"I don't think it is very chivalrous of you to keep all the chivalry to yourself." Glinda giggled as they stood in front of the door to Elphie's suite.
"All I want to do is walk you down to your room and say a proper goodnight to your parents." Elphie smiled.
"You are adorable and I love you. First, I haven't walked since we left the library I've been floating on wonderful air." Glinda chuckled and Elphie stroked her chin with her thumb.
"Secondly, you started turning dark green as soon as you mentioned my parents. Seeing them now, will not help that. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to walk my beautiful, wonderful fiancée to her door and give her a good night kiss worthy of the evening she gave me. Then I want skip and giggle down the hallway barefoot and tingly, stop at the corner and look back to see her standing there watching me go with a beautiful, content smile on her face, I want to wave and blow her a kiss and have her blow me one after she mouths I love you and then I want to give out a soft delighted squeal before I run down the hallway to my room." She added through her grin.
"I see." Elphie smiled with pure adoration in her eyes.
"Well far be it from me to foil such a well thought out plan." She said as she stepped back slightly, giving Glinda access to her door.
"Thank you." Glinda grinned then opened Elphie's door and let her enter before closing it then pulling Elphie to her.
"My precious love." Glinda started as she looked into Elphie's eyes and cupped her cheek.
"I know what you had to do to give me my fantasy and the fact that you did made me fall in love with you all over again. I adore you Elphaba Thropp, from my bare toes to my eyes, which I hope are sparkling with everything I feel for you." She said then gave Elphie a soft kiss.
"They are, but I assumed they were simply reflecting mine." Elphie smile and Glinda giggled.
"Tonight was so wonderful, I haven't been able to process it all yet. I just wanted you to know that I know this was very different from our other times."
"I know that you know." Elphie chuckled.
"I also know that you need to go to bed. Remember, our friends will be here early in the morning."
"Oh my Oz! I completely forgot." Glinda chuckled.
"Since I can't wake up with you, that will help."
"One day we will do this again. Well, not here, but somewhere. And we will fall asleep on the big cushions after lots of cuddling and pillow talk. Then we will wake up on them and cuddle and pillow talk some more." Elphie smiled.
"Oh boy." Glinda said with a happy wiggle.
"I'm going to make our pretty pink silk ones little and put them on our shrunken sofa."
"Lyndie, I didn't really mean those exact…" Elphie started to say then saw the beginnings of a pout and changed her thought.
"You know what. I think that is a wonderful idea." She smiled and Glinda bounced then stifled a yawn.
"I'm worn out." Glinda grinned.
"And I think I owe you a goodnight kiss."
"I believe that you do." Elphie smiled, but did nothing. This kiss was Glinda's to orchestrate in whatever manner pleased her. She started and ended with a series of soft gentle kisses, but in between was fiery, intricate and very passionate.
"Goodnight Elphie, I love you very, very much." Glinda whispered, breathless.
"Goodnight my precious girl. I love you too." Elphie responded softly.
After a long hug and another soft kiss, Glinda pulled away from Elphie, picked up her shoes then opened the door with a quiet giggle.
"I had a wonderful time on our date tonight." Glinda grinned from the open doorway.
"As did I." Elphie smiled back.
"I hope that we can do it again…very soon." Glinda giggled.
"As do I." Elphie chuckled and blushed again.
"Goodnight Lyndie."
"Night Elphie." Glinda said then kissed Elphie's cheek, wiggled happily then skipped away.
Elphie took a deep breath as she watched her love go. Glinda's slightly disheveled hair and the hem of her skirt bounced slightly as she skipped, her untucked blouse fluttering. At the corner Glinda turned around, waved with her free hand, grinning from ear to ear and bouncing on her heals then blew Elphie a kiss. Elphie mouthed the requested I love you then returned the kiss before giving Glinda her best and brightest smile. She heard Glinda giggle and do a sort of shimmy wiggle bounce before blowing her another kiss and disappearing around the corner.
Elphie stood there for a moment, her mind, body and senses on full alert. When she trusted her legs to do as she wished, she went into her room, closed the door then prepared to take a peppermint oil bath and spend some time with her journal.
X
Glinda stood in front of the door to her parent's suite, trying to get herself under control. She was flushed, tingly and giddy from the physical and emotional thrill of the night. She realized in that moment that it was so late that her parents would probably be in their room, but that was not a given. She had always wanted to sneak into the house, late from a date with her love, like Jilla and some of her other cousins used to do. She knew that this wasn't the same thing, but it was the closest that she would ever come and the thought of it just intensified the excitement of everything else.
Glinda opened the door slowly and peered inside. She did not see either of her parents in the main room, but did see light coming from the partially opened door of their room. As she crept into the room, trying not to giggle too loudly, she knew she was being silly, but just blamed it on being in love and the kind of exhaustion that came from multiple happy endings.
"Hello darling." Glinda heard her mother's voice from behind her and giggled again.
"Hi Momsie." She grinned as she turned around, putting the hand with her shoes in it behind her back.
"I'm sorry I'm so late. I walked Elphie to her door."
