Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. Glinda's got her Popsicle wrapped around her finger, doesn't she? But I always saw her as a bit of a daddy's girl. The room was actually because my favorite color is dark purple, and the joke was there…

Thanks to heatqueen for reviewing. Most of this chapter is for you. It delves into the past and relationship of Pfannee and Shenshen.

Thank you to my guest (possibly nursejoy7) for reviewing. Nothing so dramatic ever happens in my stories. (Watch me eat those words later).

Finally, thanks to cestlavie23 for reviewing. I'm glad the you like the humor. I have plans for a more action one later.

As stated before, this chapter is primarily Pfannee and Shenshen. Blame heatqueen for wondering two chapters ago (possibly by reading, reviewing, and bugging for more chapters of Overcoming Adversity) There are some plot points, a cameo character and a little Elphaba and Glinda interaction, so it's not a filler chapter by any means.

After this posting I will not post for two weeks-ish. Probably May 5 . Finals are coming up, as an event of mine, and I want to go back and reread this to make sure I haven't left any plot threads dangling. If I get all that done early, and the next chapter written, I'll be back earlier. But expect one no later than May 5. I'll still be checking the FF archive every day or so, though.

As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and Critiques welcome.

[A/N This takes place on the same day as the Adept battle. And the end of the chapter the narrative will be back together.]

"I see Glinda." Her mother, Larena, said to her after she concluded her story. "That must have been a very tough situation for the both of you."

"It was, Momsie." Glinda agreed.

"I think you handled prudently even though it cost you much." Larena continued.

"Prudently!" Elphaba said, her voice getting louder. "She lied to the Ozian people for years to cover up atrocities made by the Wizard."

"You're absolutely correct, Miss Elphaba, that her actions were not of the highest moral standing. However, it was also a wiser decision than running off in the Wizard's Palace while declaring your hatred for him." Larena finished coldly.

"Really? Groveling is better than standing up for what you believe in?"

"No, my dear," Glinda's father, Vitorili, said, "but there is a time for action and a time for patience. Think; your escape from the Wizard's Palace was sheer luck."

"Luck! I knew I could do the spell!"

"From what I understand, spells are tiring and larger spells more so. Were you a hundred percent sure that the spell would have worked?" Vitorili asked sternly, but not unkindly.

"It did."

"And more credit to you. But there was no plan; you could have just as easily been caught and thrown in Southstairs for the rest of your life. Or worse, been exploited for your gift. What had you of done if they held Glinda hostage? Said no?"

"I would have thought of something."

"Possibly. My daughter, with a bit of your help, managed to extract herself out of being thrown in prison also." Vitorili continued and Elphaba felt guilty about that again. "Not saying it was perfect; back then, she was not good at thinking in the long term."

"Popsicle!" Glinda cried, scandalized.

"It's true, cupcake. You've come a long way. And from what I can gather, Miss Elphaba, you excel at looking at things long term but can't play the short term game to get there. It is my guess that is why you two work so well together." He finished and both girls blushed.

"So what is our next move, then?" Elphaba asked.

"I was wondering too." Glinda said.

"I think the next move is to wait." Vitorili said.

"Wait?" both girls echoed.

"Yes. We don't know what is going on now, and frankly, neither does the Administration. The playing board has essentially been upended. The Administration has bigger things on its hands, whoever sent this dark sorceress after you now will know Elphaba is back, and we are not prepared to make any steps. We need to relax, and breathe. The mid-term goal is to get you into the Vinkus, to Kiamo Ko. We need to do so in such a manner that makes sure you are safe, and in a good position to make a move to regain your free status if one presents itself."

"Isn't that too dangerous?" Elphaba said.

"Not particularly. The Gale Force works under a lightning raid mentality. Fast in, fast out. Out here in Frottica that does not work. Considering how barren it is, any Gale Force movement in the area would be noticed. Considering you mentioned the White Skulls no longer exist, and they are not going to come with anything less than a regiment for you. That would be noticeable the moment they hit Settica. A specialist like this dark sorceress could come, but we have two of the most powerful magic users in Oz. I think their chances are slim. So, it is safer to stay here than moving to the road where you could be ambushed." Vitorili summed up. Elphaba's eyes narrowed.

