"Glinda," Elphie said on they up upstairs "take this stuff, I'm going to run in the library and get my glasses and book. I'll be right up" She handed the bouncy blonde the plate and her glass.
"Sure Elphie, your place or mine" She chuckled.
"Whichever you prefer my sweet, I'll be along in a moment"
Glinda went up the stairs and Elphie went into the library. She did need to retrieve her glasses, but she also needed a moment. She was distracted and confused. Something had happened to her during that waltz with Glinda, something she had no idea what to do with, or even how to articulate. But she knew that Glinda had felt something too and was positive she would be able to articulate it, she always seemed to know. She sighed and picked up the book and her glasses and headed upstairs.
Glinda smiled on her way up the stairs. She knew Elphie needed her glasses, but she also knew she needed a few minutes to herself even more. She went into her room and managed to put the plate and their drinks on the table without spilling anything. Falling down on her sofa, Glinda thought about dancing with Elphie.
It truly was the most exhilarating thing she had ever experienced, even though it had frightened her. They would talk it out when Elphie came up, until then she would just close her eyes and waltz with her love once again
Elphaba didn't even bother going into her own room. Glinda preferred her own, which was fine. She walked in and observed her roomie on the sofa, eyes closed, grinning from ear to ear and humming a waltz, their waltz.
"We are dancing again aren't we" Elphie chuckled
"Just as passionately as before" She said opening her bright blue eyes, sitting up and moving to one end of the sofa.
Elphie sat on the other end.
"We should talk about this" Glinda said gently
"Yes we should" Elphie agreed "But I don't know how"
Glinda chuckled "You are assuming that I do"
"I'm not assuming anything, I'm positive you do" Elphie stated mater-of-factly
Glinda moved over to Elphie's side and as she had done dozens of times before, and placed herself into the long green arms she loved to feel around her.
"We sit like this all the time, we snuggle and cuddle in bed together when we are frightened, or hurting, we hug and kiss whenever the urge strikes, we've seen each other naked countless times."
Elphie smiled and stroked the blonde curls of the girl she loved.
"But, that waltz was, I think, the first truly intimate thing we have shared together, the first time our bodies actually acknowledged one another and the sheer intensity frightened us both"
"It did indeed," She moved Glinda around so they could look at each other
"Elphie I've never responded to anyone like that"
"Not even Mr. Happy Lips?" She chuckled
"Not even Mr. Happy Lips" She laughed lightly
"Glinda, When we talked, before we left Shiz, we said we needed to be comfortable talking about this, no fear, but that seems to be easier said than done, at least on my part."
"No fear" Glinda echoed "It was just so unexpected, who knew a simple waltz could have sexual undercurrents."
"Glinda!" Elphie said shocked. "But that is what it was."
She took a deep breath and pulled Glinda into her arms. Glinda snuggled, feeling Elphie squeeze. They sat together quietly for awhile.
"I don't know what to do with this Lyndie"
"We don't necessarily have to do anything with it my love, except maybe accept it as a part of what we are. It would make sense that these sorts of feelings would surface the closer we become."
"Wonderful" Elphie said somewhat sarcastically "Now we just need to discover what we are"
"Elphie… " Glinda's voice cracked
Elphie pushed Glinda away so they could face one another again "I'm sorry Lyndie, I'm sorry. I love whatever we are, Please forgive me."
"No need my love, It confuses me too, but Elphie just because these feelings surface doesn't mean we have to act on them"
"I think we already do though, a little at least. Think about how we hold each other, and kiss just since we've been here. We are defiantly growing into this." She sighed and took a deep breath "Are you happy my sweet? Do you need more?'
"I am very happy, and I need no more. My body seems to think I do, but my heart and head know I don't.
Elphie grinned "I've been at odds with my own body since I was a baby, at least now it is over something good."
She leaned in and put her lips to Glinda's in a slow, gentle kiss
Glinda sighed and snuggled back into Elphie's arms. They decided to ask permission to skip dinner. Glinda's mother agreed and offered to have a tray sent up to them
They sat together, continuing their talk, reassuring one another and coming to terms with the fact that their relationship was indeed evolving. Cook brought up a tray with their dinner, drinks, and Glinda's favorite desert, cinnamon chocolate cake. The enjoyed the meal and the quite time together. Glinda finished off Elphie's cake, feeding her the last bite.
