My apologies for the late update. There was technical difficulties on for me this week.
Thank you to all my reviewers her and on tumblr.
As always, read, enjoy, review.
9/7/15
Elphaba, Glinda, Boq and Pfannee (and her Ama) bumped along the road tiredly. After the last night in the Emerald City they had woken early to depart for Munchkinland. Though nearly the same distance from Frottica to the Emerald City, the trip would take considerably longer. Nearly two weeks in either direction.
The travel accommodations were less luxurious as well. As none had the wealth of Avaric, none had invested in a particularly well carriage. Thus they were cramped inside a normally four person carriage; the only saving grace was two occupants were Munchkinlanders.
However, this was its own problem for Boq. The odd one out, he alternated sitting between the two benches. Never particularly close to Pfannee, he quickly shifted over to Elphaba and Glinda's side. While they did not mind the young man, the two average sized Ozians did not have much room either.
In the Highsummer heat, the small carriage was a furnace. No amount of light clothing would keep them cool. The windows had to remain closed as well; native to these parts, each knew that parasitic bugs would swarm the travelers if given a chance. Glinda had managed to conjure a slight breeze in the carriage from a new spell she had learned in her studies. It did little to help, but they were thankful for it.
The inns they stayed at were not as well-kept either. The rare traveler went to and from Munchkinland. The remaining members of the Circle had to make do with rooms above kitchen and stables. As having an odd number, Boq was forced to stay with one of the pair. He chose Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba had agreed with the choice.
It was one such night a few days into the trip that Glinda woke to a light brush of fingers over sensitive points. She jerked awake, but a deep, soothing voice spoke in her ear. The smell of sandalwood let her know who it was. Glinda made to deter Elphaba's hands, but her lover was insistent.
"Rae," she whispered, "what are you thinking?"
"That my flower has gone too long with release." Came the answer through sharp teeth on her ear. Glinda inhaled sharply.
"Boq is…"
"Snoring away happily. The boy is sound sleeper. He doesn't wake up for anything."
A particularly delightfully brush made Glinda gasp. Dark lips captured light ones. Glinda's gasp morphed in pleasure. Twin tongues dueled for long moments as nimble fingers worked the way over light buds or into dark hair. Both broke for air, and fingers clenched in spasm. Elphaba hissed from the sharp tug but continued her attentions.
The spasms came quicker, Elphaba being the deft student. Glinda felt something heightening her pleasure but also keeping it from cresting over. Boq gave a particularly loud snore, and Glinda tensed. Her pleasure increased. The thrill drew her forward. Glinda hit her peak, once, twice, three times; but she never fell. It was so close.
As Glinda repeatedly hit what she thought was the tipping point, she began to whimper. Elphaba silence her with kiss. Glinda hungrily pulled her closer, seeking that last final moment. It did not come and both broke for air. Glinda whimpered once more but Elphaba's hand silence her lips. Something in that touched finally let Glinda crest the peak and it crashed over her.
Elphaba rode it out with her blonde. The sharp tugs on her hair; the scratches to her skin; the bite on her hand; all were secondary to the pleasure of the girl underneath her. In the dim light she watched her love relax back into awareness. The blonde hummed in contentment. Elphaba released her hands from her love's mouth and clothes.
"That was nice, Rae." Glinda sighed. Elphaba smiled. "But now I'm sleepy."
"Then sleep, my sweet girl." Elphaba replied and kissed her on the forehead.
"But what about you?"
"I'm fine just holding you."
"So sweet." Glinda murmured and Elphaba watched her slowly drift back off. The green girl moved a few errant strands from her lover's face. Dark thoughts chased her, but Elphaba shook her head and lay back down next to Glinda. They could wait for later.
"We're almost there." Boq said nearly a week later.
The two girls looked up from their books. Both had been studying for most of the trip. Glinda had found a managed to cast a spell that cooled the air that her other spell circulated. While it made the trip more tolerable, it was still difficult for Boq as he had little to entertain him. Pfannee had asked some questions as they got farther into Munchkinland as she was not from the area nor had she passed through, being from Upper Applerue and having taken a northern route to Shiz. However, the questions had waned and she was now contently napping.