"That's a very detailed observation."

"I didn't always own a business, Miss Elphaba."

"Popsicle, what do you mean?" Glinda asked confused.

"Go ahead, Highmuster. It's time well enough." Larena said Vitorili sighed.

"Previous to the Wizard coming, I was a member of the Ozian Royal Guard. After the Wizard's coup, some of us were given the option to become part of the newly created Gale Force. I, instead, chose to leave and make my way in the world. I made some money, met your mother, and the rest is, well," he smiled, "you."

"Did you ever meet a man named Sir Pfenix?" Glinda asked. Elphaba's brow furrowed. She could not recall where she heard that name before. Vitorili looked taken aback.

"Yes. An older guard. Took the coup hard and left swearing to find the Ozma. How?"

"Did he have a son?" Glinda cut him off.

"No. He never did."

"Could he after he left?"

"Doubtful. He died a year afterwards in some sort of skirmish in Ugabu while trying to track down leads on the Ozma."

"If I were to ask you if you had or seen a grey ring with a red stone, what would you say?" Glinda continued her questioning.

"I've never seen one in my life. Princess, what is this about?" Vitorili asked.

"A puzzle, Popsicle. Every time I get a new piece it seems to displace others."

"You're speaking in riddles, and it's not like you."

"The only way I can wrap my head around this is by thinking in riddles." Glinda replied distractedly but then shook her head. "So how do we go about not moving?"

"I prefer a bed and good book." Elphaba quipped as she could not help herself. Glinda huffed and glared at her.

"Popsicle?"

"I'll let your mother take this one."

"Well, I think we should go with the Administration's official story for now. It does not rile them up in any fashion, but it lets you have something over them."

"Why would we do that? They'll know we know." Elphaba asked.

"Because they will see it as almost a peace offering. Politics means your enemy today is your friend tomorrow. They will let our little Galinda sit tight as long as she is not agitating. As Highmuster said, they have other things to worry about."

"And what shall we do?" Glinda asked.

"Mostly you'll stay here 'recuperating'. You will have to make some small appearances, along with your Vinkun handmaid.." Elphaba made a face and Larena smiled. "Glinda has not been back around these parts in a while. People are starting to feel neglected. Creating a good social base here will help later, if push comes to shove."

"Not a bad idea, Momsie. But what will we do otherwise?"

"Like I said; recuperate. You ladies need a nice home to feel safe. You can do that here for a while, and there's even our lake cottage not too far where you can be secluded."

"Momsie, that's a great idea!" Glinda squealed.

"Thank you, dearest. Now, it's time for bed. I assume you want me to show Miss Elphaba where the guest room is?"

"Uh, Momsie, can she sleep with me tonight? I know I'm home, but I'd still feel safer with her close."

Larena and Vitorili exchanged looks.

"Of course, dear." Larena said.

After tucking both girls in the two Uplands walked back towards their shared room.

"Vitorili, do you think?"

"It's possible, Larena. But let's just observe them for a few days before we go making any hasty conclusions."

[A/N: It's Pfannee and Shenshen from here on]

The Adept woke. She was in an unfamiliar place, but the warm brunette next to her told her where she was. Pfannee smiled and gave her love a light kiss on the forehead. Thick eyelashes fluttered awake.

"Good morning." Shenshen cooed.

"Good morning." Pfannee replied.

"How did you sleep?"

"Better than in a long time."

"That's good."

Pfannee gave her love another kiss and then swung her legs to the floor. She stood and her legs wobbled, but held. Taking two steps, they promptly gave and she tumbled to the floor. Shenshen was out of the bed in a flash. She got her shoulders under an arm and lifted the blonde.

"It's been three days. Why can't I stand?" Pfannee growled.

"Because it's been only three days. The doctor recommended bed rest for a week."

"I don't have time for that."

"I know, dear. How about I put you in to soak and then go get those tickets."

"Fine."

Shenshen helped Pfannee to the bathroom.

