Thanks to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I imagine his implants are something of a tribal tradition.

Thanks to heatqueen. I'm happy you think I have a way with characters, but Corvus is just more of a cameo than a soon to be character. Would hate to retread the same ground, and less well.

Thanks to RavenCurls for reviewing. I'm glad you don't mind your character popping up now and again. I promise I wont make it a habit. And you'll see plenty of Duran in this story, as he has a more direct hand here.

Thanks to nursejoy7 for reviewing. You'll have to read and see.

Thanks to Lishalove for reviewing.

Thanks to Melanie for reviewing.

They'll be one more chapter after this, and then it will go on a bit of hiatus so I can focus on Fighting For Happily Ever After, and to draw up the outline for the next section.

Glinda woke the next day with a terrible headache. It was partially from the drinking but also from the realization of what she said. She was sure Elphaba must hate her, as the green girl was not cuddled in bed with her. She heard the bathroom door open and feigned sleep for she did not wish to face the inevitable conflict and break up that was sure to follow. To her surprise, her emerald girlfriend slid lithely into the bed and gently shifted Glinda to where she could curl her arms around her. Glinda snuggled closer, continuing the act.

"You pretend at this quite poorly." Came the low amused voice of her girlfriend. Glinda doubled down, snuggling even closer, and could feel the vibrations in Elphaba's chest from the light chuckle. "My sweet, I know you are not asleep."

"How so?" Glinda pouted up at her. Elphaba smiled.

"You do not do that thing when you feign sleep compared to when you actually are asleep."

"And what may that be?"

"Leave your mouth hanging open."

"Mean thing. I do not."

"Whatever you say, dearest."

There was a lull in the conversation. Elphaba could tell by Glinda's unfocused gaze she was thinking of something but did not want to bring it up. Elphaba was worried that she may revert back to how Galinda handled problems, and simply shut the door on the courageous girl she had become, but Elphaba swelled with pride when the blonde spoke.

"Are you…terribly mad with me?" she asked softly, not looking at Elphaba. Elphaba smiled wanly.

"No. While I wish the situation had resolved itself in another manner, in the end it would have happened one way or another. This complicates things less in the long run."

"Do you think our friends will treat us differently?"

"Considering that our circle is comprised of a green woman, a girl with no arms, two overtly homosexual men, a predatory bisexual, and a Vinkun man, I do not believe our circle will much care."

"That was a very vulgar way of putting it."

"I prefer blunt."

"I am sure."

They enjoyed the closeness of each other while lying in a comfortable silence. Eventually Elphaba's nature forced her to detach from Glinda and begin to get ready for the day. Glinda still lay in bed and made no move to join Elphaba.

"Are you planning on staying in bed all day?" Elphaba jest but Glinda merely nodded.

"I don't want to get up. Here seems good."

"Then there you shall stay. I'll go get us some food."

"Does that mean you'll cuddle with me all day?" Glinda asked hopefully. Elphaba smiled but shook her head.

"I'm sorry, my sweet, but I still have much to do. As do you."

"I know, Rae, but I just do not have much motivation to face today."

"I'll make you a deal, then; we can stay in all day, and relax, and yes, cuddle, but you still have to do some work."

"And if I do not work?" Glinda probed.

"Then no cuddles for you."

"Fine." Glinda huffed dramatically. Elphaba just shook her head and went to get food.

When Elphaba returned the two girls ate breakfast together, though not in bed as Elphaba refused to get crumbs in it. Then she set about studying and revising her work while Glinda half-heartedly practiced magic. Even so, her constant practice had paid off as the spells came easily. Elphaba scratched away at her parchment. Glinda decided enough was enough, and dragged her girlfriend for some personal time. Elphaba scowled but relented.

Such was their day. Glinda practiced, Elphaba studied and revised; Glinda stole her away for some personal time, but soon Elphaba would begin to fidget and wiggle to get back to her books. Glinda would sigh but relent, and then cycle would repeat. Nessa came by around dinner and the two girls practiced their magic under Glinda's tutelage. Nessa left, they ate dinner, and the cycle continued until sundown.

