smile held.
"Of course not. But, you've done very well for yourself and deserve the treat."
After dessert Larena had a staff member lead the boys to the guest house. It was a small building with three rooms and a front room. The boys could tell that the house had not been used in a long time. Avaric's keen eye told him that it was originally a servants' quarter that had been converted to its current use, ad that it had not been ready when they arrived. The heir shrugged inwardly. It would suit him.
"It seems I am in this one." Avaric said as he looked into a room.
"What were the plans for tomorrow?" called Fiyero from his own. Avaric thought it over.
"I'm not quite sure." Avaric replied. "They weren't expecting us so I don't think there were any plans."
"I suggest we wait." Boq's voice floated from his own room. "I'm sure they'll think of something and let us know."
"A good plan." Avaric agreed. "For now, though, I think I could use some sleep."
A loud yawn was heard, and then Fiyero's voice, "I agree."
"Sounds good to me." Boq said.
Glinda led the girls up to her own room. Her mother had apologized for not being a better hostess, but she was still in the middle of some work that needed to be done. For Glinda that had been fine. She knew the hallways well even though she had not been here in almost two years. As she stopped in front of a door, she pointed the Amas to another room. It had once held Ama Clutch, but Glinda pushed those feelings aside. Opening the door, her friends got the first glimpse of the girl's room.
Sparse of furnishings, the room held a four poster bed at one wall. The bed was large enough to hold at least four people. Aside from the bed there were two end tables, a vanity, a small sitting table, and several small bookshelves. A wardrobe in the corner round out the room. Off to one side was a glass door that led to a patio.
The other girls' eyes took in the quality of the room. Compared to Milla's house (and to their own) there was a distinct gap in craftsmanship. Not that it was poor; it just was not exquisite. The girl's now viscerally understood what Glinda's rustic origins meant. However, they were much too fond of the girl to make anything of it.
"Where will we be staying?" asked Pfannee. Glinda smiled and pointed to a side door.
"That leads to another room. Much the same, if not a bit more sparse. It was supposed to be for a sibling of mine, but it never happened."
"So, two and three?" Shenshen asked. Glinda shook her head.
"There's a small room that connects to the other room one of you can stay in."
"Can we go three to a room, anyway?" Milla asked. "I've found I don't much like sleeping by myself."
"And one of us will do?" Pfannee said with slight smile. "I have no problem with you staying with us."
"And while that is appreciated, I was thinking perhaps with Miss Glinda and Elphaba." Milla continued shyly. "You tend to steal the covers, Pfannee."
"I do not!" Pfannee exclaimed while Shenshen laughed. Pfannee glared at the other girl. "I do not!"
"You like to swaddle yourself." Shenshen retorted. Pfannee humphed.
"Well?" Milla asked. Glinda looked at Elphaba.
"If you don't mind being so close to me." Elphaba replied. The redhead nodded.
"I do not mind at all." She replied.
The girls began to divide their belongings amongst the rooms. Glinda's wardrobe was just barely able to hold the clothes of the three girls. Elphaba made room by leaving her more worn wear in her valise. After they had settled in, Pfannee and Shenshen dragged two chairs from the other room in. The girls sat around the table except for Elphaba, who folded up on the bed.
"So what should we do tomorrow?" asked Milla. The girls looked at Glinda. The blonde bought a finger to her lips.
"Well, my parents will want to have dinner sometime, but that won't be until tomorrow. I could give you a tour of the grounds if you wanted."
"That sounds good." Pfannee said.
"Do you have horses, Glinda?" Shenshen inquired. Glinda smiled.
"Yes, a few. I am assuming you would like to ride?"
"Very much so."
"There's a perfectly quaint little place you can do so. I'll make sure our stable boys get a horse ready for you."
"Thank you. Any fencing instructors?"
Glinda just laughed.
Elphaba woke. The barest hint of light into the window. The emerald girl felt a weight on her side and turned to look. Flame red hair met her eyes. She started, mind not comprehending what she had done. The motion, however, brought golden curls into her vision and she remembered. The girls had stayed up late and eventually crashed into their sleeping spots. Milla was sleeping on the other side of Glinda as the three shared a bed. Nothing else had happened.
Elphaba stirred herself to rise. Though her mind said she was fine, something had unsettled her. The dark haired girl slipped out of bed and silently out the door. Her mind began to churn over the previous evening in her mind.
They had returned from their tour to an invite to dinner. The girls had cleaned and changed, and then went to dinner with Glinda's parents. The meal was different than the previous semester's lunch meeting. Glinda's parents had inquired less and paid more attention to Fiyero and Boq. They had also doted on the blonde.
Elphaba looked up to find herself entering a sitting room. This one held the portraits and genealogy of the Arduenna and Upland line. Granted, the Upland line was new as Glinda's father was actually a rural man who raised himself far enough to marry the fourth daughter of a less distinguished branch of the Arduenna. Highmuster's surname was taken from the area he inhabited; which is why they kept the Arudenna to distinguish themselves.
