Off to Beast Forest

I yawn trying very hard not to look board. It would be rude, but the meeting’s gone on forever. The tiger on all fours, with all the usual stripes, and a lashing tail. Paces the room talking about nothing. He goes on and on about some hunting stories. That I rather think he’s exaggerating. Wearing only an open red tail coat with gold trim, and black dress shorts. Still he is the diplomat of the Beast Forest that is just outside the Capitol had sent. I try to look interested. I give up clearing my throat, and saying sweetly.

“Mr. Tiger. If we could get back to more relevant topics please.” I ask. I can feel my parents glare, and Glinda looks disapproving of my interruption, but a little relieved too. Mr. Tiger looks hurt, and offended.

“What would be a more relevant topic?” He demands though not unkindly.

“We’ll.” Nessarose chimes in. “This is a meeting. We could discuss trade. What areas need our help in the forest. All I’ve gather so far is the huntings going well. For you anyway.” She finishes a bit too harshly. The Tiger looks like he’s about to lose his temper now. Glinda gets up. She puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I would like to listen to your stories. Then we can discuss diplomatic matters.” The Tiger perks up at this. Ears that had been pointed downward flicking up. She guides him out of the room.

“Well I have this really good one about the time I fought a lion-“ The green emerald doors click shut.

“Nessarose. Elphaba honestly.” Mother chastises us.

“You need to be more polite.” Father says. They both rise from their chairs.

“We still don’t know how things are in the Beast Forest.” I call after them as the double doors once again click shut. I lean back in my chair. Nessarose gives me an exasperated shrug. It’s not Glinda’s fault we don’t blame her. It’s how she is. She’s good, and will always be good. That means she’s, kind, gentle, and moral. It also means she’s passive, and try’s very hard not hurt anyone’s feelings. So if that means listening to a tigers made up hunting stories she’ll do that. Still Glinda is a very skilled, and fair leader. Well loved by the Ozains. She does always get results, but I fear how long in this instance getting results is going to take. There are rumors the beasts in the Beast Forests have been venturing outside their forest for prey. Killing live stock in the process. Which they very well know is illegal. So there’s two options. One they’re so desperately hungry they’ve been hunting outside the forest, or two we have a pack of thieves on our hands. From what the Tiger said. It could really be ether way. Because of his lies he was no help at all. So I guess it’s up to the three of us to figure it out. Our parents were good people, but weren’t good politicians. We weren’t supposed be helping them until we turn eighteen. After they die we will be crowned Queens. I’m only sixteen. Glinda’s the only one only enough. Still I see no harm in helping out now, and then.

“I’m going out.” I tell Nessarose. She grins wickedly.

“We’re are you going?” She asks. I smile.

“I already told you sister. Out.” And shut the door behind me with a click. I feel a little bad, but quickly push those feelings aside. If I told her there’s a very good chance that ether one: she’ll tell mother and father, or two she’ll cause some unforseen trouble for me. Normally I’d be keen on telling her. That’s the sort of person she is. The type to let me make my own decisions without interference from our parents. I can tell today is not the kind of day to tell her though. She can’t help it she’s wicked, but she’s not evil. Most on the time she has some capability of good, or rather she has some sway on what evil deeds she commits. It is the same with my sister. She may be wired for good, but she can be rude and for example complain some of the time. There are limits though. I pass a group of munchkins servants. One I know tips their hat to me. I curtsy. Before entering my room I call to my assistant Meridale.

“Cancel all my meeting for this afternoon.” The monkey groans with exasperation, and flies out the nearest open green glass window. My bedroom has big double doors made of emerald, same with the floor, and ceiling. A green glass chandelier hangs from its center. The roof is like the top of a pyramid. My widows are green stained glass pieces forming no picture. My bed is made out of silver wood, with a green canopy. I change out of my layered silver dress into something more practical. A simple two layer green dress. A dark green half cloak, whose hood pull up. I then grab a wicker basket. I pack it with a map. A book on the forest, and its inhabitants. A dagger. A small glass bottle of water, and some bread and cheese. Which I put into a red cloth tying it before setting it in, and closing the lid. I put on a pair of tall black boots. With wedges to make me look taller. I take off my silver bracelets. I trade my diamond, and silver tiara for something less likely to fall off. A elven crown of silver with emerald gems. Glinda calls it my traveling-crown. I then replace my silk gloves with wool ones. Less likely to get torn. I stair at my hands a moment before putting the other pair on. I look around, but my thick green curtains are shut covering the window. The only other thing in here that isn’t green besides my furniture is the pure white brick fireplace. My hands though. They are as green as the floor. I shove the black gloves on quickly. Then put out the fire, and open the drapes back up again with a bit of magic. My grandmother used to tell my father magic was like wishing. Except people like us had a talent for making some wishes come true better than others. Moving things was easy for all three of us. For me it was fire, and psychic ability. I had seen us given the three parts of Oz long ago. For Nessarosa it’s air, and weather. Especially storms. For Glinda bubbles, and healing. Also light. These things come naturally to us. Everything else is a bit more unpredictable, I can want that carriage made of cheese as much as I please, but it’s probably not going to happen. I don’t know why. Some who wrote about magic in the old days says it’s because nothing will happen that isn’t destined too. Some say it’s because we only have the energy to do certain things at certain times. We might be able to make something appear one day, and not the other. I think the second option makes more sense. The future isn’t set in stone I’ve seen it change many times. Even if I do to some extent believe in destiny. The people of Oz believed it was our destiny to become great witches, and rule the four detections of Oz. We can’t cast spells if we’re exhausted. Whether that be from lack of sleep, running, dehydration, etc. You can’t make something from nothing. Even if it’s granting wishes. Otherwise magic is easy, and simple. The only real limit is the casters imagination. I think door open, and what I desire happens. The green doors click open.