"How can you even think about eating more food?" Elphie said in amazement when Glinda suggested that they raid the kitchen for a piece of pumpkin cake.

"I didn't eat as much in the whole year before I came to Shiz as I did tonight."

"Dinner was hours ago and the gift opening, laughing and warm family time gave me a little appetite. So did all the dancing with benefits we've been doing."

"I guess some of that could be classified as actual dancing." Elphie chuckled.

"Come on, maybe we'll beat Daddy to the last of the cake." Glinda said then kissed Elphie and tugged her out of the door.

"The last of the… but that cake was huge." Elphie said as she shook her head.

"And delicious. As was everything." Glinda grinned.

"Maybe I'll have some ham."

"Instead of cake?" Elphie whispered as they walked down the quiet hallway.

"In addition to, really Elphie." Glinda giggled quietly.

Elphie smiled when she thought about how often she had heard that giggle this evening. All during dinner when they talked about a little bit of everything and a lot about music, after dinner when they opened gifts, talked and danced. It helped her participate in the conversation at dinner, quelled her stirred emotions while they opened gifts and eased her nerves when she agreed to play her flute for Namom when Samion suggested it.

"Look Elphie." Glinda giggled again pointing to a plate on the counter.

"I saved you a piece. Eat up and go to bed. We have a long day tomorrow. Love, your equally hungry father." Elphie read with a chuckle.

"Yummy." Glinda said as she sliced a small piece off of hers for Elphie.

"Do you want anything else?" Glinda asked.

"I do not even want that. Do you want juice or something hot?"

"Hot please. But I'll conjure it, just get some mugs."

"Is that safe?" Food isn't your best thing." Elphie chuckled.

Glinda made an unladylike noise then conjured some cocoa for herself and hot cinnamon and vanilla milk for Elphie.

"Thank you, I guess beverages don't count as food." She grinned.

"Mean green thing." Glinda giggled.

"Smells good. I think I just realized how tired I am." Elphie said as she inhaled the comforting aroma.

"I'll eat fast." Glinda said, remembering that Elphie hadn't slept the night before.

"No, no don't do that. Lyndie, did I say thank you properly to Namom for my gift? I really loved it but I think I just rambled on about the ways I could use it and explaining the things on the charts that I just got lost in it."

"My love all of that was the best thank you Namom could want. She saw and heard how much her gift excited you. So yes, you thanked her properly." Glinda said.

"A framed periodic table, an apothecaries symbol chart and an alchemists symbol chart, all very professional and up to date. How did she know?"

"Namom is very clever and has a real knack for finding just the right gift. Don't over think this Elphie, she got a great deal of joy watching you open that gift, and the look on your face was priceless."

"I think I was in shock. I had no idea she paid so much attention to my studies."

"Never underestimate Namom. It's been tried before and it never ends well. Just ask my cousins." Glinda giggled.

As Glinda finished her cake, Elphie finished her milk and Nusee found an upturned pot to play in they talked about the evening and the trip. Glinda knew that Namom's gift had really flustered Elphie, but the more they talked about it, the more at ease she became. Glinda knew that Elphie was becoming more comfortable with the concept of giving and receiving gifts, but was very glad that there had only been one for her to open. There would more than likely only be one for her at Aunt Sali's as well and Glinda hoped that by that time, all the gifts that she knew would be under the tree for her at the Manor wouldn't shock her. When they were all finished, Elphie insisted on washing their dishes, including the pot that they had found Nusee in, so Glinda helped her, still amazed at how she managed it.

"Lyndie, this has been a wonderful trip and an even better experience." Elphie said after they separated from an embrace during which Elphie wanted to be held.

"I just wish I didn't have so much trouble with it all."

"Just give yourself time my love." Glinda said knowing that her love was not really upset or distressed.

"Your mother tells me that I need to be as gentle with myself as I am with you. I'm trying, just promise that you will tell me if I am not doing something that should be or doing something that I shouldn't be.

"I will, but so far you are just fine." Glinda said.

"I know that this is not like my family, that things are very different, but it's still hard sometimes. I'm such a mess." Elphie said.

