Thank you to nursejoy7 for reviewing. In response to your other review; I've always found that by being a good person and continually improving, good things will come.

Thanks to heatqueen for reviewing. Unplanned stories aren't fun. I'm too much of a process writer to even attempt them. Even the stories which are more like a collection of one shots start having an outline put together. As for Pfannee Shenshen; I'm glad I evoked some emotion. That's what I was going for. As for Avaric and the man named Turtle…well, you'll see. Eventually. : ) And I'm surprised you did not pick up on the added info of an old character there.

Thanks to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. Maybe you should. Maybe you shouldn't. Guess you'll have to read and find out. Anyway, Pfannee and Shenshen have grown up. People forget that Shiz was college and that's the time of life that really starts to affect with people'. Six years later, the world has changed them. Especially since they move in high circles.

Thank you to Varia for reviewing. I can't tell you how many stories I've done that with her. Don't worry about me finishing; if I publish it, I have a need to finish it.

I apologize to everyone for the lateness of this chapter. I finished my course work for grad school thursday, which alternatively took longer than expected and gave me an extreme case of the lazys. I should have more time now to work on these.

I'd also like to thank the owner of the moderngelphie tumblr for adding to it to the favorite fics section.

As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and critiques are welcome.

5/10/2014

The next morning was an interesting feeling for Glinda. She woke and for the first time in a long while she had nothing to do and nowhere to be. That was not completely true; she had to go down to the militia headquarters in Frottica and commend them. Besides, that, however, she would be left to her own devices.

She stood and glanced over at the sleeping Elphaba. She could tell her lover was exhausted because she had not moved in her sleep nor woke when Glinda stood. The tiny nightdress Elphaba slept in did nothing to conceal her; especially since it was bunched up around her midsection. Glinda had the urge to go exploring, but a knock at the door stopped her.

"Yes?" she called out.

"Galinda, it's me."

"One minute Momsie."

Galinda threw on a robe, and covered up Elphaba. She then went and opened the door for her mother, but did not move to allow entry.

"Yes?"

"Your father wanted to leave within the hour for Frottica. I convinced him it would have to be at least an hour and a half." Her mother Larena replied and looked over her shoulder to see a sleeping Elphaba. "Remarkable. When one sees her sleeping like this you can almost forget she was the Wicked Witch of the West."

"Momsie," Glinda said, "two things. One, she was never wicked so please do not refer to her as such."

"I'm sorry darling. Old habits. I shall try. And the second?"

Glinda leaned in close and whispered in ear. "She's not asleep. She hasn't been since you knocked on the door. She's listening to the conversation."

"Really?" Larena whispered back.

"Yes."

"Then why isn't she getting up and saying hello. It's quite rude."

"Because she has a natural shyness for letting people see her with large amount of skin showing. Most likely from years of constant torment."

"Oh."

"And because she's really exhausted from the sex last night." Glinda whispered a little louder. Larena inhaled sharply and Elphaba sat up sharply.

"Glinda!" she hissed.

"Oh, Elphie, you're awake! How nice. Momsie was just stopping by to remind me about going to Frottica." Glinda giggled.

"That was completely inappropriate conversation, Galinda." Her mother chastised.

"Oh, Momsie. We didn't have sex." Glinda said exasperated. "I mean, she has at least two broken ribs."

"I suppose you're quite right. Oh, Miss Elphaba!" Larena said as Elphaba appeared next to Glinda. "You startled me. You move with such grace."

"Prowling the night trying not to get caught will instill that in you." Elphaba replied evenly. "How are you, Mrs. Upland?"

"Quite good. And yourself?"

"Fine."

"No, you're not Elphie." Glinda retorted and Elphaba glared at her. "Which reminds me; Momsie, can you summon a doctor called Eleman? He was at Fatemaker's Inn yesterday, and it is his horse and carriage we came in on."

"I shall do so at once. I assume he has no issues with Miss Elphaba?"

"No."

"Really, Mrs. Upland," Elphaba cut in, "I'm fine."

"You are many things, my dear, but fine is not one of them. I can see you starting to sweat already. Whatever magic took you to get you here has worn off, hasn't it?"