"Cook thinks you are too skinny"
"Very nice of you to do your part to put some meat on these gangly bones." She said wiping chocolate off of her mouth.
Elphaba gathered up all of their dishes and glasses, put them back on the tray and put it on the small table by the door.
"Elphie, Byjon is coming tomorrow morning first thing, we should bathe tonight before bed."
Elphie groaned "I haven't the strength to think about that right now."
"Then don't my love, go bathe and get ready for bed and I'll join you when I finish my bath"
Elphie picked up her book and glasses "So I'll see you in a few hours then" She chuckled kissing Glinda on the cheek.
"At least" She laughed, pushing Elphie out of the door.
Elphie bathed with her oils, cleaned her hair with her hair dust, put on a fresh clean nightdress and settled in with her library book to wait for Glinda. Across the hall, Glinda bathed and washed her hair in record time. She put on her favorite nightdress dried her hair as best she could and put it up in a ponytail, and sprinted barefoot across the hall.
"Hi Elphie"
"That was quick." She chuckled
"I prefer a bedtime cuddle to a bedtime soak tonight, if it's all the same to you" She sat with Elphie in the chair. They had found a comfortable and way to share the space, but they both knew cuddles would have to wait until her hair dried. So they talked for a long time, about nothing in particular, about everything in general. Comfortably and relaxed.
"I believe it is safe to cuddle now my sweet"
Glinda shifted so Elphie's arms could envelop her. "Are we normal?" Glinda asked yawning
"Normal?" She laughed "I have never been, so I think that makes the question moot. Why don't we talk about normalcy tomorrow? We need to go to sleep."
Elphie managed to stand up, even with Glinda trying to keep her down. They both laughed
"I'm not sleepy" she yawned and pouted, giggling
"Lyndie, my sweet" Elphie said in her best patronizing tone, playing along "The sooner you go to sleep, the sooner Byjon will be here"
"Yeah!" Glinda said clapping and bouncing
Then she settled and gave her green love a fierce hug.
"I'm glad we were not thrown by what we felt today" She said
"Me too. I love you Lyndie"
Glinda kissed her.
"I love you too. Fresh dreams my love"
"Fresh dreams"
Glinda left for her own room, to dream of waltzes.
The next morning, Glinda bounded into Elphie's room.
"Let's go eat, Byjon and our gowns will be here soon!" She bubbled "It's so exciting
Elphie was sitting in a chair reading
"Good Morning to you too" She chuckled
Glinda skipped over, gave Elphie a quick kiss and sat on the arm of her chair.
"I know you are not as excited as I am, but you have to be a little curious about what Byjon designed for you."
"A little I admit" She smiled "Good thing you are excited enough for the both of us"
Glinda got up and tugged on Elphie's hand "Are you ready?"
"I've been ready for over an hour, Miss Galinda"
Elphie took her love's hand and allowed herself to be pulled out of the door and down to breakfast, chuckling all the way.
"Good Morning my darlings, did you sleep well"
"Wonderfully" Glinda chirped "I dreamt of dancing and ball gowns, I can't wait for Byjon to arrive"
"I slept well too, thank you," Elphie said smiling at Glinda "When is the genius tailor due to arrive?"
"Within the hour, I'm sorry I can't stay, but I've been called to a meeting, but no matter because Byjon wouldn't let me see the gowns anyway."
Glinda pouted "Well I'm disappointed you are leaving. Will you be back for lunch?"
"I should be. Elphaba, are you fine with this?"
"With you leaving or with Byjon's fitting?" She laughed "Glinda will assist me if needed, I'm fine"
"Have fun girls, and try not to upset Byjon Galinda" She said breezing out of the room.
Elphie gave her a questioning glance
"Don't ask" She chuckled.
They quickly ate a wonderful breakfast of eggs and potatoes.
"My love, we need to talk before Byjon arrives" Glinda said finishing the last of her juice.
"I figured, but if your going to admonish me, threaten me or scold me, I'd prefer to be in the library, I like it in there." The green girl grinned.
"Elphie what a thing to say!" She huffed getting up
They walked hand in hand to the library, and sat in Elphie's favorite chairs by the window.
"I'm not going to do any of those things, but I am going to warn you."
"More groping?" She smiled
"More than likely, and we will be in separate rooms, I guarantee it. Can you handle that?"
