11/30/16
Boq walked through the doors to the Tenmeadows estate. A man offered to take the satchel from his shoulders, and he was tired enough to acquiesce. Being in midterms meant hours of reviewing information and tests to prepare for. However, the business of running an estate still had to be learned. Hence he was there to meet Avaric. The Margreave was in his study bent over his own desk of work. Seeing Boq, he smiled and stood.
"Nice to see you. How's midterms going?" he asked as he shook Boq's hand. He motioned to a seat. Boq took it.
"Tiring."
"Yes, I can't say I miss those. Anyway, to business." Avaric gave Boq a weary look and he sat at the edge of the desk. "I would not have called you here during this week but there are some opportunities that cannot be postponed."
"I understand."
"I knew you would. First, a letter." Avaric grabbed an envelope and handed it to Boq. "That's a word from my agent in Munchkinland. He found the hundred acres for your estate and has purchased it. I have hired a temporary manager until you assume control; you'll probably want to keep him after you assume control as well. Inside that envelope is also banknote for your stipend, though most of that will probably go to your wardrobe."
"What's wrong with my clothes?" Boq asked. Avaric gave him a look.
"Next, we have some work to start doing about estate management. I won't worry about the technical knowledge of it; your classes will handle that. However, it is like I said: it's not what you know but-"
"Who you know. Yes, I remember." Boq sighed. "Who are we meeting?"
"Thatta boy. Well, though your estate is mostly farmland, a good quarter of it actually is covered in forested hills. Now the current owner could not see a use for it, but a smart man on the other hand knows there are possibilities. Those forests are good for raising swine."
"Pigs? You want me to be a pig farmer?"
"There's money in it. Gillikin and Emerald City love their pork. So, today I had the fortuitous opportunity to set us a lunch meeting with a speculator of livestock. Guess what his specialty is?"
"Swine."
"Exactly. He's looking for a new market to exploit. Munchkinland is predominantly grain but a decent sized swine farm could make a lot of money."
"A pig farmer. You want me to raise pigs."
"That's Munchkinlander prejudice coming out. Yes, I want you to raise pigs and become a well diversified estate owner. Pigs can make it in the forest when grain is scarce. If the drought continues, grain will continue to be scarce. If it doesn't, they can get even bigger."
"You're right." Boq sighed. "So when do we meet this Swine Speculator?"
"Tonight. First, we need to get you some new clothes though."
"Why do I feel you say that every time we have a meeting with someone?"
"Because I do. Look like you have money and people will think you have money. Do you have any plans now?"
"Nothing I cannot break."
"Tell Miss Milla I am sorry then, and we'll head to the tailor's."
X
"You seem to be in a better mood." Fiyero said. The Circle (minus Nessa) was in the Pig and Whistle for after midterms drinks. They had a short holiday for next week before going back to class. "Happy midterms is over?"
"Yes, to say the least." Elphaba responded. Though she still had worries at the edge of her mind, the weight of the last year had lifted. It had yet to be replaced with anything else.
"So, would you finally take me up on my challenge?" Avaric asked. It was rare that he was there. Though still very much himself, the Circle was happy of his presence.
"Challenge?" Elphaba asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. Months ago I challenged you to a drinking contest. You boasted you could beat me, but never anteed up."
"I don't think that's what happened."
"Either way, the challenge stands. And you have no worries for at least a week, you can meet me."
"Alright, Avaric, I'll play." Elphaba answered. The table sat up straighter at the comment. It was not what they expected to here.
"Really? Well alright. How about the rest of you?" asked Avaric.
"If Miss Elphaba will play then I guess we cannot." Milla answered. Their Amas stirred but did not object.
"Alright! Let's get this contest started. I'll go get us a decanter." Avaric stood up and went to the counter. Glinda eyed Elphaba.
"What?" the green girl asked.
"You're feeling feisty, I see."
"Perhaps so. What of it?"
"Very fiesty."
Elphaba stared down hard at her girlfriend. Glinda met it with a steady gaze. Glinda broke first with a lip twitch and downward gaze. Elphaba arched an eyebrow. Glinda smiled at her a lightly licked her lips.
"Here we go!" Avaric said, depositing two decanters of wine on the table. A waitress followed with another pair. "That should start us off well. Top your glasses, friends."
