Thank you to LillyFae for reviewing. I promise no Flinda. Glinda is a master politician, and you are quite astute at recognizing the dilemma of Elphaba. (Yes, were following the musical)
Thank you to My LittleElphie for reviewing *puts on old man voice* I'm not dead yet! *Ahem* Nice catch on the OSD lyrics. And the manicured eyebrows *grumble*. I use latin so much I should have remembered mani means hand. I'll put my oversight to the fact I'm a dude. Whiskers is a nickname, of course, for thr Soldier with Green whiskers from Oz. And I'm trying to make Glinda a good leader even if the whole of Oz rather she rule as a dictator. To Avaric, most focus on his pompous nature but forget that he was raised to be lord in Oz. I try to capture all of those traits. And I'll make sure to psot chapter one of the sequel.
Thank you to RavenCurls for reviewing. What can Milla do? Boq is sexy ;). No, Ess Tee definitely has a secret. It's a big one, too. Thank you for Glinda, and I'm happy I made you yell at your computer. This is a gelphie and wont change. And I failed at getting my chapter up. I do apologize. Reading the Signs is in the works; it takes about ten times the effort that this does to write a chapter since it is completely relationship focused, while here I can have some environmental effects. But, as soon as I finish up here, and post chapter one of the sequel, Reading the Signs will be coming back.
Thank you to Chinaluv for reviewing.
Thank you to nursejoy7 for reviewing.
Thank you to Varia for reviewing. You'll have to wait and see.
Thank you to Yelene-ryudream for reviewing. Glinda has always been a master at maneuvering relationships (which is all politics is). But Elphaba does have to make up her mind…
I apologize for not getting this up sooner. The holidays did not allow it. Also, this chapter ballooned into two, so there will be one more and then the epilogue, and then I'll post the first chapter of the sequel before focusing on Reading the Signs. So, there's that.
As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and critiques are welcome by pm or review.
1/5/15
"Boq, old boy, nice to see you again!" Avaric called as he strode into Mockbeggar Hall. It had been quickly renovated and cleaned to be the site of negotiations.
The Munchkinland delegation met them in the atrium. It comprised of Milla and Boq along with a token honor guard from both the Munchkin Militia and Milla's irregular forces, along with a handful of other administrative personnel. The Ozian delegation was composed of Glinda, Avaric, the Home Guard General Ess Tee, and their own assorted staff.
Boq jumped slightly at the sound of his name, but a slow smile split his face.
"Hello, Avaric. It's nice to see you too." He replied. Avaric crossed the distance in a few long strides and placed two kisses on the Munchkin's cheeks, and one on his forehead. Boq squirmed uncomfortably.
"And Miss Milla, so nice to see you again." Avaric oozed with a smile. The redhead returned it with one that did not reach her eyes. She stuck out a hand and Avaric grasped it. Turning it over, he bowed and placed a kiss on the top. Milla quickly snatched it back.
"I see you're the same as ever." Milla observed coldly.
"That would be so sad. I think I'm more dashing and incorrigible than ever." Avaric scoffed.
"Humble, too." Milla added. Avaric opened his mouth to reply but a light cough caught their attention. Glinda float towards them.
"Now that we've been reacquainted, how about we sit down and discuss the business at hand." She gently urged. The others nodded.
"This way, Miss Glinda." Boq said, motioning towards a hallway. They were led out a side entrance and to small courtyard surrounded by roses. There, a long table was shaded by umbrellas. The dignitaries sat on either side.
"So, let's get down to business, shall we?" Milla said with a smile. "I'm assuming you're wanting to reintegrate Munchkinland into Oz."
"No." Glinda answered. The Munchkin delegation (along with some of the Oz staff) stared at her. Glinda managed to keep an amused smile from her face.
"No?" Milla echoed.
"No." Glinda reiterated. "Reintegration at this point would be unfeasible. There are too many lingering feelings on both sides."
"So what do you suggest?" Boq inquired.
"We sign an official truce, and begin trade negotiations." Glinda offered.
"Trade negotiations?" Milla questioned. "That's all?"
