Thank you to all my reviewers. I'll be moving to a bi-weekly format as I jsut don't ahve the time to put up the words I used to.
As always, read, enjoy, review.
The last weekend of their stay in Frottica the large Arduenna family gathering was held. Normally in late summer, Glinda's arrival pushed the date up and located it at her parents' estate. The Arduenna clan stretched the whole of Frottica and some as far as the Glikkus. Close family was offered residency at the estate; more distant relatives stayed in Frottica and made the trip out the next day. It was to be an all day affair and well over a hundred people.
The girl's preparation began the day before. They went into Frottica to the local spa. Glinda's parents paid though the girls knew that it would be straining on their finances. After the spa they examined the clothiers for new dresses. The styles were too out of date for the urban girls, however.
That morning of the event the girls helped each other get dressed. Glinda was determined to be at her best. Her preparation set the level for the others; each put on to dazzle. It was not for themselves (as this far out none except Shenshen had to worry about moving in the same social circles). They did it for Glinda. They had noticed the tone she used when speaking of her relatives. The girls were determined to give her family no ground.
Elphaba herself was preparing in her own way. Much as she hated being of the same cut as the people she was to meet, she was. She knew what impressed and how to do it. Furthermore, she had a more real sense of their condescension towards Glinda's line of the family. As such, her dress was very finely made, if stark and intimidating. She would command respect.
The boys also were preparing. Avaric was relaxing with a small glass of wine, content in himself. None that would be coming could compare to the future Margreave. Fiyero was also relaxing into a role he often slipped. The noble savage. His mannerisms morphed to more aristocratic; more Avaric like. Only Boq was nervous, but then again he had done this many times already. He knew how to play his part.
In the late morning the carriages began to arrive. Unlike when she was younger, Glinda greeted guests. This party was a transition celebration for her; a society girl who now had to change into a proper society woman. Her skills as host were on display for judgment. As always, Glinda was perfect. Her warm smile and calm demeanor started to charm those who came. However, her family was also Arduenna, so it did not go as far as it would otherwise.
The party started intimately with the first arrivals and those who stayed at the estate. Avaric made sure to become well acquainted with them and forced the other boys to do so. He knew once the party was in full swing they would have less a chance to make an impression. Doing the work at the beginning would pay dividends at the end. Avaric had picked the most imposing man at the party and strode to him. He sent Boq over to a lesser cousin and Fiyero to a lesser aunt.
"Good day to you, sir." Avaric said, smiling broadly. He held out his hand. The man hesitated for a moment (perhaps as a show of strength), and then clasped it. "I am Avaric of Tenmeadows."
"Just Avaric?" the man asked snidely. Avaric's smile grew bigger.
"I believe introducing myself as the Vismagreave is overly indulgent, especially in such a close setting." He replied with the prepared statement. The man's demeanor shifted slightly.
"I see. I am Mejean Arduenna, Seigneur of Gretchen." He answered. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And I, you."
"I did not expect to see an urban man such as yourself out here in Frottica."
"I take great pride in being a man of diverse tastes. Besides, I have something that draws my interest here."
"Oh?" Mejean looked intrigued. "And what would that be?"
"That, my friend, is an easy observation to make. Now, it has been my pleasure, but a friend of mine seems to need my help." Avaric said and looked towards Boq. An older woman was standing uncomfortably close to him. Mejean laughed.
"Yes, that's Eleano. He's lucky he met her earlier in the day before the wine has not affected her too much."
"Yes, well, I believe he is in over his head. Not too hard for my Munchkinlander friend. Good day."
Avaric glided over to where Boq was awkwardly trying to extradite himself from the situation. He put a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder.
"Boq, you mustn't take up too much of this charming woman's time." He said smoothly. Boq gave him a look of relief.
"Oh? And who are you?" she asked. Avaric bowed.
"Avaric, Vismargreave of Tenmeadows. How do you do?"
"Much better now, Vismagreave."
"That's good. As I was just telling my friend, we need to not keep you." Avaric said. He clasped the woman's hand and kissed it. "Good day, Eleano."
The flustered woman did not manage a response, giving the two boys the time to slip away. Boq sighed.
"Thank Oz, Avaric. I was trying to get away for at least ten minutes."
"I could tell. You were quite polite, though. Good job."
