Hello again! Terribly sorry for the late update, life got in the way. I shall be back to posting every Thursday now though (for our last two chapters.) Apologies and sprinkles for the delay! Reviews are very welcome!


After arriving back at the campus, Elphaba was rather excited to sit down with her books. Galinda however, would not have this, practically bribing the green girl into unpacking her case.

Memories of the start of last term sprang to mind, Elphie had returned from Munchkinland after visiting her family. Galinda had watched, cringing occasionally as Elphaba had lived out of her suitcase for approximately three weeks until she and Nanny could stand it no longer, and set about washing and unpacking for her. For such an intelligent creature, Elphie's sense of self worth left a lot to be desired.

Galinda was certain that they would not have a repeat of this and so, in exchange for unpacked and neatly folded clothes, had promised an afternoon of alone time, whenever she chose. Elphie saw this as an opportunity she could not resist, for if she had decided to be stubborn and leave her suitcases to fester, Galinda would withhold her kisses. In her opinion, the risks were not worth the repercussions.

Naturally, Elphaba chose that very afternoon to have some 'alone time'. She had even donned the shorts that the blonde was so very very fond of. She knew how to get Galinda hot and bothered. The desired effect was achieved, as the blonde had re-entered the room and launched herself across the bed into waiting arms and wanting lips.

Hair was pulled as the two came closer, the blonde thoroughly enjoying the taste of those lips. It had been a good few hours since they'd had the chance to enjoy the feel of each other. The whole ordeal with Galinda's parents as the train pulled away had pushed those thoughts away from both minds for a short while. A very short while. They had been on the train for less than an hour when Galinda felt a green hand on her thigh. Ama Clutch had drifted off opposite them. The whole situation was very inappropriate, but the way Elphie was staring at her glossed lips was encouragement enough to lean in and deliver a lasting kiss.

Now, she was lost in the feel of those spindly fingers tangled in her hair, revelling in each moan that escaped her lips. It was all really quite delightful. The blonde thought it even more delightful when Elphaba had rolled on top of her, supported by those skinny arms. Kisses became more wanting then.

She may or may not have hooked a leg around that thin waist to pull Elphie closer as the green girl moved to lean on her elbows. It was more comfortable this way, she believed. It also meant that she was that little bit closer to the blonde. She would be lying if she said there was no agenda here.

Galinda had dared to wrap a second leg around Elphie, and arms had circled around her back. The green girl had no chance of escaping even if she wanted to. She seemed quite content where she was though. Pale hands were running up and down Elphie's back, it seemed she couldn't decide whether she wanted to pull her closer by the neck, or move those hips closer to her own. She settled for rubbing circles. Elphie liked that. The contented sigh escaping her lips was testament to this.

The green girl then moved down to taste the skin of the pale girl's neck, a rather loud moan permeating the air. Galinda was clinging to her now, head turned to allow Elphie more skin to sample. She couldn't help but arch the slightest bit when the blonde had dragged her nails across her shoulder blades.

It made lovely friction between their hips, which both demanded to be felt again. She had rather huskily said the blonde's name then and dared to repeat the action a few more times, each becoming slightly more firm. Galinda was freely moaning now, and after Elphie's rocking actions had become rather intense, she had resolved to pull away and look into brown eyes. It seemed to be the best course of action - before they could no longer control themselves.

Nose to nose they were. It seemed that time had stopped again. There was a question in the air, though neither dared to ask it. Both seemed to be in a mental war. The silence was broken when Elphie had placed a quick kiss on Galinda's lips before leaning up.

"Not just yet, my love" She'd said. Galinda had looked at her quite stupidly then.

"What did you just call me?"

"My love. Because... I suppose that, well, I have fallen in love with you" she'd said it quite bluntly, but not without a hint of nervousness in her voice. Galinda's eyes had widened, and her eyes had looked to stare into brown. A few moments of silence had cut into the air until a large grin had appeared on the blonde's face.

Blinking slowly, with eyebrows drawn down, Elphaba had wondered if she had said the wrong thing. Apparently, she had not, as the blonde had pulled her in for a very firm hug.

Galinda pondered the concept of love before. Of course she had. It was what she'd spent afternoons doing as a small child. The questions that every young girl asked herself, "what would he look like?", "What dress would she wear on her wedding day". Galinda had reflected back on those ideas, the carefully thought through plans of childhood were being mentally burned. She couldn't have cared less.