"Did you two have a nice date?" Gwenot asked then smiled knowingly when she saw a slight blush form on her daughter's cheeks, her bare feet and her not quite put back together properly appearance.
"We had a wonderful, perfect, exceptional date." Glinda sighed happily, already knowing that her mother had sensed that something had happened between her and Elphie.
"I'm glad that you two enjoyed yourselves." Gwenot chuckled softly.
"Oh we did, we really did. Elphie planned the perfect evening." Glinda replied with a grin.
"Why don't you say a quick goodnight to your father, from out here and I'll go run you a nice bubble bath." Gwenot smiled at her obviously tired, but giddily wound up daughter. She had a fairly good idea of what the girls' date had entailed, but given what they had been through, she could understand why they needed that sort of connection.
"Okay Momsie. And thank you for waiting up for me." Glinda said.
"You're still my little girl for a while longer yet." Gwenot smiled then gave Glinda a hug.
"Now, let me go run you that bath and you call out goodnight to your father before he comes out here." She added with a chuckle then hugged her not so little girl again.
X
"Fruoa, what in Oz are you doing up at this hour." Elphie said when her assistant showed up in the doorway of her small office.
"I could ask you the same thing. It is not even dawn yet Elphaba." Fruoa smiled.
"I couldn't sleep." Elphie smiled. She did not want Fruoa to know that she had suffered a nightmare or that she was pondering doing something best left alone.
"I was greeting your guests. They are getting settled into the guest wing now. Your friend Manif was sitting in the commons area sipping coffee when I left. Would you like to say hi before our meeting?" Fruoa asked.
"I would like that." Elphie said as she came out from behind her desk.
"But Fruoa, you are going to become Ambassador of Munchkinland this afternoon. You no longer have to act as my assistant."
"I know, but it is my privilege to assist you, as it is Harluc's. So with your permission we will continue to do so." Fruoa smiled.
"I would like that as well. " Elphie smiled, flushing slightly as the walked out of her suite.
"I had Devi assign a maid for the women, a valet for the men, a butler to generally oversee things, and a small kitchen staff, including a chef, to the kitchen on the second floor. We have other guests in residence, but the second floor is exclusively for your friends because…well you'll see in a moment. Maril assigned one of Glinda's bodyguards, Kol I think, because he has met them and they know him, to act as guard and guide." Fruoa said as they made their way down the dimly lit hallway.
"Manif is going to have a field day with this." Elphie smiled.
"Is Devi going to make sure that Glinda is up to join them for breakfast later?"
"She is. We're not going that way. Follow me." Fruoa smiled as she touched Elphie's arm to prevent her from going down the stairs.
"There is a passageway that leads directly to the section of the visitor's wing where we put your friends. We did that so you, Glinda and they could come and go freely, well relatively freely." She said as they turned down the hallway to Nessa's apartment.
"This doesn't surprise me in the least. And Glinda will love it, absolutely love it." Elphie chuckled.
"There are several entrances to passageways that lead to various places downstairs in the apartment itself. This one however, is in the hallway that goes to the Eminent Thropp's servants' quarters." Fruoa said as they stopped in front of one of the doors in the hallway.
"Why?" Elphie asked, amused as she followed Fruoa into a storage closet.
"Well from what I've found out." Fruoa said as she found the lever to open the hidden door.
"One, or more, of your predecessors had a paramour that stayed in the guest wing. He put the entrance to the passage here because it was the most direct route. It hasn't been used, that we know of, in over a decade. Although it is possible that Shell knows about it. Harluc suggested that we clean it up for you, Glinda and your friends to use."
"Fascinating." Elphie said as she noted the nondescript carpeting on the floor and the simple wall sconces that provided ample illumination.
"Why doesn't Harluc use this? Doesn't he stay in the guest wing periodically?" Elphie said as they came to a corner that was actually more of a curve.
"The room that he uses is on the first floor. It's more convenient to his office." Fruoa smiled.
"You mean to your office." Elphie chuckled lightly.
"Yes, I guess so, my office. I don't want to dwell on that too long. My nerves will kick in." Fruoa laughed.
"Understood." Elphie smiled.
"So where does this exit?" Elphie asked as they came to the door.
"Are you familiar with the second floor?" Fruoa asked.
"Not in the least."
"Okay. The main staircase leads to the common area. There are hallways there that lead to the bedrooms and the kitchen. There is also a sitting room, a den and two small parlors off of the common room itself. This passageway emerges in a large, but false, fireplace in the smaller of the two parlors. Stand here beside me. We are going for a little ride." Fruoa chuckled then pressed a lever. When the wall and the floor underneath her started moving, Elphie gasped and unconsciously grabbed Fruoa's hand. Several seconds later she was looking into a small, well appointed parlor.
"Oh, Glinda is going to truly love this." Elphie chuckled when she reoriented.
"How in Oz did you find out about this? You know on second thought, never mind."
"Here is the lever for the return trip, in case you need it. The common room is right through that door. I'm going back to change for our meetings this morning. I'll send for you when it's time." Fruoa said chuckled as Elphie examined the wall.
