Glinda volunteered to take over as Elphie's dresser and helped her change out of her evening gown.
"Elphie, you really do look stunning, in that gown and out" she giggled
"Glinda stop that!" The green girl said exasperated. "Now come on, your genius tailor is waiting."
When they went over to Glinda's room and saw. Byjon had finished packing up. When he saw the girls he sent Fulnan and Koika over to pack up the things in Elphie's room.
"I am hopelessly excited about your gowns, they are perfect on you." He beamed
"I love mine, Elphie I can't wait for you to see it."
"I can't wait either" Elphie smiled
"I achieved my goals." Byjon gushed "Galinda my pet, you are bold, brazen and just a touch scandalous" He said mysteriously
Elphie raised her eyebrows in surprise
"And Elphaba, my emerald ingenue, you are elegant, sophisticated and sexy as hell."
Glinda nodded in agreement and Elphie looked as though she wanted to flee.
"I make no apologies for speaking the truth" He stated firmly "Now, I shall bring your finished gowns by midweek and we shall work with hair, jewelry and the other incidentals."
He kissed and hugged both girls with gusto.
"Until then my studious starlets, continue to adore one another" He waved and breezed out of the room.
Elphie fell down on the sofa
"I still contend he is like a room full of people rolled up into one." She laughed "Lyndie what did her mean by scandalous?"
"This is the first time he has made me an adult style dress, and that is all I shall say." She laughed. "Let's go see if lunch is ready, I'm starving"
Elphie chuckled "When aren't you, but first…"
She took Glinda in her arms and held her close for a long while. When she let go Glinda gave her a quick kiss.
"To what do I owe that wonderful hug?"
"I needed a reality check," Elphie said taking her hand and leading her down to lunch.
"Half an hour" Glinda whined "Ok, but if all you find is my skeleton sitting in the library when you come to get us, don't blame me." She pretended to faint and Elphie caught her.
"Please do not let her draw you into her little melodramas Miss Elphaba." Cook chuckled
"Now out with you, or no desert tonight" She waved her serving spoon.
Elphie took Glinda's hand and dragged her out of the kitchen
"If I miss one of Cooks fabulous desserts because of you, I shall never speak to you again." She laughed
They went to the library and settled down in their favorite chairs
" Lyndie why did the genius tailor tell us to continue to adore one another?" She said more curious than concerned.
"Elphie, Byjon is in love with love, and he is extremely intelligent and intuitive. I can only guess he noticed how we reacted to one another, how much we love each other. Which may also be the reason why he broke his cardinal rule and allowed me to be with you while you were being fitted."
"Just what I need" She shook her head
"Well it helped both you and him survive the fitting." Glinda said reasonably
Elphie decided not to dwell on the Byjon thing, she would process that later
"When I saw myself in that dress, I wasn't sure I would survive. I can't believe that insane man was trying to make me sexy, me of all people! Why not you?"
"Oh never fear my love, he did, he did. So much so that my father may require medical attention" She giggled
Elphie looked amused "This will be an interesting party, I think"
"Mmmmm hmmmm" Glinda agreed.
They say quietly for awhile, lost in their own thoughts when Hensign's voice startled them
"Lunch is ready Misses, and Miss Galinda, I'm delighted to see that you have not been reduced to a pile of bones."
He turned and left, and the girls laughed
"A butler with a sense of humor? "Elphie chuckled
"Who knew?" Glinda said.
Samion rose to greet them as they entered the solarium. "Hello girls"
"Hi Daddy" Glinda gave him a big hug and kiss
"Hello Mr. Up… Samion" Elphie smiled
"Thank you Elphaba dear, that pleases me greatly" Glinda's father smiled warmly
Glinda was delighted as well.
"Oh Momsie I'm glad you made it back"
"Me too, and I have some very interesting gossip."
Cook brought in plates of various types of salads.
"Miss Elphaba, I don't know if it matters, but the pasta salad is in a vinegar base "
"Oh, Thank you Cook, I'll try it carefully." Elphie said smiling
Cook smiled back. "And Mrs. instead of the usual beef consommé, I will serve potato leek soup at the formal dinner tonight."
"What an excellent substitution" Mrs. Upland said
"One of my favorites" Glinda clapped
"Good then" Cook beamed and left.