It turned out that love was not something that could be planned or described. As a child, she had decided that her husband would simply have to be tall, rich and with the classic Gillikin traits of blonde curly hair. He would woo her with flowers and it would be love at first sight. It had to be.

Looking at the green girl opposite her, she mentally laughed at her childhood self. The plan could not have been more wrong. Well, she was tall, but that was about as far as the similarities went. Galinda had found that she quite loved the exotic black hair of Elphie, and the fact that Elphaba was sarcastic.

Instead of flowers, she had been wooed with passive aggression and doors slammed in her face. At the time, it had been quite offensive, and she had not been wooed at all, but now, she considered it a necessary part of the development of their relationship. She tried to tell herself that it had shown character, but that would be deluding herself.

She pulled away from the embrace then, and Elphie had cupped her cheek, which she readily leaned into. Her hand was quickly snatched away when Nanny entered. She had no need, but still, reflexes and all that. Nanny had looked her up and down then, more than likely noticing the very ruffled hair. She supposed she could blame those terrible winds that the train caused as it thundered down the tracks, though, that would be quite an awful excuse. She'd just leave Nanny to make her own conclusions, she was certain that she already had anyway.

Nanny clucked then, and had shuffled up to the pair. Both were enveloped into a hug, which was awkwardly returned. Nessa had wobbled in moments later, a quick greeting for the pair. She was still somewhat sniffy that Elphaba had left her at such short notice. She could not maintain the mood, as Elphaba had barrelled over and pulled her into a hug. The girl worshipped her sister. Galinda thought it quite lovely, and briefly considered what it would be like to have a sister. Being an only child had caused a very strong bond with her parents though, and she wouldn't dare risk that for the world.

"Doctor Dillamond had wanted to see you. He'd said something about a research project for the two of you"

Galinda watched as Elphaba's eyes lit up, the silly thing was really too excitable when it came to her cause. Nessa and Nanny had left the room again then, something about wanting to get to the canteen before it shut for the evening. Elphaba turned to the blonde, but before the question could be asked, the smaller girl had placed a finger in green lips, leaning up and replacing her finger with a quick brush of her lips.

"Go on, I'll be here when you get back" Elphaba responded by placing several kisses in quick succession on the blonde's lips before whisking out of the door. Galinda loved an impassioned Elphie, it made her feelings grow all the more strong. She had then decided to go and hunt down Nanny and Nessarose, maybe get Elphie some food for her return, goodness knows how long she would be.


It turned out that she would not have too long of a wait, after securing some food, and chatting about her journey with Nessa (only Nessa, because Nanny -in typical Nanny fashion- had completely shut down mid-conversation and pulled out her knitting. She supposed it would be rude if anyone else had done it, but since it was Nanny, these things were tolerated, lest risk a firm clip around the ear.) She had gone back to her room, readied herself for bed, then Elphie had re-appeared. She noticed a rather large grin decorating the green girls face.

Elphie had then sat down to tuck into her food, opposite her on the bed. She made a silent inquiry as to the grin. Apparently it had been a successful meeting, and Elphie had secured more hours of lab work. Dillamond was coming close to making a breakthrough, and required her assistance. The thrill of a potential link between humans and Animals, coupled with the honour of working with someone she looked up to was causing a very obvious excitement. It was a sight that Galinda adored.

"I'm afraid I shall be spending more time in the lab, and less time with you, though we are terribly close to a breakthrough, and I simply cannot dismiss the opportunity of assisting Doctor Dillamond, I hope you don't mind, my sweet." Galinda had noticed the way she was prattling a little bit, though the excitement had made it a lovely sight. She had shushed Elphie and told her to do what she was necessary. It wouldn't do to stand in the way of her dreams.

She would begin her work the day after next, so felt it was necessary to have a day of pampering Galinda. And so it was. Tomorrow, she would devote her day to the blonde. She scoffed down the rest of the sandwich that the blonde had bought her, before preparing for bed and crawling in next to her.


That next day, they had decided to take a walk down to the river just outside of the campus, the one where they had first acted upon those swirling feelings. It seemed only right. They had decided to climb the hill situated next to the water since it had an apple tree on top, which Elphie had decided would be the only tree that they could sit under, the picky thing. Upon reaching the tree, they had spread their blanket, and made themselves comfortable beneath it.