"Maybe, but you are my mess." Glinda smiled.

"As long as we are not messy together." Elphie smiled back then drew Glinda into a very long, very slow, very expressive good night kiss.

"I love you too." Glinda said when she could breathe.

After Glinda was tucked in her bed, Elphie sat on hers looking at her gift from Namom and they talked a little more. During a lull in the conversation, Elphie realized that Glinda had fallen asleep.

"We're going back home tomorrow Nusee. I hope that we get to come back, I like it here." Elphie smiled as she settled under her covers. Nusee mewled softly and found his spot by Elphie's legs and they were both asleep in no time.

X

The sun was just coming up; it's dim light illuminating the falling snow and the icicles hanging from the eves and trees. It was a beautiful sight and one of the reasons that Giselium Arduenna had insisted on staying in the Valley. This was her favorite time of day to look back on the previous day no matter what the season but in winter, in front of a warm, crackling fire with a cup of steaming Gilkineese coffee in her hands it was much more satisfying. Her holiday meal with her eldest daughter and her family had been wonderful, entertaining and enlightening. The more time that she spent with her future granddaughter-in-law, the more impressed she became. Elphaba was bright, clever and articulate on a wide variety of topics, but it was when she was talking about one of the subjects about which she was most passionate that she became engaged enough so that her natural shyness did not prevent those attributes from shining through.

Music was the most discussed topic during dinner and it was obvious how much the reserved girl enjoyed the subject. She and her son-in-law had a love of and talent for music in common and Namom was certain that it was the thing that facilitated them forming a bond. She was also fairly certain that Elphaba's musical inclinations would have also smoothed the progress of her acceptance as Galinda's fiancée by her husband. Dolian had always had a great appreciation for music and musicians, even amateur ones. She chuckled when she remembered that for a time, Samion's love of music and his ability to play the piano was the only thing that made him a tolerable match for his beloved oldest girl. Listening to the duet that Samion and Elphaba had played the previous night after they opened gifts would have pleased him. She had enjoyed it very much and it was obvious how proud Gwenot, Samion and especially Galinda were of her.

She smiled when she thought of Samion's shaky beginnings with the family as well as the little glitches that had come with all of her children and grandchildren's intended spouses. Every time a little gaff was made, she had to remind Dolian that he did not exactly wow her parents the first time he met them either. She was lost in happy memories when a noise from the doorway caught her attention. She expected to see Elphaba or Samion, but instead was briefly transported back in time and she saw a five-year-old Galinda standing there in her nightgown and bare feet with tousled blonde curls, a sleepy, dreamy look on her face. She was even holding her favorite doll, only now it was the little one that she knew that Elphaba bought for her when she was ill.

"Galinda darling, is everything all right?" Namom said as her granddaughter sleepily padded into the room as she nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"It's very early, why are you up then?" Namom asked, but she thought she already knew.

"I just wanted some quiet time with you before we left." Glinda said sounding very much like that five year old.

"I think that I would like that very much as well. Come my little girl." Namom said as she moved from her chair onto the sofa, welcoming Glinda under her lap blanket.

"Are those little bare toes warm enough?"

"Uh-huh. This is nice." Glinda smiled.

"I had a very good time here Namom, I always do, but this was extra special good."

"I enjoyed this visit as well, maybe it was knowing that I'm going to have a new granddaughter in law that did it." Namom smiled and Glinda wiggled just a little.

"I was just thinking about listening to your father and Elphaba playing for us last night. She is very talented, even for a beginner."

"She is and she likes it. Music is complicated for her, but she is learning to love it again." Glinda said.

"It has given her something to share with your father as well."

"Yeah, and Daddy taught her how to play chess and takes her to auctions too."

"Those seem like perfect activities for them to do together." Namom smiled.

"Namom she loved your gift, she really did. She was so afraid that she did not properly express how much to you last night. I told her that she did just fine."

"She did. I admit to being a bit flummoxed as to what to get her. One of the ladies at the club actually gave me the idea. Her grandson won a science fair and one of his prizes was a framed table of chemistry elements."

