Glinda sighed as she placed the last wreath in the sitting room. The flat was being decorated for Lurlinemas. Glinda loved this time of year as it meant the turning of the corner in the year. Small garlands and scents made everything seem...new. A grumbling green girlfriend did not even damper her spirit.

"Stop mopingl Lurlinemas is a good time of year." Glinda chastised.

"It is merely an appropriation of the winter solstice celebration coupled with Lurlinist stories."

"Still does not diminish it."

"Every religion has attempted to co opt the traditional festivals and celebrations to their own. Even Unionism invented some reason to celebrate the solstice since it was too popular to deny."

"Stop being a grump. Be happy."

"I don't see why we need to have the celebration here."

"Avaric is in Traum on business and none of our other friends have their own place."

"I guess sitting in a pub like last year is unacceptable."

"Quite. Now, finish wrapping the Fairy Pole."

Elphaba grumbled some more, but went about her job. The Lulinist Pole (often called the Fairy Pole) was wrapped in a multitude of ribbons, garlands, and bells. An urban adaptation decorating a Fairy Tree, the idea was to give the Fairies of Lurline someplace to stay to bring you luck. The better the wrapping, the more fairies that would be attracted to it. The gifts around the Pole were ostensibly offerings to the Fairies, but were for guests. As the Circle was not overly wealthy, gifts were quite simple between them. Oftentimes the members would pitch in and get someone a gift together. Of course, the wealthy member got everyone gifts. Elphaba shook her head.

"When is Nessa coming home?" Glinda asked.

"A few days." Elphaba answered.

A local convent had hosted a holy retreat for prayer and reflection during the time of Lurlinemas. Nessa had wanted to go, and Nanny knew of a spa near there. The girls had been expected to be at Avaric's; as such, Steward had given much of the staff time off for the holiday. He offered to recall them when the girls arrived home unexpectedly, but they declined. Instead they gave the man time off as well. He still checked in periodically, but the flat was theirs.

Glinda settled into the couch. Elphaba soon settled next to her. The dark hair girl leant on the blonde, and Glinda reflexively stroked her hair. Appreciative sounds were heard. Glinda had noticed that Elphaba was more subdued after Avaric's. Though she did not wish to have the conversation, with the Circle coming it was likely to come up.

"Rae, I think it is time we talked about it."

"I'd rather forget it and move on."

"I'm sure, but our friends will be a reminder."

"Bah."

"Come now; what's on your mind. You've been quiet as of late."

"What's on yours? You started the conversation."

"Really, must we be so? Fine. I'm worried you'll be afraid of any intimacy form now on. You were hard enough to coax out of your shell."

"Don't worry about that. I've been tired, that's all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Do you hold it against any of the girls for what happened?"

"No; they were simply drugged, like us."

"Do you hold it against yourself?"

There was a pause.

"Perhaps some, but I've replayed in my mind what happened. I did not have to take that bet, that's true, but I could not have known what followed. Even if I blame Avaric I believe he was ignorant as well."

"Then what worries you?"

"What says something does?"

"I can see it. After experiencing other girls, am I inadequate in some way?"

"No!"

"Do you feel such?"

"I...not anymore than before. If I had doubts about shortcomings, I feel they have been quelled."

"Then?"

"I should feel..jealousy; insecurity; something about what happened between us five. Instead, I feel...annoyance at the circumstance but content elsewise."

"Content? Content about what?"

"I don't know; the experience. Like, it was despicable how it came about but fun anyways?"

"Oh." Glinda blinked. "That wasn't what I was expecting to hear."

"Nor what I was expecting to feel."

"Is that what bothers you then? That you are feeling not what you are supposed to?"

"I guess it seems to be. It makes me worry. Is there something wrong with me? Am I to be my mother, unhappy with the bed I am in?"

"Rae, no." Glinda looked down at her girlfriend. The green girl did not meet hr eyes. "You are not your mother. Doing one thing that reminds you of her does not make you the same. You are one of the most loyal people I know."