"Yeah. I guess I don't have the same way with drunken women you do."
"Was that sarcasm? My dear boy, you've been hanging around Elphaba too long."
"That's what happens with long carriage rides."
"Yes, but let's rescue our Vinkun friend. There seems to be a gaggle of younger girls looking after him." Avaric pointed out. Boq saw something else.
"And a group of men who don't look too happy about it." Boq replied.
Avaric saw he was right. Four good size young men were heading Fiyero's way. The Vinkun boy saw them but put on the air of ignorance. Avaric silently cursed rustic aristocrats as he subtly quickened his pace. No urban high born would make such an obvious provocation. Words were indistinguishable but the tone near Fiyero became noticeably hostile. Both boys arrived as the girls were backing off.
"I was invited you, just as you were." Fiyero responded to evenly.
"I don't see why you'd be invited." Stated the boy at the front menacingly.
"I am a friend of Miss Glinda's from school."
"A Winkie go to Shiz? I doubt it."
"No, it is quite a sight, I assure you." Avaric interjected . They turned on him.
"And who might you be? A merchant?" the boy snarled. Avaric smiled and put out his hand.
"Avaric, Vismargreave of Tenmeadows."
"Never heard of you."
"I can understand that. Shiz is very far away from rural Gillikin."
The boy eyed him warily.
"You're trying to tell me your some second son of a Margreave?"
"First son; my father just happens to still be alive."
"Dekon, Tenmeadows is from Shiz. My father has heard of them." Another boy countered from the back.
"An urbanite rich boy come to look down his nose at us? Just like the rest of them?" Dekon growled. Avaric's smile grew wider.
"Of course. Just as you look down on my friend here and on Miss Glinda's family; you are beneath me. But your manners are very poor, even for rustic nobility. I've introduced myself; now you introduce yourself."
"Dekon, viscount of Tangre." the boy almost grunted. Avaric raised an eyebrow.
"Ah, a viscount. Well met, then, Viscount. You already know me, but let me introduce to you my friends. This here is Boq Bfesson of Rush Margins of Munchkinland, and you've already been acquainted with Fiyero Tigelaar, Crown Prince of the Arjiki."
The boys mumbled their own greetings.
"Now, gentleman," Avaric continued, "as I wouldn't want to create a scene at this party, I think we shall part ways. Have a good day."
The boys walked away before the other group could respond. After grabbing some drinks and observing the party, Avaric sighed.
"Bloody rurals. No class. Excluding you of course, Boq." Avaric said.
"Thanks. I'm just happy that didn't get worse." Boq answered. "They all had swords on them."
"I know. Quaint, isn't it?" Avaric laughed. He took another drink and eyed the crowd. "See the very tan man over there, Boq?"
"Yes." Boq responded.
"See if you can strike up a conversation. He does something outside; my guess is estate management of some sort."
"Ok." Boq sighed. Avaric put a hand on his shoulder.
"Get used to it. Only half the work is actually getting work done; the other half is meeting the people who help you get your work done." Avaric told him seriously.
"Do you have a book of aristocratic quotes somewhere that you pull this stuff from?" Boq asked rhetorically. He braced himself and then strode over to the man to strike up a conversation. Avaric took another drink.
"Dark haired, pale woman sitting under the canopy." Avaric said. Fiyero spotted her.
"That's playing with fire Avaric."
"I thought you liked that?" Avaric asked. Fiyero shook his head.
"If she'll talk to me."
"A Countess will never be so rude as to not speak to you. You just have to capture her attention. Think of it as a test of your skills."
"Fine. Am I presentable?" asked Fiyero. Avaric looked him over.
"Straighten your cravat. But otherwise yes."
Fiyero did so and swaggered over to the Countess. Avaric approved of the other boy's confidence. He knew that Fiyero had stolen much of the airs from himself, but did not mind. It made Fiyero seem well cultured. After a few minutes, the Countess seemed to fall deeper into the conversation. Avaric smiled; it broadened as a few young women approached him. He bowed as they neared.
"Greetings, I am Avaric of Tenmeadows."
Elphaba was having her own time of it. Most of the Arduenna steered clear of the stark looking green woman. Never one to socialize, Elphaba found it hard to smoothly initiate conversation. So she approached it as she always did; directly. Walking up to a rotund look man, she gave a quick curtsy. The man eyed her warily.