"Elphie called it a periodic table and she loved it. She said it was very complete and up to date."

"Another friend of mine has a son that teaches science at the local college. I asked him to advise me. He also suggested the apothecaries symbol chart and the alchemists symbol chart."

"They were perfect for her. She was still looking at them when I fell asleep." Glinda said with a little giggle.

"I figured something practical was best. The usual gift ideas of clothing or jewelry did not seem appropriate. She is not going to be easy to buy gifts for, although now I know music might be a good choice."

"With Elphie you can't go wrong with books or recordings. But this was wonderful Namom, she was overwhelmed that you paid so much attention to her studies." Glinda said.

"I surmise that a great deal of the attention she receives overwhelms her to some extent." Namom smiled.

"I'm so glad that she got to know you better here at the Lodge, and my cousins too. They really do like her."

"Yes, they do. Your engagement is a very good thing Galinda. Just don't have one of those empathic temper tantrums when Jilla does not react well to the news." Namom said with a slight chuckle.

"I'm ready for her. I learned my lesson on that. I love the matching hand muff and earmuff set that you gave me Namom. I'm going to use it a lot, maybe Elphie and I can go out on a date before we go see Aunt Sali, so I can show it off." Glinda said.

"I thought that would suit you, but I didn't mean it to be an excuse for a date." Namom chuckled.

"Any excuse is a good excuse where dates are concerned." Glinda giggled.

"I have a vague recollection of that being true. I know that if I were younger and recently engaged my new scarf and fastener would be a good one. Now they will have to settle on being the envy of my lunch group. Munchkin hand crafts are very rare up here." Namom smiled.

"Well not everyone has the Heir Apparent for a future granddaughter-in-law." Glinda giggled.

"That's very true."

"It's sort of exciting to be engaged to a future head of state, even if it will be a very brief and nominal reign." Glinda said with a slight chuckle, and then was quiet for a time. This wasn't unusual though sometimes these talks between grandmother and granddaughter were rapid fire excited chatter, sometimes they were a few words and quiet snuggling and sometimes they were just to talk and spend time together.

Namom thought back on the look of wonder that her now adult baby granddaughter still got when she opened gifts and the look of sheer amazement on Elphaba's when she did. It saddened her to think that the girl, until recently had never received or had the opportunity to give a gift. As she thought about Elphie and what she knew of her life before Shiz, she sensed that her granddaughter was unsettled about something they had been discussing.

"Is something troubling you my Galinda?" Namom asked.

"I'm a little upset with myself, last night I was thinking very selfish thoughts."

"About what?"

"Well it sort of started when the cousins and I were talking about how they have to split time at holidays and other times between here and their in-laws. I was happy that I wouldn't have that trouble. Then last night I just kept thinking how nice it is that I don't have to share Elphie like that. Then I felt terrible because it really bothered Elphie that she couldn't give me the same warm, loving in-law experience that she has. We had a long talk about it at the time, and I told her that it wasn't her doing and it didn't bother me, which it doesn't because I do not like her father or her sister." Glinda said.

"Galinda! I'm surprised at you." Namom said.

"Namom you don't know them. Her father hit her, smacked her right across the face and never says anything nice to her and her sister is awful to her. She has told me that when she tells them about our engagement her father will disown her."

"That is a real shame." Namom said, meaning it.

"Maybe, but I'm glad that he will, she deserves so much better than him as a father."

"Now Galinda…"

"I'm not sorry I feel that way Namom. I am sorry I interrupted you though. I'm just ashamed of myself for feeling happy that I won't have to deal with that horrible man, well he is not horrible, just to her, which makes him even more horrible."

"Galinda, I realize that you are just speaking out of love and protectiveness of Elphaba. But you will have a father-in-law, whether he recognizes you or not. And you'll have to deal with him in some fashion, whether you want to or not because you will also have a sister and brother in-law. Families are not that easily dismissed." Namom said seriously but kindly.

"I like Shell very much and he likes Elphie, but she expects to lose him too after she tells them we are engaged, because of her father. All of this is going to cause her a great deal of distress and here I am happy that I don't have to split up my holiday time with my family." Glinda said miserably.

