The last two months of their schooling went as a blur. There were always final tests, paper, and practicals, of course; but as they were graduating they had a comprehensive exam. That exam was usually a mix of test, paper, and practical demonstration of knowledge. For Elphaba, that meant both lab work and capstone defense. For Glinda, this was more of a practical test.
Elphaba had been well prepared for the end of school. Her papers were written thoroughly in a simple straightforward style. Their construction was well organized and flowed into each other. The only troubles were they were against the current train of thought in Oz. As such, Doctor Nikidik marked her down on conclusions but not on content. In fact, he often lauded her reasoning even if he stated it as incorrect. Her lab work was exemplary, however. Many of the observers brought in applauded her skill and eye towards the work. None seemed to take enough interest in her to ask if she wanted to continue working with them after school.
Glinda's papers were also were also well researched; if less so than Elphaba's. However, there was no bent against her in the class. In fact, Ms. Greyling was one of her strongest supporters. Her wand work was excellent, manipulating items with ease. He incantations were clear, casting spells that wove and unwove perfectly. Even her silent incantation was flawless. The sorcery teacher was overjoyed to tears. Glinda noticed Madame Morrible watching in the wings. She did her best to avoid the Headmistress, but was eventually cornered.
"Excellent job, Miss Glinda." Madame Morrible said in her baritone. "You seemed to have a special talent for sorcery."
"Thank you, Madame Head."
"There are great opportunities in the world for those with talents. Perhaps I could introduce you to them, if you were willing?"
"Of course, Madame Head. I would be happy to have your assistance for any opportunities that would be appropriate for me."
Morrible blinked those large fish eyes at Glinda. The girl wondered if she had picked up the meaning. However, as she had observed before, Morrible was less apt at reading social cues than she made out. The woman brought her eyebrows together to scrutinize her, but Glinda felt no real pressure from the stare.
"Very well. If you manage to stay around Shiz, and are not married off to some horrible man, we may find some opportunity for you."
"Thank you, Madame Head."
"Now run along. I have other business to attend."
Glinda was happy enough to leave the voluminous cloud of the other woman. Besides, she had important business to attend as well. Catching a cab, she made her way to the magic shop. Elphaba was standing nearby waiting for her.
"You're running late." Was the girl's comment.
"Morrible cornered me to ask if I was interested in her 'opportunities'." Glinda replied. Elphaba stiffened.
"And?"
"And I was noncommittal. I swear, I don't know why I was ever worried about that woman. She has the social ability of a Carp."
"This is true." Elphaba smiled and relaxed.
Both girls headed into the store. The smell of dusty tomes hit them. As usual, they were the only ones there. As the door finished closing, the old man in purple robes with the long beard appeared.
"Ah, back for the final time, I see. Well, let us see if you've been a great student."
"I will admit these were much tougher to master." Was Glinda's response. "Especially those influencing the perception of time or feelings. The silent incantations were particularly difficult."
"Most do not get it. I would feel good if you did." He answered with a twinkle in his eye. Glinda nodded at the comment, and silently wove an incantation that made minor aches and pain disappear. He smiled. "Very good."
Over the next hour and a half, the man tested her. Not only on the newer material, but also on the old as well. Glinda cast spells that slowed the perception of time, made bags larger on the inside, recalled details, and even waterproofed clothing. Elphaba was particularly happy about that one. After that time, Glinda was exhausted but elated. The man smiled.
"Excellent. You'll make a good sorceress. And I'm sure your friend will as well, as long as she keeps practicing."
"How did you know I was practicing as well?" asked Elphaba.
"I can see it. You tend to mutter to yourself when I asked questions; not to cast a spell, but reciting it to yourself to see if you remember it correctly. Nothing wrong with that; something right, I think."
Elphaba glared and crossed her arms. The man ignored her.
"Now, I promised you a wand, did I not? Come, come." He said.
He trundled over to the counter, and to bring out cases from behind, setting them on top. When five cases sat in front of the girls, he began to open them. Each wand was unique and different from the last. Some were dark, some lighter. One in particular caught Glinda's eye. It was white oak wand plated in silver with a band of crystal twisting up its surface. It was one of the most absolutely beautiful things she had ever seen. Even Elphaba raised her eyebrows at it. Glinda reached out a hand, but drew back slightly.
"That one, eh?" he asked. He drew it from the case. "It's a thing of beauty. White oak core with plated silver and crystal. Looks as light as a feather, but it is actually fairly robust even at seven inches. Give it a try."
