The cousins watched as Glinda ran from the family room in tears, their confusion apparent. Elphie started to go after her but Gwenot gently took her arm to stop her.
"What happened Aunt Gwen?" Voril said.
"I'm not sure, perhaps something empathic?" Gwenot said looking at Elphie who was as confused as everyone else and obviously wanting to go after her love.
"Maybe she was too happy?" Kiuy offered.
"Those were not happy tears." Elphie said
"But we are not upset about your engagement, honestly Elphaba we are not." Chiwa said.
"We had a long talk about her dating you on the way here." Javie said.
"We don't really understand being attracted to someone of your own gender, but saw how good you two were together and how much she loves you at her party and we had no intention of doing or saying anything detrimental." Kiuy said.
"Not at all, we were actually looking forward to getting to know you a little better Elphaba." Voril said.
"But I know I was a little taken aback by her announcement, very surprised."
"I was too. I think we all were. And maybe even a little confused, but nothing really negative." Chiwa said and the cousins nodded in agreement.
"I think I know what happened." Elphie said.
"I need to go talk to her."
"Of course darling, go." Gwenot said.
"We aren't upset Elphaba, about your engagement. Tell her that." Kiuy said and Elphie nodded.
Not sure where Glinda went, Elphie started in the sitting room then looked the common room, but found her in the Nursery. She was sitting curled up in the window seat, looking out the window and stroking Nusee. Elphie knew that she wasn't crying anymore, but she was sniffling.
"Lyndie." Elphie said quietly as she went over to the window. Glinda looked over, got up and put herself into Elphie's waiting arms. She stayed there until Elphie gently moved her away.
"You were snooping, weren't you?" Elphie asked gently and Glinda sniffled and nodded.
"Glinda, I'm surprised at you." Elphie said softly.
"Don't yell at me." Glinda said then squirmed away from Elphie and went back to the window seat and Elphie sighed.
"Lyndie, I'm not angry or anything else at you and you know it." Elphie said as she went to sit beside her love. She kissed Glinda's temple then pulled her close.
"Now, tell me what happened."
"I was so excited, they were so excited and they were excited to see you too. Then they stopped being excited and were dubious or something. I felt it and it upset me."
"And you running out upset them. Glinda, did you feel anything negative from them?"
"Not really, but they weren't very happy."
"Which as you well know is not the same thing as being unhappy. They were a little taken aback by the announcement that we were engaged. What did you expect? Honestly Lyndie." Elphie said gently but seriously as she stroked Glinda's hair.
"You wanted them to be thrilled immediately, because you were so excited and when they weren't you misinterpreted what you felt. My sweet, I am sorry that all of this distressed you, but you snooped and it backfired, as it usually does. You know by now that someone's very first reactions don't always reflect how they feel in general."
"I don't know what I expected, or why I was snooping. I do know better. I just want them to be happy for us." Glinda said.
"Then give them a chance Lyndie. They are concerned about you and don't know why you left. They were looking forward to this visit. Kiuy told me to tell you that they are not upset that we are engaged." Elphie said then gave Glinda a soft kiss.
"You were very unfair to your cousins my precious girl. You went somewhere that you had no right to be and you were hurt. And you confused everyone else. I hate that you felt that you had to do that."
"I didn't have to, I just wanted to. Elphie, I behaved stupidly. I trust my cousins. I've just been so happy and excited and wanted them to be too, for you. I'm a mess." Glinda sniffled.
"Yes, you are. But you are an adorable, well-meaning mess and more importantly, you are my mess." Elphie said with a smile.
"I need to go apologize to my cousins and everyone else." Glinda said.
"Yes, you do. And you need to give your cousins the opportunity to show you how they really feel about the news of our engagement." Elphie said as she cuddled her love close.
"I know. Elphie I honestly don't know why I did that, I don't or why it upset me so."
"My sweet girl, we can talk about all that you need to but I think that you will feel better if you just go out and let things happen as they should have in the first place." Elphie said stroking Glinda's cheek. Elphie knew that her love was feeling insecure and provided her with some reassurance.
"You're right." Glinda said after a short time of cheek caresses and loving gazes.
"Maybe we can have a do-over." She said smiling for the first time since Elphie came in.
"Perhaps my precious. We should go back there now, your time with you're cousins is limited."
"Okay. Kiss me first?" Glinda asked and Elphie did, very slowly and thoroughly.
"Well look who decided to make a return appearance." Kiuy said when Glinda came in holding Elphie's hand.
"Nice of you to join us Galinda." Voril teased.
"I owe you all an apology." Glinda said contritely.
"I had what amounts to an empathic temper tantrum. I was too tuned into what you were feeling when I told you that Elphie and I were engaged and when you didn't immediately react like I wanted you to I became upset. But Elphie yelled at me and I realize that I was very unfair to you." Glinda said and every eyebrow in the room shot up.
"I most certainly did no such thing." Elphie said with a slight smile.
"Alright she didn't yell. She held me, reassured me and spoke to me very gently. But she used her serious voice." Glinda smiled and Namom Gwenot and Samion all chuckled softly and exchanged knowing looks.
"Please forgive me. I know my engagement was a surprise and I should have just let it play out. I'm really sorry that I was doing something that I shouldn't have been and that I concerned you all."
"We forgive you little cousin. Aunt Gwen explained how excited and rather wound up you've been and we understand. It's not like all of us have not been in your shoes. And if you remember correctly our initial reaction to the announcement of Chiwa's engagement wasn't exactly parade-worthy." Voril said.
"That's true." Chiwa chuckled.
"Galinda, we heard what Jilla told us and took it to heart. We might not understand this completely, but we love you and want to celebrate with you." Kiuy said and Glinda sniffled.