"I find that good trade negotiations are a first step to a true partnership." Glinda smiled.
"And what about reintegration?" Milla probed. Glinda's smile never faltered.
"If it comes to that point then it comes there. However, a breakdown in trust is what made Munchkinland secede. It has to be rebuilt, or history will simply repeat itself."
"Very wise." Boq agreed. "So when do we start?"
"Well, I suppose we can let our professional diplomats start hammering out details now," Glinda responded, "but to be honest it bores me. I'd rather take a walk with a few close friends in these beautiful gardens."
The two old friends across the table smiled and stood. The Ozian pair did likewise, and they came together on their walk towards the garden. Glinda looped her arm through Milla's while Boq and Avaric paced them a few steps back. The General followed along with a contingent of guards from both sides. The two women talked about the little things of life, love, and age. Avaric teased Boq good naturedly as he had in school. When they came to a small grouping of benches Glinda stopped. Shooting a look to the General, he stopped their escort and began talking to them. Glinda then turned to the collected group.
"There is a favor I have to ask of you." Glinda started.
"What?" Milla asked, eyes narrowing.
"I need you to make a formal declaration in the Hall of Approval denouncing executing Elphaba." Glinda finished and held her breath.
"Why should we?" Milla questioned. "What do we get out of it?"
"You'd have my gratitude." Glinda replied. Milla barked out a harsh laugh.
"Is that it?"
"It's not official business so I cannot offer anything of the state."
"Then why should we do something for you?"
"Besides your own compassions?" Avaric cut in drily. Milla glared at him. "Because if Miss Elphaba is executed, there will be civil war in Oz."
"And how does that affect Munchkinland negatively?" Milla sharply rebutted. "It actually helps."
"At first, yes, but how long until it spills over to Munchkinland? Soldiers raid where they will." Avaric questioned. Milla snorted.
"We can take care of ourselves."
"No doubt. But you're not fighting a cohesive enemy. They'll be everywhere, at any time; just like you were. And that doesn't include if the Glikkus decides to try to become an independent state, or raids from the Vinkus. The only thing keeping the tribesman in check is Gillikin and the Emerald City."
"You want prosperity." Glinda added. "The only way to prosperity is through peace and stability. If Oz falls into chaos, Munchkinland will soon after."
"You're right." Boq spoke for the first time. "We do need Oz to be stable. But it's more than that."
"What?" Milla asked. Boq's face grew as serious as they had ever seen it. It was as chiseled as his previous visage.
"I will not condone another's death simply because it is expedient." He answered stonily. Milla began to protest but he held up a hand. "I went along with this witch hunt once, too wrapped up in my own pain to realize what was going on. I will not do so again. While I still have questions about that night with Miss Nessarose and Miss Elphaba, I cannot let her die without trying to stop it. I owe her that much for all those years at Shiz."
Avaric's lips formed a serious smile and he placed a big hand upon the shorter man's shoulder.
"Well said, my friend." He said, nodding. They locked eyes for a moment, and then Boq's face split into a smile.
"Stop with the serious look. It doesn't suit you." Boq joked. Avaric's smile turned into a grin.
"Too true." Avaric replied and laughed. The tension dissipated out of the air.
"When do you need me to give the speech?" Boq asked easily as they started to walk again.
"Next week will do." Glinda replied.
"Speaking of which, where is she?" Milla asked. Glinda face grew contemplative.
"She's back at the palace. I left Fiyero thee to keep her company." Glinda answered.
"If you know what she means." Avaric said with sly smile and a wink. Boq scoffed and thumped him across the chest.
"Incorrigible, really."
"You're late." Elphaba huffed as Glinda blew into the room a few days later. The green woman was already set in her witching wear while Glinda was in her clothes of state.
"I know." Glinda grumbled as she shed layers in a path towards her room. "They constantly want more of my attention. You'd think there would be at least one ruler of Oz that was competent."
"There is." Elphaba called after her. "It just so happens she doesn't want to be it."
