"I hate this thing." Elphaba mumbled, pulling at the high collar. She was in her black button up dress.
"Stop fussing." Glinda answered. She stood in her blue brocade dress. The busk pushed her bust back and up, and the bustle enhanced her backside. "You're not even wearing half as much as I."
"I don't know if I could."
"Wish to try?"
"No thank you."
The two were standing in their atrium. Today was the traditional Munchkinland ball for those in Shiz. A smaller affair than the last, and indeed most balls, it was a ritual celebrating the return of spring. Even after their conversion to Unionism, the Munchkinlanders were ill-want to get rid of their traditions. Elphaba was going with a prominent businessman, an associate but not client of her grandfather's; Glinda was going with a not so prominent businessman, but a multi-generational Shiz resident. Steward hurried past them as the bell rang, and returned with the two men in tow.
"About time." Grumbled Elphaba.
Elphaba's date was a true Munchkinlander, short of stature, ruddy of complexion, but sandy haired and stout. His name was Alex Cordryn. The man barely came up to Elphaba's chest. Glinda had a wicked thought: it was a good thing Elphaba did not wear a style similar to Glinda, as the man would be stuck in her bust all night. Glinda silently giggled to herself, though Elphaba noticed.
"What's so funny?" she whispered.
"Nothing." Was the quiet response.
As the pair stopped in front, Glinda sized up her date (pun intended). He was not much different from many men of Shiz. His brown eyes and brown hair did nothing to set him apart. He was tall, at least for a Munchkinlander, standing a couple inches over Glinda. The blonde smiled. The man returned it. His name was Castor Melenus.
"Your Excellency." Both men greeted Elphaba.
"None of that." Elphaba said quickly. "Miss will simply do."
The men blinked in confusion, but adapted quickly.
"As you wish, Miss Elphaba."
"And if you think I want you banally deferential this entire time, you're mistaken. Give me opinion, be actual thinking people, and this night will be fine."
"Elphaba, behave." Glinda soothed.
"I thought I was." Grumbled Elphaba.
"You must be Miss Glinda." Said Alex. Glinda nodded and stuck out a hand. He clasped it. "I am Alex Cordryn."
"And I am Castor Melenus." added the other as he did the same.
"Miss Glinda Arduenna." Glinda answered. "Pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is ours." Castor replied. "I hear good things about you in both Munchkinland and Shiz circles."
"That is always a pleasure to hear."
"You really do us an honor, Miss Elphaba," insisted Cordryn. "I'm not saying that to be deferent, escorting an Eminence's granddaughter to the Spring Ball really is."
"Especially as you are both well known in Shiz." Castor agreed.
"You are both respectable members of the Munchkinland community in Shiz and are well known yourselves." Elphaba countered. "Your hard work does you justice, and being respectable men, are fine dates to accompany us to this function."
"What Miss Elphaba is trying to say is thank you for accompanying us." Glinda added.
"And here I thought I said that?" Elphaba replied, though with enough joviality to let everyone know she was kidding. "But yes, thank you. I am positive it will be a good night for all of us."
Steward appeared holding their shawls. The air was stilled chilled coming into spring, but dry. There would be no swaddling for Elphaba. Steward helped Glinda put hers on while Elphaba quickly tossed hers over. When they were ready, the men led them out into the waiting cab.
The Ball was in a far part of the Banking District, near the Elphaba's. It was in a smaller meeting hall, as no more than a few dozen were expected to show. It was a small affair and that suited everyone fine. It allowed for more intimate conversations. Much of the Ball was actually a deal making event for those to connect business interests. The smaller crowd helped both Elphaba feel more comfortable and Glinda to steal the spotlight.
The trip to the Ball was passed in pleasant conversation. The gentlemen asked them of their studies at Shiz, and plans after they graduated. The girls asked them on their business activities and families. Both men were married with multiple children; the girls knew this, and it was part of the reason they had been picked. Neither of their wives would be at the ball as they did not socialize much; another reason why they had been picked. After half an hour they arrived at their destination.
Cordryn climbed out first, and offered a hand to Elphaba. As per usual, she hopped out without assistance. The man did not look put out. Glinda wondered if he had known of her habit. Castor was next, and Glinda dutifully let him help her out of the cab. With a click of the reins the cabby took off. Both girls let the men escort them into the meeting hall.
