Glinda woke to light touches up her collarbone and neck. Stirring quickly she turned over to catch the lips that were dancing up her jaw.
"Hi Rae." she said.
"Hi." replied Elphaba. "Do you know what today is?"
"Uh-huh." Glinda answered. "It's my birthday."
"That it is. And now my wonderful lady of twenty, it is time for your birthday breakfast."
Elphaba turned away and grabbed at the tray behind her. Glinda saw it filled with assorted fruits and pastries, but the one thing that caught her eye was a slice of cake. Not just any cake though; a nice chocolate cake.
"Where did you get that?"
"I snuck it in last night." Elphaba answered with a twinkle in her eye. "A little box with a cooling spell kept it fresh for you this morning."
"Oh, you're too good for me."
"I quite think not." Elphaba answered and placed another kiss on her lips. "Now, I'll let you eat in peace. I have a few things to organize for our day ahead."
"Really?" Glinda perked up. "No class?"
"Not on your birthday." Elphaba replied amused.
"It sounds so wonderful already." Glinda sighed as she took a fork to her cake. As Elphaba opened the door she turned back.
"My wonderful girl, remember to eat something other than the cake. We don't want you to get sick now."
"Fine." Glinda pouted, causing Elphaba to smile as she slipped out the door.
Glinda took another bite out of her chocolate cake in defiance of her absent girlfriend. Feeling the need for something less sweet, she decided put some of the fruit onto a pastry. As she happily munched on she mused on how much different it was to be in love on one's birthday. Granted, the Circle had taken her out last year, but this time it was different. She had a wonderful girlfriend to devote her entire day to her. And Glinda was going to exploit it as much as possible. The blonde grinned and then took another bite of her pastry.
By the time Elphaba had returned the blonde had finished her breakfast. She watched happily as Elphaba set down some bags and made her way over. Clearing the tray, the emerald girl gave the blonde a rare smile.
"Done?"
"Yes." Glinda smiled broadly. Elphaba cocked an eyebrow but departed to deposit the tray out in the hall. When she got back the blonde was still smiling.
"What?" Asked Elphaba nervously.
"Just wondering what's on the agenda for today." Glinda replied. Elphaba was not fooled, but played along.
"First a light stroll through the park, then a spa for you. Afterwards we'll have lunch, then tour some of Shiz' museums. Dinner at Gerand's, and then home."
"A wonderful plan." Glinda said.. Standing on the bed, she let the covers slide off to expose her bare form. "However, I think there needs to be a minor adjustment."
"Oh?" Elphaba asked, eye level with Glinda's navel.
"Yes. I think some morning fun in is order."
"And here I was going to bundle you off to the bath so I could get breakfast."
Glinda deflated slightly.
"You haven't eaten? You must be starving! I'm sorry Rae. I can go wash while you eat."
"You're quite right; I am starving." Elphaba replied and took a step forward. "And this looks good enough to eat."
"Oh!" Glinda gasped as strong arms pushed her back to the bed. She let out another moan as Elphaba set upon her. Glinda stretched out in the bed, enjoying the feeling of the sun on one end and her lover on the other.
Their late morning walk through the woods of near the Canal was quite nice, Glinda decided. The brisk early autumn air kept them both comfortable. Indeed, it was nice enough for a couple of sojourns behind trees to steal kisses and more intimate play. By the time they emerged both girls found the growing afternoon a bit warm. The girls rented a cab from one of the many stations near the park and were off to their next stop.
The spa was familiar to Glinda; it was the one frequented by her and the other Charmed Circle girls whenever they had a special occasion. As such the staff remembered her. Glinda thought her judgement of the staff was correct when they took Elphaba in stride and made no mention of her skin. Not that the green girl stuck around, but Glinda thought it was good nonetheless.
As Glinda stripped down for her bath, Elphaba caught the waiting cab. Her other arrangements for Glinda's birthday were already complete; she only needed to pick up her present from the jeweler in the market. Finding the Quadling merchant, she made her way over. The man smiled as he caught sight of her.
"Ah, you have arrived. Splendid. I have the pieces." He said to her in his own language.
