Author's Note: Thank you to heatqueen for reviewing. It is one of the best moments and seeing how the different actresses approach a quintessential Glinda moment. The one in the story is based off Alli Mauzey's and Donna Vivino's Popular where Glinda comes off as a bit of a drunken sorority girl. As for Brrr, well, he was originally going to be a generic Snow Leapord but I thought a cameo would make the dynamic more interesting.

Thank you for MyLittleElphie for reviewing. Here's a ncie long chapter for you, just slightly longer than the previous.

I'm also surprised my trusty viewers havent made guesses to the identity of the Adept. Unless they have, and are not wanting to spoil it.

As always, read, enjoy review. 2/16/14

"News? What news?" Elphaba asked.

"Apparently nefarious forces broke into Glinda the Good's villa and absconded with her and the Vinkun princess." Robiere said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Nefarious forces. I guess that's an apt name for the Gale Force."

"Robiere, how are they planning on getting people to believe that?" Glinda asked. "They were in full uniform when they broke in. My staff saw them."

"And the Home Guard was out to back them up." Elphaba added.

"Well, your staff now says there were no uniforms on the men." Robiere answered.

"Threatened." Elphaba growled.

"That's our thought. As for the Home Guard, they were just out in force because of the recent crime wave."

"Unbelievable. And people believe that garbage?" Elphaba continued frustrated.

"No, and they're getting angrier. The truth is being whispered about as a rumor. The forced conscriptions are making it worse too."

"What? For who?"

"The Home Guard. Young men, some barely old enough to shave, are being inducted into the Junior Guard. Most likely for cannon fodder. But they had to do something. They've been losing men constantly from knives in the dark and desertion. The Gale Force has taken the brunt of it but the Home Guard aren't immune. They just got a new commander, too. Something happened to the old one." Wynne answered and Glinda saw her fiddle with the ring on her right hand. It was a strange thing for a swordswoman to have; a wide, dark grey band with a red stone on the top. Glinda thought she had seen it somewhere before.

"The Administration was in a tight spot between you disappearing and the conscriptions. That's probably why they elevated your friend the Scarecrow to Deputy Throne Minister." Robiere continued. Both women inhaled sharply.

"They did what?" Elphaba hissed.

"Made him Deputy Thorne Minister. But that could easily backfire on them. They didn't give him any sort of power, and when the people get over being happy he's there, they're going to want change that he can't deliver. So they'll get angry again."

"Why do you think he's doing it?" Glinda asked quietly.

"Who knows with a Scarecrow? Maybe he thinks he can actually help." Robiere shook his head. "Anyway, it's getting late and you're probably exhausted. There's a room back there with a bed and a bath. You can freshen up before you go to sleep." Robiere crinkled his nose. "There's only one bed, though. Sorry. Tomorrow we will plan on how to get you to Wittica."

"Where are you two staying?" Glinda asked.

"There's a little summer house not far from here that I rent for relaxation." Robiere answered. "Unfortunately it's too close to traffic for you to get there safely. Wynnessa will stay here tonight. There a futon in the little common area right outside your room."

"Yippee." Wynne deadpanned. Robiere got up, bid the women good night, and left. Afterwards, Wynne locked and barred the door, and did the same with the windows in the front of the house.

"That's a bit unnerving." Elphaba said.

"I'm here to protect you." Wynne replied. "This is the best way. A couple of things we forgot to mention; this house is not complete, hence are use, so there's only running water for the toilet. Side note: whoever came up with magical sanitary systems is an Ozsend. Anyway, there is a water basin and tub in the bathroom and a little well outside we can draw water from if need be. However, I assume as you're both sorceresses you can handle the water situation? Good. I hate lugging water. They used to make us do it to build strength. Finally, your door locks but the interior walls aren't that thick. The futon I'll be on is right outside the door. I'm going to bed, but wake me if you need anything."

The women moved towards the back of the house and she gestured to a room, then plopped down onto the futon. She took of her boots and laid her weapons next to her, and then fell asleep. Glinda watched all of this and shook her head, then followed Elphaba into the room. Elphaba plopped their packs down, and then turned to her.