"I think I can take it from here."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Ok. I'll get tickets for the noon train. That should give us plenty of time to get ready."

"Thank you."

Shenshen gave her lover a gentle kiss and moved out of the bathroom. Pfannee shut the door behind her and hobbled towards the bath. She started the water and stripped off her clothes. The cuts and bruises from the past couple of days were evident on her thin frame. Her lips curled. She was thin even into her late twenties. She hoped she would have filled out as she got older but it was never to be. She sighed and gently, unsteadily, lowered herself into the tub.

"Are you ready to go?" Shenshen asked. She was standing at the bottom of the stairs when she saw Pfannee crest the top.

"Yes." Pfannee replied and walked down. She had a small hand bag with her, playing the part of a noblewoman.

"Good. We don't want to miss the train."

"There's no we, Shenshen." Pfannee said kindly. "I'm going alone."

"No, you're not. You're in no condition to travel by yourself. You'll never make it."

"I'll be fine. I'm feeling much better."

"You think I can't tell you are far too pale? You need someone to make you take it easy so you can face her."

"She's precisely the reason you're not going."

"I am."

"I agree with her, wife." A masculine voice came. A tall broad chested man came in to the foyer. "It would be unseemly for you to travel in the company of only another woman."

"And how well will Morrible take it if she passes out on the way, and never makes it? Who do you think will be held accountable?" Shenshen retorted and her husband blanched.

"I must insist." He said anyway.

"I decline your insistence. I have been a good wife to you, Herdon; I'm a proper lady, given you a son, and never embarrassed you. But I made it abundantly clear before we wed about certain conditions for me to be that good wife. And this falls under it."

Herdon's jaw clenched but then it relaxed. He turned away from her.

"You have done all of those things. I must say I almost forget sometimes that our marriage is not typical. Do as you must." He said, and strode away. He passed the nanny coming in with a three your old boy. Seeing the two women, he broke away from his nanny.

"Momma!" he yelled and hugged Shenshen. The sight tore at Pfannee's heart.

"Maxientius; what did I say about yelling and running in the manor?" Shenshen scolded.

"Not to."

"Quite. Now," Shenshen's voice became warm, "I'm going away on a trip for a little while. I expect you to behave."

"Is Auntie Annee going with you?"

"Yes, she is." Shenshen smiled and knelt down. She wrapped her arms around her son. "Remember I love you more than anything in the world."

"Wuv you too, Momma."

Shenshen gave him a kiss on the cheek and then the two women set off.

Pfannee and Shenshen sat in a private box on the train. They had pulled the drapes and latched the door so no one could interrupt them. Shenshen was looking out the window as she curled against Pfannee. For that moment, the world did not exist for the two women. However, it decided to intrude and Pfannee noticed the train slowing.

"Did you buy direct Emerald City tickets, my love?" Pfannee asked.

"Of course. I did not want you think I was going to make a holiday of it." Shenshen replied.

"Then why is the train slowing." Pfannee asked rhetorically, her voice growing stern. Her face was slowly starting to harden and she reached inside her bag for her wand.

"Maybe there is something on the tracks?"

"That's what worries me."

"Attention passengers," they heard a voice call out in the compartment. "There has been an issue with the Emerald City station. As such, we will be stopping at Shiz. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

"I wonder what the issue is?" Shenshen said.

"My guess is that the fighting has overrun the station." Pfannee replied grimly.

"Is it that bad?"

"From the reports I'm getting, yes."

"Oh! How are you going to get there, then?" asked Shenshen, eyes full of concern. Pfannee knew she could rent a horse in Shiz to get there in a day's time, but she did not want to abandon her lover.

"We'll wait to see if it clears up in the next couple of days." She replied.

The two women walked Shiz. It had not changed much since they had been there almost a decade ago, and it brought them back to those days. Onlookers noticed them but did not think to harass the two unescorted women. Pfannee, though dressed as elegantly as Shenshen, gave off an air of intimidation. She knew it was because the mind subconsciously picked up the subtle differences between the two: the ease of which she moved in her clothes compared to Shenshen, the deeper click of her boot heels compared to Shenshen's fashionable shoes, and the way her head scanned the area instead of just looking ahead. A group of Shiz students wandered past and Shenshen sighed.

