Glinda woke up to a feeling of excitement, eager to start the day. Unfortunately it was barely dawn and the beautiful girl in the next bed was still sleeping. She sat and watched Elphie for awhile, then went over to her bed.

"Elphie?" She whispered, sitting beside her

"Elphie?" She said gently stroking her hair.

"Glinda? What's the matter?" She said startling awake.

"Nothing, my love. I just wanted to get a jump on our day." She said grinning.

Elphie stared at her sleepily "Are you crazy? It's barely dawn" She mumbled

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to be with you"

"If I agree will you leave me be and go back to sleep?"

"Uh-huh" She grinned

Elphie pulled back her covers and Glinda snuggled down beside her

"I love you' She whispered

"I'll consider loving you later" Elphie mumbled

Glinda smiled. Elphie wasn't irritated, simply grumpy. She realized that waking her just so she could cuddle was selfish, but she would make it up to her later. She closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

A few hours later Elphie woke up beside a lightly snoring Glinda.

"She's impossible" Elphie smiled remembering what brought her there.

"Lyndie?" She said, knowing full well that she would wake up perky.

"Hi Elphie!" Glinda grinned staring at the beautiful green face beside her. "I'm sorry I woke you"

She kissed her softly

""Next time there had better be a real crisis, not a cuddle crisis." Elphie smiled

"A cuddle crisis. I like that" Glinda bubbled "I'll add that to my list"

"Your list?" Elphie said intrigued.

"Never mind" Glinda grinned mischievously "Did you sleep well my love?"
"I had an interesting dream."

"Really!" Glinda chuckled

"Not your type of interesting dream my sweet. I'll rephrase. I had an unusual dream."

"Tell me" Glinda, said.

They had shifted around and were sitting together; in their usual snuggle position.

"I was walking by myself and you were calling me from a distance, but I was ignoring you. I seemed to be in a hurry, or distracted or something. I just kept walking and walking. I don't even know where I was going"

"Did you wake up upset?" Glinda asked

"No, not really" She said, then grinned "Not until I noticed a certain blonde beside me, snoring and stealing all the covers."

Glinda sat up and kissed her love, then stuck out her tongue.

"If you weren't such a mean green thing. I would have done that in reverse order." She smirked

Elphie arched an eyebrow and chuckled. "I shall try to de-meanify, but the green is permanent"

"Sweetheart," Glinda laughed "So is the mean."

They snuggled and talked about the dance and their week and how glad they were the weekend was here.

"Glinda, wait here, I've got an idea." Elphie said after awhile climbing over her, grabbing some clothes and running into the bathroom.

She emerged a few minutes later; hair still braided wearing her bum around clothes.

"Elphie? What are you doing, where are you going?" Glinda said confused.

Elphie rushed over and kissed her.

"You'll see, just stay put. I'll be right back."

She hurried out of the door and down to the café. She loaded up a tray with fig and cinnamon buns, a glass of juice, a glass of cider and a carafe of coffee; she grabbed a flower in a small vase from one of the tables and raced back upstairs.

"Close your eyes Glinda" She called from outside the door.

"Elphie? What…"

"Just close your eyes. You owe me, you woke me up remember?"

"Alright, they're closed" Glinda laughed

Elphie went in and put the tray on the table.

"Now keep them closed until I say so."

"Ok Elphie." Glinda said still chuckling

Elphie went back into the bathroom, changed back into her nightdress, then got the tray and went to her bed.

"Ok" She said catching her breath.

Glinda opened her eyes to a nightdress clad Elphie holding a tray of food.

"Breakfast in bed" The green girl, said proudly.

Glinda squealed and giggled

"Elphie, what fun, how wonderful." She took the tray so Elphie could get back into bed.

They settled they tray so things wouldn't spill and Glinda poured coffee, fixing Elphie's up with heavy cream.

"Elphie, I can't get over this, what a fabulous idea." She said giving her a light kiss.

"I think so too, but I can't take credit." She took a bite of cinnamon bun and a sip of coffee.

"I read about it in a relationship book." She grinned

"What?" Glinda said, thinking she misunderstood.

"I started reading books on relationships whenever I have a little time at the library. I started because I know nothing about romance, courting or anything else of that nature. This was in the section –surprising your spouse – But I assumed it would be Ok for us as well." Elphie was obviously very pleased with herself.

"You've been studying relationships?"

