Elphaba woke up early, as she usually did. She smiled and remembered Glinda's hands working the tension out of her back. She felt great and slept better than she had in awhile. She got up quietly and went in to bathe, using the last of her clove oil. She also used the last of her "hair dust", as Glinda liked to call it. Feeling rested, fresh and clean she slipped on her robe and started to gather up her oil bottles, for recycling.
As she was sitting on her bed brushing out her hair she noticed Glinda lying on hers looking at her intently.
"Good morning my sweet, have I changed color or grown a horn or something." She chuckled
"Have I told you, you have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen"
"On occasion" she said pulling it back into a ponytail. She saw Glinda pout
"I know you like it when I wear it down, I'll do that tonight my sweet, I promise."
Glinda sat up and stretched. "Yeah!" she smiled. "By the way good morning- how did you sleep?"
"Wonderfully- thank you for the back rub, I feel great this morning"
"Ready to shop?"
Elphie groaned at the term
Glinda stuck out her tongue "Do I have time for a bath before we go?"
"Absolutely- and I left the last of the Gillkin rose oil in there for you to use, if you so desire"
"This is going to be a great day." She headed off for a soak in the tub.
As Glinda was soaking, Elphie put on her new outfit and sat reading on her bed, waiting for her perky friend to emerge. After about 45 minutes she called. "Glinda we need to leave in about an hour"
"Ok" She called back.
About 15 minutes she came out, drying her hair and wearing only her camisole.
"That bath was heavenly- as usual- thank you for the rose oil" She sat on her bed brushing her hair.
"My pleasure. " She said going to collect the bottle. She put it in a special pouch and slipped it in her pocket.
Glinda was putting on a bright yellow dress as Elphie came back out.
"Zip me please" She whirled around and Elphie zipped. Then she turned and undid the top two buttons of Elphie's blouse
"There, that's better"
Elphie huffed away buttoning only one back up.
"Ready Glinda?"
"Almost- do you have an extra black hair tie?"
Looking amused Elphie went to her dresser and took out a simple pony tail tie and handed it to Glinda.
She watched as the blonde deftly gathered her hair up into a ponytail, then attached a yellow bow.
"Want a bow Elphie? I've got a really dark blue one" she said straight faced.
Elphie rolled her eyes and sat down her bed. "10 minutes, you have 10 minutes or I'm leaving without you"
She said with mock irritation.
"No you won't- besides I'm ready" She said buckling her shoe.
Elphie collected her bag, put a pouch from her dresser into her pocket and grabbed her umbrella.
Glinda skipped out the door. Elphie sighed, happily and shut the door.
The walked across campus, avoiding some sort of disturbance going on. Campus guards seemed to be arresting people. They walked towards the edge of campus.
"I wonder what that is all about?" Elphie said
"I don't know- but isn't this a grand day? No clouds, not to chilly, shopping!" She slipped her arm through Elphie's and they walked enjoying the day. They approached a big building.
"That's my bank Glinda, I know you've admired the outside. I thought, knowing your love of architecture, that you would really appreciate the inside."
"This is the largest bank in all Oz, Elphie."
Well this is where the Eminent Thropp set up the accounts" she said as the climbed the steps
"As they walked in Glinda was looking all around- in awe of the structure, mosaics and murals.
She snapped out of her reverie when she heard.
"Miss Elphaba, welcome- what a pleasant surprise- Do you need to see Mr. Kinrode."
"Yes, please Miss Roik- thank you"
She hurried off- Elphie pulled Glinda in the direction of the waiting area, but before they could sit, Miss Roik came scurrying back.
"Miss Elphaba, Mr. Kinrode asked that you please wait in his office, he will be with you in a few minutes."
"Thank you very much- Good day Miss Roik"
"Good day to you Miss Elphaba"
Elphie guided Glinda towards a big office.
"Elphie, this is the bank Chairman's office"
"I know" she smiled slyly "He manages my trust on my grandfathers behalf"
They went in and sat down in big comfy chairs.
"This place is amazing- the moldings and columns. Exquisite"
Elphie was very happy- She really hadn't seen Glinda enjoying her passion for architecture before.