"All right. Is it possible for me to have lunch with my friends?" Elphie asked as she walked out of the unused fireplace, chuckling.
"It is already arranged. We'll talk about the afternoon later." Fruoa smiled and Elphie nodded.
"I'll see you in a couple of hours." She said before she pressed the lever. Elphie watched as the wall and platform revolved until only a regular looking brick wall was visible.
"Utterly amazing. I can just hear Lyndie's squeals and giggles of delight now." Elphie laughed as she walked to the door.
X
Elphie looked out into the large open room, which reminded her of the richly furnished lobby of the Stonehearth Inn. There were several different sizes and types of conversation areas, including one in front of a roaring fire. She saw Manif sitting with Gotero and Beliea in front of the fire sipping coffee and chatting. She was a little disappointed because she wanted to speak with Manif alone, but took this as a sign that she should just drop what had been on her mind all morning.
"I wouldn't get too used to this." Elphie chuckled as she walked towards the sitting area.
"You will have to return to Shiz at some point."
"Governor green girl!" Manif said getting up from his chair and bowing deeply before jogging the few steps to meet her.
"Being the ruler of a state hasn't changed you one bit." He said as he pulled her into a firm hug then kissed her cheek.
"How do you know? I may have become some sort of unreasonable tyrant." Elphie chuckled after she returned the hug and kiss.
"Like I said, you haven't changed a bit." Manif chuckled merrily as he offered Elphie his arm and Elphie smiled at him as she took it.
"Good morning Your Eminence." Gotero chuckled as he bowed to Elphie.
"Good morning Gotero, please do not feel that you have to follow his lead." Elphie chuckled as she accepted a light hug from Gotero.
"Ignore them Elphaba." Beliea chuckled as she rose to give Elphie a hug.
"I am." Elphie smiled.
"I'll bet you will be glad when all of this is over." Beliea said to Elphie as Manif handed her a cup of coffee.
"I will."
"So how did you get to our simple little digs green girl? Secret passageway?" Manif teased.
"Yes, actually." Elphie smiled and all three of her friends laughed.
"There is one, that I just found out about this morning that comes from the family residential part of the palace. Someone will be bringing Glinda here by way of it, to join you for breakfast later. I'm sure she will delight in showing it to you all."
"Will you be having breakfast with us too?" Beliea asked.
"No, I have preparatory meetings to attend. But I will be able to have lunch with you." Elphie said.
"So are you up to anything that I can protest against." Gotero chuckled and Beliea batted at him.
"I shamelessly used my power as governor to promote my advisors." Elphie smiled.
"Why green girl I'm impressed, misusing power and influence." Manif laughed.
"Did they deserve it?" Gotero said, following the line of teasing.
"Of course they did, they were her advisors after all." Manif chuckled.
"They did deserve it, on those as well as other grounds." Elphie smiled, realizing how much she missed her life at Shiz and how much she needed to put things to rest here before she resumed it.
"Gotero, Beliea, would you mind if I spoke privately with Manif. I only have a little time this morning."
"Sure Elphaba, no problem." Beliea smiled.
"Oooooh Manif you're in it now. Elphaba is going to toss you in the dungeon for being a smart ass." Gotero laughed.
"Well not toss exactly." Elphie smiled cryptically.
"Give a girl a little power…gheez." Manif said with a straight face.
"Come on Tero, let's get out of here before they drag us into whatever this is going to become." Beliea laughed taking Gotero's hand.
"We will see you at lunch Elphaba."
After they left Elphie stared quietly into the fire for several minutes. Manif warmed up their coffee then decided to nudge his friend a bit.
"All right green girl, what's up?" Manif asked seriously.
"I want to go see Jacol." Elphie said quietly.
"What? Wait…hold on. What in the hell are you saying? That bastard is here?" Manif said.
"In the palace's dungeons, somewhere." Elphie replied.
"Maybe you should backtrack a bit. Dani told me that Glinda said that things did not go well with your father, which is why she stayed. Does that have something to do with this?" Manif said moving to sit beside Elphie on the sofa.
"He hurt her Manif, shoved her to the ground. She suffered a minor ankle sprain. Yes, that may be part of this. My first instinct was to do to my father what I did to Jacol, those chant words were just there, so was the will and intent. I had to actively push them out of my mind. It would have solved nothing and made everything worse." Elphie said softly.
"I commend you my friend, but I'm still not following this." Manif said honestly.
"Last night I had a nightmare, an awful one involving Jacol. He wasn't confined, he was out and pursuing Glinda, he was everywhere. I've been a little more overprotective than usual and I realize that I was fighting paranoia, but early this morning all I wanted to do was go check." Elphie replied.
"Elphaba, don't you have a ton of people to do…." Manif started but was interrupted.
"Pardon me Mr. Guoyn… " The butler said then stopped and bowed.
"Your Eminence, please forgive me. I wasn't aware that you were here." The man said sincerely and Elphie nodded her acknowledgement then hid her surprise as Manif rose from the sofa.
"Your Eminence, may I present Ghilum, the butler that Miss Gruity assigned to us." Manif said respectfully and the butler bowed again.
"It's an honor Your Eminence."
