Thank you to LillyFae for reviewing. I'm glad I got you conflicted; it's supposed to make you feel such. And don't worry about the male thing. I'm used to it. And thank you for your compliments on the writing.

Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. And yes, very awkward.

Thank you to chinaluv for reviewing.

Thank you to RavenCurls for reviewing. Fiyero isn't very smooth sometimes. Also, when would they find out about Sarima?

Thank you to nursejoy7 for reviewing. Gelphie will come back sometime.

Thank you to byalencar for reviewing. Glinda in Wicked (the musical) is very young and such her personality has yet to mature. In the book she has more to her, as she somehow steps into the position of Throne Minister to everyone's surprise. However, I feel that Glinda after Elphaba's death is in a slow retreat from the world as she can't bear it. I didn't know her history in the Oz books, however. Thank you for informing me.

Thank you for your patience. I was trying to finish up the story in two chapters, but that once again didn't happen. This is about one third of the chapter I have (and still am) writing. I felt I should give you all something.

As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and critiques are welcome.

1/20/14

"Honey, is there something going on between you and Elphaba?" Larena asked as she walked with her daughter in the covered gardens. They had seen three Tiggular's off (Fiyero was spending more time with his parents) and decided not yet to retire afterwards.

"I don't, Momsie." Glinda sighed, exasperated. "By the way, where is Popsicle?"

"He went to go see after Elphaba." Larena explained. "What do you mean you don't know?"

"I mean, I don't know!" Glinda pouted. "She's uncomfortable around me anymore. I can't compliment her or touch her affectionately without her becoming a statue; not mentioning the mess she becomes if I'm ever not completely dressed. It hasn't been this bad since school."

"Is it something to do with Fiyero? By his admission tonight it seems he doesn't know about the two of you."

"I think it does, but maybe not him specifically. I mean, we've never actually talked about what happened. Fiyero is being…well, Fiyero. Kind, good natured, overprotective. At first, she was more relaxed around me than Fiyero, but now she's tense around us both. Oz forbid when we're all in the same room, and giving her the slightest bit of attention. She turns into a quivering mess!"

"Does she still love him?"

Glinda made a very unlady like noise.

"I don't know." She confessed. "Maybe? Probably?"

"Does she still love you?"

"I don't know!"

"Then it seems that is the issue, dear. Miss Elphaba most likely hasn't figured it out herself. You two need to, for your own sakes."

"But Momsie, they could order her execution any day now! I couldn't bear it if our last days together were a waste and because of this mess."

"Could you bear it if she went to the grave without this resolved?"

Silence hung between Upland women. Glinda knew her mother was right but could not bring herself to admit it out loud. Larena knew her daughter understood, but could not make herself twist the knife more to spur her daughter to action. Instead she said,

"This is not like you, my daughter. You also seem less…magnified. Are you feeling well?"

"To be fair, Momsie, I am not. I've been tired lately, and my stomach hasn't been cooperating."

Larena raised a perfectly sculpted brow.

"There isn't the possibility of being with child, my dear?"

Glinda recoiled in shock.

"No, Momsie, there isn't! I haven't been with a man since…since…Oz, since Fiyero!"

"I had to ask daughter. I did not know if perhaps in your revelry you expanded your fun."

"No. Besides, I had my monthly visit not long ago."

"I see."

"Momsie, am I too old to go home with you and crawl into bed?"

"Of course not, my dear. Your bed will always be there. However, you will have to go to school on Monday."

The two blondes laughed at that and continued their walk in a merrier mood.

Vitorili knocked on the door to Elphaba's room. As he waited for a response, he gave a small nod to the guard in the hallway. As the Palace gossip mill was still very quick, the man knew Vitorili for an old guard and gave him a respectful nod in return. Vitorili waited for a few more moments before knocking again.

"Go away, Glinda, I don't want to talk." Came a growl from the other side.

"Wrong Upland, Elphaba." Vitorili replied confidently. There was a sound of feet and the door jerked open.

"Vitor." Elphaba said, surprised. "What brings you here?"

"I've come to see how you are."

"As you heard, I don't want to talk about it." Elphaba growled but did not shut the door.

"Then let's talk about something else."

Elphaba sighed but turned to move further into the room. Vitorili followed, shutting the door behind him. Elphaba raised an eyebrow.

"Should I be worried? I've been warned against charming men." Elphaba inquired.

"You caught me. I've actually come here to seduce you." Vitorili replied with a straight face. Elphaba snorted.

"As if that would be the case."

"Perhaps if I was younger. I hear you have quite the appeal."

"I don't know how."

"Enough of this self-deprecating talk. We'll also avoid whatever is going on between you, Fiyero and my daughter. What else is bothering you?"