Elphaba smiled as he brought out a small paper wrapped package. Carefully unfolding, the jeweler delicately withdrew a small earing. A center crescent with several gold rods dangling from it, the center was two pink stones surrounding a green one. As the green girl gently took it, she thought it would go splendidly with the necklace.
"I can see you approve." The craftsman said. Elphaba nodded.
"You are a master of metal and jewel, sir." Elphaba replied.
The Quadling dipped his head in acknowledgement. Elphaba handed him back the piece and he deftly wrapped it again. Digging into her own concealed pockets, Elphaba handed over the notes. Seeing the amount, the Quadling dipped his head again in thanks. Elphaba smiled and shook his hand. Elphaba secreted the package into one of her many concealed pockets.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
"Did you enjoy your spa, my dear?" Elphaba asked as she met Glinda in the lobby of the spa. The blonde girl was glowing from the oils applied to her.
"Wonderful like always!" She cheered.
Elphaba held out her arm and Glinda smiled. Wrapping a scarf around her hair to protect it against the dust, she looped her arm through her girlfriend's and walked to the cab. The spa staff did not blink; it was not an uncommon occurrence.
The pair rode to the Peach and Kidney's for lunch. It was strange for them to be there without the rest of their friends, but they did not mind. The two picked a small table hidden by a partition near the corner of the building. Elphaba particularly liked it as she could see who was coming in and up the small stairs to the platform they sat on. Glinda liked it because she could cuddle close to Elphaba on the bench.
The pair sat in silence, enjoying the company of each other. Glinda felt deft touches in sensitive areas and started slightly. She giggled when she realized her lover was not only dutifully paying attention to her on her birthday, but was most likely still worked up from the morning. Despite Glinda's protest, Elphaba had not allowed her to please her.
"And what's so funny?" asked the emerald girl in question. Glinda batted her eyebrows.
"And simply forgot how turned on you must be from this morning."
"Well, today is your day."
"Is it?" Glinda sighed and leaned back. She gave Elphaba a coy smile and slightly shifted her legs."You may continue."
Elphaba snorted.
"As you wish."
Glinda sighed contently as deft fingers roamed familiar territory. Both the blonde and the raven haired girl kept a subtle eye out for anyone approaching. As usual, the danger of getting caught quickly pushed Glinda higher. Both girls caught sight of someone approaching and readjusted. Glinda played with her skirt to get it sit properly as the waiter came around the corner to deposit their food. The man did not seem to notice the flushed cheeks of the blonde.
The pair took a significantly longer time finishing lunch than usual. Both were easily distracted by the other and by the end it had turned into a little game; a little game that left them flushed and wanting. After leaving and hopping a cab to the first museum they had settled down sufficiently to keep their hands off of each other.
Shiz' museums were old structures of grand style. Built by philanthropic alumni, they housed treasures from far across Oz and all of the continent. Here were some traditional Glikkus earthenware; there a display on Vinkun customs along with clothes. Glinda quite enjoyed herself, but Elphaba's mood slowly darkened. The blonde noticed and decided it was time to leave the museum.
Strolling through one of the well-tended walks nearby, Glinda enjoyed the feeling on being out with her girlfriend. Elphaba's posture improved, her neck relaxed, and her eyes slowly widened as her mood lifted. Finally, the emerald girl turned to her.
"Thank you, my sweet. You always know how to cheer me up."
"That's what I'm here for." Glinda responded. Elphaba smiled and quickly glanced around. Pulling her blonde behind a tree, the emerald girl bent low to taste her lips. Glinda wrapped her arms around her lover's neck. There the two stayed for a long time.
At Gerand's they were greeted with big smiles by the staff. After taking their usual seat, the girls placed their order and the waiter scurried away. Elphaba put a hand out over the table and Glinda placed her own in it. Elphaba gave her a slight smile, and Glinda returned it. The green girl looked down to root for something and Glinda's heart quickened. The small paper package came out.
"They are not much." Elphaba started but Glinda hushed her with a finger. Unwrapping it, she held the earring to the light.
"Rae they're beautiful; and they match my necklace."
"That's what I was hoping."
"Then you did a good job."
Glinda examined the earrings for a moment before slipping her own out. Elphaba watched in fascination as the blonde made something so simply as changing out jewelry full of grace and beauty. After Glinda had finished she placed both her hands in Elphaba's.
