Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. It wouldn't be Avaric if he wasn't ta little bit sleazy.
Thank you to nursejoy7 for reviewing. Sorry, no special save. And more Fiyero.
Thank you to Melanie for reviewing.
Thank you to Beserkeroo for reviewing. I laughed for a good five minutes at that.
Thank you to Tessa for reviewing. Like I said before; more Fiyero.
Please read, enjoy, and review. Critiques and criticisms welcome.
Also, Warning: Some smut ahead.
3/29/14
For the girls the day started in their new normal. Elphaba woke first and stroked Glinda's hair as the blonde slowly wakened. As soon as she was fully awake she asked for and received kiss. From there Glinda cleaned and prepared herself for the day, and then traded with Elphaba. By the time Elphaba was out of the bathroom a pair of clothes were on her bed waiting which matched Glinda's. This day was a grey blouse with a black skirt, though Glinda was in a black and white pinstripe affair. Elphaba shrugged; fashion eluded her.
After they were dressed Glinda drug Elphaba down to the dining hall. The three other females of the Charmed Circle were there and Glinda made to sit with them. Elphaba turned to leave.
"Where do you think you're going?" Glinda asked sweetly.
"Back to the room. I prefer to enjoy my breakfast without inane prattle."
"You need to socialize."
"I do socialize."
"With girls."
"I do."
"That are not me or your sister."
"I see no need nor do I have a want."
"The need comes from your lack of social skills, and, though I know you don't want to, doing things you don't want to for your girlfriend is part of being in a relationship." Glinda said quietly.
"I never knew it would require so much; otherwise, I would have considered it more."
"First, no one ever does. Second, no you wouldn't have."
"You're right." Elphaba said and Glinda smiled. "There is a disturbing lack of research into the requirements of social relationships."
Glinda scowled and walked in the direction of the table as Elphaba cackled. Having scored her point, she followed and sat by the four girls. The other three were a bit taken aback by Elphaba's participation but soon lapsed back into normal conversation. Elphaba chimed in where she felt appropriate, although it came off as more an observation of fact instead of idle chatter.
Long after they had finished breakfast the girls broke up to go to class. As per usual, Elphaba walked Glinda to the Sorcery Hall. Glinda looked up expectantly and Elphaba gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Glinda beamed and skipped off to class while Elphaba marched to the Life Sciences Hall. She was surprised to find someone there as early as her.
"What's the Crown Prince doing here so early? She asked amused. Fiyero smiled.
"Just getting a head start."
"Is that why your notes are tucked away?" Elphaba pointed out as she sat next to him and took out her own material.
"I see the bruising is almost gone." He responded and Elphaba unconsciously touched her nose. "That's good."
"Still hurts. But I guess it wasn't broken after all."
"Good news then. I'd hate for such a pretty thing to be ruined."
Elphaba laughed sardonically. "Pretty? Are you feeling well, or do you have a liking for birds?"
"I told you before, Miss Elphaba," he said, looking at her intensely, "I do not see things the same way others do."
The heat of his gaze made her fluster. She was still searching for an appropriate response when the rest of the boys came in.
"Fiyero? What are you doing her so early? And you're awfully close to Miss Elphaba. A secret liaison, perhaps?" Avaric asked and Fiyero laughed.
"She was helping clarify some things for me." He replied and Elphaba saw his notes out.
When did he do that? She thought and frowned.
"And what did you learn?" Avaric drawled.
"Master Fiyero has an affinity for avians." Elphaba answered and Fiyero burst into a fit of chuckles that only intensified at his friends' confused looks. Elphaba could not help but smile.
After lecture ended, the Charmed Circle at Life Sciences slowly made their way outside. Unlike usual, Elphaba and Avaric were not bickering about something or other. In fact, she and Fiyero were holding a conversation on the possible origins of the differing phenotypes of the people of Oz. Avaric got bored and left while Boq had somewhere to be.
"Hey, you want to grab some lunch? The Broomsticks has great deals this time of day." Fiyero asked.
"Uh, sorry, but I've got no money on me. Didn't think I would need it for class." Elphaba stuttered and cursed herself. Why did this boy fluster her so?
"That's fine; I can pay. Despite Avaric's claims, I do have some money to my name."
"I probably shouldn't be seen off campus with a boy unchaperoned. It would destroy my reputation." Elphaba tried again, regaining some of her sarcasm. Fiyero raised an eyebrow in response.
"You've gone off campus plenty of times in the company of men." Fiyero pointed out. Elphaba saw Glinda coming their way with a curious look on her face.