"Oh no, not again." Javie said.
"These are happy tears." Elphie smiled.
"May we just start over please?" Glinda said after a kiss on the forehead from Elphie and a smile and nod from her mother and grandmother
"She's been doing these do-overs since she figured out that she was cute enough to get by with them. Apparently she hasn't outgrown it." Voril laughed.
"She hasn't. It's one of our favorite ways to prevent a tiff." Elphie smiled and Glinda giggled.
"So little cousin you look as though you have something to tell us." Chiwa said with a straight face.
"I do I do!" Glinda bubbled and squeezed Elphie's hand.
Glinda repeated the announcement of Elphie proposing to her and her cousins reacted with squeals of enthusiasm and proper gushing over her engagement ring, much to the amusement of Gwenot and the relief of Namom. Kiuy recognized Elphie's ring and the cousins agreed that it was perfect for the occasion.
X
"So little cousin, are you going to be able to see the Upland cousin contingent to tell them the good news, while you are home on break?" Chiwa asked as they made sandwiches from the items that had been put out for them.
"We do, next weekend. And Bitra is even coming to Frottica for the Masquerade Ball." Glinda said as she put some tomato slices on a piece of bread.
"Thank you my sweet, but I can take it from here." Elphie chuckled softly in Glinda's ear as she took the plate from her.
Glinda grinned sheepishly and shrugged while her cousins chuckled.
"Jilla's going too isn't she?" Javie asked.
"Yep. That's one of the reasons that they did not come up here with us. They are going to come to see you all after the New Year, I think." Glinda said as she took a little taste of the potato salad.
"Vinegar free, and delicious."
"What fun, another excuse to escape home for a night." Kiuy chuckled.
"You really have to love the holidays." Javie said as they made their way to the dining room table.
The older adults went into the sitting room with their lunches, leaving the girls to themselves to catch up. Each cousin filled Glinda and Elphie in on what their husbands and kids were up to then Glinda told them about the art show and other things in her and Elphie's life.
Elphie remembered who was who was who as far as husbands and children were concerned, but was unclear as to where everyone lived. So Kiuy, who was the oldest Arduenna cousin, drew her a rudimentary map of the area on both sides of the Ugabu-Gillikin border and showed her where everyone lived. Everyone but Voril and Chiwa lived on the Ugabu side, but even they were within half an hour of their parents and everyone else. Javie explained how they saw each other one on one frequently, watched one another's children and all got together once a month or so for lunch and shopping, without the kids. Their husbands did the same, but without the shopping. Chiwa added how nice it was for the kids to play together and have Aunts and Uncles and grandparents to baby sit. They told Glinda about all the new shops and things that had been put in and how the area had grown since her last visit and Glinda promised that she and Elphie would come and see them all when an appropriate opportunity presented itself. They all agreed that the opening of the new train depot and the new paved road from the Valley to the border would make things easier.
After the lunch was cleaned up and put away, the girls joined Samion, Gwenot and Namom in the sitting room and Namom filled them in on the wassailing idea and details.
"What a wonderful idea." Javie said.
"Oh and maybe we could go to that new Inn for dinner, remember Chi?" Kiuy said.
"Oh Oz they had the best food. Apple apricot stuffed pork chops." Chiwa said with a happy grin.
"And that ham with the spiced cherry glaze." Kiuy smiled.
"That sounds fabulous." Javie said.
"I eat there every so often and it is." Namom said.
"Gourmet pork dishes are their specialty, but they serve a wide variety of items, including some fine fish dishes and several specialty salads."
"Gourmet food in a casual atmosphere." Kiuy said.
"What do you think you two?" Javie said to Elphie and Glinda.
"I think it sounds fun. I love good food…" Glinda started to say.
"You love any food." Chiwa laughed and Elphie chuckled softly.
"…And I love going wassailing." Glinda continued with a grin.
"Elphie?"
"I agree that you love any food." Elphie smiled and everyone chuckled making Glinda wiggle with delight.
"And I agree the evening sounds like fun." Elphie said sincerely, but Glinda could feel some reservations.
"Good, it's settled then the Arduenna girls, and the Arduenna girl to be having a night out." Kiuy chuckled. Glinda beamed and bounced while Elphie blushed.
They spent a little time talking with the older adults then Glinda showed her cousins the common room they decorated, Elphie's wreath and her ornament. They were all very impressed and told stories of when their husbands got ornaments and how most of their wreaths had sports themes.
"So which of the spare rooms are you in Elphaba?" Javie asked as talk turned to general things we've done to this house stories.
"Actually she's staying in the Nursery." Glinda responded.
"Really? I thought you'd like to be in there."
"I am too, we are sharing the Nursery." Glinda said feeling more surprise from her cousins than she had when she told them that she was engaged.
"You're kidding." Kiuy said.
"Nope." Glinda smiled and caressed a blushing Elphie's hand.
"Namom has finally lost her mind." Chiwa said with a chuckle.
"She not only made our fiancées stay out in the farthest cottage when they visited, I am fairly certain that she had them locked in."
"And knowing Yosib, I'm surprised that she didn't post a guard as well." Glinda chuckled.
"Remember those little bells she put on the windows when you and Wolte first got engaged Kiuy?" Javie laughed.
"She wouldn't have even thought to if you hadn't kept sneaking out Jav." Kiuy chuckled.
"So what made our crafty, guard dog of a grandmother allow you two to both sleep in the Nursery?" Voril asked.
"We do live together for most of the year, remember?" Glinda grinned but Elphie was growing uncomfortable.
"About that…" Kiuy started but was interrupted by a noise at the door.
"What in Oz?" Javie said pointing to a very agitated Nusee hissing and arching his back.