The Circle filled their glasses and raised them in toast.
"To good times and good friends!" Avaric said, and they clinked the glasses together. Most drank deeply, but Avaric emptied his glass. He gave a smug smile to Elphaba. The green girl emptied her own and held it out.
"Well, fill it up." she said calmly.
The young man topped the glass off and refilled his own. The two waited the next few minutes before the rest of the Circle finished theirs. After topping off the other glasses, the two contestants knocked back the drinks and refilled. About five minutes later, the rest of the Circle was once again ready to join them. After the third round, some of the girls were becoming affected.
"I think I will conceded this particular duel." said Shenshen. The brunette shook her head. "With how I am now I doubt I would make it much further."
"I'll have to agree." slurred Pfannee. The Munchkinland had toppled against the brunette.
"I think so as well." said Milla. Boq looked at her and sipped his wine. He had not participated.
"Fiyero, you still in?" asked Avaric. The Vinkun looked insulted.
"Of course!"
"Miss Glinda?"
"Maybe for a couple more rounds."
"Good. Then bottoms up!"
The four contestants emptied their glasses and filled them back up. Avaric quickly downed his and gave that same smile to the four. Both Fiyero and Elphaba downed their while Glinda sipped it.
"It's probably best I go out." she answered.
The remaining three nodded, and continued to drink. The pace slowed as they began to fill up on wine. After finishing the most recent decanters, Avaric stood other two noticed he did so with extreme care.
"I'm going to hit the head,and then stop by the bar for some harder liquor."
"I think I shall call it a night here." Fiyero said.
"What? Tapping out so soon?" Avaric asked. Fiyero just smiled.
"Unlike the rest of you, I have to make it back home without assistance."
"Excuses, excuses." Avaric answered, flapping his hand. With that, the boy disappeared. Glinda leaned over to Elphaba.
"How are you doing?"
"Fine." Elphaba replied. "This amount of alcohol isn't enough to affect me."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
After a few minutes Avaric returned with a smaller decanter filled with a golden brown drink. He smiled as he set it down.
"I figured we could start upping the ante a bit as the rest are out."
"Whatever you want."
Avaric poured the liquor into two smaller glasses and handed one to Elphaba. He raised his glass.
"Bottoms up." he said and took the whole amount in one drink. Elphaba followed suit. As expected, the harder alcohol burned as it went down. Elphaba did appreciate the smoky flavor. As she set the glass down Avaric filled them up again.
"You sure you want to do this?" Elphaba asked.
"Don't try to weasel out of this now; unless you are forfeiting?" Avaric replied with a grin. Elphaba shook her head. Avaric raised a glass. The pair drank again. And again. The Circle watched as the duo dueled in drinks until the new decanter was gone.
"Feeling like giving up?" asked Avarica bit loudly. The rest were a bit tipsy, but knew the young man was starting to feel the effects of the drink.
"I'm quite fine, thank you." Elphaba replied calmly.
"Then you can get the next drink to prove it." he retorted. Elphaba nodded and stood. As she walked away, the Circle noticed her movements were normal.
"You might want to reconsider this, Avaric." Fiyero said. "She seems to be handling it better than you."
Avaric snorted.
"I will not."
"Suit yourself."
Elphaba returned carrying the same decanter of dark liquor and one with a red wine.
"For the table, though I doubt we'll be here much longer." Elphaba answered the questioning looks. She poured the wine to the Circle, and filled up Avaric and her glasses. "Ready?"
"Of course."
The pair began the cycle of drinking, refilling, and drinking again. It wa slower as their bellies began to get full, and Avaric's concentration began to wane. Elphaba, however, seemed to be unaffected. Glinda did notice Elphaba's hand softly stroking her thigh in between drinks. That may not have been as conscious as Elphaba may have wished. Glinda sighed.
As a server came by to clear the bottles, a man in an apron came out to them.
"Perhaps you all should slow down. I don't want anything to get out of hand, here."
"I am perfectly fine." Avaric scoffed, though the lilt in his voice betrayed his inebriation.
"Unlike the protests of my compatriot, I am actually fine." Elphaba replied. "I promise to be on our best behavior while here. Our friends are not so inebriated as him."