"You or me first?" Glinda asked.

"You." Elphaba replied, smiling slightly.

"Thank you." Glinda sighed and walked into the bathroom. She stopped dead in her tracks. The tub was large; very large. So large it could fit three or more people. It was also designed with sloped sides so one could lean against them comfortably. Glinda figured that this house must be a summer cottage like the one Robiere was renting.

"I don't hear splashing. What's the hold…oh. Wow." Elphaba said. "You could fit half of Shiz in that tub."

Glinda giggled and shyly asked, "Elphie, do you want to take a bath with me?"

"What?" she replied, shocked.

"It's just…I don't want to be alone right now."

"How about this, my sweet: I'll sit by the tub and keep you company. Will that work?"

"Yes."

"Let me go lock the doors then while you run the bath."

"Ok."

Glinda took out her wand, murmured a chant, and tapped the tub. It began to steadily fill with water. She peeled off the layers of travel clothing, starting with her boots (which she crinkled her nose at). As she got to her (pink lacy) undergarments she muttered another chant and the clothes primped, freshened, and folded themselves. She picked them up and went to put them on the bed. She didn't see Elphaba and they bumped into each other. Glinda flushed pink and Elphaba violet.

"Sorry, Elphie, just getting these out of the way. Don't want them to get wet." Glinda shyly said.

"Here, let me take those." Elphaba quietly replied, taking them from her hands. As she did the two women brushed fingers and felt a jolt of electricity. Both women started a bit. Elphaba tried to hide it by turning and placing the clothes at the foot of the bed. She took a deep breath to center herself, and then turned to be knocked far away from center. Glinda had her back turned to her and unclasped her bra. She pulled it away and let it fall to the floor. With a little shimmy her underwear soon followed. Then, with movement Elphaba could only describe in poetic terms, she gracefully slid into the bubble bath. She sighed as she leaned back and closed her eyes.

"Well, are you going to sit or stare all day?" Glinda voice broke into Elphaba's admiration. She quickly looked away to cover the beginnings of a blush, and found a small stool to perch upon.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Elphaba asked as her friend enjoyed her bath, stretching this way and that.

"Nothing in particular, though this bath is amazing. I really just…don't want to be alone right now. I don't know why and I know I'm being ridiculous."

"It's not ridiculous my sweet. It's probably because we got news of Fiyero."

"I didn't forget about him, honest! It's just since we've been out here everything has been more distracting. You know what I mean?"

"I know. I'll admit I didn't think on it either. We've been too busy."

"Why do you think he's cooperating with them?"

"You mean, if it is the same Scarecrow?"

"Yeah."

"Probably just trying to stay ahead of the curve like us. He's not in prison and he's in a position he can exert certain leverage. Odds are he's looking for a way to help."

"But why would they ask him?"

"He's a hero and they think he's dimwitted. Knowing Fiyero he probably played to that and sold them some story about being ignorant. He then told them he believed whatever story they told him, and they fell for it."

"I guess that makes sense."

They lapsed into silence. Elphaba could tell that Glinda was becoming overwhelmed with the whole situation. Elphaba did not know why, but she suddenly felt daring.

"I'll make you a deal." Elphaba said, and suddenly had Glinda's rapt attention.

"I like making deals." Glinda replied with a mischievous smile.

"And I'm sure you'll like this one. Double the bubbles, and keep those eyes covered, and I'll get into the bath with you."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Shake on it." Glinda replied with a serious face and held out a slightly wrinkled hand. Elphaba smiled. They had done this many times before. She took her hand and shook it.

"Now bubbles." Elphaba said, and Glinda motioned.

"Hand me my wand." Elphaba handed it to her, and the bubbles went from foamy to being inside a cloud. Glinda giggled and looked at Elphaba expectantly.

"Now the eyes." Elphaba reminded her, and Glinda pouted. Elphaba expected this. Glinda always tried to wiggle out of her end of any deal. Elphaba matched her with a serious look.