I don't want you to change a traditional menu because of me," Elphie said distressed
"Nonsense dear, menus are juggled around peoples preferences and allergies all the time, Think no more of it"
Elphie glanced at Glinda, who nodded reassuringly
"Now Momsie, What gossip?"
They filled plates with salads and ate while Gwenot filled them in on the goings on in town. Not thinking anything would really happen, Elphie took a small bite of the delicious looking pasta salad, Much to her dismay, it burned her throat. She took a long drink of her cold cider and sighed. Mrs. Upland had been watching Elphie's taste test discreetly, as had Glinda, and noting that it had not gone well, motioned for Cook to bring a glass of milk.
"…So Pamil has decided to make scented oil and option for manicures all of the time now. Isn't that grand!" The older woman said excitedly
Cook had brought out the milk and placed it in front of Elphaba, who nodded gratefully and took a long drink. The cold smooth liquid soothed her throat.
. She looked at a concerned Glinda and nodded that she was fine, then glanced at an equally concerned Gwenot, her eyes filled with gratitude. The woman nodded and nothing more was said about the incident.
"Elphie you started a trend" Glinda chuckled
"Seems that way" She spoke quietly, but chuckled "Who would have ever guessed people would be following my lead" Everyone laughed.
"Galinda" Her father said "About that little surprise you wanted for Elphaba."
Both girls perked up, especially Glinda
"It is on for tomorrow"
"Tomorrow, Popsicle, are you serious, that's fantastic"
"Wait a minute, I thought my surprise was the oil manicure" Elphie said her voice slightly scratchy, so she sipped some more milk.
"Oh no Elphie, this is a great surprise, and I can't believe we can do it." She was bubbly and excited
"Should I be frightened?" She chuckled
Glinda's mom laughed "I see she's surprised you before, but no. It's an incredible idea."
Elphie sighed; resigning herself to whatever fate her delightfully devious roomie had in store for her. The family continued to eat their light but none the less delectable lunch. Elphie ate sparingly, afraid to irritate her throat further.
"At my women's group today all of my friend's with sons were vying to have theirs chosen to be your escort Galinda, and yours as well Elphaba."
Her father laughed "Well at least I don't have to worry about that this time"
"It caused quite a uproar when I told them you two would be unescorted."
"I wish I could have seen their faces" Glinda said gleefully. "Some of those ladies are far to rigid and snobby and their sons are pompous bores"
"Galinda!" Her mother said "The way you talk! But it is true" She giggled along with her daughter
Elphie had been listening to all of this with great amusement
Glinda's father sighed "Well it wouldn't be a proper Upland event if some sort of damage control wasn't involved" He smiled lovingly at his wife and daughter "As long as the police aren't involved I'll be happy"
Elphie's eyes shot open and Glinda chuckled "No police Daddy, I promise, but I can't say the same about medical personnel."
Both of her parents looked at her with confused expressions on their faces.
"Maybe it's best we don't dwell on this right now Samion" His wife laughed lightly
"Indeed" He sighed grinning at his chuckling daughter. "So what do you girls have planned for this afternoon?"
"I hadn't thought about it, Elphie?"
"I was hoping we could take a walk," She said.
"What a marvelous idea!" Glinda chirped "Wait here, I'll go change my shoes and get your umbrella." She skipped out of the room.
"Samion, in answer to your question, we are going for a walk" Elphie grinned
"So I gathered" He chuckled
They chatted and Elphie asked for another glass of milk while they were waiting for Glinda. She returned in no time wearing surprisingly sensible shoes and carrying Elphie's umbrella.
"I'm ready" She grinned
"Well, have fun darlings, and don't forget dinner will be served promptly at eight, and you must dress."
"I know, I know" Glinda huffed
"Galinda, don't be impatient" her mother scolded mildly "And don't forget to inform Gardener if you go to the greenhouse or the gardens, he is working there today"
"Oh, Thanks Momsie, and I apologize" She said giving her mother and father a kiss.
Elphie took one more gulp of milk and they headed out the back door and down the back path.
"Elphie, your throat…"
"Is fine Lyndie, I promise. I guess we can add vinegar to the list" She smiled at her love, who wisely let the matter drop.
They walked together down the path and through the horse meadow. Elphie was quiet and seemed pensive.
