Glinda entered her room, smiling broadly and saw her mother on the sofa
"Hi Momsie" She bubbled.
"Hello darling. How did Elphaba like her surprise?"
"She's a little dazed, but I think she will love it. I still can't believe we pulled this off."
She hugged herself and twirled around landing on the sofa by her mother, who laughed
"To what do I owe this wonderful visit?" She asked hugging her mother.
"I just wanted to check and see how you were my darling, you had a hard night last night"
"Yeah, Elphie told me I had a bad nightmare, but I don't really remember. I'm sorry I worried you"
"That's what parent's do, we worry." She smiled lovingly at her daughter
"Momsie, I don't want to talk about last night, please"
"That's fine dear, I'm not going to push" She gave her daughter a light kiss on the cheek.
Glinda shifted gears quickly
Momsie, I'd like to stay at school for summer session, there is a sorcery seminar I'm dying to attend"
"And a delightful best friend you don't want to leave behind" She chuckled
"That too." She blushed slightly
"We adore Elphaba dear, she is a very special girl, and she loves you. Your father and I understand. We will talk about you staying at Shiz. I'm sure there will be no problems, as long as you and Elphaba promise to come home for your birthday"
"Of course we will! Thank you Momsie." She threw her arms around her mother and hugged her for a long time
They chatted for awhile about the impending arrival of Glinda's aunt, uncle and cousin, room arrangements and party day activities and schedules. After a time Gwenot rose to leave.
"I must run darling, dinner will be at seven."
"Ok Momsie, we will be down" She grinned
Her mother blew her a kiss and left.
She settled in on the sofa, impatient for Elphie to come over. For half an hour she sat, then walked around then she played with her wand, then she flopped on her bed, and then she saw Elphie walk in the door.
"Did you love it? Did you?" She chirped jumping up from her bed.
She continued jumping until Elphie captured her in a hug, and danced her over to the sofa.
"It was amazing, it was…. Beyond words." She flashed Glinda one of her rare, but none the less beautiful smiles.
Glinda bounced up and down on the sofa, absolutely euphoric.
"Glinda how in Oz did you fill a tub with hot oil." She laughed.
Glinda giggled " Me? I was with you in the library the whole time" she said innocently
Elphie just smiled
"Hensign and Jefet did. You know those funny little closet looking things in the hall?"
Elphie nodded
"They are dumbwaiters, little elevators, we don't really use them much, but they are functional. The one near your door goes to the pantry. Cook used really big pots and boiled the oil, then sent it up and it was dumped in the tub. They just kept doing that until it was about half full with really, really hot oil, then they put in regular oil to cool it to a non-scalding temperature. Sargy tested it and scented it." Glinda was beside herself with glee.
"But how… you know never mind, I don't want to know more." She sighed. "All those people went to all of that trouble for me"
"Uh huh. And they developed a good working rhythm, from what I heard, which means the next time should be a snap." She tried to snap her fingers for emphasis, but didn't manage very well.
"Next time!" Elphie said, taken aback
"Yep! Popsicle brought in enough mineral oil for three baths, don't ask me how he got it. One today, one for party day and one for whenever you want." She was grinning so broadly she could barely speak.
"This is.. .I can't… How can I…if you don't hold me soon I may fall apart." She stammered
Glinda obliged and wrapped her arms around the green girl, kissing her gently.
"Surprise!" She giggled
"Indeed" She returned the kiss
"Lyndie, What made you think of this?"
Glinda moved back to the other end of the small sofa.
"Well it was a lot of things together. But I guess I thought of it the first time when you put me in the tub, right before we left Shiz. I wanted some how for you to be that relaxed. That first night we were here and you said, "now I can bathe properly" made me a little sad. I broached the subject with my parents when I talked with them, and they loved the idea. Daddy and I talked to the apothecary when we went in to town. He suggested I try the hand soaking with the mineral oil, and Popsicle took it from there. I won't mention the dreams now, you are flustered enough as it is" She giggled
"I appreciate that" but she blushed anyway. "I had no idea you could be this devious and sneaky"
"Not sneaky, creative" She said proudly
"Until very recently, I never really paid to much attention to what my body was feeling" Elphie stated. "When I was younger, It only seemed I felt hot, cold and pain."
