"So what did that old coot say to you?" Elphie laughed
"He told me to look after you"
Elphaba pulled Glinda over to a bench, and they sat down.
"Why does everybody think I'm so helpless?"
"I don't think you are helpless at all. Elphie what was he talking about, about what you instinctively know?"
Elphie grumped some unintelligible words. I would prefer not to discuss this now." Her voice softened "Please Glinda, let's just continue our day out"
"Of course Elphie, I'm sorry"
"Oh please don't be- I like Mr. Kwenyo, and owe him a great deal but he can be an uncomfortable reminder of my childhood sometimes"
"Then we shall be off- are we finished with your errands?"
"One more my sweet, and this one you will definitely like"
"I've liked all of this day, especially seeing you get bossed around!" She grinned broadly and kissed Elphie on the cheek.
"Just for that- no shoes"
"Shoes, Elphie did you say shoes… as in footwear"
"Yes. We are on our way to the cobblers, I had some boots in need of repair – the rest I'll show you when we get there."
They walked arm in arm down the cobblestone alleyway that had gotten more crowded with sellers and buyers.
"Elphie, thank you again for bringing me down here- this is the best day out ever.'
"Quite honestly, I was a little frightened of being out here with all of these people, I truly wanted you here."
"So you brought me here under false pretenses" The blonde said in mock indignation
"Absolutely not, my sweet. I promised you shopping Elphie style- and so we have shopped, you quelling my fear is just a bonus"
"Elphie, I'm sorry you are frightened"
"I'm not- you're here- and here we are."
They walked into a very shabby looking storefront. Glinda gasped when she walked in.
"Elphie look at these beautiful things"
"Hello Mr. Ilore"
"Why hello Miss Elphaba, How are you today?
"I'm great, thanks- this is my best friend- Miss Glinda Upland."
"A pleasure Miss Upland. Please have a seat ladies, I'll be right with you."
"Elphie, what beautiful footwear" Glinda said admiring the selections.
"When I first came here I found out that He creates and makes shoes as well as repairs them. See these boots?"
She said indicating a pair of shin high boots that buttoned up the front, had a small, but wide heel and were foot shaped as opposed to the clunky combat type boots the Elphaba normally wore."
"He insisted on making a pair of these in my size, black of course. I objected, but here I am today to see how they look. After you bought me this beautiful outfit- I figured since I was coming here anyway- I should at least try them on"
Glinda actually had a tear in her eye; "You hate trying on things"
"I hate a lot of things, but do them any way" She laughed.
Mr. Ilore came over.
"So have you caved in and decided to try my boots?"
"Yes Mr. Ilore I have caved in."
"Wonderful- these will suit you I know it"
He pulled a box from under the counter and sat down in front of Elphie
"Your foot please"
He unlaced Elphie's boot, slipped it of and deftly put the new one on and fastened it up. He repeated the process with her other foot. Elphie looked uncomfortable, but didn't protest. Once again Glinda was watching the scene with astonishment.
"Well, walk around- that's what shoes are for after all"
Elphie got up and walked around the room, holding her skirt up slightly so Glinda could see.
"Well, what do you think?" She asked the delighted blonde
"Oh Elphie, they are perfect!" she squealed
"Thank you Miss Upland- I think so too" The shoemaker agreed "Miss Elphaba?"
"They are very comfortable, not tight- Are they waterproof?" She asked
"Certainly, they are meant to be practical, although I wouldn't go traipsing through a flood in them"
Elphie and Glinda both chuckled.
"I don't know…"
"Elphie…"
"I'm teasing you- I like them and I'll take them." Elphie said "Now Mr. Ilore, what do have for my friend here" She said sitting by the wiggly blonde.
"Oh Elphie I don't need new shoes"
"Don't be absurd darling, Of course you do- you always do" Elphie said eyes twinkling
The shoemaker carefully measured Glinda's feet. "I have the perfect thing for you"
He disappeared into the back room.
"Elphie, This is a fabulous treat- I love footwear- Thank you for showing this place"
"This is a treat for me as well, not the shoes, just watching you enjoy the surprises."
"Now you know why I was so happy yesterday"
"Now I know" They hugged quickly.
"I think these will be perfect for you Miss Upland" The cobbler came hurrying out of the back room carrying a pair of very lady-like shoes
"These are beautiful," Glinda said looking carefully at them. They were closed toe, with a strap on the back and a medium heel. They had small flecks of color that seemed to be imbedded into the leather-like material.
The cobbler helped Glinda on with the shoes; they fit her perfectly and looked stunning.
"Elphie?"