"A little, I haven't had much time, but I learned about this, and that what I planned for tonight should be acceptable for a first date."

"Well, you are a researcher at heart, so I guess it makes sense." She chuckled. "So what do you have planned."

"I'm not going to tell you, but it is simple and somewhat familiar. I need to start slow."

"Simple is perfect my love, I can't wait."

They continued to chat and eat, teasing and joking with one another, relaxed and happy. When they were all finished, Glinda put the tray on the floor.

"Elphie, this was perfect, absolutely perfect."

"I'm glad you like it my sweet. My goal for today is to please you, as best I can."

"You are off to a great start"

She smiled and pulled Elphie into a kiss.

"And next week I get to court you, correct?"

"If you like." Elphie grinned " But today is still my day to show off what I've learned."

"So far you get a perfect mark." She kissed Elphie again sighing happily. "My love, I think we should do one of your exercises today. We've skipped two nights."

"I don't see how that fits into the Please Lyndie theme of the day…."

She saw Glinda shoot her a look

"Oh, sorry I keep forgetting" Elphie smiled "Choose an exercise and let the touching begin."

"You are very cavalier about this Elphie."

"I don't mean to be, you know how I get with too much attention, even from you."

Glinda smiled. "Thus the point of the exercises my love."

Glinda kissed her lightly and went to get the exercise book.

"I went over the next one the other day so I'm comfortable with it, I think you will be too. It starts with a foot massage of sorts."

"Sounds innocent enough" Elphie smiled. "Your bed please."

Glinda grinned broadly as they switched beds.

"What?" Elphie said sitting down.

"My bed is your comfortable place" She squirmed in delight and kissed Elphie.

Elphie rolled her eyes "If you must know, the scent of your shampoo on the pillow helps me focus and calms me."

Glinda just kept grinning and squirming.

"Will you stop that!" Elphie snapped, then smiled.

"I'm sorry, you aren't usually so…sentimental." Glinda said throwing her arms around the green girl and hugging her.

"Don't make me sorry I told you Lyndie." Elphie laughed

"Alright, alright" Glinda giggled and reigned in her delight.

Elphie got settled, sitting against the headboard with her legs stretched out, feet on Glinda's lap. She was sitting crossed –legged near the foot.

"Comfy?" Glinda said

"For now" Elphie chuckled

"Close your eyes Elphie, deep breath and remember where you are, who you are with and that you are safe."

Glinda said soothingly.

Elphie, eyes closed nodded and smiled. Since this was touching exercise, not a massage, Glinda did not use oil, just the gentle touch of her fingers and hands.

Just like with Elphie's arms she caressed slowly and gently, starting with Elphie's toes, and souls, then around her heels, ankles, and the tops of her feet and back to her toes. She repeated this pattern of caresses, watching Elphie's face and noting that she didn't appear to be ticklish, or in distress.

She switched the pattern around the heel to start to caresses lightly up the back of Elphie's legs, to her knee, then down the outside, then up the front, then down the inside. Elphie tensed up a little, involuntarily twitching her legs during the first pass, during the second, around her knees she tried to move them away, but stopped herself.

"This is scaring me." She whispered

Elphie leaned against the headboard and was visibly struggling for control. Glinda bit her lip to keep from saying something and forced her self to do the last three repetitions.

"I keep expecting to feel rough hands squeezing and forcing. I can even feel my own tenseness.'

Her hands were clenched and she looked like she was ready to run, but she stayed put. Glinda went back to her feet, caressing and massaging gently until Elphie relaxed, her fists unclenched and she was breathing normally again.

"This I like' She smiled, which made Glinda feel much better.

"This feels good. I feel safe again."

Glinda continued for another five minutes or so, hoping the good would outweigh the bad.

"Exercise over Elphie" Glinda said quietly, hoping her face was impassive.

Elphaba opened her eyes and saw two beautiful sparkling blue ones gazing at her.

"I'm alright Lyndie, honest. I struggled with that, but I managed to control my fear and panic, at least a little."

"I could see you struggling my love. I'm very proud of you." She said her voice choking with emotion.

"Glinda…"

"No, don't Elphie. This is for you. I am very proud of you. And when you are ready I'll give you a hug and kiss."

She got up and went to put the book back and put on some up beat music.

"I like that music" Elphie said. "I'm better now, Lyndie. I am."

She hugged the girl who had sat back down on the bed. Glinda hugged her back and kissed her lightly.