"I forgot. I promised Glinda I would…uh…go clothes shopping with her." Elphaba said and suppressed a wince. That was the stupidest lie she ever said.
"Ah. For the ball?"
"Ball?" Elphaba said and whipped her head around. "What ball?"
Fiyero smiled. "The annual end of year ball. This year is a masquerade."
"Good. I can save some money by going as myself and throwing some feathers in my hair."
"So you are going?"
"I'd hate to disappoint you avian fetish, Fiyero, but-"
"Elphie! Hello, Master Fiyero, how are you?" Glinda asked.
"Quite good, Miss Glinda. I was just asking Miss Elphaba what she was wearing to the ball next week."
"It's next week!" Elphaba exclaimed but Glinda ignored her.
"Oh, you weren't supposed to let her know yet! But she's going, so all is forgiven." Glinda said and Elphaba glared at her.
"I did not say I was going. I do not want to go to some frivolous waste of time-"
"Put on by vapid socialites and narcissistic elites who have no other concern than their own appearance. Yes, I know." Glinda finished, exasperated. "But you have to go. Nessa's going."
"She is?" Elphaba asked confused.
"Yes. I asked her about it after I saw her come out of General Sorcery."
"Why would she even want to go?"
"Because, and I quote, 'It is a proper function for ladies of our class and responsibility, and we should be seen.' End quote."
"And why does that mean I'll have to go?"
"Because Nanny won't be there. No minders will."
"Fine." Elphaba growled. "But if you think-"
"She also said that you should let me pick out your dress and mask for you."
"Or?"
"Or she thinks it would not be appropriate for your station."
"Which means she will tattle on me. Great." Elphaba said. She slumped into a mood and both thought it best that she should be left alone.
"So, Miss Glinda," Fiyero asked, "who will be your escort?"
"Oh! I did not think of that." Glinda said with a slight frown. In truth she wanted to go with Elphaba but with Nessarose going she knew that would not be possible. "I don't know. Miss Pfannee or Shenshen will be accompanying Master Avaric, and Master Boq will be escorting Miss Milla."
"Well, Miss Glinda, if you so wish it, it would be my honor to escort you. As Miss Elphaba so succinctly put it last night, I am completely non-threatening."
"Oh." Glinda replied, taken aback. Her social mind mulled it over for a few moments. Not the best match but he was still an Arjiki prince. Very respectable if just as friends. "I accept, Fiyero."
"Good. Shall I come by with the other men, then? I don't know how this works out here."
"Yes, that will do fine."
"I know Boq and Avaric spoke of coordinating outfits with their dates. Is that something only couples do?"
"Correct. It is to let others know they are taken."
"Thank you for the explanation. I must get going and I presume you must get to dress shopping. Good day to you, ladies." He said, and bowed.
"Good day to you too, Master Fiyero." Glinda replied. He shot her a dashing smile, and Elphaba a look that Glinda did not particularly care for. She watched him go and she looped her arm though Elphaba's. As they turned and walked towards the dorm she idly asked, "What did he want?"
"He asked me to lunch." Elphaba answered and jerked to a stop as Glinda rooted in place.
"Lunch?"
"Yeah. Offered to pay and everything. Why?"
"Elphie, he was asking you on a lunch date."
"No. He merely wanted to continue our conversation on the divergent of phenotypes in Oz."
"Elphie, no boys care about phenotype unless it's the female type. He was asking you out."
"I think you're blowing this way out of proportion."
"He's been paying way too much attention to you as of late. And that look he gave you!"
"Well, perhaps if I was wearing frocks this wouldn't happen."
"You're insufferable. Now, take me to the dorm so we can get lunch and get to the salons."
"Please, nothing atrocious."
"Of course not Elphie. When have you ever known me to pick out anything atrocious?"
Elphaba only groaned in response.
Lunch was a brisk affair as Glinda wanted to start shopping. She knew the specialty shops around Shiz and headed in their direction. As they entered the first store she noticed the sparseness of the collection. Glinda frowned as it would make it much harder to find something, and she was right. This store did not have anything and it was the same with the next few. Finally, they tried a familiar store.
"Good afternoon, misses. How many I help you?" an elderly man asked. Glinda suppressed a frown.
"Good day sir. We are looking for some formal wear."
"Anything in particular?"
"No sir. I'll know it when I see it."