"They are you, my sweet- no doubt"
Mr. Ilore, you are a genus- a marvel" Glinda gushed
"We'll take them, and these" She said holding up her feet
"Elphie are you sure? I'm sure they are expensive."
"Not as much as you might think, I'm sure. Are you wearing your new ones home?"
"Absolutely and so are you"
"You heard the lady Mr., Ilore" She laughed, paid for the purchases
The shoemaker gathered up her repaired boots her old boots and Glinda's old shoes and packaged them up.
"Thank you so much Mr. Ilore" Glinda said still admiring her new shoes
"Yes thank you" Elphie said picking up the packages
"Are you ready to go home Glinda?"
"I think I will skip all the way and show off my new shoes- Goodbye Mr. Ilore" Glinda said heading for the door
"She does like shoes doesn't she?" the cobbler laughed
"They are her hobby" Elphie chuckled as she followed Glinda out of the door.
"Skip all you want my sweet" Elphie said enjoying the blonde dynamo's enthusiasm "I shall see you back at the room."
Glinda pouted and waited for Elphie to catch up.
They strolled casually back to the campus. Glinda was chatting excitedly about the new people and places, sights and smells she had experienced that day.
"Elphie this has been so exciting, I had no idea you were on such friendly terms with such charming people as those"
"I may be a solitary sort, but I'm not anti-social"
Glinda leveled a sharp glance at her
"Ok I'm a little anti- social- but I'm bright enough not to alienate everybody."
"Well, I'm in to good a mood to point out the flaws in that statement my love, so I shall agree."
As they walked past the street vendors Glinda stopped to look at the wares, purchasing some jewelry and other trinkets that caught her eye. Elphie stopped by her favorite book cart and made a few selections. Glinda wanted to stop in a small store that sold handbags and carry-alls.
"We need something for our trip." She stated firmly
Elphie found a navy blue knapsack type bag that she really liked and Glinda found an oversized tote-type bag. Pink with yellow and green zigzags.
"Elphie couldn't you get something with a little more- well flair"
"I prefer function over fashion" She chuckled "But look, it matches my umbrella, I'm coordinated"
Glinda rolled her eyes and laughed. They put some of their things in their new bags and juggled the rest
As they walked across the campus they saw graffiti and the remnants of whatever had caused the disturbance that morning.
"Something must be up to rile people to this sort of action," Elphie said shaking her head.
"It is sad to see beautiful buildings defaced this way" Glinda noted.
They rearranged the packages, Elphie taking most of them so Glinda could open the door.
Elphie holding the knapsack with the oils in her teeth mumbled something incoherent as Glinda opened the door.
"Woof moon heaping stews, Lyndie? What?" Glinda asked taking the bag and a package from Elphie, giggling
"I said, would you mind helping me with the shoes Glinda" Elphie said laughing.
"You should learn to speak-more-distinctly, Elphaba" the blonde giggled
"Tile erye, Lyndie" Elphaba mumbled without cracking a grin.
"I think I like that name- Lyndie- you may call me that" she said in a regal sounding voice and waving her hand in declaration
"I shall do no such thing- Galinda" Elphie laughed
They put the things away and lay down on their beds to relax.
"Thank you again Elphie, this has been so much fun, I'm so happy.
"I had fun too-I've never, ever shared as much of what I like and do with anyone, not even my sister."
"I can't wait to share mine with you in a week or so. - I can't wait"
They sat in a comfortable silence, lost in their own thoughts for awhile. Glancing at each other every so often, matching glances, trading smiles. After a time Glinda sat up and stretched.
Can we get ready and go to dinner? I'm getting rumbly" she said with the hint of a whine.
Elphie opened her eyes and looked at the lovely girl across from her.
"Absolutely, I'm a little hungry myself."
"Elphie, we don't have to go to the sing-along-bar after dinner if you don't want to" Glinda said, meaning it.
"Of course we have to. You want to, I promised, and besides we have new shoes" She sat up and kicked her legs I would, however like to skip the bookstore, if that is Ok with you"
"Oh that's fine- it will give us an excuse for another day out sometime." She winked at Elphie and glided off to the bathroom.
They spent the next hour cleaning up and getting ready. Glinda changed clothes, but not shoes. Elphie was already dressed in her new outfit, but true to her word, took her hair out of its ponytail and brushed it out.
"Elphie, someday I'd like to try your hair dust, and see what it does for my hair."
She took the brush from her friend's green hand and continued brushing
"Your hair is so soft and shiny- like black spun silk."
"It's hair Glinda, and yours is beautiful- golden, with curls"
"Welcome to the MAHS" She laughed
"MAHS?" Elphie took her brush back
"Mutual admiration hair society" She kissed the top of Elphie's head and went to collect her things.