"I love them."
Elphaba squeezed her hands back.
The next day Elphaba pushed the beds in room twenty-two to one side. Glinda had gone out with the girls for her birthday and Nessa was at chapel, giving her plenty of quiet to work. Elphaba took the jars of ingredients out of her bag and placed them on the shelf. Salt, earth, candle oil, and, worst for Elphaba, water. A pouch of gold coins, one of copper dust and a jar of bonemeal followed after. Finally, a necklace of Glinda's and a non-functioning pocket watch.
Elphaba grabbed the book her notes were written in. The ritual had to be set up with four points of opposing elements linked by copper and surrounded with salt. Those affected had to be in the center of the circle surrounded by their own ring of salt. This way they would be safe from the spells effects, but not from the breaking principle.
Taking out a piece of string, Elphaba measured the distance across the room. Cutting the string, she found equal points and marked them with their representative element. Elphaba remeasured again to make sure everything was in the right place. Seeing it was, she dived back into her notes.
The ritual itself was pretty simple. Calling upon the eight opposing elements she would invoke them to break the magical bind on the girls. The book said the effects could be mild to extreme, but would not harm them. Elphaba was unconvinced as the book also described other such rituals as inducing love or lust as harmless or small. Considering their fate elsewise, Elphaba knew they had to take the risk. It was for their future.
The two other girls fidgeted as Elphaba drew the ring of salt around the elements. Fastidious as always, Elphaba had tacked a string to the floor and traced her circle. She then repeated a smaller circle around the two girls, leaving space for herself. Finishing that, she emptied five of the seven containers into a pile. Drawing from another pouch, Elphaba drew the lines of copper powder from each and connected them in ring parallel the inner. Finally, Elphaba tipped both liquid containers out. She watched them for a moment to make sure they spread to the copper, and then stepped into the circle.
"I call upon the four elements of the physical world to come to my aid." Elphaba intoned, reading off the sheet of paper held in her hand. "Let Earth come through the dirt; let air from the wind around us."
The girls' clothes fluttered as a breeze flew through the room. The hair on their arms began to rise.
"Let water come forth from the water spilled; let fire from the oil I ignite."
Elphaba reached into her pocket to bring forth a match, but the candle oil sparked to life of its own accord. The girls jumped. Elphaba steadied both her her free arm. All three noticed the respective copper lines starting to mix with the elements. A light glow started to appear.
"Let the elements intangible come to my call: let chance come from the gold may be gotten, let time from a watch standing still." Both elements began to glow. Elphaba watched as the metal began to drip.
"Let love come a gift given in such; and let death come from what we are reduced to."
The air in the room started to swirl around the girls. The eight elements bubbled and jumped as the copper connecting them burned like the sun. Glinda and Nessa shielded their eyes; Elphaba's remained wide. The air crackled as spells interacted.
The girls suddenly found it hard to breathe. Ropes seemed to bind them, forcing the air from their lungs. The sensation lessened, then redoubled. Elphaba sensed Nessa falling and snagged her sister. Glinda wobbled but remained upright.
Grunts of pain from all three girls as the air was forced from their lungs. Elphaba held up both girls now, straining under the weight. She gritted her teeth as she felt her knees begin to girls at her side had gone limp. Elphaba's own vision was growing dark. Her left knee buckled and Elphaba shifted her weight to the other leg. It quivered, but held for the moment.
Chains broke, the room darkened, and weight left them. Elphaba staggered at the release, her screaming muscles finally giving under the assault. Glinda slipped from her left arm, the blonde catching herself against the edge of her bed before collapsing. Elphaba managed to heft Nessa on to her own bed, her sister collapsing on her back in a heap.
Elphaba's world blackened and she flailed her arms to find purchase on something. Her right slammed into something hard, scattering the objects on top. She stumbled and smashed her ribs against the same thing. Splaying her legs out, the green girl managed not to fall to the floor.
Her world greyed in, revealing her leaning against her bookcase. Papers littered the floor around her. Gathering her legs underneath her, she forced herself up. Taking a deep breath as the world resolved back into color, Elphaba took a step towards her own bed to check on Nessa and her world turned upside. Elphaba's saw the powdered copper and bonemeal swirl around her.