"Does it need to be anything else?" Elphaba shot back.

"No, but there is something."

Elphaba sighed and sat down on her bed. Vitorili sat next to her.

"Is it the situation with the Hall of Approval?" he asked. Elphaba did not look at him but looked towards the floor.

"No, not really. I'm used to the threat of people trying to kill me." Elphaba laughed darkly. Vitorili's lips pressed to a thin line. "I'm actually more worried about if they let me go."

"Why?"

"I don't know what I'd do. I mean, my entire life I've been forced to do something; to be someone. From school to Wicked Witch to a farmer in Ev, I've never had an open choice. If I'm finally cleared, I can do anything."

"And that scares you?"

"Yes! I mean, what will I do with my life?"

"Who says you have to do anything?"

Elphaba glared at him, though there was a hint of smile on her lips.

"Vitor, be serious."

"I am. Who says you have to do anything? Plenty of wealthy do nothing with their lives. The Barons in the Hall, for example."

"Except I'm not a rich noble. My family's money came from being in charge of Munchkinland. I've been using Glinda's money since I've returned."

"Not true. You've plenty of investments; enough to hold you over for the rest of your life without having to work a single day."

"What?" Elphaba gasped. "Since when?"

"Glinda didn't tell you?" Vitorili asked.

"No." Elphaba asked suspiciously.

"Your family did receive a stipend and other benefits of being a head of state; however, they also had large wealth of their own. When you sister passed away, she left the money to you."

"I didn't know that. Oh Nessa…" Elphaba gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Vitorili wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"I'm assuming you didn't know as the assets were frozen since you were an enemy of Oz. However, Munchkinland would not let the Wizard seize the assets as it would be an affront to their noble family, whether they liked your family or not. This went on until you died and Glinda became Throne Minister. Your death and pardon unfroze the assets, and your will…"

"Passed everything to Glinda." Elphaba said as realization dawned on her. Vitorili nodded.

"Exactly. My daughter called me in to manage the new funds. I didn't understand at the time why she wanted me to keep them separate from her own. Now I know it was because she was waiting until you could claim them yourself."

Elphaba stood and walked towards the center of the room, running her hands over the top of her head. Vitorili stood but made no move towards her. After a few moments, Elphaba turned.

"How much, exactly?" Elphaba asked slowly.

"Enough to get you a seat in the Hall of Approval if you so wanted. You'd be a lower tier Baron, such as myself, but there it is."

"Why didn't Glinda tell me?" Elphaba asked almost to herself. Vitorili shrugged.

"Most likely my daughter had not found the opportune moment. Transferring that much money to another person would raise a few flags; especially since that person is supposed to be dead."

"Vitor, how much money is it compared to your daughters? I mean, I've been living off of her for a while, and she said she didn't have all that much money when I got here, so I was hoping-"

"My daughter has quite enough for herself." Vitorili cut off Elphaba's rambling gently. "I love my daughter, and she is good at many things, but money is not one of them. She is quite wealthy; on par with the Margreave of Tenmeadows, in fact. She just doesn't understand how one grows money through investments and business; she thinks you constantly have to be bringing in new money."

"And you've done that for her?"

"I've done that for the both of you. Diversification, smart investments, and proper management have let me increase both of your holdings sizable amounts."

"And what do I owe you? I know most stock managers take a cut."

"I'm hurt." Vitorili replied and put on a similar expression. "I'd never take a cut from family."

"Thank you."

"Besides," he said, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I find it fun. My own work is boring now. That happens when you pick and train the right people."

Elphaba laughed at that and so did he.

"But back to the original question: what do you want to do with your life?" he asked.

"I don't know. I've never had so many opportunities." Elphaba replied.

"While that can be frightening, you have been given more than most and have an obligation to make the most out of it."

"I will." Elphaba said. Covering the distance between them, she gave him a long hug. "And thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Good morning, Glinda." A voice said. Glinda jumped.

"Pfannee! You scared me." Glinda gasped. Pfannee pulled back her hood and the golden blonde could see the other was smiling.

"Sorry. Old habits."

"I didn't here you announced."

"I wasn't. I'm supposed to be unseen; secret. Kind of defeats the purpose if I am announced." Pfannee joked. Glinda laughed at that.

"Too true. So, I have a question for you, Miss Pfann." She said as she led the other woman to a pair of comfortable chairs.

"What is that?" Pfannee asked as sitting.

"What do you plan to do now?"

"Well, that depends on you."

"Me?" Glinda's brows rose.

"Yes."

"And why would that be?"

"I have sworn myself to your service as your adept. As such, I am at your command."

"I don't believe my life is that complicated to need agents such as yourself."

