Early Christmas gift!

Thank you firewing and RavenCurls for reviewing.

12/22/26

Elphaba finished copying notes from one paper to another. Checking the books she was referencing, she jotted a few additions down and absentmindedly turned the page in the notebook. Glancing over, she frowned as she saw it was blank. Jotting another thought down, she turned the page. Again it was blank. Setting down her pen, she flipped through the rest of the notebook. All were blank. Scanning her notes, she sighed and took of her glasses.

"What's wrong, Rae?" asked Glinda. The other girl turned.

"I seem to have completed the study of this book." she answered.

"Is that one you got from the upper student?"

"It is. It appears I have exhausted the textbook knowledge of Life Sciences."

"Oh! I did not think you would be able to so soon."

"It is to be expected; most higher work is done from papers published rather than texts. As such, lecture is the primary method of learning."

"So what now?"

"I'll have to find an instructor who wishes to take me on as an assistant after graduation."

"Surely not Nikidik."

"Absolutely not."

"Will other colleges take you?"

"Possibly. I shall have to start looking."

"So what will you study in the meantime? I don't see you relaxing by the Canal."

Elphaba snorted. "Not with the coming weather. I shall dive into sorcery I suppose. I've fallen a bit behind on the second year and new material."

"That will be fun."

"So you say."

Elphaba stood and began packing up the collected notes. Placing them carefully on the designated shelf, she exchanged them for her sorcery material. Grabbing her wand from the desk drawer, Elphaba quickly went to work. Glind shook her head at the work ethic. At midday the girls went down to the cafeteria. The food was not very good, but it was easy. As they were walking back to their dorms a porter waved to stop them.

"Miss Arduenna, a message for you." he said and held out an envelope. Glinda accepted it easily.

"Than you, Helmond." she answered, and tipped him. The man seemed a bit shocked at the use of his name.

The girls did not bother opening it until they got back to the room. As Elphaba sat back to her work (idly munching a cracker), Glinda opened the letter. Quickly scanning it, she went to read it again, then again. By the fourth time her hand began to tremble. Elphaba absentmindedly realized it had been a while.

"Who's it from?" she asked idly.

"My uncle Garon." Glinda replied evenly. Elphaba turned at the hollowness in her voice.

"Garon? What does he want?"

"He's in Shiz on business. Knows I am on rest week. Wants to have dinner."

"You don't have to go." Elphaba replied. Noticing her demeanor, Elphaba moved to her. Had she had a better relationship with her own family she might have noticed the behavior odd. As she felt the same about her own extended family obligations, she assumed it normal.

"That would be very rude of me, Elphaba." Glinda retorted. Elphaba did not miss the tone. "I have to see him; the questions is to when."

"Do you wish company? Misery loves it."

"I shall need it." Glinda pondered darkly. "I cannot be alone with man, even a relation, for propriety's sake."

"You realize how hypocritical that is."

"Yes, but if I must adhere to proper social mores in seeing him, I shall have to do so why seeing him."

"That's twisted yet sound logic."

"Anything can be rationalized, Elphaba."

"A terrifying thought."

"Nice of you to see me on short notice, niece." Garon said. Glinda accepted his hug and he placed a kiss on either cheek, and her forehead. "I did not expect to see you so well escorted."

"We would not want propriety to take a shock." responded Elphaba.

"Quite. And your minder?"

"Nanny is here because it is her duty to oversee these girls." the woman responded.

"And quite a good job you do of it." Garon answered charmingly. "Please, sit."

When the three took their seats Garon motioned for a waiter. When the young man arrived, he Garon ordered wine, tea, and water for the table along with some bread. The young man nodded and left. With his departure, Garon turned back towards them.

"How goes your schooling Glinda; Miss Elphaba?"

"Very well." Glinda replied. "I am getting excellent marks in all my classes."

"Your concentration is Sorcery, is it not?"

"Yes."

"A tough subject to master. It shows your worth. And you, Miss Elphaba?" The drinks arrived and he poured some tea for himself. Nanny poured herself wine.

"My concentration is Life Sciences; my marks may be better if I agreed with their underlying principle."

"Which is?" he asked and took a sip of his tea

"Animals are inferior to Ozians."

"Ah yes; a recent but tacit thought. Ever considered mimicking back their thoughts for the grade?"

"Never. Trueness of thought is not for sale of a grade."

