Glinda sighed as she flopped down on her bed. It was nice to be back home. Glinda mildly wondered when she started thinking of the small room in Crage as home. She put it out of her head; it did not matter right now. All that mattered was she was here.
"Come, my dear girl, we don't have time to dawdle." Elphaba gently urged. Glinda looked at her through golden locks.
"We just got back. We haven't even unpacked yet."
"Something we need to do." Elphaba responded. "We have to unpack, change, perhaps freshen up, and then go meet our friend."
"Who?" Glinda asked, sitting up on her elbows.
"The man at the sorcery shop. He said to come back at the beginning of this semester, and we'll have no time later."
"I almost forgot."
The blonde got up off the bed and began to unpack her bags. Most of the clothes went into a laundry pile; the trip back from the Emerald City was not supplied with washhouses. After that quick sorting, the girls set about changing and freshening up. Elphaba checked her pocket watch.
"We should get going; it's late afternoon already."
"Did we need to bring the other books back?" Glinda asked. Elphaba brows bunched.
"I don't remember. Let's just in case." Elphaba smiled. "Good thinking, my sweet."
"Thank you." Glinda said, and felt heat rise to her cheeks. To keep Elphaba from seeing it she hurriedly found the books and placed them in a bag. She gave it to Elphaba, who slung it over her shoulder. Glinda picked up her small handbag.
"Ready?" she asked. Elphaba nodded.
"Let's go."
The bell rang as the walked into the old wooden door. Once again the smell of old books, dust, and aged wood assaulted Glinda senses. Elphaba glanced around for the shopkeeper, but did not see him. Peering around the corner of shelves did not reveal him either. She frowned.
"Maybe he's out to lunch?" Glinda offered.
"I doubt it. The door wouldn't be open."
"Quite astute." came the voice of the old man. Shuffling around a corner, he was wearing the same purple robes, but looked older than the last time they saw him. "However, I don't move as fast as I used to. Now, I assume you're back for more?"
"Yes." Glinda said, and stepped towards him. She put a hand into her bag. "I didn't know if you wished me to return these-"
"Return? What for? You paid for them. Anyway, books are only worth the knowledge they contain. Since you contain that knowledge now, what good would it do me to take them back?" he asked but then gave her a sideways look. "Unless you don't. Come, show me some of what your learned."
"Like?" Glinda asked.
"A bit stifling in here, don't you think? A breeze would be nice."
Glinda looked at the man. A few papers rustled on the counter and the old man glanced that way. The chimes over the door began to gently stir and play an harmonious melody. Finally, a light breeze swept through the room. The old man nodded.
"Impressive control. But it's a bit dark in here." He prodded again. A roar and crackle from the overhead chandelier as the room grew brighter. The old man arched an eyebrow. "I've seen you've worked hard."
"I have." Glinda replied. Seeing an earthenware cup on the counter she waved her hand. The mug floated gracefully over to her as drew out her wand and tapped its brim. It filled with water. "Thirsty?"
"I am; thank you." he replied. He took a sip but the cup slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. "Clumsy me. Would you?"
"Of course." Glinda answered and flicked her wand. The cup put itself back together and she refilled it. The old man nodded.
"You have the basic elements down; I'm going to assume you have the advanced down as well."
"Not test?" Glinda inquired, confused. The old man smiled.
"I like my store the way it is, thank you." he replied. "Now come with me. I've got your books over here."
"Do any of those books have information on bind breaking?" Elphaba interjected.
"Bind breaking?" the old man eyed Elphaba warily. "Like physical or sorceric?"
"Sorceric." Elphaba answered. The man shook his head.
"That's very specific, and very advanced, magic." he replied. "All binds ultimately come down to force of will, however. Have a greater will and you won't be bound."
Elphaba nodded, but was not eased by the answer. Elphaba paid for the books and the two girls set off. The man intently watched them go.
"Glinda, would you mind stopping some other stores? I have a few items I need." Elphaba asked.
"Sure, Elphie." Glinda answered. The green girl steered her lover to a nearby store. Glinda barely caught the name before going in. "Another bookstore?"
"Supplies, mostly."
Elphaba quickly made her way into the shop. Finding a shelf stacked with books, she began to rifle through them. Glinda understood as she saw the pages were blank. Elphaba was looking for empty books to write in. However, the blonde knew that Elphaba had plenty of unwritten notebooks in the room. Glinda kept the question to herself until they had paid and left the store.
