"Happy Abdication" Elphie read off of the banner that was up on the wall of the common room as Glinda bounced and wiggled, trying not to spill their drinks.

"Were you really that bored earlier?" She directed towards Manif with a slight smile.

"Not bored at all. We have a group of people with something to celebrate who have an evening free and can't go out, a very attentive staff with not a lot to do, and apparently an unlimited amount of food, drinks and supplies. That's a party just waiting to happen and every party needs a theme." Manif chuckled.

"It really does Elphie." Glinda bubbled.

"Okay everybody, ready? Just like we rehearsed…. actually, do it better than that." Manif laughed.

"Just go with it Elphie, everyone is so proud of you." Glinda said softly as she took Elphie's hand and led her into the middle of the common room. She knew that her love was more confused than overwhelmed, but she stroked the back of her hand with her thumb as they walked anyway.

"For she is no longer governor, for she is no longer governor, for she is no longer goooooooooveeeeeeerneeeeeer." The group sang, stretching out the last word as long as they could then taking a melodramatic gulp of air before continuing the song.

"As of tomorrow afternoon."

Glinda was singing too and gave Elphie a kiss before clinking their glasses together.

"Tomorrow afternoon." The friends sang.

"She's free!" Manif said as he took Elphie's glass, put it down and took her hands in his.

"Tomorrow afternoon." The group continued and Elphie saw Mr. Kwenyo, Samion and Gwenot smiling at her.

"But still no fun!" Manif said when Elphie wouldn't dance around with him.

"For Elphaba is no longer governor. And Shiz can have her back!" The group of friends finished the song then cheered.

"To Elphaba the Apothecary!" Gotero shouted as he raised his glass. Everyone followed suit then took a drink of their champagne and gave Elphie a congratulatory hug.

"You people will truly use any excuse to drink champagne and sing made up songs." Elphie smiled and reached for Glinda's hand.

"But in spite of this party and in spite of the fact that you brought Manif with you, I am very glad that you all came. It means a great deal to me, thank you." She said and Glinda gave her a sniffly hug.

"To me too." Glinda smiled.

"We wouldn't have missed this for anything." Gotero said.

"Caspon and Juiva were rather upset that they had to." Loma said.

"I just assumed they had other obligations." Elphie said.

"Oh we forgot to tell you. Juiva said that her father was barely tolerant of her being friends with the Munchkin heir, and he would not in any way approve of her attending the coronation ceremonies. Caspon stayed with her. He told us he was going to plan something special for them to make up for missing this." Loma said.

"Awwww that is so sweet of him. I can't wait to hear what he did." Glinda said.

"So governor green girl, we've got lots of food, drink, music for dancing and even adult supervision." Manif laughed indicating Mr. Kwenyo, Samion and Gwenot sitting in one of the smaller conversation areas, watching the scene with amusement.

"Let the party begin."

"I'd like to go make sure our adult supervision is not being held here against their will." Elphie smiled then kissed Glinda's cheek and started to walk to where her future in laws and oldest friend were.

"Hey, they are here because they know a good idea when they see it." Manif protested with a chuckle.

"And because we asked nicely and said please until they relented." Hyrut supplied and Elphie chuckled.

"Thank you for indulging them." Elphie smiled as she joined the older adults.

"As your friend Gotero said, we wouldn't have missed this for anything." Samion chuckled as he gave Elphie a hug.

"Samion is quite right Elphaba." Mr. Kwenyo smiled and hugged her as well.

"We are exceptionally proud of you darling, as are your friends. You presented yourself with grace and dignity. You deserve to celebrate and let loose, even if it is just a little." Gwenot smiled after she hugged Elphie.

"I could not agree more my child. This is a historic time for Munchkinland and you have done it, the office of governor and mostly yourself, proud. Enjoy celebrating this accomplishment. And we will enjoy celebrating it with you." Mr. Kwenyo smiled.

"I suppose all of this shouldn't surprise me. My friends celebrate just about anything and are very good at parties." Elphie chuckled and watched Glinda dance with Loma and Beliea.

"Well this one seems to be getting underway in style. We are going to join you all for dinner and some socializing then leave you to celebrating." Gwenot said.

"This seems like an odd thing to celebrate to me, but I seem to be in the minority. I am glad that you are staying for awhile." Elphie said then chuckled when Manif let a partially blown up balloon go, sending it flying around the area.

"Maybe I needed this more than I realized." She smiled as Manif jogged over to where they were.

"So have you convinced yourself that we did not shackle them to the chairs." Manif laughed.

"You are not in the least bit funny." Elphie said.

"I find him to be quite amusing." Mr. Kwenyo chuckled.

"And don't forget he did win the jester's competition." Samion added with a grin.

"I acquiesce, only so he will not gloat any more than he is." Elphie said as Manif puffed up with self-satisfaction.

"You say gloat, I say accepting a compliment." Manif laughed and so did Samion, Gwenot, and Mr. Kwenyo.

"Are we ready to eat now?" Glinda asked as she skipped over.

"Ask the guest of honor." Manif smiled.

"Yes, we are ready to eat." Elphie smiled.

"Before he feels the need to prove that he was complimented." She added with a chuckle and Glinda giggled.

"I have no idea what went on, but I'm glad it did." Glinda bubbled.

"Governor green girl commands us to eat drink and be merry!" Manif called out.

"I did no such thing." Elphie chuckled.

"Close enough." Glinda giggled.

"Let's eat!"

Everyone gathered at the lavish appetizer buffet that had been set up in the dining area. There were a wide variety of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, warm and chilled dips with different types of toasted breads and other things for dipping, different types of cheeses and even some finger sandwiches. As the group commented on the offerings, they filled their plates, anxious to try a little bit of everything.

Elphie chuckled as she watched Glinda put things on her plate before she put them on her own. When all was said and done she walked back to the main conversation area with plate full of warm spinach stuffed mushrooms, some herb roasted tomatoes and onions, fava bean bruschetta as well as a few of her favorite sandwiches and cheeses, laughing at Hyrut and Gotero discussing if brandied meatballs were a good idea with champagne.