"A draught, and yes, it has." Elphaba reluctantly agreed. She saw now where Glinda got her linguistic skill from.

"Then he shall be summoned." Larena said definitively.

"Do I not get a say?" Elphaba growled.

"You had yours. I took it into consideration, and now doing what it best." Larena replied evenly.

"Elphie," Glinda said and put a hand on the green woman's arm, "Momsie is mothering you."

"Well, I wouldn't know that because-" Elphaba started but the hand on her arm made her stop and take a deep breath. Calmer, she continued. "I apologize, Mrs. Upland. I did not know my mother."

"I am sorry to hear that. Mothers can be pushy but we always try to do what is best for our children; even if they don't think so."

"How many times I've heard that." Glinda said with a giggle.

"And you still haven't died from not having an extra scoop of ice cream." Larena said with a smile.

"Elphie lets me have as much ice cream as I want." Glinda could not help but say. She blushed at bit about how that sounded. Larena noted that mentally.

"Only if, my sweet, you do double your agoy that day." Elphaba replied. Larena also noted the term of endearment.

"That's an interesting nickname." She commented and both women blushed.

"I gave it to her because I've never met someone with such a big heart." Elphaba said, blushing deeper. Larena's aesthetic eye noticed the color similarity to the room. Another note.

"Except you. Look at everything you've done." Glinda replied.

"Compared to you, it's been nothing." Elphaba countered. Larena was starting to feel like she was intruding.

"Well, ladies, hopefully we can make it so you both continue to do good. Which is why you, Miss Elphaba, need more rest; and you, Galinda, need to prepare. It will take you awhile to get presentable. I still believe I have a dress you can fit into." Larena said.

"Yes, Momsie." Galinda said. Larena nodded and left them both.

"Glinda, you know it won't take you that long. Not with your base spell." Elphaba said.

"I know." She responded happily. "It just gives me time to do the things I want. I need to do my agoy, and then take a bath."

"I guess you'll want me to be a good girl and sit still."

"Yes." Glinda replied huskily and led Elphaba to the bed. Sitting her down, Glinda crawled over and whispered in her ear. "And if you are, I promise to give you a treat."

"And what would that be?" Elphaba asked breathlessly. She was going to say it was because of the rib, and not because of Glinda.

Glinda pulled away and slowly eased the night dress over her head. Elphaba inhaled sharply as Glinda turned and dropped it.

"A nice little show. No one said I have to do agoy clothed, did they?"

Glinda felt better after her agoy (which she added a bit of flair to for Elphaba) and afterwards went to clean up. Elphaba had joined her and showed her appreciation for Glinda's show. Unfortunately Elphaba's injuries had decided to cut the session short before Glinda could return the favor.

After sitting her love down and casting a pain relief spell on her, Glinda had tended to her appearance. Her mother was surprised at how well the gown had fit Glinda (being of slightly different builds). She remarked that Glinda's fitness routine seemed to be working but not to overdo it. Glinda had smiled. Her mother had started to become worried since they were pressed for time but Glinda waved her wand and her base was set. A little added touches supplied by her mother (who' skills surpassed Glinda's own) and she was ready to go.

Her father and he then went to Frottica proper. Word had gotten out that she would be in town today and many of the Frotticans were out to see her. Glinda smiled her best smile and waved. It was not hard to be in a good mood with being home in general, and her morning in particular. Her father pulled the carriage up to the militia headquarters where a crowd had already started to form. He had helped her out and she greeted the crowd. It had taken her less than half an hour to do, and then went into the militia headquarters with her father.

After that day, the week had been one of recovery. Dr. Eleman had come over the day after to check up on Elphaba.

"And how are you?" Eleman asked as he entered the room. "Still fidgety and not wanting to rest, I see."

"Doctor, I don't need your services." Elphaba retorted.

"Which means you absolutely do. Now lay back and pull up your dress so I can check your ribs. You're wearing bloomers, correct?"

"No." Elphaba replied, blushing. Eleman stopped.

"I shall wait outside then, while you change." He said quickly, and shuffled out. Glinda giggled and Elphaba glared at her. She grabbed a pair of drawers and threw them at Elphaba.