Glinda reached out to take the wand. It was cool in her hands in a way her others were not. The man was right; it was heavier than she expected, but as she moved through the motions, she found the heaviness helped with the flow. It almost seemed to hum with power, wanting to be used. As Glinda watched the lamplight flicker off the crystals in the handle, she wondered at its craftsmanship.
"I really like it." She said with a bit of awe in her voice.
"And it seems to work well with you, too." He closed the case and slid it over to her. "Yours, as promised."
"You sure?" Glinda asked, glancing at the wand dubiously.
"Yes. I have had that for many years, and with the lack of good sorcerers around there is a lack of demand for wands. So take it, and I will be happy it is being used."
"Thank you."
"Is there anything else?"
"Books." Elphaba said. He turned to her. "For continuing study."
The man waved his hand at the store.
"Any books left are little bits of lore and knowledge. Not big on structure or study."
"Still."
"Hungry, are you?" he asked and laughed. "Pick out any you want, half price. I doubt anyone else will be so hungry for my services."
Elphaba was gone almost before he was done speaking. The man gave Glinda a look, which she responded to with a knowing smile. Glinda held up a finger, and the man furrowed his eyebrows. Then, she cocked it. From the other side of the store, Elphaba's voice floated over.
"Glinda, how many notes do we have on us?"
"Not very much. Shall I send Firamen a message?"
"That might be best."
Glinda looked at the man.
"Can we put books on a list and have our man come and pay for them later?" Glinda asked. The man shrugged.
"Sure. I'm worried she may buy half the store."
"She may buy all of it." Glinda answered seriously. "The second floor study is currently empty."
"Would buying all of it be an option?" Elphaba's head poked over. "There's some I identified, but you comment about bits of information seems true. I'd have to do more research in them."
"If you have the money, I'm here to sell." Was his response.
"Excellent." Elphaba answered. "Your sections on natural remedies is woefully out of date, so I won't need that. There are copies of the books we've already purchased along with those from Shiz that are the same as those we have; though there are some older editions that seem interesting."
"So you want about half my store?" he laughed.
"Yes, seems about right." She answered.
"Well, pick them out and I'll reserve them for you. Deal ends today, though."
"We'll make sure the money gets to you." Elphaba answered as she came around the corner with arms stacked with books. She plopped them on the counter and went back for more. Glinda sighed.
X
Glinda smiled as she greeted the two guests in the atrium. The dark haired man and brunette woman smiled as well. Steward politely waited for a moment before gathering their coats and retreating. Glinda crossed the distance between them.
"Mother. Father." she greeted each with a kiss on the cheek.
"Glinda. How good it is to see you again." he mother said. "Our soon to be Shiz graduate."
"Your accomplishment does the Arduenna great honor, daughter." Highmuster beamed.
"Thank you, father. I hoped I would."
"And where is Miss Elphaba?" asked Larena.
"Lurking at the top of stairs." came the response. The young woman was making her way down in her ungraceful way. She was clad in a black dress. "I apologize as I was detained longer that I thought I would be."
"We understand it is busy this time of year." Larena answered.
"Especially with graduating and soon to be taking over Eminence duties." added Highmuster. Elphaba shot him a questioning look.
"None so much yet." was her answer. "My grandfather is still in good enough health, and my sister still has yet another year at Crage Hall. I shall be staying here for at least another year."
"Oh? That's news." Larena said, looking at her daughter.
"Yes, it was only recently decided." Glinda replied. "I had not the time to inform you."
"And what shall you do here?" asked Highmuster.
"Try to find a doctor to take me under their wing to continue my studies. Otherwise, continue learning on my own while furthering my families interests." Elphaba answered, though the last part seemed distasteful to her.
"Well, it is good our daughter has such prominent friends." Larena said. "We haven't yet decided on what she is to do."
"I haven't yet decided what I am going to do." Glinda answered that forcefully.
"Yes dear, a slip of the tongue on your mother's part." Highmuster quickly smoothed over. Neither was smoothed.
"Graduation is not until next week." Glinda stated. "What are your plans in the meantime?"
"With your invitation to stay here, we had hoped to explore the city somewhat." answered Highmuster. "We know Miss Elphaba and you will be very busy with preparing for it and the traditional end of year ball, so we figured to stay out of the way."
"Thank you, Mother."
"One thing dear." she continued. "Your Uncle Garon asked again about being able to attend the graduation. Were you able to obtain a spot for him?"
Glinda froze.
"Why is he so insistent on coming?" she asked.
"He says that he has taken an interest in you as you have great potential for the family." her mother paused. "Something he doesn't share for the rest."
