StamiSprite (Guest): Updates are every other day, since I pre-wrote most of the story already.
ExoticPeachBlossom: Hmm… you are forgiven. :-)
Ultimate Queen of Cliffies: Well… I… um… you see, what had happened was… I'll let you read it. *Smirk*
Elphaba sighed peacefully as she soaked in the warm bubble bath, allowing all of her problems and worries to melt away for a few moments. She was grateful that Galinda had showed up. She always seemed to be there when the green girl needed her, whether she knew it or not. When the water started to get cold, she climbed out and dried off, putting on a thin slip and covering herself with her fluffy, warm, royal blue bathrobe. She stretched and smiled, feeling more relaxed. She couldn't remember when she felt this relaxed. Probably because she never felt that way before. She opened the door and made her way back to her bedroom, where Galinda was waiting for her with a hairbrush. The green girl smiled, taking a seat on the edge of her bed while Galinda jumped behind her and started to brush her hair.
"How are you doing, Elphie?" Galinda asked as she slowly ran the brush though her friend's hair, careful to get all the tangles out.
"Honestly, I've been better," Elphaba said. "I didn't know being a princess would be this… tedious. I barely have any time to myself, I haven't gotten much sleep, and it's gotten worse since Fiyero left. And if one more person calls me 'Your Highness', I think I might scream."
Galinda giggled softly. "Oh, Elphie. Everyone is going to call you 'Your Highness' from now on. It's your new title. Well, it will be until you become queen. Then, you'll be 'Your Majesty.'"
Elphaba sighed. "I know there's nothing I can do about that, but that doesn't change the fact that it still bothers me."
"Why does it bother you?"
"I don't know. It just does. I don't think I'll ever get used to people calling me that after years of being the 'green bean', or 'artichoke', or 'broccoli girl'."
"Well, those days are behind us," the blonde said as she put the brush down and gently rubbed her friend's arm. "You're a princess now. You're a public figure. People now look up to you. Enjoy that feeling."
"I'm trying. I know I should, but for some reason, I can't."
"It's okay. You have a lot on your mind right now. Once all this settles down, it will become second nature and you'll be able to find more time to relax."
"Thanks, Glin. I… I'm really glad you came."
"I know," Galinda smiled as she wrapped her arms around her best friend. "So am I."
"Elphie, look! It's snowing!"
Elphaba looked up from her book. "What?"
Galinda turned and pulled her friend from her chair and over to the window. "It's snowing!"
Elphaba smiled as she watched the snow fall heavily from the sky. "It's beautiful."
"If it snows enough, we can go outside and build a snowman!" Galinda said as she started bouncing up and down.
Elphaba's lips twitched into a smile, but it quickly faded. "Oh."
Galinda stopped bouncing up and down. "What's wrong?"
"Glin, the ball is tomorrow night."
Galinda blinked. "I know, but what does the snow have to do with anything?"
"If it snows too much, the roads will be blocked and Fiyero might not be able to make it back in time."
Galinda's face fell. "Oh. I'm sorry, Elphie. The snowman can wait."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Glin," Elphaba said, turning to face her friend and gave her a small smile. "I just hope Fiyero and Raal are able to make it back in time for the ball."
"They will, Elphie. Don't worry," Galinda smiled, hugging her friend.
"Excuse me, Your Highness," Harv said as he entered the room. "It is time for your dress fitting for the ball."
Elphaba nodded. "Will you come with me?" she asked, turning towards the blonde.
"You don't have to ask," Galinda smiled as she linked her arms with her best friend and followed Harv.
When Elphaba first saw the dress, she tried to protest, but Galinda wouldn't hear any of it and helped the dresser with the dress.
"Oh, Elphie, stop complaining. You look beautiful," Galinda said, stepping back to get a better look at her friend.
Elphaba turned and looked at herself in the mirror. The dress was a dark blue color with one strap, a slim-fitting bodice, and a skirt a bit fuller than what Elphaba would have preferred, the fabric of the skirt twirling around itself and flowing down to the floor.
"How does it feel, Your Highness?" the dresser asked.
"Fine," Elphaba said, nervously wiping her hands on the skirt of the dress.
"Is it to your liking?"
"It's… very beautiful," Elphaba said, not showing any evidence that she actually liked the dress.
"She likes it," Galinda said, smiling at the dresser. "She just has a very… different way of showing it."
The dresser nodded and, together with Galinda, helped Elphaba out of the dress.
"You'll look stunning tomorrow at the ball," the blonde reassured her best friend. "Fiyero won't know what hit him when he returns."
The princess blushed. "Thanks, Glin."