"It is my pleasure Ghilum. Thank you for looking after my friends." Elphie said with a smile.
"Please feel free to continue."
"As you wish Your Eminence. Mr. Guoyn, I was just going to inquire if you needed more coffee." Ghilum said formally.
"Not at the moment, thank you." Manif replied.
"Your Eminence, do you require anything?"
"No thank you Ghilum. But someone will be coming for me in a little while." Elphie said.
"Very good Your Eminence." The butler said then gave a slight bow and left.
"You dealt with that very well." Elphie sighed.
"I'm not a total small town rube you know." Manif laughed as he sat back down and Elphie looked at him with an arched eyebrow.
"Hey, I said total. And you dealt with that well too." He chuckled.
"I've had a great deal of practice recently." Elphie smiled and Manif chuckled.
"Yes and I will properly tease you about it. But now back to the matter at hand." Manif said.
"Manif, I was just…I don't know. It is not rational I know that."
"Why green girl? I understand the nightmare and your fierce protectiveness of Glinda. I know what he did to you both. I get it. But why do you need to go there yourself? Why isn't getting a report from one of your guards enough?" Manif said. Elphie looked at him, shook her head then focused on the fire.
"I spent most of the night trying to figure this out. He just feels like a loose end. I walked out of my office that day he confronted me not knowing anything but what I was told after the fact. I've dealt with my father, my sister, brother and Nanny. I'm trying to do everything I need to before I leave here, so I can truly leave here. Tie up the loose ends. That dream and feeling that same blood boiling anger made him a loose end. Whether it makes sense or not, it did." Elphie said.
"It makes a certain amount of Elphaba sense. But did you ever consider the fact that by going down there in person, as governor you are validating his sorry ass existence." Manif said.
"Perhaps." Elphie pondered.
"So what were you going to do slip away and sneak down to the dungeons? Do you even know where they are?" Manif tried, even though he was fairly sure that he had lost this battle.
"I couldn't even take a walk to the cloistered gardens with Glinda without an armed guard. And I nearly induced a stroke in a corporal by asking for a carriage so we could go for a ride. I wasn't planning on slipping away. And no I don't know where they are." Elphie said testily.
"But did you ever consider that me going down there, as governor might validate that his sorry ass fate is sealed."
"All right all right fine. Then let me go with you." Manif said exasperated.
"No." Elphie said simply.
"I was right, you haven't changed you are still unreasonable and stubborn." Manif snapped.
"Thank you. I do value consistency." Elphie smirked.
"Why Manif? This isn't your issue."
"He betrayed me too Elphaba. I'm in no way comparing that to the heinous things he did to you, but our brief estrangement because of him still enters my thoughts from time to time. Besides, if I go with you your keepers are not so likely to give you a hard time about it. And admit it, they will." Manif gloated and Elphie glared.
"Oz but I hate it when you are right." Elphie said with no humor.
"Luckily for me it doesn't happen very often."
"But I'm right now." Manif grinned.
"Yes, my advisors will put up a fuss. They would not deny me outright, but they will most certainly dissuade." Elphie conceded.
"Look green girl…"
"Excuse me Your Eminence." Ghilum said from the edge of the common area then bowed when Elphie turned to him.
"You are needed in your office."
"Thank you Ghilum. Please tell them that I will be right there."
"Very good Your Eminence." The man said with another bow then left.
"Manif I do not know what I am going to do yet. But if I go, you may accompany me. Since time is an issue, acquiescing to you easier than trying to get you to be reasonable." Elphie said with a slight smile.
"It is. I do it to you frequently, even without the time issue." Manif chuckled.
"It will work out green girl."
"I know. I really have missed you." Elphie smiled as she got up from the sofa.
"How can you not. I'm endearing." Manif grinned his best boyish grin then hugged Elphie.
"Go ruin…I mean run a state."
"I'll see you at lunch. Oh and Manif, please don't mention this to Glinda, I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet."
"My lips are sealed. I'm on vacation, who needs to incur wrath on vacation." Manif chuckled then they hugged again before Elphie headed to the stairs. As she hurried to her meeting wondering if she talked to Manif hoping that he actually could talk her out of it, or actually hoping that he would want to go with her.
X
"Galinda darling, it is time for you to get up." Gwenot said, after she sat down on the edge of Glinda's bed. She chuckled softly as her daughter squirmed, mumbled, stretched and blinked in exactly the same way she did when she was awoken on school days.
"Morning Momsie." Glinda grinned.
"Good morning darling, did you sleep well?" Gwenot smiled as Glinda sat up.
"I did. Mom, about last night…" Glinda started.
"No need to say a thing my darling." Gwenot smiled and Glinda could feel her love support and slight amusement.
"Okay. I love you Momsie."
"I love you too Galinda. Now, you best get ready for breakfast. Devi will be here to take you over to the guest wing in half an hour." Gwenot said.
"I can't wait to see everyone." Glinda grinned as she hopped out of bed.
"I wish I could say good morning to Elphie, in person. I'll just write her a little note. That'll brighten up her boring old meeting."
