Title: Sister-At-Arms
Author: Angel Leviathan
Disclaimer: Wicked, characters, concept, etc, aren't mine.
Rating: PG
Notes: Bookverse. Just something that came to mind
when Nessa mentioned a meeting with an ambassador
from the Glikkus. And, since most people seem to
think my Wicked fics are Elphaba/Glinda, I thought I might as well try and write it
that way on purpose.
-
“Who of your family do you believe they are…studying…shall
we say?”
“My eldest daughter has been aware of being followed. She’s almost due to go up
to Shiz, you see, and has been doing the necessary
shopping in the
“Ah yes…” Nessarose nodded. “Her cousin once
removed.”
“I foolishly thought she might be safer with her, for a short while,” the lady
ambassador replied. “My cousin, being not particularly politically minded, has
never voiced a definite opinion on the status of Munchkinland
or the Glikkus. I suppose it doesn’t affect her,
living in the City for most of the year as she does…”
“But?” Nessa pressed.
“But now my cousin decides to develop a backbone and state that she cannot risk
her reputation being tainted by association with those who support the Glikkus’ seceding… She says that she has to remain
impartial, for the good of us all. She has sent my daughter away,
and back to me, where her safety is by no means guaranteed,” the woman paled at
the thought of losing her daughter, though her features remained stern.
“My dear, your daughter will be an easier target at Shiz,
so the longer you have her at your side, the better. Can you not send her into
hiding? And have these agents not begun to investigate your cousin also?”
She nodded, “I can send her into hiding, but it would be most traumatising for
her, and her sisters. As for my cousin, she implied that agents from the same
source have been trailing her since word was sent of my daughter joining her.
My understanding is that her husband has…money, perhaps not influence, but
enough to pay-“
“Pay them off, yes, I believe he does. It wouldn’t do for Lady Glinda’s life to be placed in jeopardy,” Nessa mused.
“But she is perfectly happy to endanger the rest of her family-“
“Extended family,” the Eminence corrected. “And, since you both married into
the positions you have now, neither of you have your first duty owed to the Arduennas any longer. In fact, considering where your duty
does lie, I imagine that you owe nothing to each other either. Politics takes
precedence over familial matters.”
The ambassador raised an eyebrow, “Speaking of familial matters; did I hear one
of your maids addressing a woman in this house by the name of Miss Elphaba?”
“You did. My sister.”
“…I wonder if it is the same Miss Elphaba that
Lady Glinda used to…speak of…”
Nessarose narrowed her eyes, “Most likely. We were at
Shiz together. They were great friends.”
“Friends indeed… I believe I heard dear Glinda
sobbing for an ‘Elphie’ the night before her
wedding…”
The Eminence practically jumped to her feet, “As we have agreed: you protect my
interests and I’ll protect yours. If the Glikkus
chooses to secede, you have my support and as many military men as I can spare
to come to your defence.” She angled herself closer to her guest, “…Will you be
telling Lady Glinda that a Miss Elphaba
is alive and well? That you have seen her and know her location?” she demanded.
The ambassador almost shivered, hiding her reaction by sweeping her blonde hair
back, “Protect my daughter and the Glikkus,” she
stated. “Protect my family,” she glared up into Nessa’s
dark eyes, “And Miss Elphaba who?”
Nessarose slowly sat back down, “Good,” she smiled,
cruelly. “Let’s keep it that way.”
As long as she could eke out the crippling anger she still felt for her sister
with little jabs, little stabs she would never see, the Eminence of the East
knew she might never have to show such anger to Elphaba’s
face.
And, if she could break her heart without her ever knowing it was broken…then…well…she
would know exactly what she had felt ever since the day she had abandoned her.
Fin