Five or so minutes later a distinguished looking man entered the room, and the girls rose to greet him. He came over and took Elphie's hands
"Miss Elphaba, How nice to see you"
"You as well Mr. Kinrode. May I present my roommate and best friend Miss Glinda Upland."
"A pleasure Miss Glinda" He said bowing slightly
"Likewise Mr. Kinrode"
"Please ladies sit down and tell me Miss Elphaba to what to I owe this unexpected visit- nothing is wrong I hope?" He said looking truly concerned.
"Not at all- I know this is not my usual appointment time"
"Don't let that concern you in the least- I can always make time for you"
"Well thank you-I came to collect some of my funds early. Next week is spring recess and I shall be accompanying Miss Glinda to her parents home in Gillkin."
'That sounds lovely. How long will you be away?"
"A fortnight- we leave this day next week."
"Fine- can you wait while I go withdraw your funds."
"Certainly- please take your time"
Glinda looked at her awestruck. "Elphie, the chairman of the bank is attending to you personally- wow"
"It's no big thing Glinda, He is a personal friend of my great-grandfather- he manages my trust and passes on any messages from or to His Eminence."
She went to the desk and got a pen and paper.
"Glinda could you please write down exactly were we will be, I'm sure someone will want to know"
Glinda took the paper and wrote down the requested information.
"Elphie- you move around in here like you own the place- it's unseemly"
Elphie arched her eyebrows "For all I know- His Eminence might own the place" she chuckled happily
"Elphie be serio…"
"Sorry it took so long ladies"
"No bother at all"
"Here is your allowance- the usual amount," he said handing her a pouch that looked similar to the one she put in her pocket. "And here are your travel funds"
Elphie looked shocked "Mr. Kinrode, I have no need of any more money"
"Be that as it may Miss Elphaba, As per your great-grandfathers explicit instructions. If you go on a class trip, go on a spring recess, winter break or other trip or leave campus overnight for any reason you are to be provided sufficient travel and expense monies. It is built in to your educational trust fund." He handed her a much bigger pouch. "Two weeks expense monies"
Elphie was speechless, but accepted the pouch.
"He told me if you tried to argue…"
Glinda laughed out loud and put her hand over her mouth, mortified
Mr. Kinrode chuckled "If you argue, I am to remind you that you are the Thropp Third Descending from Nest Hardings- heir to Colwen Grounds- whether or not you claim the title." His voice softened "Miss Elphaba, he does care about you and this is his way of showing it."
"I know" she said quietly "When you talk to him again tell him I put up no fuss, and tell him thank you for me. I'll need no more allowance for the rest of the year it seems." She shook her head and chuckled
The man chuckled also. "That money is yours to use or not at your discretion"
"Thank you Mr. Kinrode and make sure my great-grandfather knows I am well, my studies are going fine and I am happy here. Also, here is where I will be staying-properly chaperoned"
" Very good, and I shall tell him Miss Elphaba, is there anything else you need before you leave next week?"
"Actually, if you have time I would like one small favor."
Anything you'd like- time is no issue."
"Miss Glinda has a passion for architecture and I was wondering if you could arrange for us to have a short tour of the bank building."
"Elphie!" Glinda said surprised.
"Miss Glinda, it would be my honor to escort you and Miss Elphaba on a tour of the building- I know some places you might find especially interesting."
"I'm honored Mr. Kinrode, How kind of you to take the time." Glinda said trying to remember her manners.
"Come with me ladies"
Elphie and Glinda followed him out for a tour of the National Bank of Oz building. Elphie stayed a few steps behind listening to Mr. Kinrode point out aspects of the structure and Glinda asking questions. It made her happy to see her so excited. An hour or so later the bank chairman delivered them back to the front doors.
"I hoped you enjoyed yourself Miss Glinda"
"I did very much, thank you again for the kindness" She was still flush with excitement.
"As I said, it was my pleasure. I'll see you when you return Miss Elphaba"
"Certainly, and thank you again for everything- Goodbye Mr. Kinrode" Elphie said
"Good day Mr. Kinrode" Glinda said
"And to you ladies as well- enjoy your trip Miss Elphaba."
