A/N - I forgot the disclaimer in the last chapter but obviously I don't own anything you recognize. On we go!

Glinda woke with a stretch and a yawn. Sunlight was filtering in through the curtains. She realized she felt more rested than she had in a very long time. With a smile, Glinda turned to be certain she hadn't dreamed finding Elphaba but was met with an empty bed. Frowning, she sat up quickly and glanced around her surroundings.

Before panic could set in, Glinda heard the door softly open and close. She whipped her head around and pulled the sheets up to her chin, only to exhale softly as Elphaba stepped further into the room. She was already fully dressed in a simple black frock and in her hands she carried a tray seemingly with breakfast.

"Good morning Glin." Elphaba said softly, placing the tray on the edge of the bed. "I thought you might be hungry but I didn't know what you would want so I brought a few things. Nothing to match the grandeur of a Palace breakfast I'm sure though."

"Elphie. I thought I dreamed you. Are you really here? Am I really here?" Glinda said with a small laugh.

Elphaba smiled sweetly but the smile turned sad quickly. "You didn't dream this. Glinda, it's been wonderful to see you again. But you know we have to get you home soon. The Wizard will be missing you. And you of course understand that we can't afford any attention of that sort."

"I understand Elphaba." Glinda said softly with a frown. "I would never want to cause you trouble. But how am I supposed to just leave and be apart from you again? You're my best friend Elphie, my only friend."

Elphaba scooted closer to Glinda on the bed. "Glinda, how can you say that? You're the most beloved figure in all of Oz! Everyone loves you! Even members of the Resistance are impressed with you and the good things you're doing. You're surrounded by friends in the Emerald City. You just need a vacation, that's all my sweet."

Glinda met Elphaba's gaze sadly. "There will be no convincing you to let me stay will there?"

Elphaba shook her head slightly. "No, I'm sorry Glinda. It isn't safe. For anyone, especially you."

Glinda nodded and silently ate her breakfast. She longed to talk to Elphaba, about anything really, but feared the more she shared and heard, the more difficult parting would be.

When she finished eating, she readied herself for her trip home. A short time later, Elphaba appeared before her holding a black cloth in her hand and looking ashamed. Glinda cringed.

"Oh Elphaba, is a blindfold really necessary?"

Elphaba returned the cringe and looked at Glinda with a sad expression. "I'm sorry Glinda but yes. Even Fiyero insisted. There can be no chance that you could even inadvertently lead someone back here. You just need to wear it until we get far enough away and back into your familiar territory. Well, are you ready?"

Glinda nodded and silently followed Elphaba out of the room. As they neared the exit of the rundown mansion, Elphaba slowed and turned to Glinda, holding the blindfold. "I won't tie it too tight, I promise."

Glinda again said nothing as Elphaba tied the black cloth around her head. Glinda could not explain the despair that settled over her as her vision faded to black. Her hope of seeing Elphaba disappeared with her sight. Glinda felt as if she would suffocate but dared not voice her concerns. She merely clenched her jaw and fought to control her trembling bottom lip.

Glinda felt Elphaba's hand in her own as she was led out to a carriage. She felt a spark at the contact and it calmed her, even if just slightly. Elphaba helped her step inside and settled her in for the ride. With Glinda's vision obscured, Elphaba was free to let her gaze linger on the blonde. She wanted to memorize her friend's features, not daring to think when she might be permitted to see her again.

Glinda was as beautiful as ever, even if she did appear to have lost a bit of her bubbly optimism. She sat before Elphaba now, a woman, mature and seemingly world-weary but no less beautiful. Elphaba couldn't help but stare and as her eyes fell to Glinda's trembling lips and she felt her heart crack slightly. She gently placed an arm around Glinda's shoulders and leaned close to whisper in her ear.

"There, there now my sweet. Please don't cry. I don't think I could bear it if you're upset. All will be well, you'll see. Like we said, someday soon we will be sipping tea out in the middle of the City and we'll go shopping together. We'll see each other again."