"Principled; a mark to your character. And what of the rest of your friends? The Vismargreave, the Vinkun, Munchkinlander, and your colleagues at Crage?"

"Master Tenmeadows is no longer studying at Briscoe so I do not know as much." answered Glinda. "He does seem to keep busy. Master Bfeeson is extremely busy between finishing classes and getting to know the profession of estate management. Master Tigelaar looks to be on track to graduate as the first Vinkun with a military studies focus from Briscoe, and one of a dozen to graduate from Shiz University in general."

"Very intriguing. And the girls?"
"They are all on track to graduate this year. Miss Milla is looking to be matched with Master Bfeeson but the others have no suitor that I know of."

"And you? Any suitors?"

"No potential suitors I am aware of; unless my parents have made some choices?"
"No!" Garon laughed. "At least, not that they have told me. I was just curious. And you, Miss Elphaba?"
"No male advances on this front." Elphaba replied evenly. Garon smiled.

"Don't worry; I'm sure the will be clamoring for both of you soon."

"I shall try to hide my enthusiasm." Elphaba deadpanned. Garon laughed.

"I can imagine the lack of want to be saddled to an older man. Especially at this time in your life. I just hope you don't wait too long. Men like accomplished women; just not too accomplished."

"Men who worry about their women's accomplish should focus on their own to feel more secure." Elphaba rebuffed. "Besides, I find most eligible men don't care about the success of their women but the size of their purse."

"Some, but not all."

"Those ones seem not to worry about accomplishments of women at all."

"That's true."

The rest of lunch was a mild affair. Glinda was more reserved than usual, and Elphaba picked up the slack. Garon gently spared with her over a variety of issues, but always ended up deferring. As lunch wrapped up Gaon took the check. He smiled at them both.

"This Friday I am having a social at my rented villa. It will be mostly older men and their wives but some unattached as well. A very well off and connected crowd. I'd like for you and your friends to be there."

"That's not necessary, Uncle." Glinda answered.

"Of course not, but i think it would be a boon to the party if you were."

"I'll extend the invitation to them."

"Good! And any others you may think should be there. I don't know younger Shiz."

"Of course."

"I shall send the invitation tonight. Just let me know as soon as possible who can come."

"I will. Thank you."

"You as well." he said and stood. Donning his half loak, he bent to kiss Glinda's hand; for Elphaba, a strong handshake; and for Nanny, a tip of his hat. With that, he left.

"We have to attend, don't we?"

"Of course." Glinda replied tersely. "And we shall endeavors to have all our guests attend. My uncle is very well connected; it will be a party not to be missed."

"Shal we need dates?"

"No. His comments about unattached men and women let it be know that it could serve as a matchmaking event; or at least some leads."

"So no business."

"Elphaba, you should know by now social functions are always about business." Glinda paused. "We will need to go shopping."

Elphaba groaned.

Glinda waited in the foyer of Garon's rented villa for the guests to arrive. Elphaba was by her left side with a steward and porter on the right. Social mores dictated that the woman of the house greet guests at the door; as her uncle did not have her aunt with him, it fell to Glinda. Being family, she had arrived early. Elphaba had come with her.

Glinda looked splendid in a powder blue dress that corseted her torso and a skirt to accentuate her hips with her hair a cascade of curls. Elphaba, by contrast, was in a stark brown button down dress in almost a male cut and her hair pulled back in a low ponytail. They were the spectrum of the female form. Garon was in another room, waiting to receive guests less formally. Everything was perfectly proper and pragmatic.

Glinda greeted the guests as they arrived. The porter showed them to the other room while the steward was ready to assist Glinda if she needed help with a guest's name or station. He was utterly redundant as the blonde never missed a person name, rank, and even inquired on a detail about their life. The guests were charmed by her warmth. Each went to the party with big smiles and sometimes a gentle laugh. The next guests needed no introductions.

"Vismargreave Tenmeadows! So nice of you to come!" Glinda smiled. Avaric took her hand with a smile and bent low to give her the traditional Gillikin greeting of two kisses.

"Look it over," Glinda whispered as he felt something slip into his hand, "and we'll discuss later when I'm free."

Avaric pulled back but made no acknowledgement. Sticking his right hand out and left hand into his pocket, he smiled at Elphaba.

"Kiss for you?"

"I see you're no worse from your loss the other night." Elphaba replied as she shook his hand. The next guest was announced behind him.