She unconsciously rubbed the fading welt on her arm. Glinda went to hug her, but stopped
"Am I under Elphie story restrictions?" She asked seriously
Elphie smiled at her "Not at all my sweet, feel free to coddle me 'til your hearts content, or until I pass out."
Glinda chuckled and put herself into her loves arms. She took the green arm and gently kissed the healing welt, and the ones long since healed, then started to play with the spindly fingers.
Elphie kissed the blonde curls "I've been learning how to recognize and cope with the things my body feels, and now there is so much more good, than bad. Almost all of the good comes directly from you."
She paused for a moment and focused on the delicate fingers intertwined with hers.
She took a deep breath and held Glinda closer. "After I was raped, It was your touch, your first gentle kiss that not only confused me, but started to balance out the physical pain I felt. I started actually paying attention to my body, partly out of necessity, and partly because things were happening that didn't cause pain. Things that felt good, the back rubs the hugs and kisses. Your touch."
Glinda was wiping away tears before they could fall on Elphie's hand.
Elphie joined in on the finger play.
"I wish I had the words to properly describe to you the sensations I was feeling in that tub. It was warm and cozy and safe…."
"And relaxing?" Glinda asked hopefully
"Incredibly, amazingly and utterly relaxing" Elphie sighed
They sat together quietly for a time. Glinda gently stroked Elphie's fingers and Elphie responded in kind.
"People didn't touch you very much while you were growing up, did they?" Glinda asked softly and with a little uneasiness.
She laughed lightly " No my sweet, they did not. But I can not change that, and neither can you, no matter how hard you try."
"I know that" she grumped half-heartedly "But what makes you think you're the only one who benefits from all of this touching?"
"I never suggested anything of the sort. And unless I'm mistaken you normally put yourself in my arms, as opposed to putting your arms around me." She laughed
"Are you trying to start an argument about snuggling?" She chuckled
Glinda's mother knocked on the door, and hearing laughing poked her head in
"What is so funny my darlings?"
"We are arguing about snuggles" Glinda giggled
"Well, finish up because dinner is ready. And if it matters, I'm all for them." She winked at the girls and left
Glinda broke out in a new fit of giggles and got up off of the couch, Elphie followed, and Glinda hugged her passionately, then gave her a series of kisses.
"I can't change it, but I can try my best to make up for it" She placed the last kiss in the series on Elphie's lips.
They walked hand in hand down to dinner. Elphie pulled away before they entered the dining room.
The food smelled incredible, and they were both starving. After everyone had been properly greeted and plates filled, they settled into the casual family chitchat that Elphie was coming to truly appreciate.
"So what was the outcome of your argument dears?" She asked with all seriousness
"We decided to table the discussion pending further review" Elphie stated diplomatically
Glinda's eyes flew open in surprise.
"Spoken like a true heir to a governorship" Samion chuckled "And what were you arguing about?"
"Snuggling" Glinda supplied
"A subject of great importance" He replied.
Everybody had a good laugh.
Glinda told them about the magic practice that had taken place in the library earlier
…. Oh and sorry about the chicken feathers all over the place. I mischanted and turned the statue into a chicken instead of a chalice. It sort of ran a muck before Elphie could turn it back." She grinned sheepishly
"Elphaba, you reverted a living creature back to it's original form?" Gwenot asked incredulously
"Panic is a wonderful motivator" She deadpanned
"And that's not all, she performed Gramsie's cloaking spell after only two tries."
"Which is why your desk chair seems to be missing" Elphie laughed, but leveled a change the subject now glance at Glinda
"Momsie when is Byjon due tomorrow?"
"Late in the morning, Is that Ok?"
"Fine. Elphie we can go riding after lunch" She said excitedly
"Elphaba you are going riding?" Samion asked lighting his pipe
"Glinda seems to think I am" She smiled
"Galinda, please use a saddle this time" Her mother said seriously
"Mother, of course. It's Elphie's first lesson, she won't be ready to run with me until at least the third" She chuckled and winked at her love.
"You haven't actually agreed to go riding with her have you?" Gwenot smiled at Elphie
"She seems to think I have" Elphie grinned at the adorable girl sitting next to her
They continued to chat, while enjoying the scrumptious apple desert Cook prepared.
"Galinda darling are you feeling alright," Her mother said noticing that her daughter was a little pale.
"I'm fine. I think I'm just tired and I'm getting a little headache"
"Oh my dear, I'll have Sargy draw you a bath right away."