"Oh?" Glinda said. She peaked out a drawn window. The land was a sick, pale brown. "Such a dry place."
"It didn't always used to be like that." Elphaba replied. "It used to be one of the greenest places around."
"How long ago was that?"
"Almost before I was born." Replied Boq. "The drought has drained the earth."
"How do you deal with it?" asked Glinda.
"There have been breaks here and there; just enough to get by." Elphaba answered.
"Almost as a cruel joke." Boq added bitterly.
"Can nothing be done?" Glinda inquired. The two Munchkinlanders shook their heads.
"Not really. New wells keep getting dug but they dry up after only a few years." Boq stated. "Rain would be the best, but we'd need years of it to get back to the rich soil we used to have."
"Or heavy snowfall." Elphaba added. Boq nodded.
"That would help the Corn Basket but not so much us here. I've always wondered if there would be some way to move the water dammed in Quadling Country back up here."
"So now you look to exploit them, also?" Elphaba hissed. Boq threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Elphaba, they have lakes of it sitting down there; from my understanding it does more harm than good. Why not spread it around?"
"Unintended consequence Boq."
"Most of the water comes from Munchkinland! It flows down from the rivers."
"That doesn't make it yours."
"I'm just trying to think of ways to help. Besides, there's no way it could be done, anyway. It's far too expensive."
"Why not from the north, then? Glikkus has much water." Pfannee asked. They had not noticed their argument had woken her.
"Cost, again. Northern Munchkinland is not as desperate, so why should they pay for it to be extended?" Boq answered.
"You're quite right." Pfannee conceded.
The rest of the trip was spent in relative quiet. As the carriage slowly bumped into what might be called the center of Rush Margins, the smaller Circle took note of the buildings. They were small; mostly made up of sod and straw. Only one was made of brick, and it was in front that the carriage halted. A short, rotund Munchkinlander was waiting for them; Elphaba felt like he had seen him before. Boq, ever the gentleman, let the ladies exit first. It was not until he had his feet on the ground did the man break his silence.
"There's my boy, or should I say, young man." The man said, his face split in a grin. Boq smiled back.
"Hello, father." Boq replied. "Let me introduce you to my companions."
"Of course." The man said.
"This is Pfannee of Pfann Hall. Her family is from the Upper Applerue area." Boq started. Boq's father bowed and Pfannee curtsied.
"Her Ama Clipp."
"Miss Glinda Arduenna Upland of Frottica." He motioned for to Glinda. The blonde smiled and curtsied, holding out her hand. Boq's father grasped and bowed over it.
"Charmed, Master Bfee."
"As am I." he replied. Boq turned to Elphaba.
"And this is Miss Elphaba Thropp of Colwen Grounds."
"Your Excell-"
"None of that, Master Bfee." Elphaba said sternly with a held up hand. She then held it out to the man. "Elphaba will do just fine."
"Well met, Miss Elphaba." Bfee said and shook her hand. "It's an honor to have you here."
"My being here is no honor; I was born near here and therefore am no special guest." Elphaba replied curtly. "I will say I am thankful for you putting us up in your home."
"Think nothing of it." Bfee replied. "Now, if you follow me, I will show you to your accommodations. Worse than what you're used to, but better than the road."
"And we're thankful for that." Glinda said.
Bfee led them into his house. The girls noticed that it was very modest; there was a small meeting room out front for Bfee to do his mayoral duties, but only a small kitchen and three rooms otherwise. Boq made his way to one of the rooms while Bfee led them to another.
"This is your rooms. I apologize for the cramped space."
"It will do." Elphaba answered.
The room was cramped and with three straw beds on the floor. Had they come straight from the beds of the Emerald City they might have protested; coming from similar beds on the road, however, it was more of the same. The girls stacked their luggage in one corner and claimed their beds. Elphaba led the way back out.
"If it pleases you, dinner will be soon. We'll be eating out in the receiving room, since it is the only table that fits us." Bfee said. The girls noticed the bustle of people through the house had increased. Munchkinlanders of all ages had started moving. A stout, weathered woman came up to them.
"It won't be the best, but it will fill you." She said.
"This is my wife, Cambrie." He said. Cambrie nodded to the group.
