Because it was raining out, Elphaba and Glinda had their dinner inside the café.
"Glinda," Elphie said swallowing a bite of grilled fish. "Has knowing you are magical ever frightened you?"
"No, not ever actually" She smiled "But it has been a part of my life since I was born, I grew up watching my mom, aunts and cousins doing magic. I even dabbled a little when I was little."
Elphie was amused "So what was little Galinda's first spell?"
"I tried to turn my beans into an extra dessert." She chuckled at the memory. "I ended up with a plate full of something unidentifiable, but my mom was so impressed that I had tried by myself she gave me an extra dessert any way."
"My, my but you were spoiled"
"Uh-huh" She grinned proudly "Still am. Does it frighten you?"
"Maybe some, but more like confuses me. No one in my family is magical, that I know of. And even if they were my father would not have approved. I still have no real interest in magic, but I'll have to peruse it at least a little, because of the alchemy class."
"Please don't launch off on Jilla again." Glinda chuckled
"I'm not, don't worry. "Elphie chuckled "I'm a little tired, do you mind if we go upstairs?"
"Not at all my love, that spell must have taken a lot out of you. I'm sorry, again."
"Don't be. Your mom is right, The more I know about what all this is, the better."
Up in their room Elphie and Glinda studied for awhile, then Elphie quizzed Glinda on the material for her Wanding class.
"Show me swoop" She said.
Glinda gracefully moved her wand
"Very good. Now a dip and slash."
Glinda confidently waved her wand.
"Excellent my sweet. One more, try a zigzag orb."
Glinda had to think because it was a new one. She tried something tentatively
"That was very close" Elphie said reassuringly "Go right then left, around and back left, right. " She motioned with her finger.
Glinda tried a few times until she was comfortable.
"Be glad you don't need a wand Elphie, they can be a pain. Your fingers are much better."
"As if you are objective where my fingers are concerned" Elphie chuckled.
"You should do very well on your quiz." She said approvingly, gathering her love into her arms
"Thanks for your help my love, but you do look very tired."
"I am, and I'm unusually stiff, although I don't know why I would be, it's not like I lifted the chair myself." She smiled
"Go bathe Elphie, I have an idea to help you relax."
Elphie bathed quickly and put on a nightdress then went wearily to her bed.
"I don't think I have any energy for an exercise tonight Lyndie"
"I figured that my love, but I thought I could do double duty. I'll rub your back, to help with the stiffness and we'll use exercise rules."
"That's clever, Ok"
"Good, I'll go get some oil and you lower your nightdress and lie down on your tummy."
Elphie unbuttoned her gown, bared her back and lay down as instructed.
"Let this relax your muscles Elphie." Glinda said warming oil between her palms. "Ready my love"
"I am." She closed her eyes
Glinda slowly ran her oil covered hands gently up and down Elphie's soft green back, She moved slowly and carefully, making small circles down to her lower back then back up to her shoulders. She worked across her shoulders and back down, and then she moved back up to her shoulder blades and gently tried to work out the tension. Elphie sighed, making Glinda smile.
"That feels good" Elphie said quietly "Your hands are so gentle and comforting"
Glinda massaged down her spine and then back up her sides, causing Elphie to tense.
Since there were no real rules to follow, she decided not to do that again. She continued to work the tension out, gently massaging her shoulders, neck and back. After about half an hour, she announced exercise over, but Elphie didn't respond Glinda chuckled when she realized she had put her love to sleep.
Glinda carefully tried to put the gangly green arms back into the nightdress without waking Elphie, but failed. She startled slightly sitting up and mumbling.
"Shhhhh my love." Glinda said quickly getting her gown back on and buttoned "Lie down and sleep."
She kissed her softly and guided her startled sleepy friend onto her pillow.
"Fresh dreams Elphie" She said kissing her again.
Elphie mumbled something and was back asleep.
Glinda looked at her sleeping love, tears in her eyes.
"I love you so much Elphie, sometimes what I feel for you scares me, how much I need you scares me."
