4/19/17
Glinda walked in behind Elphaba. Her eyes took in the room. Firamen had done a perfect job arranging everything; especially on such short notice and under a heavy workload. The man had to take off the last two weeks to make it happen. Glinda sighed softly and looked again at her new home. This was exactly what she needed right now.
The last two weeks had been a rush for the girls. First, the classless week had been spent gathering names and sending invitations. Such a function could not remain secret for long nor had Glinda wanted it to. By the time the list of suitable matches became known, young women were clamoring to be there. Fiyero even managed to pick up some military cadets and officers. Elphaba had not been happy but contained her displeasure.
Finals had interrupted preparations. Both girls were well prepared, but last minute reviews took time. In the end, Elphaba got average marks due to Nikidik rejecting her underlying premise but points for research. Glinda passed Sorcery with ease, much to Miss Greyling's delight. Morrible was present as well. She looked displeased, but Glinda again thought that may be just how she looked.
The girls' constant forays out helped them sneak their clothes and other small items out of the dorm. By semester's end, the only thing left was the clothes on their backs. Nessa had already been sent ahead when both girls met with Morrible to inform her of their leave of Crage. At first she expressed feigned concern, but grew more indignant as she realized she had no recourse nor time to stop them. Hidden even from the Circle, the secret had been well kept until they were ready to walk out the door. And walk out they did.
Now they were in their own house. It was a cute thing; a three story flat located in the nicer part of Shiz near Regent's Parade. The street was only accessible by passing by two port houses on either end that were manned at all hours. The porters were not security per se, but kept the lamps lit and streets cleaned. The men had tipped their caps at them as they went past. The house itself was attached to similar flats on either side.
Facing the street, the flat had a small wall with two gates to create a circular courtyard. Their porter, a slightly taller second generation Gillikin-Munchkin, met them at the gate. He took the bags and led them in. The double doors opened to the atrium where both now stood. Their porter returned from taking their bags to their respective rooms and went for their coats. Those disappeared into a side room under the staircase.
The atrium was open clear to the ceiling. Glinda traced the staircase with her eyes as it wound up to the next two floors. Ahead was a pair of white double doors with a matching set to the right and left (though currently open). The small, brown door to the right was odd in contrast.
"Would you like a tour?" he asked.
"Of course." Glinda replied.
The man led them to the left. The room held three couches, a table, and fireplace. Light streamed in from a window facing the courtyard. The opposite side of the room held another set of double doors.
"The main sitting room." the man intoned, and walked across.
Opening the double doors, both girls passed into a large room that encompassed most of the rear of the house. It held a longtable with at least a dozen seats, and was flanked by two fireplaces. There were a pair of double doors at the back.
"The dining room. The far door leads to the kitchen. The back door leads to the garden."
"Excellent." Glinda answered.
The man circled to a pair of double doors that led back to the atrium.
"The powder room and the rest room." he said, motioning for the doors under the stairs. Continuing, he started up the stairs.
"Excuse me, but where does that door lead?" asked Glinda of the small brown door. The man looked back at her.
"Those are my quarters. If you'll follow me."
The second floor was a small U shaped hallway with a railing that overlooked the atrium. Elsewise all to be seen was a series of doors. The man pointed to the furthest door on the right.
"That is the rest room." He motioned to the next one up. "Your caretaker's room." the one on the end. "The Fourth Descending's room."
He walked over to a room on the left whose door was open. Inside was a desk, a pair of large stuffed chairs, and couple of wooden ones. There was also a window at the back. What drew Elphaba's attention was the bookcase with their books arranged by title.
"The study."
He went and opened the second room on the left.
"Your Excellency's room."
"Please, call me Elphaba."
"That would be completely improper, Your Excellency."
"Miss Thropp, then. Don't make it an order." she growled. The man bowed his head. The girls looked into the room. It was about the size of room 22 at Crage, but only held a single bed. There was another fireplace, a boudoir, and another bookcase and desk. The pair noticed quickly that there was no adjoining door.
"Sir, is - actually, I did not catch your name." Elphaba said, flushing purple at the oversight.
"You may call me Steward."
"I prefer to know your name, I am not in the habit of treating people as interchangeable."