"So naughty, not having any underwear on."

"You weren't complaining earlier."

Glinda giggled again and got up to call the doctor back. Elphaba pulled up her dress and the doctor began to poke and prod her ribs.

"Hm. You seem to have two broken ribs. Probably some bruising of the internal organs. Your stable condition is mostly likely only due to the vitality draught. You'll need rest for the week; no strenuous activities."

"Doctor, by strenuous activities; what do you mean?" Elphaba asked.

"No vigorous movement or exercise. Sex is ok, as long as you don't get too creative." He answered and Elphaba blushed. The doctor started unpacking things from his bag and placing them on a desk.

"Doctor," Glinda cut in, "how is Miss Wynne?"

"She is slowly but surely getting better. The vitality draught has kept her on the road to recovery but her shoulder will take much time to heal."

"That's good to hear."

"If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave of you. Good day, ladies."

After he left the two women relaxed. Glinda did not let Elphaba move much around the room, staying to wait on her. She frustrated Elphaba with her hovering but ultimately Elphaba enjoyed it. She had never felt so wanted, or cared for. She had never felt so…loved.

Of course Elphaba was not one to stay in bed past the minimum required time. As soon as the next week rolled around she was up and about. She was still weak from recovering but with Doctor Eleman's ok she started her strength training again. The combination had the tendency to leave her hobbling around, and Glinda was ever attentive; something that her parents were aware of.

Elphaba also resumed their schedule of practicing from the book. Having started the water section, however, required them to move outside. It was one such day that Glinda's parents sought them out. Glinda was practicing a simple water conjuration spell at the time, and the approach of her parents caused her to lose focus and overemphasize the spell. Instead of a steady stream, a torrent gushed out of the wand and soaked Elphaba. The sight of the soggy veil clad woman caused Glinda to lapse into a fit of giggles.

"I see your practice is going well." Larena said.

"Quite." Elphaba replied wetly.

"We come baring interesting news. Shall we adjourn to the veranda?" Larena asked.

"Sure, Momsie."

The three women and one man moved to the patio to sit under the umbrella. Summer was fast approaching and it was beginning to heat up. Even the drenched Elphaba was beginning to feel it. Glinda and Larena waited to be seated by Vitorili, but Elphaba took her seat herself. It had irked Vitorili at first, as he considered himself a proper gentleman, but soon grew to respect it. Elphaba was not reliant on anyone for her state.

"Well?" Elphaba asked.

"Highmuster." Larena prodded.

"It appears that the rumbling from northern Munchkinland about dissent was more than that. We just received wire that a full scale revolt happened there." He started.

"Impossible." Elphaba replied. "Munchkinland's heaviest and most loyal subjects are in the north."

"Well, that's part of it. It seems the women there were no longer satisfied with being considered property by the men. They thought they could do more to help the cause then sit inside crocheting. They petitioned the towns but were shot down hard by the mayors and the Governor. That did not go over well. They gathered together and raided the militia headquarters for supplies, and started marching south." Vitorili continued.

"Why didn't the militia stop them?" Elphaba asked.

"I imagine they couldn't bear to fire on their wives and daughters." Vitorili replied.

"Who is leading the revolt?" Glinda asked.

"A women named Jinjuria." He told her.

"That's a funny name."

"It's not her real one. It's because she has flaming red hair." Elphaba answered, deep in thought. "I knew of her while in the Resistance. We tried to get her to join up with us, but she was staunchly opposed to the idea. She was more focused on toppling my sister."

"So you met her?" Larena asked but Elphaba shook her head.

"No. She refused to meet with the governor's sister and because of my involvement would not work with us."

"Do you know anything else about her?" Vitorili asked.

"She's young; maybe thirtyish. She has flaming red hair and pale skin. She may not actually be a Munchkinlander. Some said she had the look of the Gillikinese that live near the border. She started becoming prominent after my sister took power, and was known for not only being very charismatic but almost a genius at strategy. She ran the militia in circles for years and they never caught sight of her. She was still active after my sister died, but I did not have much time to figure out what her new plans were." Elphaba elaborated, then fell silent.