"Still, you get one more bottle of liquor and wine and then you're done."
"That should be fine, thank you."
The man disappeared, and a server came up a few minutes later with the bottles. Avaric tried not to look put out, but Elphaba just thanked her. She poured the liquor into the glasses, and looked at Avaric.
"Shall we?"
"Let's."
The bottle of liquor slowly disappeared in tandem with the Circle's wine bottle. By the time both were finished the Circle was a little drunk, and Avaric very. Elphaba, however, calmly stood and took the empty glasses and bottles to the counter. Avaric glared blearily at her a she returned.
"We'll call it a draw."
"If that's your wish." she replied smugly. "Come, it is getting late and we need to be getting home. I'll go round us up some cabs while you collect yourselves."
The Circle nodded and slowly began to assemble their coats and covers. Boq helped the drunken Avaric up and to steady him. The Munchkinlander had sobered up in the afternoon and now was tired. As the bumbled their way to the door, the Amas came behind them subdued. The caretakers were more experienced in their drinking and knew how to disguise it better. Or so they thought.
A cab was waiting for them as they exited the Pig and Whistle. Elphaba ushered the three boys into it. Boq thanked her as Fiyero and Avaric eyed her ruefully. She merely gave her smug grin as the cabbie clicked his reins and the cab departed.
"We'll have to wait a few minutes before the next cab arrives. It was difficult to find one for six." Elphaba explained.
"Hey, Elphie, I think I may have left my shawl inside. Can you help me look?" Glinda asked.
"Of course." the green girl replied.
The three girls and their caretakers watched the pair disappear into the Pig and Whistle. The girls made idle chatter for a few minutes before Pfannee, the most sober, noticed the two had not returned. She frowned and tugged on Shenshen's arm.
"Let's go check on them." the blonde said. "We can use the side door; it's quicker."
The two girls slipped away from their minders. Bypassing the door, the pair headed round the short outcrop that separated the alley from the roadway. As they came around the corner, Shenshen's keen ears heard something. Pulling her diminutive friend close, the pair crept along the alley wall to stay in the shadow. Hidden in the crook of a side door, the two girls spotted a pair of figures entwined with each other. It only took the barest of moans for them to recognize the pair.
Shenshen gasped. Pfannee covered the other girls mouth. When chocolate eyes met hers, she pointed to a small cart. The pair snuck behind it to continue their observations without fear of getting caught.
The smaller figure - Glinda - was pressed up against the wall while the taller - Elphaba for certain - bent lower to attack her neck. Pale hands went into dark air; a delicate neck strained against the wall. Elphaba's hands moved and Glinda seemed to buck against her. Pfannee and Shenshen squeezed their own hands tight as they watched.
Glinda wrapping one leg around Elphaba brought the peeping girls' eyes low. Between the coats and skirts they could not see where Elphaba's hands went, but by Glinda gasps both girls had a good idea. Pfannee bit her lip as her own hands wandered low. Shenshen caught the motion.
"Pfannee!" she whispered. The blonde gave her a sultry look.
"What? It's hot. They won't know."
"Minx."
"Ah, I forgot." the blonde replied and slipped a hand under the brunette's skirt. Shenshen squeaked in protest but bit it off quickly. Both girls glanced back at the other pair when they heard Glinda's voice.
"Rae, no." she gasped. The spies noticed Elphaba hands finishing unbuttoning . Elphaba said something they could not hear. "If you so insistent, fine. But be it on your head."
Jade hands dove into hidden folds. The duo leaned forward slightly to see better, but need not. Pale mounds spilled from Glinda's dress for a moment before becoming enveloped in a hand and mouth, respectfully. Glinda moaned and clasp Elphaba tightly to her. Elphaba's free hand dove into Glinda's skirt, and the blonde leaned against the wall; partially to support, and partially to give her lover easier access. Shenshen moaned into her lip as deft finger found a particular good spot. She switched her attention to Pfanne, who was smiling wickedly with hungry eyes.
"So wanting." the diminutive blonde purred. Shenshen shivered. "You little voyeur."
"And what does that make you?"
"Hungry."
The blonde darted over and stole a kiss. Before Shenshen could react, she broke it off and turned her eyes toward the other pair. "Let's keep watching."