"Very amicable Miss Thropp, but my name is Steward." he answered. There was a pregnant pause as Elphaba turned a deep violet. "No need to be embarrassed, Miss Thropp; my last name comes from my profession. My family has been stewards for ten generations."
"I see." Elphaba said. Glinda so wished to step in but it was not her place. "Well, at least a first name?"
"Renwick, but please, Steward for my sake."
"Very well, Steward. I was wondering if any of the rooms had connecting doors?"
"Some of the extras on the third floor, but they are less furnished."
"Could we perhaps move our rooms up there?"
"Are these rooms ot to your satisfaction? The pair are the best in the house."
"No, they are quite lovely. It's just, you see…"
"We've gotten used to each others proximity over the last two and a half years." Glinda saved Elphaba. "We shan't wish to miss that connection."
"My Ladies, I am not unaware of the younger minds. I dare say I am not too far removed. Please understand one thing: whatever happens in this house behind its doors stays things said, plotted, and partaken in this house have been far worse than anything you may do. Also understand I am your obedient servant; whatever you need I shall always provide regardless of time, effort, or legality. I have had not to dispose a body, thank everything," For the first time Steward looked something other than composed, "but if necessary I will do so. To serve you less than with everything would be disgraceful to not only myself, but my lineage and my legacies."
"You have children?" asked Glinda. Steward smiled.
"I do. Three girls, two boys."
"I do not wish to keep you from them." Elphaba said. "You need not live here."
"They understand. I see them as often as if I was at home. They work in the house when we need staff; it trains them to their future professions of Stewards, ladies-in-waiting, and Amas."
"I see." Elphaba paused. "You say you serve at my behest."
"Yes. You are the master and lady of the house."
"I shall not wish to be the lady. Glinda will that function. She's much better at all of this." Elphaba said and flapped her hand at the building.
"Thanks for asking, Elphie." Glinda retorted. Elphaba looked over to her.
"I'm sorry; I did not think it would be a problem. You don't have to be."
"It's fine. Just don't make a habit of assigning me things."
"I won't."
"If you wish it, Miss Thropp, I shall need something in writing saying as such."
"That can be done."
"Do you wish to see the third floor? It is exactly the same layout."
"No, thank you."
"I shall take my leave. And remember, My Ladies, everything heard or done here stays here."
"Don't worry about hearing." Elphaba commented. "We have spells to make rooms quiet on the outside, and impossible to eavesdrop."
"Really? I worry, though, if you have need of me how you should call me? Or a burglar."
"Any breach of the room and the spell ceases to cancel the sound."
"I see." he gazed thoughtfully. "Would you do it on any room or simply over the whole house."
"Both. We shall do the house, but the individual rooms as requested."
"I may have you do the kitchen. It can get quite noisy."
"When we are ready, I shall let you know."
"Thank you." he said, and bowed before retreating.
The duo went to unpack in their respective rooms. Elphaba finished first, being more diligent in her unpacking than Glinda. Walking into her girlfriend's room she saw the blonde finishing up her last touches.
"Almost done, my sweet?" Elphaba asked. Glinda grabbed a dress and went to place it in the wardrobe near the door. Elphaba moved further into the room to be out of the way.
"Almost. Just one more thing."
"Oh?" Elphaba said, and looked out the window. She heard the door shit behind her. Glinda whispered something Elphaba could not hear. "My dear, what was-Umph!"
Elphaba vaulted forward towards the bed. Catching herself, she spun around just in time for a blonde cannonball to collide with her, and force her to the bed. A hot mouth caught the sweet spot on the nape of her neck.
"Oh! Glinda what are you - oh!"
"Breaking in the bed as Steward suggested."
"I heard no such thing!"
"You should listen closer."
"Ah- is this really-" Elphaba cut off in a groan. Lithe fingers had climbed under her dress.
"Rae, it's been awhile and we're both stressed. You're stressed. Let's relieve some of it."
Elphaba groaned. She noticed she was particularly sensitive. The previous weeks had left no time to take care of herself let alone the both of them.
"Steward will hear."
"No such thing. Portable soundproofing crystals."
"Really? And where did you find - ah!"
"No scholar, more moaning."