"I am Elphaba Thropp, Third Descending of Nest Hardings. How do you do?" she asked. The man seemed slightly taken aback by the hardness in her tone.
"Conuel, Baronet of Regrue. Pleasure to meet you. Third Descending of what?" he asked.
"Third Descending from Eminency."
"Who is in front of you?"
Elphaba's face darkened slightly.
"My mother was. She is no longer with us, so I am currently in line for the title."
"My apologies." The man dipped his head. "I did not know."
"Thank you. It was almost a decade ago, now."
"You still have my sympathies. Are you one of our Miss Glinda's acquaintances?"
"Her roommate at Crage Hall."
"A Shiz education is very impressive. I'm sure your family is pleased with your entrance. It takes a rare type of girl to get into Shiz; smart and prestigious."
"Yes, it does. Have many of the Arduenna gone to Shiz?"
"Very few. Mostly men." Conuel replied darkly. Neither missed Elphaba's connotation.
"That's interesting to know."
"How about your family?"
"The Thropps are traditionally educated at Shiz. My father isn't of the Thropps but a unionist minister, so he was educated at a convent in Gillikin. My mother and her sister went to Shiz, as did my grandfather, the current Eminence."
"Your family must be held in high esteem in Munchkinland."
"Very."
"And how does our Miss Glinda do at Shiz? I hear it is very competitive."
"Overall she does quite well. Some subjects are difficult for her but she works hard at them. Her true excellence is in sorcery."
"Sorcery?" Conuel raised an eyebrow. "Why, that's not a real subject. All simple tricks."
"For most." Elphaba agreed. "For Glinda, however, she has excelled past it to a high level. Her command of the subject is very strong, and with a few more years of effort she could become excellent and on her way to mastery."
"And what can she do with this command?"
"I've seen levitate objects, change a large body of liquid into a different one, mold the shape of an object into a different form, send small objects across space, and even mix minor potions to alleviate small aches and pains." Elphaba rattled off. Conuel looked reluctantly impressed.
"It is good to hear she is taking her studies seriously, despite their usefulness." Conuel replied evenly.
"Quite. However, I would wonder who could be the judge of such usefulness?" Elphaba retorted. The man gave her a strange look. He bowed then.
"It was a pleasure, Miss Elphaba."
"That is was, Master Conuel."
Elphaba watched the man go. She did not like him but dismissed it. There were not many she did like. She scanned the crowd for another family member to speak to. She avoided the young men as they were not worth the time. Seeing a middle aged woman, Elphaba moved quickly towards her.
Glinda smiled as she watched one of her cousins be led away to the party. Though slightly taxing, Glinda also drew energy from the interactions. As the next coach was pulled around, Glinda turned her smile on it. It took all her effort to fix it in place when she saw who stepped out.
"Uncle Garon." Glinda greeted cheerfully. She hoped none would pick up the quiver in her voice. The tall man, now with graying hair, smiled warmly.
"Galinda." He said. He bent low and wrapped his arms around her. Glinda could feel his hot breath on her ear. It took all of her might to stifle her shaking and hug him back. The man held on for her a moment too long, but then let go. "What a magnificent woman you have become."
"Thank you. And it's Glinda now, Uncle."
"Glinda. How quaint." He smiled. He kissed her hand then, and was led off to the party. After his departure Glinda did begin to shake.
"Glinda, are you alright?" her father asked. She sighed.
"I'm just tired, father."
"Of course. Go into the house and rest a bit. We'll meet the other guests."
"Thank you." Glinda replied.
Glinda left her parents as quick as propriety allowed. Crossing through the house, she made her way out back. Her green girlfriend was easy to spot in her stark darkness to the more lively Arduennas. Hurrying down the steps of the veranda, she made her way over.
Elphaba noticed Glinda just as easily. Her blonde hair illuminated her; none at the party had the woven golden curls. Elphaba's mind clicked on something. She put it away for now and excused herself from the relative she was talking to. Making a way to Glinda, she stopped in front of the smaller blonde.
"What is it?" Elphaba asked softly. Glinda's distress was obvious to her.
"I just need some time. Can you come with me to my room?" Glinda asked, voice quivering. Elphaba nodded.