"How outrageous." Avaric feigned shock as he moved on. Elphaba entertained a rare smile ofp pleasure.

A short while later the trio of girls and their Amas appeared. Glinda greeted them very warmly. They were followed by Fiyero and Boq. Glinda inwardly sighed as her Gillikin sensibility said they should have arrived by themselves or with other Gillikins. The two appearing with each other highlighted their otherness. Nothing to be done about it now. Glidna greeted them both extremely warmly. Elphaba did as well with some whispered words between them.

After the guests had all arrived Glinda moved to the side rooms. With the party being in the early evening, it was a mixed affair. The men and women mingled easily. Most knew each other and the others had the camaraderie of influence. It was only the Circle that had a hard time of it.

Glinda made to make it right. Glinda shooed Elphaba towards an older looking man. He was a philanthropist for the Shiz colleges and extremely interested in the latest research. After Glinda brought up the topic of Dillamond's work and Life Science, the two easily became engaged. Glinda snuck away under the cover of the animated conversation.

For Fiyero, she snagged him and quietly introduced him as they moved around the room. Settling in front of an older but fit man, Glinda introduced as an ex-Gillikin militia captain and a consultant for the Shiz constabulary. They easily slipped into the conversation of the fitness of the constables.

"Just this year they had some Gillikin noble brat lead them on a merry chase across Shiz and lost him! If it were my men…" he started and Glinda slipped on.

Glinda snagged Pfannee from talking to a young but attached gentleman (with a reputation as a tomcat) and moved her over to one of Elphaba's Eminence associates. He greeted the two warmly as he knew Glinda and Pfannee was a Munchkinlander.

"I'm a transplant myself." he said, tucking his fingers into his waistcoat. "From Dragon's Cupboard."

"I'm from Upper Applerue." Pfannee added.

"You don't say!"

Glinda snagged Milla as the shy girl moved to join Boq. With a pat of reassurance she led her over to a group of women. The introduction was a little awkward, even for Glinda, but the blonde charmed her way into the conversation. When one found out Milla was soon to be an estate owner's wife, she began to speak at length about it. The other two women discreetly rolled their eyes. Glinda saved them by escorting them away, and dropping one with an older, very proper gentleman, and the other the tomcat. She had a reputation for liking younger men, and her husband did not really mind.

Glinda need not worry for Shenshen as she was engaged in conversation with her uncle and several of his associates. By the hand motions she could tell they were discussing something or the other about fencing. Her uncle moved out and around the party, but the cluster of men seemed engaged in the conversation Shenshen was putting forth. Perhaps not the best move, Glinda inwardly frowned, but it would at least let her be known in the right circles.

With the social necessities taken care of, and an hour out of the way, Glinda made her way towards Avaric. He was discussing business with men decades his senior, and easily commanded the conversation. Glinda noted his rising prestige. As she got closer the men smiled at her.

"Miss Arduenna, you look lovely." one said. Glidna turned her radiant smile on him.

"Thank you, Master Gonsua. If I may be terribly rude and steal Master Tenmeadows from you?"

"Of course." they agreed, smiles growing wider.

The men all thought they knew what was on their minds, and they approved. Avaric smiled as well and the men slowly departed. Glidna steered Avaric to a quieter corner of the room where they could observe discreetly.

"You read the note?" she asked.

"Yes. Quite a few intriguing options. But how do they look?"

"Well enough to suit you." Glinda responded. "As Margreave, you're expected to dally; why should looks concern you?"

"I am expected to have at least one legitimate child. And that's a bit of a heartless statement coming from you, Glinda."

"If I expected you to be faithful I would say yes, but I could give you the best wife in the world and you would not be."

"Does that include yourself?"

"Let's be honest Avaric; it's not me you want."

There was silence between them.

"Back to the matter at hand." Glinda said. "A successful Margreavess for you will be socially adept but not cunning; neither cheap nor a spendthrift; attractive but not overly so; possibly a political asset; and an adoring, capable mother."

"I agree with all but the last. Why does it matter? I have caretakers for that."

"If she adores her children she be won't to wander or mind that you do later in life. Additionally, your children will be raised better in their early years and will be ahead by the time they start tutors and finishing school. A good, loving mother wants to see her children grow and succeed. They are the first and lifelong teacher."

"I'm going to have to take your word for that."