"Oh no, I forgot about Nuisance." Elphie muttered as Nusee ran to where she was and bounced around at her feet hissing at the cousins.
"Since when did Namom get a kitten? Hey little guy." Kiuy said as she reached down to try and pet Nusee.
"Hey!" She squealed when Nusee hissed and swiped at her.
"Not a friendly thing is he, or she?" Voril chuckled.
"You all I'm sorry." Elphie said contritely.
"Come here please Nuisance." She called to the kitten, who was hissing from a safer location out of arm range. Nusee hopped into her hands, still looking at the cousins warily.
"She can talk to animals?" Javie asked as they watched Elphie walk to the corner of the room with the angry kitten in her hands.
"That's not Namom's cat. That's Elphie's Familiar, Nusee." Glinda said.
"Remember she's a witch."
While Elphie calmed down her Familiar, Glinda gave the quick version of how Nusee came into their lives and why he was hidden away during her birthday party, as well as a little about how he has reacted to other magical people he'd met.
"Sweetheart, do you think he is calm enough to meet them all?"
"I think so. I apologize again, Kiuy. He is still quite young." Elphie said.
"No problem Elphaba, I don't know much about Familiars, but I do know they are proctors of sorts."
"Nuisance, remember that these ladies are no threat to me. They are all sorceresses, but they are Glinda's cousins and very friendly." Elphie said as she came back over to the group.
It took some extra doing for little Nusee to accept all of the magical cousins and the only reason that Glinda could think of as to why was because they were in a new place with a different sort of magical energy. But eventually he nuzzled each of their hands then cuddled himself against Elphie.
"If you will excuse me I'm going to take him to the Nursery." Elphie said.
"How old is he?" Voril asked.
"Hmmm… I guess he'd be four or five months old by now. We are told that he was going to be a small cat. He's so cute and very amusing. He used to like to try to climb up Elphie's skirt." Glinda chuckled.
"For some reason I don't think she found that quite as amusing as you did." Kiuy laughed.
"Good call Cousin. They are forming quite a bond though."
They talked about Nusee for a little bit then moved onto other things, including Glinda asking her cousins to please not pursue the teasing about sharing a room when Elphie was around. After some talk about that, they decided to take a walk in the snow up to the stables.
"Oh I'd like that and we have plenty of time. Why don't you all go bundle up and I'll go tell Elphie what we are doing." Glinda said wondering why Elphie wasn't back yet.
"Will she want to come with us?" Javie asked.
"Oh I'm sure she will. We love walks." Glinda giggled.
Glinda went on down to the Nursery and saw Elphie playing with Nusee on the window seat.
"Are you okay my love?" Glinda said quietly and Elphie jumped, startling Nusee.
"You were gone awhile." She said as she gathered Elphie into her arms for a hug.
"I'm sorry Lyndie, I guess I lost track of time." Elphie said as she accepted the affection then shifted so that she was doing more of the holding.
"You do not have to sing if you don't want to tonight Elphie, no one will compel you to. Or for that matter, even care if you don't." Glinda smiled after a nice hug and a soft kiss.
"You know me so well." Elphie chuckled.
"I try." Glinda smiled.
"Do you want to talk about it my love?" Glinda said.
"I'm alright. Where are your cousins?"
"They are getting bundled up. We are going on a walk to the stables." Glinda said with a happy wiggle.
"There are stables here?" Elphie said.
"They are sort of behind a hill, over…oh you'll see. Let's get bundled up. But first a kiss." Glinda smiled.
"The first thing on every list." Elphie smiled.
"Any list worth anything at all yes." Glinda giggled and they shared a lingering gentle kiss.
X
"What a good idea to bring the sleds along." Glinda bubbled as they trekked up one of the gentle slopes beside the main house.
"Oh they might come in handy." Voril grinned mischievously.
"For something other than transporting hot cocoa containers." Javie laughed.
"Okay Elphie." Glinda said from the top of the little hill.
"Remember that little road off to the right when we came in?"
"I do." Elphie smiled.
"Well that's it down there. It leads to the stables and eventually back into the village. Namom shares the stables with a family that lives back over there. They maintain it and care for the horses." Glinda said.
"After Napop died my dad took two of the horses with him and left two here for the carriages and whatever." Chiwa said.
"It's a nice stable, Twig and Mouse are sweet horses and the new stable hand is really cute." Voril grinned.
"You think so? I think his jaw is too square." Kiuy smiled.
"Not square…chiseled." Voril laughed.
"The horses are named Twig and Mouse?" Elphie asked blushing slightly.
"Twig had really spindly legs when she was a baby, and Mouse came to us with that name." Chiwa said.
"Ride or walk down?" Javie asked Elphie who looked at Glinda with a hint of panic.
"Why don't you four double up and take the usual route. I'll show Elphie where the steps are." Glinda said.
"If you say so little cousin." Kiuy said.
"I'll go down later." Glinda smiled.
"I am unaccustomed to snow and snow related activities." Elphie to satisfy the cousins curious looks.
"Ah, well then onward ladies. We will see you at the bottom."
"And we will see you." Javie chuckled then she and Voril started down the hill with a girlish squeal.
"We tend to revert to childhood when we are here together like this." Kiuy smiled then unceremoniously sat down on the sled behind her sister and pushed them off.
"They really do." Glinda chuckled as she took Elphie's hand and led her to a wooden railing.
"And you don't?"
"There's a difference. They come and leave as grown-ups. I only grow up when it suits me to, or necessity dictates."
"I can't argue there." Elphie said as they started down the steps that she could feel but not see.
"But Lyndie, I want you to have your fun."