She whispered to the sleeping green girl.
"Please always love me"
For some reason, at that moment she felt needy, insecure and vulnerable.
To help shake off the intense feelings she went and took a hot bath. After she was in her nightgown, hair dried and brushed, she realized that Elphie hadn't gathered her things for tomorrow. To help out, she gathered books, papers, glasses and other things and stacked them neatly together with her book bag on her desk. Then she went and picked out some clothes, undergarments, stockings and shoes and laid them on and over the desk chair as Elphie always did. Feeling very satisfied with herself she crawled into bed. As she was settling in she realized that she wouldn't be able to see Elphie until close to dinnertime. Wanting to surprise her love, she bolted up out of bed, wrote a note and put it in her second class textbook. Snuggling back into bed, she glanced over at the peacefully sleeping Elphie.
"Good night my love" She whispered into the darkness.
When Elphie awoke it was still dark, rainy and dark. She stretched and saw her gown askew and misbuttoned
"That must have been some dream" She mumbled
She got up and shuffled into the bathroom, suddenly remembering last night, the massage and something vague about Glinda buttoning her nightdress. She also remembered that she hadn't gathered her things, so she hurriedly brushed her hair and took care of other incidentals then went out into the room, using only the light from the bathroom. On her desk she saw all of her things, clothes and all, neatly lain out. She smiled at the sleeping girl, thinking how lucky she was to have such a wonderful person love her. She dressed, put her things into her bag, grabbed her umbrella and crept quietly out of the door.
She had time for a quick breakfast, so she went to the café. Hyrut was sitting alone and called her over
"Morning Elphaba" He croaked sleepily trying to sip coffee.
"Good morning Hyrut. Thank you for letting me join you."
"No problem, now stop yelling" He groaned
Elphie chuckled and drank her coffee
"Sorry" She whispered "Party?"
"Jacol and some homemade Munchkin brew"
"Ahhh. Be careful of that stuff, the smart Munchkins use it to thin paint." She chuckled
"At least I made it out, you should see the rest of the floor, except Manif. Apparently he had already been introduced to Munchkinshine and wisely passed it by."
"That's why he is Top Student. Shall I escort you to class?"
"Oh that's right, Ok let's go." He got up and started to walk away.
"Hyrut, this way" Elphie took his arm and gently pulled him in the right direction.
She put up her umbrella for the both of them and dragged him along to class, which luckily was close by.
While they were walking she realized that she wasn't ill at ease at all, and felt rather proud of herself. By the time they got there Hyrut was in better spirits. He stood out in the chilly morning rain for a minute or two and that seemed to perk him right up.
"Thanks Elphaba, for getting me here alive"
"Your welcome" She jumped back involuntarily when he shook the water out of his hair.
"Sorry, did I get you?"
"Not at all, let's go before we are late" She quickly wiped her hands on her blouse, thankful she didn't get more splattered.
Her first class ended a little early so she gave Hyrut a chuckling good bye and good luck and went on to her next class, wanting to review. She felt a pop quiz coming soon. When she opened her book a piece of pink stationary fell out. She smiled as she opened it and read Glinda's elegant handwriting
"Good morning my love,
I hope you slept well and woke up relaxed, and ready for your day.
Go easy on your project partners, not everyone considers Biology experiments a leisure time activity.
I can't wait until this evening, when you are with me once again.
Enjoy your day my precious Elphie.
I love you,
Lyndie."
Her y had a flourished loop and her i was dotted with a smile. The whole thing made her feel warm inside, and very happy. She read it again, then realized that the other students were filtering in. Slipping the note into her bag, she grinned broadly, certain her classmates would either be very confused at the rare sight, or think she had lost her mind.
Glinda's morning was fairly routine: dress, breakfast, class, then lunch. Some of her classmates met regularly for lunch and girl talk and she joined them today.
"Are you going to the dance Glinda?" A Winkie girl named Alopa asked.
