After a wiggly Glinda happily sighed herself to sleep. Elphie spent a very long time stroking her hair and thinking. Her mind was wandering back to spring recess at Upland Manor and everything she had experienced there. She thought about her first exposure to the flamboyant genius tailor Byjon, that measurement session and the subsequent fittings. She relived events like; her first manicure, meeting Grez and Hanter on the shopping trip, the symphony picnic, the Capers, demonstrating her water allergy to Gwenot, her first fight with Glinda, their first dance, riding a horse, the oil baths, especially the last one, Glinda's night terror and resulting coming to terms with her friends death, her night terror and confiding in Gwenot, meeting Glinda's family, Jilla, the Ball, and her and Glinda's first real kiss. She thought about how she had learned how to calm and control herself, trust herself and others, accept and experience good emotions and work through painful ones, with and without help from people who cared about her. As she analyzed these events and their corresponding emotions and an odd thought occurred to her.

Glinda always said that they were meant to be together, she didn't fully understand that concept, but if it were true then maybe spring recess was a training ground of sorts to help her get through the upcoming week at Colwen Grounds. She had reasons to care now, things, people and memories to hold on to, fight for and draw strength from. She had a home to go to when it was all over, and arms to hold her and help her put it behind her. She contemplated this possibility until she noticed daylight peeking through their window. She had been living in her head all night long.

Elphie looked at her sleeping love, who had shifted on to her stomach. She kissed her gently on the cheek, carefully moved her arm from across her and got out of bed. She went to go get dressed and continued her introspection. As she looked at her beautiful new oil bottles she thought about her birthday and the incredible girl who had made it perfect. She loved all of her gifts; even though she didn't quite feel she deserved them, she was beginning to realize that wasn't the point of gifts. The person giving them thought she deserved them, and got joy in giving them to her, and that was the point. Maybe Glinda and all she brought with her were a gift, a grand and glorious gift that something thought she deserved and enjoyed giving to her. She was not capable of comprehending such an esoteric concept, but she had conceived of it, although how, she had no idea. But she did know the abstractness of this line of thought was giving her a headache. So she cleared her mind, and folded herself up in the pink comfy chair with something that made sense, one of her new birthday books.

Glinda woke up rolled over and stretched, smiling. Elphie wasn't there, but that was normal. She turned on her side and looked at her beautiful, 19-year-old love all folded up in the pink chair. She chuckled softly as she remembered Elphie's initial dislike of her big, frilly, pink overstuffed chair. Now it was her favorite place to read. She was so pleased that Elphie had liked her birthday, and was able to cope with the gifts and attention. As she gazed at her love, reading and oblivious, she realized how her life had changed since meeting her mean green thing. She had known love all of her life, had been protected, cared for and doted on. Now she had someone she wanted to do all of those things for. She, Galinda Upland, spoiled and pampered, had someone to spoil and pamper, someone to protect, care for and dote on. She sighed happily as she spent a long time watching Elphie twirl her hair on her finger or fiddle with the arm of her glasses.

"That drives me crazy you know." Glinda said quietly, trying to minimize the startle factor.

Elphie looked up from her book and smiled.

"I am beginning to think it would be easier, and far more efficient to start a list of things that do not drive you crazy." Elphie said divesting herself of book and glasses and getting into bed beside her love.

"Now that you're an older woman, are you saying the magic is gone from our relationship." Glinda pouted, eyes laughing.

Elphie brushed her tousled hair from her face and kissed her with ardor.

"My sweet you are a sorceress and I am apparently a witch, It is not possible for us to lose the magic."

Elphie smiled.

"Promise." Glinda sighed

"Promise."

Glinda drew Elphie into a long kiss then positioned herself to be held.

"Hi Elphie!" Glinda bubbled.

"Good morning to you as well." Elphie chuckled. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yep, woke up that way too." Glinda snuggled. "Did you?"