X

Settled in the large sitting area with china plates full of gourmet food and crystal goblets of drinks, everyone enjoyed a casual and laugh-filled good time. They all told stories of favorite childhood hiding places, favorite party themes and even included some reminiscing of the games that were played at Elphie and Glinda's unofficial engagement party. What everyone enjoyed most though was the stories Mr. Kwenyo told about different parts of Munchkinland and how different events were celebrated there. He even included a few baby Elphie stories, which pleased Manif to no end. As Glinda listened, she thought about the medallion and thought that it would make a great story.

"Mr. K." Glinda said enthusiastically as Beliea and Loma volunteered to collect the dinner plates.

"We were going to show Dani anyway, why not tell everyone. I'll bet that they'd love to hear that story." She bubbled at full speed.

"Glinda my child, are you talking about the medallion?" Mr. Kwenyo chuckled.

"Oh, I guess I left that out. Yes. It would make a great story, please." Glinda asked.

"A medallion?" Dani asked, already intrigued.

"Yeah, you'll love this. It was found in a hidden part of the palace after being thought lost and it holds power and…" Glinda grinned as she bounced beside Elphie.

"Lyndie my sweet." Elphie chuckled softly.

"Sorry. But it's a great story, please." Glinda said sheepishly and Elphie kissed her cheek.

"I'm willing, with the governor's consent of course. It is her medallion after all." Mr. Kwenyo said winking at Elphie.

"Don't hold out on us green girl. A mysterious medallion that comes complete with a story and a storyteller. This is good stuff here." Manif teased.

"It's fine with me. But you'll have to sign an oath of secrecy." Elphie said straight-faced and Glinda burst out laughing.

"Elphie, you made a funny!" Glinda said through her chuckles.

"Actually Glinda, she was serious. Not about the signing part, but this information should be kept just between yourselves for the time being." Mr. Kwenyo said.

"Oh this is so intriguing, I can hardly wait." Dani said.

"I'll go get it." Elphie smiled.

"You administer the oath Mr. Kwenyo." She added for Glinda's amusement.

"No Elphie, you stay. I'll go, just in case." Glinda laughed and Elphie nodded.

"Top middle desk drawer in my personal office." Elphie smiled at her still chuckling love.

"Come on Dani. You can have first look." Glinda said then gave Elphie a chaste kiss and bounded up. Dani looked at Elphie who smiled and nodded.

"Well why don't we all go and get some dessert so we will be ready when my bouncing daughter and Dani return." Gwenot smiled.

X

"So green girl, are you still deciding on whether or not you want to storm the dungeons?" Manif asked with a chuckle after he guided her away from the group at the buffet tables.

"I've decided that I do not need to anymore. This time with my friends and family is what I needed." Elphie said.

"A sensible choice." Manif smiled.

"That's all, no quips." Elphie smiled after a few quiet beats.

"Nope, no quips. Not because I don't have them, I just want to dance with you later and I prefer that you be in whatever passes for you as a good mood. It's safer that way." Manif smiled then kissed Elphie's cheek.

"I admire the hell out of you green girl. How you have managed all of this, I'll never know. And just so you know. I would have made the same comment if you had decided to go."

"I see. Coward." Elphie chuckled.

"I prefer to see it as being supportive. But we can quibble over definitions later. Our lovely fiancées have returned." Manif said and Elphie heard Glinda's precious giggle.

X

"That is an incredible tale." Dani said after Mr. Kwenyo had finished telling them about the medallion.

"Even better the second time around." Glinda said and Elphie chuckled. The information about the medallion was the same as they had heard before, but the manner in which it was delivered was vastly different. Elphie had no idea her old friend was such a consummate storyteller and was impressed.

"This is better than one of those intrigue novels." Hyrut said.

"So if Elphaba keeps this she is still governor even if she abdicates?" Gotero asked.

"No, that's not exactly what that means. That may have been the original intent, but what it means for the governorship now is unclear." Mr. Kwenyo smiled.

"I'm not keeping it anyway." Elphie said with certainty.

"I'm leaving here at Colwen Grounds, in the care of my advisors."

"How annoyingly reasonable of you." Manif grumped with a grin.

"Very reasonable and prudent. This is a piece of Munchkinland history that very little is known about. I'm sure that the new Ambassador and the new First Minister will know how to properly research and document it." Mr. Kwenyo smiled.

"But it's a Thropp family icon as well, created by the openly magical Third Eminent Thropp, correct?" Dani said as she held the medallion in her hands.

"That is correct, but I can only assume that any magical implications that it might represent were squelched along with the fact that the Thropp line possesses magic." Mr. Kwenyo said.

"So you don't know if it represents magical power or if it posses power on it's own." Dani asked.

"I'm afraid I don't understand the question." Mr. Kwenyo said. Dani explained about the Fuiop potions pot and other items over the years that magical family lines had endowed with power.

"The medallion did not react to Elphie as Jilla's pot did." Glinda said.

"I'd really rather not discuss this right now." Elphie said quietly.

"Oh, right. I apologize Elphaba." Dani said sincerely.

"No need to apologize. I understand that this is important as a historical aspect of my family line and you research magical family lines." Elphie said.

"The magical aspect of all of this is best left out of the general discussion for now. Magic is still an anomaly in Munchkinland. But if you would like my counsel on the subject…" Mr. Kwenyo said.

"Of course I do Mr. Kwenyo." Elphie said.

"Then I think that your friend should privately research the magical implications of this medallion, if she chooses, and document whatever comes up for when it appropriate to explore it in a more public manner." The old apothecary said and Elphie nodded.

"I would love the chance to research this Elphaba. I have access to some obscure tomes on magic and I am fascinated by all of this. I promise I will just keep it amongst us." Dani said with excitement in her voice. Glinda was wiggling beside Elphie, about to bubble away with delight.