"Do. So, which did you like best?"

"How do they look?" Avaric asked. Glinda sighed.

"Miss Annoitte Starling." she motioned to a tall, lithe brunette.

"Miss Galla Menque." she nodded to a short, curvy dark haired girl.

"Miss Shana Lesolt." Glinda gestured in the direction of a red headed girl.

"And Miss Cassandra Laquan." she finalized. Avaric's eyebrow twitched up at the tall, caramel skinned woman with curly hair.

"Laquan?"

"Vinkun, three generations removed. The lowest socially of the prospects, but my sources tell me she is astute. A good Crage education - graduated two years ago - and a wonderful socialite. Charming to all she meets but demure in a manner that is appropriate. A fine catch for any man."

"Except for her color."

"Yes, her color sets her apart. I do not think it would be a factor for you, considering." Glinda slipped in. Avaric gave her a tiny scowl. "Another thing does also."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Very peculiar in a girl of her stature. No complaints from those I've talked to, but not Gillikin, you see."

"Stop being a tease and and tell me."

Glidna crooked a finger to get Avaric to bend low.

"Her sexual tastes are...outside the norm."

"Tell me more."

"First, she appears to take a liking to being dominated. Tied down, disciplined; a regular submissive girl."

"Interesting experience in one so young."

"One can only imagine how a young, properly educated girl such as herself learned such things." Glinda answered in false naivete filled with concern. Avaric gave a soft laugh.

"Good point."

"In addition, she views marriage the same as her Vinkun ancestors. She wants to be the first wife, but does not mind secondary women."

"Also good. What's the catch?"

"Her appetite is voracious."

"Not a catch."

"She's not subtle about it. She's taken to seducing women."

"I thought you said she is submissive?"

"To men. To women she is a conqueror. Especially attached women."

"Oh dear. I like her already. But still not a catch"

"My dear Avaric," Glinda cooed and Avaric shivered, "you've spent too much time among the common folk. Dark skinned, promiscuous seductress? What man could take such a risk or a wife?"

"A Margreave." he responded.

"Yes; only a Margreave." Glinda laughed lightly. Avaric found it lifted him. Her continued laughter slowly transformed into a social one. Avaric found it did not have the same effect. "But, my dear Vismargreave, I have taken up too much of your time. Happy hunting."

Glinda moved away. Avaric smiled.

"Hunting indeed."

Avaric moved towards his target. She was speaking with two other women. As he closed he locked eyes with her. She smiled. He smiled back. They focused on each other, but then Avaric was past. He could tell she watched him stride to Annoitte Starling without even looking. Striking up a conversation, Avaric was actually quite pleased with it. Miss Starling could make a nice consolation prize.

Avaric excused himself and moved across the room. He saw Miss Laquan again and smiled. She returned it with a small one. Avarice turned away and looked at his next target: Miss Lesolt. Once again he enjoyed the conversation. She was easy on the eyes as well, but not so much as his Circle's red head. As they spoke he stole glances towards Miss Laquan. He caught her looking at least once.

Miss Menque was a woman who attracted men; so much so she had a few with her when Avaric walked up. They greeted him warmly, but their smiles told him they were fiercely guarding their territory. Avaric gave the a smile; it was genuine as he knew he outclassed each but was not there to steal her. That did not stop him from outshining his competitors. Thy all wilted as Miss Menque paid more attention to him. He found her a pale (or dark) imitation of Glinda. She noticed her charms held not as much sway as elsewhere. She even caught him looking away. By the time of his leave, she was flustered. The color made her look more attractive, but less so for Avaric.

He approached Miss Cassandra Laquan. The tall, dark woman had noticed his approach; she had licked her lips and given him a sultry look before returning to her conversation. Avaric did not think it intentional. As he made his way into the circle of conversation, she gave him a lidded look.

"Vismargreave Tenmeadows, I am happy to see you here." she seized the initiative. Curtsying, she said, "Allow me to introduce myself-"

"No need, Miss Laquan." Avaric interjected, and bowed over her hand " A lady such as yourself is well known."

"Oh? I should hope it is known well."

"Remarkably."

"You flatter, Master Vismargreave."

"Please, Avaric will do fine."

"As well you wish, Master Avaric."

"I am pleased to see you here tonight."

"I am pleased as well. I should say I was surprised when the Count of Vergun invited me. I did not know I was known to those in Upper Gillikin."

