The four girls walked bundled to the waiting cab. Elphaba had gone ahead to grab the food. The remaining members of the Charmed Circle had decided to have a picnic in the park. As there were to be in visible public, the girls had their Amas in tow. Nessa and Nanny had stayed behind as Nessa was not feeling well.

Arriving at the park, the four girls and three Amas saw Fiyero speaking with Elphaba and Boq. Something appeared off with the Vinkun boy. When he greeted them his smile was too wide and spoke a bit too fast. The girls decided to wait patiently until he informed them. As Glinda could tell Elphaba did not notice, she whispered it in her girlfriend's ear. Elphaba frowned.

"So, Fiyero, why are you so nervous?" Elphaba asked. The girls shook their heads and Glinda rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Tact, Elphie; tact." she muttered. Elphaba snorted.

"A waste of time between friends."

"So you admit we are friends?" Fiyero prodded with a smile.

"No deflections." retorted Elphaba.

"Why do you think I'm nervous?" asked Fiyero

"Because Glinda does, and I trust her on people."

"Far be it to doubt Miss Glinda." Fiyero responded with a chuckle. "I am not nervous, just…"

"Nervous?" snorted Elphaba.

"Unprepared. I received a letter from my father today."

"Oh?"

"He is coming to visit."

There was silence.

"All the way from the Vinkus?" asked Glinda.

"Yes." Fiyero answered. "Apparently he was in northern Scrow territory and felt it would be easy to take the train from Settica."

"How soon will he get here?" Elphaba asked.

"Next week. He should arrive in Settica soon, but decided to take his time in traveling."

"Well, you have time; and there looks like a perfect spot for lunch." Shenshen pointed out and made to the spot. The Circle smiled at the girl and followed.

Lunch was an easy affair. They talked mostly of nothing; midterms were behind them and the semester had not progressed enough to worry about finals. As the afternoon wore on the food disappeared and the air cooled. Chimes in the distance signalled the hour. Three girls and their Amas stood.

"We have to go." Milla said. "We have that function."

"Sorry, Miss Glinda." Pfannee grimaced. Glinda smiled.

"Don't be. Take care."

The girls began to gather together their things and say their good-byes. Glinda smiled at Shenshen.

"I must apologize, Miss Shenshen."

"For?"

"Your worry stone." Glinda answered and drew it from a pocket. The stone had deep cracks in in. "I had not thought about it until I found it in this dress today. It must have been damaged in the few weeks since I've worn it. I shall replace it."

"If you haven't thought of it your worries must have gone away." Shenshen replied definitely and took it from her. "Then it's done its job."

"It has."

"Don't fret on replacing it; it was a gift. I don't feel I need of it either." Shenshen continued and kissed Glinda in the Gillikin way. As Glinda watched her retreat she had to ask,

"From whom?"

"Duran." Shenshen called over her shoulder.

Fiyero waited at the train station. Though his friends had offered accompany him, he had declined. He knew his father would want him alone. The train finally came to a full stop, and with an exhale of steam, began to divulge its passengers. The flood of people washed past Fiyero; he was an island in the sea of Ozians. The lighter, slighter people gave the dark skinned broad boy space. Fiyero thought it helped to be imposing on occasions.

The sea parted. Fiyero inwardly smiled as a large man appeared. His chest strained against the amber jacket. His short trousers and red socks did nothing to hide muscular legs and calves. His opera cape was unusually fur lined, and, when it opened, one could make out leopard spots on the inside. The common hat he held in one hand and the walking stick in the other did not make him seem any more like the Ozians around him. When he saw Fiyero, bright teeth flashed in smile. He gave a low roar and advanced. Fiyero held out a hand but the big man crushed him in a bear hug.

"Have they changed you so much?" he asked. Fiyero hugged him back and smiled as they parted.

"You're the one who wanted me to have a Shiz education. Part of that is learning how to pretend to be a Gillikin gentleman."

"Good! So, where are you taking me to eat?" Marillott asked. Fiyero laughed.

"There's a good restaurant I made reservations at."

"Oh?"

"It got a good choice of meat."

"That's what i like to hear."

"After that there's a little villa I was able to rent through an associate. The tenants moved to the Emerald City for the the winter."

"Why is that?"

"They don't like the cold."

"Understandable."

The two Vinkuns hopped into a cab. The older man sighed as it pulled them along the street.

"See no problem with our own legs." he grumbled in Arjiki.

"You want to appear noble in Gillikin, you must be haughty and pretentious. Which means eschewing physical work unless for entertainment." replied Fiyero in the same tongue.