Elphaba moaned in response. Perhaps they should take the afternoon off…
"Glinda, I'm so jealous!" Shenshen said as they walked in. Glinda had brought them over to see the place, but also to discuss the upcoming ball. "Why did you not tell us you were moving?"
"It was a bit of a rush." Glinda said as she met them. Giving the girls kisses on either cheek, Steward and his two boys were on hand to take their coats.
"That's understandable." Pfanne said Glinda led them to a side sitting room. "Where's Miss Elphaba?"
"Upstairs. She's been absorbed in some Life Science book she found."
"It is very nice." Milla said as they sat. One of Steward's daughters brought them some small cakes. "And your own staff!"
"They're not ours; rather, they are not mine. They are the official staff of the Eminence of Nest Hardings. They are rarely here, except for Steward."
"Still, so nice for entertaining!"
"Speaking of which: how goes the reservations?" asked Pfannee. "We know many of the girls plan on being there."
"Very good." Glinda answered. "Almost all of the list will be there, as well as some last minute additions. Firamen is taking care of the final details."
"I can't believe it's this week!" Pfannee said.
"Yes, it is quite too soon. Are you all prepared and have dates?"
"I'll be going by myself." Pfannee answered. "Lots of eligibility."
"Your guy fall through?" Glinda asked. Pfannee shrugged.
"No, but we are not officially courting. No reason to not examine the prospects."
"Miss Milla, I assume you'll be going with Master Boq?"
"Yes." the pale girl answered.
"And you Miss Shenshen?"
"I have yet to decided. "Shenshen answered "What of you, Miss Glinda?"
"I don't know as of yet. I might go unattended."
"No Avaric?"
"Avaric is busy with others, at the moment." Glinda replied evenly.
"And Miss Elphaba?"
"She is actually accompanying a colleague of her grandfather's. A great honor for him."
"Well, it would be good for you to actively search out prospects. Oz knows you're behind everyone but Miss Elphaba in that regard."
"It would be good for me to get my name out."
"As eligible, at least."
"Yes, that's what i meant."
"So, where will we be staying? You said were able to if we wish." Sheshen asked.
"Of course. The third floor has room enough for you and your Amas."
"Do we have to have them?"
"No. Do you still have the key to the back room of Crage?"
"Yes."
"I will not disparage you if you slip out now and then, but also will not become an illicit rendezvous place. Are we clear?"
"Yes." the girls responded.
"Good. Follow me."
The girls stood and moved to the staircase.
"How did you do this semester?" asked Glinda. The girls looked at each other.
"Well enough." Pfannee shrugged. "And you?"
"Quite well. Elphaba did passable as well."
"Just passable?"
"She disagrees with some underlying tenets."
"She would."
"Any idea of Boq and Fiyero?"
"Boq is doing well." Milla chimed in. "No idea on Fiyero."
"Nor do we."
As Glinda led the girls up to the third floor she glanced in the study. There was Elphaba, hunched over the desk. She wondered what engrossed her so.
Elphaba glanced through her notes, cross referencing her Life Science and Sorcery books. In addition, she had begged and bartered some surgeon texts from the local man. She had traded a numbing draught from one of her texts for it. It worked just as well as pinlobble, and had none of the side effects.
Looking at the references, she began to organize them in her notebook. The Life Science theory was first to provide the structure; then the anatomy for the reference and the sorcery for manipulation. Elphaba had not yet found what she was looking for in the sorcery text, but she had only gotten about halfway. Her current study had to expand to understand the how far she read.
Only temporary. Elphaba thought, and jotted it down. No permanency. Perhaps repetition?
Elphaba underlined those words a few time while she thought on it. It still did not explain the result. There was one other solution, but there was no hints of it in any of the interactions. Elphaba put it down as less likely.
Reading over a few lines, Elphaba cocked her head. Reading that paragraph again, and then the rest of the page, she hurriedly jotted some notes. It was nothing related to what she sought, but a good piece of alchemy nonetheless. The ingredients seemed common, though the mixture required an incantation to work. This alone would allow her to extort more knowledge from the surgeons of Shiz. Elphaba allowed herself a small smile.
The sound blasted Elphaba as she walked into the venue. She froze. Only the embarrassment of fleeing before the acquaintance next to her kept her there. However, she could not force her feet to move.