"I shall"
They walked through the door that was held open for them and walked out into the bright afternoon and down the stairs.
Glinda was overwhelmed, Elphie could tell.
"Did you have a good time my sweet?"
"Oh yes Elphie" She tried to control herself but couldn't. She flung her arms around Elphie's neck, expecting to be rebuffed-, as she wasn't comfortable with overt public displays of affection. But Elphie gave her a quick squeeze before pulling away.
"What was that for?"
"I didn't even realize that you knew I liked architecture."
"Of course I do. I do listen when you talk to me- mostly" she chuckled "Ready for lunch?"
"I'm starving! And Elphie, thank you for thinking of that- it was a marvelous treat"
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. There's the café- Will it be alright with you- it looks a little seedy, but the food is wonderful."
"It's perfect"
They walked into the small café Glinda looking around.
"Hi Miss Elphie- a table outside?"
" Hello Tyuron, Glinda?"
"Outside is fine- it's a beautiful day"
They followed the server outside and were seated at a small table by a flower garden.
"Your usual beverage Miss Elphie"
"Yes please"
"And you Miss…"
"Glinda" Elphie provided
"Miss Glinda"
"I'd like an iced tea, thank you"
"Be back in a flash," He said grinning
Glinda just stared at Elphaba
"Don't look at me like that- I told you I come here most every weekend"
Glinda just shook her head, She couldn't believe there was so much about Elphie she didn't know.
"Glinda, I highly recommend the wild greens salad"
"Sounds yummy- I'll have whatever you do- you know what's good here."
The server came with their drinks.
"And what can I get you lovely ladies?"
"We will both have the wild greens salad and some of that fantastic homemade bread"
"Excellent choices- be right back" He hurried away
"He seems to like his job."
"He does. He and his partner.." She pointed to a man behind the counter "are the proprietors"
"This is such a lovely spot Elphie, I know I've said this before, but thank you for sharing it with me."
"Glinda, I'm having a good time too- I haven't been off campus since- well sine I was attacked- this is fun"
Their food arrived, as well as drink refills.
"Enjoy ladies"
"Thank you" the said in unison.
Glinda took a bite of her salad. "Elphie, this is fabulous- it's got nuts and berries in with the greens and vegetables- it's yummy"
"I know- and the dressing is so unique, it's made with wine, spices and some sort of flower petals"
"Interesting, and delicious"
They ate and chatted and chatted and ate.
"Elphie" Glinda said reaching for another piece of bread "What else are we doing today"
"Well the next stop is the apothecary "
"Apothecary? Do you need medicine?"
"No, no my sweet" she said hearing panic in Glinda's voice "That's where I get my oils."
"Oils? At the apothecary?" She said perplexed
"It's the best place, you'll see"
The proprietor came bustling over- "Miss Elphie, Miss Glinda, you must try a bite of this- It's a new dessert we are trying out" He put a plate with a small portion of a custard looking dessert with two spoons on the table."
"Mmmmmm I love it when you two experiment with desserts." Elphie said.
She took a spoon and took a bite "This is wonderful Tyuron- like a spiced pudding with a little cocoa and Munchkinberry."
You have a very discerning palate Miss Elphie- Miss Glinda, what do you think?"
"I think I have died and gone to dessert heaven" Glinda said taking a second spoonful.
The man beamed from ear to ear- "Good we shall serve it tomorrow then. Thank you ladies. Can I get you anything else?"
"No thank you Tyuron, just our check. Lunch was, as usual, perfect"
"Yes" Glinda chimed in "That was the best salad I have ever had"
"Thank you Miss Glinda, I hope you will accompany Miss Elphie again sometime- two lovely ladies on the patio does wonders for business" He put the check down and waved goodbye with a grand flourish.
"My what a lovely man- very charming." Glinda said reaching for her purse.
"Yes he is a lot of fun," Elphie said picking up the check "Glinda, what are you doing? My errand day- my money"
"Oh – force of habit I guess- sorry- you know we've never done anything like this before"
"I know, but we will now. " She left the money for the tab plus a generous tip on the table.