Elphaba stood at the top of the grand staircase, waiting, nervously playing with her gloves. Where was Fiyero? The ball was due to start soon and he still wasn't back. She knew she wouldn't be able to survive all of the people in the ballroom without him. She needed him with her. She brushed stray hairs away from her face and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair had been curled and styled in an elegant up-do, with a tiara adorning her head. Galinda did her makeup, and she had managed to talk her down to giving her a simple blush and eye shadow, but the blonde had also added a bit of lip-gloss, despite Elphaba's protests.
"Your Highness, you look stunning," Harv said as he stepped up next to Elphaba.
"Thank you, Harv," Elphaba said, half-turning to face the castle steward. "Have you heard anything from Fiyero or Raal? Are they coming back tonight?"
"Sadly, I have not heard anything, but I will inform you as soon as I receive news," Harv promised.
Elphaba nodded. "Thank you."
A sound of a trumpet blast pulled Elphaba from her private thoughts and she took Harv's arm and allowed him to escort her down the stairs.
"And now, presenting Her Royal Highness, Princess Elphaba Melena Tigulaar, Crowned Princess of the Vinkus!" the herald announced as the ballroom doors opened.
The guests all gasped in awe and applauded as Elphaba gracefully entered the ballroom, fighting to keep the smile on her face as she walked up to Amalie. She turned to Harv, who gently kissed the back of her hand before departing. The Queen wore a beautiful, dark red ball gown with a full skirt and intricate design on the bodice. Her hair was styled in an elegant up-do and she wore her crown. Elphaba looked at her and wondered if she would ever have to wear a crown like that. It looked heavy in not only weight, but responsibility as well. She shook the thought out of her head. Of course she would have to.
"You look beautiful, my dear," Amalie smiled, giving Elphaba's hands a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you," Elphaba blushed.
A small crowd gathered around Elphaba and they began to shower her with compliments and small talk. Elphaba forced herself to relax as she continued to speak to everyone. Amalie helped her out by answering most of their questions, for which Elphaba was eternally grateful.
"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?" Amalie asked when the crowd dispersed to dance.
"You make it look so easy," Elphaba said, looking at the queen. "You're so poised and refined."
"Why, thank you. Believe it or not, I used to be just like you. I used to be very shy and loathe these balls. Now, it's one of the events I look forward to most."
"I just wish Fiyero was here."
"Elphaba, I know this is your first ball and you're very nervous, and the fact that Fiyero isn't here with you probably isn't making any of this easier for you, but try to enjoy yourself."
"I won't make any promises, but I'll try," Elphaba said.
"I'll take that."
"Oh, Elphie! Isn't this ball fabulous?" Galinda giggled as she stepped up beside her friend and clutched her arm. Her dress was stunning; a long, short sleeved, flowing pink dress with an intricate beading pattern on the bodice. She wore her hair in lose curls, falling perfectly over her shoulder.
"Very," Elphaba said.
The blonde pouted a bit, but brightened when she spotted a familiar face. "There's Cally!"
The woman in question turned and smiled at the blonde before tugging on the arm of the young-looking man she was standing next to. Linking arms, the two approached the three women.
"Having fun?" Amalie smiled at her niece.
"As always, Aunt Amalie. I love the annual Lurlinemas Ball," Amalie smiled. She turned to Elphaba and gave the green girl a hug. "How are you, Elphaba?"
"I'm fine," Elphaba answered shortly.
"I don't believe I've introduced you to my husband. Windon, this is Elphaba, Fiyero's wife. Elphaba, this is Windon."
Windon gently took Elphaba's hand and, bringing it to his lips, gently kissed her knuckles. "I'm delighted to finally meet you, Elphaba. Cally has told me so much about you."
Elphaba smiled slightly. She noticed how Windon didn't look put off by her skin, but knew it was a result of Cally telling him ahead of time.
"And Elphaba, I'm so sorry I couldn't come last week. Both Windon and I came down with a cold and I didn't feel like I could travel," Cally said apologetically.
Elphaba nodded. "It's perfectly fine. I'm glad you're both feeling better."
"Thank you." Another song began to play and couples began to gather onto the dance floor. Amalie looked up at her husband, who smiled down at her.
"Would you do me the pleasure of having this dance with me, Lady Calysteria?" Windon asked as he bowed deeply.
Cally giggled and curtsied as she took Windon's hand. "Why, of course, Lord Windon."
The two walked onto the dance floor, leaving Amalie, Elphaba and Galinda alone.
"Why don't you two go have some fun and dance?" Amalie suggested.
"There are two perfectly eligible –and by eligible, I mean cute– young men right over there," Galinda said, discreetly pointing to two identical-looking young men by the punch bowl. "And they don't look like they have dates. Come on, Elphie."
"Glin, I…" Elphaba really didn't feel like dancing, especially if she wasn't dancing with Fiyero. He was supposed to have returned by now. But the blonde had already started pulling her towards the punch bowl.
"Excuse me," Galinda smiled as she tapped one of the boys on the shoulder.