Elphaba had been studying under the magical light Glinda had conjured (as both girls disliked the smoke from lamps) when something rapped against the window. Both girls turned to look at it, and then dismissed it as a bird until it came again. Glinda stood up to investigate. She opened the latch and looked out, but fell back screaming. Elphaba darted over to see what the matter was but a handsome dark face appeared in the window.

"Fiyero?" Elphaba cried in disbelief, but the Vinkun merely pulled himself up and wiggled in. "What do you think you are doing? Are you so brainless?"

Fiyero did not answer, but leaned out of the window and jerked back mightily. A small figure with a black cap and bandana around his face landed with a thud on the floor. Fiyero quickly shut and latched the window. He turned with a smile on his face.

"Good evening, Miss Elphaba. But not for much longer; clouds are rolling in."

"Are you insane?" Elphaba hissed. "Are you aware of the penalty for sneaking into the girls' dorm?"

"Expulsion?"

"At the least! They can drag you in front of the magistrate! And you," Elphaba said, picking the small prone figure off the floor and literally tossing him onto her bed, "Boq! I thought you had some sense!"

"Love makes fools of us all?" he tried sheepishly, but wilted under Elphaba's glare.

"Rae," Glinda said, and the boys looked at her strangely, "if they find boys in the dorm they'll kick us out for sure."

"I'm aware of that, Glinda." Elphaba replied coldly. "Let's just hope your scream does not bring anyone."

"And if it does?" she asked.

"Tell them it was a bat." Came Nessa's voice. Both she and Nanny came through the adjoining door. Elphaba threw her hands up.

"Oh, were up shit creek now without a paddle." Elphaba grumbled. "At least close the damn door so the silencing spell works."

"No need for such language, Fabala." Nessa replied calmly as she maneuvered around Glinda's bed to sit. Nanny closed the door and turned to leer at the two boys.

"A midnight adventure, eh boys? A bit late to try to plumb the depths, I would say."

"By Lurline!" Glinda cried.

"For the Unnamed God sake!" Nessa said at the same time.

Elphaba merely shook her head.

"Unless one of you two are after our little Rose?" Nanny continued. Boq turned scarlet and Fiyero looked bashful.

"I am a committed man." Boq said indignantly.

"You should be committed for this." Elphaba grumbled.

"Well?" Nanny asked of Fiyero.

"I am pledged as well." He responded.

"That never stopped any boy before. But with her sister here I guess I shan't worry much."

"No need to worry, Nanny, I shall not be staying. I think I'd like to visit the chapel." Nessa said. Elphaba's brow furrowed but Nessa gave her an impassive look. Elphaba nodded knowingly.

"Good night, then, my pretty." Elphaba said, and went over to place a kiss on the brunette's head. Nessa basked in the attention for a moment before leveraging herself off the bed without Nanny's help, and moving towards the door. After they left Elphaba turned back to the trespassing boys. "So what is this business about? Surely you did not brave a court sentence just to see me in my nightgown."

Glinda squeaked as she realized she was still in her own, and hurriedly ran to get a robe to cover up. Elphaba accepted a shawl for no other reason than she knew Glinda would insist.

"I came to apologize." Fiyero said. He got impassive stares from both girls. "I did not expect it to come out in that manner."

"What manner did you expect it to come out in?" Elphaba asked coldly.

"I guess I don't rightly know. Perhaps a more private telling off?" Fiyero said with a slight smile.

"Your idea was poorly thought out and even more poorly executed. Why did you want to cause a confrontation, anyway?"

"I did not want for you two to hide your affections if they existed. You should be able to be young lovers just like anyone else."

"While I appreciate the sentiment, Master Fiyero," Glinda replied, "it was not your place to decide whether or not to display it. It was ours."

"I see that you are right now. In trying to force your affections in the open, I was as bad as those who would force you to hide it."