"Fine." Glinda huffed, and covered her eyes with her hands. Elphaba chuckled silently to herself and turned around. She knew how Glinda was. She divested herself of her blouse and trousers, folding both, and placed them in a neat pile. Her plain black undergarments soon joined the top of the pile. She heard a huff behind her and smiled.

"You ok, my sweet?" She asked knowingly.

"Yes. I just…uh…got a bubble up my nose."

"That's good. I thought it wasn't a huff of disappointment. My precious Glinda would never peek and then huff because she didn't see what she wanted."

"Oh, it would never be that."

"Well, that's good because I would be seriously disappointed and never take a bath with her again."

"It's a good thing then."

"Now, I'm going to turn around and get in. Beware my blind sweet."

"I will be."

Elphaba slowly turned around to see Glinda's eyes appropriately hidden behind dainty fingers. She lifted her leg over the tub and slid into the welcoming heat. She closed her eyes and let out a small sigh as she enjoyed the slowly engulfing feeling. She did not notice bright blue eyes peeking between cracks in the fingers. This was the first time Glinda had ever been able to sneak a glance from the front; Elphaba was always very careful about showing her body. Glinda's eyes drank in the taught stomach, the gentle curves and long lines of her torso. Glinda had known those lines before, had ran her hands along them, but seeing them made it more real. As Elphaba slid fully into the water her chest came into Glinda's focus and she blushed deeply. She was almost grateful when it disappeared under the bubbles.

"You can open your eyes now, my sweet." Elphaba said and Glinda frowned. She forgot she was supposed to have been covering her eyes. She pulled her hands away as Elphaba opened hers.

"Elphie…"

"What Glinda?"

"I…" Glinda hesitated, knowing what she wanted to say but not knowing how to say it. Elphaba looked at her expectantly. "I always forget how stunning you are under those frumpy clothes." She finished quietly, cursing herself for her cowardice.

"You know, if you keep saying those while looking at me like that, I'm going to start believing you."

"Elphie, it is true. What I mean is…Elphie, what are you doing?" Glinda asked nervously. Elphaba had moved closer to Glinda and leaned forward. Glinda was drawn to those lips again, quirked in a small smile, and her breath caught. She felt strong hands grasp a foot and raise it. Glinda moaned as soft, firm pressure was applied to the arch of her foot, and closed her eyes.

"My dainty flower is not used to all this walking. A good foot massage will help." Elphaba replied amusingly, and Glinda's only response was a moan of pleasure. Over the next ten minutes Elphaba methodically worked her way up to the toes and back down to the heel. As she finished on the heel cord, she slowly worked her way up the calf.

"Oh Elphie…" Glinda moaned and opened her eyes to look at her. Elphaba could see they were clouded with pleasure and something else. Before she could discern what it was, her fingers found a knot and Glinda's eyes closed as she tipped her head back and moaned again. After a few more minutes she reached Glinda's knee and pulled away. Glinda let out a little whimper.

"My sweet, while I'm sure you thighs are sore, there's no way I can move in this tub to massage them properly. However, if you want to heat the water again I can do the other leg."

"The water's cold?"

"It's getting there. Can't you tell?"

"No. I'm on fire." Glinda replied dreamily, then flushed when she realized what she said.

"Massages do improve circulation so that could be the cause." Elphaba replied quickly, trying to stem her own blush. Glinda mumbled an agreement and quickly heated the water again. She then shyly extended the other leg to Elphaba.

"More please."

As she repeated the process, Elphaba let her mind wander to admire Glinda. She had long legs (despite being very petite) that gave way to full hips, a small waist, and a full bust. Not a perfect hourglass but that enhanced the beauty, not detracted from it. Her full lips (now parted in slightly in pleasure) accentuated her face and highlighted her expressive blue eyes. Her crown of golden curls framed it all perfectly. Elphaba thought that if angels existed they would be jealous of Glinda. She inwardly frowned then. These poetic thoughts were very unlike her but had been coming more frequently. She finished and patted Glinda on the leg.

"Come on, my sweet, bed time."