"Ok. The formal wear is-"
"On the second floor, back of the store. Thank you, sir." Glinda finished and pulled Elphaba along. She scoured the upstairs floor looking for the perfect dresses, though none jumped out. She knew that by now it was too late to get something custom made. She growled in frustration.
"Glinda, why don't you just get a dress for yourself? One of mine will be fine."
"No, I-" Glinda started but saw two dresses hanging on an empty rack next to each other. She could have sworn they were not there before. She darted over to examine them. There was a long sleeve black dress with silver accents and a silvery white with black accents. The black dress was almost perfectly Elphaba's size as was the silver for Glinda. She gave a little clap of joy and held them up to Elphaba.
"Well, at least it's a color I like." Elphaba deadpanned. Glinda squealed and put both dresses in one hand, and grabbed Elphaba with the other. She dragged them to the dressing room. A not so quick change later (Glinda had trouble keeping her hands to herself), both girls were admiring how they looked. Glinda sighed and wrapped her arms around Elphaba, and tilted her head back. Elphaba knew by now this was the sign to kiss her and did so; slowly, sweetly, gently. After they parted Glinda sighed and put her head against Elphaba's chest.
"That kiss was perfect. I can almost see us dancing together." She said wistfully.
"I don't see how. It's inappropriate for girls to dance together at formal functions."
"You're right!" Glinda gasped and visibly dulled. "I completely forgot."
It hurt Elphaba to see her this way and that drove the next words from her mouth.
"This room is big enough. I'll give you a dance right now."
"Really?" Glinda asked, excitement and disbelief in her voice.
"Of course, my angel."
"Are you sure?" she asked again, pulling back and studying Elphaba intently.
"This offer has a time limit. It expires in three, two,-oomph!" Elphaba exhaled as Glinda glomped back onto her.
"Accepted."
"My darling, this is not proper dancing form."
"That a new one. And modify the form."
Elphaba began to move and Glinda flowed with her. Glinda quickly realized Elphaba was leading her in a waltz. Elphaba steps started unsure but soon found her footing. She deftly guided them around the dressing room, maneuvering them in the tight space. Elphaba was not an artful dancer, Glinda mused, but a technical one. She tilted her head up to watch her love's face.
Elphaba had an intense look of concentration; like she was trying to figure out a problem. She looked down and met Glinda's eyes, which caused them both to smile. Glinda watched her eyes flick away and then come back. A sweeping left turn moved them past an offending chair and Glinda closed her eyes. She reveled in being so close to Elphaba and was surprised to feel lips on hers. She opened her eyes to see a slightly confused Elphaba.
"Was that wrong? I thought eyes closed, head back was the signal for a kiss." Her voice wavered slightly and Glinda smiled reassuringly.
"It is. I was not consciously doing it; just enjoying being close to you." Glinda replied, and giggled, which caused Elphaba to smile. The dance stopped.
"We best get going." Elphaba said and Glinda nodded. She untied the strings of her dress but held them in one hand.
"Rae?" she said quietly.
"Yes?" Elphaba answered, busying herself with her own dress.
"Kiss me again?" Glinda asked pleadingly. Elphaba nodded and moved to Glinda. As she bent low to give the kiss Glinda let go of the strings. Elphaba realized too late and as she kissed Glinda she could feel the heat of her bare chest against her. She was so distracted, in fact, she failed to realize that Glinda's own hands finished the work of untying her dress and began to shuck it off. Elphaba pulled back as much as Glinda's arms would allow her.
"Glinda." She breathed but Glinda caught her lips again. Down went the dress and soon they were holding each other close, heat mingling together. Glinda relaxed from the kiss for a moment to breathe and saw Elphaba's eyes flick away and freeze. Glinda glanced in that direction.
It was a mirror. Their reflections, entwined together. The sight positively inflamed Glinda. She could see all of Elphaba and the sight of emerald arms encircling her was breathtaking. The combination of being able to feel and see drove her higher, causing her to lean forward and trail kisses down Elphaba's chest. Elphaba's lips part slightly and head tilted back, eyes closed. Glinda smiled and brought her kisses back up, stopping mid-chest. She began to move left, and in the mirror saw Elphaba's eyes open.
Suddenly she spun and was staring straight into the mirror. She saw the smoldering need in Elphaba's eyes and shivered. The emerald girl kissed her behind her ear and Glinda let out a little gasp. Elphaba kissed that spot again, then lower, and lower, and again lower until she came to the junction of Glinda's neck and shoulder. A light kiss brought a light moan, so Elphaba planted two more. The second she lingered, sucking lightly. Glinda moaned and her knees gave, but Elphaba wrapped strong arms her body.