"Drinking it in?" he asked.
"Quite." Elphaba agreed.
The final number of guests came near two hundred. The only place to accommodate them in Shiz was the Grand Ballroom at Ozma Towers. Luckily they had enough clout on the list to reserve it. The sheer size and opulence of the ballroom had threatened to overwhelm Elphaba; the massive amounts of guests talking and dancing was almost too much. What made her move was the blonde girl floating towards her.
"There's our hostess." Glinda said with a small smile. "Late, as per custom."
"If it were not, I would not have been." Elphaba replied. Her mind slowly started grinding forward. "I don't believe you have met my guest, Master Pronen."
"A pleasure." Glinda curtsied and held out a hand. Pronen bowed over it.
"As is mine. I believe I have you to thank for the invitation to escort Her Excellency." Pronen said. Elphaba's eyebrow twitched and she became more animated.
"You are welcome."
"Isn't there some atrocious ritual of announcement that should take place now I am here?" asked Elphaba. Glinda's smile widened, but Elphaba caught the hint of warning.
"Yes; however, we have one more guest that has to be taken into consideration."
"Oh, and who could that be?"
"Me." said a male voice behind her. Elphaba turned, surprised but not shocked per Glinda's warning.
"Grandfather." Elphaba nodded. Peerless nodded back.
"Granddaughter. Master Pronen."
"Your Eminence." Pronen bowed deeper. "What an unexpected delight."
"Thank you."
"Master Pronen, if you wish to come with me?" Glinda asked, and daintily placed out a hand. Pronene nodded but stopped at Peerless' raised finger.
"Miss Arduenna, were you not expecting a greeting?" he asked, amused.
"I did not want to withhold you from your guests. I'm sure the trip raised your anticipation."
"A very impressive party." Peerless said with true admiration. The trio knew the praise was for the girls, and especially Glinda. "However it can wait for you, Miss Glinda."
"How do you do, Master Thropp?" Glinda asked as she curtsied. He took her outstretched hand and kissed it.
"Much better now, my dear lady. I am sure you will find me after introductions?"
"Of course, Master Thropp."
"Thank you."
Glinda led an amazed Pronen away. The ball criers began to calm the crowd. "Quite amazing, Elphaba." Peerless said.
"Thank Glinda and Firamen."
"They both get their due, but your reputation also has drawn some here. I have got quite a lot of letters en route here, and I'm sure more waiting at Colwen Grounds."
"Thank you. I don't know why. I just am who I am." Elphaba responded shyly.
"And that is enough. Now, let us go, my dear Granddaughter." he held out an arm. She took it.
"I admit, Grandfather, I don't know how I'll get through this."
"It is much the same as other functions, except they come to you."
"Will you help?"
"Of course."
"HIS EMINENCE, PEERLESS THROPP, AND HER EXCELLENCY, THROPP THIRD DESCENDING, MISS ELPHABA THROPP!"
They walked forward to thunderous applause. Two hundred sets of eyes focused on them, unnerving Elphaba. Peerless smiled as he led them to the center of the room. He held up his hands for quiet. After a few more moments, there was silence.
"Thank you all for coming. Some of you I know; some of you I am excited to meet!" Peerless' voice rang clearly through the ballroom. "I would be amiss, however, if I were not to thank my lovely granddaughter for setting up the event. It is a testimony to her growing character. I am happy to say she will make a wonderful Eminence one day."
He paused.
"Hopefully not anytime soon." Laughter went through the room. He waited for it to die down. "Now, let us continue to have a wonderful night!"
The crowd burst into applause. Peerless smiled at them and led his granddaughter off the center of the floor. Once it again it was filled with dancers and the ball was in full swing. Peerless turned his smile on Elphaba.
"I hope you don't mind me taking the welcoming speech."
"Not at all. I was dreading it, actually. Glinda made me memorize one."
"We'll have to work on that."
"I'll never think I'll be good at that."
"You've gotten better at socializing over the last couple of years. You may never be a gifted orator, but with time you can be very proficient."
"I do not know if I could ever be comfortable speaking to a room of this many people."
"I must admit it is a larger group than I have ever spoken to. However, comfortable with a few, comfortable with many. Now, go do Master Pronen his honors. It was a good choice of accompaniment. Glinda's?"