The boys turned around and gasped, seeing the princess and the beautiful, blonde girl. "Your Highness," they quickly bowed.
"My friend and I were just saying how much we wanted to dance, but since Prince Fiyero hasn't returned yet, and I, unfortunately, am ever-so-single, would you two be dears and escort us?" Galinda asked, batting her eyelashes.
"Of course," the boys coursed, putting down their cups.
"Oh my Oz, Elphie! Twins! We hit the jackpot!" Galinda whispered, giggling.
"Glin, need I remind you that I'm married?" Elphaba asked, rolling her eyes.
"Well, you may be, but I'm not," Galinda smiled a charming smile as she took the arm of the twin on the right.
"Your Highness," the other boy bowed, offering his arm to Elphaba.
Elphaba slowly reached out and took the arm offered to her before walking onto the dance floor and dancing with her new escort. She felt a bit uncomfortable in this strange person's arms, but they didn't seem like they would try anything fishy, so she forced herself to relax.
"So," she began, somewhat awkwardly. "Tell me about yourself."
The young man smiled. "I am Colin Hamsberg, son of the Baron and Baroness of Limework Grove in the Northern Vinkus."
"And I'm assuming that's your twin brother dancing with my friend over there," Elphaba said, briefly looking over her shoulder at the blonde, who was smiling and talking a mile a minute to a patiently listening escort.
Colin chuckled. "Yes, that's my twin brother, Khynel."
The song ended and everyone applauded the orchestra.
"It has been a pleasure dancing with you, Your Highness," Colin said as he bowed and escorted Elphaba off of the dance floor.
"And with you as well, Master Colin," Elphaba smiled.
The young man smiled back and went in search of his brother. Elphaba wandered off to the large Lurlinemas tree in the corner and fingered one of the ornaments.
"Oh, Elphie! Khynel is one of the sweetest, kindest, more gentlemanly people I've ever met," Galinda smiled as she hurried over to her best friend and took her hands. "Why are you over here all by yourself?"
"I like Lurlinemas trees?" Elphaba tried.
Galinda sympathetically patted her friend's arm as Cally and Windon came over. "Oh, Elphie. What am I going to do with you?"
"Hi," Cally smiled once they were in hearing distance.
Elphaba smiled back, but remained silent, suddenly becoming very tired.
"Is everything alright?" Amalie asked as she approached the small group.
"I'm fine. Just a bit tired," Elphaba said, wrapping her arms around her waist.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness!" Harv called as he hurried over to the group.
"Is something wrong, Harv?" Amalie asked as the steward paused briefly to catch his breath.
"I have just received word from one of the guards that it snowed very heavily in the Western Vinkus, closing all of the roads there."
"What does that mean?" Galinda asked.
"It means that the king and Prince Fiyero won't be able to make it back in time for Lurlinemas," Harv said gently.
Amalie looked extremely disappointed, but nodded dutifully, understanding. Galinda immediately wrapped her arms around Elphaba, who looked like she was about to burst into tears.
"Elphie?" the blonde whispered softly.
"I…" Elphaba bit her lip. Fiyero wasn't going to be back for their first Lurlinemas together. She could feel her eyes welling with tears, but refused to let them fall. "I… I think I have to go lie down."
"Of course, Elphaba," Amalie nodded, excusing the young girl.
"Would you like me to come with you, Elphie?" the blonde asked gently.
"N-No. I can go by myself," Elphaba said. "Goodnight." She gave everyone a small smile before leaving the ballroom as quickly and as gracefully as possible. She hurried up the stairs and into her room, closing the door behind her. Fiyero would not be coming back. She would have to spend her first Lurlinemas as a princess without him. She knew she shouldn't be mad at him. After all, it wasn't his fault. Yet, she was mad at him. In fact, she was furious at him. In her rage, she took her pillow and threw it across the room. She finally managed to calm herself down and looked out the window at the light, steadily falling snow.
The door opened and Aya entered with clean laundry, but almost dropped it when she saw the princess. "Oh! Forgive me, Your Highness. I thought you were still at the ball."
"I decided to retire early," Elphaba answered, refusing to look away from the window, as if she thought it would bring Fiyero back.
Aya blinked, but nodded. "Would you like me to help you with your dress?"
Elphaba nodded and finally tore away from the window. Aya gently helped the princess out of the ball gown and hung it up neatly in the closet. "Would you like me to draw you a warm bath?"
"No, thank you," Elphaba said, silently hoping the maid would leave.
Aya, sensing that Elphaba wanted some alone time, curtsied and left, taking the clean laundry with her. A soft sob escaped from Elphaba's lips as she grabbed her hairbrush and brushed out her hair before tying it back into a bun. She put on her nightgown, hugging Fiyero's pillow against her chest as she climbed into bed, her husband consuming her thoughts as she drifted off to sleep… alone.
Elphaba and Galinda's dresses are on my blog.