"I threw in an extra long foot massage, to try and persuade you to tell me what we are doing for our first date."

"Well, I appreciate the foot rub, it was very soothing and earned you a hint. Wear comfortable shoes, we will be walking around some."

Glinda pouted slightly "Comfortable shoes, that's it!"

"Alright one more little tid-bit. We have about five hours until we need to leave the room. Do you need to start getting ready?" Elphie chuckled

"Ha ha. You Miss Thropp, are not funny in the slightest." She leaned over and drew Elphie into a lingering kiss.

"Mean, smart and sexy, yes. Funny, no."

They shifted around and snuggled. Elphie was still slightly stirred up from the exercise, and Glinda playing with her fingers helped to soothe her emotions. It had upset Glinda a little to see her love going through that pain, and knew she was still a little stirred up. She assumed that Elphie would be writing whatever it was that she couldn't talk about in her journal later on. For now, however she seemed calm and relaxed.

"Elphie, when are the APEs?" She said after awhile of silent snuggling

"Two weeks before the start of intercession."

"Goody, you should know how well you did before your birthday."

"I guess so, yes."

"I'm looking forward to your birthday, maybe even as much as I'm looking forward to mine." She giggled

"I'll be dating a much older girl for close to three months. I'll still be 17 when you turn 19."

"You hussy!" Elphie laughed. "Lyndie, promise me you won't make a big deal out of my birthday."

"Nope, I can't do that, because it is a big deal, birthdays are big deals. But I will promise that I'll not make a big public deal, but I have no control over what the rowdies we hang out with do." Glinda chuckled

"Actually, you have lots of control over what the rowdies do, and if you love me, you'll utilize it." Elphie laughed

"Is that one of your edicts, or can we discuss it closer to your birthday."

"We can discuss it further, later." Elphie sighed

"Thank you" She kissed the fingers she had been playing with, then the hand.

They sat snuggling quietly until the recording Glinda had put on ended.

"Maybe we should tidy up a little and go grab a light lunch." Elphie suggested

"Then it will be time to get ready to go."

"Go where" Glinda said innocently

"Nice try" Elphie laughed and put on some more music.

Elphie made their beds, humming to the music while Glinda gathered their laundry and got the breakfast tray ready to take downstairs. They paused briefly for a few twirls and a kiss or two as they tidied up books and papers from the week. Elphie sang along as she organized her notes and books. She put the letter from Colwen Grounds in her desk drawer, to be looked at later. Her desk was cluttered, but she knew where everything was.

"Sweep or dust?" Glinda asked holding up a broom and a rag.

"Don't I usually do both?" Elphie chuckled

"I know, but I feel badly about that, sort of. So which?"

"Whichever you don't know how to do" Elphie was highly amused

Glinda handed her both the rag and the broom smiling sheepishly.

"You can do something " Elphie laughed kissing her "Clear me out some more space on your book shelf, I'm spilling over onto the table."

"Ok!" Glinda bounded away happy to help.

"Next time we tidy together, I'll dust. That looks easy enough" Glinda giggled reorganizing knick-knacks.

"Why don't we just request another bookshelf for you Elphie, eventually you are going to run out of room on mine.'

"We can do that?"

"Why not? Or we can always go buy one, I've been wanting to get new sheets and stuff anyway."

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Elphie sighed

"Maybe for summer term, we can spruce up a bit. New sheets and duvets, and bathroom things."

"Are you serious?" Elphie asked emptying the dustpan into her trashcan.

"Sure. I know it doesn't really matter to you, but will you at least think about it"

"I ask for a little space on your bookshelf and it turns into an excuse to redecorate." Elphie chuckled

"Speaking of which, how's this?" She indicated Elphie's APE study books and her psychology books on Glinda's second shelf, right above the victrola.

"Perfect. Thank you my sweet. Have I said I love you today."

"Come to think of it…" Glinda giggled.

"I love you Lyndie" Elphie kissed her. "I just had a flash of us tidying up a place that wasn't here, but it was ours. It was a nice feeling."

"What a nice thought my love. But I'm sure you are aware, we will have a maid." Glinda kissed her back before she could comment.

They grabbed a quick salad in the café then went back up to their room. Glinda skootched up to Elphie looking to be held. Elphie obliged, wrapping her arms around her love and holding her close.

"Is there dancing?" Glinda murmured

"Where my sweet?"

"For our date, will we dance?"

"I had planned on it, yes." Elphie smiled

Glinda smiled and kissed her.