"If you wish to wash up, there's a well out back." She said. "Dinner will be on the table in a few minutes."
Turning around, she yelled back into the kitchen. Corresponding voices called back to her. Soon after, a group of teens came out carrying chairs. Boq was among them. He gave them a smile as he walked by. The girls smiled back.
Pfannee, Glinda, and Ama Clipp went outside to clean their hands. There was a bucket of water and a string near an old well. Both girls knew what to do with it in theory, but neither ever had. Ama Clipp had not been so fortunate in life and quickly got about the work. Both girls were glad.
When they came back the table had been set. Boq and his family had crowded at one end and left space for their visitors at the other. Elphaba was sitting at the end, typically one would call the head. Glinda did not fail to notice it could be considered a place of honor. By the slight expression on Elphaba's face, Glinda knew she did too.
The three women's sitting was like stirring a hornets' nest. Food started getting passed and water being poured. Elphaba took only a slight amount as did the rest of the guests. They knew that Boq's family was not that well off. Better than some, but still not well. After the dishes had all been passed, the family unceremoniously started to eat.
"So, Boq, how has school been?" his father asked. Boq swallowed.
"Better. I'll graduate next semester." He replied. Bfee nodded.
"That's good. We're not terrible here, but the drought still getting worse. We could use your knowledge."
"So, Boq, tell us about this girl you've been seeing. Mama says you've haven't told her much." Said one of his sisters. Boq started choking on his water. His father hit him in the back.
"Maree, don't be so bold." His mother replied. Boq nodded in thanks to her. "But your choice in companions does make me wonder."
Boq turned bright red in embarrassment. He sputtered, trying to get something out. Luckily, Glinda came to his rescue.
"She's quite a nice girl." Glinda interjected serenely. "Her name is Milla, and she's from Red Sands."
"A Gillikin girl? I see." His mother temporarily frowned but quickly masked it. "While I don't mind Gillikinese, I thought it might be a nice Munchkinlander."
At that Pfannee turned a couple of shades of pink. Elphaba snorted. Glinda turned to her.
"You're a Munchkinlander, too, you know." The blonde said.
"I am lucky I have you here to remind me." Elphaba retorted.
"Marrying an eminence would be a massive coup."
"That's unlikely to ever happen."
"Are you really our next eminence?" asked one of the little girls. Elphaba turned her intensity on her.
"I am next in line, yes." She replied seriously.
"Did you really play out here when you were younger?" asked another.
"Yes I did." Answered Elphaba. "I met your brother then."
"Speaking of growing up, Miss Elphaba," said Cambrie, "are there any young suitors for you?"
"As if there would be." Elphaba snorted.
"There are plenty of young men following Elphie around." Boq stated. Elphaba shot him a glare. "But none so foolish enough to try to woo her."
"Oh? And why would it be foolish?" asked Cambrie.
"Because she would cut them down with one fell swoop." Glinda joined in the fun. Elphaba glared at her.
"Oh. I see. A tough one. How about you, Miss Glinda?" asked Cambrie.
"I have my eye on someone." She replied coyly.
"Oh? Will he give you some trouble?" Asked Bfee.
"They're willful, but I don't think it will be a problem." Answered Glinda. Boq had tensed by now and Pfannee was struggling to keep a straight face.
"That's good. And you, Miss Pfannee?" asked Bfee.
"I had one; an aristocratic Gillikin, but he was more serious about business than being serious about the business." Pfannee answered. The adults nodded.
"Mommy, what does that mean?" asked one of the sisters.
"I'll explain when you're older." Cambrie replied gently.
"Why are you green?" asked one of the littlest, a boy. The table took a deep inhale of breath.
"Why are you pink?" Elphaba responded. The boy scrunched up his face in concentration.
"Everyone's pink." He finally came up with. Elphaba raised an eyebrow.
"You think so, hm?" she replied. "I have a friend as black as soot."
"Nu uh!" the boy said.
"It's true." Boq interjected. "His name is Fiyero and he's from the Vinkus."
"Oh wow." The smaller children gaped.
"But you're from Munchkinland." Protested the first brother. "We're not green here."