"And yet they rule this and the Emerald City."

"Industry brings wealth. Wealth brings power; specifically cannons and rifles."

"If they have so many why haven't they made a move in the West?"

"They see no resources they want, mainly. Look at the South; there Gillikin and Emerald City style warfare does not work but they subdued it anyway. It would work even better in the West."

"Really? Let's hope it does not come to that." he sighed. "Well, son, you haven't written me since last year. Tell me what is going on."

"I've been doing well in my studies."

"Good."

"I've made some influential connection, but the Midlanders still view me as inferior. The Margreave, however, is a good connection."

"Still treats you as an equal?"

"Yes, for the most part. He sees value in the Vinkus. The Gillikins like their meat."

"We are to be reduced to herders!"

"Herds bring wealth, wealth brings power."

"Power enough to pacify the tribes."

"More to unify."

Marillott looked at his son quizzically. "Unity?"

"If we subdue the tribes we waste time, money, and blood." Fiyero explained. "The chaos would allow the Gillikins and Emerald City Barons to cut the West up. Besides, the Vinkus does not have the people to fight the Home Guard or the Gillikin militias head on. By unifying, we make it cost more than its worth."

"But we still rely on them for wealth."

"For now. What we need to do is industrialize. We need rifles and cannons, and gunpowder. We need farms to feed our people rather than relying on migratory herds. We need to become stronger or we will fall."

"You want us to become dirt turners and ground pickers like these people?" asked Marillott, aghast. Fiyero gave him a hard smile.

"These people are three times as many in numbers as us. The Munchkinlanders, all dirt turners, are twice."

"But they're soft!"

"It doesn't matter if their weapons are better and they can lose twice as many men. The Vinkus would fall."

"So what's your thought?"

"Kiamo Ko must become a force unto itself. Red Windmill is a cute town, but only exists to serve the castle."

"How do we do it?"

"First, farming."

"Blah! None will do it!"

"Some will, and do. Nevertheless, we use the grasslands to grow wheat. Unlike Gillikin and Munchkinlander, we have no real winter and plenty of water."

"How does growing wheat help us become a host?"

"Because we dole it out to those who stay."

"What! You want us to just give it away?"

"Yes. It will not only make our people happier and healthier, it will draw more towards us. Our population will grow quickly and not only more births. We all know more food means more children, but also from those Vinkuns who don't want the hard nomadic life."

"You think people will abandon their tribes so quickly?"

"People seek the easiest path. This will draw them."

"And then what? We lose Arjiki in a sea of Scrow, Yunamata, and others?"

"No. The immigrants don't get Arjiki rights until second generation; they get the grain dole but no say."

"The people will hate it."

"The commoners will dislike it, but a the grain dole and a new class beneath them will keep them happy."

"And the warriors; the chiefs? They will think us weak!"

"No, they will see. We will own the land, and the people will all be enrolled in a militia styled like Gillikin. The warriors will become officers; our chiefs generals. In the end, the will have more wealth and more soldiers to lead."

The cab stopped and the pair hopped out. The duo followed a waiting hostess. The eyes of the restaurant followed them as they were shown their seats. Most went back to their dinners but a few stared. The pair continued on in their native tongue.

"So you wish to remake us in Gillikin's image?" Marillott grumbled. Fiyero shook his head.

"No. Neither Gillikin nor Munchkinland has a king. The Vinkus will have one. The order will be a military one where the amount of military force determines your standing, as is now."

"Not always."

"True, but each chieftain still commands respect. And still could."

"So where does becoming drovers set into this?"

"We need money to start our projects. Herds are relatively cheap; especially if acquired by traditional means."

"That's my boy." Marillott laughed. "I thought you'd gone soft."

"No. Gillikin has tempered Arjiki strength. I'm merely a sharper weapon than before."

"Good. So, we start steal some cattle and sell them to Gillikin, hm? How big of herds?"

"As large as we can. I figured our warriors are bored, and could use good raid."

"Too true. It'll be fun!"

"We'll have to keep them on the east side of the Great Kells; nothing to be done about that. But the land around there is good, and our eastern clansmen do a good job of keeping the other tribes at bay."

"After making money we set up industry?"

"Farming fist, and on the west side of the Kells. It has the best land for it. And keeps it away from prying eyes."

"A good point."

"Red Windmill is too small to be useful. We'll have to start setting up housing near the fields. That will be where the miners live, also."

"Miners?"

"We need to build foundries for weapons. To do that, we need iron and wood. Wood we'll need to trade for as ours in not good, but hopefully we'll have the funds to buy it."