"Goody!"

"Now, allow me to get ready first, and preferably alone. Then, while you are bathing and taming your hair, I need to run out and take care of a few last minute things."

"You're leaving me! On our day!" Glinda pouted

"If I don't the evening will not be complete, and I won't be gone long. I promise."

Glinda sighed. "As long as it is for a good cause."

"It's for the best cause I know. You." She kissed Glinda and headed for the bathroom.

Elphie bathed carefully, using the clove oil that Glinda liked, then thoroughly cleaned her hair. When she was squeaky clean from head to toe, she started Glinda's bath, put on a robe and went out. Glinda was sitting in her comfy chair, reading Elphie's exercise book.

"Well at least you are reading, Elphie chuckled.

She went to her dresser and got her Gillkin Rose Oil bottle. "I started your bath my sweet, do you wish this?'

"I do" She took the bottle. "Promise me you will hurry back."

"An hour at the most, Now go soak."

Glinda went to soak, closing the door behind her. Elphie put on her new dress, the one she got at Hanter's shop, then went to Glinda's jewelry box and got her necklace. She put it on, then brushed out her hair again, leaving it down. She put on the shoes that she purchased the first time she and Glinda had gone shopping together, then looked at her in their full-length mirror.

"Acceptable" She grinned.

Grabbing her money pouch she went to the bathroom door,

I'm leaving my sweet, I'll be right back."

"Ok Elphie, Don't forget your umbrella" She called splashing in the tub.

Grabbing the item she usually forgot, Elphie headed out. She arranged for a carriage to come and collect them in an hour and a half, and arranged for the return trip. Then she went to a small shop near the bank and purchased an ice bucket, two simple, but elegant wine goblets, and a bottle of Glinda's favorite wine and had some cider bottled and corked. On her way back to the dorm she stopped by a flower stall and purchased a single, pink Gillkin rose and a beautifully etched vase. As she walked back into the dorm, she silently gave thanks to whom ever accepted such things, for books on relationships that included courting information. She went by the café and asked for some ice in her new bucket. It wasn't an unusual request; she did it every so often to keep her milk chilled. Her last stop was to inform Master Norven that they were expecting a carriage in 15 or 20 minutes.

Then carrying her well-concealed bundles up stairs, she put them down and opened the door slightly. Glinda was in the bathroom, but the door was open.

"Lyndie" She called. "Close the bathroom door and stay in there for a minute, alright?"

"Alright Elphie" She giggled

Elphie quietly put the wine and cider bottles in the ice to chill, covered it with a towel and hid it in the corner with the glasses, then she poured some water from the water pitcher into the vase and set it on the table.

"Are you almost ready my sweet."

"Just need my comfortable shoes."

"Perfect, I'm going into the hall, for a moment. You get your shoes on."

"Elphie, have you been drinking?" Glinda giggled through the door.

"Not yet my precious" She laughed

Glinda exited the bathroom and looked around, nothing seemed different. She put on her shoes and bounced on her bed wondering what was in store.

After 5 minutes or so Norven came to inform Elphaba her carriage was here. Taking a deep breath she knocked on her own dorm room door, feeling a little silly, but more nervous.

Glinda opened it up and saw the love of her life dressed up, beautiful raven hair down, dark eyes sparkling and holding one perfect pink Gillkin rose.

"Are you ready for our outing Miss Upland? She flashed one of her beautiful broad smiles

Glinda pulled her into the room and closed the door.

"Elphie, you look stunning, and a rose. How perfect. That explains the beautiful vase on the table"

She giggled and looked deeply into the dark eyes, feeling overwhelmed and surprisingly nervous. She kissed Elphie lightly.

"Isn't that for after the date" Elphie chuckled

"I haven't been told the plan." She put the rose into the vase. "So I'm improvising"

Elphie offered her arm to Glinda, who took it smiling. She grabbed her little purse of essentials, handed Elphie her umbrella and they started their very first date.

The driver helped them into the carriage and slowly pulled away from the dorm.

Glinda was squirmy and bubbly.

"Lyndie" She smiled at her excited love. We are going across the river. When we first returned I heard a professor talking about an event that was taking place there today. I'd never been to one and I was positive you would like it, so before dinner, we are going to a street fair on the plaza."

"A street fair!" Glinda squealed. "Really! I love street fairs. Oh Elphie…"

She started to cry. "What a perfect outing"

Elphie wiped away the tears from her cheeks and Glinda discretely kissed away the sting

"I love you Elphie " She whispered quietly into her love's ear.

