Thanks to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I definitely write my Fiyero as a bit more of a rogue than a fop. And Cora, while a neat solution, will probably see very little more screen time, if any. That could change, however. I'm also glad you liked Grommetik's comeuppance; however, I also pitied the poor tiktok since he was nothing more than slave to Morrible's whims.

Thanks to heatqueen for reviewing. I'm glad you liked the boys' shenanigans. Elphaba is well traveled, and mostly in the lesser known circles. I always figured she knew some of the Resistance members before she ever set off for the EC, and that's how she had an in. Cora isn't one, though, before you begin to wonder. Cora is simply Corvus in female clothing. If you remember, Corvus is a nod to RavenCurls Prince Café Elphaba. The comment made last chapter between Elphaba and Corvus was to let Corvus know Elphaba knew she was female. As for my mysterious characters: I feel if I did so it would ruin the mystery. ;) I do have a few of the characters actions in relation to the main characters sketched out, though, so it could be done. But perhaps after.

Thanks to nursejoy7 for reviewing. Cora=Corvus. It is a reference to RavenCurls Prince Café.

Thanks to RavenCurls for reviewing. It was a reference to Pfannee. As for Cora, I think the reference will slowly fade into the background and remain a homage. I don't feel as there is much place in this story for her. My Fiyero is heterosexual (as far as I know). And thank you for feeling for Grommetik. I wanted it to be a bit of bittersweet revenge. It had to go, but ultimately it was just another puppet. Sorry, but Duran will continue to be a mystery for a bit.

This shall be the last chapter for awhile; I am planning to focus my attentions on finishing up Fighting For Happily Ever After. It will give me a chance to outline the next part of the journey.

As always, read, enjoy, review.

8/29/14

"It's been a bit of a crazy week, hasn't it Rae?" Glinda said. She was sitting on her bed watching Elphaba pack.

"That it has, my sweet girl." Elphaba replied, not looking up from her work.

"First graduation, then with that horrible tiktok thing getting broken, and now we're getting ready to go on vacation."

"Quite." Elphaba replied distantly as she looked over her books. She was deciding which ones to take and leave.

"I'm happy you decided to come with us instead of staying here."

"There's no reason to stay." Elphaba replied bitterly. "There's no one here I would want to work with."

"All the same, I am happy." Glinda said and then sighed. "Are you planning on taking all that with you? We'll be back here in a couple of weeks."

"Of course."

"Elphaba, going to Lake Chorge is supposed to be relaxing; to get our minds off work, not take it with us."

"Then it will have to be more rousing than last time, won't it?" Elphaba said with a bit of a smile. Glinda flushed.

"Yes, well, I do hope for better."

"No Boq kissing you this time."

"Elphaba!" Glinda gasped in horror and Elphaba cackled. Glinda sat in silence for quite a while before her blush had subsided. "I expect someone more suitable to be kissing me."

"And who would that be, hm? Don't tell me you are dumping me for Avaric. I simply could not take it." Elphaba poked, and then decided on a couple of books.

"You mean thing. You know who I mean."

"I suppose I do. At least this time there will be more interesting company, if just the band of ruffians."

"I don't think you should call them that."

"And what do you suppose I should call our boys? Avaric is incorrigible, Fiyero is a meddler, Boq is a love sick do-gooder, and Crope and Tibbett are pranksters."

"Be that as it may, I think they are a wonderful band of friends." Glinda countered and Elphaba snorted in derision, but it lacked any real conviction. "Fiyero especially has become more respectable in just a short time. I think that is Miss Cora's doing."

"Does she know he is engaged?" Elphaba asked seriously. She was organizing her valise so as to make all her books and clothing fit. She tossed out a couple of dresses Glinda had packed. A stern look from her girlfriend made her huff, but repack them.

"I do not know. I don't believe so."

"He should tell her."

"I don't see why. That is almost two years off. A lot can happen in that time."

"And it will be worse if she finds out after two years of a relationship. It's not fair for her."

"It's just a political marriage, Elphaba."