"What would you guess her plans are?"

"If she is looking to empower women, my guess is she will go town to town and get as many as she can. Then, she will march on Colwen Grounds."

There was silence for a bit, and then Glinda spoke.

"Well, look on the bright side, Elphie." She said with a smile. "That's one less cause that you need to fight for."

Elphaba barked out a laugh, and then smiled.

"That's good. Helping you control your magic is taxing enough."

"Hey!"

The pale moonlight shone through the window as Glinda awoke. She paused; trying to find the source of what woke her. The cool night air sent a shiver across her body, causing her to realize. Elphaba was no longer in bed. Looking around the room, she could not see her love either. Glinda quickly put a robe on and grabbed her wand before hurrying out the door.

She found her emerald woman exactly where she thought she would; on the veranda staring at the moon. Glinda watched her for a moment, drinking in the sight of the moonlight shining off her ebony hair. The pale light of the full moon almost made Elphaba's skin appear normal.

"How long are you planning on staring?" Elphaba's voice startled Glinda out of her admiration. It sounded tired and worn.

"I'm sorry, Elphie. You just look so beautiful under the moonlight." Glinda replied as she walked up next to her.

"Thank you, my sweet." She answered hollowly.

"Elphie, what is it?"

"Nothing. A nightmare, is all."

"Something tells me there is more to it than that."

"No."

Glinda put a hand to Elphaba's cheek. The emerald woman flinched and closed her eyes.

"Tell me, Elphie."

"It was Fiyero." was the whispered response. The pain in her voice tugged at Glinda's heart for reasons innumerable. "He spoke to me. Told me to not give up hope. That he would be with me always."

"Could have been a vision?" Glinda asked hoarsely. She did not want it to be true but she had to know.

"I don't think so. They rarely come at night, and always show me things the way things will be. Fiyero was human, so it was the past."

"Then it is the weight of it all finally catching up to you. Come, Elphie, let's go back to bed. I'll make you feel better." She took Elphaba's hand and started leading her back to the room.

"I don't know if I can deal with that kind of affection right now, my sweet."

"As to be expected, dear. I can't imagine having sex after waking up from a dream about my ex. It will be just cuddles with a little bit of petting."

"Thank you, Glinda. You really are the best thing to ever happen to me."

"You too, Elphie."

"And Glinda? Don't you dare tell anyone this, but I really like being cuddled and pet."

Glinda laughed. "We all do, my beautiful emerald, but I shall keep it a secret. Wouldn't want to ruin your wicked image."

"It's hard to be terrifying when people think of you being cuddled."

"A tactic for later. Images of the Wicked Witch being cuddled and purring like a kitten."

"I do not purr." Elphaba said flatly as they reached the room. The dubious look on Glinda's face caused her to add, "Much."

"Like a kitten. Now come, it's time for one of your favorite things."

Elphaba sighed and crawled into bed next to Glinda where the blonde made good on her promise, and Elphaba did her best not to purr too much.

As the door to the room shut Glinda's parents retreated from the study from which they were observing.

"I think that pretty much answers that." Vitorili said.

"Quite. Do you think it could be some magic spell?" Larena asked

"Not of the sorcery variety. It's just the magic of love. Nothing more."

"You always were such a hopeless romantic. It's where Glinda gets all her ideas from."

Vitorili raised an eyebrow and then bent down and scooped his wife up. She let out a cry of surprise.

"You never seemed to mind."

"Never said I did."

"Come, dear, I think I feel in the mood to be a hopeless romantic."

"That sounds quite nice."

"Glinda, dear, can we talk to you?" her mother asked as Glinda went to enter the kitchen.

"Of course, Momsie. I was just about to grab food for me and Elphie."

"It's about that dear."

"About what?"

"Come sit with me and your father in the solarium."

Glinda nervously followed her mother to the room. Her father was standing with his back to the door looking out the window. As he heard them come in her smiled and went to sit them both. Glinda was slightly uneasy as he remained standing. There was a silence for a few moments, but Glinda could not stand it.

"So, what's this about? You said about that, but I assume you mean Elphie." Glinda asked.