"I'll vouch for her integrity green girl." Manif grinned.

"In spite of that endorsement, I agree with Mr. Kwenyo." Elphie smiled.

"Goody!" Glinda bubbled and kissed Elphie's cheek.

"This will be fun, following the mystery."

"And the possible scandals." Gotero chuckled.

"And the possible torrid romances." Loma said and Elphie arched her eyebrows.

"Sorry, I was caught up in the intrigue." She blushed.

"I see, but I thought this was about researching the magical part of this thing." Elphie said fingering the medallion.

"Oh, it's all interwoven Elphie." Glinda giggled.

"She's right about that Elphaba, you never know what might pop up. But I'll be concentrating on the magical implications. I was wondering would it be all right if I sketched it and made note of the details, since it is remaining here." Dani said.

"Oh! I have a better idea….a rubbing. I have tracing paper with me." Glinda bubbled then looked at Elphie hopefully.

"Like what you did at Minka's gravesite?" Elphie asked.

"Uh-huh, it's perfect." Glinda said.

"I don't see why you couldn't. What do you think Mr. Kwenyo?" Elphie asked.

"I think that sounds like a reasonable alternative to having the actual medallion." Mr. Kwenyo said.

"Oh thank you, thank you. We'll be right back. This is so exciting." Glinda bubbled.

Glinda and Dani headed back through the tunnel to the residence and while they were gone, the others continued to examine the medallion and ask Mr. Kwenyo questions. When they returned, Glinda came to get the medallion, but told them she and Dani wanted to do this alone, in order to get it just right. Fifteen minutes later, they emerged with two perfect renderings of the front and back.

"This is very, very good. You can see the tiniest detail." Mr. Kwenyo said as he examined one of the rubbings.

"Dani did them, she is more proficient than I." Glinda grinned.

"Why do we need two different ones?" Elphie asked.

"One is for us. Or for you, it is your medallion, your heritage. I thought we could frame it or something." Glinda grinned.

"I vote for the or something. But we'll talk about it back at Shiz." Elphie smiled, barely averting a pout.

"Nice save there green girl." Manif teased.

"An argument would really have put a damper on the celebration."

"We would not have argued. She would have pouted." Elphie chuckled.

"Hey!" Glinda protested.

"It's true, but hey anyway." Glinda giggled.

"Speaking of celebrations, I think that Samion and I will take our leave now and leave you all to continue." Gwenot said.

"I had the same notion." Mr. Kwenyo replied.

There were some minor protests, but the adults held firm. After everyone conferred briefly on the coronation plans for the next day then said goodnight, Elphie walked Mr. Kwenyo downstairs to thank him privately, and Glinda went with her parents to the passageway entrance to do the same.

X

After coming back upstairs, Elphie spent a few quite minutes with Glinda in the small parlor, both to help Glinda even out and just because she wanted to feel her love in her arms. When they rejoined their friends there was upbeat music playing and Gotero was teaching everyone a new line dance. With a giggle and a happy wiggle, Glinda took Elphie's hand and pulled her into the fray.

For the next few hours the group of friends could just as easily have been at Granny Kima's, the cabin or even the sing along bar, instead of a richly appointed common room of the Colwen Grounds visitor's wing. They danced all kinds of dances, sang, told jokes, made toasts and played the name that tune game as well as other guessing type games. Elphie enjoyed herself a great deal, but only after many assurances that the staff had been given the night off and Ghilum had promised to stay in his quarters if they promised to ring for him if they needed any thing.

It was Manif that suggested, just before midnight, the festivities come to a close since the guest of honor had to be in her office early the next morning. The final dance of the evening was a slow waltz then after another round of congratulatory hugs and kisses the friends bid one another goodnight and the couples went off in different directions.

"That was so much fun Elphie." Glinda sighed as they stood together in the passageway.

"It was. One day I'll think so right away." Elphie smiled.

"Well you came around, that is the important thing." Glinda said and put herself into Elphie's arms. Elphie pulled her close and held her for several long beats before kissing her softly several times.

"I love you Lyndie and I can't wait until we are back to being simple affianced University students." Elphie smiled as she traced the shadows that the lights created on Glinda's face with her finger.

"Well compared to being affianced here, I guess being so there is comparatively simple." Glinda giggled and Elphie pulled her into a slow soft kiss that worked its way into one that was intricate and passionate.

"We could always just stay here in the passageway." Glinda said breathlessly when they parted.

"It's private, and I love how the lighting plays on your hair."

"Your parents would worry, my advisors would come searching and Manif already has enough ammunition to last a lifetime." Elphie chuckled softly as she stroked Glinda's cheek.

"I can't argue with any of that. Kiss me like you just did and I'll give up my dream of moving into a hidden passageway in a gubernatorial palace. All though, it might be fun to make lov…" Glinda started with a mischievous grin but Elphie covered her mouth with her own and kissed her with everything she had, before she could finish her thought.

After Glinda recovered from, then reciprocated the very exuberant kiss she received, Elphie walked her to her suite then gave her a much more proper goodnight kiss before heading down to her own suite.

X

Elphie sat bolt upright expecting to see shadows on the wall of the passageway. It took her several terrified minutes to realize that she was in her room and she had been dreaming about seeing shadows of people in the passageway.

"Damnit!" She spat as she moved to sit on the side of her bed.

"Why can't I let go of this idiotic idea? Maybe it really is just needing to get it out of my system or to see for myself."

Elphie argued with herself for close to an hour, going back and forth about whether it was prudent to go see Jacol in the dungeon. In the end though, she knew it was pointless. When something grabbed her like this it would gnaw at her until she indulged it. Figuring that sooner was better than later, she quickly put on some casual clothes, wrote a quick note for Manif then got her hooded snow cloak out of the closet before heading downstairs. Dawn was just breaking, so her first stop was to see the corporal that she had startled so badly before. He was very relieved that she simply asked him to inform Major Maril Losait that he was needed in her office immediately.