"I somehow don't see Miss Cora accepting to be someone's mistress."

There was silence for a little while as both pondered that, the only sounds being the rustle from Elphaba's packing. Finally, the green girl shut and latched her valise. Being done, she sat on her bed opposite Glinda.

"Is Nessa still going straight to Munchkinland?" Glinda asked.

"Yes. She wanted to go home to catch Father." Elphaba replied evenly. Glinda felt a tug at her heart but willed it away.

"That's unfortunate. But I'm still so excited about this summer."

"Really, my sweet?" Elphaba said, arching an eyebrow. Glinda let out a sigh of exasperation.

"Of course! Two weeks at Lake Chorge, then a week back here, then to Frottica, and then finally to the EC for a couple of days before heading to Munchkinland with you to see your home."

"I think it will not be all as exciting as that."

"Of course it will. Especially since we'll have our friends with us most of the way."

"Remind me again when and where our band of ruffians will be with us." Elphaba said with a slight smirk.

"As you know, we'll all be going to Lake Chorge, besides Nessa. Then we'll be back at Shiz for a week. There, Crope and Tibbett will leave us for the Emerald City while we go to Red Sand for a couple of days for Miss Milla, then to Wittica for a few for Miss Shenshen, then to Frottica for a week for me. Finally, we'll come back down to Shiz. Miss Milla and Shenshen will stay here, while the rest will continue to the Emerald City. A few days there with Crope and Tibbett, and then you, Pfannee, Boq and I will continue on to Munchkinland. A week there and then back to Shiz."

"Sounds more trouble than it's worth." Elphaba quipped.

"You think I'm too much trouble?" Glinda asked, pouting.

"That's not what I meant."

"But I planned the trip so we could spend the most time together, Rae. It was quite difficult to do."

"Of that I have no doubt."

There was a comfortable silence. Elphaba moved over to Glinda's bed and wrapped the blonde in her arms. The blonde cuddled close, and they gently tipped back onto her bed. Elphaba took a deep breath, basking in the scent of her girlfriend. Glinda need not do the same as Elphaba was all around her. She nuzzled around her girlfriend's chest until she felt the small but perky cushion of one of her breasts, and cuddled into it. A light gasp came from above her.

"My sweet, what are you up to?" came her lover's voice. It resonated deeply in her chest and Glinda giggled slightly at the vibration.

"Nothing. Just looking for the little bit of cushion you have." Glinda replied and she heard Elphaba gasp again.

"Is that all?"

"That's all." Glinda said and Elphaba's breath hitched. "Rae, why are you doing that whenever I talk?"

"You seem to have very good placement, my dear girl. Your mouth happens to be placed just above my nipple, and whenever you speak it brushes it. If you could slide a little bit…"

"Like this?" Glinda asked mischievously and brushed her mouth over the hard bud under the dress. Elphaba jumped a little.

"Not funny." She said flatly and Glinda smiled. She continued to run her lips across the sensitive nub and felt her lover twitch and tense. She smiled and then moved off. Elphaba gave a sigh of relief which turned into a gasp as Glinda brushed the other. Her blonde giggled.

"They're so sensitive. I love it."

"You are being quite the minx." Elphaba growled.

"Ah? And just what are you going to do about it?" Glinda challenged. Elphaba glared down at her but as Glinda brushed her nipple again she torqued her body around. Her blonde easily slid to the side and Elphaba mounted over the top of her.

"That." Elphaba said huskily.

"So strong." Glinda purred and ran her hands down the exposed arms of her girlfriend.

Elphaba was skinny, yes, but made of steely sinew. Her arms flexed as she held herself above Glinda and the blonde could not take her eyes off of it. She gently ran her nails back up her girlfriend's forearms and triceps to feel the granite curves. Elphaba inhaled slowly and her eyes half closed. Glinda smiled and tried to maneuver her hands between the gap in Elphaba's dress and her skin, but strong hands stopped her and held her hands above her.