"Too bold, my angel?" Elphaba huskily whispered in her ear.
"No." Glinda breathed and saw Elphaba's want in the mirror. Glinda grasped one of Elphaba's hands and brought it to her breast. There was only a token resistance. "Touch. Explore. I'm open to you however you want me."
Glinda felt a squeeze on her breast and she moaned. Elphaba ran a coarse thumb over her nipple and Glinda's head fell back, eyes closed. Seemingly convinced, Elphaba let the hand on Glinda's breast caress. Glinda felt a persistent tug at the junction of her neck and shoulder. Sharp teeth sun into her flesh and she realized Elphaba was sucking on her. Glinda went weak but the other hand held her close. She opened her eyes in time to see it snake downward, downward, downward over soft curls-
"Excuse me, misses?" a voice came from the other side of the door. Hands disappeared quickly and Glinda could not stop the cry of frustration from leaving her lips and crossing onto Elphaba's. The kiss transformed the cry into a moan, and then it (and Elphaba) were gone far too soon. Glinda sank to the floor.
"Yes, what is it?" Elphaba said to the door. Glinda could not fathom how her voice was normal.
"Do you need any help, misses?"
"No thank you. My companions dress was a little snug and she needed some assistance. One too many éclairs, I suppose."
"Miss Elphaba!" Glinda cried and stood. Elphaba flashed her a wicked smile.
"I'll be downstairs, misses." They heard him say and plod off. Elphaba turned back towards Glinda, who was turned away from her, and had her chin tilted up in an indignant pose. Elphaba thought mirrors were a wonderful invention.
"My sweet, it was a jest to get him to leave." She said placatingly.
"I don't care. It was hurtful and I think shall be cross with you for some time."
"You will, will you?" Elphaba growled and was behind Glinda in a moment. The tone of her voice and the breath forced Glinda to suppress a shiver.
"Yes." She managed to huff. She felt a kiss at that special junction of her neck and shoulder and barely managed to suppress the moan. The kisses traveled upward for a moment, and Glinda craned her neck to indicate they should continue. "And don't think you can kiss it away."
"I wouldn't dream of it." Elphaba breathed in her ear and teeth gently scraped Glinda's earlobe. She inhaled sharply and teeth and lips continued their caress around her ear. Glinda was holding firm until that tongue (that wicked, wicked tongue), traced the line of her ear. Glinda swooned and Elphaba caught her. When a hand cupped her breast and squeezed Glinda let out a moan, but a green hand over her mouth silenced her. "Cry out, my sweet, for I have you."
That sent Glinda into a haze of desire like she had never experienced. She could not keep track of Elphaba's hands or mouth. Suddenly, fingers sliding across her stomach and lower became her whole world. She ached for them to go lower, lower still, but they stopped. Glinda lifted out of her daze to see Elphaba cock her head as if listening. There it was; a chiming of bells.
"Come. We need to get back." Elphaba said and Glinda groaned. Then she realized that back meant a bed and soundproofing. She hurriedly put herself together to Elphaba's amusement. As she grabbed the dresses and went to leave she saw Elphaba crack the window.
"It smells of sex in here." She said with a grin and Glinda blushed. They hurried to the front of the store to pay. Elphaba bought; something that delighted Glinda. The old man grumbled as they left through an alley door.
"Where is that fool boy when I need him? Here was here a few moments ago…"
The two made their way across a park on the way back to Crage. They walked arm in arm, as was their way, and Glinda had to consciously still herself. On a deserted portion of the path Elphaba suddenly stopped.
"I was not too…forceful, with you earlier, was I? I don't know what came over me." Elphaba said timidly, not looking at Glinda.
"No, Rae, you weren't. I seem to like a bit of it. It makes me feel safe." Elphaba cocked an eyebrow at this but did not look at her yet. "And I'm happy your desire overcame you. It makes me feel wanted."
"I never not want you. I just don't know what is ok."
"Rae." Glinda said and turned Elphaba towards her. She grabbed Elphaba's hands and placed them around her waist. "This is yours." She moved her hands upward to her breasts. "As are these." She moved the hands to her shoulders and neck. "As is this." She moved a hand to her lips. "And this." She moved the other hand low and pressed it to her center. Elphaba could feel the heat through the dress. "And even this. To have whenever and why ever you want."
Elphaba stared into Glinda's eyes, mulling over the worlds. It calmed her mind and thoughts began to solidify. But there was still one thing.