"Do you wish to stop and sit in the meadow for awhile." Glinda asked
"Not really, unless you want to. I want you to show me the places you love, my sweet."
"I'd love to introduce you to Starlight and her dam. You two can get to know each other before we go riding."
"I see you are still assuming I will actually be riding. Oh well continue you're little delusion sweetheart, It does seem to entertain you."
"I haven't told you recently, but you are a mean green thing"
Elphie just smirked and offered Glinda her arm and they walked down to the stables, Glinda pointed out all of the places she loved to play or hide when she was young. She was very happy, and by the time they reached the stables she was positively ebullient.
"Elphie this was, well still is, my very favorite place. I'm glad you want to share it with me."
"Lyndie, Of course I want to share this with you, it's your life, who you are."
"Elphie, I really want to kiss you now, but because we are in public, I will refrain"
"I appreciate that" She smiled "but when you are finished imagining that you are, you can introduce me to Starlight."
"You kiss divinely my love." She sighed "Starlight is over there"
She went over to the horses stall and her horse seemed to perk right up.
"Starlight this is Elphaba, my very best friend, and love of my life" she whispered the last part in the horses ear.
"She likes to be scratched on the head"
Elphie scratched and patted the horse. A young, good looking stable hand came over to them and introduced himself
"You must be Miss Galinda. I'm Tymik the new groom." He bowed politely
"How nice to meet you Tymik. May I present Miss Elphaba, my roommate and best friend
"A pleasure Tymik" Elphie said politely
"Likewise Miss Elphaba" He bowed again. "Will you be riding today Misses?"
"Not today Tymik" She winked at Elphie "But could you please bring Starlight and Starshine out to the corral, I'd like to brush them some."
"Very good Miss Galinda, I'll have them right out." He nodded and left
Glinda took Elphie out to the corral, where the two other horses were running around. Another boy came and whistled for the horses, they came right to him followed him into the stables
"He is very good with them" Elphie commented
"Daddy insists that every who works in the stables be kind and patient and love horses, he tolerates no kind of harsh or rough behavior. He has fired people for handling the horses roughly."
Tymik appeared with Starshine on halter and Starlight following. He removed it as he put them in the corral, but left it on the rail.
"She tends to be a little timid around strangers," He said by way of explanation. "Here are your brushes and a bag of treats."
"Thank you so much Tymik"
"Call if you require anything else, Miss Galinda" He gave her a lingering look before he left.
That look did not go unnoticed. "And another unsuspecting young man falls under the spell of Miss Galinda Upland" Elphie chuckled
"Elphaba, really!" She was flustered "Just come meet my horses, and behave!"
They went into the corral, Glinda motioning for Elphie to stay behind a little. The horses came right over to Glinda and nuzzled her, nickering softly
"She's even got the horses wrapped around her finger." She smiled watching the adorable blonde talking to and petting her horses.
"Bring the snack bag and come over Elphie"
She complied and slowly approached the horses. Glinda took Elphie's hand in her own and introduced her to Starshine. The horse sniffed, then nuzzled Glinda/Elphie's hand. Glinda pulled her hand away and the horse continued to nuzzle then tried to nibble Elphie's fingers.
"She likes you!" Glinda beamed "Give her a treat. She likes apples."
Glinda took a carrot for Starlight and showed Elphie how to give it to the horse. They ate their treats and whinnied happily. Glinda took a brush and showed Elphie how to brush them.
Elphie was having a wonderful time watching her love attend to her horses. She watched Glinda and brushed Starshine. The horse loved the attention, and they spent about half an hour brushing, patting and scratching them. Glinda was in heaven.
"Tymik" Glinda called and the young man appeared
"Yes Miss Galinda"
"Would you please bring me Starlight's blanket, I'd like to take a quick run"
The man looked skeptical, but he had been briefed on her equestrian prowess, and complied.
"A run?" Elphie said.
"I do this sometimes, to blow off steam, or when I'm upset, but sometimes just for fun." She shrugged.
Tymik appeared and positioned a blanket on the horses back
"Will you require a halter Miss?"
"No I'm just going to let her go, but put Starshine's halter on, she can walk with us to the horse meadow
"As you wish" he did as he was bid.