"You will not like the answer." Elphie smiled.

"Elphie, you did not sleep well?" Glinda frowned.

"I did not sleep at all." Elphie chuckled.

She proceeded to tell Glinda about everything thing that she had been remembering and thinking about in great detail.

"My, my but you did have a busy night." Glinda said stroking her cheek and kissing her gently.

"Are you alright?"

"I am fine my sweet, very fine. After the great day I had yesterday, I needed to remember how I got there. I have been so afraid of turning nineteen, and how my life was going to change because of it, that I was not paying close enough attention to how it has already changed."

"You know, I was thinking how much mine has changed too. Maybe our connection really is getting stronger." Glinda mused.

"That would be a nice thought. I'm going to need that connection next week. Lyndie, we need to talk, seriously about Colwen Grounds. Not now, but on the trip there. "

"I know that Elphie, I've been preparing myself to help you face whatever happens, no matter how hard it is." Glinda soothed.

Elphie simply smiled and held her love close. That was one of the things they needed to talk about. Glinda could help her most, by not helping her at all, and that was not going to be easy to tell her.

They talked for a little while longer then spent some time cuddling and kissing.

"Maybe we should go get breakfast." Elphie chuckled after a giggle filled kiss.

Apparently, something she had done with her tongue had tickled and Glinda took that as a declaration of tickle war.

"Fine, but that challenge shall not go unanswered." Glinda giggled kissing Elphie softly.

"When you are more in the mood." She smiled warmly at her love, kissed her again and bounded out of bed.

"I'll dress quickly, so we can eat. We can change for the party later." Glinda said disappearing into the bathroom.

"Alright my sweet." Elphie called feeling terrible.

She hated denying her Lyndie her playtime, but she just couldn't work herself into it right now. She vowed to try and make it up to her tonight after the party.

"…For the party." She heard Glinda say.

"I'm sorry my precious, what did you say?" Elphie said going to the bathroom door.

"I said after breakfast we should walk to the livery and confirm our large carriage for the party." Glinda said finishing up her ponytail.

"Oh yes of course." Elphie said distractedly.

Glinda, naked, stopped beside Elphie and gave her a kiss.

"Are you sure you are Ok?"

"I am Ok. Now scoot and get dressed." She gave Glinda a playful little pat on her bottom, which for some reason always seemed to delight her.

"I'm going, I'm going" Glinda giggled, skipping away.

When she was dressed and ready to go, Glinda swept Elphie up into a hug and a very enthusiastic kiss.

"You are in quite a mood today." Elphie chuckled as they were walking down to the café.

"I had a great day yesterday too, and good dreams last night, there is a party with all of our friends tonight and a whole day to ourselves tomorrow. I am in the best mood. I'm hoping it will rub off on you." Glinda smiled.

"I am not in a bad mood. Am I?" Elphie said as they sat at their patio table.

"No, but you are showing signs of becoming broody. It's to early for that. Tomorrow night, when it is closer to trip time, I will embrace your broodiness and tone down the perky, but not yet." Glinda said seriously.

At that, Elphie did something she rarely ever did. She laughed heartily. They ordered breakfast, or actually Glinda did because Elphie could not stop chuckling.

"What is the matter with you?" Glinda smiled.

"It amuses me to know I come equipped with a broodiness alarm." Elphie smiled.

"Not an alarm, just signs. Insomnia, introspection, distractedness, an upcoming trip to a place that ties you up in knots." Glinda smiled lovingly.

"The first and last I can do nothing about, the second and third however, I will attempt to curb."

"I just want you to relax and enjoy this free time. You will be stressed out soon enough."

"I know my sweet and I enjoyed yesterday very much, and last night wasn't stressful, it was…enlightening. But you are right I have been more introspective than usual. Please be patient with me."

"Always Elphie." Glinda smiled.