"Of course. Lead the way."
Glinda went to grab Elphaba's hand but stopped, remembering where she was. Instead, she turned and led them back into the great house. Elphaba followed the blonde's hurried movement, long strides easily keeping pace. As they last entered her room Glinda shut the door behind them. Quickly grabbing Elphaba's hand, she led them both to the bed. Pulling the green girl down with her, Glinda cuddled close. Elphaba stroked the blonde curls.
"Are you going to tell me what this is about, my sweet?" asked Elphaba after awhile. Glinda sighed.
"My family is just taxing, Rae. Nothing more."
"Anyone in particular I should seek out?"
Elphaba felt Glinda tense then, but she soon relaxed.
"No. It is just a bit overwhelming." Glinda reassured. Elphaba did not fully believe her, but did not press the issue. She just held her blonde close and stroked her hair.
"I wonder where Elphaba went?" Shenshen said to Pfannee. The Munchkinland girl shrugged.
"Perhaps to freshen up? But here comes someone."
"Greetings." Said the dark haired man with grey temples "I am Garon Arduenna, Count of Vergun. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." Replied Shenshen. "I am Shenshen of the Minkos Clan of Wittica."
"And who is your young friend?" asked Garon as he looked Pfannee up and down. Pfannee bristled.
"I am Pfannee of Pfann Hall in Munchkinland, and I am the same age as Miss Shenshen." Pfannee replied. Garon dipped his head.
"My apologies. We do not get many Munchkinlanders up here; nor do I get that way often. How long are you staying? Perhaps we could get together and you could tell me about it."
"I'm afraid we set off tomorrow evening." Pfannee replied. Her skin prickled.
"Unfortunate."
"Garon," Shenshen interjected, "I see many of the men are wearing rapiers. Is that still the fashion out here?"
"Yes. Out here, duels of honor are still somewhat common. It's the lingering frontier culture. I must admit I am surprised you knew what swords they were."
"My family had me trained with a sword at a young age. They were a bit old fashioned."
"Really?" he said and laughed. "I would not have expected that. Who was your teacher?"
"Master Garazzo in Red Sand."
"I have not heard of him. What school is he of?"
"Niogente."
"A very good school. I'm from the Duranno tradition. I was actually an all-Shiz fencer back in my day."
"Oh my. That must have been very difficult."
"It was a blend of natural talent and hard work. I still keep up, but am not as good as I once was."
"May I ask why you don't wear a sword here, then?"
"Besides it's quaintly outdated? I got tired of constantly being challenged by young men looking to prove themselves. Duels are to first wound but accidents happen." He shrugged indifferently.
"I understand. That must have been difficult."
"More tiring than anything. Though I must say I'm disappointed that you ladies are leaving tomorrow; I would wish to have a match with you."
"Another time, perhaps." Shenshen said. He nodded.
"Another time. Now, I will not occupy anymore of you marvelous ladies' time. Good day." He bowed. They curtsied and watched him walk away.
"I do not like him." Shenshen said quietly. Pfannee nodded.
"I do not either. He reminds me of Munchkinland chasers." Pfannee agreed.
"What?" Shenshen asked, puzzled.
"Men who chase Munchkinland girls to satisfy their own specific desires." Pfannee explained. Shenshen cocked her head in concentration. After a few moments, her head popped up.
"Oh! Do you think-"
"Don't even mention it." Pfannee hissed. Shenshen pursed her lips. "It would do no good to speculate, and even worse to be right. The man is a Count, and a powerful one at that. It would do nothing but destroy Glinda's family, and possibly us."
"But if he is-"
"There's nothing to be done of it. A man that powerful probably has Munchkinlander consorts so as to keep his reputation clear. If not, we don't have the power to change his habits. I'm guessing his fencing skill came from the duels he got into with older brothers."
"I really hate things, sometimes."
"Be happy you have a measure of wealth."
Shenshen opened her mouth to reply but angry voices drifted over to them. Looking at the site of the commotion, Pfannee exhaled in frustration.
"What did Avaric do now?" Pfannee exasperated.
"It does not look like it was him; rather, Fiyero sees to be at the center of it."
"That's not good."
The girls walked idly towards the growing crowd to hide the anxiety. Maneuvering their way towards the front, they saw a group of four boys posturing towards Fiyero, Boq, and Avaric. Milla saw them, and moved from her position near Boq to them.