"Oh no, whatever am I going to do? I'm helpless." Glinda feigned. Elphaba's lips curved in a gentle smirk.

"You are, and I shall get you for earlier, my pretty." Elphaba cackled, and then buried her face in her blonde's neck.

Glinda moaned as Elphaba's mouth caressed that special spot on her neck, and she struggled against the hand holding her own as she wanted to pull Elphaba closer. As if reading her mind, Elphaba let her go and she wrapped her arms around her lover's head, bringing her closer. One green hand dove into gold locks to caress and lightly drag her nails across her lover's scalp. Glinda moaned lightly, but it deepened as long green fingers tangled the locks and gently pulled. Soft pink legs went up and around bony green hips, and the two tried their best to become one.

Elphaba moved from her assault on Glinda's neck downward, trailing kisses across her collarbone and over the soft flesh exposed by the dress. Glinda held her breath, waiting for Elphaba to continue, but the green girl gently dragged her lips over her blonde. Lips grazed a hidden bud, and Elphaba used her long teeth to tease it to attention. She repeated the action on the other, and then buried her face into her lover's bosom. Glinda waited for more, but none came.

"Rae, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Seeking out the ample cushion you have. They are quite comfortable." Was Elphaba's muffled answer and Glinda huffed. She felt light vibrations in her chest and realized Elphaba was chuckling. Glinda did too. "So no more, I guess?"

"I'm not really up to it, my sweet. I apologize if I led you to believe otherwise."

"No, I'm not really up to it either. I guess I just lost myself there."

"I can understand. Believe me." Glinda replied and began to stroke her girlfriend's raven locks. Elphaba sighed and gently moved closer. Glinda leaned back, and enjoyed the feel of her girlfriend against her and the sunlight through the window. As Elphaba's breathing deepened Glinda felt herself too begin to drift off to sleep.

The entire Circle had congregated at the coach station. Glinda had arranged it that the coaches taking the Circle members to Lake Chorge would leave at the same time as the one taking Nessa to Munchkinland. As such, they were able to give their goodbyes. The girls gave her hugs and well wishes, and Glinda gifted her a hat. Crope and Tibbett sang her a bawdy traveling song to wish her on her way while Boq sheepishly asked if she could deliver a letter for him. Avaric gave her a bottle of wine for the road. When Nanny looked scandalized, he produced a bottle of liqueur for her, which mollified her. Finally, Fiyero gifted a Vinkun style shawl for her. She simpered a bit as he wrapped it around her shoulders. Finally it was Elphaba's turn.

"Be safe, Nessie." She said as she wrapped her arms around Nessa.

"I will, Fabala. You stay out of trouble." Nessa replied.

"I shall try."

With that, they helped her into the carriage. Nessa had Nanny draw the curtains so she could see them as they departed, and the group called goodbye's again as it pulled out and turned south towards the City. At the retreating coach the group began to file in to their own, but Elphaba watched until it turned a corner. When it disappeared from sight, she went about leaving in her brisk manner. Finally, she climbed into the coach next to Glinda.

"These next few months are going to be so much fun!" Glinda practically squealed.

"Quite, my love. I shall try not to melt from all of the fun." Elphaba replied.

"You know, if you are going to be like that I have half a mind to leave you here."

"I see. Well, then" Elphaba said and made to stand. Glinda pulled her down.

"Not funny. Elphie, we have three months of no school and only us. I'm sure I can find some way to help you enjoy it."

"I'm sure you can."

"Do you mind if I ride with you?" Fiyero asked, poking his head in. "I really do not feel like riding with either of the girls nor the other couples."

"Jealous?" Elphaba quipped.

"Scared and disgusted." Fiyero said, smiling. "I do not want to ride with Boq and Milla kissing the entire way, nor do I trust Crope and Tibbett to behave themselves."

"Then hop in, Master Tigelaar. We have a ways to our first stop, and I'm sure we can make some idle conversation until then." Elphaba said, and Glinda nodded. Fiyero smiled some more.