"I will Elphie, don't worry. Oh no ambush!" Glinda giggled with delight and pointed to Javie and Voril pelting their cousins with snowballs as the got off their sled.
"Let's make some snowballs, I like to be prepared."
Glinda taught Elphie how to make snowballs while they listened to the cousins laughing and calling each other amusing names. Glinda was beaming and giggling along. When they both had two well-made snowballs, they continued down the steps. Glinda told Elphie to wait at the bottom and put her hood up just in case then walked a few steps away and launched her first snowball at her closest cousin then scampered back to Elphie to get her other snowballs. She headed back into the fray with laughter that made Elphie's knees go week.
Elphie watched as the five cousins ran around, making snowballs as they moved and dodging flying balls of snow with delighted shouts. There did not seem to be any plan involved, they ducked behind trees and fence posts, used each other as shields and resorted to simply throwing handfuls of snow when all else failed. Glinda was beaming and having a wonderful time. One time she stopped to smile and wave at Elphie, Elphie waved back then helpfully pointed out a sneak attack coming her way. This gave Elphie an idea and she made a snowball and moved behind a nearby tree.
After ten minutes or so of flinging snowballs at one another the cousins decided that it had lost it's appeal and decided to go into the stables to warm up. Glinda looked over to the steps but did not see Elphie. When she turned around to tell her cousins that she was going to see where her love had wandered off to, she felt a light smack on her back. She whirled around, saw Elphie standing by the tree smiling one of her bright beautiful smiles, and heard her cousins chuckling.
"You just wait." Glinda giggled as she bounced over to Elphie, took her in her arms and spun her around.
"I might not pelt you with snow, but I owe you one"
"Oh you do huh? One what?" Elphie grinned.
"Oh you'll find out." Glinda said in her low seductive voice accompanied by an eyebrow waggle.
"But until then…how exciting, your first snowball fight."
"More like a snowball one sided skirmish." Elphie chuckled.
"Which is why my love, that I owe you one." Glinda giggled.
"I'll look forward to it." Elphie grinned then kissed Glinda's cold and rosy cheek.
"Now let's go get you warmed up."
"Ooooh." Glinda giggled mischievously.
"I'll go tell my cousins we are going back to the house." She giggled more at Elphie's expression.
"Oh you meant in there. Okay, that will work too."
"Nice shot there Elphaba." Chiwa said when they came into the small office.
"Thank you, it was my first snowball throw." Elphie smiled as she pulled off Glinda's gloves and put them by the fire with the others.
"Thanks sweetheart." Glinda smiled and accepted a cup of hot cocoa.
"And thank you Kiuy, mmmmm smells wonderful. Is this your special recipe?"
"Yep."
"Here Elphie, try some. I know chocolate is not your favorite, but try a taste." Glinda said and Elphie took the proffered mug.
"This tastes like it has cinnamon in it." Elphie said after taking a sip.
"My special hot cocoa." Kiuy said.
"It is very good." Elphie smiled and took another sip.
"How can chocolate not be anyone's favorite?" Javie said to Chiwa as she poured them some more.
They sat around the fire in the stable's office while they sipped the cocoa and talked about horses. When they were finished, they took some treats and went to visit with Twig, Mouse and the other horses. The new stable hand was there and after chatting with him briefly, they went back to bundle up again and continue their walk to the pond.
"Definitely too square." Kiuy said.
"Oh what do you know, Wolte's chin is covered in that beard." Voril laughed.
"I like Wolte's beard, it makes him look distinguished." Chiwa said.
"Oh please don't tell him that. He's full of himself enough with his new promotion." Kiuy chuckled.
"He even wanted me to call him Mr. Nuxion sir last night in bed."
"Oh that's nothing, when Matith won that employee of the year award…" Javie started but Glinda interrupted because she could feel Elphie wanting to flee.
"Awwww look you all, the blocks are not there." She said pointing out to the pond.
"Namom did say she wasn't sure if the pond was frozen over yet or not."
"What are the blocks?" Elphie asked grateful that the conversation had shifted.
"When the pond is frozen over enough for ice skating there are three cinder blocks in the middle. No blocks, no skate." Kiuy said.
"That sounds prudent." Elphie said.
The cousins took turns pointing out various things around the pond and stables, including favorite places to run off and make out, places they had been caught making out and other non-romance related sites as the walked back towards the hill.
They wanted to sled a little more, but decided to do it on the other side of the hill so that they would be closer to the house and cottage in order to take off snowy clothes and get into hot baths. Glinda partly walked partly slid down the hill with Elphie then went back up to go down with her cousins. They raced a few times, as singles or pairs and tried once to go down while holding hands with the other sled.
Elphie watched from the bottom of the hill soaking in all of Glinda's melodic laughter and the look of unabashed wonder and joy on her face. She was having a wonderful time with people that she adored and it made Elphie feel very good, and a little confused as well. The interaction between them now was different than it had been at Glinda's birthday party, but Elphie could only imagine that was normal for families.
"Loooooook oooout Eeeeeelphie!" Glinda's excited squeal interrupted her thoughts. She looked up and saw the longest sled with her love and three of her cousins barreling down the hill towards her out of control.
Elphie moved out of the way and the cousin filled sled came by as they tried to steer out of the way of a snowdrift. Instead, they ran into the snowdrift, overturned and the girls ended up a laughing heap of cloaks, boots and gloves.
"Oh my that was fun!" Voril said as they helped each other up.
"How invigorating!" Glinda giggled as Elphie helped her brush snow off of her.
"I think I've had enough invigoration." Chiwa said.
"Elphie come down with me, just once. It's fun." Glinda said.
"I'm not doing what you just did."