There was silence between them then. Glinda knew it was a formative calm, one that proceeded another comment, question, statement from Elphaba. The blonde continued to stroke Elphaba's hair, waiting for it. Elphaba fidgeted, signalling coming words.

"So it was not wrong, to have enjoyed it?"

"No. From what I can recall, it seems to have been quite pleasurable."

"Does that mean we want to do so again?"

Glinda's hand stopped.

"What?"

"It stands to reason that if we did something, and did not regret it, and even found it pleasurable, we should want to do so again." Elphaba rambled the words out.

"It could; however, it could also mean that though we do not regret trying it we don't not wish to do so again." Glinda replied carefully. Elphaba fidgeted a bit.

"That is true." she was quiet. "The question is do we?"

"Let's put that discussion off for another time. I think solving one great component is enough."

"Very true. Besides, I think a nap is in order."

"A nap?" Glinda asked, scandalized. "They'll be here in a few hours!"

"Exactly." Elphaba yawned dramatically, and sprawled over Glinda's lap. "You may continue."

"A cat you are." Glinda reproached, but started petting her nonetheless. An enthusiastic purr came from the girl. Glinda giggled, and adjusted to be more comfortable.

X

Glinda woke as the sun hit her eyes. Blinking them open, she noticed the winter sun finishing its hiding behind the buildings. Glinda glanced over at the grandfather clock in the room.

"Oh! They'll be here in half an hour!" she cried and sprang to her feet. The green girl that had been dozing across her lap went tumbling ot the floor. She woke swearing all creation. A sleepy glare was soon directed at the blonde. "No time for glowering; we have so much to do! We barely have time to get ready let alone start the tea!"

"It is all started for you as well as fires in the dining room." came Steward into the room. "The shortcakes are in the oven as well, My Lady."

"Steward! I didn't hear you in the house."

"Privacy charms, My Lady." he answered with a smiled.

"I thought you had time off." a muffled grumble came from the floor. Glinda glanced down to see Elphaba lying face down, protesting existence.

"I decided to check in to see if you needed anything." he responded, his smile getting wider. "The wife and I wanted to take a walk; let the kids have some time to themselves."

"Have some time to yourselves, more like." Glinda smiled. Her eyes darted over to the clock. "But we're short on time. Come on, Elphie."

Elphaba grumbled but pushed herself off the floor and to her hands and knees. Glinda determined the green girl was taking far too long to get to her feet. For encouragement, Glinda gave her presented rear a swat. Elphaba squawked, and went to chastise Glinda, but the blonde was already out of the room. She looked over at Steward.

"Nothing leaves this house, right?"

"Absolutely, Your Excellency." he responded with a straight face. Elphaba sighed, following her girlfriend out. Steward allowed himself a small smile but, glancing at the clock, hurried to help his wife.

The first guests to arrive were the boys. Dressed in comfortable but worn clothes, Fiyero, Boq, Crope, and Tibbett were all smiles. Crope and Tibbett were wrapped in ribbon and bells, respectively. Glinda smiled at that. Each boy held a gift, which Glinda guessed they were group gifts. Fiyero had a bag of slung over his shoulder from Avaric.

Next came the girls. Their Amas saw them to the door. Once Miss Steward appeared, the Amas took themselves off for Lurlinemas fun, each sporting a gift from Avaric that Fiyero fished out of the bag. The Amas clucked and admonished, but did not refuse. Glinda assumed by the shape of each gift it was a bottle of wine and some money. An appropriate gift for staff; a bit scandalous for someone else's.

The Stewards brought in he traditional Lurlinemas tea (peppermint) as well as some shortcakes and cookies. Crope and Tibbett gushed over Miss Stewards shortcakes, comparing them to increasingly delightful things. As the went into the bawdy she snapped her towel at them. The looked both awed and scandalized. Miss Steward simply retreated with grace.

"Who wants to be the Lurlinemas Fairy?" asked Glinda.

"Are there hats and wings involved?" asked Crope.

"No."

"Outrageous. Last year we had hats and wings." Tibbett protested.

"Last year you stole them out of the theater storeroom." reminded Boq.

"And way to drop the ball on that this year, Boq." Crope shot back. Boq snorted.