"Takes you back, doesn't it?" she said.

"Yes."

"It seems a lifetime ago."

"It might as well be. We were different people then."

"Yes, the world was a different place. To think, the most troubling thing at the time was whether anyone was going to notice me next to Galinda." Shenshen laughed lightly and Pfannee smiled.

"I don't think that was a problem."

"Not after that first semester, no. She started spending so much time with the Witch we had to find something to do."

Pfannee laughed. "Yes, well, I suppose we did."

"Do you think Galinda ever suspected?"

"Galinda? No. She only escaped rumors of her and Elphaba because she was with Fiyero."

"Poor Fiyero. Killed by the Witch." Shenshen sighed sadly

"Only if she worked for the Gale Force." Pfannee scoffed.

"What?"

"He helped her escape Munchkinland after she mourned her sister-"

"Poor Nessarose."

"Yes. Anyway, they beat him to death for it, almost in front of Glinda."

"How do you know that?"

"I was around at that point, on my six month probation period from Morrible."

There was a long pause.

"How did we get here?" Shenshen asked sadly.

"Elphaba."

"The Witch?"

"Elphaba was never a wicked witch. That was the Wizard's and Morrible's doing."

"But she was allergic to water?"

"No; otherwise she would be dead. Just a rumor."

"But the Monkeys!"

"Shenshen, love, do you think the Wizard cared about the Monkeys? Remember, Doctor Dillamond was dragged out of class because the Wizard passed a law banning Animals in the professions. Why would he care about Monkeys? And do you think those Monkeys would work for Elphaba if she was really so terrible?"

"I guess I never put it together."

"Most didn't. But we got here because of her."

"How?"

"Remember when Glinda was showing us a few sorcery tricks?"

"Yes. You picked them up pretty well."

"Morrible caught us one time when Elphaba was still at Shiz. She reprimanded the both of us. After Elphaba fled, and they started to elevate Glinda, she needed an agent in the shadows. She remembered me."

"That's when she blackmailed you."

"Yes. Either train under her intensely for two years, or face expulsion and reveal our relationship."

"I still would have given it all up for you."

"I know, my love, but I still can't let do so for me."

"Do you remember what you asked me, the night before you left?"

"I asked you to wait for me."

"And I did, blondie bear." Shenshen said with a smile, and Pfannee could not help but smile back.

"That you did. Even with an arranged marriage."

"You remember what I said, when you came back to me a week before I was supposed to be married?"

"You said you'd run away with me."

"And I would have."

"I know, my love, but then, as now, I could not make you give up your life for me."

"And now, I'd have to agree with you. I have my son to think about."

"Not your husband?" Pfannee teased.

"Considering our conditions to him when I was about to marry, you know my feelings on this."

"It is an interesting feeling cuckolding a man."

"Pfannee! Such language!" Shenshen admonished and Pfannee laughed.

"The truth! It hurts!"

The was comfortable silence for a moment, then Shenshen quietly said,

"I hate Morrible for ruining our happiness."

"Me too, my love. But we have what happiness we can get."

"Isn't that what she is making you do now? Ruin Glinda and Elphaba's happiness?"

"Yes. But if I had to choose their happiness or the little we can get, my love, I would choose ours in a heartbeat."

"It looks like the train isn't going to the Emerald City anytime soon." Pfannee observed the next morning.

"So what will you do?" Shenshen asked timidly

"I will rent a horse. I have some contacts between here and there. I can trade off horses along the way."

"Are you well enough to do that?"

"I'm quite well enough. Last night rejuvenated me." Pfannee smiled and bent and kissed Shenshen's hand. Shenshen blushed.

"Not so loud." She whispered with a shy smile. Then, louder, "I don't wish to stay here alone."

"Then go back to the manor. I shall meet you there."

"I do not wish to do that either."

"I'm not taking you with you, my love. Not into a war zone."