"Do I have a choice?" She groaned "Glinda, don't worry, I understand your genius tailor and his methods. It's fine. Really." She took Glinda's hand "If he can put aside temperament for the sake of the dress, I can at least try to." They both laughed and Glinda relaxed.
Hensign appeared in the doorway.
"Mr. Byjon has arrived" He announced
"Ohhh goody" Glinda squealed
They walked to the door and saw Byjon and a troupe of assistants with all sorts of supplies in the foyer. He was giving instructions.
"These things and the screen go to Elphaba's room and these to Galinda's. Get set up as quickly as possible"
He almost danced over to where the girls were.
"Good morning my studious starlets, I am beyond excitement"
"So is she" Elphie chuckled
"Come girls we must speak, " He took Glinda and Elphaba by the hand and led them back into the library.
"Because I will be fitting you both, I have brought dressers to assist me. My pet, Since you are familiar with Fulnan and he has dressed you before, he will be working with you? Is that acceptable?"
"Oh yes, I haven't seen Fulnan in ages" Glinda said happily
"My emerald ingenue, Koika, shall be your dresser. She is very gentle and patient."
Glinda nodded pleadingly in Elphie's direction
"That's fine Byjon"
"Good. Also, I have created special undergarments for use with your gowns, they are silk and heavenly and necessary. I shall not tolerate unsightly lines or bulges underneath my masterpieces."
"Byjon!" A voice called from the door "We can't find Miss Elphaba's shoes" he said franticly
"They're in the box with… Oh I'm coming, I'm coming. Speak for a few minutes, my studious starlets, but not to long. I have been waiting for this moment!"
He flowed out the door clucking to his assistant.
"Dresser?" Elphie said letting out her breath
"It's fine Elphie, really. He has had one for me before, when he fits my mother and I at the same time. He will be going back and forth between our rooms and the dresser helps. Besides if he brought dressers it's because we will need help getting in and out of our gowns. And yours is female" She said hoping that would make it Ok. "Please Elphie"
"I wasn't planning on fighting this Glinda, and I wasn't even going to mention the undergarments. I feel lucky that I will even be allowed to wear them at all" She laughed
Glinda hugged her and gave her a kiss
"I love you," she said kissing her again
"And I you. Let's get this over with"
When they got to their rooms, Byjon was waiting in the hall.
"My pet to the left. "He said pointing" Fulnan is waiting" My emerald ingenue, come with me."
He took Elphie by the hand and led her away.
"Your undergarment is in your bathroom. Do wish Koika to assist you?"
"I can manage, thanks" She disappeared into the safety of the bathroom.
"You were right Byjon, she seems a little tightly strung." Koika said
Elphie looked at her undergarment. It looked like a child's playsuit, with shorts and a tank type top together in one piece. She disrobed and put on her new underwear. It fit great, snug, but not constricting. She took a deep breath and opened the door, feeling ridiculous.
"How does it fit?" Byjon asked coming over
"Fine, I think." She said nervously
"Fine, I shall leave you with Koika to finish dressing and I will return shortly" He said patting her hand "Take good care of my emerald ingenue, Koika" He blew them a kiss and went across the hall.
Glinda went into her room, greeted Fulnan and put on her undergarment, It's designed intrigued her, no shoulder straps. She went out and Fulnan pointed to her dress.
Her gown, a brilliant shade of turquoise, was hanging on a rack. It was the most stunning thing she had ever seen. She smiled. Her mother, with that touch of rebel in her will love it. Her father, understandably, will hate it. And Elphie, poor Elphie, will more than likely pass out. She smiled think about how her normally composed love gets very flustered by things like this. With the help of her dresser she put on her matching, heeled shoes then wiggled into the form fitting gown and stared at herself in the mirror. The material was heavenly against her skin and accentuated all her curves.
She was turning around, admiring her new gown when Byjon came in
"Are you dressed my pet?"
"Byjon this dress is magnificent, You are dressing me as an adult."
"This is so. Those heavenly new curves of yours deserved to be properly displayed. Now, Let me see what is what."
"Oh Byjon, how is Elphie doing, does she like her dress?"
"My emerald ingenue seemed uncomfortable, so I left her alone with her dresser and came to tend to you."