Elphaba looked over at Glinda with an arched eyebrow. Glinda's lips quirked and Elphaba blew out an exasperated breath.

"You are much too soft, you know." Elphaba said.

"Yes, I know." Glinda replied. Fiyero looked between them. "We forgive you Master Fiyero."

"Thank you. I am in your debt." He said with a smile and a bow.

"We'll remember that." Glinda said mischievously. Fiyero smile faltered.

"Why do I feel I did not get off as easily as I think?"

"Because you didn't." confirmed Elphaba. She turned to the other boy who had been silent. "And what was your part in this, Boq; besides playing guide, that is."

"For support if you had been your stubborn self, Elphie." He replied jovially. "But I see Miss Glinda has softened you."

"Miss Glinda, indeed, even in her room and in her nightgown." Elphaba countered, and Boq blushed. The door cracked open and the entire group froze.

"Miss Glinda? Miss Nessarose said you wanted to see me?" a somewhat confused mop of red hair said. She stopped as she saw the room's occupants.

"Inside quick, you little fool!" hissed Elphaba, covering the distance in two long strides and yanking her in. Milla took the momentum to fly towards Boq and Elphaba quickly shut the door. She turned to see a very affectionate Milla tip Boq onto her bed. "None of that! I'll have no philandering on my bed!"

She grabbed a broom and began to beat and brush the two lovers until they disengaged and got off the bed. Elphaba shook the broom at them one more time in reminder. The two smiled at her sheepishly.

"Boqykins, what are you doing here? Did you brave expulsion just to see me?" Milla asked.

"Well, no. Fiyero wanted to come to apologize to Miss Elphie and Glinda." Boq replied embarrassed.

"As well he should." She said, turning a dark look on Fiyero. "Master Tigelaar, it was a very disrespectable thing you did; more akin to something Master Tenmeadows would do."

"Ouch." Glinda said.

"Point taken." Fiyero winced.

"Good. However, I will say it was only a matter of time before Miss Pfannee went after Miss Elphaba. She can be quite persistent and usually gets what she wants."

"I was doing well enough fending off her advances." Elphaba answered.

"So how long until she comes after me?" Glinda asked.

"She won't." Milla replied. "She's intimidated by you."

"Why? I've nothing done anything to threaten her."

"Oh no, nothing so crude. She's just in awe how you attract people to you so easily."

"Oh."

"But anyway, Boqykins, how did you get here?"

"The usual way." Elphaba interjected, cutting off his reply. "The question is how long are you planning on staying."

"Not much longer." Fiyero answered. "With our business done we better get back."

"How are you planning on leaving? The back door?" Milla asked. Elphaba snorted.

"Hardly. You think the boys could walk down the dormitory hallways without being seen? It's a small grace that you didn't bring your Ama with you." Elphaba said, and paused. "By the way, why did you come? You said something about Nessarose?"

"Yes. She said Miss Glinda wanted to talk to me about something."

"Sneaky girl. I'll have to watch her closer." Elphaba muttered. "Anyway, it's time for the boys to leave, and back the way they came."

"Elphie, that is going to be really difficult." Boq complained.

"Perhaps you should have thought of that before going on this little excursion. Now say goodbye."

Boq gave Milla one last kiss while Fiyero stood awkwardly. Then the two boys went to the window. Boq climbed out first, and Fiyero grabbed an arm so he could hang the Munchkin out the window. He gently lowered Boq as far as he could and then let him go. Boq landed safely, if not gracefully, on his feet. Fiyero turned and started to crawl out the window himself. He grabbed the ledge, and hung himself from it.

"Now don't come back." He heard Elphaba's voice say, and the window snapped shut, knocking his fingers off the ledge. He fell awkwardly to the roof.

"Well, that was fun. Let's get out of here." Fiyero said.