Glinda pushed against the bed to rise and gently took the proffered hand. She gave the well dressed man smile, knowing its effect. The man, a gentleman in his late forties if she had to guess, had a strong jaw and well coiffed hair with the beginnings of grey. Glinda remembered he was introduced as the Visconte de Margois.
The eyes turned as the pair made their way through the assembled guest. The skylight above the ballroom allowed the light from the Emerald City bathe them, casting everything in a serene light. It played off the delicate crystal in her dress, causing her to dazzle. The pearls at her neck and wrist only added to her majesty.
The slow tune was easy for the pair to slip into. Glinda stood at the appropriate distance, feeling the Visconte's urge to bring her close. She let herself seem to waiver to tease the man. As another couple passed she moved in close to brush against him, but faded back before he could trap her there. The light smile on her lips was reflected in her eyes. Glinda could see the beginning of lust behind his.
"Lady Paltos, you are a talented dancer." the Visconte said, barely above a whisper.
"Thank you, Visconte." she replied. "I do enjoy it, but am unable to do so as much as I would like."
"Does the Baronet not take you dancing much?"
"Sir Chuffrey health has taken much of the strength from his lower body." Glinda answered and looked away. She schooled her face to be one of slight sadness.
"I am sorry to hear that. Sir Chuffrey is held in high esteem." the Visconte replied. His voice carried the solemnity required. "It must be hard on you being so young."
"It is." Glinda knew the direction the man was attempting to steer her, and let him do so. "I do try to fulfill my wifely duties, but some things cannot be helped."
"Sir Chuffrey is still able to provide for you, however?"
"Of course." Glinda rebutted quickly in a slightly offended tone. It would not do to make it seem to easy. "His mind is well enough for the most part to continue his business dealings, and to make sure everything is in proper order. His physical capabilities may have lessened with age but his mental have not; at least, not greatly."
"I see. That is good to hear, though I am not ashamed to say I fear a time when it may happen to me. To be unable to dance, walk, make love; it is a dreadful thought." the Visconte mourned wistfully.
Glinda inwardly smiled. The Visconte thought he had laid out a perfect lure, but did not see she was the one who lay it. Pouting her lips, the blonde looked down sadly.
"Yes, I can say it is dreadful." Glinda whispered low. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the Visconte demeanor shift slightly. "I miss them so."
"Well, we have danced; not what say you we talk a walk? The estates have a private park and it is quite nice this time of year." he whispered to her, voice full of suggestion.
"Yes, I think a walk would be nice. It is a bit cloying in here. Let me get my wrap and I shall join you on the veranda."
"Of course."
Glinda met the Viscounte outside, and looped her arm through his. The pair drew a few looks, but most of the elite minded their own business. Their own lives were as tangled and thus gave the aristocratic courtesy of silence. The two spoke of nothing as they continued their walk until the Viscount abruptly stopped.
"I hope you won't think me a boar if I were to take off my jacket; it is sweltering in the City in summer."
"I won't think you a boar if you don't think me uncouth for losing my own wrap." Glinda rebutted.
The Viscount dipped his head and the pair loosed their outer wear. Glinda let the Viscount catch her glancing at the man's form. She notice his own trace the line of her shoulders downward. Glinda looped her arm though the man's again, letting her own bare skin of the arm touch the man's. The pair proceeded deeper into the park.
Glinda kept the conversation light; she needed to build suspense to loosen the man's tongue. The Viscount stumbled over his words as she pressed closer to him during the walk. To look at Glinda would give the man a perfect view of her cleavage straining against her dress. Glinda made sure her assets were overflowing the dress with the lacing designed to make them appear fuller and almost spilling out. It was having the intended effect. Glinda idly drew circles on her own flesh to entice the man more. As the Viscount's words seemed to spill out of him in a quicker, breathier fashion, Glinda knew now was the time.
"Viscount, I've heard my husband and his partners talk in worried whispers about the state of the grain economy. They seem to be quite nervous in case of a mono...mono..monolopia, whatever that is. I wonder if you know anything of this and what it means? I worry about him and the estate." Glinda asked with an equal amount of naivete and worry.