Glinda sniffled softly. "Promise Elphie? Promise me you'll keep your word. We'll grow old together in the City, just like we planned back at Shiz. Promise Elphie!"

Glinda was quickly becoming more upset and was clearly struggling to maintain her composure. Elphaba clutched her hand tightly. She hated to make a promise she wasn't certain she could keep but the sight of Glinda so distraught was too much. "Of course I promise Glinda. But you also have to promise that you won't try to find me. You'll take care of yourself and keep yourself safe. Everything will work out eventually. Promise me that Glinda."

"I promise." Glinda muttered as the carriage pulled to an abrupt stop.

Elphaba reached up and pulled the blindfold off of the blonde. Tears were beginning to leak from her blue eyes and Elphaba softly thumbed them away, ignoring the sting. "Well, my sweet, this is where I leave you. The carriage will take you to the Palace. Remember, you mustn't tell anyone you saw us."

"Of course Elphie, I'd never let anything happen to you! I will see you again, won't I?"

Elphaba pulled the smaller woman into a crushing hug. "Of course you will! Take care of yourself, and stay safe. Please, for me." She pressed her lips to Glinda's forehead quickly before scurrying out of the carriage and disappearing into the growing crowd on the street. Glinda tried to keep her in her sights but just as Elphaba did so long ago when she left Glinda in the Emerald City the first time, she was quickly swallowed up and out of sight.

Glinda sighed deeply and settled back into the carriage for the remainder of the ride home. When the carriage pulled up to the Palace, she exited and the driver pulled off without a word. Glinda turned and made her way up the green marble stairs and prepared herself to offer up a decent excuse for her whereabouts. She needn't have bothered however, as she made her way to her quarters without a passing glance from anyone.

xxxxx

In the weeks that passed, Elphaba again threw herself into her work. They were in the process of relocating a displaced family of Badgers and were currently hiding the family in an abandoned shop not far from their headquarters. Every morning and evening, she and Fiyero would slip out to tend to the family and be certain they were comfortable and had plenty of supplies. Until they heard back from their contacts about a secure placement, they were unable to move the family. The time in limbo had all involved growing uneasy.

Back at the mansion, Elphaba was pacing while Fiyero watched her concerned. "Elphaba, what's troubling you? You've seemed uneasy since Glinda was here. Wouldn't you like to talk about it?" Fiyero reached out and placed a hand on Elphaba's arm and pulled her closer to him.

Elphaba sighed and let herself be pulled to his chest. "I'm just worried. I don't know why. Quillian is becoming restless and wants to move quickly. It is his operation but I fear trouble if we're too hasty. And I'm worried about Glinda. I can't help it."

Fiyero nodded and stroked her back gently. "I know you're worried about her. But we've all seen the papers; she's fine. Still making her grand speeches and raising everyone's spirits. She even founded a new school in the eastern district. Glinda can take care of herself Elphaba. It's you I worry about." He ended softly.

Elphaba pulled back slightly and looked up into Fiyero's face. She couldn't help the smile she felt growing. "You're sweet to me Yero. But you needn't worry about me either. I'm fine. You take good care of me."

"I want to you know. Take care of you. Elphaba, how long are you going to keep me waiting? I love you. I'm in love with you and have been since we were schoolmates. Marry me? Or at least, let me love you. Please."

Elphaba sighed and stepped away from Fiyero. "Fiyero, we've been through this. You're already promised to another, or already married for all I know! I won't be some dirty little secret. I won't be the other woman Fiyero, I won't! Besides, you know I care for you, but I just can't be certain of my own feelings. I'm too much of a liability. I'd only hurt you."

"You say that, but you could love me Elphaba if you would just let yourself! Just say you'll think about it. Consider my offer, please?" Fiyero stepped close to her again and gripped her shoulders forcing her to face him. "Please? We're good together; you know that. Remember that night we were trapped by the rainstorm in the cave after getting the Bear Cub back to his family? I seem to remember we kept each other warm quite well."