"Not fun-ny." Glinda sing-songed from the other room. After the first time, Glinda no longer changed in front of Elphaba. The green woman seemed uneasy whenever she was too near, or too undressed. After a few minutes Glinda came out in a powder blue dress. "Ready?"
"Of course."
The two witches retreated to the garden to begin their practice. As Elphaba had been busy during their time at Kiamo Ko, Glinda had surpassed her in command of spellcraft. However, with Glinda's new duties taking most of her time, Elphaba had rapidly caught up. A few more days and they would be equals again. Finally, the two witches made it to the gazebo by the pond. They each drew a wand and went about practicing.
While the book was still secured in Kiamo Ko, Glinda remembered the spells. She tutored Elphaba and soon both witches were very proficient. Now they competed against each other to test their command. Elphaba almost always started with a strong water burst which Glinda would transform into a mist or snow, as she favored combining water and air magic. Elphaba would either blow the mist away or melt the snow in her usual unsubtle fashion. After a few minutes, Elphaba began to cancel Glinda's spell as she wove them. Glinda huffed in frustration.
"That's cheating, Elphie!" she pouted, and Elphaba just laughed.
"I guess you're right?"
"What's cheating?" came a deep voice.
Both witches turned to see Fiyero coming down the walkway. He had a blanket draped over one arm and was carrying the basket in another. His usual grin was on his face. Glinda inwardly huffed.
"Elphaba is using her magic sight to unweave my spells." Glinda explained coolly, tucking away her wand. Elphaba noticed and frowned.
"I remember you saying something about that when you changed me back. Since when has Elphaba had that?" Fiyero asked.
"Since we had to go underground. An…acquaintance gifted a spell to me that let me see the magical currents." Elphaba explained.
"Ah." Fiyero replied. "Well, I don't want to interrupt you ladies, I'll just go."
"No, Fiyero, stay. I'm sure you've prepared a lovely picnic for Elphie." Glinda said
"It doesn't have to be just for her." Fiyero protested. "I didn't know you were here, but I've brought plenty of food. We can sit and relax like old times."
"Yes, please, Glin, stay." Elphaba cajoled. Glinda smiled.
"That sounds lovely." Glinda answered. "But I'm tired and not feeling well."
"Are you sure it's nothing serious?" Fiyero worried. "That last few months have been hard on you."
"Oh, nothing too serious." Glinda replied. "Just Lurline's gift."
Fiyero brow knitted. "Lurline's gift?"
"Her menstrual cycle." Elphaba helpfully supplied. Fiyero went from confused to embarrassed. Glinda shook her head softly.
"Yes. So I think I shall rest."
"Ok. I hope you feel better." Fiyero said, still trying to cover his embarrassment. Glinda smiled and turned.
"I will in a couple of days." She tossed over her shoulder, embarrassing the Vinkun prince once again.
Avaric sat in the Hall as they went through routine business. Most of the Barons were fidgeting as they knew the process of inducting new members would start afterwards. It was an exciting time as it had been almost a decade since any had been added. As routine business came to a close, Avaric stood. The Master of Ceremonies called upon him.
"Today is an auspicious day." His voice rang clear and strong through the Hall. "Today we welcome new members into this august body. I have personally examined each of their credentials and found them to be satisfactory. As such, I would hope you all join me in welcoming our new members warmly."
With a nod, the Master of Ceremonies took over. The large double doors at one end of the Hall opened up.
"Lord Marillot Tiggular." The man called out, and Fiyero's father strode the long aisle of the Hall.
The wealthiest of the new Barons, he was introduced first. There was some murmurs as he was a Vinkun, but his dress and manner spoke of sophistication. This made the Barons rest easier. As he got to the Master of Ceremonies, he took the oath of Hall. From there, he took his place in the second tier behind Avaric.
One by one, new Barons were called down the aisle. There were a few sub-chieftains of the Arjiki, and then Fiyero himself. Avaric clapped loudly for his friend as he walked with a debonair air down the aisle. As Fiyero was still (technically) Lord of Kiamo Ko, he had property enough to be inducted into the Hall. He took his seat behind his father in the third tier. The Lord of Kellswater was inducted and he sat next to Fiyero. All the new Barons (except for Fiyero's father) were seated in the third tier.