The Viscount stopped and looked at her intently. Had the man's mind not been clouded with lust he might have worried more about it; however, he wanted this young maiden to be grateful to him. Glinda knew this; she also knew the Viscount thought his silent partnerships had gone unnoticed. All this led him to believe he had a perfect opportunity to exploit.
"Monopoly; it means when one person or group controls the market for a product."
"The market? That's not referring to the shops on the square, is it?"
"No. It means the system of trading for a specific item, like grain. If one group controls the price of grain, they could charge whatever they wanted. That is probably why your husband worries. A monopoly could ruin other businesses like cattle or bakery."
"Oh. Should he be worried? Will there be one?"
"Promise to keep this between yourself and your husband?" the Viscount asked sternly. Glinda nodded her head solemnly and took the Viscount hands. Her eyes reflected the worry and hope of a young lady over her head. The Viscount smiled. "I know some people in the grain business, and there is no cause for concern. Any chance of monopoly is nothing while the Eminent Thropp holds the reins of Munchkinland. She believes far too fiercely in free and open trade."
Glinda heart flip-flopped when she heard him speak of Elphaba. She realized the Viscount was saying something and smiled.
"Thank you for setting my mind and heart at ease." Glinda said. Before the Viscount caught she had not listened to him, she tugged at his hands to pull him close. She rose slowly to her toes to place a kiss dangerous close to his lips, but on the cheek. She stayed there for a moment. "A reward for such a gentleman."
The Viscount took the opportunity to capture her lips. Glinda lowered back onto her feet, but the Viscount followed. She did not return the kiss at first, but did so right as she pulled away. She looked at the Viscount with half lidded eyes and the man took the signal. He kissed her again, and his hands slid down to the small of her back. Glinda herself let her hands wander.
The pair quickly moved off the path to a secluded area. Never breaking the kiss, Glinda deftly started at the various buttons of his waistcoat and shirt. For his part, the Viscount fumbled with her dress. Glinda inwardly sighed and prepared to be disappointed. Glinda's body took over the interaction with the Viscount while her mind wandered. It took her to the times spent with Elphaba and the night's never spoken about. The current situation was a pale imitation, but her memories caused her body to flush with arousal. It made the experience more pleasurable.
After it was over the pair tidied up and made their way back to the party. The Viscount gave her one last kiss and disappeared back to the men. Glinda made her rounds, but her thoughts were on tonight's meeting. She had not seen Elphaba in over a year, and only then at a function. Her work has Eminence took much of her time; more so due to her own nature. Glinda knew she should call upon the Thropp family; luckily enough Nessarose was in the City on some affair.
Glinda sent a footman ahead of her. When he returned, she took her leave of the party and gathered herself into the waiting carriage. Upper Mennepin was not a far ride but she used the few minutes to recompose herself. The three girls had come a long way from Shiz; Glinda herself a Baronet's wife; Nessa running her charities in Quadling Country, and Elphaba as the Eminent Thropp. It wa a strange life they led, and Glinda could not help but wonder at it. She quit that quickly; it gave her a terrible headache.
A manservant met her at the gate and helped her from the carriage. The flat was in the nicer part of Upper Mennepin; Nessa's charity seemed to be flourishing. The manservant led the young lady into the atrium where the familiar figure of Nessa stood. The young woman was tanner than Glinda, but she put it down to the harsh Quadling sun. The woman crossed to meet each other and placed kisses on the cheek.
"Glinda! What a pleasant surprise!" Nessa said as they were led to an adjoining sitting room. "What brings you here?"
"I was at a function tonight, and someone mentioned your sister. I felt terrible that I haven't been to see either of you, and felt on calling."
"Well, you're always welcome wherever I'm at. I'm sure Elphaba would happily have you at Colwen Grounds if you wrote." Nessa answered as the two sat. Some shortcakes and tea were placed on the table."
"You mean she hasn't torn the place down yet for being a mark of opulence?" Glinda asked with a smile. Nessa smiled back, and politely nodded to a shortcake. A maid-in-waiting picked up one. The young lady bit into one delicately and chewed for a few moments. Glinda followed suit.
"No. At some point she realized that symbols have power." a small smile graced the tanned girl's face "So she currently trudges around in it, hating every moment."