"I vote Glinda." Tibbett said. Before the blonde could protest, he continued. "She looks most like a fairy, or something of the sort. And you have sparkling gown I'd imagine, as we can't have a mundane looking Fairy."

"I am not sure if it is the best time for this."

"I quite think it would be splendid, seeing how Boq flubbed his chance."

"Now wait just one minute-" Boq protested but he was overridden.

"Come, Miss Glinda, do play along. Your holiday spirit is great, and this you a chance to dress in the most outlandish way." Milla urged.

"Well, if you are quite insistent." the blonde demurred. The girls perked up and offered to help. It was not every day one could be so ostentatious. Glinda finally agreed, and was hurried upstairs.

"Now that's covered." Crope whispered conspiratorially to Elphaba. "The painting is that gift, but I do not know if you wish to open it in front of everyone."

"How did it turn out?"

"Marvellously. But I know your dislike for attention."

"I think I can manage this one time. Elsewise, I have no gifts for her."

"What are you two whispering about?" asked Boq.

"How you'd look in one of Miss Pfannee's dresses." responded Crope. He gave Boq an up and down glance. "Not well. You don't have the figure for it."

"A good tight lace could do it for him." Tibbett argued.

"Fine, keep your secrets." Boq responded, unfazed by now of their misdirectional banter.

"Well, I have to keep some of the mystery." Crope retorted offhandedly. Boq opened his mouth to reply, but then flushed deep pink and looked down. Crope stared at him for a moment before looking genuinely bashful. "Oops. Didn't think."

"Don't worry about it." Fiyero saved the moment. Boq still did not look up. There was silence. Fiyero steered the conversation elsewhere. "In the Vinkus we don't celebrate Lulrinemas. There is holiday on the solstice, of course, but it's actually because the rains return."

Elphaba opened her mouth to inquire but a dazzling bush exploded into the room. When her eyes adjusted she realized it was Glinda. She was wearing one of the Emerald City ball gowns with its baubles that reflected light everywhere. She also seemed to be wearing every piece of sparkling jewelry she owned. The crowning piece was a tiara. Elphaba blinked again. The three girls giggled as they entered behind her.

"Well?" Glinda sked the room. The room nodded in agreement.

"Where did you get a tiara from?" was the only thing Elphaba could think to say.

"Some silly boy in our first year tried to court me with it. Much more money than sense."

"What silly boy?" asked Elphaba. Glinda patted her on the shoulder.

"None of that now. So who should go first?" Glinda asked. She picked up the Lulinemas Fairy Wand, its streamers swaying as she weaved it into a wide circle. She glanced at the presents for a moment. With a flick of the wand, one rose and went to Glinda's hand.

"Ah, this is for Fiyero, from Avaric." she smiled and waved the wand again. The package floated over to him.

"How did you do that?" asked Elphaba as Fiyero began to open his present.

"Wrapped my wanded as the Fairy Wand this year." Glinda giggled.

"Hedging your bets?"

"Not at all. Just thought it would be fun."

"Uh-huh."

"So, Fiyero, what is it?" asked Glinda. He smiled and held up a book.

"The Guide to Gentlemanly Manners." he laughed.

Glinda gave a little laugh, and with a flick of her wrists, a bevy of gifts floated up. She glanced at each one and with another little flick sent it floating over to its recipient. Glinda plucked her own out of the air.

"I figured Avaric gave us all a gift so we each could start with those." she explained.

The Circle opened their gifts. A book on politics for Elphaba; a paid visit to a spa for Glinda; a suit for Boq ("Always clothes." he grumbled.); a small mirror for Milla; a new fencing coat for Shenshen; and tickets to the rave play in the Emerald City for Crope and Tibbett. Pfannee opened her gift and gasped.

"What is it?" asked Shenshen.

"A book on...stuff." was all she would say.

"Stuff."

"Not appropriate conversation." was her reply. The Circle got the hint.

"Now, for our gifts." Glinda went on. She began to distribute them one by one, and the Circle fawned appropriately for each. Elphaba's nerves grew as Glinda seemed to miss the one gift for her. Finally, it was the last one.

