Chapter Text
"I've really missed you, Nanny," Elphaba said with a smile.
She and her old caregiver had spent almost two hours catching up in the family parlor. Mostly, Nanny was asking Elphaba if she still liked the foods, games, and activities she enjoyed when she was eight, and Elphaba responded to every question with a smile.
Ahni and Glinda listened with interest; Glinda loved hearing stories about "little Elphaba," and Ahni looked like she was starting to connect many dots. They hadn't seen the Eminent Thropp since he left. While Glinda liked to think it was because he was preparing his papers and notes, deep down, she knew he was probably hiding from Elphaba. She understood he was estranged from his green great-granddaughter, and since she knew the Wizard, she suspected it wasn't entirely the Munchkin leader's fault. Maybe they should've taken Nessa up on her offer to introduce them at her induction ball.
"Nanny's missed you, too, my little Fabala," the old woman smiled, gently stroking the green girl's cheek.
"Ahem."
The four women looked up at the door. The Eminent Thropp stood there with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Lunch is ready. We will start our meeting after eating." He turned and left before the women could get up.
Nanny huffed as she stood, signaling she would lead the guests to the dining room. When they arrived, the Eminent Thropp and Shell were waiting. The teenage boy was looking at his plate as if he hadn't eaten in days, greeting the women with a look of annoyed relief. The Eminent Thropp shot him a 'behave or else' look and sat down, giving the guests permission to do the same.
Conversation was minimal as they ate, but once Shell had enough food to satisfy his hunger, he turned to Glinda.
"Is it true you go to Shiz with Nessa, Glinda?" the boy asked.
"Sheltergod, have some manners. Address her properly," the Eminent Thropp frowned.
Glinda didn't mind the familiarity but recognized that the patriarch was trying to teach a lesson. She smiled kindly at Shell while waiting for the correction.
"Your Goodness," Shell corrected himself.
"I do. Or, did, rather. I graduated early to start working with the Wizard," the blonde replied.
Elphaba glanced at Glinda. If that was the answer she had decided on that made her feel better, she wouldn't say anything more.
Shell tilted his head. "Oh. You wanted to leave school to start working like a grown-up?"
"This is a dream job, Shell, and a rare opportunity." It was true that Glinda had long since come to terms with never obtaining a proper university degree, but her current benefits were starting to outweigh her complaints. She cut a piece of chicken and brought it to her lips. "I'm very happy with where I am now."
"Will you do magic? I wanna see!"
Glinda had briefed herself on the old Munchkin views about magic. The biases and fears mostly stemmed from chaotic magic that was left unchecked for too long, combined with it becoming a dormant art under the Evil King. She remembered Nessa's reaction to her accidental outburst during gym class, as well as their conversation afterward, and wondered if she told the Eminent Thropp.
"It's against the rules to do magic in someone else's home without their express permission," she said, sneaking a subtle glance at the old man.
"Give her permission, Nonno," Shell pleaded with his great-grandfather.
"Shell, we are eating," the Eminent Thropp frowned.
"But I want —"
"Sheltergod."
The boy closed his mouth. The rest of the lunch was silent. Glinda exchanged a look with Elphaba, who spent most of the meal trying to silently get the Eminent Thropp to look at her. Ahni tried to remain oblivious to the tension, while Nanny took the hint and stayed silent.
Once the Eminent Thropp finished eating, he stood. "Are we ready to proceed?"
"Yes, Your Eminence," Glinda nodded as she also stood, leaving a forkful of mashed potatoes on her plate.
He nodded and waited for the two young leaders. Elphaba nodded to Ahni, letting her know she would be fine on her own. The governess nodded and stayed with Nanny and Shell.
The Eminent Thropp led them to his office, his posture stiff as his hands remained clasped behind his back. Glinda sent a sideways glance to her companion, hoping this unpleasantness wouldn't continue into their meeting. Elphaba understood and subtly shrugged, turning just as the Eminent Thropp opened the door to his study.
"Munchkinland has been on track with our taxes and trade exports. Here are our most recent crop reports." He handed the two women a small report packet as he invited them to sit. "The only problem is that winter came earlier than expected, affecting our corn fields. Our farmers harvested what they could, but we lost over half our usual export."
Glinda looked at the packet, hoping she appeared to understand. She hadn't taken an economics class (not her fault; she had to remind herself), and didn't understand the charts and graphs before her. She made sure not to look up at the Eminent Thropp as he sat down on the other side of the desk.
"The wheat crops have been fluctuating over the last six years," Elphaba observed.
Glinda let her shoulders relax slightly. Hopefully, she could sit back a bit and let Elphaba take the lead on this.