"Craftsmen will be the harder issue." Marillott replied. "We're in short supply as is."

"Hopefully they're attracted by the grain dole; if not, we may need to look towards bringing in outside craftsmen."

"You think that wise? Ozians don't particularly like the Vinkus. And would draw attention to us."

"Not if they are Quadling. They have no love for Gillikin or the Emerald City, and are a peaceful people."

"You know some?"

"Shiz does not have many Quadling or Vinkuns. We tend to stick together. When I visited the Emerald City I made sure to get some introductions."

"How did that go? I am behind on your travels."

"Avaric introduced me to the right people. Often they did not care but I got an introduction from a Gillikin captain into Briscoe's military studies program."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm doing basic work now, but over the next semester and following year I'll be enrolled in the Shiz militia and doing hands on training."

"Another year? Expensive."

"They're paying. I impressed them with my skills already so now they are just adding the finer military topics on top."

"Such as?"

"Troop formations, ranks, training; the logistics of it."

"And that will let you train our warriors."

"Who will train our militia. Exactly."

"A smart move." Marillott nodded. "I don't know if we can afford your absence for another year, though."

"You cannot afford not."

"True." Marillott sighed. "It's been hard to manage without your mother. She always had more vision."

"I know. And she kept the chiefs happy."

"I say it that often, eh?" Marillott chuckled.

"Yes. How are my half-brothers, by the way?"

"Those bastards? Still trying to get me to supplant you with one of them."

"And how's that going for them?"

"Not cagy at all. How well do you think? Though one or two could be worthwhile, most are average at best."

"I'll keep my eyes open, then."

"I doubt you need to. This plan alone shows me your worth. Watch yourself with the Gillikins, though. They smile and will knife you in the back."

"I've gotten good at the game as well."

"Good to hear."

"And my half sisters?"

"Married off Braxia. Don't expect to hear from her again."

"Ah. So what do you think of my plan?"

"It's audacious, I'll give you that. Do you have any idea how you'll go about doing this?"

"I've made contacts along the way. The Quadling merchants are more than willing if there's work."

"But we need the work first."

"Yes. The first step is herds. With winter coming soon, I expect the warriors will want one last ride before Gillikin cattle go to slaughter."

"It will have to be quick."

"That's the fun of it."

"So we'll grow the herd over the winter, conveniently keeping the branded cows for ourselves and sell the rest to Gillikin. But to who?"

"The Margreave, of course." Fiyero smiled. "Well, not him specifically, but one of his silent partnership."

"And he'd be amicable to it?"

"Father, he suggested it." Fiyero's smile turned into a grin. "He knows there's a good deal of money involved, and has made it known which ranches he has stake in, and which not."

"That will make it easy to not steal his cattle." Marillott responded. Fiyero's lips quirked. "You can't mean to say he did it on purpose."

"Gillikin will smile in the front and knife you in the back."

"How much does he know?"

"The basics." Fiyero answered seriously. "He helped formulate the droving, the wealth, and the arms acquisition. He does not know about the farming or industrialization."

"But the arms and soldiers?"

"He doesn't want his investment to go bad." Fiyero shrugged. "He likes me, but keeping the Arjiki at the top of a divided Vinkus is more important to him. He would resist a unified west."

"What's it to him?"

"The Gillikins like being at the top. Right now they are the soul of Oz; a stronger Vinkus could endanger that."

"Yet they could crush it."

"The Great Kells are a fortress wall that cannot be breached." Fiyero responded. "They either would have to go north, through the Pertha Hills and Thursic Desert, or South though the Quadling marshes. Neither are ideal for troops. The only way for an army column to pass easily is through Kumbrica's Pass."

"Which is easy to hold."

"Especially if we place cannons at the heights."

"Very true." Marillott paused. "We have no experience in estate farming, or industry."

"Wealth brings knowledge. How many smart clients do we have in Red Windmill?"

"You're saying pay for a Shiz education?"

"Tutors. There are quite a few private tutors that are willing to teach for salary. Not every academic succeeds at Shiz."

"You know some?"

"No." Fiyero smiled. "But I have a year to figure it out."

"Good to know. If nothing else, we steal some cattle. The chiefs have been agitating for something to do."

"My thoughts exactly.

"So, when do I get to meet your friends?"

Fyero blinked.

"You have never mentioned them before." he said.

"They have never interested me; now they do. The Margreave, but also your Frottican friend."

"How do you know about her?"

"A her I see!" Marillott's eyes twinkled. "I heard about you in Frottica, but not why. Taking a mistress early?"

"No." Fiero replied coldly. "I am not married so I have no mistresses. Miss Glinda is merely a friend."