"Yes, cupcake." Vitorili said. "We know that you care for her."

"Very much so. I'm still confused."

"That's not what we mean, princess." Vitorili said, and then sighed. "We know that you are in love with her."

Glinda froze. She tried to stutter some response but her mother cut her off.

"Does she feel the same way about you?" Larena asked.

"Yes." Glinda managed to gasp out.

"And it's not some sort of magical spell, is it?"

Glinda was on her feet before she realized it.

"How dare you, Momsie-"

"It had to be asked, darling. She is a very powerful witch."

"I know, Momsie. Believe me, I know." Glinda said, and paused to think. "Momsie, Popsicle, you don't seem very surprised."

"Glinda, darling," her mother said with a smile, "You've always been a lover. I remember when you used to come home and tell me about all your little girlfriends and how wonderful your weddings would be."

"Oh." Glinda replied, cheeks growing hot. "I had quite forgotten about that."

"It was very cute." Her father added.

"But if you knew I was attracted to women, why did you let me court all those boys?" Glinda asked.

"As we said, darling, a lover. Ask yourself: did you not like those boys?" her mother said with a small smile.

"No. I did so much as I could."

"We are to blame, somewhat, for your lack of realization." Vitorili said. Larena frowned at him but he ignored her warning. "We did encourage you court those boys and forget about the girls."

"And why would you do that if you truly cared for her?" came Elphaba's harsh voice. Glinda and Larena twisted to see her standing in the doorway. She wore her black button up dress and had her hands clasped behind her back. Her face had a hard scrutiny that cast the perfect image of a wicked witch.

"Miss Elphaba, please, sit." Vitorili offered, pulling out a chair. She lifted a hand in declination.

"No thank you, Vitorili. I prefer to stand at this moment." She replied, voice hard. He nodded to her, not missing her use of his name.

"Very well. To answer your question: we did so because our little Galinda, while a joy, did not seem to be all that bright."

"Popsicle!"

"I'm sorry, cupcake, but it was true. You were more interested in dresses and shoes and things that sparkled than anything serious. While in Frottica, and Gillikin in general, same sex couples are not completely ostracized, they have to work much harder than opposite sex couples. Frankly, cupcake, we didn't think you could do it. You were a very feeling girl and we didn't want to see you put yourself through that. We thought if we could get you married to a good man he could give you all the golden things you wanted, or at least take care of you well enough until we passed and you got our inheritance."

"That's horrible." Elphaba said, striding forward. Glinda had gone into shock.

"I agree. But it was the best option we could come up with to keep our Galinda safe." Larena replied.

"By not giving her a choice in her own happiness?"

"What would you have had us do, Miss Elphaba?" Larena retorted sharply. "Wait until she came back crying from school because she was being tormented? Let her hear the whispers of people on the street mocking her?"

"It was not your choice to make." Elphaba came back harshly and put a hand on Glinda's shoulder. "She may have surprised you with her strength."

"Do you really think our Galinda, the one you met all those years ago, would have made the tough choice? One that brought her pain and discomfort?" Larena asked. Elphaba snarled but did not respond. Glinda felt a tingling from where Elphaba's hand met her shoulder.

"Enough. The both of you." Glinda said softly but firmly. Both women fell silent and looked away. "Elphaba, calm down. I can feel the magic bleeding off of you."

Elphaba quickly withdrew her hand and her features softened.

"I'm sorry, my sweet."

"I know. You tend to be over protective of me."

"I wouldn't say over protective."

Vitorili and Larena shared a glance.

"Momsie, Popsicle?" Glinda said calmly.

"Yes, princess?"

"I can't say I am happy with your decision, but I understand why you did it." Glinda continued, using her Glinda the Good voice. The tone cut her parents more than any yelling could. "I will not say it was the right decision, but your assessment of me back then was accurate, as time as shown. Now, was that all?"

"No." Vitorili said quietly. Larena had paled and seemed to wither. Vitorili had to place an arm around her to anchor her. "We decided that with all that you have gone through, you should be able to go someplace where you can be yourselves without worry. So, we had the cabin readied for you. We think that after a few more days of entertaining you should retire there."