"She's fine Byjon, really. I'll go talk to her if you like"
Byjon waggled his finger at Glinda "Tsk, Tsk my pet, I can see through your thinly veiled attempt to see my other masterpiece before its time. Shame on you."
"Forgive me Byjon, I'm just very excited" She tried to sound remorseful. "Elphie will be fine, just go easy on her. Please"
"Anything for you my pet, now let's get you fitted."
He stood back to take in his handiwork.
"The strap over your shoulder, is it too tight?" He ran his hand along and under the band of material that lay diagonally across Glinda's left shoulder, connecting the front to the back. He checked the fit where it widened out and merged into the dress at the bosom.
"Not at all, It reminds a little of the haversacks that messenger boys wear slung across one shoulder."
"Oh, no, perish the thought" He fanned his face and Glinda chuckled
He placed his hands on her sides, by her breasts,
"It does not cut you here?"
"Nope, It's great. It is so liberating to have bare shoulders, well shoulder- and arms.
He had her move her arms around in various positions to check the fit at her breasts and ribs and to make sure the dress didn't pucker or shift.
"We can't risk unleashing these on an unsuspecting public" He chuckled
Glinda laughed
He ran his hands down her waist and hips, "too tight?"
"Uh uh" She wiggled her hips.
"Around your bottom?"
"Perfect!" She giggled doing a little dance.
He continued down her legs. Right above the knee the dress flared out very slightly down to the floor and formed the tinniest bit of a train in the back.
"Walk for me my pet"
Glinda walked normally, then sashayed and twirled around the room, giggling with delight.
"I shall assume that you are moving about unencumbered"
"Yep, Byjon this is the best thing you have ever made for me, I adore it"
"Wonderful, now dance with me" He swept her up and they danced around the room, Byjon noticing the movements of the gown, Glinda thinking of Elphie.
"Ok?"
Better than Ok!" She hugged the elated tailor.
"Now my pet, please practice sitting, standing and the stairs, while I go tend to my emerald ingenue. Fulnan will make notes, so tell him of any problems.
"As you wish, you genius, but Byjon. About Elphie, All that touching you did with me, please try to avoid it if at all possible, please"
Byjon arched an eyebrow, but nodded. He left pondering the enigmatic young lady Galinda Upland had chosen as her best friend.
Koika took her behind the screen and Elphie looked at her dress. It was unbelievable. A deep midnight blue or it might be a deep dark purple. She couldn't tell for sure. It was iridescent. There was no way her gangly green body would do this gown justice. Her dresser carefully and respectfully helped her slip into the beautiful evening gown. The material felt smooth and cool against her skin, and she stood there gaping at herself in the mirror. Both the dress and her skin were shimmering in the light. Glinda had described her skin as emerald before, but now it actually was. She noticed her hands peeking out from under the long sleeves. There was no gap between the material and her skin like with some of her blouses, or even cuffs, it was almost as if the sleeves were painted on.
The satiny material clung to the rest of her as well. She marveled that she actually had breasts, a waist, hips and a behind, they were slight, but well defined. She looked down; the dress's hem hit her at the ankles. It looked as though the dress was so form fitting and tight down her legs that she wouldn't be able to walk, or even move. But it didn't feel tight at all. She took a tentative step and noticed for the first time a slit, up one side from the hem to just below her knee, exposing her leg.
She heard Byjon speak from the other side of the screen.
"Are you dressed?"
"I am, but…"
"No buts, Come out and walk for me, my emerald ingenue"
Elphie very self-consciously emerged from behind the screen and half walked half shuffled over to the giddy tailor.
"Oh my- I knew this style would suit you." He gushed
Mindful of Glinda's words he carefully ran his fingers along the straight neckline, where it went from shoulder to shoulder and across the base of her throat. He felt the fit on the shoulders and where it stooped midway to her neck, showing just the slightest amount of emerald shoulder blending into an emerald neck. "Look how this cut accentuates your elegant neck, and the regal bearing of your shoulders. How does it feel?"
"Like it belongs on someone else, someone beautiful" She sighed "I'm sorry Byjon, it feels fine"
Elphie shifted uncomfortably and Byjon backed away.
"Walk for me again my emerald ingenue."
He watched the dress's movements as Elphie strode towards him.
"Oh no- smaller strides, those long beautiful legs must take smaller strides, we shall she practicing that"
"Uh… Byjon, about this slit…".