"And how goes being Eminent?"
"No matter how much she protests, she excels at it. Not the social aspect, of course; she still hates dancing , hand shaking, and kissing babies."
"That can be quite tiresome. Especially all that dancing. So much politics goes on the dance floor."
"I still enjoy it." Nessa responded. The young lady turned her head lightly as a sharp pain ran through it. "Elphaba, however, turned out to be a logistical genius. Probably the obsessiveness of her nature."
"I do not doubt it."
"But yes, she has Nest Harding's such under her thumb that the other Eminence's fell in line. Especially after Boq became the Eminence of Rush Margins."
"Good for him."
"Indeed. Milla is happy enough. And they have six...seven?...children now."
"Oh my. So industrious."
"Munchkinlanders for you. But right now the Council of Eminence's might as well be under Elphaba's control. Great-Grandfather would have been proud."
"And how's your father?"
Nessa shrugged.
"In a monastery in southern Munchkinland. He preaches every once and awhile, but mostly contemplates and translates texts of the Unnamed God."
"And your brother, Shell?"
"Getting into unknown troubles all the time. I only see him when he's gambled all his money away or needs something."
"How unfortunate."
"Quite, but with Elphaba as Eminence he felt stifled."
"I see."
The clock in the hall chimed. Glinda stood.
"It is quite late, and I do not wish to take up much more of your time."
Nessa stood as well.
"It was nice to see you. Please come call again any time."
"I will."
Nessa watched Glinda be escorted out. Making her way upstairs, she entered her sitting room and took a seat at her vanity. Her attendants quickly began preparing her for bed. As they were nearly finished a light knock came at the door.
"Come in." Nessa said. One of her ladies-inwaiting opened the door and bowed.
"Your Excellency, per your instructions we tracked where the Lady Glinda disembarked."
"And?"
"As you suspected, it was at Minister Morrible's."
"Thank you, Tyria. You may go."
The young lady bowed and walked out. As Nessa climbed into bed and her attendant pulled the covers over her legs another lay open a prayer book. Even though reading the prayer's small print caused her to have a headache, she did so every night. She worried she might soon need glasses like her sister.
After the evening prayer Nessa reflected on the new information. She had known that Glinda was married and moving around the social circles of the City. Her husband was wealthy but not high placed, which is why Nessa had reasoned she had a benefactor. That being Morrible had not been a stretch; Nessa herself often interacted with the woman, though resisted her overt attempts of control.
After school, both Thropp sisters had returned to Munchkinland. While Elphaba increasingly got entangled with Eminence work, Nessa had worked with her father to preach. The Munchkinlanders in those areas were quite depressed, and the pair often ended up giving aid. When Frexspar and herself brought up using some of the Diocese's wealth to help the people to the Cardinal of Munchkinland, the man and his council has stiffly rebuked them. It was after that both had sworn off the church.
Elphaba and Peerless had taken the opportunity to evict the Unionists from their domain and seize their properties in the name of back taxes. Though the Cardinal raved against it, the pair used the seized funds to help ease the effects of the drought. Considering how Thropp lands had expanded, Nessa was sure that some of the funds had been spent elsewhere; however, she could not bring herself to care.
Nessa had approached her great-grandfather and sister about setting up a charity. Elphaba had been more than happy to do so and won over Peerless' reluctance. Her sister had seen that wealthy Munchkinlanders were looking for another way to spread their influence outside of the Unionist Church. It helped the newly raised Eminent Bfeeson of Rush Margins had signed on right away. As such, the Church's money and influence had waned sharply while Thropp's had increased quickly. Munchkinland at last head lead family after many generations.
When Nessa and Frexspar had approached Elphaba again a few years later, now Eminent Thropp, about missionary work in Quadling Country she had eagerly agreed. While Munchkinlanders had provided the seed funding, old contacts from Gillikin and the Emerald City had provided funds, and more importantly, contacts to donors. Nessa quickly entered the life of a socialite with a cause. Her year had been taken up with dancing, charming, and discreetly asking for support. It had gone spectacularly, and it was also where she ran into Morrible. The old headmistress had tried to worm her way into the board of the charity but Nessa had politely declined. Speaking with the woman gave her a headache, and she had not wanted to deal with that all the time.