"More than likely, but I'm not sure yet." Glinda said nibbling a sandwich.
"I hear that the new boy, Jacol, wants to escort you. He is very cute" A girl from the Emerald City, Natyia giggled.
"I am not looking to be escorted anywhere. I'll arrive with my roommate, dance with whom I choose and leave when I please." Glinda said resolutely.
"You are quite the independent thinker Glinda." Loma laughed
"I just see no point in attaching myself to a particular boy." She chuckled "Now can't we gossip about someone else."
The girls continued to chat about upcoming activities, dorm teas and summer plans
"I'm attending summer seminar," Glinda said when asked
"Why in Oz would you want to stay at school over summer? B-oring" Alopa said
"Are you going to take the opportunity to get another room?" Natyia asked
"Oh no. Elphaba and I get along great now" She smiled inwardly "She is great company; funny, intelligent, and thoughtful."
"And a real sport, we levitated her yesterday, practicing our new spell." Loma chuckled.
"Really?" Alopa said astonished. "Admittedly she is not as hostile and stand-offish as she used to be, but good company?"
"Elphaba is a very private person, reserved and a little shy. She does tend to relax a little though when she gets to know someone." Glinda said trying not to sound defensive
"True." Loma agreed "She was fun at the sing-along-bar awhile back. Glinda was too!"
"Don't remind me" Glinda chuckled "And if I remember, which luckily I don't really, you were quit a cut up yourself."
"Well Glinda, if you can get along with the odd green girl, she must have some merit" Alopa commented
"More than you realize girls, more than you realize." Glinda sighed
They chatted awhile longer about a riotous party rumored to have taken place last night in the boy's dorm, then drifted off to their classes. Glinda enjoyed lunch with her classmates, even if it did focus a little too much on her and Elphie. She thought that maybe she would ask Elphie if she would like to join them sometime.
She studied with Loma for awhile after class, then took a slow stroll back to the room. The rain had stopped and she was enjoying the day, even though she missed Elphie a little, and hoped she had stayed dry.
"Glinda!" She heard her name called boldly
She turned and saw Jacol jogging over to her and groaned
"Good afternoon Jacol" She said politely
"Hi there. How is the beautiful lady on this beautiful day?"
"I'm well and you?"
"Perfect, and I just got better" He smiled broadly "Would you join me for a cold beverage on the patio?"
He asked
"I'm on my way somewhere right now, I'm sorry" Glinda responded lightly
"Then allow me to escort you and we can talk" He said offering his arm
Glinda accepted it reluctantly, not wanting to appear rude.
"I would consider it a privilege if you'd come to the dance with me." He said as gentlemanly as he could
"I don't know if I will be attending or not. But even if I do, I'm maintaining a strict no going out with boys policy this year. So I'm sorry, I do not wish to be escorted to the dance." She said in a firm tone.
Jacol put on a playful pout "May I at least request a dance?"
"If I attend, yes you may." Glinda tried to chuckle "We have arrived at my destination."
"Glinda, I warn you I am not easily dissuaded." He grinned mischievously
"And I, Jacol, am not easily persuaded." She said taking her arm back.
"Thank you for the escort. Have a pleasant day." She turned and went into her dorm.
"Oh, this is going to be a fun chase" Jacol said walking away. "And I may even gain some information on our mysterious Third in the process"
One of her project partners had generously brought a tray of sandwiches to their session. Elphie gratefully accepted one.
"Thank you so much Gyma, this was very thoughtful." Elphie said
"Yes, very" A Gillkineese boy named Tredil concurred.
"You two are very welcome. It's because of me we are working over lunch, so it's the least I can do." The Emerald City girl said smiling warmly
"Any requests for tomorrow?" She laughed
They worked hard on their experiment. Elphie, by choice, doing most of the book research. She was enjoying this project very much.
"Elphaba, when you figure out that last formula, could you please give it here?" Tredil asked. He was in charge of synthesizing information from the physical aspect and the research aspect.