"And why can't I be different?" asked Elphaba. "Miss Pfannee is from Munchkinland, and she has blonde hair while yours is brown. Her eyes are blue while yours are brown."
"But green is a lot different!"
"It isn't the size of difference that matters between two people; it's how they act towards one another that matters."
"Hear hear." Said Bfee. "That, my children, is a good lesson for all of you to learn."
After dinner Boq stepped outside with his father. Elphaba saw and quickly made to follow. Glinda knew it had to be about Avaric's offer and stayed put. It was not her business, and best to keep it that way.
"So what is you wanted to talk to me about, Boq?" his father asked as Elphaba made her way outside to them. Bfee saw her. "Oh, Miss Elphaba; I'm sorry to be rude but Boq wanted a private word with me."
"No, she can stay, father." He replied. "She knows and it involves her, at least indirectly."
"I thought you said your girl was Gillikin." Bfee stated warily. "Did Miss Nessarose take a liking to you?"
"What? No!" Boq protested.
"Did you take a liking to her? Or has Peerless proposed something?" Bfee asked.
"No, nothing like that." Boq quickly asserted. "It has nothing to do with my personal life."
"Then has someone offered you a job?"
"Something like that." Boq sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He was starting to sweat in the heat. "Do you remember when I mentioned Avaric, the future Margreave of Tenmeadows?"
"Yes. Is he looking for an estate manager?"
"Sort of. He wants to buy land out here in Munchkinland."
"Ah. Another Gillikin aristocrat wanting to buy up Munchkinland." Bfee's face twisted in disgust. "I can't imagine you'd say yes."
"Wait until you hear it all, father." Boq cautioned. "He wanted to oversee the land out here. In return, he'd gift me a hundred acres of my own, a yearly stipend, and five percent of the profits."
Bfee's eyebrows rose.
"How much land is this boy wanting to buy?" he asked.
"I don't know exactly, but he made comment of around a thousand acres." Boq answered. Bfee whistled and rocked back on his heels.
"That's a lot of land. There's not enough around Rush Margins for that." Bfee ventured. Boq nodded.
"I said the same. I was wondering about closer to the Corn Basket." Boq replied.
"Possible. There are a lot of tenant famers there, and they could be looking for a stable income." Bfee nodded in thought. He looked at Elphaba. "And that's where the Eminent Thropps come in."
"Exactly. Peerless is only nominally in charge over Rush Margins," Elphaba started, "but something like this would need to be brought to him; if for nothing else for him not to oppose it."
"Would he?" asked Bfee. Elphaba shook her head.
"I don't think so." Elphaba replied. "As long as the tithes get paid he is hands off, as you know. But he may be able to help with gaining land closer to the Corn Basket. He would love to cut into the Eminence of Old Pastoria's area."
"That could be dangerous." Bfee said. He quickly added, "Politically, I mean."
"I will bring it up to him regardless of your decision." Elphaba said. "But if you're accepting, I'd like to bring that to him."
Bfee and Boq shared a look. Many thoughts of the same amount passed between the men. Finally, Bfee nodded.
"Much as I dislike it, I would be a fool not to accept. This opportunity will never happen again to this family. It could put us on the path towards Eminenceship."
"That it could; I'm sure Peerless would not mind it either, as Rush Margins has been loyal and good to the Thropps." Elphaba intoned. Bfee ducked his head.
"And we will continue to do so. Now come, let us go inside. It's hot as hell out here, and we have some wine to cut it in there. We have much to be merry about."
They had left early the next day. As they said their farewells Elphaba had slipped some coins to Boq. The Munchkinlander tried to protest, but Elphaba used her presumptive authority to overrule him. Shocked, Boq had accepted. Two evenings hence saw the weary travelers at Colwen Grounds. The gate was gilded, and the forecourt swept clean of every scrap of grass and with terra-cotta pots lining the balcony above the massive front door.
A small entourage was awaiting them. There were the usual house staff (all small Munchkinlanders) but they got sight of a willowy girl and an older woman among them. The two older men were unknown to the carriage except for one person. As the carriage rolled to a stop Elphaba opened the door and hurried out.
"Fabala!" cried Nessa.