Elphaba glanced at the portraits. Glinda's paternal grandparents had standard Gillikin facial structure, if a bit worn from work, and a mixture of light and darker brown hair. Elphaba easily drew the parallels of characteristics with their son. Glinda's maternal line was larger, with two sisters and brother. These were all variation of the aristocratic Gillikin characteristics: small nose, finer bone structure, and various shades of brown hair. Her maternal grandparents were much the same.
Elphaba moved down the line of portraits, noting with a Life Sciences eye the characteristics as the blended and passed from generation to generation. A part of her drew the comparison to breeding animals for certain uses that Ozians had done for thousands of years. Another part was revolted at the idea when it came to Ozians and Animals. However, her scientist mind did wonder if it would be possible to breed a superior form of Ozian. Shaking the thought away, Elphaba continued her examinations.
"I see you found the old people room." Came Glinda's voice. Elphaba turned and arched an eyebrow.
"Old people room?"
"Yep. That's what I used to call it." Glinda entered. "All old people. All the books are filled with those family members that don't warrant a portrait."
"Interesting. How much detail are they?"
"Not much. Just a bit about them and what they did."
"I see."
"Are you coming back to bed?"
"I have something on my mind. Go, my sweet. I shall return when I've thought it through."
"Nervous about the family party?" Glinda replied with a teasing smile.
"No. Though I will say I do not like functions." Elphaba answered.
"And this will be bad. My cousins look down on my parents and I."
"I see. Well, hopefully they mind their manners amongst guest."
"Hopefully."
"Well, sweet dreams."
"Fresh thoughts, Rae."
As the blonde left Elphaba found a history and opened it. Something was indeed on her mind.
The girls got ready for the day ahead. Elphaba switched outfits as her dark dress was not suitable for the weather. This close to the savannas of the Vinkus, it was warmer and wetter. Elphaba chose a long cream dress to help counteract it, but still topped it off with her dark hat. The other girls chose their short walking wear. Shenshen chose her riding habit.
As the girls left Glinda sent a servant to inform her mother, their Amas, and the stables. Glinda led them to the small guest house where the boys were staying. It felt strange but Glinda knocked on the door anyway. When there was no answer, she politely knocked again. When that received no answer she turned to the other girls.
"I'll do it." Grumbled Elphaba and threw open the door. It banged against the wall and rattled its hinges. There were shouts but the girls were most impressed with a half awake Fiyero dashing into the room with his knife drawn. He blinked away the sleep as he saw them, and sheathed his knife.
"What the hell, Kravator?" he asked. Elphaba raised an eyebrow at the Vinkun slip.
"We knocked." Glinda pointed out. Fiyero smoothed out this braids.
"We must not have heard. We were sleeping." He replied.
"Indeed." Avaric said as he walked out. He was well put together. Boq came out grumbling and straightening his shirt. "And what a nice nap it was. But I'm assuming you've thought up a plan for the day?"
"Yes." Glinda replied. "I am going to show you the grounds before we have to be back for dinner."
"Sounds good." Avaric said. "Shall we go?"
As they were filing out Elphaba waited for Fiyero.
"Kravator?" she asked. Fiyero winked.
"I told you it would make less sense in Vinkun."
The next day an impromptu function had been held by Glinda's parents at the estate. It was small, just some local well off families and a few rural aristocrats. The Shiz girls had shone in their element, making quite an impression on the attendees. Even more impressive was Avaric as the future Margreave. He had them eating out of his palm before the night was over.
The next night was more of the same, but the party was larger as word had spread of Avaric. The rural aristocracy had all come as well as a few Frottican. Once again the Shiz girls and boys were the center of attention. To many Frotticans Shiz may have well been the Emerald City. The unattached men paid special attention to the girls as snagging one such as them would be a great feat. The girls, however, easily sidestepped their advances. The ladies at the events all vied for Avaric's attention, as being the future Margreavess would vault them higher than they thought possible. Already in well practice from Red Sand, Avaric easily brushed off their advances.
Glinda had a harder time as these were her peers. She had no station to use as an excuse. However, her charm and grace easily led her out of situations she may have been forced in to. Glinda thought it odd, however, that her parents were not steering more her way, or maneuvering her hand somewhere. Instead they seemed content to watch their daughter.
Intriguingly enough, among the rural aristocracy were several Vinkun families. Fiyero had kept his distance at first, trying to find out their clan. When he could not, he made his way over to them. They greeted him just as warily, but with his education they soon warmed to him. He found out they were a few generations removed from the Scrow as their families' decided to settle and become merchants rather than live the life of nomads. Fiyero spent the better portion of the night with them.