"Have her put a few drops of what's in the purple bottle in there. It's a stress reliving mixture my apothecary made for her. I'm not allowed to touch it" Elphie smiled warmly at her roommate
Gwenot signaled for Hensign, and passed on the instructions.
""Right away Ma'am" and he left
"A hot bath and a good nights sleep will make you feel better darling, now go on up, I'll check on you later"
"Ok Momsie. Elphie you too" She said in a little girl way. A sure sign to Elphie she was indeed tired and a little stressed.
"Me too" She said taking her arm as they walked out.
Up in Glinda's room, after Sargy left Elphie took Glinda in her arms.
"Go get in your bath my sweet, I will change clothes and come right back. When you get out I will rub your temples. So don't wash your hair. Ok?"
"Ok. Elphie hurry right back, please" She whimpered
"I will, now go." She kissed furrowed forehead.
She waited until she heard the little splashes of Glinda getting into the tub, then went across the hall and changed into her nightclothes, grabbed a book and her glasses and went back across the hall. She popped her head into Glinda's bathroom.
"I'm here my sweet. Would you like me to sit with you?"
"Yes please"
Elphie settled in on the stool beside the tub, while Glinda went through her washing, splashing, soaking, sighing ritual.
"Now at least I understand the appeal of this ritual" she laughed. "And that concoction of Mr. Kwenyo's is fabulous. I'm relaxed just sitting here."
"Mmmmmmm, it is amazing. My headache is almost gone. But I'd still like my massage"
"My fingers are limber and at your disposal."
Glinda soaked and sighed for awhile longer then started to get out.
"Towel please"
Elphie complied and held open a big fluffy towel. Glinda wrapped up.
"I'll be right out."
Elphie turned down the lights, and settled in on Glinda's bed
In a few minutes Glinda appeared in a yellow nightdress, with flowers on it, hair in two ponytails. She wasn't as pale, but looked very tired.
"Come sit my sweet"
She said patting the area between her legs. When the beautiful blonde was settled in, Elphie took her through the breathing exercises, speaking softly. She gently started to rub her love's temples in slow circles. She did her jaw line, cheeks; forehead then repeated the cycle. It felt good to be able to do something tangible to help her hurting friend.
"Elphie, this feels great"
"I'm glad my sweet, now Shhhhh" She spoke in a whisper
Gwenot peeked in the open door to her daughter's room and saw Glinda sitting in front of Elphie, with Elphie massaging her temples with her fingers. Glinda's eyes were closed.
"Hi mommy, Elphie is rubbing my head." Glinda said contentedly
"I see that darling, is it helping?"
Mmmmmm hmmmmmm. It always does."
"I brought your night time drinks, I'll put them on the nightstand"
"Thank you Gwenot" Elphie said stopping her massage
"No don't stop Elphie, please"
"I was just going to let you get a drink of water and hug your mother, then I'll continue"
"Glinda giggled and did both things.
"I'm going to sleep early Momsie"
"I gathered that darling, Fresh dreams you two"
"Goodnight" they said in unison
"Glinda settled back down and Elphie continued her massage.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, no more headache. I've been trying to find the words Elphie, it's so hard"
Elphie kept rubbing "I know it is my sweet, you'll find them when you are ready. She whispered
"Promise?" She said sleepily
"Promise. Now drift off to sleep Lyndie. I love you"
"I love you too Elphie. Sing to me."
Elphie continued to rub the temples of the girl she loved more and more everyday, while she sang her a soft lullaby. Within ten minutes Glinda was fast asleep. Having figured out how to extricate herself from this position without waking her sleeping love, she did so, then grabbed a pillow and coverlet and settled in on the sofa to read.
Gwenot, ready for bed peeked in one last time on her daughter. Glinda was sleeping peacefully in her bed and Elphie was folded up on the sofa, reading.
"Elphaba, it's almost midnight! How long has she been asleep?"
"Two or three hours. I'll stay here a while longer, then I'll go to bed."
"No. You will go to bed now." She said in a manner not to be argued with. "Elphaba, she's fine, and you need sleep. Now go" She pointed towards Elphie's room smiling. "You need sleep Elphaba, you've got another meeting with Byjon and a riding lesson tomorrow." She chuckled walking the tired green girl across the hall.