"Isn't it wonderful"
"It shows my leg" She stated simply
"That's what makes it wonderful" He said.
Elphie sighed and tried to walk taking smaller strides, feeling foolish
Byjon could sense Elphaba's general discomfiture. She hadn't said anything and was cooperating, but he was expert at reading subtle nuances. His emerald ingenue needed a boost of self-confidence.
"I shall return in a moment my emerald ingenue, please keep walking. Koika will assist you"
Elphie nodded, trying to smile.
He walked across the hall. Glinda had changed out of her gown reluctantly. She had wanted Elphie to see it of course, but knew better than to ask.
"My pet" Byjon said entering her room
"Hi Byjon, Are you finished with Elphie already?"
"Not exactly. We need one last thing in order properly fit her gown and practice her in it."
"Is there a problem? Is Elphie alright?" Glinda asked worriedly
"She is fine my pet, just fine, but she needs you there" He smiled
"Byjon you will allow that?" The blonde was floored.
"For the sake of my masterpiece, yes. My emerald ingenue is most challenging. She is a unique girl, who deserves special consideration. I am not so temperamental that I don't understand that
Glinda stood in the doorway of Elphie's room, and saw her walking around
"Sweet Oz" She whispered
Her eyes flew open, she inhaled sharply and her heart missed more than a few beats at the sight of her shimmering love. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. She stared at Elphie, unnoticed, for several minutes until she found her voice.
"Byjon, that gown is incredible, She is incredible.'
And will be even more so, when she knows you are here. She needs a shot of self confidence to allow her to embrace my masterpiece fully,"
"Byjon, I'm stunned, That dress is perfect for her." She flung her arms around the tailor and gave him a kiss.
"You deserve your title of genius."
She took a deep breath and entered the room
"Elphie" Her voice cracked with emotion
Elphie tried to turn gracefully, as she was being instructed to do and saw Glinda. She smiled broadly and relaxed noticeably.
"Lyndie, I'm thrilled you are here, but I wouldn't let Byjon catch you"
"Byjon knows" the tailor said gliding into the room. "My emerald ingenue was not entirely comfortable, and my creation suffered, As any great genius does, I identified and supplied the missing ingredient."
He smiled and turned Elphie to face the mirror.
"You are beautiful Elphaba, inside and out. My masterpiece only enhances beauty; it does not create it. If having Galinda near helps you to understand that, then Galinda is what you shall have. Now speak with your love for a few moments, then we shall continue." He said in an uncharacteristically gentle and calm voice.
He winked at Glinda, motioned to his assistant and breezed out of the room.
"Elphie, you are magnificent." She went over to the mirror and stood behind the scintillating green girl. "Byjon is right, you are beautiful"
"Glinda, I don't deserve this" She sighed
Glinda took her loves hand, "Come sit with me"
"I can't. They haven't taught me how to sit yet" She smiled.
Glinda laughed "Just remember the curtsy and lower yourself like that"
"With you behind me? I'd end up on your lap" Elphie laughed
Glinda raised her eyebrows "As fun as that would be, we don't have time right now, maybe later though" She winked at Elphie, who was flushing.
"Oh Elphie no, no. Please try not to blush my love, it ruins the effect of the gown" She chuckled
Elphie recovered and laughed and managed to sit with relative ease on the arm of the chair. Glinda sat on the other arm, bare feet on the seat.
"Lyndie, this all seems like a lie. This is not me in here"
Glinda sighed "Oh my love, I would try to convince you that that is indeed your beautiful body in that spectacular gown, but I fear that would just cause more blushing. Besides, this is something you will have to realize in your own time."
Elphie managed to stand up. "Would it upset the genius tailor if I held you?"
"Possibly, but it would make me very happy" Glinda said. Elphie wrapped her glimmering satin encased arms around the love of her life.
"Tell me this is Ok, Tell me that I can be what this dress seems to think I am." She whispered
"You are already, you just need to permit it" She kissed Elphie gently and hugged her fiercely.
"I love you Elphie."
"And I you Lyndie,"
"Are you ready to continue being fitted?"
"I am, I either have to have someone show me how to function in this getup or kill myself trying" She gave Glinda a quick kiss and laughed
"Thank you for believing in me my sweet. Now get that insane man back in here before I inadvertently do something to ruin his creation."