After that, she gave Kol, who was stationed at the stairs to the second floor of the visitor's wing, the note to give to Ghilum to give Manif then instructed him to wait and escort him to her office. With a sigh, she went to her office to wait, feeling like a selfish fool.

X

"I've changed my mind. Meet me in my office." Manif read to himself then swore as he tried to get out of bed without disturbing Dani. He hurriedly dressed in the dim light then went out into the common area where the butler was waiting to take him to their guard who, he could only assume, would take him to his best friend.

"Your Eminence, I must strenuously protest." Maril said after Elphie told him why he had been summoned.

"I know and I even understand why, but I need to do this." Elphie said simply.

"And I want to do it before things get started today."

"Harluc and Fruoa won't like this Elphaba. The dungeons are no place for a lady," Maril tried.

"I know." Elphie nodded.

"Green girl, what in the hell…" Manif said as he came striding into the office. Maril nearly tackled him before he realized who it was.

"I apologize for barging in that way Major. I wasn't aware that you would be here. All though I'm glad you are." Manif said after the two sorted themselves out.

"And I apologize for nearly tackling you as well. I wasn't informed that you would be arriving." Maril replied.

"Manif insists on accompanying me down to the dungeon." Elphie said with a cryptic smile.

"All of this is highly unusual Elphaba. Mr. Guoyn, do you approve of this idea?" Maril asked, slightly exasperated.

"Approve of, no. Support, yes." Manif said then looked at Elphie.

"Gre…uh Elphaba are you sure, really sure that you want to do this, it could very well back fire." Manif said seriously.

"I'm sure. I don't want whatever has a hold of me regarding this to follow me back to Shiz. I need to leave it here." Elphie said to Manif then turned to Maril.

"Maril, I do not plan on being ostentatious. I don't want or need the fuss that accompanies the Eminent Thropp. I may not even talk to Jacol, I just want to go to where he is and see him."

"Wait here with Mr. Guoyn Your Eminence. I'll make the arrangements." Maril said simply then left.

"I don't think it is wise to upset a man who carries a saber and a gun." Manif said as Elphie came out from behind the desk.

"Please don't try to talk me out of this." Elphie said quietly as she sat on the sofa.

"I wouldn't dream of it. But I'm surprised that Glinda didn't." Manif said as he sat beside her.

"She doesn't know."

"Oh green girl, what are you trying to do get everyone into trouble?" Manif said with a slight chuckle.

"I wasn't going to wake her to tell her this. I'm going to talk to her before breakfast." Elphie said.

"Well, tell her you kidnapped me or something." Manif smiled.

"Coward." Elphie smiled back.

"An established fact where she is concerned. Maybe I can plead insanity." Manif replied.

"Going with your strengths is always a good course of action." Elphie chuckled.

"Thank you for this."

"You're welcome. And thank you for letting me insist." Manif grinned.

X

Maril explained to them that he was taking them to the appropriate dungeon by the most direct, least visible route, as he led them through a maze of underground tunnels. Elphie held onto Manif's arm feeling oddly confident as she walked through the stone tunnels that were lit with torches. It was chilly, damp and nothing like the hidden passageway where she had kissed Glinda so passionately the night before. As she thought of Glinda, she felt a pang of guilt, but knew that her love would understand, eventually.

The clanking of a heavy metal gate opening snapped Elphie out of her thoughts. They went through two more then Maril stopped in front of a large heavy wooden door.

"Elphaba are you sure? I reiterate, this is no place for a lady." Maril said.

"I'm sure." Elphie said.

"All right then. The guards will be deferential, but do not acknowledge them. I will be close and will not hesitate to intervene at the slightest hint of trouble."

"I understand." Elphie said and Maril nodded and knocked on the door. A small window opened then immediately closed and Elphie heard the sound of latches.

The door was opened and Elphie, with Maril in front of her and Manif behind her, walked quickly though a round area full of bowing guards and down one of the four hallways that went out from it. It was dank, dimly lit and in some ways reminded Elphie of the cellars in Quadling Country where her father would hold meetings.

"This is not the main dungeon Elphaba." Maril said, refocusing Elphie on the present.

"It is where we house the worst of the worst offenders. One hallway leads back to the main incarceration area. The other two are like this one, they terminate in a small guard's station with four very secure cells off of it. Luckily we only have six such offenders now and only two are in here." Maril said as he stopped in front of another metal gate. A guard opened it and bowed to Elphie.

The rectangular room was as dank as the passageway, but more brightly lit. It was almost bare save for a desk and two stone picnic type tables that were bolted to the floor. Elphie saw two doors on the wall across from the entrance and one at either end.

"You are dismissed." Maril said and the guard snapped to attention then left.

"Jacol is in number three. The upper part of the wooden door opens apart from the bottom and there is another door made of metal bars behind it. I'll unlock it for you then I'll be here in the entrance way." He said to Elphie then went and unlocked the upper half of the wooden door then took his place at the entrance with his gun in his hand.

Elphie nodded and started to walk across the room. With each step she took, she saw Jacol's menacing face and heard his threatening words, but it didn't affect her. She felt vaguely like she had when she stood up to her father. By the time she reached the door to his cell she knew, with no doubt, that she was doing the right thing.

With no hesitation she slowly opened the upper door, the big hinges squeaking as she did. As the small cell was revealed she saw a rickety table with books and papers on it, some shelves with books and personal things on them on the walls, something that resembled a toilet in the corner and a cot.

"Isn't it a little early for… " Jacol started to say as he sat up. His voice was not what Elphie remembered, it was weaker and he was thinner, unkempt and pale.

"Well, well well, look who came to visit. The Third in all her glory." He said in what Elphie was sure was meant to be a haughty tone. Elphie watched as he got up from his cot and walked to the door, meeting his gaze.

"So, are you here to apologize for almost killing me with your magic?" Jacol said after staring at her for a few beats, trying to stare her down. Elphie did not respond. She merely held his gaze confidently.