"What's going on?" Pfannee asked her quietly.
"These four were giving Fiyero a hard time earlier; Avaric shut them up and sent them on their way. I think the wine has given them a bit more courage, now." Milla explained.
"More like less sense." Pfannee hissed.
"Your filthy Winkie has been all over our women!" yelled one man. Pfannee noticed he was swaying a bit.
"Really, Dekon?" Avaric replied. "I seem to recall him be very well behaved."
"I demand satisfaction!" the Dekon yelled again.
"Then go find a whore and pay her." Avaric drawled sarcastically. "I am not in the business of satisfying anyone but myself."
There was a rasp as the young man drew the sword from his hip. The crowd around them silenced. Avaric raised an eyebrow.
"You're serious." He asked. There was no hint of disdain in his disbelief.
"Draw your sword!"
"Your powers of observation still fail you. I do not have one."
"Then get one. I will have satisfaction." Dekon growled. Avaric looked him up and down.
"No." he replied and turned to walk away. The young man took a step forward and the girls saw Fiyero's hand shift lower. "Let's go before someone mistakes us for their kind."
"You need to answer his challenge." Said a man, and Garon appeared from the crowd. He held out a sword. "Otherwise you will lose face badly."
"I have everything to lose and nothing to gain from dueling this buffoon." Avaric replied. "If I beat him then I've done nothing more than waste my energy. If I lose, I will lose face or worse. Let this rustic simpleton holler; it means nothing to me."
"Out here it is more than that; if you refuse you tacitly lose. Loss means he gets the choice of remediation for his grievance. He'll probably have your Winkie friend beaten." Garon explained. Avaric's eyes turned flinty. Garon continued. "If you do not wish to face him yourself, you can always have your Winkie friend do so. Those of greater stature usually use a second when challenged by those lesser."
"A second, hm." Avaric said, and his posture relaxed. He looked over at the girls. "And you think I'd choose my Vinkun friend, Fiyero, eh? Perhaps if I could choose the weapons, and it be by club. But for a rapier…"
"Yes?"
"My second would always be Miss Minkos." He said with a wink.
The crowd murmured, wondering if they heard him right. Shenshen straightened, shocked. Looking at Avaric, she saw his smile. The blood ignited in her veins and she smiled back. Gracefully excusing herself from their company, she made her way over to Avaric. Turning a shy smile on Garon, she slowly withdrew the sword. Dipping it low, she began to check the blade and its weight.
"A cup hilt; I like it." She said
"Surely you can't be serious?" Garon asked.
"I am." Shenshen replied, still examining the sword. "And don't call me Shirley."
The group stared at her strangely. She finally looked up at them and shrugged.
"It's something Duran says." She replied.
"You want me to duel a girl?" Dekon asked incredulously. "Are you such a coward?"
"No; I just don't respect you in the slightest. Therefore, I show you that level of consideration." Avaric replied coldly.
"What good is dueling a girl?"
"About the same good as I dueling you. But I'm playing by your archaic rules, so you should be quiet and deal with it."
"You're a spineless cur!" Dekon continued. "Your inheritance is piss!"
"You know what you remind me of?" Shenshen cut in, her voice pitched slightly higher. "One of those little yappy dogs."
"Girl, I wasn't-"
"My mother has one of those dogs." Shenshen cut him off. She cut the sword through the air. "I severely dislike it."
"What are you talking about?" Dekon asked confused. Shenshen smiled.
"I'm saying you are a yappy dog who barks constantly at everything, thinking it is important, and never realizing how small it is until someone kicks you into your place. Just like the dog, you'll scurry away with your tail tucked between your legs. Tomorrow, you'll come back out yapping, telling yourself whatever lies you need to be able to yap at everyone. Inside you'll be shaking, hoping no one takes the time to shut you up."
"You bitch." Dekon growled.
"No, yappy dog; for if I was I would swoon over you. But come on, yap some more. You shall see I do not quake for it. Come on, speak boy, speak!" Shenshen taunted.
The young man opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it. He clenched his jaw and shook. Shenshen waited but he said nothing.
"What's wrong? Cat got you tongue?" Shenshen purred. The young did not reply. Shenshen raised her sword. "Set yourself then."
