Since I wrote this, I've changed my opinion on Frex's characterisation in the musical. But I've still got this oneshot and it seemed like a good follow up to the previous one.

Also! I changed the name of this story to "Past Colwen Grounds" to better reflect the direction I think it's heading in. I think I might post some pieces I've written at different stages that fit the theme, or maybe write new things specifically for this project.

Shiz University.

She had heard about it, of course. It was one of the most prestigious schools in all of Oz, and many of the people she read about in her books had studied there. But it had always seemed so far away, and not just in distance. The knowledge that her sister would be heading there soon was just too much for her to process.

Yes, Elphaba would have loved to have the opportunity to experience it for herself, but this didn't stop her from being excited for Nessa. And it wasn't like she had expected her father to pay for her to attend school. Especially one like Shiz.

She looked up from the book she had been trying to read when she heard the faint sound of wheels approaching, and Nessa's pale face appeared in the doorway.

"Oh Fabala, I'll miss you so much. I wish you could come with me."

"So do I, Nessie, but you'll be okay," Elphaba smiled at her sister. "I'm sure you wouldn't want everyone to know your sister's a freak, anyway."

"Elphaba! How could you say such a thing! You know that's not true!," exclaimed the younger girl.

"Father doesn't."

"Well he's not the one going, is he?"

"That doesn't matter." Elphaba paused for a second. "Honestly I'm surprised he isn't sending me off to be your servant."

"Elphaba..."

"No, I don't mind. I would actually quite enjoy it, as long as I was allowed to attend classes." She frowned. "I suppose that's what he didn't want."

Silence settled over them for a few seconds, before Nessarose's head suddenly jerked up.

"Or maybe," she watched her sister, eyes sparkling, "It hasn't occurred to him yet."

Elphaba met her gaze. "What do you mean?" she began slowly, "It's not like we could-"

"Why not?" Nessa interrupted. "I could ask him, he's never refused me anything before."

A slight smile started to make its way onto the green girl's face. "Would you really do that?"

"Of course. I would hate to be away from you for so long, Fabala."

As they neared their father's study, Elphaba was suddenly overcome with a sense of dread. "Wait," she stopped walking and turned to her sister. "This is a bad idea."

"Elphaba, trust me," Nessa was staring intently at her. "This will work. I can't leave you here on your own."

The green girl almost made a remark about how she had spent her whole life alone, but stopped herself just in time. Her sister had never approved of sarcasm. Instead she just sighed and carried on walking, seeming to be at a loss for words.

They reached the Governor's office far too quickly, and Elphaba could feel her heart rate speed up at the mere thought that he was inside.

Nessa seemed to have noticed her reluctance to enter, and gave her a small smile.

"Come on. You'll be fine."

And she knocked.

Elphaba entered the room a few steps behind Nessa, not quite trying to hide, but definitely wanting her father's attention to fix on his younger daughter first.

"Father."

"Nessa," he greeted her with a smile that disappeared when he laid eyes on the other girl. "And Elphaba."

"Hello Father," she murmured quietly.

"Shouldn't you be packing for Shiz?" He said, his focus returning to Nessarose. "You're leaving in just a few days."

"Yes, I was. But there's something important I'd like to ask you before we go."

"Of course, anything."

Elphaba took a breath, and Nessa reached for her hand.

"You see," the younger girl started, steadily. "While I appreciate your finding someone to help take care of me at Shiz," she paused. "It's just that Elphaba has always looked after me."

Frex looked suspicious. "What are you implying?"

"Well, I would just feel more comfortable with a familiar face around. I am travelling halfway across Oz to an unknown place, after all."

All the while, Elphaba was watching in anticipation, trying to fight the surge of hope so as not to be disappointed.

"You want me to send your sister to university with you?" The governor asked incredulously. "You have no shame? You wish the world to know I have a green freak as a daughter?"

Elphaba flinched. He had either forgotten that the daughter he was referring to was standing right in front of him, or simply didn't care. Elphaba presumed the latter, and she had to force herself not to defend herself. She couldn't risk him getting angry with her now.

"She is not a freak," Nessa stated defiantly, "And she's right here, so don't talk about her like she's in another room."

Elphaba tried to warn her to stop, quietly but urgently, however the younger girl ignored her.

"But yes, that is what I want. Will you do it?" In a softer voice she added, "for me?"

Frex's eyes widened and he looked like a cornered animal; he obviously didn't want to allow Elphaba to go, yet he couldn't dare refuse his precious Nessarose.

"I suppose I have to now." He wouldn't look at either of them. "Go pack your things then, both of you."

"Thank you, Father," said Nessa, before she wheeled herself towards the door.

Elphaba turned to leave too, but stopped just before she exited the room, turning back to face her father. She attempted a weak smile and "thank you," before following her sister.

So that was it. She was headed to Shiz University, where she could spend time with her books and her beloved Nessie, without having to live in constant fear. Where there was no one to tell her she wasn't good enough. That she was a failure. A disappointment. She was finally free.

It seems like everyone interprets Nessa's character differently. I personally love the idea of her being nice, I think she's a very misunderstood character, but I can see where other opinions come from. Thanks for reading!