"Your mother told me about postponing the announcement and her offer to have Elphaba's father come to visit. She said that Elphaba had a very definitive reaction."

"She did and I agreed. It wouldn't help." Glinda said.

"It sounds as though that your young lady knows what she is up against and is being very honest with you about it. I'm not even going to speculate how hard this will be on everyone involved, but that is a different problem than the one that is causing you distress. I'm only guessing, but it is an informed guess, that even if Elphaba's family didn't react as she predicts she wouldn't necessarily want to spend time with them, not like we do anyway."

"Namom, you know you are right. She doesn't even want to now. Except for Shell. This whole thing is so confusing. I know that Uncle Robil doesn't really spend much time with his family." Glinda said as she realized what was really going on with how she was feeling.

"Some of your cousin's spouses don't either. But some are just as close to their families as you are. We don't see Benim and his family much during times like this because Tinoa prefers to be with her family. It's a delicate and fine line to balance sometimes."

"I know that she has no desire to have warm family times with her father and I am happy I won't have to choose where to go and who to spend time with on holidays and vacations. But I would like to think that if she did want to spend a holiday with them, I would do it without fuss, because I love her."

"As in-laws have done since the dawn of time. And similar to what Elphaba is doing with Jilla, making it work for the family's sake." Namom said.

"Namom, I miss these talks, our quiet time together." Glinda sighed after a short time of quiet.

"As do I. They have changed a great deal since you wandered into my room trying to decide whether carrying your blanket around made you a baby or a big girl who would always be warm." Namom chuckled.

"What did I decide?" Glinda asked, not remembering that.

"That it was pink, pretty and needed to be loved on a little longer, so you were going to oblige it."

"That must have been an interesting conversation." Glinda giggled.

"They all have been, as well as important. And that blanket dilemma was just as serious to five year old year old Galinda as this was to adult Galinda."

"I love you Namom. I keep having to remind myself that I cannot change Elphie's past and I can't change how her family treats her. All I can do is love her, as she needs to be loved and support however she decides to deal with her family. And hopefully help a relationship with her brother along." Glinda said.

"I sense some meddling." Namom smiled.

"Nor meddling, encouragement. I have the feeling that no matter what their father says, Shell will not give up his relationship with his sister easily, if at all. He will need support too." Glinda smiled.

"It's complicated."

"So I gather, but I can see that you are thriving on complicated."

"I do love a challenge."

"And you always have. Just remember that there is a time to rise to a challenge and there is a time to just let it pass by."

"Namom, I'm surprised at you!" Glinda said and Namom arched her eyebrows.

"You know what I mean."

"Yes I do. And you know what I mean." Namom said pointedly.

"I do. I don't like it, but I do. I've learned that already with Elphie." Glinda frowned.

"Unfortunately, sometimes the hardest lessons are the best, most lasting ones." Namom said then kissed her granddaughters forehead.

"Unfortunately." Glinda agreed and cuddled closer to her grandmother.

"Good morning Mother, and good morning to you too Galindadoodle. This is quite a surprise." Samion said as he walked into the sitting room, interrupting a conversation about other early morning talks that Glinda and her grandmother had shared.

"Grandmother granddaughter time." Namom smiled.

"I see, well forgive me for interrupting, I'll leave you to it. Breakfast is in half an hour." Samion smiled.

"It's okay Daddy, we are done. I need to go see if Elphie is up." Glinda said then gave her grandmother a kiss.

"I love you Namom."

"I love you too Galinda."

"I love you too Daddy." Glinda bubbled, kissing his cheek as she skipped out.

"That one is certainly going to take Oz by surprise." Namom chuckled and Samion could only chuckle along. They had been having this same conversation since his daughter learned to talk and the first thing she said was 'me do'.

X

Glinda hated waking Elphie after she hadn't slept, especially when she was all folded up and still. But not having much choice, he spoke quietly to her several times, soothed her when she bolted awake then sent her off to get dressed with a soft kiss. Glinda changed into her travel clothes and waited. Elphie came out awhile later, dressed and awake, but still rather grumpy.