Glinda took the older horses halter and they walked the short distance to the horse meadow, Tymik, following discreetly behind out of sight
"Glinda, are sure you know what you are doing? Tymik did not seem pleased"
"He is new, he'll get used to it" She chuckled "I'm a good rider and Starlight and I understand each other"
They got to the meadow and went over to the old stump
"You stay here and hold on to Starshine" She handed the halter to Elphie.
She held on to Elphie and climbed up on the stump and with one graceful leap, mounted her horse. She held onto her mane leaned down and before Elphie knew it, they were off.
The horse galloped across the meadow. Glinda's golden hair was flying behind her as the horse circled the meadow at top speed, familiar with the route and the girl on her back. Elphie watched in amazement as the girl she loved flew by on the back of a horse. It was an exhilarating sight. The horse circled the meadow again and then slowed to a walk finally coming to a stop by the stump.
"Glinda that was unbelievable" Elphie said with unrestrained admiration.
"I know, it is the most freeing feeling I know, next to being in your arms" She was breathing heavily
Elphie helped her down, wanting to hold her, but not daring.
Tymik had been watching from behind a tree. She was magnificent, and her riding skills extraordinary. He was jolted from his musings.
"Tymik, you can show yourself. It's Ok" She called
Elphie looked confused, and the groom appeared from behind a tree looking sheepish.
"I'm sorry Miss Galinda, I was…"
"No apologies, please. I am aware that my father left explicit instructions, and threats, that I was to be monitored, however discreetly, when I choose to ride without proper tack and saddle. I have been stalked by grooms before" She chuckled.
"Your riding prowess has not been overstated Miss Galinda"
"Thank you. Please take the horses back to the stables and give Starlight a rubdown and give them both extra treats."
"As you wish." He nodded without taking his eyes off of her "I look forward to seeing you again soon. You as well Miss Elphaba. Have a pleasant day."
He bowed and led the horses away.
"I may have to challenge him to a duel for your affections" Elphie chuckled
"Don't tease me Elphie"
"You tease me all the time" She retorted happily
"I know but that's different" She whined
"Oh. How so my sweet?"
"Because it just is" She huffed
Elphie, eyes twinkling said seriously "Alright, if you insist, I will not fight for you, no duels"
"You are now no longer mean, you are a horrible green thing. Now let's go to the greenhouse before I decide not to speak to you anymore." She stomped away, but Elphie heard her giggle.
They walked slowly down to the green house, Glinda holding Elphie's arm
"Glinda, I'm glad I got to see you ride like that, I'm guessing not many people have"
"Only one other, excluding the daddy ordered stalkers of course." She laughed, but something in her eyes looked sad and far away.
Before Elphie could comment Glinda pulled Elphie towards the green house. She looked in and pouted.
"I forgot to tell Gardener that we were coming, the sprayers are on and I don't know how to turn them off." She looked to be on the brink of tears
Elphie looked in and saw what looked to be a light rain falling inside
Lyndie, we can return at another time, this is not cause for tears. What is really bothering you?"
"Nothing Elphie, let's just walk, we will come back here some other day."
Sensing that Glinda had something on her mind, and needed a little coddling, Elphie slipped her hand into Glinda's as they walked away from the greenhouse.
"Elphie?" Glinda said holding up their intertwined hands, confused.
"Something is troubling you. I love you. Is any more explanation required?"
"Thank you" she said quietly squeezing Elphie's hand.
Elphie raised their hands to her lips and kissed the delicate pale fingers
"Talk to me about it when you are able, my sweet."
They walked in silence, following trails and paths for quite awhile. It wasn't long before Glinda didn't seem as troubled and had started chatting aimlessly again.
"Miss Galinda, Miss Elphaba" They heard someone yell
"Jefet?" Glinda called back, pulling her hand from Elphie's
The man came jogging over "You two are not easy to find"
"Is something wrong?" Glinda asked concerned
"Not at all, your mother sent me to find you and tell you that dinner is in two hours, actually an hour and forty-five minutes now." He chuckled.
"Wow, we really lost track of time." Glinda said shocked
"Yeah, bareback horse back ridding will do that" He chuckled "Well you two best head back to the house."
"We will right now, thanks Jefet"
The man waved and jogged away.
"We have been out for hours, time really flew" Glinda remarked
"It has been a very pleasant afternoon indeed"
They walked more quickly back to the house, trying to slip in undetected. As they were sneaking up the stairs, Glinda's mother called.