"Right here" Elphie said handing him a paper with her small, neat handwriting on it.
"How did you get that so fast?" Gyma asked astounded
"I've been working on it since yesterday" She smiled
Although they didn't think so at first, the two students felt very lucky they were partnered up with the class whiz. She was brilliant, even if she was…green.
She left the lab barely in enough time to make it to her next class. Even though she enjoyed this class very much, she was glad when it was over. She walked quickly to the café and got the table on the patio where she and Glinda usually sat. She was glad the rain had stopped and everything was dry.
Glinda spent her wait time studying and practicing; very happy there was nothing for Elphie to fix when she was finished. Then she put on some music and straightened up a little, then sat down with one of Elphie's books on psychology and read about sexuality. She found the section very interesting and insightful, and had become so engrossed that she lost track of time and literally ran down to the café to meet Elphie.
She flew in and slid into her chair across from Elphie, grinning broadly.
"Napping?" Elphie said amused.
"Reading," Glinda replied catching her breath
"No, seriously." Elphie chuckled
"I was reading one of your psychology books, smartie. And because you are being so obnoxious, I'm telling you which part. Sexuality." Glinda smirked
"I leave you to your own devices for one afternoon…" Elphie said
"It was very enlightening." Glinda said earnestly
"That's what I'm afraid of." Elphie smiled.
Their food finally came and Elphie ate with relish.
"Did you eat anything at all today?" Glinda smiled
"A bun for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch, but that seems like ages ago." She took a big bite of herbed rice mixed with seasoned steamed vegetables.
"Mmmmmm, this new dish is very tasty. Speaking of breakfast, I encountered Hyrut this morning."
Between bites, she told Glinda about her mornings conversation.
"So it wasn't just a rumor." She giggled taking a bite of her pasta.
"Apparently Manif's friend Jacol is a little… high spirited" Elphie said
"And persistent" Glinda added, then went on to tell Elphie her encounter with the new boy, and how she had to decline his escort invitation.
"Do you want to go to the dance Glinda?"
"It might be fun, even if I did promise Jacol a dance. But only if you come too."
"Alright, because it pleases you my sweet." She smiled warmly.
"And the next night I will be just for us. Our first official outing alone." She bubbled and squirmed
"What shall we do?" She said excitedly
"No, no. I'm taking care of everything this time. I'm courting you remember?" Elphie smiled
"The next week, or next time, you may court me and plan whatever you like."
"That sounds fair" Glinda giggled "Usually the girls don't do the actual courting, but in our case I guess that isn't very practical."
"Indeed not" Elphie chuckled "And please keep in mind I know absolutely nothing about courting rituals, so like everything else about this relationship, I'm guessing."
"My love, I don't care if we sit in our room and stare at each other all night, I'm just looking forward to being with you, no school stuff."
"Well, we will be off campus for at least a while."
Glinda smiled. "Are you ready to go upstairs?"
"What's the hurry my sweet?"
"I feel a strong need to kiss you."
"I see." Elphie chuckled "Then by all means, lets go."
Glinda grabbed their desserts and Elphie their drinks and they headed up to their room.
The blonde took the raven haired green girl into her arms as soon as they put down the food and drinks and kissed her with gusto.
"Feel better now?" Elphie smiled
"Uh-huh" Glinda nodded, then kissed her love again "And now even better."
She twirled around and skipped happily over to the victrola and put on some music.
"I studied for my quiz already, and you don't need to study at all, so let's enjoy our desserts" Glinda said sitting at the table.
"I need to study" Elphie smiled " At some point in time."
She sat across from her adorable roommate and they slowly ate their fruit and nut cremes and chatted.
"Lyndie, I was thinking. Neither of us has an afternoon class on last day. Why don't we go to lunch at the café and run my errands then. We'll have plenty of time to get ready for the dance afterward and then we will have the whole weekend to ourselves."
"That's a fabulous idea my love." Glinda bubbled "I can't wait, especially for our date."