The young woman sighed. While her initial work in Quadling Country had been promising, the volunteers just did not have the knowledge to handle such a large operation. Worse yet, the Wizard installed government was hopelessly corrupt. Nessa had swung through the Emerald City to rouse up some more support on her way back to Colwen Grounds. She had much to talk to Elphaba about, and tonight's meeting was just one of many.
Some weeks later, Elphaba stood on the steps of Colwen grounds, watching the plain carriage come to a halt. Elphaba was down the stairs and at the door before the footman could open it. Nessa smiled at her sister's typical impatience and it only grew as the green woman fussed. Shooing her maid-in-waiting away, Elphaba walked slightly behind her as they ascended the stairs. Nessa's balance was near perfect now, but Elphaba was ever cautious.
Quite rarely, dinner was held in the dining hall. Elphaba usually had no time for sitting but with her sister there was always the exception. That did not mean it was a leisurely affair; Elphaba was still all about business. The food was brought in and the wait staff were sent out of the room. Elphaba's paranoia was still present, and had served her well. Nessa was used to it, and as she spoke on the work her charity was doing and its effects she kept her voice low. Elphaba listened, but also dug deeper into the financials. Her mind had transformed in her years as Eminence to note the price of everything. Nessa had known this and brought a statement. Elphaba scanned through and put it away for later.
As Nessa spoke on the social side of the charity, Elphaba's ever present notebook came out and she began writing in it. After realizing her weakness at socializing, Elphaba had approached the problem as a scientist. Notes were taken, analyzed, reviewed, and memorized. Many marveled at the how talented the Eminence was for the social connections, never forgetting names, dates, or significant facts. Nessa knew it was all hard work. That brought them to Glinda.
"So Morrible is her benefactor? Are you sure?" Asked Elphaba. There was a hard edge in her voice. Nessa knew that as much as she tried Glinda was still a vulnerability to her.
"I cannot be completely sure. What I do know is that after attending a very well to do function and leaving my flat, Glinda went to Morrible's residence." Nessa answered.
"I see." Elphaba replied and scribbled in her notebook. After long moments, Elphaba removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. Steepling her fingers, she looked over them to Nessa. "I had deduced she had one, but this is an interesting turn."
"I remember you mentioning it to me as odd since she had not married very high."
"An aging Baronet, as it were. Of Paltos." Elphaba answered without consulting her notes. "Very wealthy but title poor. And in declining health."
"Wasted potential."
"Oh, do not think that." Elphaba's lips smiled ruefully. "A man of that age can only want companionship in one way: a presence to care for them as they go. The other facilities have long stopped being a concern. No risk of children, or unfaithfulness; no demands on her time outside that which is needed to care for him; and no care for money. An ambitious woman cannot hope to do much better."
"I never would have guessed that." Nessa said, nodding her head. "It does make sense."
"Her prodigious rise now is explained, unfortunately." Elphaba shook her head. "I had wished it had been for some other reason."
"You know as well as I do Glinda was not one to stay where she was put; she always rose higher. Perhaps if things were different after school, but we had our obligations." Nessa said gently. Elphaba's eyes narrowed.
"I'm well aware, Nessie. I do not need to be was nothing out here for her anyway."
"I was not consoling, Elphaba; merely stating that what we wish has no bearing on what is."
"I find it annoying when you use my own words against me." Elphaba sighed. "Is there anything else?"
"No. I am tired from the road, though; I think I will turn in for the night."
Elphaba rose and helped pull back Nessa's seat while she stood. Her younger sister gave her a peck on the cheek. Elphaba smiled and called for an attendant. Nessa's personal one appeared. Elphaba watched them go and then made her way to her personal library. Closing the door behind her, Elphaba sat in the big stuffed chair and brought her knees to her chest. The thought of Glinda turned her mind to simpler times.
After graduating Shiz, Elphaba had returned to Munchkinland to fulfill her duties. Her initial reluctance to gaining the Eminence had been assauged by her great-grandfather's offer to help the Animals. With the rising political pressure in the City, many Animals had taken up the offer for a safe, if less civilized, home.