"Lady Sarima Hestan." The Master of Ceremonies called out.
There was a buzz or conversation in the Hall as the young woman walked down the aisle with her head held high. She was dressed in the current Emerald City fashion so as to fit in, but the mere fact she would be the first female ever inducted into the Hall was momentous enough, let alone her being Vinkun. Avaric had wondered what her father was getting at making her the Garamana representative.
There were a dozen more inductees from Gillikin, including Avaric's. Glinda's father, along with several other gentleman from around Frottica, were also inducted. Avaric (and therefore, Glinda) had nothing to do with it. The local Baron of Frottica simply put their names forward when he heard that the Hall would be enrolling new members. After that, the most surprising members came.
"Lord Barrington." Said the Master of Ceremonies, and the Great Bear entered the Hall, dressed in fine livery.
While in the confirmation process there had been some contention about how the Animal and his fellows came about their titles, Glinda's well-prepared argument (used by Avaric) had kept the tide in their favor. As Oz had never given back land that was taken, most of the Barons felt it victory for the Hall. The Bear Lord took his seat, and his half dozen fellows followed. As the last of the applause died down, Avaric stood again.
"I'd like to extend the Hall's fondest welcome to all our new members. It is an interesting time to be part of the Hall. We stand at a pivotal junction." Avaric said and the Hall's joyful mood slowly turned to somber. "Oz is in crisis. We are coming out of a period where tyrants ruled. The country needs direction and looks to us to give it to them. We have roads in disrepair and plagued by bandits. While we have an uneasy truce with Munchkinland, we must sct carefully there. Our current Throne Minister has given us a time limit before she leaves us to select another. And finally, we have the case of one Elphaba Thropp, who was once titled the Wicked Witch of the West."
There were murmurs again in the Hall and Avaric suppressed a smile.
"We have started heeding Oz' needs. Soldiers have been devoted to protect the roads. Trade negotiations are ongoing with Munchkinland. And the process of selecting a new Throne Minister has already started." Avaric said and there were chuckles through the Hall. "For those members who feel left out, don't be. You won't soon enough."
More laughter at that comment. Avaric allowed himself a small smile as he waited for the laughter to die down. Then, he settled his face in a look of dreadful seriousness.
"Upon the last issue, of the woman named Elphaba Thropp, so called Wicked Witch of the West, much has been debated in this house. Some rightfully remind us that she was indirectly pardoned of crimes during the first term of Glinda the Good. As such, we should leave it at that." Avaric paused and scanned the room. He held them in rapt attention. "Others state she is still a danger to Oz, and we as a body should pass a writ of execution to take care of the menace once and for all."
Avaric heard some rustling behind him and knew it to be Fiyero. He silently hoped the man would do as Avaric had suggested and stay quiet. He paused for effect, waiting for some outburst. When none came, he continued.
"Others note she is a hero to the oppressed of Oz, and ordering her execution would inflame those elements, cleaving Oz with civil war once again. Finally, a few suggest we order her execution as overture of good will to Munchkinland, as she is not in their good graces." Avaric continued, and then moved to the finale, his voice coming stronger now. "I cannot speak to the first three, as those merits will have to be decided in this Hall. However, I can speak to the last. Or rather, can have someone speak to it. I would like to yield my time to Boq Bfeeson, Interim Governor of Munchkinland."
Avaric sat as the dull roar of astonishment erupted. Boq strode in, moving down the aisle to the speaker's podium. His head was held high and Avaric was proud of the confident air he projected. The few weeks with Milla seemed to have profound effect to him, or perhaps it was the woman herself. He took his place behind the podium and scanned the crowd. Catching Avaric's eyes, he nodded.
"I am the current governor of Munchkinland." Boq started slowly, but surely. "We have heard some talk of executing Miss Elphaba Thropp as a way to gain favor with us. However, I am here to tell you that Munchkinland harbors no ill will towards Elphaba Thropp. Her sister's sins are not her sins, and no benefit will come from her end."