"Yes. We've been trying to gather the funds for a new irrigation system, but the money always ends up going to more pressing matters. We've needed to repair roads, build more mail posts, and many schools needed new roofs after the rainstorm this past year," the Eminent Thropp explained.
"Have you asked for a grant from the Emerald City?"
"Munchkinland is more than capable of handling these things ourselves."
"But if you never seem to reach the financial goal needed, and there's money set aside from taxes for this, the best course of action would be to take advantage of it."
The Eminent Thropp set his face and squared his shoulders. "Asking for the grant would hurt Munchkinland's economy more than it would help."
"I don't see how."
"Perhaps we should move on," Glinda interrupted, staring at a pie chart she didn't understand.
Elphaba mirrored the Eminent Thropp's posture. "The Emerald City's job is to help the people. If the money isn't accepted, help cannot come. Your Eminence, the Wizard personally oversees —"
"The Wizard has done nothing but tear families apart!" the old man boomed, slamming his fist on his desk as he jumped up. His nostrils flared, and blood rushed to his face. Almost as quickly as his anger flared, it dissipated, and he returned to normal, as if he hadn't just lashed out at the heir of Oz.
Glinda was fighting for her life to keep her face neutral, aware that any wrong move could make the strange energy in the room worse. She focused on a spot on the Eminent Thropp's desk, finding it oddly intriguing. She dared not look at him or Elphaba, only wanting to leave. They had just begun this tour, and it was already leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
She recalled what Nessa had told her about her great-grandfather's personal disdain for the Wizard and wondered if that influenced his decision not to apply for the grant. Munchkinland wasn't struggling or in urgent need of money without the Emerald City's funding, but the grant would help with the new irrigation system to save crops during dry seasons.
She believed he didn't lash out at the Wizard's daughter, but rather at his other great-granddaughter, whom he was meeting for the first time. This was a family matter, but only because the Eminent Thropp made it one with his outburst. It wasn't meant to be. Now it was, and nothing would fix the situation until the problem was resolved.
"This has been a very informative start," Glinda spoke, struggling to keep her voice steady. She felt the tension emanating from Elphaba and knew she needed a break as much as her. "Perhaps if we take a short break, we can return with clear minds."
"We just started," Elphaba whispered, barely audible.
"I know. Maybe a change of scenery. Your Eminence, Nessa has told me how much she enjoys spending time in the mansion's vast library. Perhaps we could relocate there."
"Of course, Your Goodness," the Munchkin leader nodded, already heading for the door.
Glinda stood, grabbed the papers, and moved to follow, but paused when she took a few steps and realized Elphaba wasn't with her. She turned around and saw the princess still seated. She went back and reached out her hand.
"Elphie," she whispered.
Elphaba didn't respond. She didn't turn or acknowledge her. She simply stared straight ahead.
"Elphie, we need to follow him."
"He… hates me."
"No, he doesn't."
"Yes, he does. And I don't know why." But she did. Deep down, she believed she knew why. She just couldn't understand it. Ignoring Glinda's hand, she stood and followed her out. The family matters could wait until much later.
Sadly, it wasn't as late as she'd hoped. Portraits in golden frames lined the walls leading to the library. Most featured Nessa and Shell, with a few of an older couple she guessed were her maternal grandparents. There was one of her mother (the only reason she recognized her was from portraits her father showed her) with another woman, likely her older sister. But the last two confirmed her previous suspicion.
The first was of her great-grandfather hugging her mother. Her mother looked like her portrait, so it must have been right before her wedding. They embraced, and his cheek rested on her head. She snuggled close, grinning up at her grandfather. The Eminent Thropp smiled as if holding his most prized possession.
The second was a family photo featuring the Eminent Thropp, her grandparents, her aunt and uncle, and Nessa and Shell as children. The Munchkin ruler no longer smiled. Instead, he wore the same somber expression he had when speaking to Shell.
Then it fully clicked.
Just as her mother had been the Wizard's joy, she had also been the Eminent Thropp's. After her death, both men fell apart.
"He hates the Wizard because he married my mother, taking her away from him. And her death took her away from both of them," Elphaba said, staring at the family photo. A family photo she could have been part of if life had been different. "That's why he doesn't want anything to do with the Wizard… or me. I… I thought I would have a chance."
Glinda stopped and turned to face her. "You do, Elphie. First meetings are always tough."
She looked doubtful but let the subject drop as she stepped ahead of Glinda into the library. The Eminent Thropp was already waiting at a small, circular table. The blonde re-handed out the papers, and the meeting continued. Elphaba became quieter, letting Glinda take the diplomatic lead. They didn't bring up the Emerald City grant or anything about the Wizard for the rest of the two-hour meeting.