They ate their breakfast while they talked, then took a leisurely stroll to the livery and confirmed their transportation for the evening. They continued their walk for awhile, checking out the offerings from vendor carts. Elphie bought Glinda a small bouquet of flowers from a young woman, doing what she usually did by paying more money than was asked. Back up in their room Glinda put the flowers in the special vase Elphie had bought for their first date.

"Elphie, why do you always pay more for things than the vendor asks?"

"Do I?" Elphie shrugged. "I wasn't aware, would you like me to stop."

"Great Oz no!" Glinda said emphatically. "It is part of what makes you so very special."

She kissed her love gently. "And part of why I love you so very much."

Down on the street Jacol was frustrated. The two girls were always together; he needed to get to the cute blonde when she was alone. The Third he would confront after her ceremony, when she had real power to give him what he wanted. He would just have to keep watching them, and maybe tonight at the party he would get a chance.

"Elphie, we have time before we need to get ready for the party, so I thought I might start to pack our things."

"I am capable of packing for a trip, I managed spring recess without having to go naked."

"But I like packing, you don't. Sit and read, or better yet nap. Besides this isn't spring recess."

"If it makes you happy, then pack." Elphie sighed.

"I'm just trying to help Elphie." Glinda said.

"Forgive me my sweet." Elphie held her close and kissed her forehead. "Maybe a nap would be a good idea."

"Grab your book, settle in bed and read until you are relaxed, then maybe you can sleep for awhile."

She kissed Elphie then went to put on some of her favorite soft music. Elphie did as she was instructed and settled, on Glinda's bed, with one of her new books. Glinda got the smaller of Elphie's new bags and started putting in undergarments; stockings, shoes, nightdresses and her new travel oil satchel. She laid out Elphie's best outfits, including all of her new things, and some casual clothes, on her bed and carefully folded them and put them into the larger of the two new bags. While she was doing this, she glanced over to Elphie periodically; the last time she checked Elphie was asleep. Smiling, she got out her own valises and did the same with her clothes, and accessories. Then she took her turquoise evening gown out of the special dress bag it shared with Elphie's iridescent gown, and put in a much more conservative one, along with appropriate stockings and shoes. She packed her own carry on bag then got out the knapsack Elphie used as a carry on bag. She put the bag on her desk and gathered some things that she knew her love would need, including her new rain cloak, which was quite compact when folded up, and put them nearby.

It had taken her several hours to pack their things, and it was now after lunchtime. Elphie was still sleeping so Glinda ran down to get a light lunch for them. She sat in her chair and ate a sandwich while staring with unqualified adoration at her sleeping love. There were still a few hours left before they had to leave for the party, so Glinda left a sleeping Elphie and went to bathe and change clothes. After a long steaming bath she took her time fixing her hair and dressing, then laid out clothes for Elphie.

She had hoped that Elphie would wake on her own, because she woke hard and grumpy when she was awakened, but she needed to get up in order to have time to eat and get ready.

"Elphie." Glinda said quietly sitting beside her on the bed, but not touching her.

"Elphie my love."

Elphie jolted awake with a gasp.

"Shhhhh my love, It's Ok." Glinda said stroking her cheek and getting her attention. She had done this many times before

"Glinda, what is going on!" Elphie huffed.

"You took a nap while I packed and got ready to go. You have about an hour and a half until we need to leave for the party."

Elphie rubbed her eyes and stretched.

"Why did you let me sleep so long." Elphie snapped.

"Because you needed to. Now settle down. I went and got some sandwiches and cider. Do you want to eat first or get ready first?"

"Eat, I guess." Elphie grumped getting up.

None of this upset Glinda; she just put two sandwiches on a plate and put it on the table along with a glass of cider. She sat down across from her love with a piece of Elphie's birthday cake. Elphie drained her cider glass and Glinda refilled it.

"Did you finish packing?" Elphie said after finishing one of her sandwiches and another glass of cider.

"Mostly, I also gathered some things for your carry on and put them on your desk."