In their moment of distraction, Glinda had wrapped both legs around Elphaba, and had been pressed into the wall. The observing couple marvelled at the uncanny strength of the emerald girl. She managed to make the bucking blonde seem like she weighed nothing all the while lavishing attention on her. The voracity the blonde was grinding against her lover told the girls she was soon approaching her climax.
Sure enough, Glinda began to lose rhythm as she shuddered closer. Grabbing her lover's hips, Elphaba forced Glinda through the motions while deafening her moans with a kiss. Shenshen herself began to tremble, and as the last throes started to subside in Glinda, the brunnette buried her face in the small blonde's shoulder. Not able to stay silent, she bit down on Pfannee and was reward with a hiss. It did not stop the blonde's attentions, and Shenshen shuddered through her own orgasm. As she regained her senses she realized the blonde was bestowing little kisses along her neck and ear and hummed in contentment.
"Show's not done yet." the blonde purred and nudged Shenshen to look towards the pair. Shenshen squinted as she could make out Elphaba's form in the dark alley, but only her.
"Where's Glinda?"
"Look closer."
Shenshen did, and noticed the the lanky girl had her hands pressed against the wall. Elphaba curled forward, her hands seeming the only thing holding her up. Even from their distance Shenshen and Pfannee could hear her ragged breaths. Elphaba spasmed and they heard her nails scratch against the brick. Another breath, another spasm, and Elphaba tensed. The girls knew the other had reached her end and knew they would be soon discovered. While the other pair started to untangle themselves, the two spies slunk away.
"Just where did you go for so long?" asked Milla grumpily.
"For a walk to clear our heads." replied Pfannee.
X
Elphaba made hopped of her cab and tipped the driver. He nodded to the girl and clicked his reins to leave. After he departed she made her way towards a chapel. Elphaba thought it appropriate that it was dedicated to Saint Glinda. She inwardly snorted when she thought about the original invitation to meet in one of Saint Aelphaba.
As she entered the chapel Elphaba ducked her head. It was funny how old habits were remembered even when unwanted. Avoiding the bowl of water to anoint herself, she found a discreet corner of the chapel where she could see the entrance and sat to wait. Early as always, she had to wait for a half an hour. When a man in an overcoat and hat walked in, Elphaba knew it was her contact. Though she never met him he did not have the reverence of a believer. He glanced around but missed Elphaba twice. Only when she moved on the third time did he notice her and head her direction.
"Though you were a statue." he grumbled.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
The man eyed her up and down. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. He looked her up and down again.
"Is it just the light in here, or is there some reason-"
"You're awfully inquisitive. Should I be concerned?"
The man snapped his mouth shut and glared at Elphaba. The steely hawkish features gave him no respite. Grumbling, he looked away. The pair sat in the chapel for several long minutes; the man fidgeting while Elphaba was still. Finally, he mumbled something.
"Pardon?" Elphaba asked.
"I hear you have some interesting friends." he said clearer.
"Some more interesting than others." Elphaba responded. The man nodded.
"Don't we all. Anyway, to what do we owe the honor?"
"Some correspondence from Munchkinland." Elphaba said, drawing a paper wrapped package from her coat. The man took it and tucked it into his own. "Signed and sealed for authenticity."
"Thanks. I'll get it to the bosses." he said, and then paused. Elphaba waited for a moment.
"Yes?" she finally asked, slightly irritated.
"Heard you got into some trouble in the EC."
"Nothing I could not handle."
"What happened afterwards?"
"What do you mean? I left."
"Those two never turned up. Now, they were a disreputable duo and we've decided to stop being friends with their like; but it strange they disappeared right after talking with you."
"If you thought I had something to do with it you wouldn't be talking to me."
"No; we think they got picked up elsewise."
"Then I am glad it went the way it did. Has there been problems?"
"No, but we've changed things anyway."
"Prudent."
"Just keep an extra set of eyes out. Sometimes trouble follows you and you don't even know it."
"I'll do so."
The man paused again. Not to be goaded a second time, Elphaba waited.
"Ever think of diving into this life?"
"It has crossed my mind; even offered to me. However, I believe I can do the most good where I am at."
"After school?"