Their comfort lasted for all of twenty minutes, until a small, sour looking apple had rather forcefully come into contact with Elphaba's head. Turning to glare at the tree, she had noticed that the angle she had been hit – right in the temple, meant that the apple could not have possibly fallen from the branches above her.

She was made further curious by the fact that the apples above her were large and round. Galinda was watching from the green girl's lap, an amused smile on her face. Elphaba had turned to look to their left then, when another tiny apple had hit her square in the back of the head. Her eyes were darting around now, a scowl on her face, before hearing snickering from their right.

She had spun around quite quickly, a thousand poisonous words on the tip of her tongue. All comments died when Fiyero had appeared, hands held up in defeat.

"I apologise, but you two were looking much too comfortable" he had chortled. He hadn't managed to get any more words in before Elphaba had practically leaped from the floor and had begun to sprint towards him. Galinda knew first hand that the bandy, lanky thing could build quite an impressive speed at short notice. Fiyero had not anticipated this, and had managed to convince his feet to begin moving in the opposite direction as Elphaba made a swipe at him.

It seemed that they had entered a game of chase, Fiyero letting out panicked laughs as a grinning Elphaba drew ever closer. Galinda watched from underneath the tree, shouting encouragement for Elphie and heckling every few minutes. She really did enjoy it when Elphaba let her hair down.

She recalled the seemingly up-tight girl that had been registered as her room mate – begrudgingly that was. Imagine the sight of that Elphaba frolicking and giggling, it didn't seem possible. She decided that she much preferred this Elphie.

Smiling at the playing pair, her eyes had not registered that Elphaba was currently pinning Fiyero to the floor, his flailing form caught in a headlock. She released him with a triumphant cackle when he pleaded for mercy, standing and posing with one foot on his back, for the benefit of Galinda, of course, who had managed to snap out of her day dreaming and was clapping for Elphie.

"Next time I shall not be such a gentleman" he had wheezed when Elphaba clapped him on the back before turning her attentions to a laughing Galinda. It seemed that Elphie had not managed to burn off all of her excess energy and was currently pointing at the blonde, one finger beckoning her forwards. The blonde had stood slowly then, and Elphie had stalked closer. Galinda rather thought she resembled a jungle cat, or Cat. A wicked yet playful smirk had appeared on her face, and the blonde had taken a tentative step backwards.

She was being chased. It was a quite thrilling experience, panting as she felt Elphaba nearing her with each step. Before she knew what had happened, she had been caught up again, and found herself on her back, with Elphaba above her and wrapped around her. The world seemed to shift then, Elphaba's face being the only thing remaining upright, a look of glee very much apparent. It had taken a few moments for her to realise that they were rolling. Rolling very quickly down the hill. Still, Elphie seemed to be finding the situation hilarious and was cackling with every spin.

She had managed to throw an arm out after a few seconds, slowing their rolling until they had come to a complete standstill. She was quite certain that her dress would have unsightly grass stains all over it, though with Elphie below her, still laughing, she didn't feel the need to lodge a complaint.

Elphaba's head had just stopped spinning when pink lips had come into contact with her own, only briefly though. This was something that she was about to complain about until Galinda had made her head spin in a completely different way. A way that had made a silly grin appear on her face. Three little words, amongst others, so seemingly simple had just made her heart swell.

"Why, Miss Elphie, I quite think I love you" she had breathed. And Elphaba had responded with a disbelieving laugh before nudging their noses together.

"Well, it is a very good job that I return the sentiment" She was staring at those glossed lips as she had replied, uncertain of what to do next. Thankfully, the blonde was still very much alert, and had leaned down, body flush against Elphie's as they engaged in a very passionate kiss until another small apple had been launched in their direction.

"Please, ladies, control yourselves, or you may have a very rapt audience in a few moments." Fiyero had shouted to the pair, who had managed to remove their lips, yet Galinda remained on top of Elphie. She still had not moved when Crope and Tibbett had appeared over the horizon.

"My, you two are looking comfortable" Tibbett had exclaimed, before Crope added his own observations.