"Glinda, I don't know if I can do the same for you. At least, not as much, not yet."
"That's ok. I'll enjoy what I can and help you become comfortable."
"Thank you." Elphaba said and then her wicked smirk appeared. "Whenever, why ever, huh?"
"Yes, Rae."
"You might regret that."
"And why's that?"
"Because." Elphaba said and fingers gave a slight caress. Glinda gasped. "I never." The fingers moved faster. "Not want." Faster still and Glinda's breathing became ragged. "To touch." The fingers were a blur and Glinda's eyes began to glaze over. She did not notice kiss until lips were against hers and then suddenly there was nothing. Glinda stared bleary eyed at Elphaba.
"You."
"Oh, Lurline, please Rae!"
"Not unless you want to have an orgasm in sight of all of Shiz."
"I'd do it on the Wizard's Throne as he watched if I could get off right now."
"An interesting image. Something for later. Now come."
"That's what I've been trying to do!"
Elphaba leaned close. "Be a good girl and I promise Lurline will have the most devote follower tonight."
Glinda shivered but then flounced her hair and entered socialite mode. They began to walk arm in arm again and everyone who saw them thought Glinda looked quite fetching with the glow of her skin and color in her cheeks.
The bags were barely down when Glinda launched herself into Elphaba's arms. Elphaba swayed but once again Glinda admired the hidden strength of her. Lips crashed together and hands dove for buttons. Glinda's laces came undone much easier and she was soon divested of her dress. Elphaba's was putting up a fight but Glinda had to stop when Elphaba began kissing down her neck and lightly nipped what Glinda would henceforth call her special spot.
Fingernails lightly grazed down Glinda's curves and she inhaled sharply. Strong arms wrapped Glinda and picked her up, clearing her of the dress. Glinda could not resist wrapping her legs around Elphaba and leveraging up for another kiss. Elphaba moved them towards the bed but a knock at the adjoining door stopped her.
"They'll go away." Glinda moaned and Elphaba glanced toward the door.
"It's not locked." Elphaba replied. She turned and swung Glinda to her feet and towards the bathroom. As she landed Elphaba snagged her arm and spun her, then gave a little pat on her butt to send her along. Glinda giggled and shut the door. She exhaled raggedly, and then took a deep breath to enjoy the soundproofing.
"OZ FUCKING DAMNIT!"
X
Glinda came out a little while later in a white bathrobe she was now glad Elphaba insisted she keep in there. She had taken a long cool bath to calm herself and had hoped Elphaba would be alone when she was done. Unfortunately, she saw Elphaba studying at her desk with Nessa sitting on her bed.
"Good afternoon, Nessa. How are you?"
"I'm quite fine, Glinda. Elphaba said you could help me with my sorcery homework." She replied.
"I said she may, Nessa. If it is in her good nature." Elphaba interjected distractedly. Glinda could see she was note taking for Life Sciences.
"I'd be delighted to, Nessa." Glinda answered. "What do you need help on?"
Nessa gestured to the books and Elphaba got up and placed them next to her. Glinda helped her with a few items then let her work on her own so she could study herself. After a few minutes Nessa huffed over something and looked at Glinda, who ignored her. She continued to huff and squirm and kick her feet but Glinda played unaware. Finally, Elphaba stood up.
"Glinda, for Oz's sake, can't you see she needs help?" She bit out. Glinda could see a smile on Nessa's face. Glinda still did not look up.
"She has everything she needs, Elphaba." Glinda replied calmly as she mimed continuing to work.
"Then why isn't it working?" Nessa whined. Glinda snapped the book shut loudly, startling both Thropp sisters. She leveled a stern stare at Nessa.
"Nessa. There is no magic trick to sorcery." Glinda started and had to try to not look pleased at her wit. Elphaba arched an eyebrow in acknowledgement and Nessa scowled. "It's all hard work. All grind. Now, as I said, you have everything you need; it is simply failing somewhere along the three basic principles. Will, intent, incantation. Identify where and you'll succeed. Quit whenever something doesn't work, and you won't."
"I bet Elphaba did it easily." Nessa grumbled and Glinda smiled.
"Not even close. You know how many times I herd that 'sorcery isn't interesting' rant last year? She would rant and rave, swear and scowl, but in the end you know what she did?"
"Went back to it?"
"Yes. She ground it out until it worked."
"But why is it so hard?"
"Because it is. Nessa, you're not writing a paper, you're changing an aspect of the world! They're not called laws of nature because they're easily changeable. Ninety-five percent of the time you are going to fail. Four percent of the time you're going to succeed, but not in the way you want. Remember the sandwich? Finally, you'll get it that one time and then you know what?"