"Elphie, what are these books for?"
"You heard what he said; once you obtain knowledge from a book there's no use returning it."
"I'm guessing you're not talking about the books we just bought."
"An astute deduction, my sweet." Elphaba replied and flashed her a rare genuine smile. "We have checked out many books in our time here, and though we hold the knowledge in our minds, our memory is imperfect."
"So you're looking to copy every book we've checked out?" Glinda asked warily. Elphaba shook her head.
"Of course not. That would be ridiculous." Elphaba paused. "I'm planning copying every book that may be useful to us."
"Elphie! There's no way we could do that in year!"
"Remember the spellbook we borrowed that had a spell to make one's pen write perfectly and never run out of ink?"
"Yes, of course." Glinda exhaled. "So I could sign a hundred cards in one go, that still won't help."
"There was another in there about copying one book to another." Elphaba revealed slowly. Glinda's mind slowly digested the information.
"But where are we going to keep them!" she asked in exasperation.
"On a bookcase; where else?" Elphaba responded jovially. "Now come on! The library will be closing in a little while."
Glinda huffed again, but hurried after her.
The duo trudged into room twenty-two, the weight of over a dozen books bearing them down. With a relieved sigh and thud Glinda dropped the bags to the floor. Elphaba gave her a disapproving look but Glinda merely massaged her shoulder. Gingerly toeing her way over to her bed, the blonde slipped off her shoes and rubbed her feet. Elphaba began sorting the books into piles.
"Are you going to do that tonight?" Glinda asked.
"I can think of no reason not to." Elphaba replied. Opening a book, she began to scan its contents.
"I can think of a couple." Glinda retorted.
"We can cuddle later." Elphaba answered, not taking her eyes off the book.
"Don't you think the librarian would find it strange you borrow a set of books and return them the next day?"
Elphaba looked up.
"I hadn't quite thought of that; I just don't want to waste time and miss anything."
"Well, think of it this way." Glinda started. "Instead of focusing solely on Crage Hall's library, you can get books from Briscoe and Ozma Towers through Boq and Fiyero."
"I don't know if either of those libraries has sorcery material."
"Nor do I, but you can ask anyway." Glinda paused. "Besides, I highly doubt you'll stop with sorcery books. I assumed Life Sciences was to follow."
Elphaba eyes lit up with the suggestion. Glinda inwardly sighed but outwardly smiled. Elphaba always focused too much on what was right in front of her, and not the bigger picture.
"What a marvelous idea."
"Good. Now come cuddle." Glinda replied and pat the bed next to her.
Elphaba marked the page with a slip of paper and came over to Glinda. As the green girl sat on the bed the two easily slipped into the familiar position: Glinda hugged close into her taller girlfriend's arms as they lay on their sides.
"Glinda," Elphaba said after a little while, "have you reconsidered the possibility of moving into the political realm?"
"My response is the same." was Glinda's muffled reply. "I will if you will."
"Well it seems I am to be dragged into politics so I might as well take you with me. If nothing else, it will keep me from making a fool of myself."
"What?" asked Glinda, and she leaned back to look up into her lover's eyes. Elphaba sighed.
"Peerless has some tasks of me while I'm in Shiz." Elphaba replied wearily. She shifted onto her back to stare at the ceiling of the room. Glinda adjusted as well, keeping a hand on the Elphaba's chest while entwining their legs.
"I thought you did not promise him anything after Munchkinland." Glinda asked evenly. Elphaba squirmed slightly.
"At Rush Margins he pulled me aside and made an offer if I continued doing eminent work here." Elphaba answered, not making eye contact.
"What sort of deal?"
"He'd double my stipend."
"Elphaba!" Glinda exclaimed disappointedly. "I did not think you'd be so easily bought with money!"
"It's not the money that bought me." Elphaba replied tersely. "It's our future. Doubling the stipend over the next year will allow me to invest even more. After this year is done we can be done away with him and everything, and live a comfortable life."
"And?"
"And...and I could continue doing research; maybe even be granted a position under a professor. I'd also be able to provide for you in the way that you should be."
"Rae, you know I don't need fancy things." Glinda answered, and lay her head on her lover's chest. "Just you is all I need."
"I know; but it doesn't mean I don't want to give them to you."