"Why didn't you wake me earlier?" Elphie huffed as she put her nightdress in her valise.

"I was having some quiet time with my grandmother and lost track of time. Besides you needed the sleep."

"How long have you been up?"

"About an hour or so. Namom and I have been doing this since I was little. It's nice, we talk and cuddle." Glinda said and Elphie looked at her skeptically.

"You were up early, holding a conversation? I can barely get you to string three coherent words together." Elphie said with a slight smile.

"Hey, I'm not that bad. By the way, Hi Elphie." Glinda grinned and gave Elphie a nice kiss.

"Good morning Lyndie." Elphie said and returned it.

"And yes, yes good morning to you too Nuisance." She said as the kitten batted at her skirt hem.

"Did you sleep well?" Glinda asked after another kiss.

"Well enough." Elphie replied.

"I hate it when you say that, you know." Glinda said.

"What do you want me to say then? Short of outright lying whatever I say will upset you." Elphie said.

"That's not what I meant Elphie. I meant that I hate it when you don't sleep well." Glinda said gently.

"I did not say that I didn't sleep well. I said that I slept well enough."

"Okay. We are in a no win conversation here. Why don't we just go have breakfast?" Glinda said softly.

"All right. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I love you, morning grumps and all." Glinda smiled.

After a simple breakfast of a hot cereal made from creamed wheat and flavored with cinnamon or strawberry preserves, Glinda, Elphie and Namom went to the nursery to make sure everything had been packed up. Glinda put all the furniture back into its place, making Nusee jump and run when she moved a table while he was sitting on it. Elphie made the beds, swept the floors and generally straightened things up. While they worked Glinda told Namom how they handled these chores at Shiz and how Sargy had adapted to Elphie cleaning her own room at home. Elphie thanked Namom again several times for her gift and the older woman graciously responded each time, knowing that eventually she would satisfy herself.

"Did you enjoy your time here in the Valley Elphaba?" Namom asked as they walked back to the sitting room to wait for the sleigh to be packed up.

"I did very much." Elphie smiled.

"Excellent. I am looking forward to you and Galinda returning. Perhaps in spring, the Valley is lovely in full bloom."

"Namom has a very nice garden and there is wonderful landscaping around the cottages." Glinda said.

"I look forward to it." Elphie smiled shyly.

"Did you do a final check of the Nursery?" Gwenot asked with a chuckle.

"I did and Namom was even there to supervise."

"You are leaving with everything that you came with and a few extra little things that little Nusee decided he liked." Namom chuckled.

"Oh no. I'll get them out of his basket immediately." Elphie said quickly.

"No Elphaba, they are inconsequential things, some ribbon and an old pin cushion he found somewhere. Let him have his toys." Namom smiled.

"If you're sure. Thank you, on his behalf." Elphie said sincerely and Glinda could tell that her love was still a little off.

Samion came and told them that the sleigh was ready to go and that they needed to get going because the new snowfall was going to make things a little slower. They bundled up and went out onto the porch. Samion said goodbye first then after Namom had a few private words with Nusee, he took him to the sleigh.

"Goodbye Elphaba. I am so very glad that you will be a permanent part of my family; we will most assuredly be the better for it. I don't need to tell you to look after my little granddaughter, because I know that you will." Namom said and gave Elphie a firm hug that she accepted and returned.

"Yes, I will. Goodbye Namom, thank you for everything." Elphie said then placed a very light kiss on Namom's cheek.

"You take care of her." Namom chuckled into Glinda's ear during a very long hug.

"I will." Glinda sniffled.

"And thank you Namom. I'm going to miss you."

"I will miss you too my Galinda, but we had a nice visit, yes?"

"Uh-huh. Bye Namom, behave yourself." Glinda said with a sniffled giggle.

"Only if you do." Namom replied with a grin.

"Oh well then, too bad." Glinda said and they both chuckled.

Elphie took Glinda to the sleigh and they got settled in under a blanket while Gwenot said her goodbyes. Elphie watched as the two shared some quiet words and a long embrace. When she was settled in beside Samion, they waved and yelled out a chorus of goodbyes and I love yous to the jingle of the harness bells as they rode away.