"I am sure it was on recommendation of his niece, Miss Glinda Arduenna." Avaric smiled.

"Ah! Our hostess. I saw you both conversing quite confidentially Are congratulations in order?"

"Miss Glinda and I are close compatriots, nothing more. She was a good friend though my Shiz years."

"I am quite glad we cleared that up as I would like to not embarrass myself." Cassandra replied, her eyes betraying her own reasons.

Avaric's smile grew. Once again, the thought of how no woman could compare to the social charms of Glinda came to mind; except her mother, of course. The barely concealed hunger behind Miss Laquan's eyes told Avaric everything her needed to know.

"It's a nice night; perhaps one of the few we have left this year." Avaric said, glancing towards the window. "Would the lady care for a walk on the veranda?"

Cassandra's dark eyes lit up.

"I am your service, Master Avaric; just let me get my wrap and my maid." Avaric nodded and moved to get his own coat. Not a few minutes later they met by the back double doors. A mousy woman followed Cassandra. "I am sorry, but for propriety's sake I must have her with me."

"Of course. We would not want any uncouth rumors spreading." he said. Her eyes twinkled in the candlelight.

"We would not want that at all."

Glinda watched the two depart out of the corner of her eye. Though she had no real stake in the matter, she had hoped he would make that choice. It would be good for her, and well enough for injected the appropriate comment in the conversation she was having with a banker. The older man talked animatedly about the business, basking in the supposed attention of a beautiful young woman. Glinda listened for any new information but it was all what she knew. Her mind was wandering to what her uncle and Shenshen had been talking about for most of the party. There were a few other men present.

"I understand your points about Niogente footwork, but Duranno is just too reactionary." Shenshen was saying.

"It's not reactionary; its cautious. No one wins the fight where both get stabbed." Garon counted.

"That's why you take the lead. Action is always faster than reaction; by making them react you dictate the pace of the fight."

"Which may work when you're dueling but in a fight with multiple opponents that can get you killed."

"Who fights multiple opponents now? Besides, a quick, decisive action can eliminate that threat; especially if you use Kavant style steps to maintain the distance."

"I'd be intrigued to see how you blend Kavant and Niogente. The Duranno tradition is directly from Kavant but for a more urban landscape."

"Which is why it is less useful. Kavant is for when one has come to grips with the enemy; either by horse or by formation. It thinks nothing of closing. Duranno has the same issue of bridging the gap. Niogente does a better job, but it is best for alleys and hallways. Niogente to close the gap, Kavant to make use of space."

"Let's settle this with training rapiers." Garon said. "I wanted to duel in Frottica; why not now?"

"Count Vergun, we are are at a social." Shenshen protested. "I am not in any form to spar!"

"Please, my lady. I saw you duel that fool Dekon at my sister's estate. You are more than capable now."

"I have no equipment on me."

"I have spares. Or is it too much a challenge for you?"

"Never!"

"Then I shall meet you with the equipment." Garon bowed and left. Shenshen huffed but began to move towards Pfannee

"Don't continue to be goaded." she whispered to herself. "Seize the initiative."

"What are you talking about?" Pfannee asked.

"Garon goaded me into a sparring match."

"Shenny! Not in that dress!"

"I am aware. I'm just happy I brought my slippers to change into. Fighting in these heels would be impossible."

"Well, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to shuck this dress and spar in my chemise."

"That's...daring."

"I'm sure he will have a fencer's coat for me That should hide mostly everything."

"Mostly. It's still completely improper."

"I quite agree." Glinda floated over. "It won't do well for you social chances."

"I know that. But I can't back down now."

"Well, come with me then. I have a side room for you to change in. I should not want you to strip down in the middle of the courtyard."

"That's wise."

When Glinda led her to the side room, the fencer's jacket and mask were already waiting. Her Ama and Pfannee helped her shed her outer layer. Before getting into her gear, Shenshen began a series of warmups and stretches. Pfannee had seen it before, but the returning Glinda stood quietly and watched. As Shenshen neared the end she began to don the jacket.

"There is something mesmerising about that." Glinda said quietly. "I came here to you to take your time as my uncle was warming up also. However, he could be done by now."

"Well then, I should get going." Shenshen replied. She picked up her fencing mask and tucked it under her arm. "Lead the way."