They arrived unannounced and mostly unnoticed into the atrium. Staff appeared to take their coats and shawls, and hang them up. As usual, they gave Elphaba a wary look before departing. Both men continued escorting the girls into the hall proper. There were only a couple dozen people there. The meeting hall had round tables surrounding the center of a floor. There was no one dancing because there was no band. For such a small ball, there was a designated dancing period. That suited both the girls well.
A pair approached Elphaba. Glinda knew they were acquaintances of her grandfather's, and now hers. They had been invited to last year's Munchkinlander Ball. As they began speaking to her, Castor saw a business associate and steered himself, and Glinda, towards them. Elphaba glanced over to her but a slight smile let Elphaba know to continue about her business.
It was about business; or at least what people assumed Elphaba's business was. Politics. Last year, her lack of knowledge had been a hindrance. Between a year of experience and helping Nessa with her work, Elphaba's ideas had grown. Combined with the agricultural economics lessons she had pried out of Boq, the absorption of taxes, trade, and economy from Crope, Tibbett, and Avaric, and the broad military brush from Fiyero, she was well versed to discuss topics as a person of some knowledge.
"Miss Elphaba, what do you think of the drought in Munchkinland?" asked one man.
"What about it? It's not raining enough to meet yearly demands let alone to make up for past years."
"What is there to be done about it?"
"Besides hoping for more rain? A Munchkinland wide system of irrigation and canals would be the only way to mitigate it."
"Could it be done?"
"Engineering wise? Probably, but I am not an engineer. One from the Glikkus would most likely be able to tell you more."
"They would be enormously expensive." declared another. Elphaba was not aware when he arrived.
"The drought is enormously expensive." Was her reply. "And will continue to be so. It's been over a decade."
"Munchkinland couldn't afford it. The farmers are barely in their homes as is."
"The farmers wouldn't be paying for it." She replied acidly. "The businessmen and Eminences who have prospered would."
"You bring that up to your grandfather and see how that goes." The man chortled. He got some guffaws. Elphaba smiled toothily.
"Of course it would not go well. Insightful as my grandfather is, he knows the Eminences and businessmen are too short sighted." She clipped out the words. The man's smile dropped. "They think they'll just buy the land from broke farmers and sell it again when the drought ends, or use it make a little profit by hiring someone later. They don't see that five years from now, even if the drought abates, they'll be no one left to work the farms or to sell it to. They'll have to go crying to Gillikin to sell their land glut, and will become poorer from it. A decade, maybe less, and Munchkinland will be owned by Gillikin barons who laugh at us behind their backs."
"I guess you know this from your wealth of experience." The man retorted.
"I know this because the barons' sons talk when they're drunk, and I, unlike you, have gone to school with them. Their families plan to make even their third and fourth sons wealthy off Munchkinland."
"I highly doubt that's true, Your Excellency." Another man responded conciliatorily. "Probably just talk amongst boys, or grand delusions on their fathers."
"How quite right?" she asked. Glancing around she saw who she was looking for. "Boq!"
"Yes, Miss Elphaba?" asked the boy. He had the redhead on his arm and had been talking to a man from near his home.
"Could you come here a moment?"
"Of course."
The smaller boy walked over with Milla.
"What can I help with, Miss Elphaba?"
"I was just talking to these men about the future of Munchkinland." she announced, and they started at her directness. "As you are the future of Munchkinland, what are your plans?"
"I have a small estate I plan to go work on."
"We are all familiar with Master Bfeeson." One of the gathered men commented.
"A small estate?" Elphaba continued as if she had not heard. "A mighty fine feat. How did you manage that?"
"I found a business partner, as father had hoped." He answered. His eyes had narrowed slightly. He knew when Elphaba was leading him somewhere, but he did not know why.
"Oh? And who might he be?"
"That I won't say, but he is a Gillikin who saw an opportunity to pair my knowledge and skills with his wealth to have everyone benefit."
"Thank you, Boq. I hope you much success." she said. Boq knew she was not dismissing him, but did not feel like sticking around for whatever the rest of the discussion was. He led Milla away.
"What was that about, Boq?" asked the redhead.
"I'm not certain besides Elphaba proving some point."
"That's very rude of her to use you to make it."
"That's Elphaba. She doesn't mean anything by it."
Elphaba turned back to the gentlemen.
