Tonight's is for Sunrise19 who responded to me by saying "I can't believe I have to PM my best friend instead of telling you directly (sorry, girl. You know how I am about directions ;)) Anyway, she requested a Bessa, which, are often difficult for me to write, so I hope you still enjoy it! Merry Early Christmas, lady! Enjoy!

"You wished to see me, Madame?"

Looking up from the book, in her hands Nessa's full lips curled into a smile. "Bog. Please, come in."

He did so, never breaking the stoic expression that seemed to have become permanent as of late. Laying the book aside, Nessa asked. "Boq, we're friends, aren't we? Perhaps…even more so…" When he failed to respond, she cleared her throat before stating. "You've been unhappy, Boq. Don't think I've noticed. Given our past…relationship, I should you feel enough at ease around me to talk openly."

"My apologies, Madame. I never meant to come across as ungrateful."

Nessa sighed, deeply, "Boq, don't you know me at all? I hardly think you ungrateful. However, I do now that something is bothering you…deeply so. I just want the best for you.'

This last statement seemed to get his attention and he finally turned his face to her. "What's best for me?" A bitter laugh. "You want the truth? Here it is: The only person you want the best for, whom you truly seek to please, is yourself."

Tears gathered in the young woman's eyes at the utter despise in his gaze. "But… Boq, I.."

"You said you wanted the truth, Madame. That's what I gave to you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to be done." Bowing stiffly, he stalked out of the room without another word, leaving the young Governor exactly how she had been moments before: alone and utterly as confused as before

"Oye! Where ya headed with such a thundercloud over ya head?"

Sighing, Boq stilled at the sound of the footman's voice. Forcing a smile, he answered, "Sorry, mate. Just needed a moment to clear my head."

"Ah, well, that's hat this time of year is for, ain' t it?" The older man broke into a jovial grin. "I don't know 'bout you, but I cant wait to see me family. What'but you? You got family?"

Boq shrugged. "Of course. My parents and one sister, thought she's now married to a Gilikinese merchant. My parents left yesterday to spend Lurlinemas with her family."

"And yer headin' out later, I s'pose?"

The Munchkin shook his head. "No. I can't leave. NO one can, now. Not with the new law Her Grace enacted last month. No Munchkin can leave Munchkinland. Ever."

The other man said nothing at first, only placed a consoling hand on Boq's shoulder. "Sweet Oz, boy. I'm sorry. I know what it's like to miss yer family at Lurlinmas. My thoughts be with you."

Boq said nothing as the other man walked away, only shook his head in acknowledgement at the men's words. "Happy Lurlinmas, Madame," Boq muttered, eyes narrowing. "I hope you're happy."

From her place atop the stairs, Nessa turned slipped away, unseen and broken hearted.

The next day, Boq again walked into the Governor's personal chambers. "You summoned me?"

Startled, Nessa's head jerked up, eyes narrowing to a slight glare. "There is no need for such a sharp tongue, Boq. I have something I wish to discuss with you."

"My apologies Madame. You were saying?"

"Yes." Folding her hand's in her lap, Nessa began t explain. "I 've been…rethinking some things as of late and while I can't just repeal the exit law, perhaps I could…relax it a bit."

Boq felt his heart quicken. "I'm afraid I don't quite follow."

"Boq…" Wheeling herself closer, Nessa smiled gently. "You've been so good to me this past year, well, with Father's passing and all, and I finally thought of something I could do for you in return." Smile growing brighter, she exclaimed. "Boq, I think you should see your family for Lurlinemas!"

Well, he hadn't been expected that. "W..what? Are you certain?"

"Of course! Oh, I know it's last minute, but we can make it come together. I've already had Isaacs book the train tickets. We can't be gone too long, of course, but a few days should suffice, don't you think? Oh! And-"

"Pardon me?" He said quietly, realizing for the first time what was happening. "Did you say 'we'?"

"Well…yes. Is there a problem?" Nessa gazed up at him, with the wide-eyed innocence that reminded him of the sweet, albeit slightly clingy girl he had known in their university days.

Quickly weighing his options, Boq swallowed hard, forced a smile, and simply asked. "When do we leave."