There were more murmurs in the Hall, but one cut through rest.
"Are we to listen to an enemy head of state? I say we seize him now." Came from the opposite of the room. Boq flinched at the words and Avaric shot to his feet.
"Shall we stoop so low?" he growled and the Hall quieted. "We are Barons of Oz. Barons of Oz! We are the best of this world! To seize a person who came under guarantee of protection would not be worthy of this Hall. Worthy of us! I would never disgrace myself with such a craven action, and I would oppose any who should think to do so. You may have forgotten what you are, but the Margreave of Tenmeadows shall never."
Avaric's recrimination rang across the silent hall. Barons who had considered it hung their head in shame. Others stared at Avaric in awe. He swelled with righteous indignation, looking every inch the lord he was. Everyone in the Hall knew from that moment on the Margreave of Tenmeadows would be always major player.
"With that, I think we should adjourn for the day." The Master of Ceremonies broke the silence. "Thank you for your words, Governor. Hall is dismissed."
Elphaba cursed as she paced the room. There had been no way to escape it, not with them here in the City. She had tried every excuse but with them dining in the Palace none would suffice. Elphaba continued cursing as Fiyero entered the room.
"Fae, it's not all that bad." He said, adjusting his jacket. Elphaba gave him an appreciative once over but continued her pacing.
"So says you. I think it is a disaster. I don't know why you agreed to this." She muttered angrily.
"Because it would break my heart if you did not see my parents?" came a gilded voice from the adjoining door. Glinda herself was in a beautiful gown, though with less pomp than her royal wear. Elphaba scowled at her but stopped in place.
"It's not your parents I'm worried about." She retorted.
"I know my father harbors some resentment towards you, Elphaba," Fiyero replied, "but I talked with him. He understands now that it was the Gale Force and not you."
"Did you tell him why?" Elphaba snapped. Fiyero's averted gaze held the answer. "I thought not."
"Look, it shouldn't be an issue." Fiyero consoled but Elphaba scoffed.
"Yeah, because shouldn't be an issue has worked so well for me in the past."
"Elphie, now you're being hurtful." Glinda chastised. Elphaba pivoted her scowl to her. "Oh, don't you turn your broody eyebrows at me. It won't work. I know you're scared since your meeting with him last time didn't go well-"
"I threatened to burn down his kingdom, Glinda." Elphaba retorted.
"You what?" Fiyero gaped.
"You were under a lot of stress as I had just be kidnapped." Glinda smoothed over. Fiyero's hand went to his eyes. "The point is you can't run from this. Now put that dress on, or we're going to be late."
"Fine. I'll go but I'm not wearing that dress." Elphaba replied resolutely. Glinda rolled her eyes.
"Lurline help me. Elphie, this is not the time to pout." Glinda admonished.
"I'm not pouting!"
"Yes, you are. Put the dress on, or else." Glinda warned. Elphaba eyebrows rose.
"Or else what, Throne Minister?" Elphaba challenged. Glinda mouth slowly morphed into a predatory smile.
"Or else I start to need the advice of my bestest and brilliantist friend to help me sort through the troubles of Oz." she finished wickedly.
"No." Elphaba gasped in horror. Glinda swooned and put a hand to her head dramatically.
"All these meetings and such tough issues! A silly woman such as myself is just overburdened by them." Glinda lamented. Elphaba's clenched her jaw.
"Fine." She growled, defeated. Glinda smiled.
"Thank you, Elphie. You are a dear." Glinda said and floated over to the green woman. She placed a kiss on her cheek (which caused Elphaba to tense) and then floated to Fiyero. "Come, let her have some privacy. Five minutes, Elphie, and call if you need help with anything."
With that, the two left Elphaba room. Staring at the black but elegant dress, the green woman sighed as she wondered how she had lost the upper hand when dealing with her oldest friend.
"Momsie! Popsicle!" Glinda squealed as the two were announced. She rushed to them but a click of her mother's tongue slowed and brought grace to the movement. As Glinda kissed her mother and father in welcome, Elphaba and Fiyero joined them.
