"Avaric couldn't join us?" asked Glinda. The Circle had come together for their back to school dinner. The ladies felt they should us their new surroundings to the greatest extent.

"No." Fiyero answered. "He escorted Crope and Tibbett back to the Emerald City."

"I see." Glinda sighed. "Well, it was nice of you two gentlemen to join us. I hope the female company does not overwhelm."

"We'll try to stand it."

The conversation at dinner was easy. Boq was engrossed with Milla, requiring his friend to pry his attention away. Glinda smiled at him.

"Boq, have Milla's parents warmed to you?" she asked. Boq returned the smile.

"Yes, they seemed to accept our engagement, which is nice as it is one less thing to worry about."

"How goes classes?"

"Strange. They're not difficult but different. With most agricultural classes, you can almost feel the care behind the knowledge that is being passed down. But management is cold; it is as it has no soul."

"How goes training to oppress those weaker than yourself?" asked Elphaba of Fiyero. He grinned.

"Very well. It's more logistics than anything. Something we never thought about in the Vinkus. Each warrior brings their own arms, food, and so on. While the Ozian way definitely has benefits, war is slow. Vinkun war is quick to happen, and quickly over. Not something for years." he answered thoughtfully, then asked. "How goes classes, Elphaba?"

The green girl shrugged.

"I've finished most of the text work already. I'm trying to find more senior students who are willing to give me papers. Hopefully with the new semester I can fill in some of the holes in my knowledge."'

"How about Sorcery?"

"Still practicing. Making progress on the second year work."

"Miss Glinda's tutelage helps, I'm sure."

"She is a slave driver." Elphaba responded drily. Fiyero smiled.

"So you're relatively bored."

"No; I've taken to studying some of Nessa's political treatise when helping her. There are interesting, to say the least."

"Most would find them boring."

"Did you?"

"No. It was interesting to see the ideas of the Ozians on the different governments. The opinions on the Vinkus were amusing."

"I can imagine."

"Have you looked into finding a professor to study under for later?"

"I've looked at them, but not made much contact. I was going to start soon, actually."

"The sooner the better. They may have requests already."

"Yes, I know."

"So, Glinda," Shenshen asked, "what do you plan to do at the end of the year?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, where are you planning to live? What do you plan on doing? I haven't heard of any suitors, and men don't appear to your liking."

"It's not men are not to my liking, just that I haven't found any that are to my liking." Glinda answered. "As for suitors: my parents are holding off at the moment as they want to see how far I'll rise. I dare say they'll leave it until they see an appropriate match."

"That's smart of them."

"How about you? Any matches?"

"Non, Unfortunately. However, there is still time."

"That's true for us all."

"Speaking of which, Glinda," Pfannee entered the conversation, "I hear you've been making the social rounds. Just the other day, Miss Lawlens said her brother spoke of you. Apparently a colleague of his met you at some function?"

"Yes, some dreadfully boring dinner party. I was only invited because of my uncle." Glinda answered.

"Still, being out and about by yourself."

"I had Miss Steward with me."

"Chaperoned, as appropriate. You know what I meant."

"That I did. However, you know as well as I that to leave the implication of being unchaperoned is unacceptable."

"Perhaps in politest of company; however I think we are past that."

"I know, and I am sorry." Glinda smiled at the girl. "Too many parties."

"Yes, I understand. But it is good to hear that your prospects have widened." Pfannee frowned. "I wish my own would do so."

"Still not enough boys?"

"Not enough of the right kind. Nice, but still young and needing to make something of themselves."

"They can have a lot potential."

"True; or they could flop."

"Also true."

Pfannee sighed.

"Well, to perk myself up some, I shall tell you some gossip."

"What kind of gossip?"

"The best kind. The salacious kind." Pfannee smiled. Glinda did a bit as well.

"Oh?"

"And the best part is it deals with someone we know."

"Now I am definitely intrigued."

"You remember Avaric's recent arm bauble? Miss Laquan?"

"Yes."

"Rumor is she's getting around a bit."

"I would have thought better of her damaging her prospects like that, and the risk of pregnancy."

"Oh, not with men." Pfannee emphasized with delight. "Apparently, she has a bit of an appetite."

"Nothing too unorthodox, Pfannee." Glinda returned. The blonde was unruffled, and smiled wider.