"I worry about you too dear." She gave her a Very light, quick kiss on the cheek "Now in bed. Good night"
"Good night Gwenot, and thank you."
Elphie crawled into her bed and was asleep in minutes
Elphaba slapped at something crawling on her hand, mumbling a mild expletive. Then she heard giggling. When she opened her eyes there was a yellow clad ponytailed blonde lying next to her, playing with her fingers.
"Elphie! Guess what. You get to see my gown today."
"That's nice Glinda" She said sleepily "And more than a little intriguing, but is it really worth waking me up over. Besides, I could have sworn I left you in your own bed last night." She grinned.
"You did. And my mother told me she had to order you to yours. She came to wake me, Byjon will be here soon."
Elphie sat up and stretched "What time is it anyway?"
"Almost 9"
"9! Wow, We'd better dress."
"Nope. Momsie suggested that we just stay as we are because we will be changing into our gowns when Byjon gets here. She is having breakfast sent up to my room."
"Care to plan my education while you are at it?" She said sarcastically, getting up. Elphie really wasn't a morning person.
"Actually I'd love…." She was interrupted by the sound of a bathroom door slamming.
"…To" She chuckled. "I'll be in my room my love" She called to the door
Ten or so minutes later Elphie, in a robe, walked into Glinda's room and settled on the sofa.
"Milk or coffee?" Glinda asked
"Milk, then coffee"
Elphie downed a glass of milk, then accepted a cup of wonderful coffee, and a plate with her favorite cinnamon bun. They ate sweet breads and sipped coffee for a while in silence.
"Are you more awake now my love?" Glinda asked putting her cup back on the tray.
"Yes I am, I can't believe I slept that long"
Good Byjon will be here in a few minutes, and I need a hug and a kiss.
Elphie got up and gave Glinda a big, warm hug and a gentle kiss.
"Thank you for last night" Glinda said kissing her back.
"Any time, my sweet" They were kissing again when Byjon knocked on the door, and announced himself They pulled apart as he breezed in.
"I certainly hope I was interrupting something" He laughed.
"Good morning, Byjon, and no you did not!" Glinda feigned shock. Elphie didn't have to pretend.
"Ah mores the pity" He sighed. "Now, we have much to do an very little time to do it."
He signaled to his helpers to put his supplies where they belonged.
"My studious starlets, you shall be together shortly, for I can not bear to keep you apart for too long.
But for now, My pet you shall change into your gown in here and my emerald ingenue in your room."
Elphie shrugged, anticipating being separated and headed off to her room. Her dresser Koika was waiting
"Good Morning Miss Elphaba"
"Good morning, Koika. What sort of torture does Byjon have in store for me this morning?"
The woman chuckled "He said you were witty"
"He was being polite"
She went through the whole changing into her gown and shoes ritual, still stunned at the site of herself, shimmering in the beautiful opalescent gown.
Byjon came in and squealed. "Perfection, absolute perfection. After you see your love in her gown, we shall accessorize you, though you need not much more."
"Is Glinda ready?"
"She is and she requests that you please sit down" Motioning for his assistants to leave, he assisted Elphie into a chair.
"She is spectacular my emerald ingenue. Enjoy!" He left in a blur, while Elphie flushed
Moments later, Glinda in her evening gown appeared in Elphie's doorway, the green girl inhaled sharply gazing at the sight of the beautiful blonde in her stunning turquoise gown. She walked over to the speechless girl, who was following her, every movement, amazed at the sight.
"Breath Elphie" She giggled. "I take it you approve?"
"Glinda you look… absolutely stunning."
"Now you know how I felt when I saw you." She said
"That dress is perfect for you, you are more beautiful than usual. And now I understand the medical attention reference"
"For a minute I thought you might require some as well." She chuckled "you really like?"
"I really love"
Elphie rose, almost gracefully, from her chair and went to hug the gorgeous girl, but pulled back.
"Will the genius tailor be upset if we hug while wearing his creations?"
"I think he will be upset if we don't " She chuckled and threw her arms around the scintillating green girl.
"She's still alive Byjon, you can come back in now." She laughed
"Byjon, you truly are a genius tailor" Elphie said with great admiration.