Down the Yellow Brick Road from Shiz to the Emerald City Nessa sat in contemplation. Nanny had drifted off to sleep after she had tucked into her bottle, but Nessa's was untouched. She thought back on her first year of school, and how it had changed her. There had been many revelations, both good and bad. However, she did not feel any worse off. In fact, she felt…stronger. Surer of herself. She was starting to feel like what she thought Elphaba felt like all the time. Another revelation in her sister's relationship with Glinda. She did not know what to make of it, but she knew that Glinda had made Elphaba better, and decided that was a good thing. It seemed best to leave it there for now.

"Hail! Is this Miss Nessarose's carriage?" came a voice. Nessa whipped her head up.

"Nanny, quick, come open this curtain." She hissed. Nanny jerked up drowsily but obligingly opened the curtain. She slumped back down into her slumber after.

"It is." She called out. "Who calls on me?"

"A friend." the voice came back and Nessa saw a young man pull his horse alongside the carriage. He was splendidly dressed in brown riding boots up to his knees, and crème pants after that. He wore a long, black coat with silver piping and matching vest, and a cavalier's hat with a long feather atop his head. Nessa could not make out his features, however, as the sun was in her eyes.

"You seem to have me at a disadvantage, sir."

"My pardon, my lady." The man replied and moved his head closer. As he blocked the sun his smiling features came into view.

"Master Duran!" Nessa said happily. "How good to see you."

"It is nice to see you too." Duran said. His eyes shifted past her and back. "Is Miss Sister not with you?"

"She is not." Nessa said, slightly put out. "She has decided to stay with Miss Glinda and travel Gillikin."

"Quite appropriate for a young lady of her position. Most highborn do that's sort of thing on summer vacation." He replied. Any other time Nessa would have took offense to the comment but somehow his did not come off as an insult; rather almost like a compliment.

"It is. I fear she will spend all her time in a book regardless"

"But you do not travel with her, my lady?"

"I do not. I return home to see my father before he goes on another mission to the Quadlings."

Duran nodded. "A missionary. An honest profession."

"Are you a Unionist, sir?" Nessa's eyes lit up. "Perhaps at the next stop-"

"No, my lady, I am not." He replied gently and Nessa stopped. "I am much too far a heathen to be a Unionist."

"Scriptures say 'He who surrenders himself unto-'"

"The mercy of the Unnamed God shall die and be reborn'. I am not unaware of the scriptures, my lady; in fact I know them rather closely. Only that I am not a believer."

"It is always within one's capacity to change."

A strange gleam came into Duran's eyes. "An interesting thing to say. I wish in regard you remember it yourself."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Only that just because one's life is supposed to be a certain way, or is meant to be, or even planned to be, does not mean it is not within our capacity to change it."

"That sounds very ominous."

"Doesn't it?" he said and threw his head back and laughed. "But to settle your flustered heart know that I am not a Lurlinist, a Kumbrican, or any other sort of religion."

"Then what do you believe?"

"Only in ourselves and what we make."

"You disregard that you cannot see?"

"No, my lady. There are things we cannot see, just beyond the veil. Great things, terrible things, great and terrible things; I only mean to say that even though they exist, we determine what becomes of us."

"And where do you go now to determine you what you become?"

"I'm heading to the Emerald City; I have some business to attend there."

"Will you accompany me the rest of the way?"

"No, unfortunately my lady. My business is more urgent than that. I shall try to make it to the Emerald City in two days' time, whereas I suppose it shall take you much longer."

"Were I wish it two days."

"Don't. I'll be saddle sore by the time I get there."

"I see. We break here for a midday rest soon. Will you at least do me the pleasure of staying?"

"Sadly, no. If I wish to maintain my pace I need to get on. It is always a pleasure, my lady."

"And to you, Master Duran."

He bowed his head and touched a finger to his heart and head, and then gestured out towards her.

"Go in peace, my lady." He said, and kicked his horse into a gallop. Nessa watched him go the best she could and wondered what else fate may throw at her.

This chapter covers the day of the 8th of Wanespring.