Elphie regarded her love closely.
"Are you doing alright with the duality of all of this my sweet."
"It's fine Elphie. I look at it this way, even if everyone knew we were in love and a couple, your basic nature would prevent me from hugging and kissing on you in public anyway. So, so far so good."
"Good point" Elphie noted
Glinda got up and pulled Elphie to her. She held her and kissed her lightly, stroking her cheek.
"Tomorrow is going to be another long, boring Elphieless day for me, but the next three are going to be fun. Including an evening with our friends, dancing and raising a little ruckus and a quiet outing alone with the girl I adore and cherish. I'm happy"
" I'm glad." Elphie kissed the smiling blonde girl softly. "Why don't we get ready for the long day we have tomorrow."
"Alright" Glinda sighed
They gathered their books and other things needed for their classes the next day. Glinda ran her bath and while she soaked she told Elphie about her lunch conversation with her classmates, and Elphie bathed quickly and trying to hide her self-consciousness, told her about her project work.
"So A should end up as big as C, but B which should be bigger than both, won't get big at all." Glinda chuckled getting out of the tub nonchalantly and wrapping up in a towel.
"Close enough" A similarly towel clad Elphie chuckled, brushing out her hair.
Glinda took her brush and continued brushing out the soft raven hair. "As long as you understand it" She chuckled.
"Elphie, may I braid your hair for the dance?"
"If you'd like" Elphie said retrieving her brush and kissing the hand that held it. "Now dry yours and I'll reciprocate.
She left the bathroom to put on her nightdress.
"You know Elphie, sometime you should try sleeping without undergarments"
Glinda called from the bathroom.
"Glinda! Why in Oz would I want to do that?"
"Because it's very comfortable. I don't wear any, you know that."
"I know, but I can't even imagine"
"I can't imagine sleeping in them. I never have."
"Never?" She went into the bathroom and starting brushing Glinda's hair.
"Not since I got out of diapers. I think they would be very confining and uncomfortable. Momsie always told me that a woman's pelvic region should breathe at night. I've even slept naked on occasion.
Elphie arched an eyebrow. "I'll think about it, the no under garments part, not the sleeping naked part."
Glinda smiled. "Once you get used to it, you'll love it. Remember walking around the house in just our robes after our oil bath, didn't that feel…free"
"That's not the word I would choose." Elphie chuckled and shook her head. "I'll try it once, sometime"
"You'll love it!" Glinda said enthusiastically "Ponytail please, or is it too wet still"
"Too wet" Elphie said handing her the brush
Glinda deftly put her hair up and followed Elphie out into the room.
"Elphie I was thinking about your exercise. I think we should try the face caresses again."
She saw Elphie look skeptical
"I don't know if I am ready for that again." Elphie sighed
"I know my love, but I want to try, but completely avoid your ears, I know this is a very sensitive area for you. I understand the purpose of all of this too and I think the exercise is a good one for you and I feel comfortable altering it like this, but it is up to you."
"Glinda, I had no idea you were putting so mush effort into this.
"Elphie, I've read every word the book's authors and my mother wrote many, many times. I've put the information into your context and tried to understand how it might affect you. This is important to you, so it is very important to me to do it correctly." She gazed sincerely into her love's dark eyes.
"Besides, I love you, and this is the only time I have almost free reign to caress you." She giggled
Elphie smiled. "I see. Ulterior motives."
"My mother only admonished me to keep myself in check, and follow all the rules and protocols. I have kept myself in check, and followed all the rules and protocols, including the Elphie story ones. I can't help it if, even with all the restrictions, I still enjoy it most of the time."
"Most of the time?" Elphie said sitting beside her on the bed.
"Why would I enjoy something that is causing you distress?" She looked
"Once again, a good point. Now kiss me, then caress me."
"You're in charge" Glinda chuckled and gave her a soft lingering kiss. "Now turn around, close your eyes and relax."
Glinda lightly caressed Elphie's face and neck, avoiding her ears, for close to half an hour. Elphie occasionally sighed, but otherwise stayed quiet.