The pair cuddled close, and neither realized as they drifted off to sleep.
The next day the pair wandered into the Peach and Kidney's. The remaining Circle had set their usual return dinner. As both girls placed their order at the counter and made their way towards their accustomed area they thought much about their missing friends. In fact, the only one currently inhabiting the table was Fiyero. He gave them a warm smile.
"Nice to see you after so long." Fiyero said as he stood. Glinda laughed lightly and Elphaba pursed her lips. Fiyero gave them both a wink. "Jest aside, I've been sitting here for ten minutes."
"Arrive early?" asked Glinda as she sat. Elphaba absentmindedly pushed in her chair and took a seat.
"Yes. I always like to, and was calculating the time it takes to get here with Avaric." Fiyero answered. "It's much shorter when he isn't dallying."
"No Boq?" asked Elphaba.
"Three guesses at who he is coming with."
"No need."
"So, Fiyero, what are you taking this semester?" asked Glinda. Fiyero dug into the satchel at his feet and handed over a piece of paper. Glinda and Elphaba both glanced at it.
"Politics, business, history." Elphaba read out loud. She raised her eyebrow and looked at him. "Military studies?"
"It does not hurt to be prepared." Fiyero answered.
"That's usually reserved for officers' children." Elphaba probed.
"I got a recommendation from one in the Emerald City. Avaric introduced us and after showing him I knew how to handle myself, he offered."
"You won't finish the courses in your time."
"No; I'll stay another summer and fall in Shiz for it."
"I see."
"But onto happier things. Did you see the announcement for the Founding Ball?"
Elphaba and Glinda looked at each other, and then back to Fiyero. He looked puzzled.
"You know, Shiz University Founding Ball. They hold it every year."
"We did not." Elphaba replied.
"I don't remember ever hearing about it, even in my first year." Glinda agreed. Fiyero's brow furrowed in concern.
"Strange. I know it is only open to upperclassmen, which is why you may not have heard it, Glinda." Fiyero said in a deep voice. "But last year? Perhaps because of Doctor Dillamond Crage did not partake?"
"That could be true." Glinda acquiesced.
"But anyway," Fiyero continued, "I was wondering if you were going, but that's a bit of a moot question now."
"When is it and how formal?" asked Glinda.
"Not this Saturday but next, and quite formal."
"I think that should be enough time to prepare for it." Glinda nodded. "Elphie, I think we should go."
"You know how I despise these things." Elphaba answered, and took a sip of her cider.
"I think it would work well towards what we talked about." Glinda rebutted gently. Elphaba huffed.
"Who taught you to be a barrister?" Elphaba responded. Glinda smiled and lay a hand on Elphaba's.
"I have no idea."
"I guess that means we have to find separate accompaniment."
"Which is probably why Master Fiyero brought it up." Glinda said and gave him a light smile. "Or am I wrong?"
"I agree with Elphaba; who taught you to be a barrister?" Fiyero answered. Glinda lightly laughed and Fiyero joined in. Elphaba quirked an eyebrow.
"Looking for a date, Fiyero?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." He answered with a smile. "I don't much prefer to pick one of the girls, and I believe neither do they."
"Why not some other girl? I'm sure one wouldn't mind." Glinda prodded. Fiyero's gaze shifted.
"I'm not quite sure of that; either way, going with someone who I would not have to interpret signals from would be a boon."
"I see." Glinda said. "Would you care to get the table a glass of wine while Elphaba and I talk it over?"
"Of course." the young man smiled, and got up. As soon as he was out of earshot Glinda's smile faded.
"He's still broken up over Miss Cora." Glinda sighed. Elphaba nodded.
"It's possible. He seems to be the type to moon after a girl."
"That was not fair Elphie. Now, who do we want to go with him?"
"I can." Elphaba answered.
"That was quick."
Elphaba leaned over to Glinda. The blonde felt her lover's hot breath on her neck.
"You know how jealous I can get." came the deep growl. Glinda shivered, and realized that one of Elphaba's hands was drifting up over her knee.
"Rae…"the blonde warned, but green hands paid her no mind. Wicked nails drug up her inner thigh until the long fingers found her sensitive vertex. Well practiced strokes shot electricity through the blonde. "Rae, there are people."
"And that makes you like it better."