"Thank you, Your Eminence. This has been a very productive session," Glinda smiled, glad they all made it through without insults or magic flying across the table.
"Of course. Thank you, Your Goodness. Your Highness," the Eminent Thropp said.
"I will make sure the Wizard receives a full report."
The old man hummed and nodded, slowly pushing himself to his feet. He gave the woman a short bow before disappearing into the book stacks.
Elphaba stood and walked in the opposite direction, toward the door. She moved as fast as she could, not waiting for Glinda to catch up. The blonde didn't have to work hard to catch up, and she was walking in step with Elphaba by the time they reached the door.
"We did it. We don't have to come back here for the rest of our time in Munchkinland," she said once the library door closed behind them. She kept walking, but stopped when she didn't hear Elphaba following. "Elphaba?"
The green girl had stopped in front of the picture of her mother and the Eminent Thropp. "You go ahead, Glinda. Tell Ahni that we're ready to leave."
"Okay."
Elphaba didn't look away from the picture as she heard Glinda's retreating footsteps. Her eyes stayed fixed on her mother, looking so happy. She had now seen her look happy with the Wizard, and happy with the Eminent Thropp.
And there was no physical evidence of her being happy with her daughter. She was forced to rely on other people's words to give her stories to cling to.
"You look like your mother."
She inhaled sharply and turned. She hadn't heard or felt the Eminent Thropp come up beside her.
"Your hair falling over your shoulder like that… I almost thought you were her just now."
"Oh." She wasn't sure what to say, or what she was supposed to say.
He turned to look at the family picture on the wall, silently scrutinizing it with his hands clasped behind his back. Finally, he exhaled slowly before addressing Elphaba. "I must apologize for my outburst. It was unwarranted."
"It's alright." It wasn't, but she maintained a diplomatic tone. She was here to work, not to reconnect with her estranged side of her family.
"It's not alright. I let my personal feelings cloud my judgment." A pause, then, "Do you play chess?"
"I do," she replied, masking her surprise at the change of topic.
"Perhaps we could return to my study for a game."
She was supposed to be leaving. She had told Glinda to get Ahni. Yet now, she found herself following the Eminent Thropp back into his study. She stepped in, and noticed the chessboard was set up on the circular side table. He sat across from her, choosing the black pieces. The princess took her seat, and the game began.
"I kept a regular correspondence with Melena after she married the Wizard. She… she was my baby. I loved her with all my heart and soul. She told me everything."
"What's everything? It's just… my father rarely speaks about her."
"She wrote to me about you — just once. In her last letter to me, dated right before she died," the Eminent Thropp began. "She told me she was worried about you — that you were very ill. And she… she told me about your verdigris."
Elphaba looked up after capturing his rook with her knight. "She did?"
"She begged me not to tell a single soul, and I've honored that wish ever since. But she… she was happy in the Emerald City. And I must admit, I was upset that she was because I missed her terribly. But I never told her that. She was sweet on Oscar from the tick-tock he and his balloon crash-landed in our garden."
She had never heard that detail about her father's arrival in Oz. "He crash-landed?"
He captured one of her pawns. "He did. Made quite a mess of our beautiful garden."
Her lips quirked. "That's not in the history books."
He chuckled, a deep, comforting sound. "I wouldn't expect it to be."
They continued their game, with his stories about her mother and the rest of the Thropp family filling the silence. As they played, his posture softened, and the game turned friendly.
"I met Nessa at Glinda's induction ball," Elphaba softly admitted.
"Ah. So that's where she snuck off to." He looked at her intently. "I suspect that her invitation to the palace was your idea."
"It was my father's idea. He kept me under strict house arrest within the palace walls my entire life. He knew about our correspondence and thought inviting her to finally meet me would make me happy. Still, I did want Nessa to come to the palace. We've been secretly writing since Nanny returned here."
He nodded. "I could give you a political reason for denying the invitation, but I've shared too much for that to seem believable. If the invitation remains open, and Nessa agrees, I won't stand in the way."
"Of course. Glinda and I have the rest of our tour, but once we're back in the Emerald City, I'll work on coordinating dates."
"Fabala! There you are!"
The two turned as the study door swung open, revealing Nanny marching in like it was her office, followed by Glinda.
"We've been looking everywhere for you. The coach is waiting," Glinda said, hiding her confusion about why Elphaba no longer seemed eager to leave.
"Oh. I forgot," the princess admitted, glancing back at the chessboard — where their first and likely only game would remain forever incomplete. She rose from the table. "Thank you, Your Eminence."