"No of course not sweetheart. Over there, on the gentler slope. I would never risk you becoming snow covered, protective gear or not." Glinda said.
"I was not concerned with the snow, I was concerned with breaking a limb."
"Oh it's not as dangerous as it looks." Javie said.
"Think of it as going down a cold slide. That was fun, remember? Or better yet think of it as riding tandem on Starlight." Glinda said happily, giving Elphie a look that she could not refuse.
"Just once and only because you want me to so badly." Elphie smiled slightly.
"You won't regret it Elphie, It's fun!" Glinda bubbled.
"Just out of curiosity." Javie said quietly to Elphie.
"Have you figured out a way to deny that look of hers? We haven't."
"Unfortunately yes I have, but I try not to. My life is far more intriguing when I do not." Elphie chuckled and allowed herself to be lead up the hill.
At the top Elphie had a slight charge of heart, but after a little coaxing from Glinda and some encouragement from the cousins that were going down too, Elphie was sitting behind Glinda, her arms and legs wrapped firmly around her.
"This is NOT like riding tandem on your horse!" Elphie yelled, clinging for dear life as she and Glinda whizzed down the hill unaware of the older adult cheering section watching them from the window of the house.
X
"First time pelting someone with a snowball, check. First sled ride down a hill, check." Glinda giggled from her steamy hot, bubble filled tub.
"Enjoying yourself?" Elphie smiled as she fastened her brassiere after a bathing with warm clove oil.
"Yep." Glinda chuckled as she handed Elphie her bath brush.
"I like being a part of your firsts."
"That's very good my sweet." Elphie laughed as she ran the soapy brush over her love's back.
"Because you have been responsible for the majority of them."
"That works out nicely doesn't it?" Glinda smiled as she held up a bubble-covered leg.
"Just as things that you set your mind to usually do." Elphie chuckled as she gave the proffered leg some attention.
As Glinda finished her bath, they talked about going down the hill on the sled, which Elphie belatedly and grudgingly admitted was sort of fun. As they put each other's hair in a ponytail and got dressed, they talked about how Elphie felt about the interplay between the cousins and about the day in general. Glinda reassured Elphie that that kind of talk was common among her cousins and the fact that they did it so freely in front of her meant that she was being accepted.
"Would you get me a blue ribbon please Elphie? I think I'm more in a bow mood now." Glinda said as she stood in front of the full-length mirror.
"My cousins still don't know what to make of us being engaged, I think."
"Are you snooping again or did they tell you?" Elphie chuckled as she handed Glinda her hair ribbon.
"Neither Miss Smartieskirts. It's just a sense, but it's not bad. They are not uncomfortable with us together and they really like you. Especially Voril, she thinks you are funny." Glinda laughed as she fixed her bow.
"She thinks I'm funny?"
"She has an odd sense of humor."
"Apparently." Elphie chuckled as Glinda fiddled with the waistband of her skirt.
"You look great my love, beautiful." Glinda smiled.
"As do you." Elphie smiled and pulled Glinda to her.
After asking permission with a cheek caress and a long gaze, Elphie gently cupped Glinda's cheek and kissed her. First with all of the affection in her heart, then with all of the love and finally with all of the passion.
"You needed that," Glinda smiled breathlessly, her lips still brushing against Elphie's.
"I know. Thank you for giving it to me." Elphie smiled back and caressed the corner of Glinda's mouth with her thumb.
"Thank you for asking for it." Glinda smiled and rubbed her thumb on Elphie's temple.
"I loved watching you with your cousins today, it stirred me on a deep level. I love you so much Lyndie, so very much. When I proposed, I meant what I said when I told you that you gave me life. And I don't just mean a life to participate in, I mean the ability to live, to feel and not just exist. Sometimes it just hits me, overwhelms and overtakes me. But it doesn't frighten and confuse me when it does, as much as it used to. Today I even welcomed it, in a way. I love you." Elphie said quietly then gave Glinda a soft kiss.
"Just so you know my precious love; I've had snowball fights and went sledding with my cousins dozens of times. But I have never been as exhilarated by it, and it never meant as much to me as it did today, sharing it with you. I love you too, so very much."
They shared another kiss, this time more for desire than need. Then they simply held one another close until Gwenot interrupted them to tell them that the carriage and the cousins were ready to go.
X
"It's nice that this evening worked out so well for everyone." Glinda said to her father as he helped Elphie out of her cloak inside the Inn.
"It is Galindadoodle. I enjoy spending time with this particular group of men, and it gives your mother and grandmother some time alone together. I think there might be gift wrapping involved." Samion said with a slight chuckle.
"I know. Namom was hiding something when we left." Glinda giggled.
"Thanks for being our driver Uncle Samion." Kiuy said after all the outerwear was in the cloakroom.
"My pleasure girls. Now, I'll be with the tobacconists group in the…" Samion took a piece of paper out of his coat pocket and looked at it.
"…In the Hillside Room here at the Inn, after a quick trip to the tobacco shop around the corner. Take all the time that you want and enjoy your dinner and the wassailing. Whenever you are ready to go back to the Lodge, either come back here, or send for me. Do you all have enough money?"
"Yes Daddy, Yes Samion, Yes Uncle." Came the chuckled chorale reply as the girls gave him a hug.
"Upland, wonderful to see you." A man's booming voice said.
"Are you here for the tobacconists gathering?"
"I most certainly am Hoisrert old fellow, I wouldn't miss it." Samion replied as he vigorously shook the man's hand.
"And you brought an old fashioned harem?" The man chuckled.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is Juik Hoisrert, he's a blacksmith from the neighboring village." Samion said and the girls nodded in greeting.
"Hoisrert, these are my nieces, Kiuy, Chiwa, Javie and Voril. The live with their husbands and children on the border."