The tailor bowed. "You two will be turning quite a few heads at the ball, I'm sure." He said seemingly overcome with emotion
"But now we accessorize! Galinda, my pet, your table is set up over there with some jewelry options; your hairdresser will be here shortly. Fulnan will assist you. Come with me my emerald ingenue, the challenge continues" He grinned happily, and led her to a table with only a few pieces of jewelry on it.
Byjon looked at her ears and gasped.
"Your ears are unpierced, how can that be?" He said perplexed "Well we shall remedy that Koika, do you have what is need to pierce her ears.
"Wait a minute…" Elphie started
Glinda caught the last part of that conversation
"Byjon. No!" She said emphatically moving as quickly as she could over to Elphie.
"Lots of alcohol and ice" she whispered in her love's ear.
"Piercing her ears is not possible. At all, I'm sorry." She told Byjon
Byjon studied the turquoise clad beauty carefully.
"Elphaba?" He said using her actual name "If you truly do not wish your ears to be pierced, then I shall not insist"
Elphie took a deep breath "It's not a matter of what I wish. Glinda is correct. It is not possible. I am severely allergic to water and even more so to alcohol."
Byjon eyebrows shot up in surprise as he considered this new information.
Glinda seeing that Elphie had the situation well in hand went back to her table.
"Can you adapt Byjon, I'm afraid this is non-negotiable" Elphie said apologetically.
"Well, since your hair will be down, earrings do seem a tad superfluous." He grinned
Knowing she had lost the hair battle before it even began, she conceded gracefully
"That would be very true"
Byjon, having recovered from that intriguing revelation, picked up a brush and released Elphie's hair from its ponytail.
"May I, my emerald ingenue?"
"Why not" Elphie said a touch uncomfortably, but a glance and smile from the love of her life, made it Ok.
Byjon brushed out Elphie's raven tresses. He lifted it up, examined it and ran his fingers through it. Glinda noticing this casually came over and put a discreet stop to it.
"I apologize for the intrusion my emerald ingenue, but you hair is fantastic, thick, soft and shiny. Does it hold a curl?"
"I have no idea," Elphie said honestly
"Byjon, remember, no hair spray, gel, or anything else may be used" Glinda reminded him gently
"Perish the thought, I would not dream of forcing these locks into an unnatural form" He said putting his hand over his heart dramaticly.
Elphie laughed.
"Thank heavens for small favors. Byjon, as my way of making amends for thwarting your attempts to accessorize and groom me, may I show you how I clean my hair?" Elphie said
Glinda was surprised, but had to admit, it was a wonderful way to placate the highly-strung tailor, who was getting a little, frustrated.
"Oh my yes you may, what a scrumptious treat!" He looked as if he might burst.
"Come with me then" and she led him into the bathroom.
Glinda went back to her table. Her hairdresser was almost finished arranging her hair on top of her head, with tendrils curling down, softly framing her face. On her ears were small arrow shaped earrings that vaguely resembled wind chimes, they were diamond studded and fabulous. Around her neck was a short, matching diamond necklace, and a matching bracelet was on her wrist. This was her favorite set, but time would tell if Byjon approved.
"Hair dust" He laughed "What an apt description my pet" looking over at Glinda
"My my" He said quietly "This surpasses even my expectations" He said seeing her all finished
"Elphie, please breath" Glinda said walking over to them
"Byjon fussed around her, patting touching and clucking.
"This is a wonderful choice in jewelry my pet, it accentuates your face and neck, without being ostentatious. Brava. What do you think my emerald ingenue?"
He smiled at the green girl who could not take her eyes off of the blonde before her
"I think she is the most ravishing thing I have ever seen." She said not realizing what she had said
Byjon clapped and laughed, "Just the reaction I hoped for, now if we induce a stroke in your father, My mission is complete"
"Byjon, don't even joke about such a thing!" Glinda said seriously then she lightened her tone "I thought that he would just pass out." She giggled
"Now, all that is needed is a simple understated necklace for my emerald ingenue. My pet, would you like to do the honors"
Glinda selected a necklace from the table and fastened it around Elphie's neck, then turned her towards the mirror.
Byjon was elated, Glinda was very proud of herself and Elphie, as had been the case most of this session, was speechless. Accenting her iridescent dress was a simple, but thick, silver necklace, with a subtle pattern in the metal. It lay against her green neck and down just a small ways onto her dress. It was perfect."