"Well, that's a positive at least."
"Yes, and we shan't want to offend him." her mother continued seriously. "Of all the family, he is the wealthiest and most influential. If you are to go far, you will need someone like him."
Glinda suppressed as shudder, and said instead,
"Yes, mother, I have managed to obtain a place for him."
"That's good to hear." she said.
"Now, you girls are probably busy." Highmuster added. "If you could show us to our rooms we will stop bothering you."
"Yes. This way."
X
"They are so aggravating." Glinda huffed as she combed out her hair in front of the mirror. Elphaba looked up from the book she was reading in the corner chair.
"Yes, I can see that. Parents tend to be." was her response.
"Did you see the look my mother gave us when we walked into the same room?" Glinda asked rhetorically.
"No, as I was in the room." Elphaba answered anyway.
"I refuse to be looked down upon in my own house. If I want to go to bed with my girlfriend, I'll bed with her!"
"Technically, not your house." was Elphaba's reply. Glinda stopped combing her hair and shot her a withering look. Elphaba hastily added. "Not mine either. It's the House of the Eminent Thropp."
"You're not helping, Rae."
"It is my understanding that all parents are this way with children, and all children find their parents equally aggravating."
"Thank you." Glinda said. "That doesn't make it better."
"I know. But we only have to put up with it for a little while longer. After graduation they will go home to Frottica and we will not have to see them again."
"And that 'slip of the tongue'." Glinda continued. "It was no slip of the tongue. I bet they think they have life all line up for me as I am incapable of doing it myself."
"Yes, that was concerning. Fortunately, you are of the age of decision, so they cannot force you to do anything. They can only cut any services."
"Which were meager, thank you very much."
"Yes, my sweet, I know."
Glinda huffed again and finished combing her hair. Satisfied, she climbed into her bed.
"You're not going to stay up all night reading, are you?"
"That comment is indicative of me coming to bed soon."
"Good."
After finding a suitable spot to stop, Elphaba marked the page and slid into bed next to her blonde girlfriend. The girl cuddled up to her, still grumbling. Elphaba sighed and just enjoyed the warm feeling of her body as both drifted off to sleep.
X
The graduation week was a rush of letters, meetings, and deadlines. The girls had to invite everyone they needed (which had been done months before), but also confirm if they were to attend. They also had to meet with professors, counselors, and the headmistress to make sure all the paperwork for their graduation was completed. From there, they needed to have gowns purchased or made, practice graduation to attend, and reserve spaces for the year end ball. It was a whirlwind of work and non-stop action.
To aggravate Glinda more, her parents were not as out of the way as they had said they would be. They often had little requests for her, or wanted to meet for lunch or dinner. Being gracious, she had to meet them. To her continuing annoyance, if they meetings were outside the house, they often had some suitor or other there. Glinda had to play the part of interested girl when she had dismissed most suitors, or never even considered them, months ago. There were others from further north, but Glinda would not entertain a northern aristocrat unless she had no other options.
The day of graduation the girls were up with the dawn. Steward made sure they had everything they needed and his wife had food ready. Both stood as the girls readied to go to the cab. Misses Steward dabbed her eyes. Glinda smiled and hugged her. Elphaba did as well, and both shook Steward's hand.
"Your Grandfather will be so proud." he said.
"We are proud of you as well, girls." said Misses Steward.
"Thank you." Elphaba said.
"Now go!" said Misses Steward as she popped her handkerchief at them. "If you stay, we'll all run late. He has to pick up your Grandfather from the station here as well."
The girls hustled out to a waiting cab. They waved goodbye to Steward as he boarded another. The pair of split off, one heading to Crage Hall and the other to the rail station.
At Crage, they met the rest of their graduating class. They had less than a minute to chat with Milla, Pfanne, and Shenshen before being ordered to their places. This was the first part of the ceremony. Crage, being the only girls-permitted college, was always given the first billing of the day. It was early, nine in the morning, but that was how it was done. As such, they had to be at Crage at nearly five to be ordered and bustled over to the graduation hall. When they arrived it was nearly eight, and it took the rest of the hour to get lined up.
When the class walked out, the applause deafening. There was only a hundred or so students from Crage, but each had brought families to the hall. As the only appropriate action of the crowd was applause, they took that time to show their pride in the graduates. It continued for the entire time it took for them to take their seats. When Madame Morrible took to the stage and raised her hands, the crowd quieted and sat.