"Miss Elphaba, you are looking very nice." Larena acknowledged. Elphaba dropped her head slightly to hide a blush.
"Thank you. Your daughter forced me to wear it." She complained.
"Oh?" Larena and raised a perfectly sculpted brow in so much likeness of her daughter it unnerved Elphaba and Fiyero. "And how does anyone force you to do anything?"
"By threatening me with duties to the state." Elphaba grumbled. Both Upland women's light laughter rang through the hall. The men and Elphaba felt their spirits lift at the sound. Elphaba was slightly overwhelmed by the women's presences.
"So, Momsie, tell me all the gossip of Frottica." Glinda said but Larena slightly shook her head.
"It is not polite for a lady to gossip. But I will tell you the happenings."
"Elphaba." Vitorili said and shook her hand, then grasped Fiyero's. "Good to see you, my boy."
"Good to be back, Mr. Upland." Fiyero responded warmly. Vitorili turned back to Elphaba.
"How are you holding up in this garish place, my dear?" he asked with a hint of amusement. Elphaba sighed.
"It is very annoying, Vitor." Elphaba responded and Fiyero quirked an eyebrow. He had never been allowed such familiarity.
"You've been shown the Great Library, have you not?"
"Yes, and it is the only thing that makes it bearable. However, having to use a page to get my books is vexing. Half the time he gets the wrong one! Who could mistake A Dialogue on Animals with A Catalogue of Species!" Elphaba grumped. Vitorili smiled.
"Who indeed?" he indulged. Elphaba glared at him for the tone, but then smiled.
"So I may have been a bit hard on the boy." She conceded.
"And the rest of us." Fiyero added and Elphaba glared at him.
"How's being back in the land of the living, Fiyero?" Vitorili asked.
"Good, quite good. Though I'm still rather annoyed at this having to sleep thing." Fiyero laughed, and Vitorili joined him.
"Yes, it is rather time consuming. Your parents must be pleased to have their son back." Vitorili said. He noticed Elphaba tense up. Fiyero smiled.
"They are." He agreed.
"Am I to assume asking us here for this dinner date has something to do with your parents being in town?" Vitorili asked. Fiyero nodded.
"Elphaba is a little uneasy since her and my parents…started off on the wrong foot." He gently summarized. Elphaba snorted.
"Your father blamed me for killing you, and then I threatened to burn down his country. Both feet were wrong." Elphaba rebutted.
"Threatened to burn down his country?" Vitorili asked skeptically but amsued.
"I wasn't in a good place." Elphaba answered vaguely.
"Glinda had just been captured." Fiyero added helpfully and Elphaba threw her hands up.
"Thanks for reminding me of another failure, Yero." Elphaba snapped.
"Well, Fiyero isn't dead and you made him human so that has to count for something. And you saved Glinda so that's not an issue either." Vitorili soothed, smiling. "Besides, I'm sure Glinda was touched when she heard about your gesture."
"It was so sweet Popsicle." Glinda chimed in with a sigh.
"Great gesture. I wish some men made such." Larena agreed , giving a sly look to Vitorili. He just smiled back.
"I seem to remember some daring raids in the night to steal you away for-" he started coyly, pulling his wife close.
"That's quite enough that!" Glinda said. "I do not want to hear it."
The older couple laughed and Larena whispered something in her husband's ear. He nodded and whispered back.
"What are you two whispering about?" Glinda inquired.
"Are you sure you want to know, dear?" Larena asked.
"Never mind."
"The Lord and Lady Tiggular." A page announced, and the group turned to see Fiyero's parents enter. Fiyero's face broke out into a grin.
"Mother. Father." He greeted warmly. He shook his father's hand and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. Leading them over to the group, he began introduction. "As we can see, this is my father Chief Marrilot Tiggular and my mother, Braxiana Tiggular. As you may have surmised, this man is Glinda's father Vitorili Upland, and the mirror image her mother, Larena Arduenna Upland."
"How do you do." The couples exchanged.
Glinda stepped forward and gave both a peck on the cheek.