"And Firamen's."
"Very insightful."
"One question."
"Yes?"
"How did you get here so quickly? You can't have had more than two weeks notice."
"Two and a half. I came by Glikkus. It's harder ride at first, but once in the Glikkus the canals and rails speed the journey."
"I'll have to remember that."
"Now, Master Pronen."
Elphaba bowed her head and made her way to the man. In a room such as this, no way was straight. Many stopped Elphaba for a quick greeting or to introduce herself. Her being the one who "arranged" the ball, many were eager to meet the young heiress. Peerless smiled as she handled them deftly, if not easily.
He himself made his way towards a guest. Normally a beacon in any room, the numbers and experience of the attendees washed them out. However, as Peerless neared he noticed a small knot congregating about them; and not insignificant persons as well. Granted, there were none insignificant here, but amongst the number they were more prominent. Peerless smiled as though Miss Glinda did not seem to be in her usual place at the top of the hierarchy, she was evolving before his eyes to be brighter. The challenge grew her rather than diminishing. It was awe inspiring to watch her recognize, assimilate, use, and adopt social techniques at a rapid pace. With enough time she would dominate this room as well. Peerless though it a good time to get her a jump start.
"Miss Glinda, how are you?" he asked when she turned at his approach.
"I am well, Master Thropp. Such a lovely ball. Thank you for the invitation."
"A true friend of my granddaughter such as yourself is always welcome at the Thropps."
"I thank you."
"I was hoping I could steal you for a dance?"
"I'd be delighted. Excuse me, gentlemen; ladies."
Glinda put her arm in Peerless' and let him lead her to the floor. Peerless, though a practiced dancer, moved with careful precision. Glinda matched him, not wanting to overexert the older man. He smiled at her foresight.
"How has the ball been for you?" he asked.
"Exciting; enlightening; enchanting." she replied. Peerless laughed.
"Fantastic. Your wit is outstanding."
"I confess to thinking on it for more than a few moments."
"I shall never tell. Oh, there goes my granddaughter." Peerless remarked. Glinda turned her head to see Elphaba dancing with Master Pronen. "It is a testament to her growth to see her out at all."
"I wish she could do so without the gloves." Glinda responded. Peerless looked over again to noticed Elphaba's hands were black clad. He raised an eyebrow.
"She did not have those on when I entered."
"She brought them for the dancing and socializing." Glinda sighed. "We agreed that most would be shocked at her color let alone to asked them to come in contact. To make these people more comfortable we decided on gloves."
"A wise choice." Peerless intoned. "Ah, it seems we missed our cue to switch. The young man with her now seems not to mind her skin."
Glinda glanced over and laughed.
"That's Avaric. He does not mind much of anything." Glinda paused. "No, that's unfair. He's a good friend."
"The Margreave of Tenmeadows."
"Vismargreave. His father still lives."
"Not according to what I hear. The old Margreave passed some months ago."
Glinda had to quick step to make up for the one she missed.
"I was unaware. He hasn't said anything."
"Perhaps he did not wish it widely known, yet."
"I can understand that."
"He does dance rather near the line of propriety."
"The turn cue is coming up. Dance with your granddaughter."
"As you wish."
The group spun and changed partners. Avaric turned to see a fierce Glinda. Elphaba exit to see a proud grandfather.
"Really, Avaric. You can't help but toe the line." Glinda admonished. Avaric did not give her anymore more space than Elphaba.
"What can I say? Lines are meant to be toed."
"How extraordinary." Glinda replied. "No Miss Laquan?"
"No; I thought I might see if there were other prospects here."
"I'm quite sure there are. Most of the women are married, so be careful."
"I will."
The cue switched again. This time, Glinda was surprised to see Elphaba. The green girl was also, and it took a moment for her to take the lead. Both girls turned to glare at a departing Avaric. He gave them a wink and a smile.
"And just how has your evening been, Miss Elphaba?"
"Dreadful, Miss Glinda."
"Why so?"
"Too many people; too rich of people; too intellectually...uninspiring people."
"Perhaps your next function should be an academic symposium."
"There's an idea."
"Master Fiyero seems to be having a tough time of it."
"Yes; what else would you expect?"