"Nnnh." Was the mumbled reply. "I'll sleep here."

"You'll catch a cold."

"No I won't."

Elphaba smiled and slipped her hand around Glinda's knee to stroke a ticklish spot. Glinda flew up and out of the tub and onto the floor. She glared at Elphaba over the edge of the tub, only eyes and curls visible.

"Mean, mean, mean green thing." She huffed and Elphaba cackled, which made Glinda huff again. She stood up and Elphaba's laugh caught in her throat. She was happy when Glinda slipped a pink fluffy robe on since she liked breathing. However, if one had to die, she decided it would be a nice way to go.

"You coming?" Glinda asked and Elphaba started. She was getting lost in these thought much more often now also.

"I have neither clean clothes nor a robe like you. I'll come by in a minute if you get me my pack."

Glinda waved her wand and Elphaba's clothes transformed into a fluffy black bath robe with the letters E.T embroidered on it.

"Glinda!"

"I'll change them back later."

"Fine, but turn around."

Glinda huffed but did so. Elphaba stood up but then sat right back down, staring at Glinda. The blonde went to sneak a peek but only saw Elphaba glaring at her.

"No peeking."

"You didn't say that before!"

"I'm saying it now."

Glinda pouted but obligingly turned around. Elphaba reached for the hovering robe as she exited but Glinda did not try to peek this time. As she put it on she could tell the blonde was truly disappointed. She did not know why but that made her feel a bit guilty.

"How about this my sweet: you get my oils and I'll continue your massage."

"Deal!" she replied excitedly and bounced out of the room. Elphaba smiled and started drying off her hair.

"Elphiiiiiiiiieeeee. I'm ready!" came a playful giggle. She shook her head. She did not know why she catered to the blonde so much; in fact, it was one of the things she loathed in other people when they had first met. Elphaba shrugged and silently congratulated herself for holding out much longer than everyone else.

Elphaba untangled herself from Glinda. The blonde mumbled but a few soothing words sent her back to sleep. Elphaba put on a simple long sleeved black dress and looked at the mop of curls adorably drooling into the pillow. The previous nights massage had taken her mind off their current circumstances and seemed to have soothed her. Her expressions during it were nothing if not appreciative; so much so that Elphaba had blushed during the massage and could feel herself begin to heat up now recalling it. Afterwards she had pulled her close and they fell asleep together.

Elphaba quietly left the room (taking extra care with the door) and went to the kitchen. She was surprised to see Wynne sitting at the counter drinking a cup of coffee. She motioned, offering Elphaba some, and Elphaba nodded. They sat there in silence watching the forest awaken out the window.

"It's nice." Wynne said. "I don't get many mornings like this."

Elphaba looked at the woman again, absorbing and cataloguing the details. As tall as Elphaba, she was in a tight men's under tunic that left her tanned arms bare. Elphaba could see the ghost white lines of old scars over sinewy muscle. The rest of her, judging from Elphaba's limited view, appeared much of the same. Her body was lean and Elphaba knew it was from work, not the dieting fads like those popular among the upper classes.

"See something you like?" Wynne's voice broke into her examination. Elphaba looked up into her face and saw mischief behind her green eyes.

"Sorry. Poor social skills, no matter how much Glinda trains me." Elphaba replied. A twitch of Wynne's eyebrow and a slight quirk of the lips and Elphaba flustered, realizing how that sounded. "Teaches me. I meant teaches me." Elphaba coughed. "The morning is peaceful, yes. I didn't have many before I went to Ev, but when there I savored each and every one of them."

"So that's where you went. Ev. I was wondering where you got off to. I figured Miss Glinda wasn't hiding you beneath her skirts all these years, even though her dresses are big enough."

Elphaba chuckled. "That's true. I've only been back in Oz for about nine months now."

Wynne looked thoughtful for a moment, then snapped her fingers. "The Arjiki princess! Of course! A perfect disguise."

"Thank you."

"So what made you come back?"

"Glinda."

"I see. Well, she is a gorgeous, inside and out."

Elphaba blushed. "It's not like that!"