"You like it." Glinda's voice was small. She glanced around, but they were in a secluded corner with back to most of the patrons. "Fiyero will be back soon."
"Quite enough time." Elphaba answered, and gently slid one of her finger forward. Glinda bucked slightly at the sensation. Elphaba's middle finger caressed her inside while her thumb massaged her bud. The blonde felt the heat rising and deepening. Elphaba gently pulled back and Glinda let out the breath she did not know she was holding. Elphaba gazed into her eyes and cleaned her fingers with her mouth. Bolts of heat ran through Glinda again.
"Here's the wine. Have you decided on my proposal?" came Fiyero's flushed again.
"We have. I'll be going with you, oh Great Hunter." Elphaba quipped.
"Excellent." he replied, and poured them each a glass. Elphaba quickly downed her cider. "Miss Glinda are you feeling alright?"
"Just the cider going to my head." was her response.
"Perhaps the wine was too much." Fiyero's concern was evident on his face.
"No, I'll be fine. I will just take it slow."
"Alright. Have you given any thought on who you'll take? Avaric will be back by then."
Glinda managed not to pull a face.
"Avaric is not bad, especially after we've gotten to know him, but I'd rather not be seen as one of his ladies."
"While I understand, it is well known in Shiz that you are within his social circle. Besides, a Margreave's son is a good date."
"Now who is the barrister?" Glinda replied. "Avaric will do well. When will he back?"
"Next Friday. I'm supposed to meet him for dinner; I'll let him know."
"Sorry we're late." a voice called. Boq walked in with the three girls and their Amas.
The girls sat down as the Amas picked a close table. With both men well known and spoken for, the professional minders gave the group room. Glinda found it interesting that the group had changed so much. Without Avaric, Crope, or Tibbett, the five girls outnumbered the two boys. A voice whispered to the blonde that it was not proper. That brought other thoughts to her head.
"Shenshen, I forgot to ask: how was your fencing instruction in the City?" Glinda leaned over to the brunette. The other girl started a bit as she lost the faraway look in her eyes and they began to glitter.
"It was amazing. There were so many different schools! Every style of sword seemed to have instructor. I got to fence so many new people."
"Oh? And how was that?"
"Well, at first they did not take me seriously, but I put a quick stop to that." Shenshen gave her a lopsided smile. Glinda thought it looked positively roguish, and did not wonder where she picked it up from. "After that I fenced up the ranks until they could place me."
"How did you match up?"
"On the higher end, but not near the top. While many of the boys there were nobles who pretend to be swordsman, or are learning, some were very dedicated. They all were quite impressed with my skill though, and my sword."
"Oh! You brought that with?" Glinda started. "I did not see it on the way back."
Shenshen smiled and leaned over.
"I snuck it in with some of my parasols.I couldn't bear to part with it."
"I can understand that. What did Duran think of your dueling?" Glinda steered the conversation away from the darker edges of her mind.
"Improving. He was pleased how I performed and gave me some critiques. He was more interested in what I thought."
"Really?"
"Critical thinking is a very important to a swordswoman. One may not be prepared for everything, but one can learn to analyze and adapt. That will keep you safer than a thousand techniques."
"So sayeth the Book of Duran." Glinda answered with a smile.
Shenshen nodded, and then leaned her head on Glinda's shoulder. The blonde was somewhat taken aback by the action. She noticed Elphaba's (and Pfannee's) eyes glance their way before resuming their own conversation. Shenshen let out a sigh near Glinda's ear.
"I wish it could always be like that." she said. Glinda patted the brunette on the leg.
"I know, but enjoy the moments as they come up." Glinda reassured. "On a happier note, did you know of the Founding Ball?"
"Yes; Boq was telling us on the ride over. I'll have to find a date."
"Oh? So you know the gentleman have dates?"
"I was half listening to their conversation right now, so yes."
"Oh." Glinda answered. She had been focusing on the girl at her side. Strange for her.
"Glinda, is there a reason your strumming your fingers on my thigh?" whispered Shenshen. Glinda blushed and quickly pulled her hand back.
"I apologize. I did not notice."
"Something on your mind?" Shenshen giggled.
"As a matter of fact, yes." Glinda whispered back. "My girlfriend is a tease."
"Ah. I know the feeling." Shenshen answered. Glinda's eyes drifted down to see a small hand stroking Shenshen's other knee. Glinda's blush deepened.