"Thank you Lyndie. I am sorry I snapped at you before."

"I got over it. I could never stay mad at that adorable sleeping face with glasses sliding down her nose." Glinda grinned.

Elphie chuckled and finished up her second sandwich and the last of the cider.

"Thank you for the sustenance. I think I will be needing all of the energy I can get tonight."

Glinda giggled. "Elphie, just so you know, I had no intention of initiating sex tonight. Hanky panky, quite possibly, but not sex. It's not the time for it."

"I am not quite sure how to respond to that, but, if you say so sounds appropriate." Elphie smiled slightly.

"I say so. I also say kiss me then go get ready to go." Glinda chuckled.

"Yes, ma'am!" Elphie laughed, kissed her with fervor then strode off to the bathroom.

Glinda knew Elphie had a lot on her mind, but was trying very hard to be Ok. Glinda was nervous about Colwen Grounds, but knew Elphie had gone to great lengths to shield her from…what she didn't know.

She smiled and took Elphie her clothing. She watched from the door as her love brushed out her hair.

"May I braid it for you?"

"If you like." Elphie smiled.

There were two ways they braided Elphie's hair. Down her back in a simple plait, or up on the back of her head in a more intricate form. Tonight she did the intricate one.

"Why is my hair braidable, but yours not so much?" Elphie smiled.

"Curls do not braid well, so I'm told." Glinda chuckled. "There, all done."

She kissed her cheek and left her to dress.

"Tonight is going to be so much fun!" Glinda bubbled as she put things in her purse.

In addition to aloe oil she had started carrying a pair of Elphie's glasses in her purse, which amused Elphie greatly.

"You are turning into your mother, with her sundry shop bag." Elphie chuckled.

"Thank you for the compliment, but since you are unreasonable and refuse to carry a purse. I do as I must."

"I have pockets."

Glinda gave her a kiss. "And you are also adorable. Ready?"

"How should I know, you are the one getting everything together." Elphie chuckled.

Glinda smiled and handed Elphie her her umbrella then gave her a kiss.

"Now you are ready." Glinda giggled. "Or at least you have what you need."

"Are you ready, emotionally?"

"I am. I am even ready for whatever torture Manif has in store for me." Elphie smiled.

"I love you Lyndie."

"I love you too Elphie."

They kissed like two people very much in love do, then headed downstairs to their carriage.

Manif, Dani, Hyrut and Loma were there already.

"All aboard the party express!" Manif said, helping them into the carriage.

"Hi Mr. Frama." Glinda said, "Thank you for agreeing to transport these rowdies."

"Transportation of rowdies is my specialty." The man grinned. "Is everyone here."

"I guess, there may be others needing rides back though. Is that alright?"

"I am ready for anything."

They rode to the Arts Center with lots of excited chatter. They compared final exam stories, congratulated Elphie, and talked about intercession plans. The conversations continued after they were dropped off and joined other friends and other students. Groups of people pushed tables together. In addition to the people in the carriage, Gotero and Beliea, Caspon and his date, Juiva, as well as Alopa and Natyia and their dates rounded out the little gang of friends that were at the cluster of tables with Elphie and Glinda. Elphie saw Curiv waving to her from across the room and waved back. None of them saw Jacol sitting with some other people at a secluded table in the corner.

There was upbeat music being supplied by an ensemble set up in the gallery, near the improvised dance floor. There was a lavish buffet along one wall, and a bar on another. The maze like gallery had been redesigned to allow for the dance floor and individual, small tables and places for more private conversations. It was a grand arrangement. As soon as they settled in Manif demanded a dance with his fellow top student.

"I can only waltz Manif, really." Elphie protested as she was being led out onto the floor.

"With these new dances who knows what the steps are. They seem to change every five minutes anyway. Just move your feet and try not to hurt anyone." Manif laughed.

"You are a brave man." Elphie chuckled.