"I'm sure it will. Now you best get ready." Gwenot smiled and Glinda kissed her cheek.
"See you in a bit." Glinda said as she skipped to the bathroom.
Glinda hurriedly got ready, dressing casually because she knew that there would be time after lunch to get ready for the ceremony. As she washed up and dressed, she thought about the previous night, letting her mind wander through the wonderful events on more than one occasion. By the time she had finished and written her note to Elphie, Devi had only been waiting for five minutes.
"A secret passage, oh boy, oh boy!" Glinda bounced happily as she walked with Devi.
"I can't wait to tell Elphie."
"Apparently she was up early, so Fruoa took her over to the visitors wing to say hello to one of her friends who opted not to take a rest. They used this passageway." Devi said.
"I'll bet it was Manif." Glinda smiled happily.
Glinda bubbled all the way down the passageway as Devi told her the same things that Fruoa had explained to Elphie. By the time they reached the end of the passageway, Glinda's delight at the mystery and excitement of it all was almost uncontainable. After a few enthusiastic, but incorrect guesses as to how the wall opened, she squealed and held Devi's hand when the woman showed her how it really worked.
"How ingenious, I love it and I can't wait to show everyone. Wait here please?" Glinda bubbled and Devi laughed and nodded.
"Hi everyone!" Glinda called out from the doorway to the parlor. And she was greeting with a chorus of hi, good morning, hey and other happy greetings as they all hugged her.
"Where are Juiva and Caspon?"
"They needed to stay behind. We'll explain later, but it's nothing serious." Dani said.
"Oh no, that's too bad." Glinda said as she deflated just a bit.
"What were you going to show us? The secret passage way I hope." Dani smiled.
"Manif told us that Elphaba appeared by way of one." She added.
Glinda lead everyone into the small parlor and introduced them to Devi. Devi indulgently told them the story of the passageway, on Glinda's request, but insisted that the tour be put off until after breakfast. With a chuckle and a wave, she pulled the lever and slowly disappeared into the fireplace.
"I've heard of those kind of revolving doors, but have never seen one." Hyrut smiled and everyone echoed the thought.
"And now we get to use one." Beliea laughed as they made their way back out to the common room.
"Ladies and gentleman, breakfast is served. If you will follow me please." Ghilum said as soon as they emerged.
Manif introduced Glinda to their butler then the boys followed him with the girls lagging behind chatting excitedly about their room, the furnishings and the staff. The comfortable friendly talk continued as they filled plates from a buffet and enjoyed the meal. Glinda found out about what had been going on at Shiz and about the trip to Colwen Grounds. Then she told them about what had been going on here including a little about how various people had reacted to the news of her and Elphie's engagement.
When breakfast was mostly finished, Ghilum appeared with a note for Glinda. He stood by in case Glinda wanted to pen a response. Even though he was unprepared for how she reacted, his face and posture did not react when she squealed happily and shot out of her chair saying 'excuse me, I'll be right back' then skipped off. He also did not react when she hurried back in a few beats later.
"Ghilum, what's the quickest way from here to Her Eminence's office?" Glinda smiled sheepishly and her friends chuckled.
"Back through the passageway to the residence Miss Upland. Shall I escort you?" The butler replied.
"No thanks, Devi will walk me down." Glinda replied politely then turned to her friends.
"I get to say hi to Elphie. She's in between meetings." Glinda explained with a giggle before she hurried off again.
"Would you care for coffee in the common room while you wait for Miss Upland to return?" Ghilum asked.
"Yes please." Manif smiled.
X
"She's in Harluc's office." Fruoa chuckled when Glinda came bubbling into Elphie's office.
"Thanks Fruoa." Glinda smiled, left then poked her head back in.
"It's your office now." She giggled before disappearing again.
"Hi Elphie!" Glinda said happily as she walked into Harluc's office and directly into Elphie's arms where she stayed for a few quiet minutes.
"What's the matter my love?" Glinda asked as she pulled away.
"Nothing specific. I didn't sleep well and all the nitpicky protocol stuff for the next two days is getting old. I've been tempted to make you sit in, so you could find out what true nitpicking is." Elphie smiled and Glinda knew that she was just more frustrated than anything, although there was something there she couldn't pinpoint.
"Your little note helped."
"I'm glad. You can still have lunch with us, right?" Glinda asked hopefully.
"Absolutely. I did get to spend some time with Manif this morning, that was nice." Elphie said.
"He rather enjoyed it. He kept saying some things never change." Glinda giggled.
"I'll bet he did…and they don't." Elphie chuckled.
"We can spend some time together after lunch Elphie, just us."
"Actually that's one of the reasons I wanted to see you."
"Awwww Elphie…." Glinda pouted.
"Just hear me out my sweet." Elphie smiled then placed a soft kiss on Glinda's pout and Glinda nodded.
"Fruoa explained to me the schedule for the afternoon. I need to be ready and down here hours before the ceremony. We can have a nice long lunch with our friends then spend a little time together while you get my outfit ready. But then I think that you should let me have your things sent over to the guest quarters and you can get ready with everyone else. My mind will be on other things anyway and it is more than likely that Nessa will want to go over things as well."