"Unlikely. My environment is more worthwhile than just another set of hands."
"That could be true." the man said and stood. He gave her a small smile as he tipped his hat. "Miss."
Elphaba glared at him as he left. Much as it pained her she let him have the last word.
X
Pfannee, Milla, and Shenshen were walking Zephrea Circus. The girls were there primarily to shop, but also to be seen. If they were more energetic they would have put more effort into being noticed; however, the attention they were getting was sufficient for now. Their Amas trailed respectfully behind.
"So, who is this young man you are courting, Pfannee?" asked Milla.
"He's a second son of an actuary from the Emerald City. Normally not worth the time, but his father's firm oversees the Gillikin Estate Guild finances."
"Very rich." Shenshen interjected.
"Oh yes. And from what he says, his older brother likes the women and wine too much so his father places his hope on him."
"Believe him?" asked Milla.
"Yes. He's very nice; well-mannered; cultured; not particularly smart but well learned. Though I don't believe he'll be the scion of the family."
"Why's that?" asked Shenshen. Pfannee sighed.
"He goes on about his younger brother; how smart, charming, principled he is. If half what he says is true, the boy will be a natural replacement."
"So no high hopes?" asked Milla. Pfannee shook her head.
"Oh, he'll go far; if not on his own than on his brother's. He seems to be the kind to take care of his own. He just won't be remembered."
"So how long will you stay with him?"
"I don't know. I'm not really with him now, which is fine. He's a nice boy but he's only got the same thing all boys his age have on their mind."
"And how's he with that?" asked Shenshen. Pfannee gave her a sultry look.
"I don't know yet. I've only had a taste, but the potential is...big."
The girls giggled. Their minders paid none. Shenshen eyes locked onto a store and she dashed into it. The other two girls shared a smile and followed.
"Shenny, what are you looking for?" asked Pfannee as they attempted to follow the dark haired girl.
"Some stockings, a camisole, a chemise, and a new garter belt." came the voice from ahead.
"What happened to your others?" asked Milla. Shenshen stopped to examine the selection of stockings.
"Well, my stockings have terrible runs in them from practice. I had not gotten around to investing in thick woolen set and was using them for practice. While I've fixed that, I need new pretty ones."
"And your camisole?"
"I sweat in them so much I need a few more. Laundry day is quite inconvenient twice a week." Shenshen collected her stockings and moved on. Finding the camisoles, she placed a few a more in the basket she was carrying and went to the chemises.
"Chesmises too?"
"I just want a different color. Mine are becoming faded." she answered as she added light blue and crimson to her a cart. She moved on to the belts and garters.
"A new belt?"
"For my more robust stockings." she replied, picking out a thick one. Then she smiled at Pfannee. "And maybe a...special set."
"I see." Pfannee smiled back. Milla squirmed a little. Pfannee giggled. "Really Milla; so innocent."
"Not so innocent!" Milla protested. "Just not so...open talking about such things."
"Ah, the look on your face had you seen what we did the other day!" Pfannee giggled.
"What did you see?" she asked. Pfannee gestured her closer. The taller girl bent low to let the blonde whisper in her ear. Milla covered her mouth.
"No!"
"Mmmm-hmmmm. And then she ground up against Elphaba until she...blossomed." Pfannee answered with a hint of mirth.
"In an alley?"
"And then Miss Glinda disappeared under Miss Elphaba' skirt." Shenshen interjected as she swept past to the counter. Milla placed a hand to her lips and turned a rosier shade that crept down her neck.
"That's...that's…"
"Amazing if you never had the chance to experience it." Pfannee added.
"I have not! It's...it's...it's…"
"Yes?"
"Improper." answer Milla.
""It's not. It's immense pleasure." Pfannee countered.
"It's embarrassing." Milla retorted weakly.
"It's exquisite. The light touches, the heat of their breath and mouth, the gentle pressure." Pfannee shivered. "Oh! I'm exciting myself. Ask Boq to do so."
"I don't know if he would."
"Then poor on him. Men can be good at it, but a woman is always better." Pfannee answered. Milla glanced at her, expecting to see hungry eyes focused on her. Instead, Pfannee was watching Shenshen pay. The pale girl opened her mouth to ask a question, the decided against it. After Shenshen paid for the items to be delivered to Crage, she turned back to the girls. Seeing the duo, she pursed her lips together and cocked her hip, placing a hand on it. She gave them a gentle smile.