"Not really, I wore steel toed shoes and shin guards." Manif dead panned.

"I see. " Elphie said then spun and hit Manif in the head with her hand, grinning mischievously.

"Funny green girl. Just for that I am not going to warn you."

"About what?"

"That you will be briefly on display during the congratulatory part of the evening, later on."

"Goody." Elphie sighed.

"Oh settle down, it will be brief, painless and involve cake."

"Cake!" Elphie said aghast.

"Oops, said to much." Manif said scooting off the floor with Elphie close behind.

Glinda loved watching Elphie and Manif interact, and tonight was no different. She would have to find out why her love had hit him on the head.

"Dani, you are dating a cad and a lout." Elphie huffed with a smile as they came back to the table.

"And Glinda you are da…best friends with a stick in the mud." Manif huffed; relieved he had caught himself.

Glinda and Dani pretended to confer.

"We know." They chuckled in unison.

The sparing partners sat down and related their versions of the conversation. Elphie insisted with a grin that Manif's supposed concussion was an unfortunate accident caused by being forced to learn new dance steps. Manif contended it was due to the fact she was still put out because he beat her at croquette.

After their respective loves threatened them if they did not stop, Manif along with Gotero, and Hyrut went to the bar and brought back copious amounts of ale, wine, and a bottle of cider. There was lots of chatter as the friends were introduced and learned about the newcomers, and continued swapping stories. People all over the café and gallery were mingling, dancing, eating, drinking and enjoying themselves immensely. Couples went to dance, but so did small groups who wanted to chat together or learn new dance steps. Elphie accepted a dance, several in fact, with a delighted Curiv while Glinda went out on the floor with Loma, Alopa and Natyia for a little gossip and girl talk. Glinda was still slightly discomforted by Loma's comments from before, but didn't let that get to her.

Jacol saw that the Third was occupied dancing, or something that approximated dancing with someone so he went over to the group of giggling girls and turned on the charm. After he had all of them but Glinda sighing, he invited Glinda for a dance, which she initially declined, but finally and accepted with her friends urging.

"Thank you, Glinda. I hope to make amends for my previous behavior. I am turned into a lout by extreme beauty."

"Jacol, please. I am not so easily charmed by insincerity."

"I see the Third surrounds herself with beauty, brains and wit."

"Does this dance have a point?" Glinda said coolly.

"Just the pleasure of your company, I heard you are to be an honored guest at your roomies ceremonies in a few days. I am relegated to the masses, but maybe with a good word from you, I can get an invitation to the reception Ball."

"You are insane. I do not like you Jacol. Why would I do that?"

"I will get there one way or another, I have unfinished business with our dear heir apparent and I am better connected and informed than you might think."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. This dance…"

"Excuse me. May I cut in?" Manif said politely.

"Go charm some other girl Jacol. Glinda is off limits." Manif hissed in his ear.

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of pushing my advantage. And believe me Glinda, I have one."

He sauntered away, all smiles and Manif held Glinda, who was trembling slightly.

"Was he inappropriate, did he hurt you?" He said as he steered her over towards Elphie, who was still dancing.

"Not at all, I am more angry than upset. He makes no sense and seems to think I owe him something. I am fine, really."

"He has turned into an anomaly, I do not even know him any more."

Manif politely interrupted Curiv and Elphie whispered something in her ear then made explanations to a confused Curiv as Elphie took Glinda's hand and hurried outside.

"Did he hurt you?" Elphie spat.

"Of course not Elphaba, we were on the dance floor."

"Why did you even agree to dance with him after what he did to you." She said angrily.

"I am ignoring that because you are upset, sit down. Please."

Elphie looked at her and sat with her on a secluded bench. Glinda related the conversation.

"That makes no sense." Elphie said.

"My thoughts exactly. I think he is what Pajul calls a hanger-on. Someone who tries to align themselves with powerful people, in order to seem more influential than they are. Pajul says he sees it all the time in the Wizard's Palace."