Fiyero had wrapped his arms around her thin form and was speaking into her ear softly. He tilted her head up and pressed his lips to hers. When she didn't push him away he attempted to deepen the kiss. Elphaba felt her arms snaking around Fiyero's waist before she caught herself and ripped herself away from him.

"No. Fiyero, I can't. That was before I knew of your pending nuptials. And you should have told me by the way. I'm sorry Fiyero, but I just can't." Elphaba turned and walked toward the door with her head held high.

Fiyero called after her. "I love you Elphaba. And I'll wait for you."

Elphaba stopped at the door and glanced back just briefly and met his eye. She smiled sadly before exiting and heading to her own room.

xxxxx

Glinda stood on the balcony of her room overlooking the City. The moon and stars cast a soft glow over the buildings and the street lamps cast shadows over the streets. It was well into the early morning hours but Glinda found herself unable to sleep. It seemed sleep had evaded her since that night with Elphaba.

Her thoughts were constantly plagued with the green woman. Was she safe? Was she taking care of herself? Was she with Fiyero?

Glinda couldn't understand why the thought of Elphaba and Fiyero together gave her such a sense of sadness. She loved them both dearly and wanted them to be happy. But not together. Glinda hated herself for begrudging their happiness if they were indeed together.

Glinda would lie awake at night thinking of the night she spent with Elphaba in the Resistance headquarters. It was the closest she had been to her friend in almost three years. She could still smell the bathing oils that Elphaba had used. From there, Glinda would begin to think of other things involving Elphaba, things she was embarrassed to acknowledge but was unable to dispel.

As her thoughts again returned to Elphaba; Glinda shuddered and stepped in from the balcony. She thought back to the many men who requested her presence and seemed to wish to pursue her. They barely held her attention past their introductions. Oh some were very handsome and would be considered excellent prospects but Glinda simply could not summon the interest. Try as she might, her feelings for Elphaba and the new, but not unwelcome thoughts, would not go away. She did not understand them but she did not wish them to fade either.

Only Elphaba made her feel hope, that she was capable of actually accomplishing something with her life. Here in the City, Glinda felt alone and was constantly questioning herself and those around her. She knew the Wizard was unjust but was too afraid to stand against him. Her fear disgusted her. If she could only have Elphaba's strength and resolve. Glinda could join Elphaba and they could work together. Then, perhaps she would earn the right to love Elphaba. And possibly be loved in return.

Glinda caught herself. Love? She thought. Am I in love with Elphaba? Of course I love her, but am I in love with her? "Oz, I'm so confused!" Glinda exclaimed in frustration. She was certain there was no point in attempting to sleep and she did have a public appearance later in the day that Glinda decided she should begin preparing for. She began to ready herself for her day, thoughts still riddled with the green woman.

Glinda knew she needed to see Elphaba again. And so, there as the early morning sun peeked over the horizon, Glinda knew she would break her promise. She knew she had to find Elphaba.

xxxxx

Glinda sat in the dark, unmarked carriage instead of the usual green and gold carriage from the Palace. Any passersby would have no inclination as to who was inside; simply that it was clearly someone of some standing based on its ornate nature. She was currently stuck in a bit of a jam, as there was some disturbance up ahead, some overturned carts apparently blocking the way.

Glinda could hear the commotion but chose not make her presence known even though she surely would have been allowed to pass. A troop of Gale Force soldiers were standing along the streets keeping the citizens from interfering. Three of the soldiers were close enough to Glinda's carriage that she could overhear their conversation. She had quickly grown bored of their chatter of which barmaid wore the lowest cut dress but just as she was about to announce herself to quiet them, the conversation turned.

"So it's tonight then?" One of the guards asked. He lowered his voice just slightly but was still clearly audible.