Glinda sniffled a little but soon was caught up in the sleigh ride into town to meet their carriage. Wet snow was hanging from the trees, icicles had formed and everything was glistening and beautiful. Elphie took Nusee out of his basket and put him inside her cloak to keep him warm and he amused himself with the buttons on her dress, which did not amuse her very much. The trip through the pass took longer than usual because of the snow, but their carriage was waiting for them at the Inn, warm, cozy and ready to go. While their driver was loading the luggage, Samion went to get them all something hot to drink. They were under way in no time and for a while they sipped their drinks and talked about their visit.

After about an hour, Glinda and Nusee curled up under a blanket and took a nap. Gwenot wanted to talk to Elphie about Dani and Manif's stay for the Masquerade Ball, but it was obvious to her that Elphie did not wish to talk. By the time Glinda was asleep, Elphie was lost in her head. She was thinking about how Glinda interacted with her grandmother, Gwenot with her mother and Samion with his mother-in-law. She was curious as to why he called her Mother and tried to remember if her mother had done the same with her father's mother.

As she sorted through these things, she caught snippets of the conversation between Gwenot and Samion. They were discussing the trip to see Sali in a few days. At one point, she heard Mydrea and Nief mentioned and felt a knot form in her stomach. She tried to dismiss it because she knew that she would not have to see him, but she was not very successful. Glinda became agitated and woke up because she felt Elphie's distress.

"Lyndie, what's wrong? I thought for sure that you'd sleep until the train depot." Elphie said with a slight smile.

"What's the matter Elphie?" Glinda asked and Gwenot wondered if her daughter had woken up because of something she felt.

"I'm sorry my sweet, I've been wandering around in my head."

Glinda met Elphie's gaze and held it for just a bit.

"I'll take care of it Elphie, I promise."

"No Lyndie, I will, it's just…hard."

"Elphaba darling, did something happen at the Lodge that upset you?" Gwenot asked.

"No Gwenot, everything was fine there." Elphie said quietly.

"Momsie, Elphie and I…" Glinda said stressing the I.

"…Need a favor. It's about going to Aunt Sali's."

"Elphaba, please tell me what you need. Is it about Nusee?" Samion asked kindly.

"No, it's not about Nuisance." Elphie said and the kitten poked his head out and looked annoyed.

"It's…complicated."

"Whatever it is you need darling, we will see to it." Gwenot said.

"My love please allow me, it's okay…I promise." Glinda pleaded and Elphie nodded. It was obvious that she was upset.

Glinda knew that her mother was aware that something had happened to upset Elphie at her party, so she provided some details and told them about her conversation with Namom. Elphie told them that the nightmare that she had before they left for the Valley had Nief in it and it had frightened her.

"Daddy please talk to Aunt Sali so that Nief is not there at the house when we are. " Glinda asked.

"Of course I will. Elphaba darling, I am appalled at Nief's behavior. I wish we had known about this sooner, but I understand why you did not want to make a big deal out of it." Samion said.

"Elphaba, do not worry about this at all. We will take care of it, with a minimum of fuss. Promise me you will not let it distress you."

"I'll try, but I do not want to disturb any planned family functions. I think my presence has done enough of that already."

"Elphie!" Glinda said on the verge of tears.

"Elphaba, I thought that you understood that we arranged things like this for various reasons. This being your first holiday season with us was only one. The Masquerade Ball had a great deal to do with it as well." Gwenot said firmly but very gently.

"I'm sorry, I do know that. " Elphie said.

"Good, now I want you to hear me. I am very, very glad that you told us about Nief. Your sense of security and well being is more important to us than having Nief attend a family dinner or other event." Gwenot said.

"Salija will feel the same way, I promise you." Samion said.

"Elphaba, Nief has caused trouble before that has nothing to do with you. Salija has prevented him from attending family get-togethers before."

"She has?" Glinda said with true surprise in her voice and face.