"It is so nice to see you again." She said sweetly. Fiyero's parent smiled at her charm.
"And you. When we heard of your safety we were relieved." Braxiana said.
"Now, dinner is waiting for us. If you remember correctly, your son hates to wait for dinner." Glinda teased.
"Hey." Fiyero protested. "I'm a growing boy."
"Takes after his father." Braxiana smiled with a light pat on her husband's stomach. He harrumphed in response. The group were led to a small dining area.
At a circular table, Fiyero parents were seated with Glinda's on their right and Fiyero on their left while Glinda sat next to Fiyero and Elphaba sat next to Vitorili. The food started to be placed; naturally Glinda saw to it that there was some vegetarian options for Elphaba.
"So, gentleman, how do you find the Hall of Approval?" Larena asked.
"Interesting." Marrilot replied. "I thought it would be more sophisticated, but politics seems to be the same everywhere."
"Too true." Vitorili agreed. "Interesting, though, that one of the Vinkun tribes sent a woman as their representative. Pardon my memory, but which one was it?"
"Garamana." Fiyero supplied.
"Thank you. Do you know her?" Vitorili asked.
"In passing. Her name is Sarima." Fiyero answered. Elphaba gasped and began choking on her salad. Vitorili gave her several pats on the back and offered her water.
"Are you okay, my dear?" he asked.
"Fine…thank you." Elphaba said. "Surprising that she should be here."
"Not such." Glinda countered before any of the Tiggulars could ask a question. "She was raised as a diplomat."
"You met her?" Fiyero asked, his voice slightly higher. Elphaba turned a predatory smile on him.
"Oh yes, on our way down the Kells." Elphaba answered.
"A charming girl, very well spoken and learned; would make someone a great wife." Glinda twisted the knife deeper. Fiyero paled and the Tiggulars look slightly abashed.
"Well, actually, she was supposed to be Fiyero's wife. They were engaged." Braxiana dropped gently. It was the Uplands' turn to look mildly uncomfortable.
"As well they know." Fiyero accused glaring. The smiles from the two witches were the same of mock innocence. Elphaba even bat her eyes at Fiyero the same way Glinda did.
"But we broke it off when Glinda got engaged to Fiyero." Marrilot explained. "Speaking of which, what's the plans on that?"
Fiyero bumbled and tipped his water glass while Elphaba went a slight lighter shade of green. Glinda kept her poise (naturally).
"Fiyero and I talked. After our long absence from each other, we've decided it best if we part as good friends." Glinda lied.
"Really?" Braxiana asked.
"Oh yes. Our lives simply grew differently and so did we." Glinda explained.
"Did you find someone else, Fiyero?" Marrilot asked just as Fiyero was taking a sip of water. His coughing fit let Glinda continue her charade.
"I'm not certain. If it true, she must be bewitching." Glinda finished. Elphaba shot her a dark look.
"And how about you, my dear? Hopefully not a spinster life of politics." Braxiana inquired.
"No, no. Nothing such as that." Glidna said, hands up. "After the Hall picks the new minister I am done for good."
"Perhaps to pursue your swashbuckler?" Fiyero revenged. Glinda faltered for a moment.
"What?" she asked.
"You know; the swashbuckler." Elphaba chimed in. "Medium height, fast sword, annoying flair for the dramatic."
"I do not know what you are talking about!" Glinda protested. "I haven't seen that man in…in…some weeks. And I'd hardly call standing in the middle of a crowd seeing him!"
"Oh, was that the new General of the Home guard?" Braxiana asked and Glinda stifled a cry of exasperation.
"Definitely not! He is much too young for me." Glinda protested. "No, the man they are speaking of is an acquaintance of ours who helped us out of a tight spot in the City, and Elphaba while coming into the City."
"Yes, a man named Duran." Elphaba teased. "He seemed to take a shine to Glinda."
"While he may be…charming, I make it a habit to stay away from charming men." Glinda replied haughtily. Vitorili's grin spanned his face while Larena nodded in approval.
"Good work, darling." Larena agreed. "You know what I say about charming men."