"What about some of the others?"

"I can arrange a meeting if you wish."

"Sure, at the villa?"

"Yes."

"Do so. And here comes the food! You're right, it does look good"

Fiyero sighed.

"Fiyero sent a note." Glinda said as she walked into the room. Elphaba finished putting her heavy jacket on and began to button it up. Glinda blinked. "That's still hideous."

"But effective."

"Either way," Glinda continued, "he asked if we could meet tomorrow for dinner to meet his father."

Elphaba groaned.

"Don't we have to meet Shenshen's parents at some point as well?" she complained.

"Three weeks. The week after finals."

"That's terribly inconvenient. Why do we have to meet all these parents?"

"They want to know their social circle."

"When do we have to meet him?" Elphaba mumbled dejectedly behind her scarf.

"Five-ish."

"Fine." Elphaba grumbled. "I'm off for more books and ink."

"Have fun." Glinda gave her a quick kiss on the way out.

Twenty minutes later Elphaba was in the commercial district. She knew her way to the store and the owner knew her. Placing her order, the man promised quick delivery. Elphaba nodded and went to scan the available books. Not a bookstore by any means, the available selection was limited and outside her interests. She resolved to check others.

As she made her way to familiar haunts, she passed a tailor. Glancing in the window with professional disinterest, she was shocked when something caught her eye. She stopped. After a moment, she decided to be whimsical. Entering the store, the woman behind the counter was caught off guard. Not because of Elphaba's manner of dress, but because she recognized her from her trips with Glinda.

"Good afternoon, Miss. How are you today?"

"Good. I was wondering if I could inquire about that dress." she pointed. The woman looked at her selection and started.

"An interesting choice."

"Agreed. Is it for sale?"

"Yes. It was custom ordered, but did not come out the right color."

"I think the color is perfect. I'd like to purchase."

"Alright, Miss, but I recommend getting it fitted."

"That shouldn't be an issue. However, your time would be. It's for a dinner party tomorrow."

"We're free all day today and tomorrow for alterations."

"Good." Elphaba smiled.

"Rae, are you almost ready to go?" asked Glinda. She was putting the final touches on her makeup in the bathroom.

"Quite."

"Alright then." Glinda replied and walked out. She stopped dead in her tracks.

Elphaba was wearing a dress; more importantly, it was a dress she had not bought for her.. It was simple, full length with a straight skirt and flat front. It did have a bit of a busk to it, pressing her chest back to give her more bust. All which was different, but not the striking part.

The striking part of the dress was a color. It matched Elphaba's skin perfectly. Glinda blushed at the thought of her girlfriend going out in public nude. However, as Elphaba turned towards her the light played across the dress, revealing a hidden pattern. The silk brocade shimmered in the light, as if scales. The effect changed Elphaba's image from lewd to deadly. A walking Serpent.

"My sweet?" she asked. "Too much?"

"Not if you are looking to unsettle. I assume you are."

"How you know me. I confess I do not know what to do with my hair."

"Straight." she answered, and snagged two pins. She pushed Elphaba's hair back, and pinned it past her ears. "Pinned back so your eyes and face are never hidden. Your wonderful bone structure will enhance the effect. And those beautiful teeth."

Elphaba smiled ruefully, and the Otherness grew. Glinda could not say what she resembled, only it was something not natural. Glinda shivered.

"I hope I don't unsettle you too much."

"You do, but it really reveals your inner self. It's quite...mesmerizing."

"I know the feeling." Elphaba smiled shyly. Glinda lifted onto her toes for a gentle kiss. She sank down, but Elphaba followed. It was deeper but light; each just enjoying each others touch. They parted slowly, content.

Glinda wrapped herself in her shawl. Elphaba, on the other hand, threw a large poncho over her head and tucked the hood down. Glinda sighed at the the thick, woolen work coat, but it only diminished the dazzling look, not the theme. The pair made their way into the hall where the other three girls (and their Amas) waited. They eyed Elphaba strangely, but in sheltered hall the effect was not on full display.

After a short cab trip, the eight occupants of Crage Hall disembarked at Fiyero's rented villa. A steward met them at the steps and helped them down; all except Elphaba, who hopped down and past as the man stood shocked. Glinda smiled as Fiyero met them in the atrium. He smiled as the steward led the Amas away.

"My father is in the other room grilling Avaric and Boq. I think they'll be happy to see you. If I may, it is only right I introduce you individually."

"Of course." Glinda answered for all. She divested herself of the shawl and handed it off to a waiting servant. Fiyero nodded and left.