Glidna quietly flowed through the house. The night had been taxing on her. The nearness of her uncle had set a constant anxiety though her. The social standing of the guests and the party in general had lit her full of energy. The two emotions had dueled all night, and it had taken everything she had to school them into a perfect, useful demeanor.

Now with her uncle doing something so absurd a nervousness had overcome her. It would not hurt his standing, but could reflect poorly on her and her friends. She had spent a considerable time with the remaining party goers spinning it positively; which it seemed to be perceived. However, she could not control the perceptions of those who would be told the tale. Their reactions would have to be seen.

Her uncle was standing in the courtyard smiling, chatting with a few other men. His mask was under one arm and nearby were a pair of training rapiers. As he saw the girls, his grin widened. As Shenshen entered the circle of amused aristocrats, he bowed.

"Nice to see you, Miss. I assume you are prepared?"

"I am." Shenshen replied.

Garon donned his mask and gloves. Shenshen followed suit, and accepted a rapier from one of the men. Both combatants saluted and came on guard. The pair watched each other for a moment. Shenshen shifted which made Garon move a half step. Both waited. The crowd rustled anxiously. They had not expected the waiting, but clashes of steel. They began to wonder.

Shenshen knew Garon expected her to take the initiative. Niogente demanded the first move. Duranno did not and Garon could afford to be patient. What Garon did not know was Shenshen's style had slowly been evolving over the last six months of Duran's tutelage. A decade of habits could not be changed so quickly, but the mark was there.

Shenshen took a quick shuffle step. Garon turned slightly, expecting a clash of blades from a lightning cut. However, Shenshen's step was to the outside angle, putting her too far away. Garon's step was still effective, shielding his forearm from Shenshen's probing cut. The blades rang as he deflected. A half step back and to the right squared the opponents to each other. Shenshen smiled. A younger man may have forced a riposte from a poor position. Garon had the patience of experience.

Shenshen deftly moved several times. Garon moved to follow suit. Shenshen felt something was off, but could not place it. She went to side step when her foot hit a small wall. Garon made his move. His rapier came in with a quick cut she was hard pressed to defend. A few more cuts and a thrust were deflected, but just barely. Another strong flurry ahd Shenshen using two hands to turn them away. Locked out of her preferred choices, Shenshen went with a new tactic; improvisation.

The brunette switched her rapier to her left hand while blocking a cut. Her weak hand, it changed the angle of attack of her next thrust. The strong lunge sent Garon stumbling back, just barely evading it. Shenshen followed, cuts and thrusts dogging the older man. Garon deftly defended and with strength, knocking her cuts away easily. He gathered his feet and riposted; she stepped out to let the cut past. Stepping forward with her right foot, she went for a deep cut. Garon quickly shuffled in and out of range, Shenshen's cut sailing past. She was left open.

Shenshen did not stop her motion; rather, she carried it through to spin away. Garon return cut sailed short of her. He closed the distance, pressing his advantage. Shenshen carried into another spin and Garon had blocked her strike. She had hoped so and used the arrested momentum to mount one foot on a small retaining wall. She hopped back, bringing both feet onto the wall. Garon's next strike clanged against the brick.

The bout entered a frenzied stage. Shenshen's feet were bound by the wall's width, limiting her mobility. The height nullified Garon's own reach and allowed her to strike at his head and body easier. The combatants solved these issues with a flurry of blows. Her Niogente footwork excelled on the small wall, but Garon used his mobility to his advantage, forcing her back. Finding herself at the end of the wall, Shenshen hopped a cut to bring her onto the veranda.

Shenshen came at Garon in a flurry of strikes as soon as her feet hit the pave stones. Her famed Niogente close was swift as lightning, but Garon managed to turn it away. The brunette struck and retreated, weaving at angles to put the older man in disadvantaged positions. Shenshen knew Garon had reach, strength, and most of all, experience on her. His fault was his experience; he was slower to turn from his ways, and his body was not as fit as it once was. Pushing the pace of the fight would wear on him.

Her constant footwork was disorientating the older man, and she hoped his fatigue would cause him to be impatient. She lashed out, was deflected, and spun behind a column. She had expected him to maintain distance; instead, his visage was quite close. Shenshen weakly tried a cut but Garon blocked it. The older man pushed the young girl with his free hand, causing her to stumble, and delivered a cut to her mask.

"Good strike." shenshen said, dropping her blade and stepping away. She took off her mask.