"Or because you feel guilty that your extreme overreaction to my reasonable proposals caused the misunderstanding that landed me here." He said with a grin, but Elphie remained impassive and quiet, feeling more confident and secure with every word he said. His tone and words were like Nessa's, narcissistic and paranoid, something she knew how to deal with.

"Oh wait I know." He said with a smile as he took a step closer to the bars. He was surprised that Elphie did not take a step back or flinch under his gaze.

"You're sexy little blonde bombshell of a roommate finally came to her senses and begged you to use your influence to get me out. What a sweet piece of ass the lovely Glinda will be." Elphie heard her love's name and nearly lost her resolve, but she maintained her confident stance and held his gaze.

"I know she is when I think about her as I entertain myself during the long lonely nights here."

Manif heard these words and felt a wave of revulsion at the mere thought. He was fairly certain that Elphie didn't know what he was talking about, and prayed that she didn't figure it out while she was still face to face with him, if ever. He watched her closely and saw no change in her posture and her hands were not twitching. As much as he wanted to go and knock Jacol into next week, he stayed out of sight, knowing that his friend needed to do this her way.

"Well say something Your Excellency." Jacol said, uttering her title with disdain when Elphie did not respond to him.

"I know you came down here for a reason. To right a wrong and allay your guilt. So get on with it all ready, commute my sentence so I can leave here and take my rightful place in the palace. I'm thinking something small but crucial now, and a big promotion when you become governor."

Elphie had seen and heard all she needed to and was ready to go. She absorbed his words, his sneers and his gaze all without feeling like she had done something wrong and that gave her a feeling of strength.

"I did come down here for a reason and I got what I came for." Elphie said with confidence and a slight smile.

"And what was that?" Jacol said.

"That is none of your concern. But I will tell you that you are already in your rightful place in the palace. It is small, but crucial and there will be no promotions. It is a life long appointment." Elphie said with authority then turned and walked away. Manif had to keep himself from cheering. Elphie smiled at him and motioned to him that he could go over there if he wanted.

"You've got to be joking!" Jacol spat out angrily.

"Oh surely you remember that Elphaba never jokes." Manif said as stepped in front of the bars.

"Guoyn what in the hell are you doing here? Tell that nut to let me out of here."

"I'm here as an honored guest of the governor, attending all the history making events that go along with the coronation of the new Eminent Thropp." Manif said with grin.

"And me just a lowly sorcerer from Gillikin."

"New governor? You don't mean…" Jacol said as his realized what had just happened.

"Yep. You misaddressed her pal. You should have said Your Eminence. And more importantly, you blew it on so many levels, starting with befriending me." Manif said.

"You could have made a fortune had a safe and secure future if you had just played along, you stupid fool. You would have been home free." Jacol said trying to regain the advantage he thought he had.

"I have my fortune already, in the form of my beautiful fiancée and that ensures me a safe and secure future no matter what. And I may be a stupid fool, but I'm also an award winning one." Manif said, knowing that the fool remark would amuse Elphie.

"And most importantly I am going home free. And I'm walking out of here free, to take my rightful place as the governor's honored guest. Enjoy your rightful place in the palace Jacol, you certainly earned it." Manif said with a laugh then shut the wooden door on Jacol's disbelieving face.

"He is right about one thing." Manif smiled as Maril went to lock the door of Jacol's cell.

"You are nuts." He chuckled and Elphie smiled.

"And you are going to milk that jester's award as long as you can, aren't you?" Elphie said as they walked out of the guard's room.

"Do you expect any less?" Manif laughed.

"No. And your predictability is comforting." Elphie replied and kissed Manif's cheek.

"Did you get what you needed my friend?"

"I did, did you?"

"I did and more, I think. I'm not sure I understand it, but I feel freer." Elphie smiled.

"Are you ready to return Your Eminence?" Maril asked after the guard was back in place.

"I am Maril and thank you for indulging me. It was important to me personally and it helped." Elphie said.

"I'm glad. And I would like your permission to not include this in my official daily report." Maril smiled.

"Granted." Elphie chuckled softly and Manif laughed.

X

"You did what!" Glinda said after Elphie woke her with kisses then told her about going to the dungeon to see Jacol.

"Lyndie let me explain everything." Elphie said as she tried to stroke Glinda's cheek, but Glinda pulled away.

"Why didn't you tell me this? Elphie this is huge and it affects me too. You should have talked to me beforehand not after the fact. Elphaba, how could you!" Glinda said as she moved off of the bed.

"Lyndie please."

"Don't you Lyndie me. I'm angry, upset and hurt." Glinda replied with a little quiver in her voice.

"Glinda I know and I'm sorry. Just please hear me out. I did something that I needed to do, for me and it helped. " Elphie said quietly and Glinda looked at her, knowing that she was just reacting to the shock and surprise.

"All right Elphie, I'm listening, but I'm still upset." Glinda said.

"I understand. It all started when I had a nightmare after we made love." Elphie said.

"Why didn't you tell me that Elphie? Oh never mind, it's this stupid place." Glinda griped then sniffled.

"I hate that you had a nightmare." She said and let Elphie kiss her forehead.

Elphie told Glinda everything. She started with how she felt after they made love, about the nightmare that prompted the idea and ended with how she felt as she was walking out of the dungeon. Glinda listened and was mad at Manif for his part one second and sniffly at the things he said the next. She did the same with Maril. She was proud of her love for holding her ground against the things that Jacol had said, but angry that he said them in the first place.

"Lyndie, I don't expect you to understand my reasons for needing too. I don't even understand them fully. But it helped, it did. I feel relieved and free of something, like I did after I told my father." Elphie said after going though all of the details and conversations, editing the one between her and Jacol slightly.

"All right Elphie, I get this. But you still should have told me what was going on." Glinda said no longer angry or hurt, but still a little upset.