The two boys crept along the roof. As it had become cloudy, the world was cast with shadows. The boys had to pick their footing with care but they were thankful for the lack of light. More than once they heard someone walk by and had to press themselves to the roof. When they got to the tree by the orchard they let out a deep breath of relief. Too soon, in fact, as when Boq started to descend he lost his footing and fell to the ground. He let out a large whoosh of pain, but only hurt his pride. The noise, however, drew attention.

"Hey! Just what are you two doing there!" a voice cried and lanterns pointed in their direction.

"Shit." Fiyero said and then whispered to Boq. "Hide."

"Who me?" Fiyero replied to the voices. Boq was astounded to find it held no trace of his Vinkun accent, and sounded properly Gillikinese. It actually was almost a perfect impression of Avaric. "I just felt like going for a stroll."

"You stop right there!"

"That would defeat the purpose of a stroll." Fiyero replied jauntily and took off along the roof. He hoped he would not slip and break his neck.

"Halt!" came the voices and whistles after him.

Fiyero headed south down the roof and turned the corner. He knew he would be coming out by the main gate proper but there was nothing to be done about it. He dropped to his hip and slid down and off the roof. As he hit the ground he rolled forward and then up to his feet. More whistles and cries came behind him, but he ignored them as he took off towards the Suicide Canal. He knew if he could make it he would be fine.

As he ran he cut corners and hopped bushes to keep his pursuers from getting a good glimpse of him. Being one of the only Vinkuns in Shiz would surely give away his identity. He doubled back at one point to confuse his pursuers, but knew it would not lose them. There were too many and Shiz was still too open. As his Vinkun boots padded along the cobblestones he found himself spurred by excitement. He guessed one could take the plains from the Vinkuns, but not the Vinkuns from the plains.

As he broke through some bushes he came in sight of the Canal. Unfortunately two groups were already there and he had no option of going back. That only left the Canal. Fiyero wrinkled his nose, as the Canal's water was much dirtier than he cared for, but there was nothing to be done about it. He took off towards it. The two groups began to converge, and started to hurry when they saw his plan. Stopping to take a deep breath, Fiyero took one last moment to orientate himself and then dove into the water.

The water was still chilled with spring, but it cooled Fiyero from all his exertions. Not daring to open his eyes, he continued straight until he felt the opposite wall. Turning east, he headed towards the less tamed sections of the Canal's edge. His lungs burned, but he knew he had at least another minute. He continued until he could no longer hold it. He came up for air as quietly as he could, and was lucky no one spotted him. He quickly swam towards an overgrown area. As he pulled himself out, the whistles began again. Fiyero smiled. They were heading into his territory. He leisurely strolled into the near forest by that section of the Canal.

He hid behind a bush, and took that moment to wipe the excess water from his hair and pull it back. He smeared some mud over his tattoos to obscure them. Hopefully his little voice trick would convince his pursuers he was covered in something if they caught sight of him. As he saw the lanterns at the edge of the forest, Fiyero glanced around. Seeing a particularly venerable oak, he picked up a handful of rocks and then leveraged himself up into its high branches to watch his prey.

They were mixed between mustachioed, portly fellows and bare faced, fit young men. Fiyero guessed they were adhoc constables used for search parties. Not one among them seemed to have any wilderness sense and Fiyero shook his head. Shizites, born and raised. Well, he would have fun with that. Fiyero picked a rock from his collection and tossed it into some bushes a bit away. The group looked that way. Fiyero moved to another tree spot where he could not be seen and cupped his hands to his mouth.

A terrible screeching came from his mouth and Fiyero watched the group jump and look around. They cast their lanterns into the trees but Fiyero was well hid. He cast another stone and emitted a low growl this time. He added a few more growls and a couple of rocks to create a rustling appearance. He watched the group nervously cast their lantern light to and fro. Fiyero smiled, but knew he had to get going. He crept down from the tree while the group looked elsewhere, and moved towards the edge of the forest.