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness." The Eminent Thropp nodded, rising and offering a respectful bow. "I wish you and Her Goodness a most successful continuation of your tour of Munchkinland. And thank you for the grant suggestion. I will take that into serious consideration."
She smiled slightly, and wondered if she should hug him. The one from Nessa at the ball had been awkward, but she was glad she had the chance. She looked back at the Eminent Thropp, whose warm expression from their chess game was gone, replaced by the impassive face they first saw.
The hug would have to wait, left unfinished with their game.
She nodded and left, noticing Nanny walking with her. The old woman escorted them to the carriage, where Ahni waited with the Lieutenants and Chistery.
"It was wonderful to see you again, my little Fabala. Don't be a stranger. Write more often," Nanny said, hugging Elphaba farewell. "And not just to Nessie."
"I will, Nanny," Elphaba replied, melting into the embrace.
Inside the mansion, a loud bang and a shouted, "Sheltergod!" made Nanny sigh.
"Honestly, that boy." The old woman saw them off and waved as the carriage disappeared through the gates, only returning inside once it was out of sight.
"Did the meeting turn out well?" Ahni asked.
Elphaba, assuming Glinda had briefed her, nodded. "Yes, it did."
"And you met your great-grandfather," Glinda added, "not just the 'Eminent Thropp'."
The princess's lips twitched. "I did."
The journey back was filled with pleasant plans for their remaining time in Munchkinland.
"I want to visit the Pine Barrens Apple Orchard," Glinda said. "The Wizard's packet said it's where Munchkinland's main apple exports come from."
"We have some free time tomorrow. We could go then," Ahni suggested, looking at Elphaba for approval.
"That sounds good," Elphaba nodded with a slight smile. At the townhouse, she stepped down first and faced Chistery. The Monkey looked away, pretending to be on guard. "Chistery."
The guard turned, emotionless. "Yes, Princess?"
"I'm so sorry about… the wings."
The new appendage twitched, but the Monkey's face stayed impassive. "It's okay."
"It's not. You and the other Monkey guards were in so much pain because of my mistake. I didn't realize you were in the throne room, or that I was powerful enough to cast it on those outside."
"I know Her Goodness tried to reverse it, but she said spells from the Grimmerie are irreversible."
She bit her lip. "Do they still hurt?"
He took a small step back. "Not as much."
"Chistery —"
"You'd better get inside now, Princess. Before the cold sets in."
She didn't feel cold, but knew Chistery was politely trying to stop talking to her. As much as it hurt, she understood. Feelings were still mixed, and he probably didn't want to be around her more than necessary. She went inside, where Glinda and Ahni were waiting for her in the foyer.
"I will send for dinner," Ahni said, nodding as she walked down the hallway.
Glinda looped her arm through Elphaba's. "I'm taking a nap before dinner." She gently tugged on her arm.
"What are you doing?" the princess blinked. "You said you're going to take a nap."
"I am. And you're coming with me."
"But I'm not tired anymore."
"You don't have to be. But you must run your fingers through my hair until I fall asleep."
Elphaba's head tilted, then she smirked. "I must?"
"You must. How else will I be lulled to sleep?"
Elphaba dutifully followed the blonde up to her room. She watched as Glinda shed her jacket and skirt, leaving her in just her underwear and slip. She settled onto the bed and reached out her arms, beckoning Elphaba. The green girl complied and sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Glinda into her arms. Glinda rested her head in the princess's lap, her back to her in case she decided that she wanted Elphaba to add back rubs.
Elphaba gently stroked Glinda's temple and worked her way to the back of her head, gently combing her blonde curls and tucking stray hairs behind her ear. As she caressed her, she hummed a gentle tune, feeling Glinda relax against her.
"Today was a long day," Glinda suddenly said. "And they'll only become longer with more engagements."
"Yes, and we'll have to meet more people," Elphaba replied, looking down. "Are you alright?"
"I'm exhausted, and we only had one meeting."
"It was quite... intensely tense." Glinda chuckled softly. "It was, and I imagine it'll only get more intense." She turned, stretching her neck to look into Elphaba's eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'm glad I spoke with the Eminent Thropp and heard some stories about my mother. I'm not as tired as I expected."
Glinda yawned. "We're both… determined to finish this tour successfully. I have… a feeling adrenaline will carry us through most of it. We'll just… crash once it's… over."
Elphaba smiled at the adorable sight of Glinda fighting to stay awake. "Of course, we'll get through this together."
"… Yeah. To…" Glinda said, but she fell asleep before finishing the word.
Elphaba gently adjusted her and helped her settle under the covers properly. Deciding she should also rest, she lay down beside her. It took her a moment to fall asleep, but soon she was peacefully napping with the petite blonde in her arms.