"I know, but I hope you understand it wasn't because I don't love and trust you. I value your counsel, you know that. I think maybe on some level I was just trying to protect you." Elphie said.

"That makes sense, you can only be who you are, my emerald skinned protector." Glinda smiled slightly.

"And you took steps to protect yourself."

"So we are okay?" Elphie asked as Glinda put herself into her arms.

"We are okay. I have serious issues with Manif and Maril, but we are okay." Glinda chuckled slightly.

"Manif told me to tell you that I kidnapped him." Elphie smiled.

"A likely story." Glinda giggled.

"I'll deal with him at breakfast. You and I can talk about this some more, if we need to during our down time at home."

"Home? When are we going home?" Elphie said, gently pushing Glinda away.

"I thought we'd go home with Momsie and Popsicle and spend a few quiet days before we go back to school, you know to regroup." Glinda said.

"I do not need or want to go home right now. Maybe over the next long weekend." Elphie said.

"Oh come on Elphie, we need the time."

"And we can have the time without going home, I promise." Elphie said and kissed Glinda's cheek.

"I have to go."

"Oh no you don't Elphaba." Glinda said and stood in front of Elphie with her hands on her hips.

"I listened to you, now you listen to me."

"All right my sweet, tell me what you need." Elphie said calmly.

"You know, just forget it. If you can't figure it out, I'm not telling you. Go on to your meeting." Glinda huffed and went to sit back down on the bed

"Glinda, I don't have time for this." Elphie said, becoming irritated.

"That's just it, you don't and won't have time." Glinda said angrily.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Can we please talk about this later." Elphie sighed.

"And that is exactly what you will say and then you'll become a beast and we will argue." Glinda said with certainty.

"We are arguing now." Elphie said reasonably.

"And whose fault is that!" Glinda said.

"I honestly have no idea. I am not even sure what we are arguing about." Elphie said sincerely.

"And that's just it, you don't until it's right up on us." Glinda said irritably.

"And apparently not even then." Elphie said.

"Now you're just being mean." Glinda huffed.

"I'm being honest. When you feel like you can either tell me what you need from me, or what we are arguing about, send me a note. I'll be in my office. I love you very much, but you are exasperating me right now." Elphie said then started to leave.

"Well right back at you." Glinda shouted before Elphie closed her bedroom door.

"Is everything all right darling?" Gwenot asked, rising from the sofa.

"I have no idea, but I don't think so. I think she is mad at me because I don't want to go home, but she won't tell me for sure." Elphie sighed.

"She spoke to us about that. I said you two are welcome home whenever you want to come, but you both had a great deal to catch up on."

"Momsie…" Glinda said as she came out of her room.

"Oh you're still here. I thought you didn't have time." Glinda said with a little huff.

"I don't, but I can make it and you know that. I think I get this Glinda; it's about the make up work isn't it? And all the time we need to devote to that." Elphie said.

"Finally." Glinda said throwing up her hands.

"If you are going to do nothing but poke at me, I'm leaving. If you want to talk to me, I'll make time." Elphie said firmly.

"Fine, no poking, but that goes for you too." Glinda said.

"Of course. Come on then." Elphie said and held out her hand, which Glinda took.

"We'll be in my suite." She said to Gwenot, who nodded and smiled.

Since Elphie's first meeting was with Mr. Kwenyo to tell Harluc and Fruoa about the medallion, she sent it, along with a note telling them to start without her and she would be along as soon as she could. There was a little more poking before they really started talking, but half an hour later, they were none the worse for wear and mostly back on track. Glinda was worried that Elphie would get lost in her make up work and admitted that with everything that had transpired she was afraid that would make her insecurities worse and wanted to head that off by having some non school alone time with Elphie before they jumped back into school.

Elphie was irritated because she had been looking forward to getting back into their normal routine and thought Glinda was just making plans without consulting her first. They both admitted that talking about Jacol right before had turned this into something worse than it might have been. In the end, they agreed that getting back into their routine would be best for both of them and they would treat it like finals study week or any other study heavy time, in how they managed what they did. Glinda also reminded Elphie of her promise that they would do something special, just them.

"So we're really okay?" Elphie asked in front of the door to Glinda's suite.

"We are okay. Go finish playing governor. I'm going to yell at then hug Manif." Glinda chuckled.

"Go easy on him. His options really were limited." Elphie smiled.

"I will. I love you Elphie. I hate fighting."

"I do as well, but I'm glad we are okay. I love you too." Elphie said then gave Glinda a very nice kiss, unaware that Nanny was coming around the corner and saw them.

X

Glinda talked to her mother about what had happened while she got ready then hurried through the passageway to have breakfast with her friends. The first thing she did was fuss at Manif for not talking Elphie out of going to see Jacol then she gave him a big hug and kiss for going with her. They all talked about it together over breakfast.

X

Elphie got to her office in time to talk to Mr. Kwenyo, Harluc and Fruoa a little bit about the medallion. She was relieved that they agreed with Dani researching the magical aspects and with her leaving it in their care. After Mr. Kwenyo left she got a little grief about going to see Jacol, but it was gentle. Mainly they were very pleased that she had informed Maril beforehand. The rest of her morning was spent dealing with last minute coronation issues with them and Nessa.

X

After breakfast, the group of friends, as well as Samion and Gwenot went into Center Munch under the watchful eyes of Devi, Kol and four other bodyguards in street clothes. Devi thought they might like to see the excitement that the coronation was generating and spend some time out of the palace. The girls and Gwenot went with Devi, Kol and two other guards to do some shopping. The boys and Samion went with the other two guards to do their version of the same thing and they met later at an outdoor café. They had a long, leisurely lunch where they exchanged observations on everything they saw and did. They talked about the hoopla itself as well as what they heard about Elphie and Nessa. News of Elphie's abdication had spread and they were all pleased that the reactions to it were mainly favorable. After lunch, they took the long, scenic way back to the palace. They rode through the countryside on back roads, going through several small villages and enclaves, getting more of a glimpse at the coronation excitement.