"She has. And the fact that my darling daughter did not know about is testament to the fact at how discreetly it was dealt with." Samion said with a soft chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'd say so. The cousin's network is usually very thorough." Glinda said with a smile.

"I just…I don't want…" Elphie stammered.

"Just talk to us my love, it's all right." Glinda said softly stroking the back of Elphie's hand.

"I don't want to upset Mydrea or cause trouble for them." Elphie said quietly.

"Darling, none of this is your doing. Nothing you did, said or anything else caused Nief to act the way he did. Just like nothing you or Galinda did caused Jilla to behave the way she did. Nief is responsible for his own words and actions." Gwenot said seriously.

"Mydrea is well aware of her husband's views on different things and makes no secret of the fact that she does not share them." Samion added.

Samion thought it might be a good idea to tell Elphaba a little about the other types of trouble that Nief; along with his brother-in law, Isolin got themselves into, especially when they drank. Gwenot also talked about some trouble with Chiwa's husband. They did not go into great detail but it was enough to talk about how families support each other in different ways. Even while not tolerating deplorable behavior. It was a good conversation that helped Elphie gain some perspective on the darker side of family dynamics. But it also made her wonder at what point a family member who was problematic was just given up on and what sorts of things would cause that to happen.

Gwenot wanted to make very sure that Elphie understood that what Nief did and said to her was unacceptable, that it had nothing to do with her and that he would not be at Sali's house, so they talked, sometimes very seriously and sometimes more light-heartedly until they reached the train depot.

X

Samion went to go see to their luggage and check on the status before joining his family for lunch at the little café. He used the time to calm down and clear his head. He was angry that his nephew-in law had behaved so deplorably towards Elphaba and was tempted to deal with it himself. But he knew that was not the thing to do. He had made sure that Elphaba knew that he was upset with Nief for what he did, but he did not let her see his anger because he was not sure how she would deal with it. He knew that his wife could sense it and wondered if his daughter felt it. Walking around in the cold crisp air helped him even out and he was back to his usual even-keeled self by the time he sat down at the table with the women in his life.

They lingered over lunch because the train was delayed. Gwenot also steered the conversation to talk of the Ball and other fun topics. Glinda brought up going on a date to show off her new muff set and they talked about other things they could do. The train was still delayed when they finished so Elphie and Glinda went for a walk, leaving Nusee with Samion and Gwenot.

Glinda knew that Elphie needed that walk so she held her hand tightly and stoked the back of her hand as they slowly walked around the depot area. Eventually they started talking about the carriage conversation again, mainly just so Elphie could process it a little. They talked about Dani's brothers and how all that mess seemed related. Glinda knew that Elphie wasn't really upset, and she wasn't quite settled either, but she did not say anything. Elphie knew that Glinda could feel that she was not quite settled, but did not care. What was important to both of them now was that they were together, taking a walk, and having some time alone.

X

By the time they finally arrived back at the Manor, they were over four hours past due and everyone was tired and in their individual ways, cranky. Cook had stew fixed for them that was easily warmed up and they all felt a little better after they ate, especially Glinda and Nusee.

"Elphaba, Chaxi is due here in the morning. Do you want me to contact her to reschedule until later in the day?"

"No, that is not necessary, unless you want to Lyndie."

"No, it's okay. I'm going to bed early and so are you." Glinda smiled.

"I've never seen the train delayed as long as it was today."

"I know and it was a shame that there was not a carriage available. Your father did try though." Gwenot smiled.

"I know, and it was a nice touch trying to use Nusee to garner sympathy for our plight." Glinda giggled.

"I did not approve of that." Gwenot said with a slight chuckle.

"He played his part well though, didn't you little guy." Samion laughed and Nusee rubbed against his leg.

"I think he is glad to be home too. Visiting is good, travel is bad." Glinda said with a chuckle.

"Maybe we can learn to teleport like Manif is doing."

"Your friend can teleport? That is impressive." Gwenot said with real admiration.

"If you saw him land on his bottom, swearing up a storm, you might not be so impressed." Elphie chuckled.

"I wonder if he would demonstrate for us when he is here. Teleportation is an exceptionally difficult skill. Very few sorcerers even attempt it."