"And now for this one. It's to me, from Elphaba, but brought by Crope and Tibbett." her eyes twinkled. "Very curious.

Glinda carefully unwrapped it. The brown paper gave way to the protective suede cover. Glinda's eyebrows arched as she drew it back, and then inhaled sharply. As she had placed it, the Circle could only see the paintings back.

"What is it of?" asked Shenshen.

Glinda did not respond, but turned the painting around. There was Elphaba, half turned from her audience, her blue dress contrasting her green skin. Crope had not idealized the girl in anyway; her hawkish features were evident. Yet he had managed to catch the barest hint of her strange allure. That was more than enough.

"You like it, then?" asked Elphaba. "I admit I was worried about getting a gift that was of me. A bit vain."

"Hush you silly thing. I love it." Glinda choked out. She gave her girlfriend a hug and a kiss, then turned her head into Elphaba's shoulder. The Circle could not help but smile. After a few moments, Glinda released herself and went to Crope. She gave the boy a kiss on the cheeks and pulled him into a hug.

"Marvelous." she whispered. "Thank you."

"You're welcome my dear." he answered. Then, as was his nature, he added, "Ask her about her original idea."

"Oh?"

"Trust me on this."

After that, the party was merry. No one felt the need to overindulge and, it being early evening, no dinner was really wanted. Some of the Circle were contemplating going to a pub for quick food when Steward entered the room.

"Someone for Miss Minkos at the door."

"Oh?" Shenshen perked up. "So late already? Tell him I am coming."

"And just who might this be?" Glinda mused curiously. The blonde floated from the room with Elphaba in tow. In the atrium, a stout man in a thick overcoat and wool cap stood with his back to them, examining the door's details.

"And just who might you be?" asked Elphaba. Glinda shot her a disapproving look. The green girl missed it.

"You know," came the merry reply, "you ask me that everytime we meet."

"Master Fanel, I might have guessed." Glinda said. The young man turned around with a smile.

"Just Duran, as always. Miss Arduenna, radiant as ever. Miss Thropp, glowersome as expected."

"Perhaps if you didn't darken my door."

"I'm much too small to impede the light from your entrance." was the retort.

Elphaba snorted.

"I had wondered if I would see you today." Glinda broke in. "Will you have time to stay?"

"No. I've merely come to collect Shenshen."

"And here I am." came the girl. "Could I get my wrap and coat?"

"Of course." said Steward. He went to go retrieve them.

"I can't say I am pleased about you knowing where I live." Elphaba reentered the conversation. Glinda gave her another disapproving look. This one Elphaba ignored.

"Miss Thropp, you are quite secure here. Not only that, but you're a long walk for me. Can't say I'll be popping by."

"It's not too bad in a cab." Shenshen answered. "I hope I haven't kept you cabbie waiting too long."

Duran gave her a quizzical look. "Who said I came in a cab?"

"How else would you come?"

"On foot; the same way we're leaving."

"We most certainly are not. It's cold outside."

"It'll be good for the lungs and legs."

"Not happening Duran." Shenshen replied. Steward returned with her coat and wrap. "Steward, could you get us a cab? It will need to be a city cab as the Lower Downs is a distance."

"I do not recommend the area, Miss."

"I understand. I shall be perfectly fine."

"My Lady?" Steward looked to Glinda. She motioned for him to do it.

"Elphie, do you mind keeping them company as I get something?" Glinda asked. Elphaba nodded. Glinda turned and went up the stairs, a riot of color and noise.

"How did you get in here? I thought we have street men to keep people out." Elphaba asked him curiously. Duran smiled at her.

"You mean Stanrick? He's a member of the Crossroads Club, same as I."

"You're pretty well connected."

"It's mostly working relationships. My connections don't rise to the same circle as yours."

There was silence between the three of them until a cacophony of bells interrupted. They watched Glinda come down the stairs.

"Here you go." she said as she handed Duran a small box. He blinked.

"What's this?"

"A Lurlinemas gift. I thought you might be here today so I prepared one for you."