Wynne cocked an eyebrow. "Really? She sounded rather appreciative last night."

Elphaba turned a dark shade of violet. "I was giving her a massage!"

"You must be pretty good with your hands, then."

"I am but she's also really expressive." Elphaba stopped when she realized how that sounded. "I mean, she's like that when she's enjoying herself. No, she's – Oz, I sound like an idiot."

Wynne chuckled. "I know what you mean. Besides, I'm not one to judge."

"Most people do whether they are or not."

"That's not what I meant."

"What? You mean…oh. You're…"

"Homosexual? No. Bisexual? Yes. When you live this life you realize it is the person and the experience that matter, not the reproductive parts."

"Oh."

"I'm making you uncomfortable, aren't I?"

"Not you, specifically. I'm just not good in situations like this. Glinda is much better."

"Then let's have a change of topic. Like how you got here."

"Glinda cast a spell and here I was. Honestly, I was about to make dinner in Ev. I hope the house didn't burn down."

"It will be there when you get back."

"I'm not sure I'm going back. It was nice but now I feel as if I was just hiding and putting my life on hold. I don't want to do that anymore."

The two women fell silent for a bit, enjoying the sounds of the forest. Then, Elphaba asked a question,

"How did you get into this life? Swordswoman, Resistance member, Witch protector."

Wynne laughed a bit. "Well, I never actually joined the Resistance. When all your commotion started I was a young orphan girl on the mean streets of the EC. Shortly after your escape, I was taken in by a man who helped me become this. He told me ahead of time what the life would entail but it sounded better than starving to death, so I signed up. He saved me, and it is in his service I am." She answered distantly and Elphaba noticed she was playing with the ring on her finger. "I owe him my life, and he wants me here. Not that he's all that demanding; most of the time I'm just discrete muscle for snobs around Gillikin. But when he calls, I answer."

Elphaba filed this information away for later. This intriguing young woman could be either very helpful or dangerous. As the conversation stalled, Glinda came shuffling into the kitchen in her pink fluffy bathrobe. Her hair was disheveled and she was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. The sight made both women smile.

"Mornin." She mumbled and yawned. "Thanks for last night Elphie. It was just what I needed." She kissed her emerald friend on the cheek and Elphaba's blush darkened again. Wynne's one eyebrow was in danger of becoming permanently higher than the other.

"Do you want some coffee, my sweet?" Elphaba asked, letting her pet name slip. Wynne's other eyebrow joined the first but neither woman noticed.

"I'd love it, Elphie." She replied. Elphaba poured her a cup and watched her take a sip and sigh. "How are you, Wynne?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Better now." She answered and Elphaba looked at her suspiciously.

"So, what's on the agenda?" Elphaba asked.

"Well, this morning I planned out how were going to get you from here to Wittica. If you have no objections, we'll start on that after you're packed. We'll be taking horses, and be cutting cross country straight north for southern Wittica. There, we'll meet up with some Resistance members which will sneak you into the Opera house."

"Horses or horses?" Elphaba asked.

"Just horses."

"Great. I'm tired of walking." Glinda said.

"It will take about a week at an easy pace. Two days to the Gillikin River, a few more to Wittica, and then probably several more to sneak you into the city proper."

"Sounds good. I'll get packed." Glinda said and left. Elphaba watched her leave, and Wynne watched her watch her leave. She inwardly shook her head at Elphaba's gaze.

The Adept was in a clearing. She noticed that there were two large boulders that had been recently moved. This intrigued her because she knew of no spell that could have done it. Examining the ground she saw several tracks; two sets of boots (most likely Glinda and her helper) and two sets of animal (most likely Animal). She started to regret not going into the cave but put it behind her. The tracks and trail headed north, and so did she.

"Wynne, can I ask you a question?" Glinda said as they were riding along a couple of days later.

"Sure. What's up?"

"You're not really a girly-girl."

"Thank you. That wasn't a question, though."

"But I noticed you keep that ring on your finger."

"That's very observant, and getting closer."

"Thank you. May I ask why?"