"I know, and I don't want to. Spend a day on a sweaty horse? Ew."

"I tell you what: wire your husband and tell him you'll be delayed. Today, explore Shiz, and I shall be back before it's tomorrow. Same room."

"I don't know if I wish to wander Shiz by myself."

"Call on Avaric. I'm sure the Margreave of Tenmeadows is in."

"How scandalacious. Calling on a married man unchaperoned?"

"It will amuse him greatly."

"It will amuse me greatly. I shall do it."

"Shall I escort you there?"

"I would love that."

The two made their way southwest from Railway Square towards the Ozma Slopes where Avaric had his villa. The walk was not overly long and it was a nice day so both ladies enjoyed it. In Southern Shiz there were more open areas and small parks that the ladies took small detours to sit and enjoy nature. Around midday they made it to the Tenmeadows villa. They called on Avaric and, after Pfannee being very stern with the doorman, were permitted to see him.

"Ladies! How good to see you!" he boomed. He was the same as before; tall, broad of shoulder, slim of waist, and with sandy hair. Now he had added a moustache with both women thought looked ridiculous on him.

"Shenshen." He said and kissed Pfannee's hand. He took Shenshen's and kissed it. "Pfannee."

"You got that reversed Avaric." Pfannee said amusedly. She did not know how much of his incorrigible air was a show and real.

"Of course. It's so hard for me to remember sometimes which of you is which. Or is it which one is a witch? I forget. Anyway, at least I didn't call one of you Milla." He said smiling.

"I should hope not. Neither of us have penchant for Munchkinlanders." Pfannee retorted.

"She did, didn't she! Too bad Boq was always mooning over Glinda. Anyway, what brings you ladies to my door?"

"We were wondering if you could entertain Miss Shenshen here for the day. Our train has been delayed and I have some business to attend to."

"I see. This could be quite a scandal, Miss Shenshen, as you are a married woman and it is known I had proposed to you."

"That was me." Pfannee replied.

"Really?"

"Yes. I told you I'd rather marry a Tiger."

"Ah yes. That image entertained me for at least a few days."

"Avaric!" Shenshen and Pfannee exclaimed and he laughed again.

"But of course I can look after the wayward lady married to the Glikkun brute." He said with a wink towards Shenshen. "I shall guess you won't be spending the night?"

"I've already have accommodations." Shenshen sniffed.

"Just like you to ruin my fun. I should think that would cause even more of an uproar."

"Aren't you married, Avaric?" Pfannee asked.

"I think so."

"To who?"

"Who can ever remember?" he shrugged.

"Well, as fun as this is, I have to be off." Pfannee said, and gave Shenshen a peck on the cheek. She glanced at Avaric but he had discreetly turned around. She saw no one else in the foyer, so she leaned in further and gave her lover a longer kiss. They broke for air and straightened themselves. Avaric then turned around.

"Don't worry about her; I shall keep her in good hands. We can paint the town red like the old days." He said.

"Avaric." Pfannee warned but he made a shooing motion with his hands.

"Go. It's best not to keep the Spider waiting." He said but the cheerful tone was felt flat. Pfannee wondered how he knew her business, for that comment assured her he did. She bowed her head, and left the villa.

"So, my dear," Avaric said, looping his arm through Pfannee's, "do you still have your taste for Gillikin brandy?"

Shenshen giggled.

The Adept rode hard the rest of the day. She stopped at various inns and commandeered horses to keep the pace. She paid in advance for another going back that night, with a cold threat warning the owner if there was not. By dusk, she had made it to the Emerald City. As she approached the sky was smudged and the air felt dirty. The Adept knew there were fires burning in the city.

She dismounted at a stable outside the gates. Tying the horse, she made her way into the City, passing the guards with little scrutiny. As she entered she pulled her hood up and used her scarf to hide her face. Muttering a spell to blur her looks and passage, she made her way to Southstairs. She moved through one of the lesser used entrances and down to Morrible's lair.

She bypassed the guards and once again sat in the woman's tea parlor, knowing she would be there soon enough. Fifteen minutes later the woman walked in. She did not start but her eyes widened for a second and then narrowed.