Elphie settled down considerably upon hearing this.

"That would explain things I guess, He knows who I am and what is going on next week. Maybe I can use my influence to keep him out." She chuckled lightly.

"Are you sure you are Ok. The thought of him having anything to do with you…"

"I am fine. Amused at his audacity more than anything. I promise." Glinda soothed.

Elphie sighed and looked around, seeing no one, she kissed Glinda's cheek.

"I love you." She whispered. "I'm sorry I wasn't attending to you."

"I love you too, and you are. Stop fretting."

They talked for a little while longer then went back to the party. They assured Manif and Dani that all was well. Manif apologized for introducing him into the group in the first place. The girls wanted to know all about the dance and ensuing discussion, jealous because they thought Elphaba was getting all of the juiciest gossip on the charming mystery man. For a time, they sat and ate from the sumptuous buffet chatting mostly about intercession and summer plans. The couples eventually wandered off for slow dances, leaving Manif and Dani at the table with Elphie and Glinda.

"Go dance." Glinda smiled. "We are fine here."

"Isn't it frustrating for you? Not being able to dance or…anything in public."

"It is for her." Elphie smiled. "I probably wouldn't even if I could."

Glinda raised her eyebrows at the candid comment from her love and realized she was trying to be more open. She nodded in agreement.

"May I Elphie?" Glinda said looking pointedly at Elphie, who knew exactly what she wanted to say, and nodded assent.

"We have a victrola in our room and dance together frequently, not to mention divinely." Glinda giggled

Elphie was very dark green.

"I can only waltz." She tried to chuckle.

"So I've experienced." Manif said rubbing his head and chuckling.

"Honey, let's go show these amateurs how it's done." He said taking Dani's hand.

He requested a waltz and asked that the floor be cleared. He and Dani waltzed around, brilliantly. After they finished, to wild applause, Another waltz was played and other couples joined them. At Glinda's request, Elphie went out with Curiv and she with a boy she knew from her classes. She waltzed with him, but thought of Elphie. After two turns around the floor they fell happily exhausted into their chairs.

"Eh, good, but not divine." Manif said critiquing Elphie's dance.

"One day Manif, I will be able to teach you how to waltz your love properly around the floor." Elphie chuckled.

"I'll remember that." He smiled slyly. "And will hold you to it, when it is appropriate, of course."

"Thank you." Elphie smiled.

"I am not unreasonable." He smiled back.

"Really, I hear differently." Elphie grinned.

Glinda groaned "There they go again. Dani care to join me at the dessert buffet?"

"Absolutely, Let the warring factions war." She laughed.

They looked over the dessert offerings and chatted with other people who were milling around. After a time they went back to their table.

"I demand a complete and unconditional cease fire, or we shall leave you two here." Glinda chuckled as she put a variety of desserts, including Munchkinberry custard for Elphie on the table.

"Fine with me. The more ale he has, the worse his jokes get, if that is even possible." Elphie said rolling her eyes.

"Just because you don't get them green girl, doesn't make them bad." Manif laughed "And I have had one glass of ale."

Just then Frawlk and some other boys came to talk to Manif and he grinned and went away with them.

"The congratulatory activities are about to begin I think."

"Great." Elphie sighed.

"I wouldn't worry, there are lots of different people being congratulated for one thing or another, myself included."

"Well, that's good to know, but he does not take delight in tormenting you."

"I wouldn't say that. He just torments me differently." She winked at Glinda, who chuckled merrily.

Elphie looked a little confused which made Glinda fall in love all over again.

"I'll explain when you are older." She whispered, using her usual response to such exchanges, giving Elphie the clue as to the meaning.

"Either I am special or ignored, because he does not torment me at all." Glinda laughed while Elphie flushed.

"Whichever, count yourself lucky." Dani grinned.