"I have a couple more surprises up my sleeve today," She said taking Glinda's arm and walking down the street.
They walked arm in arm towards the towards the apothecary shop.
"I love surprises" Glinda chirped "What are they?"
"I'm not telling- partly because, then they wouldn't be surprise and partly because I'm afraid you might implode from perky" she chuckled
"Don't tease me"
They walked down an alley full of vendors with their carts and small storefronts. It was noisy and fragrant.
"There is the shop, over there" Elphie pointed to a small shop with "Apothecary" in elegant script over the door.
"Mr. Kwenyo used to have a small shop in the village where I was born, but he left when I was young, my father told me he that that he relocated his shop in Shiz. I looked for him when I got here.
"And he remembered you?" Glinda was surprised
"Glinda, I'm green, rather easy to remember"
"True, I guess I just so accustomed to that lovely Emerald skin of yours- I just forget"
Elphie opened the door to the shop and a little bell rang.
"Hello Mr. Kwenyo" she called
A smallish, older man in a brightly colored tunic came from a back room
"Elphaba, how are you my child?" He said reaching up to give her a hug.
"I'm fine Mr. Kwenyo- may I present my best friend Glinda Upland"
The small apothecary embraced a startled Glinda. "Delightful to meet you Miss Upland"
"Glinda, please- and the pleasure is mine."
Elphie walked over to the counter and put the bag with the empty oil bottles down.
"What do you need today, Elphaba, the usual?"
"Yes, and a few others as well, including hair dust"
Glinda giggled and the old apothecary looked confused
"Sorry, the mixture I clean my hair with- Glinda calls it hair dust."
"I like that term, well done Glinda" He said
"Also, I need some more clove oil- Glinda thinks it suits me, so I use it more often."
"I've told her that as well, but who listens to a senile old man" He said with mock sadness.
Elphie chuckled "Mr. Kwenyo, you are a terrible, and sharp as a tack."
He laughed with her, took the bottles and started collecting the oils she required from the shelves.
"I also need some more Gillkin Rose oil, I know it is hard to come by" She placed the little red bottle on the counter.
"Oh dear, I have none in stock- can it wait a few weeks?"
"Of course- I will being going on spring recess next week, and will be gone for two weeks,"
I shall have it for you when you return. If you tell me where you are going I can send word to the apothecary there exactly what you require and it can be delivered, so you will not have to travel with all of those bottles.
"Mr. Kwenyo, what a good idea. Glinda will that be possible?"
"Of course, Here is my address, in Frottica. The apothecary can contact my parents about delivery." She wrote down all of the information and handed it to him.
"Excellent, He happens to be a friend of mine, we will get this all worked out by the time you get there."
"Thank you- that is so kind of you.
"You
are a very special girl, Elphaba, I knew so even when you were tiny.
You deserve special treatment."
Elphie flushed deeply
"I couldn't agree more Mr. Kwenyo" Glinda agreed.
"Mr. Kwenyo" Elphaba said when she recovered " I need two favors- special oils."
"Oh- I love a challenge- what do you need?"
"Well, first- A week or so ago I took a tumble" She slipped her hand into Glinda's and held tight
"I got some cuts and bruises"
"Oh Elphaba, are you ok now?" Sincere concern was in his voice.
"Yes, Glinda helped me, to clean them with the oils I had, and I'm almost completely healed"
Glinda gave her hand a squeeze.
"I was hoping you could mix up some antiseptic oils I could use, should I ever be so clumsy again."
"I'm sorry you were hurt and yes I can make you up a few different ones- It won't take long at all. And the second thing"
"My roomie here has been a little stressed lately, schoolwork, exams and the like."
She looked at Glinda who looked, once again surprised.
"She really likes to soak in a steaming hot tub and I gave her some Gillkin rose oil to put in her baths, because I heard it had stress reliving properties- but I was hoping you could concoct something just for her."
"Oh what a wonderful challenge- I accept and know the perfect combination."
He was fidgety and the girls could see his sharp mind already working.
"Glinda dear are you sensitive to any scents or is your skin overly sensitive to lotions or creams?"
"Not that I know of, I have used many different things in baths with no adverse effects."