"That may be, but I can't imagine Elphie making a very good cushion, all pokes and bones"

Elphaba had scowled at this before Galinda had run her hands over her ribs. "I am certain that Elphie is very comfortable, actually. You shall have to take my word though, I do not think she would appreciate-" she had not managed to finish her sentence as Crope and Tibbett had seen it necessary to test Galinda's explanations, jumping onto the pair. This made a large pile of limbs, with a green arm flapping from the bottom. What could they say? They were very hands on men.

They both rolled away when Elphaba had all but screeched for them to move themselves. The threat of a very pointy shoe in a very delicate area was quite enough encouragement for a speedy removal. Galinda was allowed to remain, as per.

According to their refusal to move, they had moved camp, Crope running to fetch their blanket from underneath the tree. When he returned, Galinda lifted herself from green arms, then reacquainted herself with Elphie by sitting in her lap, on top of crossed legs on the blanket.

"I need a distraction to pass the time whilst we wait for his Lordship and Peaches" Crope had announced. He had given both Avaric and Boq nicknames which made both rather upset. Avaric's nickname of his Lordship was rather self explanatory, though Boq's nickname had taken some careful thought. They had decided on Peaches when admiring him from afar, and had decided that he had rather 'peachy assets' as they called it. They would have to grin and bear it. He had just set out to hunt down some entertainment when the pair appeared, fashionably late of course.

Galinda had noticed that Elphie was becoming quite twitchy, she had wanted a day alone with the blonde. More company resulted in more twitching. She had noticed that the grip around her waist had tightened slightly, and she was pulled closer to the body behind her.

Elphie had then attempted to relieve her bad mood by whispering sweet nothings into the blonde's ear, which was causing a blush to make itself apparent. The blush was noticed first by Boq, who smiled at the pair, shuffling closer to make conversation, rather than dealing with the flirtatious advances of Crope and Tibbett.

"Have you managed to find Dillamond? He had wanted to speak with you" he had said to Elphie, who was absent mindedly playing with blonde hair.

"Hmm, we have some big work coming up soon. A potential breakthrough!". He found Elphaba's enthusiasm quite contagious. Her impassioned frenzies had encouraged him to begin to read up on the subject himself, becoming exceedingly interested in her cause. He had dreams of helping with a revolution of sorts one day.

"If you ever require any assistance, I'd be more than happy to help. I've a few books that you could borrow If you like" Elphie had quirked a brow at this, and gave her thanks. Apparently, the attention from Boq was something that she was somewhat unaccustomed to, and didn't know how to respond too well. She glanced down at the blonde in her lap.

"Perhaps we should get going, Nanny will be expecting us" she said. Honestly, Nanny didn't mind where they were, but Elphie had obviously grown tired with the present company and wanted the blonde to herself. The pair stood up and walked away hand in hand.

"Have those two kissed yet?" came Avaric's voice from behind them, which was soon cut short by the appearance of an apple hurtling towards his head. It was quite amazing where Fiyero was pulling them all from.

Upon returning to their room, Elphaba had huffed and stomped around for a little while, throwing things into her satchel. Galinda watched the great and dramatic performance from the green girl's bed, slightly amused, balanced equally with a measure of concern.

"Elphie, love, what on earth are you doing?"

"I am taking my things and am going to live in the library, at least there I know I shall not have an entourage. You are more than welcome to come with me, my pretty. Perhaps we can have some alone time in there" she had said with a suggestive grin.

"Oh, Elphie, no need for such drama! I think that this room is quite lovely enough, besides, I was rather hoping that you would pull an extraordinarily romantic move and woo me with some piffle about how I am your sunshine, then you could proceed by making me very aware of that fact on this bed" she finished her thoughts by patting the bed she was sitting on. Elphaba couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the forwardness of Galinda today, though she found she quite liked it.

"Nessa and Nanny are out" she finished, Elphaba seemed to be debating, so she had added that little fact in there as the selling point. Evidently it had worked, as the satchel was launched onto her desk and the green girl was standing directly in front of the little blonde. She had picked up a blonde curl and was currently winding it around her fingers.

"Must I really woo you with poetry, I work better with some thinking time, love. Perhaps if you would allo- hmmpf" her words were cut off as the blonde's mouth had collided with her own. She wasn't too bothered about finishing her sentence anyway. She was unceremoniously pulled to the bed, on top of Galinda, who had just opened her mouth to the green girl as their tongues met. Pale hands had taken the liberty of tangling in dark locks, pulling the green girl closer until she lay flush against the blonde.