X

Elphie and Nessa had lunch with the Ministers, dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, as Harluc called it then went to the Ceremonial Chambers for one last rehearsal. Even though the long, tedious run through was mainly focused on Nessa, it did not take long before she was griping and Elphie glad that she was still governor for a few more hours and could excuse herself.

"Elphaba dear, do you have a moment?" Elphie heard Nanny's voice and turned.

"Certainly Nanny. Would you like to go somewhere and sit?" Elphie smiled.

"I would." Nanny said as she took Elphie's proffered arm.

"You are leaving tomorrow morning?" Nanny asked casually as they walked towards a nearby reception parlor.

"Yes, very early so we can get back to Shiz and have time to get resettled." Elphie said as she nodded to the guard that had been following them before going into the parlor and shutting the door.

"I saw you kissing your fiancée this morning." Nanny said, getting right to it as she settled in a chair.

"Nanny, I'm sorry, I didn't know that anyone was…" Elphie stammered, blushing deeply.

"Now child, I didn't tell you that to chastise or embarrass you. In a way, I'm glad I witnessed it. It was the tender, respectful kiss of two people who love, honor and have a deep connection to one another." Nanny said and Elphie looked at her in astonishment.

"Don't look at me that way Elphaba. It is not like Nanny hasn't been kissed in that manner herself." Nanny chuckled.

"I'm glad that you spoke to Samion and Gwenot." Elphie managed to say when she had recovered.

"They are very nice people and extremely devoted to you. That I approve of. I still can't condone your unusual sexual proclivity, but it is only one part of what appears to be a wonderful, productive life. You are happy, safe and loved. In the grand scheme of things, that is what is important. I will let the fundamentalists like your father battle out the particulars. I might not approve of your same gender romantic inclination, but I will not vilify you or your chosen one because of it. Enjoy your life child, you've earned it." Nanny said sincerely.

"Thank you Nanny. And thank you for talking to Shell as you did." Elphie said feeling overwhelmed.

"Shell knows my thoughts on the subject, as well as your father's and Nessa's. But he is old enough to form his own conclusions. He is also strong-willed and very intelligent, just like his sister. He'll be just fine. And he still has Nanny to look after him." Nanny smiled.

"I know."

"Good, now I need to go and help Nessa get ready for her big night. She insisted on a dress with a train and how to fit it in her chair is driving her attendants to distraction." Nanny chuckled.

"I'm sure you'll manage Nanny, you always do." Elphie smiled as she helped the older woman up.

"I do at that, don't I." Nanny chuckled as they walked to the door.

"Thank you again Nanny." Elphie said and kissed Nanny's cheek before opening the door.

"You're welcome dear. Now you go on and get yourself ready. I'm sure this nice young man will be happy to escort me back to the Chambers." Nanny smiled. The guard looked at Elphie and Elphie nodded so the guard offered Nanny his arm. Elphie watched her walk off trying to process what had just happened. She wasn't sure what she had expected from her nanny, but whatever it was she received it and it added to her growing sense of freedom.

X

"Did I miss her, is she still here?" Glinda asked Devi as she came into her suite.

"She was dressing as of five minutes ago, but you'd best hurry if you want to say hello." Devi smiled.

"Thanks." Glinda said and ran out of the room.

"She is quite a bundle of energy, isn't she?" Devi chuckled to Gwenot.

"She is, always has been and I imagine, will be." Gwenot replied.

"No doubt. Your bath will be ready shortly Mrs. Upland." Devi smiled.

"Elphie it's me." Glinda said as she tapped on the door to Elphie's bedroom then opened it.

"Oh my love, look at you." She breathed as Elphie turned to her, wearing another new tea-length dress. This one was dark navy blue with a high waist and collar. The bodice had pearl buttons and satin pearl colored piping. The same color piping was on hem and waistline of the pleated skirt.

"You are beautiful, just beautiful."

"I still contend that I did not need a new dress."

"You are going to wow them." Glinda smiled as she fussed with the dress a little.

"Unfortunately, I do not have time to mount a proper argument to the contrary. Fruoa will be here any minute." Elphie smiled at the look in her love's eye.

"I'm no longer wearing this dress am I?"

"Elphie! What a thing to say, of course you are. Those pretty pearl buttons are unbuttoned, however." Glinda giggled.

"I see." Elphie said then heard Fruoa announce herself. She kissed Glinda with gusto then left the room.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Glinda asked Fruoa from the doorway of the bedroom.

"That dress is stunning. You look marvelous Elphaba." Fruoa smiled.

"And Fruoa, your ministerial robe looks great, very flattering." Glinda commented.

"Maril had it tailor-made for me as a surprise. It was just delivered fifteen minutes ago." Fruoa chuckled.

"That was so sweet of him." Glinda grinned.

"Under all that military is a little softy, but don't tell him I told you." Fruoa said and Glinda giggled and put her finger to her lips.

Elphie walked Glinda down to her room, indulging her request to quickly model her new dress for Samion Gwenot and Devi before she left to go downstairs.

X

For the second time in two days, the well-dressed group of friends walked down the hallways of Colwen Grounds to the Ceremonial Chambers. They encountered the same things they had the previous day, only on a much grander scale. There were more people, the decorations and room arrangement were more ostentatious and the fanfare that accompanied the seemingly never-ending stream of officials was more official sounding.

At last, everyone was in their seats and settled. Another fanfare announced Elphie and Glinda watched from the same seat she was in the day before as her love walked up on the much larger dais. You could hear a pin drop in the cavernous room as she stepped to the amplifying device.

"Fellow Munchkins, I have served as your governor for the past few weeks. While it has been a very enlightening and educational experience for me, it cannot be a permanent one. In the interest of doing what is best for Munchkinland, I formally abdicate my position as Eminent Thropp to my sister, Nessarose. She is young, but has a natural talent for leadership and has been studying and training diligently. She has my full confidence. In order to maintain continuity and tradition I will reclaim the title and responsibilities of the Heir Apparent before returning to Shiz University." Elphie said confidently and clearly.