"Well, my studious starlets are ready for their ball, stunning, sexy and absolutely divine. Dance for me my loves, let me see magic in motion."
"Elphie?" Glinda asked
In response she took her love's hand, pulled her into position, hummed a tune and led her around the small area for a few minutes. When they parted, Byjon was actually in tears.
"I have never seen two people more suited to each other." He dabbed his eyes. "And those dresses compliment each other as well as you two do."
Elphie flushed intensely and even Glinda blushed slightly
"Byjon, please" She said
"No apologies, I speak of what I see. But now I must be off." He hugged and kissed both girls. Since his assistants had packed up quickly, they were ready to leave.
"Until we see each other again my studious starlets, continue to adore one another. " He blew them a kiss, waved with flourish and was gone.
"Lyndie, one day, you are going to have to explain to me what just transpired here."
"When your older, my love, when you are older." She chuckled
They helped each other out of their jewelry and gowns. Glinda explained that it had become Upland custom that no one saw the gowns before the appointed day, The two of them being the first and more than likely the only exceptions. Once everything was back in bags, boxes and garment bags, Elphie and Glinda, in robes
flopped down in a chair.
"May I go back to bed now?" She laughed
"Elphie, we need to get into riding clothes." She admonished
"It's so adorable how you cling so adamantly to a delusion" She chuckled, while Glinda went to her wardrobe and laid out her jodhpurs, blouse, jacket, boots and helmet, nodding in approval.
"Boots go over the pant legs, "She said
She went over and hugged her friend. "Please Elphie, just try it, for me, I promise if you don't like it I shall never ask again."
"Elphie melted at the sight of her love, hair still up. She had always intended on trying to ride, it was the clothing that distressed her, for some reason.
"If it means that much to you" She sighed
"Yeah" Glinda chirped, then pulled her into a soft, lingering kiss, then left. "I'll be back in twenty minutes" she bubbled on her way out, shutting the door.
Elphie groaned as she surveyed the outfit on the bed. She reluctantly out it on, boots and all and looked at her self in the mirror. She was horrified. Her legs looked liked cloth clad sticks, How could she be stunning and semi-sexy one minute and a child's stick figure drawing the next. She went into the bathroom to pull back her hair, and took a deep breath. Last night she had conceived of a plan to possibly help Glinda with what was troubling her. And that plan depended on them being out with the horses, and her riding, or at least trying too. "It's for Glinda," She said in the mirror. She sat there trying to come to terms with the sight of herself in pants when she heard Glinda calling
"Are ready Elphie?"
"No, but I'm dressed. " She said from the bathroom "And I look absurd"
"Elphie, come out here, I'm sure you do not look absurd, silly maybe, but not absurd" She chuckled
Elphie emerged helmet in hand looking miserable
"Elphie you look grand, really" Glinda said seriously "White suits you, when you are not blushing, we need to remember that"
She hugged her friend "Elphie, If I thought for one minute that you did not look great, I would never let you out of this room, you know that"
She sighed "I know that my sweet"
"Good" Glinda said kissing her "Let the fun begin"
They had a quick lunch by themselves in the kitchen; Cook agreeing that Elphie looked like a proper young lady dressed for riding. Glinda sent word to the stables for the horses to be prepared and taken to the meadow. They walked slowly down to the meadow, Glinda trying to convince Elphie that this would be fun and Elphie trying to convince herself that broaching the painful subject of Minka with her love was the correct course of action.
The horses were in the field with Tymik in attendance.
"Thank you so much Tymik, we will be fine now."
The groom was about to protest, but thought better of it "As you say Miss Galinda. There are treats in the bag and a whistle in case of trouble" He bowed and left
"The whistle was at the insistence of my father, seeing as I usually ride alone." She said preempting Elphie's question. "Are you ready?" She said reaching for Starshine.
"Lyndie, before we continue this humiliating debacle, I'd like to talk to you about something." She sat on the grass by the stump and Glinda sat down with her.
"Sure Elphie, is everything alright? Are you nervous?"
"Yes actually, but not about riding." She took Glinda's hand in hers "The other night, your mother told me a tiny amount about your friend, the one who died." She said as soothingly as she could.
Glinda's face clouded over
"Please do not be angry with her, be angry with me if you must" She continued to speak quietly and calmly.