"What?" Nessa asked, subdued.
"Then you'll do it all over again. Except this time, maybe it will be ninety-four, three and three. And you will keep doing it until…" Glinda waved and the book on Nessa's lap slowly floated up in front of her. "…it's yours and you can do it whenever you want."
The book returned to its position and Elphaba came over and gave Glinda a hug.
"I'm proud of you, my angel." She whispered into her ear. "I knew you could do it."
That one comment alone was worth more than any praise ever given to her. Glinda tried not to blush but did not succeed very well while Nessa eyed them suspiciously. They parted and the trio went back to their respective studies. Nessa did better but apparently took Glinda's story about Elphaba as a guideline; she would still throw a tantrum but not ask for help. Glinda finally decided it was enough and she closed her books. She went to where their bags still lay and put both dresses away.
"Fabala, such a pretty dress. Did you decide to go to the ball?" Nessa asked.
"Yes." Elphaba replied, distracted again. "It's my obligation if you go."
"I hadn't decided yet." Nessa replied confused.
"What?" Elphaba asked, pulling her away from her books. "Glinda said you were going."
"Glinda talked to me about it but I said I didn't know."
"But what about being appropriate to our station and picking me out a dress?"
"Yes, but I also said I could understand not going. But if you were going, let her pick it out."
Elphaba rounded on a nervous Glinda.
"To be fair," Glinda started, "I said Nessa was going. I didn't say she said she was going."
"A politician's trick." Elphaba hissed.
"But see, Nessa, now Elphaba's going you have to go." Glinda ignored Elphaba.
"Don't turn on her." Elphaba growled.
"Glinda, I can't go. Why would I go to a ball if I can't dance with no…" Nessa trailed off. The trio looked glum. They had come to the conversation they had been trying to avoid. "Fabala, I think it's time for that talk."
"Yes." Elphaba answered.
"What are we going to do?"
"Not give in, that's what!" Elphaba growled.
"But Fabala, she put a spell on us and we were helpless!"
"I don't care. That's why I'm learning sorcery again. To fight it next time."
"You're learning again?"
"Yes. I won't be manipulated by that bitch. She killed Doctor Dillamond."
"And my Ama." Glinda added silently. Nessa's eyes widened.
"What?"
"It's best you know now, my pretty." Elphaba said and knelt in front of her, placing her hands in Nessa's lap. "Morrible sent her tiktok thing to cut Doctor Dillamond's throat. He was about to prove a difference between Animals and animals."
"My Ama saw Doctor Dillamond's light on and something else, and went to go check. She saw it covered in Dillamond's blood with a knife. She was then hexed into a mindless state that brought you and Nanny here. She managed to come back right before she died and tell us." Glinda continued.
"Oh, oh, oh. What are we going to do? We must tell Father, and Grandfather!" Nessa flustered
"And tell them what, Nessa?" Elphaba replied harshly. "That we have no proof of Doctor Dillamond being murdered or his research? That Morrible made us a covert deal we half-ass remember because of magic we can't prove?"
"But, what then?" Nessa asked, tearful.
"We fight." Glinda said. "Morrible must have seen potential in us if she wanted us to be sorcerers and help rule Oz. So, now we will become Adepts but to each other, for ourselves."
"How are we going to fight a sorcerer like Morrible?" Nessa asked.
"Magic is about practice. You think old Horrible Morrible has time to practice? So we can do it. We're university students, after all. We have nothing but time on our hands." Glinda answered.
"But we must keep this quiet." Elphaba interjected. "No one can know, or we're lost."
"Ok." Nessa sniffled. Glinda smiled at her.
"Now, about the ball; you're going right? We'll need to hurry to find a dress and I can do your hair."
"You have a one track mind, don't you?" Nessa laughed.
"Only when it comes to fashion." Glinda replied.
"Yes, I'll go."
Author's Note: The title of this chapter "Conspiring" comes from the fact Glinda is conspiring to make Elphaba more social, have better clothes and to get her to the ball; Fiyero is conspiring to flush out their relationship; Elphaba is conspiring to continue Dillamond's research; Nessa was trying to conspire to get Glinda to do her homework; Glinda is conspiring to make Nessa less dependent on Elphaba so she can have her to herself; the trio is conspiring against Morrible; Morrible and the Wizard are against them; and the universe is conspiring to frustrate the hell out of Glinda.