Even though she was a little flustered, Elphie was happy, for Glinda's sake that their relationship with Manif and Dani was such that this sort of light-hearted teasing could occur. And that she could cope with it.

"So I guess he is just generally incorrigible." Elphie smiled.

"Dani, our two seem to have one more thing in common." She grinned mischievously, to make Glinda giggle.

"Elphie!" She giggled, her heart leaping at Elphie's playfulness.

"So what's going on here?" Manif said sitting back down.

"You and Glinda are incorrigible." Dani laughed kissing his cheek.

"I see. Maybe we should compare notes someday." He laughed.

"Don't even think about it hot shot." Dani said with mock indignation.

"You either." Elphie smiled at Glinda.

"You are in quite a mood." Glinda whispered happily.

"I guess it rubbed off after all." Elphie whispered back.

"Attention everyone!" Frawlk called loudly over the din. "Attention!"

"Is everyone having a good time?" He said merrily.

There was a roar of affirmative responses and applause.

"Good! It seems as though this auspicious bunch has more to celebrate than just getting through finals alive, or close to it." He chuckled and everyone laughed.

"So I turn you over to the organizers of this years end of the term fete, Manif Guoyn, Klin Jouyp and Sevet Hieter."

The boys made their way up to where the ensemble was, to a grand and rather bawdy, musical fanfare.

"Trust me Elphaba." Manif said with a smile as he left the table.

For about a half an hour Klin and Sevet presented under graduate graduates, various award recipients, or others that had some reason to celebrate and presented them with hand made, humorous medals or certificates and some good natured teasing. Then Manif took over for the graduate level group.

"Why is he wearing a black cape?" Glinda asked Dani.

"I have been threatened not to say." She grinned.

He introduced the 12 people earning a graduate degree and presented them with the same gag type medals and lighthearted ribbing about one thing or another.

"Last, but certainly not least, is the love of my life, who will be graduating after summer seminar, Shiz's very own Potions Master, Daneriuy Milout.

When she approached him, he grabbed her, dipped her and kissed her passionately. The crowd hooted and applauded.

"That was nice." She said straight-faced. "But don't I get a medal?"

The assembled students, most in various stages of inebriation erupted in laughter, Manif laughing the loudest. He presented her with her medal, which she accepted with a curtsy and a kiss on his cheek.

Dani came and sat back down, showing off her medal and accepting teasing for the kiss.

"He is very good at it." She chuckled.

"Alright you drunken louts and loutettes, serious up as much as possible. We have one last presentation."

Dani looked at Elphie, who looked slightly panicked.

"He is presenting you as Top Student Elphaba." Dani said, hoping to calm her down "That's all."

"A tradition started during these end of term parties somewhere along the line, of presenting the new Top Student. Over the years it has become an elite and exclusive club of sorts. As the graduate level Top Student it is my privilege to welcome the new undergraduate Top Student into our select and up until now, entirely male little group. Ladies and gentleman it is my great honor to present to you this year's Top Student, and my very good friend, Miss Elphaba Thropp."

As the parties goers rose in enthusiastic and blessedly polite applause Manif went over and took Elphie by the hand leading her in front of the crowd.

"No funny stuff, I promise." He whispered in her ear.

"Elphaba, as is an unofficial tradition, Top Students are awarded a cape, with a Shiz patch."

He put a black cape, like the one he was wearing around her shoulders.

"They are also presented with a Shiz ale stein."

He handed her a large intricately painted and carved ale stein.

"And seeing as you are the only girl in our little group, it was decided you deserved something more…well girly."

He presented her with a dozen maroon-colored roses tied with a big silver bow.

"Your new Top Student." He said loudly pointing to a dark green Elphaba

Everyone applauded and called congratulations and tried to shake Elphie's hand. Manif, however, whisked her back to the table and the care of her beloved, before the crowds could descend.

Elphie was about to pass out

""Come on you two." Dani said, leading them into Frawlk's office.