Fiyero looked about but did not see anyone. He picked his way along secluded paths until he saw a clock. Seeing the time, he frowned. He knew that the Halls would be tallying who came in and out tonight, and needed to keep up the chase a little longer to make sure Boq was not under suspicion. He had an idea, and then went off to find a group. He saw one patrolling the area he just came from, and whistled at them.

"Hey, boys, looking for me?" he said in his Gillikinese accent. He was loathe to admit he based it off Avaric.

"Hey, you! Stop."

"Sorry, you'll have to catch me."

Fiyero took off at a good traveling speed and glanced behind. The group was gaining ground on him. That was fine, as he wanted them to stay close. He clattered over the road the led to Three Queens Hall, but kept heading south. Every now and then he glanced behind him. The hunting group was still there, if waning a bit. He slowed to make sure they did not call off their chase.

Over another road and up Scholar's Hill Fiyero went. He could hear the group puffing behind him. Down the other side as fast as he could go for now he wanted distance. He saw the road with the looming wall on the other side that separated Shiz University from the rest of Shiz. He was looking for something else. Finding it, he sprinted in that direction. He easily cleared his way up the tree and hid himself behind it as he sat on the wall. He pulled a scarf from his shirt and wrapped it around his face. Another went into his hair so only his eyes were visible.

"Where…did…the…little…bastard go?" One of the men puffed. Fiyero could see their lights casting about the wall.

"Don't know." One of the younger men replied.

"You see," Fiyero said in his Avaric voice, and shimmied out from behind his perch, "the problem is you're all far too out of shape to catch me. Perhaps fewer pastries for you, and you might have had a chance. Might have."

"You arrogant prick!" one of the men cast as Fiyero slid off the wall and down the other side. He took the scarf off his face (for he could not run with it on), and took off at a brisk pace towards the southeast side of Shiz. It was quite a distance to cover, but the hunter of the Vinkus was still in fine shape. He knew he would sleep well tonight and he had plenty of fun. Twenty minutes later he found the wall he was looking for, and scurried up it. Walking through a familiar forest, he strode up the veranda and through glass double doors.

"May I ask for a drink?" he said as he walked into the den. A very surprised Avaric nearly dropped his own, but quickly recovered. He grabbed another glass and poured some for Fiyero, who plopped into a comfy chair. Avaric turned to look at the flowers he had been examining, shifted one, and then sat next to Fiyero.

"You scared the life out of me, Winkie. Just what the hell were you doing?" Avaric asked. Fiyero smiled. His friend never used that term anymore except when speaking affectionately.

"Giving the constables some exercise."

"Causing some trouble? I thought that was my job. What did you do?"

"Snuck into the girls' dormitory at Crage Hall."

Avaric did drop his glass, but Fiyero deftly caught it before it could spill.

"What? Are you mad?" Avaric asked, taking his drink back from Fiyero.

"No. It was a matter of honor." Fiyero replied seriously. Avaric furrowed his brow but then nodded.

"The incident last night."

"Yes. I had to apologize."

"Well, I can't say I would have done the same, but there's no understanding you Arjiki. So, how was it?"

"Awkward and mildly painful."

"So a good apology then."

"Pretty much."

"And I'm guessing you got caught?"

"No; Boq slipped and some porters saw him."

"Boq was there too? Next you're going to tell me Crope and Tibbett were dancing the flamenco on the roof."

"No; though that may have been helpful."

"Add it in when you tell it in a few years. No one will remember and it will make the story better."

"I'll try to remember. Anyway, I led them on a very merry chase. I could have given them the slip after a few minutes, but I know they would have started to check the logs in the Hall."

"And Boq would have been under suspicion. True. So you gave them a merry chase and decided to scare me half to death for a place to sleep?"

"Got it in one."

"Well, then, another drink and then off to bed. We have school tomorrow."

"Actually, we don't. Next week is study week, remember?"

"No, I never remember to study."

The boys laughed and then shared that drink, and then went off to bed. As always, Fiyero made no comment on Avaric's hobby of flower arrangement.