"Do you think we will need cloaks? She asked
"I'm not taking one, I've got my wonderful umbrella and long sleeves if it gets chilly, you may want to take a sweater"
"Good idea, Are you ready?"
"Let's go get a cab" She put her money pouch in her pocket and picked up her umbrella. "I haven't been to a nice restaurant- in ages- I'm looking forward to this."
Master Norven found them a carriage and they headed off across the river.
"Glinda, It's been a long time since you have been with me in a place where I've never been before. So be prepared."
"Prepared for what?" She said confused
"For lots of staring and possibly some unkind remarks- I'm used to it, I can ignore it- please try to as well"
Glinda sighed "This day has combined three of my very favorite things- Shopping, dinner at a fancy restaurant and you. Nothing will spoil this for me, my love."
Elphie smiled warmly at her and kissed her cheek. "You do know where we are going, right?"
"Yes, I do- we are almost there."
"This part of Shiz is very nice- rather upscale- Very Galinda"
"Elphaba in the afternoon, Galinda at night- the best of both worlds- who could ask for anything more?"
She giggled and laid her head on Elphie's shoulder. Five minutes later they pulled up to the restaurant.
The doorman assisted Glinda down from the cab, then trying not to gasp or stare too intently, assisted Elphie.
"Thank you sir" Elphie said smiling warmly, slightly disarming the poor confounded doorman.
"A green girl dining here will certainly provide some excellent gossip" She chuckled.
She was finding that she wasn't quite as self-conscious as she used to be, or she just hid it better, she wasn't sure.
Glinda took her arm and they headed in. They were greeted by the Maître d who did a slight double take in Elphie's direction, but recovered quickly.
"Good evening ladies, may I help you?"
"We would like a table for two, by the window and private if possible."
His eyebrows arched slightly "Very good, please follow me."
He led them through what looked like an indoor garden to a lovely table set with linens and fine china, by a window.
"This is perfect, thank you" Glinda said as he held her chair. He seated Elphie and motioned for a waiter.
"Enjoy your meals" He bowed slightly, clicked his heals and hurried off.
Glinda giggled
"What?" Elphie said a little stunned by the elegance
"I think he was more taken aback by two young ladies dining unescorted, than he was by your skin."
"The brazen hussies that we are" she whispered trying not to laugh.
The waiter came over with water, menus, wine lists and told them the specials
"We will need a few minutes please" Glinda said formally
The waiter bowed and retreated. Elphie looked impressed,
"A little taste of my world." She laughed lightly
"The nut encrusted fish sounded wonderful, I'll think I'll try that."
"It does sound good
The waiter arrived and Glinda ordered their meals with tea for her and cider for Elphie. In no time the waiter brought the drinks and the salads followed right after. Glinda held up her glass, Elphie followed suit.
"To best friends"
"Best friends" Elphie repeated
They clinked glasses and sipped
They enjoyed a long, leisurely, sumptuous meal, savoring the food and the company. They chatted about their classes, the upcoming spring recess and anything else that popped up, easily and warmly.
When the dessert cart came around Elphie groaned.
"I can't manage one more bite."
We'll share this" Glinda said pointing to a decadent confection "and two coffees. And could you please bring some heavy cream."
Elphie laughed "You're letting me have coffee?"
"It's a special occasion" Glinda laughed with her
"It is a very special occasion. Glinda, this night has been amazing. "
"Because I'm with you my love." Glinda said lovingly
Elphie sampled the dessert and Glinda finished it. They sipped their coffee and enjoyed the ambiance. A string quartet had started playing and there were quiet murmurings from the other patrons. They had been dining for hours.
"Are you ready to re-enter the real world my sweet" Elphie said
"Elphie promise me we can do this again"
"I not only promise- I insist on it" Elphie said
They paid their check and requested a cab
"Your experience was pleasurable, I trust?" the Maître d inquired.
"It was perfectly lovely, the ambiance here is marvelous"
"And the food was delicious" Elphie chimed in.
The Maître d smiled, bowed slightly and held the door open for them.
"Enjoy your evening ladies"
As they rode in the cab back across the river, Elphie seemed pensive.
"What is on that clever mind of yours my love?" Glinda asked
"Oh I was just think about the river. When my brother was very little, my father tried to teach him how to swim in a river near our house. He loved it. Do you know how to swim?
"Yes I do, I'm rather good actually. My father taught me to, in the lake near my house."
"I'd like to see you swim someday" Elphie said
Before Glinda could comment the cabby said
"Here we are ladies" Glinda paid the fare
"Glinda, Elphaba- Hello" a classmate of Glinda's called Manif called and came over to help them down. "Things are just getting started, Come on in!"