"Okay Elphie, that makes sense." Glinda sighed.
"Now, here is the part that you will like. The reception after the ceremony is not all that long and it is mainly for the new officials to meet with the dignitaries that will be in attendance. You all don't have to stay long and it will be over before dinnertime. The rest of the evening is for resting up before the big day tomorrow." Elphie said.
"We can do something with our friends." Glinda grinned.
"Yes we can. So we are okay?" Elphie asked.
"We are." Glinda smiled then gave Elphie a kiss.
"Good. I have to get back. Do you all have plans?"
"A tour and a walk to the Cloistered Gardens." Glinda smiled.
"I wish I could be with you, but all this will be over very soon." Elphie said.
"I know. I love you Elphie." Glinda grinned then gave Elphie a kiss.
"And I you." Elphie replied and returned the kiss.
X
"I can't believe that we get to see the famous Cloistered Gardens." Loma said as the group of friends walked behind Kol and Devi. They had taken the long way from the visitor's wing, getting a tour of parts of the palace normally off limits to guests. Glinda even pointed out Elphie's office and they all waved as they walked by it.
"I know this…all of this, is the thrill of a lifetime." Gotero said.
"You truly can not get a sense of this place from drawings in history books." Dani said.
"I know. And these gardens are the best." Glinda said happily.
"Well here we are." Devi smiled.
"We have inspected them so you may roam freely Miss Upland. I'll be right outside here if you require anything."" Kol said.
"And I will return for you in time to finish the tour before lunch." Devi smiled.
"Thank you, both of you." Glinda said very sincerely and their caretakers both nodded.
"Okay you all let's go!" Glinda giggled and lead the way into the maze.
Everyone knew that there would be time for romantic couple strolls at some point so now they just explored together, admiring the sculptures and topiaries. After they went through it all, Loma suggested a modified game of Ozma Regent. They went back to the entrance and Loma started counting while her friends entered the maze and scattered. It took quite awhile and lots of laughter, but soon everyone was rounded up. They started another guessing type game, trying to remember what pieces of art were where, when they heard a whistle blow. A few wrong turns and ten minutes later, they were all gathered outside the entrance ready to go back inside.
X
The last stop on the tour before the residential quarters was the library. Dani noticed the slight blush that crept over Glinda's cheeks as they all looked around. Upstairs Glinda showed everyone Elphie's suite and the family area before they stopped by her suite to say hello to her parents. After very enthusiastic greetings, Manif invited Samion and Gwenot to join them for lunch and they declined, but finally agreed after everyone said please and Glinda pouted. Devi said that she would escort them over in a little while.
"That used to be Nessa's and Nanny's suite, but they've moved into the Eminent Thropp's apartment already." Glinda said as they made their way to that hallway. They were right at the juncture near the servant's quarters, when Nessa, pushed by one of her attendants, came around the corner.
"You are not supposed to be in this area." Nessa said to Glinda, with disdainful emphasis on the 'you'.
"Speak of the devil." Manif whispered and Dani elbowed him in the ribs.
"And who are all of these people?"
"Nessa hi. What luck to see you here." Glinda said perkily.
"Let me introduce you to Elphie's friends. This is her best friend Manif." She smiled broadly as she pointed to Manif, then continued pointing out each in turn.
"And this is Dani, Beliea, Gotero, Hyrut and Loma. Everyone this is Elphie's little sister, Nessarose."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Nessarose." Manif said with a respectful bow of his head and the others greeted her in similar fashion.
"You all as well." Nessa said and Glinda could feel her confusion.
"We'll see you later at the ceremonies. We are on our way back to the visitor's wing by way of the secret passage way." Glinda grinned and indicated that her friends should follow Devi. They did, saying goodbye in a friendly manner as they walked by.
"What is going on?" Nessa asked irritably.
"These are Elphie's and my friends from Shiz. They arrived this morning to support Elphie. We've been on a tour. And now I have to go or I'll be late for lunch. Bye Nessa." Glinda smiled pleasantly then hurried to catch up with her friends, who heard the exchange.
"You enjoyed that didn't you?" Dani laughed as the door to the passageway closed.
"Far too much." Glinda giggled.
X
Everyone loved the secret passage and experiencing the revolving doorway. Before they went to wash up for lunch, Glinda told them what Elphie said about the afternoon and evening. Knowing they had the whole evening to do something, but realizing that actually leaving the grounds was not possible for Elphie, Manif suggested a party. Everyone thought that was a wonderful idea. They called for Ghilum, conferred with him about making party type foods for dinner, drink options and getting a victrola and some upbeat recordings for dancing.
"Very good sir, I will see to it. Lunch will be in fifteen minutes." The butler said. After he left the friends, to Glinda's delight, decided that it would be a surprise party for Elphie and Glinda said that she would tell Devi, just in case Elphie got sidetracked somewhere.
Elphie was a little late for lunch, weary and frustrated, but was delighted that Samion and Gwenot had joined them. During a long leisurely meal, she heard all about the games in the Cloistered Garden, stories from Shiz, about the encounter with Nessa, accepted some gentle teasing and laughed a great deal, all of which made her feel much better. She knew that these things were normal and she was desperate to return to it.