There was a long pause as the two women stared at one another. Then,

"Ok. That may not be true." Glinda smiled abashedly. "However, I'd much rather have a friend I can rely on than someone to control."

"What's the difference?" Pfannee asked and Glinda recoiled. Before she could answer, Pfannee continued. "A friend does things for you because they feel some loyalty because of something you've done for them. An agent does something for you because you can reward or punish them. The only difference is the currency paid in."

"That's a very jaded view." Glinda rebutted coldly.

"And yet accurate."

"Even such," Glinda continued, still cold, "what would you do if I released you from my service?"

"Same as now." Pfannee replied evenly. "I cannot exactly go and marry the woman I want. I have neither the station nor the wealth to buy her from her current bondage."

"I see." Glinda said slowly.

Glinda steepled her fingers and her eyes glazed over. After a few long moments, she stood and walked away from Pfannee. Unsure of Glinda's intent, Pfannee stood also. Before she could follow, Glinda turned.

"Perhaps you are right." Glinda said distantly, not looking at her quite yet. "Perhaps I still do need your services."

"What are you thinking?" Pfannee asked. Glinda finally looked at her and Pfannee shivered. Her blue eyes had turned to ice.

"Do you know of any other agents?"

"Of course."

"Good." Glinda said and motioned for the woman to follow her. The Adept fell in step. They moved through the Palace in silence with Glinda nodding to the guards they passed. Finally, they came to the covered garden. As they began to walk, Glinda spoke in low tones.

"I want you to gather them and bring them to the Palace for a meeting. Can you do it within the next couple of weeks?"

"Yes." Pfannee replied. "But it will require some funds."

"I'll supply them." Glinda said, but quickly added, "From my own purse, of course."

"Of course." Pfannee said.

"Bring them to me so I can interview them and see which to keep. I am guessing many are exploited women like yourself."

"To a one."

"Bring them to me, and I'll give them the same decision I offered you. Continue in my service or go free."

"Of course, My Lady."

Glinda shot her an inquisitive look but did not comment.

"Afterwards, I want you to take the summer off. Go woo Shenshen with trips and chocolates, or whatever she prefers. I'll give you a stipend."

"You're too generous, My Lady."

"It will be for your service, and because we were once, and yet may be again, friends." Glinda said.

"And afterwards?"

"I hear that the sorcerer instructor at Shiz is not quite up to par." Glinda abruptly changed topic. Pfannee followed.

"Miss Greyling? I hear she can't tell one end of a wand and from another."

"It's quite depressing to see the program fall so far. And Oz needs sorcerers."

"That is true, My Lady."

"As the Throne Minister it is my job to make sure that such deficiencies are corrected, is it not Miss Pfann?"

"It is, My Lady." Pfannee replied, now following her. Glinda stopped and turned to the woman.

"Could I trouble you to take over for our beleaguered Miss Greyling?"

"If that is My Lady's wish, I shall do so."

"Considered it my wish. I shall have the appropriate documentation by the time we meet again."

"Of course, My Lady."

"Pfannee?" Elphaba's voice came. She was rounding the corner. "What are you doing here?"

"I invited her to…sort some things out." Glinda answered. Elphaba's eyes narrowed.

"Things?" she questioned, voice deep and menacing.

"Some messes Morrible left." Glinda replied vaguely. "What are you up to?"

"I was practicing but was coming to get you for our daily practice."

"How fortunate." Glinda said with a smile. "Pfannee is a quite capable duelist, and we have gotten in a rut sparring each other. She can join."

"Are you sure?" Pfannee asked. "She's a bit out of my league."

"It will be good practice for you." Glinda encouraged. "And Elphaba isn't used to your…unconventional style."

"If that's what's you wish."

"It is."

Pfannee drew her wand from a pocket and shed her cloak. Elphaba drew her own.

"Now play nice." Glinda warned as she turned to go. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

As Glinda left she heard shouts and the crack of spells colliding.

Shouts filled the Hall of Approval as voices challenged each other for prominence. Avaric watched as the yelling men shook fists and hurled insults at each other. He sat calmly, a bastion of peace in the tempest. However, he knew his inactivity could not last much longer. But how could he turn the division to unity; the order to chaos. Better yet, how could he turn it to his advantage?

The subject was, of course, what to do with Elphaba Thropp. With her new supporters a writ of execution was firmly off the table. Instead of calming her hunters, every action taken had increased their fevered pitch. Now they were hell bent on tearing apart the whole Hall if it could get their way. Avaric remembered horror stories from his father about nobleman fighting nobleman, and clashes between hired thugs in the streets. If it were to erupt into violence, Oz would soon follow.