The young man set himself. Shenshen smiled at his stance. It was Duranno; the same style Garon had professed to know. It must be common out here in Frottica. Shenshen's smile never left her face. The young man stared at her, unmoving. Shenshen waited. After a few more moments, she winked at him.
That stirred the young man to action. He came in with a cautious thrust. Shenshen did not move but to tip her blade toward his eyes. The boy flinched back slightly and in a ring of steel it was all over. Shenshen stood out to the side, her hilt pushing his blade low as her own rested next to his throat. Most did not catch the movement. Garon himself gave whistle of appreciation and a slow clap. There was a smattering of applause.
"You are beaten. Drop you sword." Shenshen asked politely. The boy young man did not move. Shenshen's eyes narrowed and she let the blade run along his neck. "I said drop it."
The young man hesitated a moment longer, but then did so. Shenshen smiled again.
"Good. Now, on your knees."
"What?" the boy hissed. Shenshen rose the tip to his throat.
"On your knees. Don't worry, I won't hurt you." She purred the last words. The young man glanced around, but slowly knelt. Shenshen moved behind him, but kept the sword on his shoulder.
"Now, ladies, do take note. Men are nice pets to have, but one should always keep them in their place. On their knees." She smiled. There was tittering of laughter from the back of the crowd. Shenshen glanced down. "Now, my young sir, I will claim my prize. Since you are too much of a dunce to wield that sword, I shall take it from you. Off with its scabbard."
The young man hesitated, but awkwardly undid his belt and held it out to the girl. Shenshen smiled, and bent down to pick up his sword. She sheathed it and only then withdrew her blade. Clasping the belt, she glided back over to Garon and Avaric. The future Margreave had a wide smile while the Count had a restrained one.
"Thank you for the use of your sword, Count. I will say I am sad that the young man's is not a cup hilt, as I am kind of fond of them. Oh well, a rapier is." Shenshen bemoaned happily. Garon held up the swords sheath and Shenshen easily slid his in.
"I'll make you a deal then, my lady; as you're so fond of mine I'll trade it for your prize." Garon said. Shenshen started.
"Oh! But yours is of much better quality."
"It is, but I know the boy and his parents. They will not be happy to lose that sword. Whereas it is just another sword to me." Garon replied.
"Well, I would be a fool to decline. Thank you." She answered.
The Count smiled and unhooked his own belt. Sliding the sword case through the concentric rings of leather, he took Shenshen by surprise as he clasped the belt around her cinch. The brunette was almost overwhelmed by the closeness of him. After a few moments he withdrew. Shenshen was glad.
"There." Garon said. "You look like a proper lady-knight of fables."
"You think?" she asked, and modeled it slightly.
"Absolutely. Now, let me go return this." He said, and made off with the boy's sword.
"Well done! I never doubted you." Avaric said.
"Nor did we." Came Glinda's voice. Shenshen saw her glide over with the other girls. Elphaba followed behind in her usual way. "Though I do say I am rather surprised. Such unlady-like behavior, Shenshen. Cruel words."
"Words can be a weapon just like a sword." Shenshen countered.
"More Duran?" Glinda asked. Shenshen nodded. "I see. And Avaric, rather ungentlemanly like."
"I got bored." Avaric shrugged. "You know how I am."
"Too true." Glinda's eyes darted over to where her uncle was standing. Only the girls noticed the wariness in them. "How do you find my uncle?"
"Charming." Shenshen replied.
"He is that." Glinda answered.
"He seemed a bit taken with me." Pfannee probed. Glinda's eyes narrowed.
"Did he? I'm sure my aunt would not find the thought reassuring." Glinda rebutted evenly.
"Perhaps simply because I was a Munchkinlander." Pfannee took the hint. She glanced over at Elphaba to see her observing closely.
"Perhaps. He does have a fondness for Munchkinland."
"Must run in the family." Avaric interjected. "But there is still a party to be had, and since Miss Glinda seems be relieved of her social obligations, we can now partake in earnest."
"That does sound wonderful." Glinda said, and a smile slowly split her face. The Circle was relieved to see it.
"So Fiyero," Avaric drawled, "have you gotten any better at juggling?"
This chapter covers the dates of the 13th and 14th of Newsummer.