"Thank you all so much for inviting us to lunch with you." Samion said as he and Gwenot prepared to go after lunch was over.
"We enjoyed it, right guys?" Manif smiled and everyone voiced their agreement.
"I need to go also and get ready. I have obligations to attend to." Elphie smiled.
"So do I. Mainly seeing to it that the governor shows up to her obligation properly attired." Glinda giggled and everyone, including Elphie chuckled.
"But I'll be back in, what, an hour or so." Glinda asked Elphie
"Or so." Elphie smiled.
"And I'll get ready over here with you all." Glinda smiled.
"Great, that will be fun." Loma grinned.
The Uplands told the friends when Mr. Kwenyo was due to arrive and invited them to join them in the reception room before the ceremony, so they could all go together, then went on to the small parlor to go back. Manif pulled Elphie aside while Beliea asked Glinda about nail polish.
"So?" Manif asked.
"Buttons or seams?" Elphie asked with a chuckle.
"Nanny used to say that whenever Shell said so like that."
"So have you decided what you are going to do yet?" Manif smiled.
"No." Elphie said as Glinda came over and took her hand.
"Come on Your Eminence, let's go make you even more beautiful. I bought her a new dress just for this."
"You did?" Elphie asked in surprise.
"Yep, You can fuss about it in the tunnel." Glinda chuckled.
"Not that it will do any good." Manif laughed.
"Right." Glinda confirmed as she led Elphie away.
"See you later Governor green girl." Manif laughed as a giggling Glinda and a confused Elphie left.
X
"This is a very nice outfit. I'm sorry I put up a fuss." Elphie smiled as she looked in the full-length mirror in her suite.
"Remember that when I lay out the new one I got you for tomorrow." Glinda chuckled.
"You what?"
"Don't dwell my love. You look dignified and elegant now and you will tomorrow too. You're nervous." Glinda said.
"I want this to go well for Harluc and Fruoa. This is for them…and the others, after all." Elphie said as Glinda fiddled with her collar.
"You will do just fine, because you are good at doing things for people you care about." Glinda smiled.
"I guess so. I am looking forward to that part." Elphie smiled.
"And your abdication?"
"That too. It won't take effect until tomorrow, but it will be official today. We will have our lives back soon." Elphie said and pulled Glinda towards her. She held her close for a long time then gave her a kiss.
"You should go get ready now." She said and let her go.
"Okay Elphie. You will be great today, I can feel it in my bones." Glinda chuckled then gave Elphie a lingering, reassuring kiss.
"I'll get Devi to walk me back. I love you."
"And I you." Elphie replied then kissed Glinda's fingers before she let them go.
X
Getting ready in a group was as much fun as it always was. The three girls helped each other with hair nails and make up, deciding by vote what looked best. Glinda made a few trips back through the passageway, once with Loma because she had shoes that would look great with her outfit and another with Beliea to get some hair combs.
The boys were ready much earlier and used the time to get supplies from Ghilum to make banners and decorations for the party. The girls were ready with half an hour to spare, thanks to Beliea and they helped with the decorations. Before they knew it, Ghilum announced that Mr. Kwenyo had arrived.
Kol led the dressed up and excited group down to the reception room and Mr. Kwenyo was surprised but very pleased to see them. They told him about the party and he agreed to be there for just a bit at the beginning, to support Elphie. Samion and Gwenot agreed to the same thing when they arrived. They talked together for fifteen minutes or so until Kol came to escort them to the ceremony.
They walked in couples, with Glinda on Mr. Kwenyo's arm in front, chatting casually until they got close to the Ceremonial Chambers. There were all manner of dignitaries and officials from Munchkinland as well as from other states, including the Governor of Gillikin, milling around or waiting to be escorted in.
As the group, flanked and led by pages in full livery made their way to their seats they were in awe of the very large, very formal and exquisitely decorated room. There was a dais in front with one large velvet chair and several smaller ones. Behind it on the wall were standards that represented all the parts of Munchkinland as well as the Eminent Thropp's coat of arms. Their seats were very near the dais, with an excellent view.
They took in the sights, sounds and people, chatting quietly amongst themselves until processional music started. Men in robes filed in and took seats to the right and left of the dais, and several seats on the dais. When everyone settled, Nessa and Shell were announced and seated on the dais. Then Elphie was announced and everyone rose and bowed or curtsied, including Glinda, as she made her way to the big chair. When she was seated, she nodded and everyone sat down. Glinda beamed at her, holding onto Mr. Kwenyo and her mother so she wouldn't wiggle too much.
The outgoing First Minister took charge of the ceremony, with long-winded explanations of various protocols, and introductions of a few dignitaries who gave equally long-winded speeches. Glinda was about to start to fidget, when the appointees were announced. Elphie stood up looking confidant, to receive and administer the oath to those being installed in new positions.
The first group was made up of Militia officers, including Maril. Elphie looked proud as she uttered the words that promoted him to a major in the Eminent Thropp's Diplomatic Security Force. Next came some liaisons and other minor officials then one judge, and the scene played out the same with each one.