"Momsie I'm sure he would love to show you." Glinda said happily.

"I'm looking forward to it. Now why don't you two go and get ready for bed."

"I was just thinking how wonderful a nice long steamy bath would be. And a warm oil one for Elphie." Glinda sighed.

"I'm taking an oil bath?" Elphie said.

"Oh I must have had the conversation where I told you that I was conjuring you an oil bath in my head." Glinda giggled.

"I see. It does sound nice though."

"I'm looking forward to a nice long soak myself." Gwenot smiled.

They said their goodnights then went to their own baths. While Glinda was conjuring Elphie's oil, Samion was negotiating his way into a bubble bath at the other end of the hall.

Glinda would have rather shared Elphie's bath, but knew with the mood that she was in; some real alone time was in order. She was saving her battle for convincing her that they should share a bed. It truly surprised her that there was no battle. After long baths and some quiet snuggling on the sofa, Elphie actually asked to share her bed.

They lay together for a long time, caressing one another softly. They talked a little, but mainly were just together. Glinda fell asleep long before Elphie and when Elphie did finally sleep, it was fitful and disturbed. She ended up on the sofa, so she wouldn't wake Glinda and that is where Gwenot found her when she came to wake them so they could get ready and have breakfast before Chaxi's arrival.

Elphie woke Glinda up with soft kisses and cuddled with her for a bit. Glinda could sense Elphie's disquiet and drew her into a series of kisses, encouraging her to take what she needed. Eventually Elphie did and kissed Glinda deeply, laying her back on the pillows, shifting their positions and exploring until they were both breathless.

"Welcome home to us." Glinda giggled softly.

"I feel the need to apologize." Elphie said with slight smile.

"Don't you dare." Glinda grinned as she caressed Elphie's cheek.

"We should get ready now." Elphie said as she gently tickled Glinda's side.

"Agreed, but this afternoon is just us, in here…or over there." Glinda laughed as she tried to squirm away.

"Agreed." Elphie smiled.

After another kiss and a tickle that made Glinda pout because it was not a prelude to kiskle tag, Elphie went to her room to change. Twenty minutes later, they were both walking into the solarium, hand in hand. They had breakfast with both Gwenot and Samion then went into the library to wait for Chaxi.

"Chaxi guess what?" Glinda bubbled after everyone was greeted and Chaxi had coffee.

"Oh Elphie, do you want to tell her?"

"No, you go ahead." Elphie smiled.

"Tell me what?" Chaxi smiled, feeling Glinda's extreme exuberance.

"Elphie proposed to me." Glinda said happily as she held up their ring hands.

"We are engaged."

"Well congratulations you two. That is wonderful news." Chaxi said with a big smile. She gave Glinda a big hug, and then offered one to Elphie who accepted tentatively.

It will be one week tonight. We are going to celebrate." Glinda giggled.

"We are?" Elphie asked.

"Well of course silly, in some way." Glinda grinned.

"Silly me." Elphie smiled.

They talked a little bit together about being engaged, telling her grandmother and cousins and a little about the trip in general. Then with a soft kiss, a cheek caress and a heart-felt I love you Glinda left Elphie alone with her counselor.

"It sounds as though you've had quite a week." Chaxi said after some reorienting silence.

"And the week before that, and the week before that. Chaxi my mind is so…cluttered that I have no idea where to start, or if it is even worth it any more." Elphie sighed.

"Do you feel that our sessions are not productive for you now?" Chaxi asked.

"No, I did not mean that. There's just so much."

Chaxi felt Elphie's mood start to shift as soon as Glinda left, but now it was starting to spiral.

"Okay Elphaba, why don't we start with recently? What is it that is causing your mood shift right now?"

"What would cause a family to give up on someone?" Elphie asked as she got up to pace.

"That is a very sweeping question Elphaba. Can you narrow it a little bit?" Chaxi asked and Elphie was quiet for a time.

"What sort of problems would cause a family to decide that it is not worth the hassle it takes to try and help someone, especially someone that wasn't even a member?" Elphie asked softly and Chaxi could feel her fear.