Elphaba learned the trade of Eminence integrating the new arrivals among the communities and finding them work. While many could work the farms of Munchkinland others were well educated. Nest Hardings located a large group of scholars nearby to start their own college. Elphaba was ecstatic.
Unfortunately, the citizens resented having more mouths to feed. The drought was still having a toll on them. Elphaba used many of the new arrivals to help create irrigation systems, supervised by some of the educated Animals. This helped soothe the tensions. Elphaba knew it was only a temporary solution and started devising a more complete plan.
The other disgruntled group were the other Eminences of Munchkinland. Though gleeful at first to let the Thropps dig their own graves, after the boon of skilled labor they began to rail in the assembly and socials. The seizure of Unionist funds added fuel to the fire. Peerless embarked on a charm offensive while quietly maneuvering Thropp supporters into stronger positions. Munchkinland's Eminences quieted down and the status quo looked to return.
Then Peerless Thropp passed. Elphaba had already been assuming more duties and took control seamlessly. The several prominent families that tried to exploit the change of power were quickly squashed by Elphaba. Her methods were heavier handed than Peerless' as she had not the years to learn temperance. The families' influence were crushed and wealth brought into Thropp hands. Thropp influence grew and if anyone had doubted their head status none did now.
Elphaba quickly put her new influence and wealth to use. Great public works were undertaken, and sorcerers were hired to magic up some water. A temporary and costly solution, but it managed for a few months for that year. By the next season dams and dikes had sprouted over Munchkinland.
Elphaba did not stop with irrigation as she knew food was Munchkinland's great gift. Roads were repaired, paved, and created. The great project was a wide brick paved road to Gillikin; Shiz specifically. This road crossed the Madeleins Mountains, bypassing the Emerald City. Partially funded by Thropp and Bfeeson, and partially by the Margreave of Tenmeadows, the road was tolled for both. The benefit to the aristocrats in both countries was so much they barely grumbled.
At the party in Shiz celebrating it completion, all of the old Circle was there. Elphaba was disappointed Glinda had only shown up briefly before having to get back to other duties. Perhaps because of this, Fiyero had approached Elphaba with a book. He sheepishly told her that a man had come to Kiamo Ko with it and told his wife it was magic book. She had taken it from him, but since she could not read had left it for Fiyero. The Prince himself could not read it, and wondered if Elphaba had found some use for it.
Elphaba winced as her head groaned in pain as she thought of the time, and closed her eyes. Elphaba had taken the book as there was something special about it; she even spent a good portion of the night looking at it. Had she known it would be the last time she saw Fiyero alive she would have laid it aside for her friend.
News came later that Fiyero was found dead; beaten to death in his apartment. The Emerald City constabulary had determined it to be a robbery. At the memorial service held at Avaric's, Crope and Tibbett had voiced this disbelief. To start, nothing had been stolen; second, it had looked like Fiyero had more wounds than just those from fighting. They had thought it political. Elphaba had agreed. Avaric, as was wise, made no comment.
Regardless, Avaric and Elphaba had moved to help his family. Both aristocrats had traveled the long distance to Kiamo Ko. Though the Tigelaar family was well off do to Fiyero's dealings it in a precarious position. Vinkun culture was male dominated, and assassinations were not uncommon. Household staff and guards were hired for Kiamo Ko. Tutors were also brought in for his three children. Though Sarima had protested, she relented as both aristocrats paid for it. Deep down she knew her own lack of education would have doomed her children. Now their future was secure.
A stab of pain tore through Elphaba's head. She shook it to help clear her mind. Looking a a side table, she saw an old book from her time at Shiz. Picking it up, she smiled as she recognized it. It was an old journal with some sketches in it by Crope. Elphaba took a deep breath and blew the dust of it, and pushed herself off the floor. Glancing around, she noticed Glinda shakily attempting to rise. Nessa mewed softly from her bed. Staggering to her feet, she stumbled to her bed and propped Nessa up. Glinda teetered over before finding her own seat.
"Rae, what in all under heaven was that?" Glinda asked softly.
"Our pre-written future." Elphaba replied darkly. "However, now we control it."
"How do we stop it from being written again?" asked Nessa.
"That we need to find out." answered Elphaba.
This chapter covers the 22nd and 23rd of Newfall.