"He is a friend of my Dad's, he will not mind if you spend a few minutes alone in here, while the cake is being brought out."

"Dani you are a life saver." Glinda said gratefully.

"So is she." Dani said quietly closing the door.

"You can breathe now Elphie." Glinda said gathering her into a hug.

She held her for a little while, stroking her hair and whispering in her ear.

"I think that was very sweet of him, it was nice and proper. He did not tease you or otherwise embarrass you." Glinda said soothingly.

"He could have warned me."

"If I remember correctly, he did." Glinda chuckled sensing Elphie was fine.

"Details, details." She smiled.

Glinda pulled Elphie into a kiss. She had been longing to do this all night, and that fact soon became readily apparent. The slow involved kiss only came to an end because of a light knock on the door.

"It's Manif." He said quietly.

Glinda wiped her lipstick off of Elphie's lips then opened the door

"Play nice you two." She said taking Elphie's flowers and cup and shutting the door behind her.

"I know you aren't angry, so I won't apologize." Manif smiled.

"I am not angry, but why all of the drama."

"No drama Elphaba. Every Top Student for generations has gotten a black cape in some sort of unofficial ritual, the stein tradition is only 20 or 30 years old."

"Ok."

"I told you before someone was kind enough to take me in hand and led me through the APE, Advanced Scholar and Top Student jungle. I am actually protecting you. Now everyone knows we are friends and no one will be trying to befriend you, wanting favors. Please trust me on this." He looked at her sincerely.

"Manif, I do trust you, which I hate to admit, surprises me. But if you feel the need to protect me again, please let me know in advance." She smiled.

"I did, remember." He grinned.

"Fine, next time add some specifics." Elphie chuckled.

"It must have been the concussion that made them slip my mind."

"Or the feebleness of it." Elphie smiled.

"I see you are ready to return to the festivities. "He chuckled.

"By the way, you have a little lipstick right there." Manif grinned pointing to the corner of Elphie's mouth.

Elphie flushed harder than she ever had as she wiped her mouth on her sleeve as Manif chuckled.

He offered her his arm and she accepted it, still blushing and he escorted her back to the table.

"Why is she that color?" Glinda said.

"Oh I'm sure she will tell you, eventually." Manif chuckled merrily.

"It is alright Glinda, he was just being… protective." Elphie smiled.

Elphie went with Glinda to see the remains of the large cake that had all of the honoree's names on it. Elphie's name was in a corner by itself, under Top Student.

"See, cake." Manif laughed cutting her the piece with her name on it.

It was getting late, but the party was still in full swing. Glinda became concerned about Mr. Frama waiting, but was assured by Manif that any driver waiting was offered food from the buffet and a place to wait with the other drivers where they could chat or play cards or what have you. So there was more conversation, joking and teasing and lots of group dancing. Manif kept his cape on and urged Elphie to do the same, but she declined, saying it made her look ridiculous.

Everyone danced with everyone else, toasting each other with wine or ale. Eventually Glinda and Elphie ended up together and twirled each other around, dancing silly steps and laughing until the music shifted gears. Everyone at their table was either happily exhausted, slightly inebriated, or both. A few people were still dancing, but for the most part they were sitting with their friends for a finial chat before parting for the summer. Glinda had gone with Manif to chip in, along with a many others, for the night's festivities. After she returned it was agreed that it was time to go. It was well after midnight when they headed out to their carriage.

Elphie found out why Manif had offered to carry her cape when he slipped a bottle of wine, an opener and six glasses out from underneath it after they were settled in the carriage. He opened it up, much to the delight of everyone and poured generous amounts.

"I propose a toast. To Dani's degree and Elphaba's academic achievements. To our friends, our loves and all who support accept and treasure us. May our lives always be so blessed."

"Here, here!" the six friends said in unison as they lifted their glasses without spilling too much.

"Here, here." Whispered Elphie.