Elphaba took off her poncho and held it out to the nearby man. He stood dazzled for a moment; the candle light giving the dress a life like sheen. Shenshen reached out a hand to touch it, but pulled her hand back quickly. She smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry. It just looks so real."

"Thank you." Elphaba answered. Fiyero returned just as Fiyero returned. He whispered something to himself, then offered an arm to Milla.

"If we may?"

"Of course."

Fiyero led the red headed girl into the room. After her introduction, she curtsied. Marillott bowed over the outstretched hand as proper. Milla inwardly marveled at the monolith of a man. After her introduction, she went to stand by Boq. Fiyero left the room, and returned a few moments later with Pfannee. The same process repeated itself, and she went to join Milla. Fiyero returned with Shenshen, and a third time the introduction repeated itself. This time, however, Marillott stopped.

"Strong hands for a lady; a warrior's hand, if I do not offend." he said with respect. Shenshen smiled.

"You do not, and it pays me compliment coming from such a warrior as yourself." Shenshen bowed again and then moved off. Marillott eyed Fiyero curiously as he had not left. The nex person entered by themself. When he saw her, Marillott swore in Arjiki.

"Spirits of the world, a Kravator walking." he murmured. Fiyero smiled and Marillott eyed his son. "Who do you bring before me?"

"Elphaba Thropp, Third Descending. A vismargreave, if we were to translate into Gillikin terms. But I believe you are well versed in Munchkinlander titles." Elphaba answered and held out a hand. Marillott shook it with the barest hint of trepidation.

Only after she moved to stand near, but not with, the others did the Chief notice his son had disappeared. When he came back so did his dazzlement.

"First you bring me a Dragon That Walks and now the Sun? How does one become so rich in companions?" he asked. Fiyero's smile grew at his strange wording, betraying his genuine shock.

"This is Miss Glinda Arduenna of Frottica."

"How do you do?" Glinda asked, and put on her own bright smile. Marillott kissed her hand.

"A genuine pleasure." He replied.

"As it is for me."

"I can see why Fiyero would travel all the way to Frottica now."

Fiyero scowled at his father, but Glinda laughed lightly, hiding her mouth behind a hand. Her eyes sparkled and Marillott found himself entranced.

"Come! Let us have dinner. I find it easier to bond over a good meal." he said, and held out his arm to Glinda. She took it with grace.

Fiyero's father led them to the dining. He pulled out a seat for Glinda, and then sat next to her at the head of the table. Though the meal had the staples of Gillikin, much of it was made in the Vinkun way: lightly spiced with no sauce. It was an interesting change for the Circle, as was the conversation. Marillott, though lacking the polish Fiyero had gained, was no less astute. He delved easily into Avaric's talk of business, of Boq's of estate planning, and even Elphaba's Eminency. He spoke charmingly to the ladies but not much of domestic life. He seemed especially to try his charms on Glinda; the blonde played the game deftly. Elphaba felt no worry as she had seen it before.

After dinner, the men went out for an evening drink while the women gathered their things.

"A charming man, for all his simplicity." Shenshen said as they waited in the sitting room.

"Oh, he's not simple." Glinda replied. "His mind is quite sharp. He is simply is complex in a foreign way."

"Too true."

"Ladies, thank you for your company." Marillott said as he entered. "I dare not keep you out late."

The procession of farewells was given, and the girls bundled back to Crage. Avaric and Boq followed soon after, leaving the Vinkun men alone.

"A good group. It shall be hard to let them go." Marillott said evenly in Arjiki.

"It is necessary. I have no want to be a stuffed shirt nor they in the wilderness. They shall do well for what they become; close business associates." Fiyero responded.

"An Arjiki holds his circle as close as family. Has Gillikin changed you so much, my son?" asked Marillott in quiet dismay. Fiyero turned hard eyes on him.

"They are not Arjiki; the rift between us and them forbids such closeness." Fiyero paused. "But yes, it has. To gather power is a lonely path; you cannot waver for anything. Perhaps my sons will inherit the ability to have such complacency."

"Such power would be unheard of in the Vinkus."

"Yes, but it's what we strive for. Grandfather did it when he took Kiamo Ko; you've done it by absorbing other tribes and making us prosperous to send me here. I shall do it by growing our clan and wealth until we are unrivaled and undisputed owners of the Vinkus."

Marillott clapped him on the shoulder.

"You will be a Great Chief one day."

"Thank you. I hope to be named King, one day."

"Well, if you're fast enough, maybe I will!" Marillott laughed.

"Greedy old bastard." Fiyero laughed along.