"Wonderful- now if you ladies can give me say, half an hour- I will have everything you need ready."
"Oh I'm so pleased- I knew I could count on you!" Elphie said in a rare display. "We will be back soon"
"Elphie, you are spoiling me," Glinda said walking into the street, still holding Elphie's hand.
"As you do me, my sweet- I'm a little worried about you and the stress you are under –Whatever Mr. Kwenyo concocts will be very soothing for you, I'm sure."
"Elphie, I've told you, I'm not that stressed"
"Glinda, You might not even be aware- but your headaches care more frequent, your sleep is more fitful" She kissed her friend on the cheek.
"And you spend all of your free time with me" She chuckled.
"Elphie, that's the good part!"
"We will talk about this later, right now stress, for either of us is a non-issue"
"Agreed" She took Elphie arms and walked with her.
. "Oh look- Elphie and ice cream cart" she said dragging her friend in the direction of the treat. "Let's get some"
"As you wish" Elphie said grinning.
They ordered their treat, Elphie paid and they went to sit on a nearby bench.
"This is good" Elphie said "What a lovely idea you had"
"I'm having such a good time Elphie, This is a wonderful area of Shiz- it's got so much more character than the places I go."
"Maybe my sweet, but these places are not you- you belong to the boutiques and salons- and I would have it no other way"
They sat in silence, finishing their ice cream.
"Are you ready to go back to Mr. Kwenyo's?"
"Yep" she said getting up. "I'm curious as to what he came up with, for you and me"
They went back into the shop and Mr. Kwenyo was waiting for them.
"My dear girls- I have what you requested, and if I do say so myself- they are some of my best work."
The girls laughed and went over to the counter.
"Elphaba, my dear here are your antiseptics" He put two clear bottles with a red crosses on them on the counter. "This one" he said pointing to the bigger one "is for minor cuts and scrapes- Glinda- you can use it too if need be. The other is stronger, for deeper cuts."
""That's great Mr. Kwenyo. Thank you"
"Give me your arm Elphaba, so I can make sure- it's a general oil, but I'd rather be sure. - We had such trouble with her when she was young."
He chuckled, Glinda's eyebrows shot up and Elphie looked unhappy.
"Don't fret Elphaba, we got it all worked out didn't we- now roll up that sleeve"
Glinda was enjoying herself immensely- She had never seen anyone order Elphie around like this. Elphie complied and held out her arm. The apothecary put a small amount on Elphie's arm and watched closely.
"Elphaba?"
"Not even a tingle Mr. Kwenyo"
"Good- now the other" he put some of the other bottle on a different spot
"Well?"
"Nothing- just like my other oils"
"Excellent- but know that when you put this on a cut- it will probably sting- but that is the antiseptic on the cut- no need for alarm- it's normal"
Elphie rolled down her sleeve and kissed the small man on the cheek. "Thank you Mr. Kwenyo, I owe you a lot"
Glinda was watching this all transpire, with astonishment.
"As I stated a special girl deserves special attention. - Now for you Glinda my dear. One so young does not need to be under undue stress- what I have here" he said showing her a purple bottle "is a combination of properties from several different stress reliving plants." He opened the bottle for them to sniff from a distance, "It's very strong," He said
"Smells heavenly, and relaxing- Oh Elphie, I can put some of this on my hands when I rub your back- very soothing"
"No Glinda!" Mr. Kwenyo said rather sharply. Glinda was surprised and looked as though she might cry.
"I'm sorry my child" he said coming around from the counter and taking her hands " I didn't mean to upset you. It's just; this is not for Elphaba. It is not an oil- it is plant essences, concentrated- in a base that shares some properties with alcohol. It would be very harmful to Elphaba's skin."
"I'm sorry" she started to cry. Elphie took her in her arms and comforted her.
"Shhhh Glinda- it's ok- you didn't know- I didn't even know. Please don't cry"
Glinda calmed and sniffled.