"Idle chatter, you think?" she asked again coldly. "I know his patron, and I know he is not the only one to think so. Do you truly believe they don't know what is going on in Munchkinland?"
"So what would you have us do? Bankrupt ourselves to help some farmers?" the man replied just as coldly.
"I would have you be leaders." Was her answer. The men had nothing more for that. Finally, one said,
"I will have someone look into it. I'm near enough Rush Margins; if you could ask you grandfather for his blessings and possible help on this?"
"I'll write a letter." she answered a bit warmer. "Gentlemen, I'm not saying it's easy, or the only way, but it's a way. All I ask is that you think about Munchkinland. Our people are in dire need, and they are OUR people. Our concerns do not stop at the end of our interests. When one grows stronger the rest of us grow stronger. And that includes when one of us makes money we all make money. Let us never forget that there are wolves about, stalking Munchkinland for her riches. Give them the chance and they'll rape her like Quadling Country, and our people will be either dead, disgraced, or scattered to the winds."
"Hear hear." declared Cordryn. "That is something we tend to forget in all the bickering, and even worse for us in Shiz as we try to blend in here. Well said, Miss Elphaba."
Glinda was in conversation much herself. However, instead of Munchkinland politics it was Ozian politics.
"Miss Glinda, have you had the chance to travel to the Emerald City?" one man asked. "It's quite beautiful."
"I have." She answered. "It is quite beautiful, at least the nicer sections. I find others are much like Shiz where a lot of working people are just going on with their lives."
"A capital city should be impressive." Another put in. Glinda nodded.
"It should. However, I think the greatest measure of a leader is the prosperity of their people. It is they who will remember them, and write their legacy."
Heads nodded around the group. That comment was vague enough for everyone to agree with yet not specific enough to commit to any action.
"You're such a well learned young woman." One man commented. "You must have many men seeking your hand."
"Some. They flatter me so with their attentions when they have much else to do."
"So no fiancé yet?"
"Not as of yet. It is a little early to be settling for one. It is more of getting to know one another to see if we are a good match."
"Socially?"
"And personally. A prosperous marriage is not just in the social compatibility, but also the personal. Being married only to find you cannot stand one another will lead to a host of problems down the line. Mostly for the woman, I admit, but how many times has a displeased wife caused problems for her husband? Better to avoid those situations all together."
"So you look for love?"
Glinda laughed lightly.
"Not really. Traits of a good partner are far more important than some feeling. Trustworthiness, honor, integrity, industriousness, respect; all these build strong relationships. There are always weaknesses, of course, but does the suitor have the discipline to overcome those? They are important to both a husband and leader."
"Speaking of matches, do you think the Gillikin Railroad will ever expand to the Emerald City?" asked a portly man. Several men gave him annoyed looks. "We've been discussing it for years and I'd love to hear a fresh voice."
"The defining factor, in my opinion, is the tax level the Wizard puts on Gillikin." Glinda answered. "A lower tax burden would free up capital to make it viable, and would show Gillikin that the Wizard is really thinking of all rather than just the Emerald City."
More nods. One man opened his mouth but Glinda continued.
"I'm more surprised that there is no railroad to Munchkinland yet."
"What do you mean?" asked the portly man.
"What I mean is for Gillikin Barons relying on Munchkinland grain to feed their herds, they seem to want to take the long way around."
"You think a railroad would make sense for that?"
"It would make trade between Gillikin and Munchkinland much easier. The current path requires going through Glikkus for the Canals, or to the Emerald City on the Yellow Brick Road, which are quite slow."
"And where would you suggest rail line go?" asked the portly fellow.
"Why, it could start here in Shiz and go east, skirting the north side of Lake Chorge; which would make it wonderfully easy to get away there. Going through the Madeleines would be difficult, of course, but they managed all the way to Mount Runcible. From there it would be easy to go to straight east to Center Munch. Center Munch is already a major point of commerce so not much would change."
"That would be very expensive."
"If Munchkinland and Gillikin went in together, it would be easier to do." Glinda countered. The men around her nodded their heads.
"One would think you would want it to run down to Colwen Grounds, with your friend Miss Elphaba being there."
"Yes, that would be beneficial." Glinda agreed. "But Munchkinland is flat country, or so I'm told. It would be easy to run it south from Center Munch, and even north to the Glikkus. The major point would be to capture the Corn Basket's produce, which it would cut across to get to Center Munch."