"I see you're here, but no Miss Glinda. I take it there's a reason for it? I don't particularly have much time to be wasted."

"The Witch is back." The Adept replied with no preamble or emotion. Morrible started then.

"What Witch?" she hissed.

"Elphaba. She's back and is with Glinda." The Adept replied coldly. Morrible approached her quickly.

"Are you sure? Sure it's her?" Morrible asked, her voice gaining volume.

"Unless you know of another green witch that is friends with Glinda and can toss me around like a ragdoll."

"So that disturbance in Wittica was you?"

"Yes. I ambushed them with a dozen hired thugs. Needless to say, I barely escaped alive and the street was a mess."

"This both simplifies and complicates things."

"How do you want me to proceed?"

"What condition are you in?"

"Fractured ribs, bruised internal organs, torn right shoulder, and still suffering the effects of magical exhaustion."

"Is that why you took so long to get here?"

"I was unconscious for two and a half days due to magical exhaustion, and could not stand on my own until yesterday morning. Blame the train for it taking me two days to travel here."

"Quite. You're in no shape to be picking a fight with Elphaba and frankly I don't want you goading her into interfering in the City any more. Word is that the two are recuperating in Frottica after their kidnapping. My guess is that they'll be there for a while."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"Go back and rest with that silly girl of yours. I am under no illusions of who took care of you these past few days. I shall call on you when I need you."

"Understood." The Adept said, and stood. She began to make her way out.

"Oh, and Adept?" Morrible said sickly sweet, and the Adept stopped. "Use that month to prepare yourself. Do you think that you could take Elphaba as you are now?"

"Do you?" the Adept replied as she walked out, leaving Morrible to swell in fury and indignation. She told herself it was because of the girl's insolence but knew it was because of the uncertainty of the answer.

"I guess I have to accelerate my plans." Morrible said and rang a bell. A porter came. "Get me the Commander. We need to discuss some things."

The Adept rode back hard, even though she felt her body protesting. She would need at least another week of rest and recuperation before she would be able to move easily again. At one point on the road she passed a company of Home Guard heading toward the City at haste. At their head was a young man. She filed it away in case she needed it later.

She arrived back at Shiz and hurried to the hotel they had rented. Breezing through the lobby, she quickly made her way to their room. She took a deep breath outside the door, and let the Adept slip away. She tried to open it but it was locked. Muttering, the latch came free and she walked into a dark room.. She saw a figure curled in the bed, and laid her arms around it. She planted a kiss on the sleeping figure's neck.

"You're late." Her sleeping lover mumbled.

"I am not. It's not tomorrow yet."

The figure rolled over and squinted at her, and then towards a clock sitting on the end table. Pfannee muttered and a soft light emanated from her hand. The clock said eleven fifty-nine.

"Lucky."

"Skilled."

"Smelly."

"Well, I admit I did not have time for a bath."

"Do that and come back."

"I will. Did you have fun at least?"

"Yes. Avaric threw a party, and I met an interesting man from the Home Guard. He had to leave early, though."

"It was probably his unit I passed on the road. What was his name?"

"Something funny. I don't quite remember? Turtle something?"

"I see. I'll let you go back to sleep."

"Hurry back."

"I will."

Pfannee thought about what Shenshen had said. She wondered why there was a Home Guard unit so far from the Emerald City, especially right now. She shrugged. Probably coordinating with the Royal Army. Her love was a bit tired (and she suspected a bit tipsy), but she still wondered at the man's name. Turtle something? It did not ring a bell of any of the Home Guard personnel she knew. She would have to look into it later. She finished and went to tuck into next to her love. Shenshen groaned and rolled over on top of her.

"Shenny, I got good news."

"What's that?" Shenshen asked sleepily.

"Morrible gave me R&R."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"For how long?"

"For however long Glinda stays in Frottica."

"Perhaps we should pay them a visit and convince her to stay longer."

"That might not be a bad idea. But not for a couple of weeks."

"Of course not. Until then, you're mine."

"And you're mine."