"That was nice" She said when they finished "One day I want to do this to you."
"It's not meant to be reciprocated Elphie."
"I realize that, but I took that to mean during or immediately after, not months later" Elphie chuckled.
"Finally, you get a good point!" Glinda laughed.
Elphie got up, pulled Glinda up with her and gave her a kiss.
"I need to get up early, I'm ready to go to sleep" Elphie said.
Glinda kissed her "Good night my love, I love you."
Elphie kissed her back "Good night my sweet, I love you too."
They climbed into their own beds and slept peacefully until a storm sent a sleepy Elphie over to hold and comfort a scared and crying Glinda. The storm was strong, but brief and Glinda managed to return to sleep, under the promise that Elphie would stay put.
Elphie grabbed a cup of coffee from the café and walked umbrella up, to the library to get some studying in before her class. The rest of her day was busy, hectic and mostly interesting. The biology project was finished ahead of schedule and her partners had thanked her sincerely. Her academic advisor helped her get registered for the Advanced Placement Exams coming up and gave her a list of reference and study materials. She was one of only two freshmen qualified to take them this year and she allowed herself a moment of self- satisfaction. Her day had been productive and good, and she felt her heart jump a bit when, while walking across the courtyard she saw a blue clad beautiful blonde sitting waving at her from a distance.
Glinda had breakfast with some classmates, then passed her quiz with flying colors. Most of the rest of her day was spent studying and practicing with Loma, then working out a preliminary summer seminar schedule with Manif. If it worked out she had a well balanced, but not too hectic summer schedule, including some short, two week sessions and the month long spell writing session. She was pleased
"Manif, Did you know one of the visiting instructors is my cousin?"
"Really? Which?"
"Jilla Newboron"
"Ah, the sorcery instructor from the Emerald City. She is one of the ones who contacted us about teaching at our seminar this summer. She is teaching two I think, during one two week session."
"She contacted you?" Glinda said amused
"It happens sometimes, we do this every year and are always looking for new and qualified instructors, apparently she had that particular two weeks open, It's the…let me see, the second two weeks."
They talked for a little while about Jilla, Glinda not mentioning the Elphaba thing yet, until she noticed the time and excused herself.
"Thanks Manif, I have to run, I'm meeting Elphaba for dinner. Oh and we will be attending the dance," She said as she bounded out the door.
She had just sat down and got drinks when she saw Elphie walking across the courtyard. Her heart jumped and she waved wildly at her love.
"Hi Elphie"
"Hello Lyndie, How did you do on your quiz?" She said putting down her things and taking a long drink of cider.
"Only missed one!" She said proudly
"Wonderful my sweet. I knew you would do well. And how was the rest of your day?"
They ordered and Glinda excitedly told Elphie about her seminar schedule and her conversation with Manif.
"I think summer seminar will be fun, the Jilla thing aside"
"It sounds like it. I'm glad you have a good reason for staying this summer."
"Please Elphie." She chuckled
"Besides us" She qualified.
They ate in silence for a while. Elphie was enjoying her grilled vegetable platter and Glinda her chicken with potatoes.
"So Elphie, how was your day, besides food deprived?" She chuckled
"It was busy, but the project is done and I'm one of two freshman selected to take the Advanced Placement Exams." She said casually
"Elphie!" She squealed "The APEs, that's fantastic." She was squirming and bubbling "I'm so proud of you."
Elphie laughed "I haven't passed them yet, these I must study for."
"I know, my love, but what a thrill for you, now you can take advanced classes as well as honors classes."
She was genuinely elated. "Congratulations, Elphie. You may be deflecting this, but freshman don't often get to take these tests, it's a major deal." Glinda said quietly
"I know, I'm a little proud of myself, I think." Elphie said. "But I'll reserve jubilation for if I pass."
"For when you pass. You know how to be jubilant?"
"I've been watching you." She smiled.