"Perhaps if they were a unattached, but men can be jealous of their wives." Pfannee's smile was of a pleased cat.

"Well, a bit more...unorthodox, but still not unheard of."

"Yes, but men can have such fragile egos. Apparently, they're sighing and looking so furlong." Pfannee giggled. "The poor dears cannot even make the effort to pretend to be enjoying themselves in the marital bed."

"Oh dear." Glinda giggled herself. "I could see that would be vexing. But how do they know it's her?"

"Outside the time she spends with them? One of the gentlemen came home, thinking to find his young wife with another man. Lo and behold…"

"Oh dear." Glinda repeated. "I would have thought a woman of her proclivities would have taken the easy way out of that situation."

"And damage her prospects and risk pregnancy?" Pfannee repeated, shaking her head. "Miss Laquan loves women but is very selective of her men."

"I'm sure this hasn't helped them."

"But hasn't irrevocably damaged them. Those men without wives think being cucked by a woman hilarious. Some think they could do better if they caught her with their wives."

"I see." Glinda answered, clearly stating her opinion on that.

"But the most scandalous part of this?" Pfannee motioned Glinda in.

"Yes?"

"Some who talk to her say she has been pining after a certain black and blonde haired pair."

"I don't know any couple like that."

"Think about it Miss Glinda."

Glinda opened her mouth but shut it when it hit her. She glanced over to Elphaba, still talking to Fiyero.

"You think she knows?"

"I don't think she cares either way. But, Miss Elphaba is relatively safe. She does not socialize much, and when she does she tends to be surrounded by a large amount of friends. You, on the other hand…"

"Go out much more, and with the Circle less." Glinda finished bluntly. Pfannee nodded.

"I don't worry about it as you are well versed in getting out of situations that you know could be an issue."

"But without that I wouldn't know there could be an issue until it is too late." Glinda agreed. "Thank you, Pfannee."

"You're welcome."

"Has she been known to force the issue?"

"Oh no!" Pfannee shook her head vehemently. "At least, not outside what would be normal for seduction. She can just be very convincing."

"I shan't be convinced."

"If that's your choice, that's your choice. I just knew that you should be forewarned."

"Thank you again."

X

The gathering broke up after a little while. The was no need to be raucous tonight, and no Avaric to incite it. As Elphaba and Glinda climbed the stairs after seeing everyone off, Glinda pondered telling her of Pfannee's warning. After a few moments she decided against it. Pfannee was right; Elphaba was rarely at social functions and never alone. Besides, it would only worry her for Glinda, and cause more friction. Better to keep it to herself.

Later that night, Elphaba and Glinda were going through their nightly routine. Glinda was brushing her hair by the vanity while Elphaba read in the lamplight. A bustle of papers told Glinda that Elphaba had finished.

"Can I ask you a question?" Elphaba's voice came. The casualness almost hiding the meeker undertones reminded Glinda of their first interactions two years ago.

"Of course, Rae."

"I heard you say earlier tonight that you had not found any men to your liking; are you looking for one?"

Glinda turned to look at her girlfriend.

"Of course not. I'm with you."

"But it is something that will happen, isn't it?" Elphaba responded, looking down. Glinda sighed.

"It's quite...I don't know; quite likely. You know as well as I unmarried women after a certain age are social pariahs. The same goes for you."

"Society is why we can't stay together?" Anger crept into her voice.

"Rae," Glinda said calmly, holding tight rein on her emotions, "you're the one who spoke about politics. Perhaps if I was one of the richest women in Gillikin I need not worry of a husband, but I'm not. A husband brings political as well as social capital."

"You could be an Eminence's wife."

Glinda exhaled loudly.

"You know as well as I that cannot be. Much as your Grandfather likes me, he will look to you to marry someone who brings the Thropps more. Even if not, Munchkinland is not accepting of couples like us."

"We could just run away somewhere."

"And do what? We'll have nothing. Farm, weave our own clothes and do laundry?"

"I've done it before; it's not so bad."

"It's not something I wish to do." Glinda answered sternly. Elphaba looked up from the floor.

"Even if I asked you."

"You would not." Glinda answered with certainty. Elphaba shook her head.

"You're right, but I can't imagine giving you up."

"So don't. Save tomorrow for tomorrow. Let's just enjoy what we have now."

"I guess that could work."

"Good." Glinda knelt and clasped Elphaba's hands. "Was there anything else?"