"Ladies." The man said with a bow.
"And this is my daughter Galinda and her fiancée Elphaba." Samion said proudly and the man looked at him like he didn't hear him correctly.
"It's nice to meet you finally Galinda, I've heard much about you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too Mr. Hoisrert. My father likes to brag."
"That he does. It is nice to meet you too Elphaba. My condolences on getting him as a father-in-law." The man chuckled and Samion laughed, letting Elphie know that he was teasing her.
"It is nice to meet you too Mr. Hoisrert." Elphie said shyly.
"The girls are here for dinner and then they are going caroling with the Community Center group."
"Nice night for it. Well enjoy yourselves ladies. It was a pleasure." The man said as he tipped his hat.
"See you in a bit Upland."
"He thinks you are kidding Daddy, about Elphie and me." Glinda smiled.
"Oh don't worry about it little one, you either Elphaba. By the end of to tonight not only will he believe me, he will be sick of both of you." Samion chuckled and Glinda gave him another hug.
"I love you Daddy."
"I love you too my Galinda, now go. They are calling your reservations." Samion smiled and watched as his nieces and his daughter, with her fiancée by the hand, hurried toward the restaurant before he left the Inn.
X
The restaurant was indeed casual. It was large, but warm, friendly and rather boisterous. Luckily for them, the tables for larger groups like theirs were towards the back out of the way of the main area. On Kiuy's suggestion, they all ordered a different type of pork dish, for sampling. Except for Elphie who ordered a smoked fish and spinach salad with a special basil vinaigrette dressing. Glinda, much to the cousin's amusement, questioned their poor confused server as to how the dressing was made. Finally, the chef himself came out with a sample and assured them that none of their vinaigrettes contained vinegar, only fresh citrus juices and the purest of olive oil. After Glinda deemed it worthy, much to the relief of Elphie and the chef, they ordered appetizers, ale, wine, tea and pear cider for Elphie. Chiwa told Elphie that pear cider was very common in Ugabu and in some of the nearby villages, but not so much elsewhere. This started a discussion of Elphie's apple cider and the nectars that they had discovered.
They enjoyed their appetizers and then their meals while talking about everything from their favorite foods and drinks to children's and Glinda's artwork, to using drums as a flute instructional technique and the uses of oils. They teased Elphie about having a food tester and other things, but they did so gently. They also teased Glinda and Glinda teased them right back. Elphie was her usual reserved and quiet self, but she did contribute anecdotes and was relatively at ease. She even, much to Glinda's great delight, participated when the bartender announced that all of the engaged and married couples had to kiss to wish a couple celebrating their first anniversary good luck. It was a soft, gentle and rather chaste kiss, but it was enough to make Glinda nearly bubble away.
What Elphie did most of, however was the thing she did best, she observed. She noticed that Voril was the quietest, Chiwa was the most laid back, Javie laughed at almost anything and Kiuy was obviously used to being in charge. She also observed how they talked to one another and interacted, not only as cousins and sisters, but also as friends. She put that last bit of information away to ponder more at a later time.
"You were right, this food was really good." Javie said as she pushed her plate away.
"I loved the pork roast, but that chutney on your medallions was excellent." She said to Chiwa.
"I know and that glaze on Galinda's ham was very nice." Chiwa said.
"I think we can all agree that our meals were superb." Voril said.
"I liked that orangey sauce on yours." Galinda said.
"That was unique." Kiuy said.
"The smoked fish in your salad had a very unique flavor Elphaba, did you ever identify it?"
"I think it might be Artemisia absinthium or something very close." Elphie said.
"Anything for us mere mortals sweetheart?" Glinda laughed.
"I apologize." Elphie said shyly, blushing.
"I think the more common term is wormwood. It's used for stomach troubles, but I wasn't aware that herb was also used in cooking."
"Not wormwood." Voril said.
"Tarragon. It's tarragon, a nice herb for fish, but not common around here. It has a similar aroma to wormwood."
"Tarragon." Elphie repeated and Glinda could see her love's mind working furiously.
"Artemisia dracunculus, very similar. Thank you Voril." Elphie said with a smile.
"Yeah, thanks Vori. As if she needs something else to research." Glinda chuckled and Elphie blushed again.
"I'm familiar with wormwood, Frokz gets indigestion a lot." Voril said.
"He eats your cooking a lot." Javie smirked.
"Don't listen to them Elphaba, they are both great cooks. A little competitive though." Chiwa smiled.
"That reminds me Jav, will you make your famous eggs for us tomorrow for breakfast." Glinda asked.
"Infamous you mean." Voril muttered with a big grin.
"Yes I will, but none for Voril." Javie laughed and Glinda bounced happily in her chair when Elphie chuckled along, understanding that they were teasing.
"Ladies, I had a thought. Why don't we hold off on dessert?" Kiuy said.
"No dessert?" Glinda pouted and Elphie couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Oh come on Ki, we ate all our vegetables." Javie laughed.
"May I continue please?" Kiuy said in her mother's voice, making them all chuckle.
"I was thinking that because we don't really know anyone at the community center here, we should just come back here after caroling, for decadent desserts and relaxing warm beverages."
"That is the worst rationale for having a hot toddy or hot buttered rum that I have ever heard." Voril snickered.
"It really was, but she does have a point. The desserts here are fabulous and huge. We should make room." Chiwa said with a smile.
"Works for us." Glinda giggled.
"No socializing for Elphie, huge decadent desserts for me."
"Okay, it's settled." Kiuy smiled.
"And she gets her toddy." Chiwa smiled.