The next day all the halls were called in and lectured about visiting/having visitors in their dorms. Most of the girls looked absolutely enamored with the idea and chatted constantly on it. The ladies who did not, however, were those who actually had visitors. The boys looked in awe and slight pride of those who did it; though no one knew it was Fiyero or Boq. Fiyero's gambit of drawing the searchers away and buying Boq time had worked well, as did his disguising of his voice. The authorities were certain it was some well-to-do Gillikin. Avaric looked bored with the entire proceeding, which of course brought him under great suspicion, but no one dared move against him with his sound alibi of house staff and Fiyero.

After that, the next couple of weeks were rather boring, if a bit stressful. The Circle met, revised, relaxed, and repeated the cycle. Elphaba and Glinda had expected some reaction to the revelation of their relationship but there was none aside from some knowing smiles and some suggestive winks from Crope and Tibbett. Daringly, the two girls became slightly more affectionate, with some hand holding and gentle gestures. The fact this was not too strange to them was not lost on the Circle.

Finals week came and went in a bundle of nerves. The Circle had little time to meet, hurrying from exam to exam in their ceremonial robes and dresses. When they could get a quick bite, the lunches were hardly relaxed. All was well in the end, however.

Crope and Tibbett pulled off well enough grades to pass with Avaric just barely scraping by. They would walk across the stage to get their diplomas. Boq had passed and was one semester away from graduation. Fiyero had done better than most had expected the Vinkun to and was happy to show them he was equal to the rest of the Ozians. Milla, Pfannee, and Shenshen passed, if it could be called such, and Milla was thrilled to have another semester with Boq. Nessa did very well for being so young, and Elphaba achieved highly as was expected.

The real surprise to everyone but the three girls in room 22 was Glinda being rated top in her class for Sorcery. The blonde had effortlessly passed her practicals without even a hair out of place, even with her hair flips to accentuate the ease. When tested on more advanced material than she was taught, she did very well. Miss Greyling was a fit of tears at her progress, and Morrible had smiled her terrible smile. Glinda had smiled too, knowing she was excelling at something for the first time in her life.

The non-graduating members of the Circle had gone to watch their friends walk; unfortunately this meant also having to attend one final informal social function afterwards. Though Elphaba grumbled, she made noise as the three boys had walked together to get their diplomas. Elphaba had brought vengeance back on the twin jesters, and had forced them to go with flowers on their caps. Not to waste a good chance, they had borrowed the appropriate stockings from Elphaba, but stole their heeled boots from the costume department one last time. Elphaba had made them promise to wear clothing under their robes but was resigned to never getting the stockings back. It was worth it as the boys flaunted their legs at every chance, scandalizing all there.

An hour later they were attending an informal dinner with the graduating class and their friends. As usual, the Circle (though less Nessa and Nanny) had congregated in an open area, this time on the patio near the garden. They toasted and had fun but noticed a couple of their members had yet to arrive.

"Where's Fiyero and Shenshen?" Glinda asked a bit bubbly. The champagne had gone a bit to her head, lightweight she was.

"Perhaps coming together?" asked Avaric. He was in a more somber, and therefore tolerable, mood tonight.

"No. She likes him well enough, but not to come to the party with him." Pfannee replied. She was no longer hanging off of Avaric as their fling had finally cooled during finals. Glinda thought it was because she would be setting her sights on someone new.

"Here comes Fiyero-who's that?" Pfannee said shocked. The group turned and took in a deep inhale of air.

With Fiyero was a woman almost as tall has him. Porcelain skin with midnight hair, she had a willowy from but moved with subtle grace. The simple black dress she wore accented her natural features. She did not wear any other adornments, but did not need to. Fiyero was beaming as he stopped in front of the group.

"Good evening. I'd like to introduce you to my date, Cora."

The entire group was still a little dumbstruck, except for Elphaba. She disengaged from Glinda and held out a hand.

"It is good to see you again, Miss Cora." She said. Cora smiled enigmatically.