A smile from Elphie sent her back into wiggly bouncy mode and they enjoyed their carriage trip through town and across the river. Some of the students at Shiz called it Snobbyville, and rarely went there, so running into anyone they knew was unlikely.

The driver let them off a couple of blocks from the fair.

"I'll be waiting right here Misses, at the time you requested." He said helping them down.

"Thank you so much Mr., Frama." Elphie said nodding politely.

Elphie offered Glinda her arm and they walked down the beautifully manicured street, past the upscale boutiques and shops.

"How do you know our driver Elphie?" Glinda asked while window-shopping and relatively oblivious.

"He is a friend of Norven's, He recommended Mr. Frama as reliable and trustworthy."

"Good, maybe we can use him again. Our very own driver." She giggled

"I think that would be a fine idea." She pointed ahead. "Look Lyndie"

The plaza was in front of them brightly decorated. There were artisan stalls and food vendors, entertainers walking around and the sounds of laughter.

Glinda was grinning from ear to ear. "Elphie!"

She wiggled and let go of Elphie's arm. A magician was entertaining some people and they went to watch.

He did tricks with cards and coins, and made a volunteer's pocket watch disappear then reappear in his wife's purse. As he was finishing his act her came over to greet Glinda and Elphaba.

"Beautiful flowers for beautiful girls" He said pulling a bouquet of paper roses from behind Glinda's back, causing her to giggle happily.

They walked around the plaza taking in all of the sights. Elphie bought a big pink balloon for Glinda, enjoying in her expression of delight. They stopped by a food cart and sampled some delicious little fried cakes with a very interesting kind of sugar on them. They sat on a bench while they finished their treat, listening to a young man play the guitar and sing. His voice was soft and haunting and his playing was excellent. He finished his performance to cheers and applause. Elphie saw people putting money into an old top hat that was by his stool. As they walked away she complimented him on his lovely voice and put some money into his hat.

"Thank you Ma'am" He bowed

"Elphie that was very generous" Glinda said only mildly surprised. Elphie tended to leave large gratuities for servers and drivers.

"He deserved that and much more." She said, "He is very talented."

"Yes he was." Glinda held tighter onto Elphie's armed.

"Elphie, I love your generous heart."

"Some things are easier to give than others, and some people truly deserve to have opportunities"

Glinda glanced at her, wondering what was rattling around in that intelligent, but mysterious head of hers.

They continued their stroll around the plaza. Elphie had to duck out of the way when a clown tried to squirt her with a fake flower. Glinda was not happy, but Elphie found it rather funny. The clown was amusingly contrite and offered a frowning Glinda his toy rubber chicken in apology. She politely declined, laughing and accepted a kiss on the cheek instead. Elphie accepted one too, then returned it causing the clown to blush and run hide behind a small child who was laughing and clapping with delight.

"Before you say anything, I did not get wet. That was fun. I've never seen a clown before, at least not one who was trying to be one" She chuckled at her little joke.

Glinda giggled "This is so much fun Elphie. Let's go look over there."

Glinda dragged over to the artisan's area. They saw painters, woodworkers and people working with clay. Glinda collected little cards that had names and shop locations on them.

"Redecorating, remember?" She chuckled

Elphie simply rolled her eyes and continued to admire the fine work of the artisans.

"Lyndie, look over there" She said leading her love over to a Quadling glassblower.

They watched for awhile from a distance, Glinda was fascinated.

"That is how my sun catcher was created." She whispered.

Taking Glinda's arm she went over to the Quadling when he took a break.

"Greetings Master Glassblower" Elphie said using a common Quadling greeting gesture.

"Greetings to you as well Miss Lady." He returned the gesture, slightly surprised.

"I am BirdWing." He bowed deeply

"I am Elphaba and this is Glinda, we are students at Shiz. You blow lovely pieces."

"I express gratitude, Miss Student, You know Quadling glass."

"Very well, I spent much time in Quadling Country and I have a very special piece that was blown for me by an old family friend, Turtle Heart."

"I have understanding. Turtle Heart was a legendary craftsman. His death remains mournable.'

"I never had the honor of knowing him, but I have heard many grand stories. Master, may we see more of your work?"

Glinda watched and listened to this exchange. She had never actually met a full Quadling before. They looked at some pieces that BirdWing brought and Glinda let out a little squeal.