"Finally! Baths and proper attire for both of you, scoot"
Glinda giggled and they ran up the steps. At their rooms she pulled Elphie into a hug and a light, but lingering kiss.
"I've been waiting to do that" She kissed her again "I'll meet you in your room when I'm ready, Ok?"
"Ok" Elphie, said
Elphie bathed, cleaned her hair and changed into her best outfit, the one Glinda bought her. To make Glinda happy she left her hair down. Knowing she had a little time to kill, she settled down with a book and read.
Glinda popped into the tub, washed quickly and popped back out. She washed her hair quickly and dried it well. Knowing what Elphie would be wearing, she chose something similar, then went to tame her hair. She put it up then applied a little make up, which she only used on special occasions, and finished off with a little perfume.
"15 minutes to spare" she said proudly
"That's a lovely outfit Glinda" Elphie said as she came in "You look great"
"Thanks Elphie. More hugs please" She said holding out her arms
Elphaba laughed, and went to her wrapping her arms around her favorite blonde
"Feeling gangly green limb deprived again?"
"Yep" she said putting her head on Elphie's shoulder and squeezing her tightly.
Elphie still sensing that something was still troubling her love held her and stroked her hair.
"I love you Lyndie" She whispered in her ear.
"And I you" She whispered back
Glinda pulled away "We'd better go down"
They walked hand in hand to the stairs then Glinda let go. They entered the formal dining room and it was set up to the hilt. Servers in uniforms and Hensign in a tuxedo were in attendance
"Good evening girls" Mrs. Upland said, "You both look wonderful"
Hensign offered Glinda his arm and Mr. Upland offered his to Elphaba. They were escorted to their chairs and properly seated. Glinda's mother noted her daughter's confusion with the seating arrangements.
"I have defied convention once again in seating our guests. I realize I should properly be at the other end, with Galinda, but that just didn't suit me. So Samion is at the head, I am on his left and Elphaba, as a guest of honor will be on his right. Galinda you will be seated by Elphaba and your cousin and her husband will be by me. Your aunt and uncle, along with the mayor and his wife will preside at the other end, and the other guests are scattered in between
"My cousin is coming? How grand" Glinda was excited
"Yes dear, her and her husband will be coming for a few days"
"This is exciting, Elphie, you will love Jilla. And Momsie these seating arrangements are perfect"
"I think I owe you a thank you Gwenot, but I'm not sure why" Elphaba said
"No thanks needed my dear, this will work our best for all concerned. Especially Galinda, if she gets fidgety, you can elbow her from that side and her cousin can kick her from this one." She chuckled
"Mother! And I suppose the mayor is at the other end for his own safety!"
"You said it darling not us" Her father said and they all enjoyed a hearty laugh.
Dinner was served in true formal style, with all the pomp and ritual. Elphie found that she was indeed comfortable with the whole affair.
I told you you would be fine Elphie" Glinda whispered.
"Let's just hope I can do this well when I'm sexy as hell" Glinda laughed out loud and nearly knocked over her water glass.
Her mother leveled a glance at her, but said nothing "Elphaba dear, the servers will be wondering around continually refilling water glasses. The sever for this end" She pointed out a young lady "knows to fill yours with cider"
Elphie nodded
"Galinda you will not be allowed wine at this dinner, Elphaba I suggest you refrain as well"
Glinda pouted, but Elphie agreed readily.
They continued chatting about the dinner details and the girls' walk as the courses came and went. At last desert and coffee were served.
"Galinda, you behaved very well dear, I'm very proud of you. And Elphaba, you act as though you were born to this"
"It wasn't as difficult as I feared" Elphie admitted.
"I'm so glad dear. Now, there is a brief break for freshening up between dinner and start of the ball. Sargy will come and get you two when it is time for your entrance. You are the last two to enter. Elphaba you will be introduced with your name and honorific, I can only defy convention so much" She smiled
"That's fine Gwenot, they use it a lot at school"
"I'm glad you understand dear" She sounded relieved
"Momsie, may Elphaba and I please be excused"
"Certainly darlings"
Hensign came over and properly unseated the girls and Mr. Upland rose.