"The man who saved me gave it to me the day I asked what I could do for him. He said it was to be a reminder to pay it forward every day. And to come if he ever called." She smiled at them.

"What was his name?" Glinda asked and Wynne smiled.

"Does it matter?" she replied. Elphaba was now on alert but kept quiet. She trusted that Glinda knew what she was doing. Plus, over the last couple of days she had gotten to know and like Wynne for her directness.

"A deflection. A fine skill for a swordswoman or socialite. Elphie is good at it; I'm very good at it; and I know one particular swordsman who is superb with it."

"He's right. You are sharp. The both of you." Wynne replied with a hint of defeat and admiration. "How did you figure it out?"

"The ring. I have been wracking my brain for days trying to figure out where I had seen it before. Sister Superior had one on, and I saw one on a chain around Jui Lin's neck one time."

"How did I miss that?" Elphaba asked.

"You don't have an eye for jewelry, honey."

"How did you make the jump?" Wynne asked.

"Well, putting who knows both of them together was a short but incomplete list. I did that yesterday when I remembered it. But today you really gave it all away."

"And how did I do that?"

"That form you practiced? He did it once in front of me. I've always been good at remembering dance movements; I guess my brain just catalogued it as such."

"Glinda, who are you talking about?" Elphaba asked.

"Duran." Wynne replied and Elphaba let out a groan of frustration.

"How did I know he'd pop up again?" she hissed.

"Now calm down. He's in the Resistance so it makes sense." Glinda replied.

"I dislike being accompanied by someone beholden to him." Elphaba said agitated. Wynne stopped her horse and looked directly at Elphaba. She had a stern look that scared them both.

"You already know I was given a choice on whether to serve. I am not his slave; I choose to answer his call willingly."

"Some choice: starvation or servitude." Elphaba retorted.

"Well, we all can't be governors' or socialites' daughters." She came back fiercely. "Some of us don't have a choice to go to dear old exclusive Shiz to make our own ways. The lucky few of us women get married off to tradesmen who take care of us and treat us kindly. The rest take what we can get; either abuse by a man with some measure of wealth or a short hard life. That's the truth of the working class in this merry old Land of Oz. He gave me a life I never could have had. Food, shelter, education, choice. Choice! Choice to be who I wanted to be, to be free from being shackled to a man for security. I choose the warrior's path to be like him. I could have been anything I achieved and he would have supported me. Anything."

"At a price."

"Of course! Endless support for endless support? That's family."

At that Elphaba could not say anything. Glinda picked up the slack.

"So, how many of you serve him?" she asked tentatively. Wynne started her horse moving again.

"I really don't know. It's not like we have holiday get togethers, you know. We come as called. You actually added two names to my very short list. And no, before you ask, Robiere isn't, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell him. He knows Duran, though, since he supports the Opera."

"So Duran is more like your…leader, than master."

"You could say that. It would probably be the best fitting title."

"Did he teach you to fight?"

"Not initially. He left me in a boarding school in Shiz, actually. St. Prowd's was its name. I have no idea how he managed to get me in there; it was some of the richest kids in Oz."

"I'm aware of St. Prowd's. It's not the best primary school, that's St. Marin's in Tenniken, but it isn't far from it." Glinda added.

"Yeah. Since I wasn't a rich kid by any means, I stayed there year round. Caught me up on my studies right quick. He was very insistent on that."

"How'd he pay for it? It's not cheap." Glinda asked.

"Don't you dare hint that I told you this, but the man is filthy rich. He's got enough money to make most the Barons of Gillikin salivate."

"Really?" Elphaba said in disbelief.

"Yep. Investments, foundations, innovations, the works. He sponsors the arts and sciences and kids like me."

"I wonder how he got it." Glinda asked.

"No idea. But he'll kill me if he finds out I told you. Not really, but he won't be happy. But anyway, at fourteen I was ready to either pick up a trade or move to secondary school, and he asked me what I wanted. I told him I wanted to be like him. He took me to a training facility, one of the best in Oz, and once again paid for room, board, and training. At 18 I was officially done with training, and he once again asked me what I wanted to do. I asked him what I could do to help him, and he gave me the ring. Every few months he pops on by to evaluate me and give me new things to do."