"Elphie these are magnificent" She said holding two small, perfectly made, tan horses.

"Master, these are exquisite. It would be a great honor for me to purchase them for my best friend."

"Miss Small Student likes horses."

"I do very much and these are incredible." Glinda said with undisguised admiration.

Elphie knew that paying for them would be a struggle, Quadlings were more barterers than cash merchants, and didn't deal with money unless they had to. So, while he was talking with Glinda she put money in a small pouch she found among his things. He carefully and lovingly wrapped up the horses and put them into a pouch.

"Horses need to be with young miss who rides horses."

"How did you know I ride?" Glinda asked

"Smile told me" The Quadling grinned.

"Master, I am compelled to offer this small pittance in return for your work of art. It in no way is an honest exchange, but money is all I have to offer." She said in a way she hoped was acceptable, it had been awhile since she had bargained with a full Quadling craftsman.

"I accept generous offering, in the spirit which it was intended. That horses bring joy to your friend is best of all." He smiled warmly at Glinda and bowed to Elphie.

"Master, do you have a shop in town, where your glass wear creations are housed?"

BirdWing gave her a card with his name and shop location.

They bid each other goodbye and the girls headed off of the plaza. Glinda wanted to sit and regroup. As she rearranged her things, her balloon got away.

"Oh no" Elphie said "Shall I get you another my sweet."

Glinda was watching it float upward "No need my love. Minka used to buy balloons and let them go all of the time. Maybe she just wanted this one." She smiled at Elphie, who gave her a warm loving smile in return.

Glinda looked at the pouch the horses were in.

"Elphie, you were amazing, he was amazing, the horses are…"

"Amazing? " Elphie laughed

"Thank you for buying me these " She said unwrapping the glass horses. "They are beautiful. And you spoke to the craftsman so well."

"Don't forget my sweet, I spent many years with the Quadlings, and not all of it was traumatic." She smiled at Glinda who was staring at the horses.

"I'm glad you like them." She whispered.

"Elphie, this evening has been perfect, Absolutely perfect."

"It has been for me as well. But it is not over. I hope you are hungry, dinner awaits."

"At our restaurant."

"Reservations on the terrace."

Glinda momentarily lost control and flung her arms around Elphie, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Sorry Elphie" She said sheepishly

"Not a problem" Elphie smiled, but inside it saddened her that she was incapable of allowing Glinda even this small intimate moment like this.

Elphie offered her an arm and they walked the short distance to the restaurant, Since their first trip here before the sing-along bar they had been here several times, so Elphie was no longer a novelty.

"Miss Elphaba, Miss Glinda," The Maître d said bowing. "How nice to see you both again. Your table is ready, right this way."

He led them out onto the terrace. The sun was going down and it was beautiful. He sat them at a private table, overlooking the river.

"Thank you Josun, this is perfect." Elphie said after she was seated.

"Very good Miss Elphaba. Enjoy your meal ladies" He bowed and left.

"Elphie, this is wonderful, so elegant and romantic." She blushed slightly

"And twinkly" Elphie chuckled pointing to the lights strung overhead.

"We like twinkly terraces" Glinda giggled

"We do indeed" Elphie smiled.

They ordered and ate slowly, talking about the fair, and reminiscing about Frottica. The laughed at private jokes and whispered things not appropriate to discuss in public places. They savored the food and their time together.

"Elphie" Glinda said as they were leaving. "I can't get over how perfect this has been. Simple and familiar.

""Thank the book. I don't want to disappoint you, but on my own, I'm not a romantic."

"Three cheers for higher learning." Glinda sighed.

Elphie took her down a well-lit path, for a stroll by the river. Other couples were walking or sitting enjoying the mild night and the moonlight. Feeling a little nervous about walking at night and very guilty about not being veyr affectionate in public, she took advantage of the dim light and distracted people and slipped her hand into Glinda's.

"Elphie!" She squeezed the soft fingers and grinned

"Now, the date is the most perfect." She said

"But it's not over yet" Elphie grinned "I promised you dancing, remember"

"I do remember" Glinda sighed.

They walked hand in hand on the moonlit path by the river. An unconventional couple, courting rather conventionally.

They met their carriage and rode in silence back to the dorm. Glinda had been overwhelmed all night by Elphie's date and being allowed to hold her hand was a treat beyond. Elphie opened the door to their room and led Glinda in. As soon as the door was closed, she pulled the blonde into a soft lingering kiss. Then sat her at their table. She pulled out the chilled wine and glasses then went to get their candle and put on soft music. As a treat, she lit the candle with her fingers.