"Is the rehearsal officially over?" Glinda asked giggling
"I hereby declare the Upland family formal dinner rehearsal to be over and successful" Gwenot stated authoritatively banging a spoon on the table, making everyone laugh.
"Good" Glinda ran over and threw her arms around her father and hugged him fiercely
"I love you Popsicle," She said kissing his cheek
She repeated the procedure with her mother, mildly surprising them both.
"Good night, Gwenot, Samion" Elphaba said as she prepared to leave.
The girls left the formal dining room and made their way upstairs.
"Glinda are you…" Elphie started
"Let's just get ready for bed, then we can meet in my room. Please."
"Of course Lyndie, of course" Elphie said growing more concerned.
It took Elphie no time at all to change into nightclothes and pull her hair back. She padded over to Glinda's room and got comfortable on the sofa.
"I'm here Lyndie" She called
"Almost finished" Came the reply
Elphie had decided not to push Glinda about what was troubling her. She had learned that if the normally open and honest girl was this reticent to discuss something, then she just wasn't ready. Glinda appeared a few minutes later wearing one of her frilly pink nightgowns, barefoot and hair in a ponytail. She sat on the opposite end of the small sofa from Elphie.
"So what did you think of the practice dinner?" Glinda asked casually
"Seems like an awful lot of fuss just to eat" Elphie replied laughing "But your mother seemed happy"
"She was, very happy. And I'm delighted that Jilla will be here, she is my favorite cousin. She told me all I need to know about sex" Glinda winked at Elphie.
"I'll choose to ignore that and ask how long she has been married."
"Let's see, almost two years, she is 20." She thought for a moment. "Elphie exactly when is your birthday?"
"In the summer. It falls during the break between this term and summer term, At the end of that month. Yours?"
"In the summer also, near the end of summer term. You'll be 19 before I am 18." She giggled
"My birthday has never been a big deal, but this year in particular I'm not looking forward to it." She sighed. "You in the mood for a minor Elphie story?" She opened up her arms and Glinda launched herself into them.
"Why Elphie?" She asked snuggling like she always did.
"Because 19 is the official age of acceptance for a Descending Thropp. There is a formal ceremony, and in my case, since, technically at least, I'm next in line, another ceremony that declares me the heir apparent. I'm almost positive I will be summoned to Colwen Grounds, because tradition demands it. Since, I have no intention of accepting the whole thing will be very unpleasant. Rigidly formal, and unpleasant."
She sighed again and held Glinda tighter
"But on the bright side I will only be required to be there for a few days."
"I can't get over how different our pasts are, our lives."
"You don't even know the half of it my sweet" She laughed and kissed her love's cheek "But eventually you will know all there is to know, good, bad, and worse. Now, why all the birthday talk?"
"Because we will be back up here for my 18th and it will be a lot of fun. You will accompany me, right?" She said a hint of fear in her voice.
"Of course my sweet, Why would you think differently?"
"I don't know, things happen" She said somewhat sadly. "Elphie are you going to take classes this summer?"
"Absolutely! I already know you weren't planning to, but I hope you change your mind"
"I can't bear the thought of being apart from you for that long. I was going to talk to Momsie and Popsicle about it while I was home. There is a term long sorcery seminar I'd like to attend and I'm sure they will agree, now that they know I'm in such capable hands." She shifted around and gave Elphie a kiss.
"I'm very relieved, It would be a long lonely summer without you" She kissed Glinda back.
Glinda laughed "The studious starlets will continue to be studious. I think I'm ready for bed Elphie." She got up and pulled Elphie along with her
She wrapped her arms around the green girl and buried her face in her love's neck. Elphie hugged her hard, feeling her need.
"Lyndie, Can I help?" She asked, hoping she wasn't pushing.
"Tell me you love me" She whispered
"I love you"
She sighed and disengaged from her concerned love. Elphie looked at her and gave her a long soft kiss that just barely managed to stay chaste.
"I love you very much"
"I love you too, "
She suddenly shifted moods
"We'd better get some sleep, surprise day tomorrow." She giggled
"And you won't tell me?"
"To quote a fabulous girl I know "then it wouldn't be surprise" " She kissed Elphie's cheek "Goodnight my love, Fresh dreams
"Good night my sweet, I'm just a call away if you need me"
She walked across the hall to her room, wondering what was troubling her best friend and if she would be able to help.