She only lifted up slightly when Galinda's panting had sent a new wave of desire down her spine, and she had begun to open the buttons on the blondes blouse. She made her way down the slope of a pale neck and had begun to taste the skin usually hidden. Her tongue traced a collarbone as Galinda let out a delighted sigh.

Each button revealed more skin to Elphaba, who was more than happy to lavish it with her attentions. Her journey was cut short when she had met the blondes under-things. She had no clue as to why she found it necessary to wear a chemise or corset or camisole, but still, she wasn't in too much of a thinking mood at the moment and so decided to continue to work with what she had.

Galinda felt in absolute euphoria with Elphie descending down her chest. She did not believe that such feelings could be heightened until she felt the drag of a finger move up her leg, and onto her thigh, making small patterns. She believed that those green fingers would drive her to insanity before much longer. A loud whimper was the encouragement she provided for Elphie, who was currently back and suckling on the skin of her clavicle.

Another moan permeated the air as their room door was opened. An oblivious Elphaba continued her ministrations as Galinda had noticed their unwelcome guest and had begun to wiggle away, attempting to cover her unbuttoned self. Elphie had given chase across the bed, believing they were engaging in a game of chase, and attempting to steal kisses from the blonde.

Evidently, she had not noticed Nessarose at the door, mouth hanging quite open at the sight of her sister on top of the blonde. At least Nanny hadn't been behind her, Nessa had learned that any door could be opened with a good shove of her hip and some manoeuvring. She only stopped her flirting after she had heard the door slam shut and saw Galinda's wide eyes.

"Who was that?!" she had almost shrieked. Her heart was beating rather quickly now.

Galinda managed to choke out the response of "Nessa" before Elphie had bolted up and was pacing the room, fists clenched.

"Oh my, Oh my. Galinda, what shall I do. You know how she feels about this. Goodness, the whole university knows how she feels about this, she practically preaches every day. She's going to hate me" Galinda had walked up to her and ceased her pacing with a firm hug.

"You need to explain to her, just tell her what you feel" The blonde was quite comforting when she wanted to be. She had smoothed down Elphie's hair then, and reshuffled her own clothing. "I'll give you two some alone time, I shall wait in here, but please call if you need a hand"

She had pressed a kiss to green lips then, hoping to depart some courage onto Elphie, who was fiddling with her fingers, popping them and twisting them against one another. A pale had gave her own a squeeze before giving her a nudge in the direction of Nessa's room.

Elphaba approached cautiously. Nessa was currently sitting with her bible in front of her, Nanny sitting nearby with her knitting, occasionally turning the pages for her when she received a nod. She looked up and gave a smile to the green girl, whilst Nessa remained fixated on her book, and had apparently not noticed Elphaba's entrance.

"Nessie?" she was ignored, and so tried again, slightly louder this time. The smaller girl looked up from her book, though did not meet her sister's gaze.

"Elphaba. How have you been, I've not yet seen you today" came the very formal response. The green girl was rather confused at this, she had expected in the least to have been screamed at or walloped with a bible by now. She was fairly confident that Nessa had seen her today.

"Nanny, might we have a few moments alone? Perhaps you could get us some food from the canteen" Elphaba had said. She needed to discuss this with her sister.

Once Nanny's old self had shuffled out the door, not without a great deal of complaining, Elphaba had turned to Nessarose.

"I'm sorry you had to see that Nessie, I had intended for you to find out in a different way"

"Find out what, Elphaba? I'm certain I don't know what you're talking about."

She was thoroughly confused now. And moved to sit on the bed next to Nessa, who flinched away.

"Galinda and I. We... I... we are in love." There it was. Best to get it over and done with quickly. Nessarose did not feel prepared for this news.

She had seen it in the glances, and had just seen it in a much more physical sense, but hoped that perhaps it was just a stage. University experimentation and all that. She did not wish to discuss these things, but also did not wish to hurt her sister. Elphaba had hurt her heart, though to do the same in return would not be the unionist thing to do.

She swallowed thickly then, a sound which had cut through the silence. Elphaba had leaned over, one hand covering her own. She quickly pulled her fingers away. Tears were threatening to spill, which did not go unnoticed by Elphaba.