"I cannot accept this." Duan replied, seemingly flustered. The other three watched, intrigued, as they had never seen him like this before. "I have nothing in return."

"It's a small thing. Take it with my well wishes."

"Thank you." he said. Glinda stared at him for a few moments.

"Well, are you not going to open it?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry." he smiled bashfully. The young man carefully unwrapped the package and drew out a deep purple scarf. He eyed it appreciatively. "It's wonderful. Why purple, if I may ask?"

"You have a penchant for dark colors but a flair for the dramatic. It satisfies both." Glinda paused. "Besides, I feel it suits you."

"Thank you." he said, wrapping it around him. "I will cherish it."

"You act as if no one has ever given you a gift!"

"Not in nearly a decade."

"I'm sorry to hear that.

Duran opened his mouth to say something but Steward reentered the atrium.

"The cab has arrived."

"Well, let us be going then." Duran said.

He motioned Shenshen to go first, and then gave a bow to the girls. With a big smile and a flutter of his newly acquired scarf, he was out the door.

X

"Mother; father. It is nice to see you." Glinda greeted her parents in the atrium. Steward finished taking their coats and moved off. Glinda ushered towards the sitting room. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We are concerned, Glinda, at your recent behavior." Highmuster said. "You moved off campus without our permission."

"An opportunity presented itself; I do not think you wish me to write you for permission every time."

"You are right, but this was a big change." Highmuster rebutted.

"You are right, but it is a positive change with no drawbacks. No more room and board costs to you from Crage. The acquisition of a residence, though shared, that I can host from. I do not see the problem that is so concerning to you."

"You are less supervised here; it could seem unbecoming." The trio sat on the couches. Miss Steward came in and set out some tea.

"Thank you, Miss." Glinda said.

"Of course, My Lady." she answered.

"As you can see, Father, I am more supervised here then at Crage. Between Nanny and Misses Steward I have the female supervision when needed, and Steward is a good porter."

"You need staff not of the Eminence household." Larena commented for the first time. Glinda inwardly huffed at the quite proper line of reasoning. "You should find an Ama."

"If that is your wish I will do so. I assume you will continue to transfer the funds previously for room and board to my accounts to pay for this?"

Highmuster blustered in indignation but Larena smiled.

"Of course." she said. "A lady's life is not easy or cheap."

"Quite indeed."

The front door flew open and slammed shut. Heavy footfalls tramped passed, accompanying the grey swaddled figure. The three watched curiously, then heard the footfalls stop and reverse themselves. The figure appeared in the doorway. Carefully pulling down the swaddle around her face, the figure was revealed to be Elphaba.

"Master and Lady Arduenna, good afternoon. I hope you do not hold it against me that I cannot stay and visit. I have much to do."

"Not at all, Miss Elphaba. We wish not to hold you." Larena replied. Elphaba bowed and retreated.

"Gracefully as always." Larena chuckled.

"Busy as always." Glinda sighed.

"We have heard good things from you Uncle Garon regarding your social interactions. All felt that you were an exceptional young lady."

"I am pleased."

"Some of your Uncle's associates have inquired about your obligations."

"Obligations?"

"Your marital status." Highmuster clarified. Glinda felt ice shoot through her body.

"Any make an offer?" she asked, forcibly calm.

"None as yet." Larena answered. Glinda relaxed subtly. "Besides, with the Munchkinlander Ball you so recently attended, we thought it best to hold off on promising your hand to anyone. There may be more appropriate suitors."

"That's wise."

"Your uncle was so impressed he asked if he could come to your graduation."

The ice returned to Glinda.

"Graduation is usually a small affair." She answered. "I don't think I'd be able to get extra spaces."

"Do try my dear. There were a few other members of the family who wished to attend, as well."

"I shall ask, but I cannot promise anything."

"Thank you."

"How much longer are you in town? There are still a few Lurlinemas festivities left in Shiz, and as you can see we haven't taken down the decorations. We could celebrate together, like old times, and then have dinner. You could stay in one of the guest rooms, and head home when you wish."

"That sounds marvelous."