Glinda smiled lovingly at Elphie looked calmer, more confident and very sexy.
"Byjon, it's alright, You can come on in" Glinda called and Byjon appeared in the doorway
"Is my emerald ingenue…. Oh my yes, now this is perfection." He said bounding over to the green girl
"This is what I envisioned, and more. There is a sensuousness here I hadn't anticipated. I am beside myself with pleasure." He said gleefully.
"Byjon, please" Glinda said quietly
"Forgive me my emerald ingenue. Are you ready to continue?"
"I am. This dress seems to move with me."
"It's meant to." He beamed
He walked her over to the mirror, and Glinda, settled herself quietly in a chair to watch.
"May Glinda stay, please." Elphie asked softly, not wanting to upset him.
"I'm right here Elphie" Glinda said grinning
"Ok then" she said "What now?"
"How does this gown feel my emerald ingenue? Are you unduly constrained anywhere"
"Only by myself" She chuckled
"Elphie behave!" Glinda admonished
"Sorry, No, I don't seem to be"
Byjon smiled at the exchange between the two girls. It had become readily apparent that they were in love with one another.
"Wonderful, now remember that this gown was designed to enhance and accentuate you. Don't be afraid of it. Embrace it.
"You talk as if it is a living thing" Elphie commented
"On you, it is. " He smiled "Shall we dance?"
"Dance?" Elphie gulped
"Yes my emerald ingenue, So I can check the lines and contours, and you can feel it."
He took her by the waist and held her hand. "Is a waltz acceptable?"
"It's all I can do, so yes"
Byjon slowly led her in a few steps, purposely making her stretch a little, to see if the gown was accommodating. Then he spun her out and back.
Glinda watched Elphie move around with undisguised delight.
"Does it still seem to move with you?" Are you comfortable?"
"It doesn't seem to constrain me at all" She marveled "but I'm still unsure about this slit"
"My pet, come dance with her, so I might observe" Byjon said
"It would be my pleasure. Miss Elphaba" She said extending her hand
Elphie accepted it and tried to curtsy, unsuccessfully.
Glinda went through the curtsy motions with her again and they tried again, this time successfully.
Elphie took the blonde in her arms and waltzed slowly around the room, enjoying the brief respite from the attention of the fitting. Byjon clucked and fussed and made notes.
How does it feel at your hips?"
"Snug, but not constricting, But Byjon, about this slit." She stopped dancing, much to Glinda's displeasure.
"Elphie, it is of a proper length, not too risqué "
"But it shows my leg, my green leg"
She managed to sit down in a chair, which exposed even more.
"Oh no" She said miserably
"Ok, Ok don't panic my emerald ingenue, I anticipated some reticence and came prepared"
He produced some sheer thigh high stockings, the same iridescent color as her dress. And handed them to her.
"If having an exposed limb truly distresses you, then my creation will not work. Let's see if this helps.
Elphie took the stockings and slipped them over her legs the stood up and walked. The thin sheer material of the stockings barely hid the green of Elphie's leg and glimmered in tandem with the dress.
She flashed Byjon one of her brilliant smiles
"You have teeth!" He laughed "I take it that this is an acceptable solution.
"I love it, but if you feel it detracts from your masterpiece in any way I will forgo wearing them" She said earnestly.
"Elphaba, what makes this gown a masterpiece is a comfortable, confident, beautiful girl wearing it. My pet, your opinion please"
"I like her legs either way" she giggled
Elphie blushed again
"Oh Elphie we talked about that" Glinda said still giggling.
Byjon was highly amused. "Now shoes."
He went and got a pair of slipper type shoes, with hard soles made from the same shimmering material.
She put them on and moved around.
"They fit fine"
"And look fantastic" Glinda said.
"Excellent, now to the stairs" He said exiting the room
"The stairs?" Elphie asked
"My love, sitting and curtsying were a breeze compared to walking up and down the stairs."
They went and walked up and down the stairs, until Elphie was capable of doing it holding only the handrail.
Back in her room, she looked at herself in the mirror again and had to grudgingly admit that she looked good. Even her skin seemed normal in this opalescent gown.
"Elphie?" Glinda was standing behind her
"I think I can like this," She said, seeing the reflection of the girl she adored smiling broadly.