"I guess I'm wondering if you're attracted to men." Elphaba paused. "That's really what started this whole process."

"Well, that's a good question." Glinda put a finger to her mouth. "I have to say I think so; when I look at some of them I do find them attractive."

"But not women?"

"Women as well. It's different, but yet I cannot define it as anything else." Glinda paused, and looked up to see her girlfriend's brow wrinkled in thought. "Does that trouble you?"

"No. I guess I can say I am much the same. I just always thought it was something base."

"Base?"

"Base feeling. It feels almost like betrayal."

"It's not betrayal to find someone else attractive. It is only betrayal if you act on it."

"Like at Avaric's?"

"No, not really. We've both agreed it was not something we could consciously control, and therefore not."

"So as long as we agree to...engage with others, it is not?"

"Now that's an interesting question." Glinda started, then put her finger to her lips again. "My head says yes, but my heart worries me so."

"Logically, I agree. Old norms and customs set up by a patriarchy do not necessarily hold true."

Glinda laughed and Elphaba gave her a quizzical look.

"So like you." Glinda giggled again. "I look to something small like my head while you look to society's shape."

Elphaba smiled.

"Would you have me any other way?"

"Of course not." Glinda paused again. "I know Pfannee and Shenshen have such a relationship. She has spoken about being open to all that every person is willing to give, and not being jealous."

"I don't think I could do that."

"Nor I. It takes a great deal of courage to be that vulnerable to all."

"Yes. But perhaps this is something for a later time."

As they lay down, Glinda pondered again telling Elphaba of Pfannee's warning, but quickly dismissed it in light of their conversation. It would exacerbate the worry they just seemed to douse.

As Glinda drifted off, she was content in her decision.

X

"I see you've been practicing." was the gruff assessment from the old man. His long bears spilled over his purple robe, and grey hair hung limply from under his hat.

"I have. Sorcery is such a useful, but demanding, skill." Glidna replied.

"That it is. Well, let us get your books." he turned away. "I was actually starting to believe you wouldn't be coming in."

Glinda followed him down the aisle.

"I apologize for being later than usual; this winter U had quite a few unexpected events to attend."

"That must be annoying. I'm happy I don't have to worry about such things."

Glinda let that comment lie, but heard Elphaba chortle behind her. After a few more minutes, the pair were underway with the new sorcery material to study. Elphaba pulled up her scarf over her face, the collar of her jacket over that, and the hood over her own. Glinda was used to her swaddling by now. The blonde turned to look at the clocktower.

"Oh, we have to hurry a bit. I've got that appointment today."

"Showing you mean." Elphaba grumbled. "Meat for inspection."

"I understand you are upset, but I'd rather not have you refer to me as meat."

"I'm sorry, but that's how it looks. These men come by for you to entertain them and see if they like the product." Elphaba countered darkly.

"As an unattached young woman a semester from graduating, it is appropriate for me to entertain suitors. The better quality, the higher my own reputation." Glinda replied sternly.

"Why do so if not to see if one catches your fancy?"

"We've been over this; you wanted me to increase my social standing. Have you changed your mind?"

"No."

"Then this is another one of those things that must be tolerated."

"And if a suitor comes that you cannot pass up? That would raise you to the highest levels?"

"Unlikely. This crop is graduating, and recently graduated, boys. None have the political acumen at the moment to have that amount of power."

"But later?"

Glinda exhaled in exasperation.

"Yes, assuming som landed, thrice generation Emerald City aristocrat comes along to ask for my hand, we will discuss it then."

"Discuss it then?"

"You're being truculent. Come now, step quickly or I shall leave you behind."

Elphaba grumbled but matched her steps.

"Besides," Glinda continued, "it shall give you time to talk to possible professors to take you on after school."

"I've gotten no further responses, or been told to ask later."

"Precisely. Now you must bother them in person until they give you a firm answer."

"Won't that more likely make them say no?"

"If they're non-committal now, either they will forget about you and take the first person who asks when they think about it, or they are just hoping to not have to deny you outright until later. Neither of which will be affected by persistent pestering."

"If you say so."

"I say so. Now, off you go. I have a cab to catch."

Glinda hurriedly waved at a cabbie, who nodded at her. She climbed into the cab and gave Elphaba a little wave. Elphaba waved back as it took off. Her feet turned towards the college.