"I'll be honest, Miss Glinda." The portly fellow started. "We've never seriously considered getting a rail line to Munchkinland without going through the Emerald City. It always seemed to be needed."
"While the easiest route geographically, it is difficult politically." She paused. "Perhaps if Gillikin and Munchkinland become closer, the Emerald City will work in cooperation with each other."
"Very true." Another man said. "And if they don't, well, Gillikin and Munchkinland will do much better and leave the City out of it."
"What a splendid idea." The portly man agreed. "Isn't speaking to young people so invigorating?"
Both ladies managed to find their way back towards one another. Glinda had high hopes for Castor Menelus, but had found him quiet and uninspiring for most of the night. He was a polite and easy going man, and Glinda thought he must make his wife happy. The thought seemed to summon a diminutive blonde to them. She was on the arm of an equally young, and short, man. Glinda smiled warmly.
"Miss Pfannee, it is nice to see you." She gretted.
"Miss Glinda, it hard to miss you." Was the warm reply. The men glanced between them, but quickly realized it was a sincere compliment between friends.
"May I introduce Castor Menelus?" asked Glinda. The young man took her hand gently.
"May I introduce Felix Massie?" asked Pfannee, and the other man took Glinda's. The two young men than shook each other's.
"How do you find the night, Miss Glinda?"
"Well, Miss Pfannee."
The girls turned to talking of the mundanes of the party. The two young men quickly struck up a conversation on more familiar topics to them. The girls, noticing, slowly edged away to put distance between them. Keeping an eye on their dates, they started to drop their voices into a lower, but casual, tone.
"A possible suitor for you?" asked Pfannee. Glinda shook her head.
"He is well taken; not so well he doesn't dalliance, but well enough he won't leave. Besides, he is not nearly well enough positioned."
"I was to say I did not know him, so I am happy he is merely a social accompaniment. A great loss?"
"No; he is a genteel man, but no great mind or personality." Glinda sighed. "I suspect his wife is much the same. No spice in his life makes him boring."
"I see." responded Pfannee, and Glinda caught her tone.
"But how about yours?"
"Much too young, boring, and poor." Was the definitive answer.
"Now, Pfannee, be nice."
"I am. He's just too boring to be too nice to." Was her response. "And distinctly unimaginative in bed. So, alas poor Felix, I knew him well, but found him unmemorable."
Glinda gave a slight giggle.
"Well, we shouldn't stay here and gossip all night. Our dates have seemed to retreated to their drinks," Glinda motioned, "and we have people to meet."
"That we do."
As the Ball was winding to a close, Glinda was saying her goodbyes to new contacts she met. Most would be for Elphaba's benefit, but some could have potential. It was during this she caught Pfannee escorting a gentleman out one of the servant's doors. Glinda knew the man easily: it was Castor Menelus. She inwardly shook her head, but let it be. Neither of the men would be escorting them back to their flat so there was no reason to mind the girl.
"Are you ready to leave?" asked Elphaba.
"Yes, I've made my goodbyes."
"Cordryn has said his goodbye, but I did not see Castor. I hope he doesn't keep us waiting."
"We shan't wait for him." Glinda declared. Elphaba gave her a look. "He is otherwise occupied."
Elphaba glanced around, and then shook her head.
"I saw Pfannee at one point…"
"Let's just go home, Elphaba."
"Agreed."
As they were leaving, a gentleman approached Elphaba.
"Miss Elphaba Thropp?" he asked.
"Yes?" responded Elphaba suspiciously.
"I have a package for you from the Eminent Thropp." He handed it to her. Tipping his cap, he walked off.
As they got into the cab, the girls opened the package. It was stuffed with paper to make sure the item was protected during the trip. Elphaba dug inside, hands searching. They slowly retreated, bringing with it a green glass disk. It turned in the air, casting dark shadows across the cab.
"What is it, Elphie?"
"My sun catcher. I don't remember sending for it…." She trailed off, staring. "Then again, I had been thinking about it often so maybe I wrote something in one of my letters."
"It very…pretty."
"It…is…something."
"Elphie, are you okay?" Glinda asked concerned. Elphaba shook her head and slowly placed the sun catcher back in the package.
"I'm fine, my sweet; just tired." Elphaba glanced at the package again. "Just…tired."