Then the new Ambassador was announced and a buzz went through the attendees when Fruoa walked up to the dais and stood in front of Elphie.
"Fruoa Gruity, you have been appointed to the position of Ambassador from Munchkinland by the Eminent Thropp." Elphie said and her pride in Fruoa was evident.
"Do you accept this appointment along with all the duties, obligations and responsibilities that go with it?"
"I do." Fruoa said, sounding nervous.
"Will you serve the people of Munchkinland and your Governor loyally and hold your duty to them sacred?"
"I will."
"Please kneel." Elphie said and smiled slightly at Fruoa as she knelt in front of Elphie on the specially designed bench.
"By my power as Eminent Thropp, Governor of Munchkinland I proclaim you the new Ambassador of Munchkinland, with all the rights, responsibilities and power of that office." Elphie said then put a medallion around her neck.
"Please rise." She said and the First Minister stepped forward to assist her.
"Ladies and gentleman I present to you Ambassador Fruoa Gruity." Elphie said in an official voice and stood with her during the applause. Glinda was ecstatic and applauded enthusiastically then sniffled slightly when she caught a glimpse of Maril, who looked as though he would burst with pride.
The ministers were next; with Harluc being the last one. Elphie had the same confidence and pride in her demeanor as she had with Maril and Fruoa. After the applause for the new First Minister died down there was another short ceremony where his predecessor placed a robe on his shoulders and presented him with the gavel.
Harluc took control of the ceremony and attended to a few pieces of ceremonial business, before announcing the impending coronation of the new Eminent Thropp. Glinda was a nervous wreck and kept patting her mother's arm.
"Elphaba, Thropp Third Descending, Acknowledged Heir Apparent became Eminent Thropp at the very moment that Yoil Thropp, may his name live on, drew his last breath. Your Eminence, is it your will and intent to formally accept your title during the coronation ceremony tomorrow afternoon?" Harluc said, uttering the traditional and official inquiry.
"It is not." Elphie said formally, with confidence and dignity and the assembled crowd reacted strongly. When they settled, Elphie continued in the prescribed manner.
"I Elphaba, Eminent Thropp, Governor of Munchkinland do hereby officially abdicate my title and all the rights and responsibilities thereof as of the time of the coronation tomorrow afternoon. I further declare that I renounce my title, at that time, in favor of my sister Nessarose, Thropp Fourth Descending."
Glinda was not sure that she was going to survive this with all of the emotions, both negative and positive that were threatening to crush her. A gentle word from her mother sent her into her bubble. But even within its magical confines she could feel Elphie's extreme relief.
"Are you abdicating your title of your own volition?" Harluc asked.
"I am." Elphie replied.
"Then let it be known throughout Munchkinland that Elphaba, Eminent Thropp, Governor of Munchkinland, officially abdicates the governorship and all the rights and responsibilities thereof as of the time of the coronation tomorrow afternoon." Harluc said then turned to Nessa.
"Nessarose, do you accept the abdication of your sister in your favor?" Harluc asked.
"I do." Nessa said.
"And is it your will and intent to officially and formally accept the title of Eminent Thropp during the coronation ceremony tomorrow afternoon?"
"It is." Nessa replied and Glinda could see her self- congratulatory smile.
"Then let it be known throughout Munchkinland that Nessarose, Thropp Fourth Descending will officially accept the governorship and all the rights and responsibilities thereof during the coronation tomorrow afternoon." Harluc said and banged his gavel.
After a few more pieces of business consisting mainly of officially announcing the time and place of the coronation, the celebration afterwards and the reception that evening, Harluc brought all the newly promoted people forward then led them out of the Ceremonial Chambers to great fanfare.
"By my power as Eminent Thropp I hereby decree that this ceremony is concluded and all business conducted officially binding." Elphie said then left the dais followed by her siblings then the officials.
"I'm so proud of her." Glinda sniffled as they waited for their escort.
"We all are darling and we will tell her so at the party." Gwenot smiled as the friends buzzed among themselves about what they had just witnessed and how very well Elphie presented herself.
X
Glinda knew that Elphie's role at the reception was minimal, so she had decided not to stay. She greeted and congratulated her friends then when it was appropriate she and the others left to go make sure the party things were in order. Samion and Gwenot went with them, but as a Munchkin Mr. Kwenyo wanted to stay. He did, however, volunteer to leave ahead of Elphie so he could alert them.
Up in the common room, everything was ready to go, with lots of food and drinks. They convinced Ghilum that they could take it from there and that he and the staff could have the night off. He reluctantly agreed, but insisted that they use the pull cord to summon him from his quarters if a need arose.
Once everyone was gone, the friends put on music, put up the banners and poured drinks for a toast. An hour after they left the reception, Mr. Kwenyo arrived and told them that Elphaba was extracting herself as quickly as she could. Elphie showed up fifteen minutes later and Glinda welcomed her with a big hug.
"Welcome to your abdication party, soon to not be Governor green girl." Manif chuckled as he handed Elphie a champagne glass of cider.