"So, who are you looking at taking?" asked Glinda, hoping to get onto another subject.
"I'm thinking Duran." Shenshen answered, and then let out a hiss of pain. She glared at Pfannee, but the blonde paid her no attention. "Pfannee already has a date, though."
"Oh?" Glinda asked, looking at her.
"Yes. A young viscount to be." Pfannee bobbed her head. "Nice looking, pleasant to talk to. I thought I might enjoy his company."
"I'm sure." slipped in Shenshen. Pfannee gave her a little pinch, but the brunette never stopped smiling.
"Well, I hope it goes better for you." Elphaba was saying as she stood up. "Unfortunately, I have business to attend to."
"What kind?" asked Boq. Elphaba gave him a look.
"Nest Hardings." she answered. Boq nodded his head in understanding.
After Elphaba's departure the group talked much of nothing. The girls exchanged their classes and schedules, talked about clothing for the ball and any other gossip they had heard. The three girls wondered at Nessa's new schedule after Glinda told them she was now double majoring in politics and theology. Finally, the girls with Amas departed as it was an appropriate time to do so. Glinda remained as she had a spare key to get into Crage.
"So, it is just us." Glinda said, and took a sip of her wine. "That reminds me, can you gentlemen do me a favor?"
"What?" asked Boq.
"Can you compile a list of books each of your respective libraries have on Life Sciences and Sorcery? We may need to borrow some in the future."
"Of course, but I have to wonder what for?" Fiyero asked.
"Knowledge. We're so limited at Crage."
"I'll do what I can at Briscoe. I think I can still get into Three Queens as I was an aide there a couple of years ago." Boq said. He himself was standing. "I have to go, though. Take care."
"And you, Fiyero?"
"Of course I'll do my best. Granted, Ozma Towers is a business and politics school, not a Sorcery and Life Sciences, but I will see."
"Thank you." Glinda said, and put a hand on the Vinkun's. "How are you?"
Fiyero gave her a puzzled look.
"Fine." he replied evenly. Glinda shook her head.
"No, I mean how are you? It's been awhile since you've been back after Cora."
Fiyero shrugged, and Glinda could see him shutter his emotions behind his eyes.
"It is difficult, sometimes, as I want to go and see her. I did walk by the other day to see if the shop was still open. It is, but I did not go in. Best give it more time for both."
"You'll be alright." Glinda said, giving his hand a little squeeze. Fiyero turned his own over and squeezed back.
"Thank you, Miss Glinda." he replied.
Not for the first time Glinda noticed the deep well of emotion in the Vinkun boy. The veneer of aristocratic masculinity hid it well (especially after he met Avaric), but it was times like these Glinda knew he would not grow to let it consume him. She smiled.
"I best be getting back myself. You take care, Master Tigelaar." Glinda said with deep affection.
"And you as well, Miss Arduenna." he replied truly.
The next two weeks passed rather uneventfully for the Circle. Slowly getting into the habit of school again, they met on the nice days by the Canal. Elphaba and Glinda reviewed their notes, but being so far ahead, the material was easy. Their nights were spent with sorcery practice and copying books. Glinda started to understand how many books she gave Elphaba access.
Nessa was around less than the previous year. Her new demanding schedule simply left less time for anything besides also meant she was skipping the Founding Ball. On the occasions she would come out she was of happy admonished the the group less, preached less, and bestowed thankfulness more. The Circle was happy her religion had turned from brooding to blessful.
The day before the ball the girls went out to a spa day as custom. Prior to their massages, the four were sitting in a hot room enjoying themselves immensely. Glinda took the time to clandestinely observe her friends. Nearing the end of adolescence and growing into adulthood, the girls had started to fill out more. Milla was full of soft, gentle curves; Glinda wondered how she would make a rural estate owner's wife. Pfannee by contrast was still petite as ever, and showing no signs of growing (except perhaps a bit in the thighs). Shenshen was interesting observation as she had slimmed down and was beginning to exhibit strong arms and powerful legs. Glinda assumed it was the training. The blonde was thankful she was blessed with her own body.
After they had returned the girls went to bed early to prepare for the next day. The Ball was in the early afternoon so there would be no lunch together first. After meeting for a quick breakfast the girls went to Glinda and Elphaba's room to prepare. The green girl found the scents and powders cloying.