"We get much we shouldn't." Vitorili added with a wink to Fiyero and Marrilot. Both men laughed.
"And besides, we were quite busy. I said barely two sentences to the man before he disappeared." Glinda continued.
"And we thank you for it Glinda." Braxiana said. "It is nice to have our Fiyero returned to us."
"I could not have done it without Elphaba." Glinda replied. Braxiana dipped her head in acknowledgement.
"Well, it is nice for her to give something back." Marrilot mumbled.
"Without her, Father, I wouldn't be alive." Fiyero retorted harshly. Both men gave hard stares to the other across the table.
"You wouldn't have been in that mess to begin with except for her." Marillot countered.
"We wouldn't be where we're at if it wasn't for her." Fiyero responded, voice growing louder. "The Wizard would still be around, and we know how well that was going for us."
"Gentlemen, please." Vitorili's firm voice cut in. "Let the past be the past. We come together now with high hopes for the future."
"Quiet, dears." Larena whispered to Glinda and Elphaba. "Let Vitorili handle this. Men feel less…jilted when corrected by another man instead of a woman."
Elphaba scoffed in disgust but did as Larena suggested. The elder Upland caught Braxiana's eye across the table and the two shared a knowing smile.
"My apologies." Replied Marrilot stiffly. "I don't take lightly threats to my kingdom."
Fiyero opened his mouth to speak but Vitorili cut him off.
"And yet your kingdom has done nothing but flourish. You, your son, and your retainers now have a seat in the Hall."
"Only thanks to Glinda."
"And yet my daughter is only here due to Miss Elphaba's assistance. As you were aware when she made those threats against your kingdom. However it is viewed, Kiamo Ko is still your son's estate and part of yours. So nothing has been taken, and much granted, in this situation. Something a great king such as you should be aware of." Vitorili summed up smoothly. Marrilot scowled in acknowledgement, but the mood seemed to ease.
"You should get used to the idea of seeing her, Father," Fiyero jumped in, "for after all of this is over I will bring her to Kiamo Ko with me."
The cries of surprise came from around the entire table, but one drowned them all out. It held anger.
"What do you mean, take me to Kiamo Ko?" Elphaba growled. Fiyero looked at her, unsure at her tone.
"I mean I was going to ask you to come with me. Kiamo Ko is the only home you have left now. The only place you'll be safe." Fiyero explained urgently.
"And what if I didn't want to run away to Kiamo Ko with you, hm?" Elphaba drilled. Fiyero blanched.
"It's the only place you'll be safe in Oz."
"You mean safe with you! I don't need your protection, Fiyero!"
"That's not what I mean, Fae! I only meant-"
"To steal me away and keep me in your hand. What I'll do is my decision!" Elphaba snarled, banging her hands against the table and standing up. Her chair clattered to the floor. "I apologize, but I've seemed to have lost my appetite."
"Fae, wait…" Fiyero tried but she was already striding out of the room.
"You! Take me back to my room." She yelled at a guard. He stared at her, bewildered, and she snapped her finger at him. "NOW!"
The man jumped and moved to the green woman's side. The last image they had was her stalking from the hall.
"Brilliant, Fiyero." Glinda muttered. He whipped his head around at her.
"How was I supposed to know she'd react like that?" he bit back. Glinda's anger flared, spurred on by something else.
"Because you know her! She hates having decisions taken from her. Hell, her biography could be called Men Dictating My Life: From Caretaker to Wicked Witch. She's been free of that for almost seven years now, and she'll die before she goes back." Glinda retorted, and could not help but add, "I thought you learned that much with those years with her."
"That's enough." Larena's gentle voice cut the air. "Everything is a bit emotional right now due to the current situation. I'm sure when she calms down Elphaba will see the offer for what it was meant. However, it would be a waste to let it ruin the night. Let us continue getting acquainted, since I have the feeling we will be seeing much of each other in the future."
There was a distant rumble in hall. Marillot looked up.
"Thunder?" he proposed. Vitorili smiled.
"If I am right, it might be a vase." He said.
"At the least." Glinda agreed.