"And just what have you two been discussing?"
"One of your many talents." answered Pfannee.
"Ah." she answered playfully, and left it at that.
"How goes it with your parents on the Boq situation?" asked Pfannee. Milla sighed.
"Well enough, I suppose. They're not happy I'll be far away, but between the land and Avaric's support, they've seemed to come around. They will be down next week for a check up."
"Boq ready?" asked Shenshen. Milla nodded.
"As much as can be expected. Avaric has been instructing him."
"Sounds as if he will be fine." Shenshen determined.
"What about you?" Munchkinland is far from Gillikin." Pfannee added. "I should know."
"I am worried. Don't misunderstand me; I love Boq, and I want to be with him forever and whatever happens. But Munchkinland life will be harder than Gillikin." she answered.
"An estate, though." Shenshen countered.
"It is still in the middle of nowhere with the nearest city nothing more than a collection of houses. Not exactly the comfiest life."
"Frequent trips?" suggested Shenshen. Milla shook her head.
"Boq loves the country; he'd never be an absentee owner. I just hope I come to love it too. Or at least the children make it worthwhile."
"Ugh. Children." Pfannee scrunched her nose. "Can't even imagine that."
"I don't even to want to think about what it would do to my body." agreed Shenshen, running her hands over her stomach. Milla scoffed.
"You two will understand when you meet that one. Trust me." Milla replied, patting them on the shoulders wisely. They gave her looks of disbelief.
"Either way, it will be interesting to see Avaric's handiwork." Pfannee said, and then gave a giggle. The other gave her an inquisitive look.
"What's so amusing?" asked Shenshen.
"I was think of Avaric's instruction." Pfanne replied. "You know how boys day dream about girls having secret love sessions?"
"Maybe not so wrong in any case." Milla snuck in. Pfannee did not let the comment derail her.
"I just thought 'what if they have them'? You know, Avaric's instruction."
"Pfannee, ew!" Milla squealed. Shenshen made a noise of disgust. Pfannee just laughed.
"What? It's an amusing thought, nonetheless."
"Avaric is too stuck up for Boq." Shenshen pointed out. Milla gave her a horrified look of betrayal. "Oh, Milla, lighten up! Think of it like characters from one of your novels."
"I can't with Boq." she replied tightly. Then she added a bit whimsically. "But with Fiyero and Avaric, I can imagine."
The girls contemplated for a few moments. Shenshen shook her head.
"No, they are too alike for all their differences." Shenshen answered. "Now Fiyero and Boq…"
"Shenshen!" Milla protested.
"Think about it! He could wrap Boq in those big strong arms and hold him close. The contrast would be alluring. Fiyero is also harder than Boq; though again, who's to say?"
Milla groaned and covered her ears. The other two girls laughed.
"Oh, Milla , stop. We were just playing!" Shenshen laughed.
"Yeah, well, it's not fair play! What about your friend Duran?"
"There's nothing going on between us." Shenshen answered. After a glaring from Pfannee, she added. "Now get rid of that wicked face, blonde bear; you know it too. For all he is entertaining he's far too low born to more than a novelty. And he knows it."
"Perhaps you should spend less time with a no prospect and more with prospective ones?" asked Milla. Shenshen giggled.
"I should, but they're all so dull, small boys. For all his lowness Duran has a presence about him; it's the same confidence older men possess. The boys just can't compare."
"Perhaps older men then?" offered Milla.
"Perhaps." shrugged Shenshen. "I have no connections to the older world of men nor have my parents put forth such prospects. Besides, I shan't want to go north again. For all its beautiful sophistication, it lacks the energy of Shiz and the Emerald City."
"Perhaps Avaric could help?" Pfannee suggested. "His world has become much older recently."
"Would you think he would help?"
"It is worth a shot." replied Pfannee.
""I guess I will ask. I hope it wouldn't embarrass him so; or him, I."
"I'm sure you will be fine." answered Milla. "Now, I am famished. Shall we Get something to eat?"
This chapter covers the 25 through 38th of Highfall