"Go ask the young man to dance. Give him a break from awkward conversations."
"Perhaps we shall just run from this."
Glinda gave her a look and moved away from Elphaba on cue. Elphaba stepped out of the dance circle to approach Fiyero. He was speaking with a group of men, some of which looked they smelled something distasteful. There were quite a few that she did not recognize. The knot of men looked over at her approach. A broad smiled split the Vinkun boy's face.
"Miss Thropp." he bowed. The others followed
"Master Tigelaar; gentlemen. I hope you don't mind if I steal him away for a little while."
"Not at all." one said. The men grumbled in agreement. Fiyero placed his arm out and Elphaba wound through it. She gently led him towards the floor and slid into a dance.
"I would not think you'd be the one to save me from those with more money than sense."
"I would not have unless Glinda pointed it out."
"Well, thank her for me."
"I will."
"How goes the night?"
"As to be expected. Talking to a lot of men and women who try to hide their abhorrence of my skin so as to exploit my future position. And you?"
"Trying to make it past their disdain for my race while adding additional useful contacts."
"Have you?"
"A few. Mostly peripheral men to those Avaric has introduced me to."
"Helpful."
"To some extent. There's an industrialist I am going ot corner later."
"For trade?"
"For contracts. I'm going to see if I can eventually lure at least part of his operation out to the Vinkus."
"Ambitious."
"Always."
"Time to switch."
"Time for dinner." Fiyero responded as the band died down. Elphaba looked around.
"That it is."
After dinner the ball was more subdued. The men moved to separate rooms while the women stayed and chatted over tables of tea. Elphaba was annoyed as she was always more comfortable around the men. However, as the female host of the ball she could not escape her duty. As such she made painful small talk with the women.
About an hour later the ball rejoined for just a little while. Now was the time to get coats, call drivers, and find partners. Peerless gave a brief concluding remarks, and Avaric led the ball in a toast of the hosts. Idle chatter filled the room as the men and women made for their cabs. Ever the socialite, Glinda made Elphaba personally thank all of them for coming as they left. Elphaba hated every moment, but understood the necessity.
Several hours later the trio were headed back to the girls' flat. Elphaba had not considered where Peerless would stay, but it made sense. As they entered the flat, Steward announced that Master Firamen was waiting. Ushering the girls into the sitting room where Firamen sat, he asked for some tea and cakes.
"So, a successful night if I do say so myself." he said as he sat and took something out of his bag.
"Yes, it was." Elphaba raised an eyebrow as Peerless pulled out a notebook and quill. "Was there a test I was supposed to study for?"
"No test." Peerless smiled, "At least, not in any conventional sense. I found that my memory is not as good as it once was so I write everything down. It helps me remember who I met when, and also a catalogue of contacts. Especially useful for invitations and follow up notes."
"What a good idea. I may have to do the same." said Glinda. Elphaba snorted.
"It will probably be the only way I could keep anyone straight." she added.
"Well, then, let's get to it. Who did you meet tonight?" asked Peerless.
For the next hour the trio went through the various notables they met at the function. Firamen dutifully took notes. He cross referenced them with the guest list, but also added information for the few last minute additions or Avaric's invites. Even for those they knew the extra information was helpful. After they finished Peerless looked up.
"I had quite a few comment that the ball should be held every year." he said.
"What did you say?" asked Elphaba, filling with dread. Peerless laughed.
"Noncommittal things. Though a fantastic opportunity, we do not have the money to throw such a function every year. Unless some of these contacts bring more wealth."
"Hopefully they do." Elphaba responded. Peerless raised an eyebrow. Elphaba quickly clarified. "Not that I want to host such a thing again; just that something worthwhile would come of this."
"Quite. Now, I cannot visit without seeing my other granddaughter."
Elphaba smiled.
"I'm sure she's awake."
The trio trudged up the stairs. The girls noticed Peerless take them with slow deliberation. As he got to the second floor, he let out a deep breath. He smiled at the concern on their faces.
"Not so many at Colwen Grounds." he said. Bidding them a good night, he knocked on Nessa's door.
"Grandfather!" she said as it swung open.
"Hello, my dear child! How are you?"
This chapter covers the 1st through the 14th of NewWinter