"Apparently." Another replied, also in a somewhat hushed tone. "They have a confirmation on the location of the goods. Some warehouse in the southern district. They're housing not only a family of Rebels but supplies as well. Should be an easy hit."

"It usually is easy." Replied the third soldier with a chuckle. "If they didn't have that witch working for them, every hit would be easy. Rumor is, last time she was actually there when we went in. She damn near melted the muskets with one word. I just hope she's there tonight. Wouldn't mind seeing her strung up in the square."

Glinda felt herself going lightheaded as they spoke. They knew Elphaba was in the Resistance. Who else could they be speaking of? And after beginning her search for Elphaba, Glinda had the mansion narrowed down to somewhere in the southern district. It was the most rundown section of the city and was close enough to the cathedral where Glinda had first spotted Elphaba.

As the carriage began to slowly pull forward, Glinda felt nausea. If there was about to be a raid on the southern district, there was a good chance Elphaba might be involved. Her month of searching for her friend had not turned anything up so far other than narrowing down the section of the City but the situation was now nearing the level of desperation. Elphaba had to be warned. Thank the Unnamed God for soldiers with loose lips.

"Driver, could you turn please? I've changed my mind, take me back to the Palace please." Glinda said calmly.

The driver nodded and Glinda was quickly deposited back in front of the Palace steps. She hurried back to her chambers and quickly changed out of her dress into something less noticeable before slipping quietly back out into the streets of the Emerald City.

Glinda could only pray to the Unnamed God that this time her search for Elphaba would not turn up empty. She headed back to the cathedral where she first saw Elphaba.

After reaching the building, Glinda stood in the shadows and watched for the familiar form of her elusive friend. She saw two figures whispering in an alcove, much as Elphaba had the day she followed her. Elphaba clearly was not one of the whispering forms but Glinda could not tell if Fiyero was there cloaked or not. She decided it was the best lead she had so far and silently slipped out of the cathedral behind them.

Glinda followed the two into a dimly lit alley, possibly the very same one she pursued Elphaba through. She stopped abruptly as she realized she was alone in the dim light. It appeared that the two, cloaked figures had simply vanished. Glinda turned to leave with a low growl of frustration. She turned directly into the chest of a rather large man.

"Following us are you little lady?" The man said with a sneer. "You're going to wish you had just minded your own business."

Glinda felt the blood drain from her face as she felt the second man stand close behind her. "Following you? Why no, I'm not following you. It just seems as though I've lost my way. If you'll excuse me."

Glinda tried to push past the first man but he grabbed her roughly and shoved her back against the building. Her hood slipped from her head and then men's eyes lit with recognition. "Well, well, well. What have we here? Lady Glinda the Good. Seems the Wizard has sent his very own spy. We'll see how he likes it when we send you back one piece at a time." The man muttered and pulled a blade from the belt behind his back. He waved it menacingly in front of Glinda's face and lowered it, pressing it slightly against her throat. Glinda gasped in terror.

"Please. I'm no spy. I'm a friend. Truly!" Glinda sputtered as the man trailed the blade slowly down her neck and stopped just above her breasts where the fabric of her dress began.

"A friend?" He leered. "Well, then perhaps we should make ourselves a little better acquainted." He roughly pressed himself flush against her.

Glinda fought to contain her composure even as she felt panic rising. "Don't! You'll be sorry. I'm a friend of Elphaba's, the green one. If you harm me, she and Fiyero will rip you limb from limb!"

It was a stretch, assuming these men were involved in the Resistance and would know Elphaba or Fiyero. It was the only thing that came to mind even though she didn't like the thought of placing either of her friends at risk.

The man pulled back slightly. "How did you know about the green…Well, no matter. We'll just have to take you with us and let Quillian sort this out."

Glinda blanched slightly at the mention of Quillian. If Elphaba showed such fear at the thought of the man, Glinda had no desire to be confronted with him. But if he could get her to Elphaba…

She had no time to react before the man smashed her head back against the wall and her world faded to black.