Glinda delicately craned her head to look for Elphaba. The Thropp was near the back as the Arduenna was to the front. The green girl smiled at her. Turning back around, she inconspicuously looked for her family in the crowd. There; her mother, father, and uncle; Peerless Thropp, Nessa, and Nanny were next to them. What surprised Glinda was Fiyero, Avaric, Boq, and even Crope and Tibbett were there. They all were beaming.
Glinda turned back around as Madame Morrible began to speak. As the woman droned on, Glinda put on an air of dignified consideration. In reality, she was happy that this would be the last time she would be subjected to the woman's poor oratory. Did she really need to belabor that point? Of course not, but Morrible loved to push any point past its relevance. She seemed to think it made her a great thinker. Glinda found her to be a bore.
Finally, the important part. Morrible asked the class to stand. As the rows did, she began to call out the names of the graduates. Glinda was nearly the first one. The applause was polite and appropriate, except for maybe from one section. She managed to shoot them an amused smiled as she went to her seat. Elphaba was further down, but after another twenty minutes her name was called. The applause was more muted as the crowd saw her, but a couple of whistles made up for it. The green girl sent a good natured scowl at the ruffians.
After another speech by Morrible that really went on at an unnecessary length, they were released into the atrium of the hall. Here the families of the graduates could meet, but only for about an hour. After that, the next graduation would come in. The Charmed Circle and their families met there, all smiles and well wishes.
"And just what are you boys doing here?" admonished Elphaba. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for your own graduation?"
"Briscoe isn't until five." Fiyero responded. "Though we do have to be over there at about one."
"Which isn't that far away if you need lunch."
"True. But we wanted to say congratulations!" Boq added. "So congratulations, Elphaba."
"To you soon as well, Boq." she replied warmly.
"I have to go soon as well." Avaric said. "But I wish to extend an invitation to all of you for a post-graduation celebration at my house tonight. Family included, of course." he smiled magnanimously. They all nodded.
"Of course, Avaric." Glinda smiled.
"Good! Now, I have to be off. These boys need my help to graduate properly." he answered. The Circle rolled their eyes.
"And we're with him." Crope said.
"But not with him." Tibbett added.
"Get going, you rapscallions!" Elphaba said jovially.
With their friends departed, the families took precedent. Milla's family (all redheads) congratulated their daughter, and apologized for missing the girls earlier in the year. Both Shenshen and Pfannee's parents had not attended, sending their regards in letters. Otherwise, the Thropp family and Arduenna rounded out the bunch. There was one person Glinda had hoped to avoid, but knew she could not.
"Congratulations, Glinda." Garon said.
"Thank you, Uncle." she replied evenly.
"It is nice to see you all grown up into a proper woman."
"Thank you. Your praise is much appreciated."
"I look forward to speaking with you a bit more later."
"I...as well, Uncle."
With that, Garon turned to speak to Shenshen and Pfannee. Glinda let out a breath she did not know she was holding.
X
The graduation ceremony for the boys was larger, and was reserved for families only. As such, the girls had not even tried to get tickets to attend. Instead, they waited for a messenger from Avaric to let them know when the party would start. This left quite a bit of time for them in between time. As most of the family was hosted or related to the girls, Peerless graciously offered to let the families stay at the flat until it was time. They all accepted. However, that meant that the group had to make conversation as they waited. Elphaba would have rather listened to Morrible speak.
"How has the search for matches gone for you ladies?" asked Peerless. Glinda inwardly groaned. That was usually a safe topic, but Peerless could not have known.
"I have not had any suitable offers." Pfannee said. "I assume that after I return to Munchkinland that will change."
"If you need any assistance, I will be happy to lend a good reference." Peerless said, trying to cover the faux pas.
"Thank you, Your Eminence."
"As for you dear?" Peerless asked Shenshen. Elphaba rolled her eyes. Two for two.
"Nothing as of yet." Shenshen stated. "However, my parents have not wanted someone so far south for me. I expect there to be more near my hometown."
"I wish you luck." Peerless pushed on. "And you, Miss?"
"I expect I shall be spending more time near you, Your Eminence." Milla said. "Boq Bfeeson has been courting me, and with his estates makes a good match."
Milla (and most of the room) missed Milla's parent's share a glance behind her back. Glinda did not, and determined to warn the girl later of possible issues.
"That's good to hear. They are a good family, and I'm sure you will be happy in Munchkinland." he said with a smile. "I may be biased, though."
There was gentle laughter around the room.
Steward came into the room and waited to be acknowledged.
"Yes, Steward?" asked Peerless.
"The Tenmeadows estate has sent word it is ready to receive guests."
"Thank you. I think we shall get going, then."
X