Glinda had finally been cornered by an older viscount. He was a childless widower and was inured against Glinda's younger charm. Elphaba had looked to come to her rescue but was stopped by a gentle hand of Fiyero. Glaring at the Vinkun, the boy gave her a serious look.
"If you rush over there it will raise questions." He replied to her unspoken question.
"And?"
"And help is already on the way in a manner that maintains the illusion." Fiyero replied quietly. Elphaba looked at him strangely, but then back to Glinda. Avaric was sauntering up with two drinks in his hand.
"Here is your drink, Miss Glinda." Avaric said smoothly. Glinda graciously took it, but did not let her confusion show. Avaric turned to the man and held out a hand. "I'm afraid we have not had the pleasure. I am Avaric of Tenmeadows."
"I am Renault, Viscount de Lechene." The man replied shook his hand. "You are the Vismargreave, are you not?"
"Such an inelegant term I do not use, but yes, that is I." Avaric answered.
"Even here we have heard of Tenmeadows." Renault said. "It is my pleasure to meet someone of such a noble family."
"It has been a treat to be able to meet those of Gillikin not around the Emerald City." Avaric agreed with a smile. Glinda approved of the subtle assertion of rank. "I have Miss Glinda to thank for allowing me to accompany her, and for her family's hospitality."
"Oh?" the viscount said. "And in what capacity do you know Miss Glinda?"
"She was a classmate and is a very close friend of mine." Avaric replied.
"Are you married, vismargreave?"
"I am not."
"Any engagements?"
"Not at the moment."
"I'm sure there are many young ladies competing for your hand around Shiz."
"There are, but I've found I like my women from a little farther away. They bring a sort of rustic charm and honesty to the relationship."
"I see. It has been a pleasure talking to the both of you. I hope it won't be the last time. Vismargreave; my lady."
"Viscount." Glinda curtsied. The man bowed his head and walked away. Glinda looked up at Avaric. "You know you just made your life harder, correct?"
"Oh?"
"Every girl and lady in Frotica will know tomorrow that the Vismargrave of Tenmeadows does not mind a country wife."
"Yes, well, opening volleys and all that."
"I am sur not know what you mean."
"You're a smart girl; if you think on it you will. But anyway, I must leave you. Innocence to corrupt, and all that."
"Best be careful. Duels of honor are still common here to the death."
"I shall make sure of it. Besides, if it happens I'll have Shenshen stand in for me."
"Such a brave man."
"I like to think so."
At the opening of the week, the Circle had much free reign. On the Monday Highmsuter took the boys into town to show them the local meeting places while the girls relaxed. As it was beginning to be too hot to be outside in the midday sun, the girls explored the manor. A fore thinking architect had designed it to orientate for the seasons, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Glinda had remembered an old practice room he father had once frequented and led them there. Old stands held forgotten training swords. The girls had claimed it for their own. Glinda had the staff move a couch and some small seat into the room along with a table. There Pfannee and Milla had lounged while Shenshen practiced her sword work, and the sorceresses practiced their trade.
On the early mornings and after dinner days Glinda showed the Circle the estate. They were charmed by a little lake on the property and spent a morning and evening there. They marveled as a group of wild horses wandered by to drink. The girls sighed over the sight of a mother with her foal. Fiyero almost moved to capture one, but the Circle waved him down.
On one particular day they made their way into the woods on the estate. Glinda was to show them as small Lurlinist shrine that was tucked away. Crossing through the footpaths on their carriage, they stopped at a crossroads while Glinda remembered her way. A aprticualr tree caught her eye, and her breath hitched.
Glinda's head swam as she was assaulted by memories. He breathing quickened and she became light headed. She was aware of people talking but it slowly became muffled around her. Voices from the past echoed up and she began to smell and taste the acrid scent of sweat. A pair of hands grasped her.
"Glinda, are you alright?" asked Elphaba. Her dark eyes seemed to be the only fixed point in Glinda's world, which slwoly sharpened everything around it.
"I'm fine. Just a bit lightheaded is all." Glinda managed to fore out Elphaba frowned deeply, exaggerating her stark features. Glinda warmed at the concern and ran a hand over a crumpled corner of Elphaba's mouth. "I'm fine, my love. Just everything hit me at once. We go that way."
Even though the blonde became more animated after their visit to her secret spot, Elphaba could tell she was still subdued by bed that night. The emerald girl silently wished they could be alone so she could pry it out of her, but Glinda's devotion to her friend would not let it happen. As Elphaba lay next to the blonde, and bid both her and the redhead on the other side goodnight, she filed the incident away in her mind for later.
Glinda woke that night in a cold sweat. Elphaba was already awake, as was Milla. Though Glinda played it off as simply a bad dream, the green girl's eyes told Glinda she did not believe her. Even Milla seemed skeptical. Glinda was shooed off for a bath while Elphaba helped to quickly change the covers. When they returned, all three fell into a quick sleep.
This chapter covers the dates of the 5th through the 12th of Newsummer.