"Good form." Garon replied, taking off his. "I thought I had you at the beginning, but your hand change and mobility really shined. I can see how you mean to blend Kavant footwork with Niogente. I don't know if it is superior to Duranno, but it definitely works well for you."

"Thank you."

"A good match for the both of you." Glinda said easily as she approached. "However, I am sure you will wish to freshen up. Miss Shenshen, if you would follow me."

"Of course Miss Glinda." Shenshen answered. Glidna led her back to the house. "I thought you had him for a bit, Miss Shenshen."

"Thank you, Miss Glinda. Your uncle's experience is quite broad. Most would not have been able to adapt."

"A testament to his skill." Glinda intoned. "Elphaba went back to Crage to gather some extra underclothes. My own should fit you well enough."

"Thank you, Miss Glinda."

Shenshen stripped off the gloves and jacket, and tossed them into a pile. She stood in her chemise, damp with sweat, and looked at the blonde.

"I am to be taking this off, Miss Glinda. I shan't want to get sick."

"If it is acceptable, I shall be staying to take a break for a few minutes."

"If that's your wish."

Shenshen stripped off her chemise to stand clad in only her stockings and slippers, and quickly stripped those as well. The blonde moved to take a seat near the corner. Shenshen inwardly shrugged and began her cool down stretches. Glidna raised an eyebrow.

"Best to stretch when the muscles are warm." Shenshen explained. "How was your night, Miss Glinda?"

"Well enough. I hope for it to produce results."

"I saw Avaric stroll away with a very interesting woman. Any idea on her?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. Miss Cassandra Laquan."

"I wonder if anything will come of it."

"She seems to be a nice young woman; it would do him well."

"Hopefully. I did not meet anyone particularly interesting tonight; your uncle took up most of my time."

"I apologize for that." Glinda replied. Something in her voice almost made Shenshen say something. However, she could not bring herself to do so. Instead, she bent to place her head between her knees. Glinda started. "By Oz, Shenshen!"

"I'm stretching, Miss glinda. I did warn you." she replied with mirth in her voice. "It's not like it isn't something you haven't seen before."

"Everyone is unique." replied Glinda, amusement in her voice. Sheshen giggled at the double entendre, happy Glinda's mind had been distracted.

"Some more unique than others. Tell me, what does it look like? Is it pink, or green, or some other color?"

Glinda opened her mouth to respond but another voice answered.

"What an impertinent question, Shenshen. And one that's quite private." came Elphaba's response. Shenshen switched to a side leg stretch and gave Elphaba a pout.

"But I just have to know…" she complained, then let out a moan. "Damn, that hurts."

"Are you alright?" asked Glinda as Elphaba placed the clothes next to her. She noticed Elphaba becoming fidgety.

"I'm fine." Shenshen breathed. "My spin around the pillar was not as graceful as it looked. Banged my leg pretty good."

"Can I get you anything?"

"An answer?" Shenshen girnned. Glinda huffed.

"You are incorrigible." Elphaba scowled as she made to walk out.

"I wonder where I get it from." Shenshen called after her.

Glinda stood and Elphaba whispered a few words to her. Glinda nodded and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. With a glance towards Shenshen, the green girl left the room.

"The party has ended for the night." Glinda said. "I am holding a cab for us and your Ama. Miss Milla and Pfanne already went ahead. The boys have also departed."

She walked over to Shenshen, who sat back on her haunches and looked up at the blonde. Glinda eyes twinkled in mischief.

"You know the color she gets when she blushes?"

"Yes."

"That, but darker, with small lips surrounded by dark dense curls." Glinda answered. Shenshen took a moment to absorb the info. Glinda gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Also, multi-orgasmic."

"Really?" Shenshen breathed.

"Really."

"Sounds...wonderful." Shenshen smiled. "And you?"

Glinda laughed and tapped the other girl on the nose.

"You've already seen me once!"

"Far too quick to count!" Shenshen protested.

"Too bad. Imagine Pfannee then, but larger. Come now."

Shenshen shivered and Glinda eyed her peculiarly.

"Sorry." Shenshen apologized as she stood. "That's what blondie bear often often says to me so it has an effect."

Glinda cocked her head to the side and the brunette pulled on the borrowed chemise.

"Oh!"

"Well, that too."

The girls laughed together.

This chapter covers the 39 of Highfall to the 12th of Wanefall