"Likewise, Miss Elphaba."

"When did you two meet, Elphie?" Boq asked. Elphaba turned a smile to her and for a second the Circle swore they saw double.

"If you cannot see it, then I shall not tell you." Was all Elphaba said on the matter. Fiyero's smile grew wider. Further questioning was averted when Shenshen appeared and started their way with a strangely familiar young man on her arm. He was wearing an open jacket over a very casual shirt, adding to a bizarre mix of formal and informal.

"I told her not to bring him." Pfannee hissed and the rest looked at her. Shenshen finally reached them.

"Good evening." Shenshen said. The young man next to her smiled and Elphaba finally placed him.

"Duran. Nice of you to join us." Fiyero said. "Since you know the rest, I would like to preempt greetings and introduce you to my date, Cora."

"Calm down, Yero." Cora said firmly. His smile turned to one of embarrassment. Cora did the faintest curtsey in response to Shenshen's, and when she stuck out her hand Duran deftly turned it over and planted a kiss on it. She gave him a steely look.

"Nice to see you out and about, Miss Cora." He said.

"Nice to see you in something akin to presentable instead of your worn pants and shirt."

"Should I ask?" Glinda put in.

"No." Both Duran and Cora said at the same time. He smiled and she did not.

"Duran, how is it you suddenly keep showing up?" Elphaba asked.

"A good question, but let us go someplace with not as many ears."

"We are the only ones here."

"Not all ears are biological." He replied and cocked his head. Elphaba looked in the direction and caught a hint of metal.

"I hate that thing." She hissed.

"Quite. But let us go."

He offered his arm to Shenshen, who took it delightfully, and led the group through the winding maze of people. They ended up in a side room just off a parlor. He led Shenshen over to a couch and she sat. Glinda, Pfannee, and Milla sat with her. Elphaba and Cora stood, as did the boys.

"How do I keep showing up? Fate I guess. It was you who walked into the shop I worked in, after all."

"I don't believe in fate."

"Perhaps you should." He replied distantly.

"I believe in reason." Elphaba bit back sharply. "We hit almost every store in Shiz, which is how we ended up in yours. How is it that you ended up at the Ball?"

"You know that. I am a student at Shiz."

"Studying what, precisely? I have asked around and have not found out anything about you. Most cannot even place you in a class."

"Are you my keeper now, making sure I attend class? I do well enough to stay in school, and would not be at University sponsored functions otherwise. Have I satisfied your curiosity yet?"

"No." Elphaba replied and went to say more, but Boq cut her off.

"Elphie, is the interrogation really necessary?" he said and then turned to Cora. "She's normally not like this."

"Yes I am." Elphaba retorted.

"I am quite along with Miss Elphaba at the moment. I have seen Duran frequently for the last four years, but this is the most I've ever heard from him. I can't say I like mysteries." Cora replied evenly.

"I thought you were on a scholarship to Shiz?" Elphaba asked, her eyes narrowing. Duran still smiled.

"I did not say it was a full scholarship. It is enough to get me here, but not enough to pay for rent or books. As such, I work nearly full time while attending what classes I can."

"Shenshen's money should help with that." Pfannee said. Duran turned his smile to her.

"Of which I am grateful for."

"But Cora said you've been here four years. How is that so?" Elphaba continued. Duran laughed.

"I'm not exactly seventeen, eighteen. I'm a bit older than that. Is that a crime?"

"You don't look it."

"Thank you. I try to stay in shape."

"Are you ever serious?"

"Have you seen me dance?"

"That's enough." Glinda voice cut in sharply. "Master Fanel has answered your questions, Elphie."

"I have more." She growled in response.

"I'm sure you do, but he has been more than accommodating." She said and stared at Elphaba, who stared right back. Finally, Elphaba looked away.

"Fine."

"Good." Glinda said and turned a look on Duran. "Master Fanel, while I am not happy about how Elphaba has gone about it, I will not apologize either. We have a tight circle here, and want it to stay that way. As such we tend to put those coming into it under strict scrutiny."