They settled the bill, bundled back up and walked down to the community center talking about the things they saw in the shop windows and the decorations. Glinda walked with her ungloved hand in Elphie's, all warm and cozy in the pocket of her cloak. There were lots of people strolling around and lots of smiles and nods were exchanged. Glinda's cousins were even recognized by a few people.
"Why do you keep giggling back there?" Voril asked a tittering Glinda.
"It's Elphie's fault. She's tickling the palm of my hand."
"I am." Elphie smiled.
"Ah, remember when we were that young and that in love." Kiuy asked.
"Yeah, I just hope we weren't that nauseatingly cutesy." Chiwa replied.
"Oh you were." Javie chuckled.
"Elphie, we are cute together." Glinda bubbled.
"That's not exactly what I heard." Elphie grinned.
"Good ear Elphaba, but enjoy it. You are only engaged once." Voril laughed.
"Hopefully. Remember Doka Ginjus?" Chiwa chuckled.
"Oh yeah." Voril laughed.
"Whose that?" Glinda said, intrigued.
"The local engagement ring collector from our village." Chiwa said then told Glinda and Elphie about the woman's love them and leave them reputation.
There were more people than they thought would be, waiting to go wassailing so Kiuy went to get them two lanterns and two song books and they formed their own group of three before anyone else tried to group them. Various people there knew one or more of them and they all asked about Namom and the kids. Elphie was introduced as Glinda's fiancée, and that garnered them few odd looks and many very confused ones, but Glinda didn't care. She felt nothing truly negative or intolerant and her cousins were sincerely proud of her when they made introductions. For the second time that night Glinda was on the verge of bubbling away.
After some general instructions and announcements, the group set off. The first stop was the street corner that began the more residential area of the town. Glinda stood in front of Elphie holding one side of the songbook with one hand. Elphie had one hand around Glinda's waist and the other was holding the lantern for their trio. Voril was standing close beside Glinda holding the other side of their book. That became their stop to sing arrangement with the exception of Voril sometimes holding the lantern. After two songs on that corner, which earned them applause and many enthusiastic seasons greetings, the group went on down the street singing an upbeat song about mistletoe.
After the first few houses, Elphie realized that this was nothing like she thought it would be. The songs that the group were singing were lively, lighthearted songs about sleigh rides, snowmen and visiting people. The few that were religious in nature were nothing at all like the somber hymns that she was forced to sing for her father, these were all about love, giving and hope.
She put this bit of very confusing information away and concentrated on how much fun her love was having. She sang out loud and clear, as did her cousins and everyone else, whether they were walking or standing on someone lawn. She gleefully picked up the little bags of candies and nuts that were occasionally tossed to them and made sure that all of the children in the group got some. The cousins would whisper and giggle, trading off candies and bring up incidents from past caroling sessions. The light hearted nature of the songs, the general friendly atmosphere and Glinda either holding her hand or caressing her arm when they were standing still made Elphie feel safe. When the group was on its way back to the community center she started singing softly along with the group and Glinda gave her a broad smile, a happy wiggle and affectionate giggled oh boy. By the time they reached the community center Elphie had sung one song about ringing bells loudly enough to be heard and was shyly accepting her compliments, with a proud and beaming Glinda by her side.
X
"Girls it sounds like you had a wonderful evening." Samion said as he handed them their cloaks that he had retrieved from the coat check.
"Oh we did Daddy, it was so much fun. And delicious too." Glinda said.
"So it seems. Thank you again for the wonderful pieces of chocolate almond rum cake. Gwenot and I will enjoy them tonight with our nightcaps." Samion smiled.
"You're welcome Uncle. And I am so pleased that they had some noodle pudding left. It's Namom's favorite." Javie said.
Samion got everyone loaded up into the carriage and listened as they happily reminisced about their assault on the dessert cart as they drove back to the Lodge.
When they arrived everyone unloaded at the main house, gave Namom her dessert and spent some time telling them all about dinner and caroling. Elphie went to check on Nusee, but Glinda stayed with the family because she knew that even though Elphie was not in distress, or even overwhelmed, she did need a little alone time. While she was in the Nursery playing with and talking to her Familiar, Elphie took the opportunity to put Glinda's nightdress, robe and slippers into a small bag. They hadn't really talked about it, but Glinda wanted to stay and Elphie wanted her to. She talked that situation over with Nusee while she cleaned out his little sand box then took the bag and went to the kitchen to see if he needed to be fed.
"Hey Elphaba, hey little Nusee." Voril said when she saw Elphie come in with the kitten on her heels.
"Hi Voril."
"I volunteered to gather supplies for tonight. Popping corn, marshmallows, you know the usual." Voril chuckled.
"May I ask you a question?" Elphie asked as she took some of the new soft baked food pellets that Cook had come up with on Nusee's plate.
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
"Would you all be offended if I do not stay down in the cottage with you?"
"Elphaba, I don't understand. Have we offended you or something? We haven't meant to." Voril said, her distress evident.
"No, It's not that at all. It's just that I know she wants to spend some cousin time with you all, to giggle and girl talk. And I very much want her to do that, but it is…it's not…"
"It's not your idea of a fun night." Voril chuckled.
"No, not really, but it's not personal, I enjoyed myself with you all tonight. I am not very social by nature."
"It's fine, I understand and the girls will too. I think it is very nice that you want Galinda to spend time with us."
"She adores you and it will make her very happy to girl talk a little without me around." Elphie blushed but chuckled.
"You love her a lot don't you?"
"I love her very much." Elphie said.
"What's taking so long Vori?' Chiwa said as she came into the kitchen.
"Oh hi Elphaba, Galinda just went to drag you out of the Nursery."
"I'll go take Nusee back and intercept her." Elphie smiled.