Elphaba gave her a quick smile but turned back to the carriage. Extending her hand, she helped Glinda out. As the blonde's feet hit the cobblestone's the older of the two men strode to meet her. His disciplined bearing gave a Glinda a firm idea of who he was. Glinda took a couple of steps forward and extended her hand. The man bowed over it.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Arduenna." He said. Glinda was not surprised he knew her. "I am Peerless Thropp."
"It is a pleasure to meet you also, Your Eminence." Glinda curtsied.
Peerless let go of her and turned to the carriage's next occupant. That gave Glinda time to study him. He was tall; taller than Elphaba. His light brown hair had perhaps once been a darker shade, but age had started to grey it. His body was lean like his granddaughters' but spoke of strength instead of frailty. Finally, his eyes were a hard grey.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Pfann." He was saying to Pfannee. "My house is at your service."
"Thank you, Your Eminence. I am at yours." She replied in the customary greeting. He smiled.
"Perhaps a walk together tonight then, after dinner. I am curious at the happenings in Upper Applerue, as I don't get up there much and have missed the last few meetings of the Eminences'." he asked. Glinda's upbringing approved off the talented exploitation of decorum.
"I'd be delighted." Pfannee replied. Glinda knew Pfannee's own upbringing not only dictated she accept, but that she would look for her own advantage.
"And you must be Ama Clipp, Miss Pfannee's minder." He said. The Ama looked a bit startled at direct attention from the Eminence.
"Yes, Your Eminence." The lady said and dipped her head.
"My home is at your service as well." He said. The woman dipped her head again in thanks. He looked around.
"Elphaba," he said calmly, "I have prepared dinner to celebrate your arrival and your birthday for tomorrow. I know you dislike larger functions, but I hope you'll indulge me."
"Of course, Grandfather." Elphaba replied evenly. Glinda, however, turned to the green girl.
"It's your birthday tomorrow? Why didn't you tell me?" she asked. Elphaba shrugged.
"I don't really care much for it."
"What a ghastly attitude."
"If you would follow me." Peerless said, and offered his arm to Pfannee. The diminutive blonde took it. Frex went to help Nessa, and Elphaba smugly offered Glinda her own. The blonde took it shyly. Glinda did not miss Peerless' eyes dart from the two.
Peerless led them to a dining room. As they traversed the grounds, Glinda's eyes took in the architecture of the great house. Built in the Traum-style, Glinda still noted the marks of practically minded Munchkinlander architects on the arches and columns. Glinda was keenly aware of the pediments supporting graven urns, and the exquisite belvedere. She was astounded as there was not belvedere to match outside the Emerald City
Finally led into the dining room, Glinda was surprised at the muted elegance. Her expectations were more along the Gillikin line of (mostly) refined extravagance. The room, much like the people of Munchkinland, was more of a quiet grace. Peerless led Pfannee to a seat and held it for her. Frex did likewise for Nessa, and Elphaba for Glinda. Unlike normal, Elphaba sat at Peerless' right side as it was in her honor.
Dinner was a spread of local produce and game. A light bread with an olive spread was their first course followed by a barley cream soup. The main part of the meal was fowl; Elphaba had a separate dinner of mixed greens sautéed in butter. It was a favorite of hers. Finally, a small vanilla bean cake was brought out last. Elphaba raised an eyebrow.
"I remember your taste for vanilla cake." Peerless commented. "It took a bit of finding but it was worth it."
"Thank you, Grandfather." Elphaba said. She did not know what else to say.
Taking a bite, Elphaba closed her eyes to savor the taste. Glinda had never seen Elphaba react that way before; she logged it away in her memory. Elphaba opened her eyes and her cheeks colored slightly.
"Would anyone want a piece?" she asked. The table turned her down; partially due to fullness, and partially due to it being her birthday.
"How has university been going for you, Elphaba?" asked Peerless.
"Excellent." Elphaba replied evenly. "I've gotten high marks in all my classes."
"As I am aware; I've seen the reports sent here." Peerless replied. "I mean in other ways. Your social circle seems to have expanded."
"Yes. Inevitably some of the more tenacious ones have decided to stick around despite my best efforts." Elphaba replied with a slight smile. Peerless did not smile in return, but Glinda caught a slight wrinkle around his eyes.