"I understand." He replied with a smile. "And I am happy to stay where I'm at on the periphery. I wouldn't dream of coming into something as good as you all have. Plus, I'm more of a loner myself."

"Well, that is good to know."

"When will my interrogation begin, then?" Cora asked. Glinda smiled.

"Miss Cora, there will be none. I already know you."

"Really?" she said and raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. You are simply my Elphie without the green. But cook much better."

"I don't know how to take that."

"With a smile and grace, as my mother would say. Now, let us have some fun. All this talk is dreary and depressing."

The rest of the night the Circle did enjoy themselves. Elphaba was stiff around Duran; a fact which made him go mingle with others to ease it. Glinda made sure to discreetly thank him. However, the champagne and toasting went a bit too the Circle's head and as the night ended they stumbled out onto the road. Elphaba was perfectly sober as always, and so was Duran. The group bumbled down the road with Elphaba holding up Glinda and Milla, and Duran holding up Shenshen and Pfannee. The rest leaned tipsily against each other. A squeaking brought Elphaba's head up.

"Damn thing." She growled and Glinda looked in that direction.

Grommetik was shuffling after them in a very non-discreet manner. A large, well-built man with a bowl shaped hat and lush curled mustachios spun around the group. He was carrying a tool box of some sort. The group could tell by his swaying he was far more inebriated than they. He continued to weave down the street and up a nearby bridge that spanned the Suicide Canal. There he bumped into the tailing tiktok.

"Wretched abomination!" he slurred. The group stopped and watched the interaction. He pushed the mechanical man, and it teetered perilously. With a whirring of gears it steadied itself, and made to move around him. "Hey, where do you think you're going?"

The man got in the tiktok's way again, and pushed it. This time as it swayed it pushed back against the man, who stumbled.

"I'll fix you!" he said and reached into his tool box.

Out came a large carpenter's hammer, and down it came on the tiktok thing. The ringing of metal was loud in the night. Again came down the hammer and Grommetik swayed back. The man swung low this time, and caught the joint of the things knee. It buckled but held. Grommetik shuffled back, but the knee was stuck like that, and had to drag the leg. A couple of more swings rendered it immobile, and the man began to go at it in earnest.

A loud keening was heard and it took a second for the group to realize it was the wails of the mechanical man. Loud dings and crunches echoed as the man slowly beat the tiktok into a deformed shape. It flailed its arms, trying to defend itself, but the man smashed those gears also. The misshapen metal man keened louder.

"Would you shut up?" the man bellowed. It did not, and the man dropped his hammer. In a feat of strength, he lifted the still crying tiktok up into the air and over his head. With a grunt of effort, he cast Grommetik over the edge. The Circle heard the keening suddenly stop accompanied by a loud splash. The man glanced over at the group and began to hurry off. His manner struck Elphaba as odd, and then she realized it.

"You, wait!" she yelled and went to pursue but tipsy girls impeded here. "Stop!"

The man did not and went around a corner and out of sight. Elphaba scowled.

"Elphie, what was all that about?" Glinda asked.

"That man was not drunk at all. Which means he deliberately targeted Grommetik." She replied in a low voice. Her eyes opened and her nostrils flared. She looked around. "Where's Duran?"

"I'm right here, right where you left me." He said as he steadied the two drunken girls and fended off Pfannee's hands simultaneously. "What do you want?"

"Did you have something to do with this?" she growled.

"Are you kidding me? When the hell would I have had the time? And with what resource?"

"Elphie, you're being paranoid again." Glinda said, and when Elphaba did not respond, took a hand to gently turn her to look at her. "You're being paranoid. I'm too foggy to figure this out, but we can do so tomorrow."

"You're right." Elphaba said and turned forward. Doing so she missed Avaric's narrow stare towards Duran.

This chapter covers the dates of the 33rd of Highspring to the 5th of Wanespring.