"Well, you have my blessing, and I... I think you should leave." This was not the response Elphaba was expecting. The tears were falling down her pink face now and Elphaba attempted to move closer and brush them away.

"Leave! Please! Elphaba, I love you, but I need time to think about this" she had turned her head then, allowing the tears to freely fall. She fell on her side as the door was gently pulled shut.

Galinda was back on the bed when she had returned, an encouraging smile for Elphie on her face.

"How did it go?" she had asked. Her question was answered by the shake of a head and slumped shoulders. The blonde was quick to pull Elphie into a hug, soothing words being whispered into her ear.

"Give her some time, we can both speak to her later. It'll be fine Elphie, you'll see." the green girl responded by pulling the blonde closer and kissing the top of her head. It was quite a dilemma to be facing, though perhaps with some carefully thought through words, all would be fine.

Elphaba had flopped back down onto her bed then, Galinda following close behind. Surely something that felt so perfect could not be wrong. Ideally, Nessa would have been up front with her feelings, but Elphaba knew that so much was left unsaid. The spilling tears were enough to show that.

She must have nodded off with the small blonde's head on her stomach, as when she had next moved, the sun was casting its final glow into their window. Small puffs of breath meant that Galinda was still asleep. She hadn't the heart to move her, and so lay back playing with blonde curls.

Nessa had quietly entered the room a few moments later, noticing the scene playing out in front of her. She thanked the unnamed God that the pair were not engaged in more physical activities. Galinda had stirred slightly at the click of the door, looking up and smiling at Nessa.

The armless girl took in the scene in front of her, both girls looked so content and happy. It had caused a challenge for her. Teachings of their father had not condoned such behaviour, yet the pair in front of her looked so devoted, like nothing could tear them apart. A calmness had settled over the room as both pairs of eyes had focused on her.

"Might I have a word?" she needn't have asked as Elphaba was already up, guiding her to Galinda's bed, opposite them both. The green girl the sat next to Galinda, who intertwined their hands. Nessa had glanced down to the clutching hands. Perhaps she had wanted to grimace, but Elphaba had noticed little reaction, just passing interest.

"I have taken some time to think, and I have only one question. Why?" Elphaba had appeared deep in thought at the question, whilst Galinda had inhaled in preparation for an explanation.

"Honestly, I couldn't begin to tell you. Its an odd feeling, although there are a thousand butterflies in my stomach whenever she so much as glances at me. There's a feeling that I would do just anything simply for the pleasure of one of those genuine smiles that cracks that scowl in half. Nessa, I wish I could put into words the giddiness that your sister makes me feel, but most of all, she makes me feel brave. Like I could do anything that others have told me I couldn't". She was blushing now. An endearing glow that had begun in her ears at the start of the speech and had tinged her whole face by the end.

Nessa had taken the information in with a nod, before looking to her sister for any further additions. She only noticed the look that was being shared between the two. It caused all of the repulsion to leave her body. She too wished for a man to look at her in the way the two were looking at each other. Elphaba had lifted their joined hands and deposited a kiss onto the blonde's knuckles.

"I understand. Love is a tricky thing, and I'm certain that you two have something strong. I thought I had noticed a slight spring in your step recently, Fabala"

"I shall have you know Nessie, that I do not spring, I stride" she was giving a small smile now, Nessa's tone hinting at normality.

"Well, yes, that is quite true. Still, I'd like to thank you for telling me, even though the initial realisation wasn't the gentle revelation that I may have liked. It might take me a small while to adjust, but bear with me. I shall see you tomorrow, for lunch I hope?" Elphaba had already nodded and was guiding her through the door with one hand, before depositing a kiss on her forehead.

The green girl then had turned to the blonde sat on her bed and flopped down face first next to her.

"I hadn't realised that all of this love business required so much explaining" she'd said through the pillow.

"Well, I suppose we're quite the unlikely pair aren't we?" the blonde had laughed as Elphie had rolled to look up at her.

"Hmm, but my am I glad" she'd pushed her nose against Galinda's now, who was struggling to lean in for a kiss. "Do I really make you giddy?" the beast was smirking at her. Evidently, Galinda was still quite embarrassed about the whole speech. A blush had coloured her cheeks.

"Yes, I suppose. Though I'm not one hundred percent sure. Perhaps you should kiss me, really test how giddy you can make me"

A compliant Elphaba readily accepted the challenge.