"Elphie, is this what you got when you were out today?"

"Yes, once again the book"

"I need to see that book. "She smiled accepting a small glass of wine from her love. Elphie poured herself some cider and they toasted. They sat and sipped their drinks for awhile, and then Elphie went over and put on some dance music.

"May I" She asked offering her hand

"Absolutely" She accepted Elphie's hand and they danced slowly, caressing each other and kissing lightly until the music was over. Then Elphie moved the table out of the way and put on their waltz.

She curtsied to Glinda, who returned the gesture and they waltzed, as they had that first time, adjusting to the smaller space. They felt the sparks and the passion, just as before. When the music was over, Elphie led Glinda over to her bed and they sat down, never having taken their eyes off of one another.

"I love you so much Glinda" Elphie said taking her face and pulling her into a long slow kiss.

"I adore you Elphie." She lay down and gently pulled Elphie down beside her.

Glinda initiated a deep, passionate kiss. She intertwined her fingers in Elphie's hair and Elphie did the same to hers. When their lips parted, they gazed at each other. Elphie slowly traced the outline of Glinda's face with her fingertips. Glinda ran hers lightly and gently up Elphie's arm, making her shiver involuntarily. Acting on instinct, Elphie kissed her in response. She kissed her deeply, then gently, moving down to kiss her neck. Glinda groaned softly and Elphie stopped.

"No, no my love. " Glinda said breathlessly "This is the time for this."

She looked into Elphie's eyes, "We agree, no more than this, just what we are doing now. It is ok"

She pulled Elphie back into a kiss, the deepest, most explorative kiss they had yet to share. Glinda explored Elphie's mouth, feeling the sensations. When she felt Elphie exploring as well, she moaned slightly in pleasure. Elphie returned to exploring Glinda's neck, caressing the back with her fingers and gently kissing the front. She kissed the area where her neck meets her breastbone band Glinda gasped and shuttered.

"Oh sweet Oz" She breathed.

Knowing now that this was an acceptable response Elphie continued lightly kissing the area, and lightly touching Glinda's skin with her tongue. Glinda moaned softly and pulled Elphie into another very deep, very long kiss. Her hand caressed Elphie's back. She was almost completely lost in the experience, but was in control enough to not caress places that she knew, or even figured would cause Elphie distress.

Elphie caressed Glinda's face and ran her fingers down the pale shapely neck, tickling lightly, while kissing passionately. Glinda kissed Elphie's fingers. Putting one in her mouth and sucking on it gently.

"It's fun without the pie filling too" She whispered

Elphie reciprocated, adding a kiss to her palm, the back of her hand and then her other spot.

"Oh my Elphie." She breathed "I wish I could describe this wonderful feeling"

Glinda needing something to offset her growing need pulled Elphie into another long, deep kiss, giving her lips and tongue permission to do what they wanted. Elphie felt intensely as well and allowed herself to give in just a little.

They caressed and kissed for hours, sometimes deeply, sometimes gently, but always with passion. Occasionally they would share a feeling or otherwise vocalize their pleasure, but mainly they just gazed into each other's eyes and learned every inch of each other's faces, and mouths. Elphie also got a lesson on Glinda's beautiful neck.

After one particularly passionate kiss, Glinda smiled at her love

"Was this in your book? She smiled

"Sort of" Elphie grinned. "Although I think we may have redefined their notion of pre-sexual kissing, which by the way, they discourage in courting adolescents."

"I see. "Glinda smiled and engaged Elphie in one last spectacular, deep exploratory kiss.

"I'm glad you don't believe everything you read"

"Snuggles?" Elphie said helping Glinda turn on her other side.

She was feeling a little funny, but put her arms around her love anyway.

"Elphie thank you so much for tonight, all of it, especially the last few hours." Glinda yawned.

"I wanted your first date to be memorable."

"Our date Elphie, Our date was very memorable." She yawned again.

Elphie sang to her, a soft soothing melody.

"I love you Lyndie" She leaned and kissed her cheek.

"I love you too Elphie" She said kissing a green hand.

Elphie continued to sing, thinking about what they had just done. Glinda fell asleep and Elphie got up as carefully as she could and bolted into the bathroom, unable to fight of the queasiness any longer.