"There is no need to be upset my dear- I would have warned Elphaba about this before you left- so there was never any danger. I'm sorry I upset you- you obviously care about her very much"
"I do," she said drying her tears "I'm sorry I created a scene. Just the thought of something hurting her…"
"I know dear, you feel protective of her, I do as well" He gave the forlorn girl a light hug "She needs caring people looking out for her"
"Not to interrupt this tender moment- but I'm right here, and don't need protection." Elphie huffed
They both went over and hugged her- "Yes you do Elphaba dear, you just don't realize it" Mr. Kwenyo said.
Elphie shook them off laughing "Well I feel amply cared for and protected now- thank you"
"Glinda, you are going to have your hand full with this one" He chuckled
"I know- I know" She laughed.
"May we get on with this before I die from melodrama."
"Always impatient- Now, Elphaba if you have need of Glinda's concoction, Have her put some in a bowl of very hot water, and you can breath it in that way- Ok?"
"I think I can get a bowl of water on my own" Elphie huffed
"She drew me a bath once- got splashed"
"Glinda!" Elphie glared at her
"Well at least she didn't climb in" The old man chuckled
"Mr. Kwenyo, I would never and you know that! - I'm very careful"
"You wanted to walk out in the rain"
"Elphaba- you didn't!" The old apothecary was astonished.
"I was overwrought at the time and I was making a very bad joke to tease Glinda- I had no intention of doing it." She glared even harder at Glinda, who ignored her.
"Mr. Kwenyo, Has Elphie ever been soaking wet?
"Glinda- please!" Elphie was very unhappy
"She knew instinctively on the day she was born I imagine, that water would be very harmful to her, and from the stories I heard even as a newborn she fought any use of water on her. What would happen if she did get wet, unfortunately was discovered by accident, and trail and error. That's how the use of oils came into being.
"Please, must we continue this?" Elphie asked, agitated
"One day Elphie you will have to admit to yourself what you've instinctively known since birth."
Glinda was intrigued and Elphaba was exasperated and irritated at Glinda for starting this whole conversation
"Girls I want you to listen to some advice from an old and wise apothecary, who has experienced much in this life."
They both turned their attention to the diminutive gentleman.
"You two are good together- your friendship is of the rare and precious type. I see Elphaba every week, and I knew her when she was small- I've never seen her content, until today. Cherish each other, grow your friendship. You two need each other more than you know. Now hug and give each other a kiss- for I know that Elphaba is not really angry. "
Elphie went over and put her arms around Glinda, who did likewise.
"I said HUG"
The girls embraced each other fiercely, Elphie kissed Glinda on the forehead "I'm sorry my sweet"
Glinda kissed Elphie's cheek "I'm sorry too my love- Please forgive me for forcing the issue"
The hugged again
"Now that's better," Mr. Kwenyo said taking them both by the hands and leading them back to the counter.
"Mr. Kwenyo, you are a horrible little busybody, and I shall have nothing more to do with you after today" Elphie said straight-faced.
"Elphie!" she said aghast
"No fear Glinda, She said the same thing last time she was here when I tried to convince her to join the Shiz Choir. Do you know she has a beautiful voice?"
"Yes I do- The choir Elphie?"
"Please spare me. May please pay for these things so I can get out before you two have any more time to conspire against me" Her words sounded angry, but her eyes were laughing.
She pulled out her pouch- "Should I pay now for the oils to be delivered in Gillkin- if I'm even still going"
She said leveling a look at Glinda
"Don't tease her Elphaba, Pay now- and I'll take care of the rest"
"Thank you Mr. Kwenyo" Glinda said
Elphie paid and gathered up her bag, and slipped the small red bottle back in her pocket.
"Mr. Kwenyo, you are going to be the death of me- but thank you"
"Your welcome my dear, And I won't be- but the adorable blonde might"
"He is terrible- and a little dangerous I think" Glinda chuckled
"Only to those who cross me" He laughed
Elphie hugged him and kissed his weathered old face. I'll see you when I return from spring recess, you bossy little man."
"I'll be waiting, my green friend. And Glinda my dear you are welcome here anytime"
"Thank you Mr. Kwenyo, but I doubt if after today, Elphie will take me anywhere with her again"
She laughed slipping her arm through Elphie's
"Look after her" He whispered in Glinda's ear as they walked out the door.