"Thank you so much, Momsie. Popsicle." Glinda said, brightening at the prospect of alone time with Elphaba. She got up and gave her mom a hug and two kisses. It seemed to strengthen the woman. She threw her arms her father and gave him a kiss also.

"You two deserve it." Larena said softly. Glinda smiled.

"If that's all, Momsie, I think I should like to go for a walk." Glinda said and excused herself. Elphaba went to follow but Glinda stopped her. "Sorry, Elphie, but I'd like to go alone."

"Ok." Elphaba replied, a bit dumbstruck. Glinda smiled and reached up to give her a peck on her cheek, then disappeared around the corner. The three watched her go.

"I know you must think us wicked, Miss Elphaba," Larena said, "but do you think that if your mother could have protected you from the pain you suffered, she would have?"

"I don't know." Elphaba replied flatly. "I never knew her. She died before I could form any memories. All I have of her are portraits and stories."

"I have no doubt that she would have." Larena replied. "Wouldn't you for your child?"

"I have no doubt that I would make a terrible mother; just as I have no doubt that Glinda would make an excellent one."

"I think you will make an excellent mother someday. They come in all forms. Some are loving and tender, and some are strict and understanding."

"And what of fathers?" Elphaba replied, her voice beginning to cloud with emotion. "Mine showed me nothing but hate."

"We men are fools." Vitorili replied in a deep, low voice. It caused Elphaba to turn and look at him. "Well-meaning fools, but fools none the less. I remember your story, and Glinda has filled me in on some of the other details."

"What?"

"Yes. Daddy-daughter confidentiality, you see." He replied with a smile. "My guess your father felt very inadequate after you were born, and that led to his actions with your mother. After she died," he saw Elphaba wither, "he was hurting and needed some outlet for his pain and supposed failure to protect your mother. He blamed you because you were the physical object of his failure. He overcompensated with your sister, babying her, and overcompensated with you, tormenting you."

"That doesn't make it right." Elphaba growled.

"No. Your father was too weak a man to see past his own feelings and do what was needed, no matter how hard it was for him." Vitorili replied coldly. "But as I said, fools."

"How could he have thought it was his fault? That makes no sense." Elphaba hissed.

"Society conditions men as it does women. It tries to tell us we need to protect our close ones. That if we can't protect them, it's our fault. That we needed to be stronger. No matter how irrational that is, or how demeaning it is to those we love."

"I see." Elphaba said evenly.

"My guess is you've had the same sort of conditioning, but by your father."

"You know nothing of me!" Elphaba snapped, and nearby a plant exploded. The room jumped. Elphaba's eyes widened and he voice came out frightened. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's quite alright." Larena said. "We are dealing with some intense subjects. Highmuster had not left that part of his past career behind him, and feels the need to analyze everyone. Excuse me while I got get a broom."

There was silence in the room. Elphaba looked down at the floor, and shuffled her feet. She looked at Vitorili to see him calm as if he was on a summer carriage ride.

"How can you do it?" she asked quietly.

"What, specifically?"

"Control your feelings like that? I never have seemed to be able to."

"I'll let you in on a little secret." He said, and whispered conspiratorially. "I don't. Never have."

"Then how are you so calm?"

"Because I deal with my feelings, Miss Elphaba. Feelings are meant to be experienced. They are what make us alive. I understand my feelings and process them. I could be angry at you for destroying my house, slightly scared at the power you possess, and jealous of the affection my daughter gives you. I have felt all of those. But I know that you did not mean to blow up that plant; know that I can't do anything to affect how much power you possess so there's no reason to fear it because you will do with it as you will; and no matter how much my daughter cares for you that it does not mean she cares for me any less."

"And that works?"

"Eventually." He said with a smile. "People's feelings are affected by external and internal factors. Externally, there are things you can do something about, and things you can't. Don't let the things that you can't control affect you; it's pointless. Things you can control strive to control. Internally, you change how you feel. I feel a bit of disgust with myself with how we made some choices for Galinda. But I feel pride that she turned out well, anyway."

"I see."

"It's not perfect, Miss Elphaba, but it's what I do."

"I shall try it. Thank you."