"Your Eminence, is this a declaration made of your own free will." Harluc asked in his role of First Minister.

"It is. As my last official act as governor I enjoin you to accept and anoint Nessarose, Thropp Fourth Descending as the Eminent Thropp, Governor of Munchkinland in my stead and grant me the title of Heir Apparent." Elphie said.

"As you wish Your Eminence. It is so ordered and entered into the official history of our land." Harluc said and smiled at Elphaba who then went and sat in the smaller of the two throne type chairs. She caught Glinda's eyes and smiled at her beaming love.

Nessa was introduced and given the oath with proper pomp and ceremony, but Glinda was barely aware of any of it. Her eyes remained on Elphie the entire time. When it was over Nessa was wheeled through the cheering crowd as confetti fell from the ceiling.

An hour later at the coronation ball, Her Excellency, Elphaba was announced and after some perfunctory mingling, she joined her friends and family in the part of the ballroom they had claimed as their own. For three hours they danced among themselves, virtually ignored by most everyone. They enjoyed the atmosphere, the music the food and drinks, taking full advantage of the situation knowing they would be poor University students again soon enough. Elphie went off with Harluc on a few occasions to meet someone, Fruoa came to have a dance with Mr. Kwenyo and Glinda requested a dance with Maril. When Harluc brought Elphie back he said that there was no need for her to stay, and they could leave whenever they wished, so they did. Forty- five minutes later, Mr. Kwenyo had been given a proper goodbye, Glinda had been thoroughly kissed several times and she and Elphie were on their way to join the others in the common area. They walked in on a laughing conversation about who saw whom doing what at the ball.

After a few rousing choruses of 'for she is no longer governor' the gang settled down and just talked, reliving their visit to Munchkinland.

X

"I beg your pardon, Your Excellency, but Major Losait is here to see you." Ghilum said from the edge of the conversation area.

"Of course Ghilum." Elphie said as she stood up.

"Is there a problem Maril?" Elphie said nervously.

"Not at all. Harluc and Fruoa were not free to join me, but they thought that you and your friends might like one last adventure before you leave tomorrow morning." Maril smiled.

"Ooooh, what sort of adventure?" Glinda bubbled.

"Well Mr. Kwenyo told them that you all were very intrigued with the story of the medallion, so Harluc thought that you might like to see where it was found." Maril said.

"Oh boy, would we!" Glinda bounced happily and her sentiments were echoed by everyone else, even Elphie.

"Then it is off to the catacombs we go." Maril said.

"The catacombs, that sounds so intriguing." Dani said.

Maril gave them some instructions on their safety as they walked to where they would enter the subterranean part of the palace. Once they were on the stone stairs, several guards handed the men a torch and one was assigned to stay with Elphie and Glinda.

They made their way carefully down the curved steps commenting on how it was like the ones in books they had read or fables they had heard. Once they were down, Maril took them to the small room where the medallion had been located and moved the stone that opened the niche where it had been hidden for decades. Everyone was impressed and very excited.

"Now, I can't let you wander at will, but you can explore some. I have placed guards at entrances to passageways that are off limits. There are several rooms to explore and many hidden niches in the walls to find, or so I'm told. Have fun." Maril chuckled, mainly at Glinda who was bouncing with delight.

With torches as their only light source, the friends looked around the room they were in, speculating as to what it had been used for. As they moved into the hallway, they explored the stone walls, complete with mold, spider webs and creepy crawling things and wove tales of hidden treasure, spies, illicit liaisons and other intrigues. Through their chuckles at some of the more outlandish stories, they searched for anything that looked like a latch or lever, eventually spreading out and going in different directions. After about fifteen minutes, a squeal that echoed caused everyone to regroup to see what was going on.

"Sorry everyone. Hy jumped out of that closet and scared me to death." Loma grinned.

"But look what I found." Hyrut said as he moved one of the stones in the wall to reveal a passageway.

"Let's go." He said enthusiastically.

"Sorry sir, but I can't allow you to go in there. We didn't even know it was here and can't be sure it is safe."

"I found a real secret tunnel?" Hyrut said.

"You did." Maril smiled then Glinda and Loma screamed and ran out of the room as a rat ran out of the opening and right passed them. Elphie and Hyrut ran after them with the others following behind as Maril quickly shut the tunnel entrance then the closet door.

For another hour or so the exploration continued. A few hidden and empty niches were found and more stories concocted to fill them. Beliea and Elphie were the first to give up the quest, going back over to the stairs with a torch carrying guard to watch. Manif soon joined them, then Hyrut. Another squeal sent Glinda, with Dani on her heels running to join them a short time later.

"I thought there was a spider in my hair." Glinda explained sheepishly and Elphie indulged her by checking, while Hyrut and Beliea went to drag in the last two stragglers.

X

All the way back to the common area, the friends chatted about being allowed such a wonderful treat. They thanked Maril profusely and were assured that Harluc and Fruoa would be seeing them off in the morning, so they could thank them too.

"All right you all, we have a whole long trip tomorrow to come up with ideas for the book of intrigue that Loma seems bound and determined to write." Manif said after half an hour of comparing notes on the catacombs.

"True. And think how exciting if we add magic to the mix." Loma said and Glinda started to comment.

"This is going to provide us all with stories to tell of kids and grandkids, but Manif is right, it is very late and we need to be up very early." Dani said.

"You heard the lady, off you go. Get some actual sleep, we leave at daybreak." Manif said with melodramatic authority. After goodnight hugs and some more congratulations for Elphie, everyone obeyed the edict and went to bed.

"So how does it feel Elphie, knowing this is all behind you now." Glinda asked after several long kisses in the tunnel.

"Ask me tomorrow, in the carriage, when it is literally behind me."Elphie said with a grin then captured Glinda's lips in a searing kiss.