"How do you fare against him?" Elphaba asked.

"Can't touch him unless he lets me."

"And when does he let you?" Glinda asked and Wynne's eyes twinkled. Glinda blushed. "Really, Miss Wynne!"

"You asked the question."

"He's really that good?" Elphaba asked.

"Let's just say the man knows how to use his sword." Wynne paused and smiled. "And he's a superlative swordsman."

Both witches blushed.

"Really, Miss Wynne! I don't believe that's appropriate conversation." Glinda said demurely.

"As I told Miss Elphaba, the person and the experience matter. I may not see tomorrow in this business, so I take my joy when I can."

"Isn't that…empty?" Elphaba asked.

"Not if done right. Right person plus right time equal right experience. It can connect two people together and make you feel alive. If it's wrong, it can make you feel used and cheap." She shrugged. "I'm not saying it's for everyone; I'm not saying you should live like that forever. But I refuse to let society's rules dictate how I'm supposed to feel happy. The way I live now does that."

"Sounds pleasure pfaithist." Elphaba accused.

"Only if you make it your life. Now, it's just a component of my life."

With that they rode on in silence.

That night they made camp near a small branch of the Gillikin River out of sight of any boats that may be traversing it. The river was swollen from the late spring snows melting in the Vinkus. It ran deep but slow; perfect for boating or swimming. The two witches sat down across from the fire for dinner and magic practice. They practiced some telekinesis magic but then moved onto their new subject; levitation. This tired Glinda quickly and she soon decided to call it a night.

First, though, she wanted a bath. Grabbing her towel and toiletries she headed towards the river. There was a full moon out so it was easy for Glinda to see without her light ball, but she brought her wand anyway. Elphaba had almost accompanied her but Glinda could tell she wanted to read and practice more. She had waved her down and planted a kiss on her cheek to signal it was fine.

As she neared the river she saw some movement in it. She quickly ducked behind a tree. Glancing back, she realized it was a person disrobing and focusing could tell it was Wynne. She crept closer, trying to be as silent as possible, and ducked behind another tree. She had no idea why she was doing this, and knew it was impolite at the least, but something compelled her. She looked again to see Wynne take her under tunic of and strip out of her trousers. Glinda moved forward a couple more steps and stole another glance, but Wynne's head pivoted and she hurriedly ducked out of sight. She looked back after about a minute just in time to see her enter the water. Wynne waded in, shivered and then glided forward, submerging herself.

Glinda watched as Wynne swam with broad strokes. She moved even closer so as to not lose sight of the warrior woman in the dark. She watched as the lean woman stood, took a deep breath and submerged herself. She was under for about a minute and the burst out, the sight entrancing Glinda. She let out a gasp and ducked behind the tree again. These strange feelings she had, first for Elphaba, were now coming again. With Elphaba she could tell herself it was from being a close friend in a trying time. Now, watching Wynne, she had no idea why she was feeling something. She heard a twig snap near her and glanced out around the tree for its source.

Glinda looked straight into the bare chest of Wynne. She squeaked and fell to the ground. Looking up she took in Wynne's bare legs and torso. Glinda was thankful Wynee was wearing a small cloth garment to cover her most private area otherwise she did not know what she would have done. The moonlight sparkled off the wet skin, and almost took Glinda's breath away.

"See something you like?" Wynne sultrily asked.

"I…I…I…"

"Let's get you off the ground." Wynne answered and held out her free hand. Glinda noticed the other held her sword. Glinda took it and was helped up.

"Uh…thank you." Glinda said shyly. She was blushing at the proximity of the naked woman she was recently lusting after. Wynne sensed it and smiled.

"You never answered my question." She teased mischievously.

"What was it?" Glinda asked confused. Wynne leaned close.

"Did you see something you liked?" she asked again softly, accentuating every word.

"I…um…um…"

"Do you want me to kiss you?"

"Um…."

"Can I kiss you?"

"…Yes."