Avaric finally stood. The Master of Ceremonies beat his staff against the ground, trying to call for silence. It did to rise above the din. Avaric glanced toward his retainers (Barons in his service), and they began to stomp their feet as one. The rhythmic thunder eventually caught the attention of the Hall, and it began to quiet.

"Elphaba Thropp," he started slowly, but clear, "is a member of the Thropp lineage of Munchkinland. The sole surviving member of a clan that has served Oz loyally for countless generations. Her family was in the Hall of Approval when it was merely a council of esteemed men; before this building, and even before the Emerald City."

Avaric looked around. He had their attention now. The Barons could never resist a story about the Hall as it was, essentially, a story about themselves.

"Her family served loyally through her grandfather, her father, and to even her sister Nessarose. For let us not forget, whatever we may think of that woman, she held Munchkinland close to Oz during those last troublesome years of the Wizard."

"The nobles of Oz have had to fight for their rights; to tear them from the grasp of petty kings of the countries and even from the Ozmas themselves. The Hall of Approval was one such concession; to give us a chance to steer Oz for greater glory. Other rights protected us from unjust reprisals and prosecutions. That is what I invoke."

Avaric stopped a moment to judge the crowd. They were hanging on every word.

"This body cannot decide one what Elphaba Thropp is. Hero? Villain? Danger? Asset? And frankly it never will. This body is too caught up on how it feels about Elphaba Thropp, on what preconceived notions it has thrust upon her, good or ill. And that is why we must remove the decision from our hands. Make it unbiased."

Avaric paused for effect. Everyone in the Hall knew what was coming now. They just dared not think he suggest it.

"I make a motion for Elphaba Thropp to be tried in the Exemplar's Court to determine whether she still presents a danger to Oz. An unbiased examination of her life will be given, with witnesses presented for both sides and cross-examined. As it is the highest court, the truth spell shall be used to ensure propriety is maintained. At the trial's conclusion, the judge shall pass sentence. I will see a division in this House immediately."

"Those who agree will pass to my left." The Master of Ceremonies called. "Those who disagree will pass to my right."

"What do you think you're doing!" hissed Fiyero from behind him. Avaric turned.

"Saving Elphaba's life." Avaric replied quietly as the Barons began to shuffle by.

"She was perfectly fine." Fiyero retorted.

"Not unless she wanted a knife in the ribs." Avaric replied calmly. "Those men will never let it lie so long as there is no judgment. As there is no chance of her being exonerated by this Hall, this is the only way. If she is cleared then they will not think of reprisal."

"And if she isn't?" Fiyero asked. Avaric was quiet for a moment.

"If she isn't, the Vinkus is far enough away to from grasping hands." Avaric replied, and then stared at Fiyero. "Fiyero, this needs to pass. More importantly, you must be seen as engaging in the politics of the City. Otherwise you and the rest of the Vinkuns will be ostracized in the Hall."

"Damn you." Fiyero hissed, but led the Vinkuns to the left.

"If it were possible, I've done so long ago." Avaric replied quietly. There was no hint of emotion in his voice.

"A trial, Avaric?" Glinda exclaimed. "What made you think that was a good idea?"

She, Avaric, Fiyero, and Elphaba where standing in a side receiving room. None thought to sit in the plush green chairs.

"As I explained to Fiyero, it was the only way out of this mess. The Hall would not pass writ of exoneration." Avaric answered calmly. Glinda shot him a hard look.

"They would if you threw all your weight behind it." Glinda retorted. When Avaric opened his mouth to reply, Glinda cut him off. "Don't tell me otherwise. I know you have enough political clout to make it happen."

"I am the Margreave of Tenmeadows, Glinda," Avaric countered coldly, "not one of your lackeys. I do what is the best for Tenmeadows; not what is best for Uplands, Thropps, or Tiggulars. Nothing shy of crowning me King of Gillikin would have me burn almost a decade of political favors for you."

Glinda glared at him but ultimately softened.

"You are absolutely right, Avaric. I apologize." She said.

"Apology accepted, Throne Minister." Avaric said humbly. "Besides, Elphaba stands a good chance of walking away from this."

"I do?" Elphaba asked. Avaric nodded.

"You've got money and power on your side, so your lawyer will be the best. The other great jurists in the City will not want to offend Lady Glinda, so the prosecution will have to make do with only a good jurist. Also, they are not sentencing on petty actions like freeing Animals, or defaming the Wizard. Not only were you cleared of that, but a trial in the Exemplar's Court for a writ of execution is concerned with treason. Destabilizing the government, coups, assassination of public officials, and destruction of public infrastructure. In your storied career, you barely even impacted the government. It would be very difficult for them to prove you are a threat."

"Thanks Avaric." Elphaba said darkly. He smiled.

"Anytime. Now, if you excuse me, I have a meeting. Gentlemen; ladies."