Nessa gave a tentative smile. "Three days. Will that suffice."

"Perfect." Did his voice sound high than usual? "Shall I see to your afternoon tea?"

"Please," Nessa said, softly, her eyes never leaving him as he retreated from the room, feeling more confused as the moments past. He had gotten what he wanted hadn't he?

Then why was he still acting so strangely?

"Boq?" Nessa softly called his name as she rounded the doorway to his study. "Boq are you here? I was hoping you could help me with-"

Only an empty room for company.

Sighing, Nessa turned slightly, intending to exit, only to notice a candle still burning on the desk. "How careless." She muttered, wheeling herself further into the room. Taking the snuffer in her hand, she was about to extinguish the light when something else caught her attention.

A letter. In Boq's handwriting.

Oz, she knew she shouldn't , but the boy could be so complicated and moody at times. Perhaps a glance into his thoughts might be helpful…

Before she could change her mind, she snatched the letter and quickly wheeled herself down the hall to her own rooms. Once safely inside, she hesitated only a moment before reading. Nothing much to concern herself with, she realized. Talk of home, the prosperity of the farm crops this year…

And then…

Good news, Mother! Despite everything I've said to the contrary, I will be able to join you for the Lurlinemas celebration. IN a rather strange series of events, Governor Thropp has excused me from my service for a few days that I might come and festivate it you! There is, however, a small catch: she is to accompany me. Now, Mother, before you go work yourself into a tizzy, please understand that Madame Governor is not expecting anything extravagant so simple family celebration will suffice. Why is she coming? That answer, Mother, I can't provide, as I myself don't even know the reason. To be perfectly honest, it was a rather unwelcome surprise, but who am I to object. If she is kind enough to allow me to leave Munchkinland despite her edict, then who am I to argue with her terms. We shall make the best of it, shall we? I do look forward to seeing you all very soon. It has bee far too long.

Laying the letter aside, Nessa felt her throat go tight as the tears threatened to spill. Could she do nothing right? Even when she tried to give Boq what he desired, it was still not good enough. Why, why should she have even bothered at all.

But were you truly thinking of him when you told him your idea?

The truth hit the young girl hard, the realization weighing on her like a heavy boulder. Oh, Boq…I'm sorry.

Well…there was still time, wasn't it? Some good could still come of this.

Squaring her shoulders, Nessa immediately set off in search of the footman. There were, after all, more arrangements to be made.

Two days later found Boq loading the last of his luggage into the coach. "That should do it," he called up to the waiting footman. "Now we just need wait for Madame's and then we can be off."

"Actually, Boq," Nessa said as she met him in the courtyard, looking lovely in a festive gown of scarlet red. "I have no luggage. I'm afraid there's been a change of plans."

Boq felt the dread seeping into his blood. She wouldn't do this to him. Couldn't. The Nessa he knew could never be that cruel.

Trying to keep an even voice, he inquired, "A change, my lady?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Some urgent matter have come up that require my immediate attention, thereby preventing me from visiting with you and your family during the holiday." Folding her hands in her lap, she bowed her head. "I'm very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you."

She did. Forcing a tight, dutiful smile, he bowed. "It is of no concern, Madame. I'll have the carriage unloaded at once."

"Oh, no. Don't bother. After all, it's a long journey and you're bound to need your belongings."

"What?"

"Your luggage. The Gilikin is a good two-day journey by coach. Why would you even think of making the trip ill-prepared."

Was she really… "Madame, are you saying…."

Nessa only smiled. "Go, Boq. And give my love to your family. My apologies for having to cancel so abruptly on my part."

Despite himself, Boq smiled, coming to kneel in front of her. "Nessa….thank you. I don't know how to repay you."

"Just go," she insisted, tears brimming her eyes, patting his hands. "Enjoy Lurlinemas…and think of me."

"I will," Taking one of her hands, he placed a kiss to the back of it. "I promise." Squeezing her hands, almost affectionately, he leapt into the carriage, calling "Happy Lurlinemas!" as it pulled away.

Nessa watched hi disappear around the corner, lifting her hand in farewell. "Happy Lurlinemas, Boq… and safe travels."