Crage Hall was easy to access, but gain, she had known most hte professors there already. Only one was non-committal, and that was because he was uncertain if he was to be there the following year. Elphaba left in the same mood as before.

There were several professors-in-residence in Shiz proper. None had returned any of her correspondence. However, she decided to follow Glinda's advice and take time to meet them. Unfortunately, only one was home. Elphaba showed him samples of her work but he was also non-committal. He told her that his project was almost complete, and was uncertain if he needed further help on it. Elphaba left, none more pleased.

Her dark mood had led her to schedule some time with other "friends". Carrying her special satchel, she made her way to a pub near the Little Vinkus. Her contact was not a man she knew, but vouched for by several others. She waited at the designated table, hood and scarves up. Considering the cold, she did not stand out. After a little while, a man came in and took a seat across from her. As he took his scarf and cap off, Elphaba noticed he was a typical working class Gillikin. Strong features, short sandy brown hair over brown hairs, and rough skin.

"Has Saint Aelphaba come out from the waterfall yet?" He asked.

"Here I am." Elphaba replied grumpily.

"I'm sorry, but I was told to check one more feature. If you could take your hood down."

"That's unwise."

"I quite agree, but as no one could fake this feature, it makes it certain for me."

"And yet more unsafe for myself, since no one could fake my features." Elphaba rebutted.

"I understand that, but if I don't see the features I have to go."

"Fine." Elphaba bit out. She pulled down her scarf to reveal her face. "Satisfied?"

"Yes." he paused. "My name is Anis, if it makes it better."

"A lot of good a name does me. It could be fake."

True. I think you may want to get down to business."

"Yes." Elphaba discretely glanced around, and then pulled banded letters out. "Correspondence from Munchkinland."

"Good to see." he answered quickly and tucked them away into a hidden pocket. He withdrew another group. "Please pass these along ot go back."

"I will." Elphaba tucked them into the satchel and rose to go. He stopped her with a raised hand.

"Don't you think it unsafe to carry that in your bag?"

"Carry what?" Elphaba sked, and operended her to show it is was empty. The man blinked.

"That's a handy trick."

"That it is. Now, our business is over."

With that, she strode out the door. Waiting a few more minutes, then the man himself left. He had another meeting to get to. Walking the short distance in between, he found the man leaning up against a wall. The big man looked down at the other.

"They were right." the Gillikin said. "Green and with the temper like a rattlesnake."

"Just be happy you didn't get bit. You get everything we need?"

"Yes."

X

"I don't understand the purpose of doing something that has no end result." grumbled Elphaba.

She took a sip of her tea to stem her words. Her companion, long used to her, waited to see if more were forthcoming. They both glanced over to watch the people in the cafe, and those moving outside of it. That was the reason they had chosen the seat near the window. After a few moments. After a few moments, they ventured into the conversation.

"Why do you think there's no purpose? Because she isn't going to choose any of the suitors?"

"Yes. I thought that was obvious."

"Perhaps it would be if that was Glinda's intention. I somehow doubt it is."

"You've spoken to her of this."

No, I just hang around Avaric enough to know the only girls entertaining suitors right now are desperate or just going through the motions."

"You've become a detestably able aristocrat." Elphaba paused. "I much preferred you as a country bumpkin."

Fiyero smiled.

"Of that I am quite sure. No fear, there is still wildlands barbarian enough in here."

"That's good to hear." Elphaba sipped her tea again. "So what is her end goal?"

"I'm quite sure you already know, just as I'm sure Glinda has told you. But to answer the questions, it is all part of the dance to raising one's social class. Glinda can do that dance better than anyone I have ever met."

"I just don't; think she needs to do it." Elphaba retorted. Fiyero raised his eyebrows.

"Raise her social class?"

"Entertain suitors."

"I had quite forgotten you were an expert on societal functions. Pardon me."

"I do not need any sarcasm. I quite fill the void enough."

"Much as you would like it, Elphaba, you do not have a monopoly on sarcasm."

Elphaba snorted. Fiyero continued.

"Honestly, I think your mind knows she should be doing this, but your heart is rebelling."

"How can an organ that pumps blood do anything else for me?"

"Now you're being obstinate, which is very like you when you don't want to face something."

"Good to know that I'm so clear to you. Perhaps you can tell my future as well?"