They went through their usual getting ready for the next day routines. Glinda was very happy about Elphie's news and the fact that she only had one class, then a weekend of fun, Elphie, and fun with Elphie.
Elphie was looking forward to the weekend too, but was a little stirred up emotionally about getting to take the exams.
"Is something bothering you my love" Glinda said sitting with her.
"I was just thinking about the exams. Did I ever tell you what His Eminence said to me before I left for Shiz."
"No Elphie, what?" Glinda said softly.
"He said –just try and pass and don't embarrass Colwen Grounds. —"
Glinda kept quiet and waiting for Elphie to finish.
"Did you know I never went to school?"
"Elphie, no! Really?" She said in sheer didbelief.
"They tried to send me in the primary grades, but I was deemed a distraction and a problem. My mother taught me at home because Nanny warned her that even though I was green and hard to deal with I was still a Descending Thropp, and Descending Thropps are entitled, by birthright to be educated. So she taught me the basics, until she died."
Glinda sensed that Elphie wasn't agitated or upset, but needed to say this.
"Go on Elphie"
"My father continued to teach me here and there when I was traveling around with him. Mostly I read his books on theology. But I also borrowed books from the Quadling children or teachers we visited and taught myself history, science, logic, anything I could find. My only escape was reading and studying. I would read anything. My father let me keep doing it because I volunteered to tutor Nessa. She went to school, when it was possible, with the Quadling children, but at home I read to her and did her homework and anything else I could think of. When I was 16 I overheard some teachers talking about recommendations for Shiz. It never even occurred to me to try, until one day when my father told me to go with him into a bar, to minister as we had done before. And yes this how I learned bawdy songs and salty language, but that's a different story."
She sighed tiredly
"I knew then that what ever I was, why ever I deserved this, I couldn't take it anymore, I couldn't do it anymore.
I asked one of the teachers, who had helped me before, about getting into Shiz. She told me that without schooling it would be impossible. But If I could pass the schools exit exams, she would help me try.
My father thought I was being ridiculous and wasting time, but did not forbid it, because he thought I would fail and that would be the end of it."
Glinda was listening to this tale with a mix of awe and horror noting that Elphie still wasn't agitated, or upset.
"I took the exam and passed, much to everyone's shock, including mine and especially my father's.
The teacher kept her word and arranged for me to take the Shiz entrance exams. Nanny told me If I was accepted a trust fund would kick in and no one could deny me it because whether they wanted me to be or not, I was the rightful heir, and entitled, by tradition to go to college. She never forgave my mother for not finishing. I took the exams with the Quadling students and wrote my essay on the fundamentals of what makes all Ozians, Ozians. It was close to a year before Colwen Grounds was so inclined to summon me and tell me that I had been accepted. By that time I had to wait for months before the term started new. I was made to stay there, so they could make sure I was civilized enough to attend the prestigious Shiz, And, as I found out later my paranoid great-grandfather had to make absolutely sure there was no cheating on my part involved. I kept to myself, read everything in the palace, sulked and brooded incessantly, but in a way, it was better than having to go around with my father. And that my dear Lyndie is how you came to have a mean green thing as a roommate."
"I need to write a heartfelt thank you note to that Quadling teacher, because of her I was united with the love of my life." Glinda smiled and kissed her.
"You know that is astounding right?"
"Maybe, but when I heard about the exams I felt a moment of pride, then like a fraud. I'm working my way back to pride, or at least excitement."
"How you got here is amazing, but doesn't make you a fraud. I'd wager that half the people here cheated or bought their way into Shiz. I barely passed my own exams." Glinda chuckled
"What is important is what you do now that you are here, and you are doing yourself very proud. You will be going back to Colwen Grounds for your 19th whatever it is as an Advanced Scholar. Even if they don't acknowledge it, you can and should. I certainly will and my parents will be beside themselves with pride and admiration."
She gathered Elphie up into a hug.
"You are no fraud my love. More than anyone I've ever know, you are the real deal"