"A very diverse group, I hear. Any potential husbands?"
Elphaba choked slightly on the piece of cake she was eating. A slight coughing fit and a bit of cider later, she looked at Peerless. The man was the same even faced as previous.
"No husbands, potential or otherwise." Elphaba replied. Peerless nodded.
"I see. Well, as dinner is over, might I suggest a walk?" he suggested and stood. They knew it was more than that.
"I shall retire to the chapel to pray." Frex answered, standing. Glinda noticed around Peerless' eyes seemed to tighten.
"I shall go with father." Nessa said, doing likewise. Frex waited for his daughter to walk to him and then made their way past the group. Frex stopped briefly by Elphaba.
"Happy birthday, Fabala." He said. He paused another moment, as if to say or do something more, but then continued on his way. Nessa stooped low.
"Happy birthday big sister." She said and planted a light kiss on Elphaba's forehead. Elphaba smiled.
"Thank you, Nessie." She replied.
"Shall we?" asked Peerless. He moved over to Pfannee's chair to pull it out. Offering an arm to the Munchkinlander, he led them out the back to the gardens. Elphaba led Glinda by the arm, and Ama Clipp followed behind.
"So what are you studying?" asked Peerless to Pfannee.
"Just general studies." She replied. "Some coursework in household management."
"A strong foundation for a young woman such as yourself. Your parents must be proud."
"I'd hope so." Pfannee replied.
"So tell me about your family. As I said I do not get to northern Munchkinland much, and don't believe I've met any of the Pfanns."
"My grandfather was an emerald prospector in the Glikkun Hills." Pfannee started. "He did quite well for himself and was one of the first who saw Quadling Country's potential. By the time they stopped mining the area he was one of the most successful jewel prospectors in Oz. He passed that on to my father as well as his estate in Upper Appelrue when he died. My father now maintains controlling interest in the companies, but focuses on other business ventures like banking and land cultivation."
"As well a true gentleman does." Peerless nodded in agreement. "I imagine he is quite an eminence in the north."
"Not so much as that, yet; the competition is rather fierce." Pfannee replied.
"I see. Has he made an announcements on your hand as of yet?" Peerless asked. Pfannee floundered for a moment. She had not seen Peerless' artful craft.
"No…not yet." She managed to get out. She cursed herself for being led into the conversation. "I have an older brother and sister he has been focusing on; though I'm sure he might when I arrive there."
"Well, if he does not and is looking farther south, I would be happy to give a recommendation of support of you to any suitors."
"Thank you, Your Eminence."
Elphaba and Glinda had trailed too far back to hear the conversation; leastwise they may have been worried. Elphaba knew her grandfather well enough to know he was capable of it, however.
The next day the two girls were seeing the other off. Peerless had joined them (as proper). He had insisted on Pfannee taking one of Colwen's Ground's carriages as they were better quality and would make better time. Pfannee accepted. After the formalities, he had stepped back.
"Good bye, Miss Elphaba." Pfannee said.
"Until school." Elphaba replied.
Pfannee stepped onto the carriage's step to put herself on level with Glinda before turning back around. Pulling the Gillikin girl close, Pfannee planted a kiss on her cheek.
"Be careful of that one," she whispered as she moved to plant a kiss on the other, "He's as cunning as a Gillikin aristocrat."
Pfannee ended by planting one more on Glinda's forehead.
"I will." Glinda whispered back. Then, louder "See you next semester."
"That's a promise." Pfannee replied.
With that, the Munchkinlander got in and closed the door behind her. The coachman clicked the reigns and carriage set off. The two girls watched it go before turning around.
"Elphaba, may I request and audience from you?" Peerless asked. Neither assumed it was an actual question.
"Of course." Elphaba answered. Peerless looked towards Glinda.
"I'm sorry to take your friend from you, but I promise it won't be long."
"No need to be sorry; I know Elphaba has obligations."
Peerless nodded in respect, and then turned to walk away. Elphaba strode after him, back straight. Glinda was taken by their similarities. She could not help but be nervous for her emerald girlfriend about the conference she knew nothing about.
X
This chapter covers the 6th through the 16th of Highsummer.