Both froze for a moment; a shiver up the spine sending vague clouds of something across the brain. They each instinctively reached for it, but like a dream it was gone. Even the thought of it was gone.

"Elphaba, I'm not really into meeting you for lunch and then being badgered." Fiyero answered.

"I understand, and do apologize." Elphaba sighed. "It's just vexing to me."

"I can understand that." he paused and drank from his own cup. "I know a thing or two about annoying social obligations."

"Right." Elphaba trailed off.

"Anyway, I recommend making peace with it. Nothing you do will change it, and if it continues to bother you like this it will put strain on your relationship."

"It already has." Elphaba admitted. The admission surprised her, and definitely Fiyero. The Vinkun boy recovered quickly. "I'm not particularly pleased I've let it so."

"I'm sure Glinda understands."

"She does, and that makes me like this situation even less."

"You don't have to like it, only accept it."

"Why are you so...civilized?"

"Polite is the word you're looking for."

"Even worse."

"Good breeding."

"Bah!" she answered and threw up her hands. The pair chuckled after a moment. Elphaba looked down. "So what should I do here?"

"Well, if you have been a bit of a cad, as I suspect you have," Elphaba glared at him for that, "You should start with some flowers and a nice dinner."

"And you think that will work?"

"Works for Avaric, and you're not nearly that bad."

"Now that...that was uncalled for."

Fiyero just laughed and finished his drink.

X

"Now what's all this?" asked Glinda as she walked into the sitting room. There were flowers in a number of the vases around the room. At this time of year they must have been difficult to find.

"I was instructed that to start an apology one should lead with flowers." Elphaba said, coming around the corner. She held a bouquet of wildflowers in her hand. "However, it was not specified how many, so I felt like being certain of the number."

"Well," Glinda said, and took the bouquet Elphaba handed to her. She breathed deep. "They do seem sufficient. And just who may be your instructor in this matter."

"A certain nosy Vinkun."

"Fiyero? Not Boq?" asked Glinda in genuine surprise.

"Boq has been preoccupied with his studies and Milla."

"That is true. You have been meeting with Fiyero more."

"As I said, mostly from lack of options."

Glinda gave a small laugh as she did not wholly believe it.

"You said lead. What was to follow?"

"Dinner." Elphaba answered. The green girl led Glinda back to the atrium, where the Stewards held their jackets. They were bundled up, and Mr. Steward opened the door to a waiting cab. Glinda smiled.

"Why, what well planned Miss Thropp."

"I do try to be so, Miss Arduenna."

The ride to Gerand's was brisk in the late winter air. Glinda made conversation over the noise of hooves.

"How is Fiyero? I haven't seen him since the dinner a couple of weeks ago."

"Same old boy." Elphaba answered. She paused, reconsidering. "No ,that would be too unkind. He has grown considerably this year. Much as I hate to admit, the military studies has put him in the element he seemed to lack."

"How so?"

"Well, when he came to us he was a simple rural boy." Elphaba smiled. "However, under Avaric's tutelage he has taken to being a fine facsimile of a fop."

"That's a bit alliteration too far."

"Sorry, I could not resist. But as I said, he has learned the ways of noble Gillikin well, but it seemed to sit...not ill, but not as well on him. Being with other men of the martial persuasion has seen him grow into more confidence. And some fitness as well." Elphaba chuckled.

"You think that may be the route he takes?"

"Oh no." Elphaba shook her head strongly. "Fiyero is still more a lover than a fighter. He can be fierce but it's usually in defense, not offense."

"Strange." Glinda mused.

"What's strange?"

"Usually I am the one with insights into our friends."

"As you say, I have been spending much time around him." Elphaba shrugged.

"What do you think we should get him for his birthday?"

"That's an odd question."

"How so?"

"Shouldn't we consider that when his birthday is near?"

Glinda smiled in amusement.

"And just when do you think his birthday is?"

"Um...I guess I don't rightly know."

Glinda laughed lightly then.

"A couple of weeks, or perhaps a more general term: near."

"I quite deserved that."

The cab stopped in front of the restaurant. Elphaba lept out before the cabbie could assist them, and helped Glinda down. As per usual, Glinda tipped them. Elphaba never felt comfortable with the action, and so she took care of it.

"How about we put Fiyero off until another time?" Elphaba asked. "I did not plan for him to be the focus of our evening."

"I am quite agreeable to the proposition."