Afterwards the girls slipped into their dresses from the Emerald City. Milla wore an elegant dress of red-gold, Pfannee of olive, Shenshen of blue, and Glinda a shimmering white gold. Elphaba was in a simple yet elegant black dress.
A cab was waiting for them at the gates of Crage. Though a short jaunt to the ballroom at Three Queens where the Ball was being held, none of the girls wished to walk. The heat of summer still clung around. Fortunately, each girl was equipped with a lace parasol. The air passing them on the cab made the ride tolerable..
The gentleman met them at the door. Glinda had been nervous that Avaric might not show; the embarrassment would simply not done. As such she was relieved when he was standing with the rest. As the cab stopped Glinda noticed each of the boys (minus Pfanee's date) were in Emerald City fashion as well. The group would make quite the sight. Interestingly enough, each of the men wore flowers on their lapels, and bared one for their date. Glinda wondered whose idea that was.
The Ball itself was a rather dull affair except for two instances. After the speeches were given by each of the heads of the schools, Madame Morrible had made for the table. The girls and boys tensed. The large woman smiled as she approached.
"Nice to see you all here. I'm glad Crage could be represented by such esteemed girls. You gentlemen should count yourself lucky." she said.
"We do, Madame Head." Avaric replied smoothly. "In fact, I think we have been lucky to escort the best of Crage."
"Indeed. I'm also glad to see my girls pick well-classed and rising gentlemen in their company." she answered, and looked over the group. Her eyes stopped on Duran. "Some faster than others."
"I think Madame Head will find I will rise quite quickly with such Crage ladies around me." Duran replied. The table had to quickly suppress a snort at his impertinence, though Pfanee's date did not quickly enough. Morrible glared down at him.
"Quite. Have we met before? I cannot remember." she asked Duran
"It is expected a lady such as yourself may not remember me." Duran rejoind. "We met last year as I was escorting the Lady Shenshen to the Masquerade."
"Ah, yes. I quite remember now. I see you've updated your tastes."
"I like to change things up every once in awhile."
"Change can be good." Morrible intoned ominously. She then nodded and walked away without another word.
"That was fun as always." Fiyero commented. The group laughed nervously.
The other event came a couple of hours later. The Ball had all the normal parts of a function: remarks, a meal, dancing, talking, and of course drinking. Most of the older students understood moderation; however, Pfannee's date quickly got into his cups. His behavior, though not outlandish, started to border on the inappropriate. He leaned too close, let his hands wander out of place when they danced, and made suggestive remarks. The boy was possessed enough to do so out of the earshot of the others. Pfannee could have told them but did not. She was actually hoping to finish the night and not see him again.
It was not to be. When taking a walk on the portico to get some fresh air, he absconded her behind on of the columns. There he tried to sweet talk her. The blonde, though not prudish, was not going to be pressured. Glinda, Avaric, Fiyero, and Elphaba were outside walking when they saw her dash a cup of wine in his face and stride towards them. Glinda quickly went to her side while the other three gave the boy dark looks.
"That harlot!" the boy hissed. He went to go after her but Avaric and Fiyero stepped in front of him.
"We think that's quite enough. Why don't you run along now." Avaric said sweetly.
"That tease was putting me on all night. When I simply asked her back for dinner she threw the wine in my face!" he protested hotly. Both boys gave him uncompassionate looks. "Sure enough well for you; you've both had a taste. I'm guessing at the same time as well."
"And there's your cue." Avaric answered and grabbed the boy under one arm. Before he could move, Fiyero grabbed him under the other. "Now, my good friend, lets take see this cad out."
Pfannee was in a stew at their table. She had replaced her glass of wine.
"The nerve of him! Expecting me to put out like some two-penny tart!" she whispered fiercely, and took a drink of her wine.
"Some men are incorrigible." agreed Milla.
"I mean, I'm not against a good tumble." Pfannee continued. "You all know I haven't been completely discreet with my tastes, but still!"
"Only poor men expect things of women." Glinda agreed. "He was not good for you anyway. Not enough taste, for certain."
"Quite true." Pfanne agreed, then sighed. "Still, perhaps I should be more discreet in the future."
"That would probably be best." Shenshen stated. "Besides, playing coy is part of the fun."
Pfannee perked up.
"Indeed it is."
This chapter covers the dates of the 21st of Wanesummer to 7 of Newfall.