"Well at least the little fur ball is not hissing at us anymore." Chiwa laughed as she watched the kitten playing with a ball of tin foil that Elphie had given him.
"Is that Galinda's bag?" Voril asked.
"It is."
"I'll take it. Here Chi take this box, I think I have everything we need."
"Okay, we'll meet you in the sitting room Elphaba." Chiwa said as she took the box.
""I'll be right there. Come along Nuisance and leave that cord alone." Elphie said and the kitten scampered out of the kitchen after her.
"Witches must be way different that sorceresses. I wonder if she can teach my dog to listen like that. Voril laughed.
"I don't think it works like that." Chiwa chuckled as they headed back to the group.
"There you are Elphie. Hi Nusee." Glinda said as she scooped up the kitten.
"Javie said that she is going to teach us how to make toddies." Glinda bubbled.
"That sounds like fun. Can we talk for a bit before we go back?"
"I know Elphie, you don't want to stay the night. It's okay, we won't."
"You're right I don't want to, But I want you to."
"Elphie…"
"Lyndie think about it. You really want a slumber party with your cousins. I know you do. You have an engagement to giggle about." Elphie smiled.
"Elphie, I would…"
"You know what I mean Lyndie. I feel safe here, I'm fine, but would not fare so well down there and you know that. I'll curl up with my Familiar and my books and miss you like crazy. It will make me happy for you to spend time with your cousins."
"Will you at least come down and spend a little time with us?"
"I was planning on it." Elphie smiled.
"Sweet Oz but I love you, I just do." Glinda said and gave Elphie a soft kiss, then another.
"I found them. They are smooching in the hallway." Kiuy's voice interrupted them and Elphie turned very dark green.
"Elphie was just telling me to have a slumber party with you all. I'll get my bag and be right there." Glinda chuckled.
"So I heard and your bag is already down there." Kiuy chuckled and Glinda looked at Elphie in surprise.
"I'm engaged to an intuit, some of the sneakiness must have rubbed off." Elphie chuckled and Kiuy roared with laughter while Glinda wiggled and giggled with glee.
All of the girls said goodnight to their elders then trotted out into the dark, cold and snow to the cottage.
The first thing was to give Elphie a tour because she had not yet seen them. She found out that the blue cottage was so named because the furnishings in the large main room were shades of blue. It was the largest vacant cottage with three bedrooms, two of which were connected by a bathroom. The other had a small private bathroom. The only other room was a small kitchen.
There was already a fire going in the large fireplace so the main room was warm and cozy. The cousins asked about Dani and Manif so Glinda told them some of the things that they all did together, including Manif taking Elphie shopping for a cocktail dress. Elphie told them about Glinda pestering her with magic while she studied and about some of her more amusing miscasts. Glinda promised to do a quick sketch of their room for them after Elphie left and Elphie thought that was a good segue into leaving. Glinda pouted but eventually agreed, but insisted on walking Elphie out onto the porch.
"That was fun Elphie, they like you, they do." Glinda said happily.
"I like them too, but you are not bundled up well enough to be out here my precious." Elphie smiled.
"Then warm me up a little." Glinda giggled as she pressed herself against Elphie's front forcing her to walk backwards a few steps.
"Don't fret about me Lyndie, I'll be fine and you know that. I even promise to try and sleep."
Elphie chuckled.
"Okay, but come down here if you want to."
"I will, but I'm looking forward to some time with my organic chemistry book. I think it misses me." Elphie chuckled.
"Not as much as I'm going to miss you."
"Granted." Elphie smiled and pulled Glinda closer.
"Goodnight my precious girl."
"Goodnight Elphie, I love you." Glinda said and gave Elphie a rather robust kiss.
They were on a dark porch out of clear view of a window, so Elphie returned it then started another. After several long beats of reassuring goodnight kisses, the porch light flashed on and off.
"Very funny you all." Glinda called out and heard chuckling from the door.
"What happened?" Elphie said.
"They are teasing us my love. When they were dating, their fathers would flip the porch light on and off if they spent too much time saying goodnight to their beaus." Glinda giggled.
"Interesting notion." Elphie said then the light flickered again and they both chuckled.
"I best go before I compromise your honor. Goodnight Lyndie. I love you very much."
"Goodnight Elphie I love you too." Glinda said and kissed Elphie again until the lights came on and stayed on.
"Third warning light." Glinda giggled.
"I see. Enjoy your time with your cousins my precious." Elphie smiled.
"Enjoy your books my love." Glinda replied then pulled Elphie to the porch steps and gave her a quick kiss.
"Good night everyone." Elphie yelled to the closed door, making Glinda giggle with delight.
Elphie walked down the steps, turned and blew Glinda a kiss then hurried to the main house. Glinda watched her go, entranced by the sight of her form and ponytail outlined in the moonlight.
"Are you done gawking yet?" Voril chuckled as the cousins came out onto the porch.
"Not yet." Glinda smiled.
"Now I am." She giggled when Elphie waved at her from the door to the main house before going in.
"Our little girl is growing up, shamelessly gawking at the love of her life as she walks away." Kiuy chuckled as they all went in the house.
"Gawking is acceptable, as long as she doesn't mind if Elphaba gawks in return." Voril said.
"Oh you do not know my Elphie girls. I shamelessly gawk, she shyly glances. I ogle, she admires. I am engaged to the epitome of a true gentleman, who just happens to be a gangly limbed, emerald skinned drop dead gorgeous girl." Glinda sighed.
"I see, well lets go make toddies and you can tell us how a true gentleman, who just happens to be a gangly limbed, emerald skinned drop dead gorgeous girl proposes marriage, since details were a little sparse earlier." Kiuy smiled.