"I'm not angry," She said barely above a whisper "Elphie, I can't talk…"
"Shhhh. I'm not asking you to my darling. I know this is upsetting for you and I'm sorry, that is not my intent. Your mother told me I had good instincts and knew how to talk to you, so I'm following my instincts. I thought being out here with your horses might help you to hear me out."
She sighed unhappily, biting back tears. "I'm listening Elphie" She whispered.
"I know this is very painful for you, but I think this story might help." She looked directly into her distressed friends eyes and took a deep breath
"I attended many Quadling funerals and death ceremonies with my father. Their burial and mourning customs were very odd, but there was one I found interesting. They talk about their loved one, happy things, funny stories, and precious memories. And more importantly they talk to their loved ones, not just at the funeral, but all the time. They tell them what's going on, yell when their angry at them, ask for forgiveness if needed, and basically anything else they feel like telling them"
Glinda looked at her in astonishment, but she was listening intently
"Lyndie, my precious Lyndie," Elphie said the love she felt evident in her voice. "It is very apparent you are not yet ready to talk to me or your parents about what happened to your friend."
"Minka" Glinda said biting back tears.
"Minka" Elphie echoed looking in her love's the brilliant blue eyes, stroking her cheek softly and wiping away a stray tear.
"But that doesn't mean you can not talk to her about what happened or anything else you need to. That may be how you can find your words my sweet. And whenever you are able, I am anxious to know this girl who means so much to you. You are introducing me to all of the things you love. It is only right that she should be included, when you are ready to do so."
Glinda put herself into Elphie's arms and clung to her, Elphie stroked her hair expecting an outbreak of tears, but they never came. She sat on the grass, holding Glinda for a while, hoping she had done the right thing. Glinda held on to Elphie for strength, hoping she could do as her love suggested.
"Ok Elphie, I'll try" She said pulling away and looking into the beautiful eyes of the girl she treasured. "But can we please not talk about this anymore."
"Of course, my sweet. I'm sorry that I hurt you"
"You didn't, you've helped me more than you will ever know." She smiled at the green girl. "I love you so much" She murmured.
"And I you. Are you still going to make me attempt to ride?" She chuckled, sensing that Glinda was Ok, but needed a diversion.
"Uh- huh. You're dressed, might as well go all the way." Glinda laughed getting up, but Elphie could tell she was a little shaky, so she gathered her up in a hug and gave her a light, very quick kiss on the cheek. She was rewarded with a calm confident smile and twinkling eyes.
Glinda demonstrated how to properly mount a horse, several times. Elphie's first try ended up with her foot slipping through the stirrup and Glinda trying to keep her from falling over, and trying to keep herself from giggling. Her second attempt was slightly more successful. She managed to keep her foot in the stirrup and pull up, but couldn't figure out how to get her leg over the horse. She was extremely exasperated, but Glinda and Starshine were very patient.
"Ok Elphie, Let's try this" Glinda said trying to mollify her irritated roomie.
"No more. I have tried. I have failed. I can not even get on the blasted thing!" Elphie said venting her frustration.
"Elphie, be civil. Try one more time, Please. For me." She looked beseechingly at her twitching friend.
"You are the only reason I consented to do this in the first place. Alright, one more attempt, but if I'm not actually sitting on top of that horse, I get to continue being an equestrian spectator. Deal."
"Deal." Glinda agreed.
"She led Starshine over to the stump and showed Elphie very slowly how to mount from it. Elphie climbed up on the stump and did exactly as Glinda had instructed. To her amazement she was actually sitting astride a horse.
Glinda was beside herself with pleasure.
"See Elphie, I knew you could do it." She led Starshine away from the stump, Elphie holding on to whatever she could find for dear life.
"My love you really need to relax" She said handing the reigns to her and leading Starlight to the stump.
She mounted the horse with ease and walked over to Elphie.
"Relax, are you kidding?" She said
"Just hold on to these" She indicated the reigns " sit up straight and centered in the saddle" She demonstrated. " And keep your feet in the stirrups. She will walk along with Starlight and you won't have to do a thing. Ready?"
"If I must be"
"You must be." She made a noise and Starlight started a slow walk, Starshine keeping pace. Elphie felt as though she was going to be jarred off of the saddle.
"Elphie don't fight the rhythm, relax and feel the movement of the horse and move with her. They continued to walk Elphie tried to comply and after awhile felt herself moving with the horse.
"I see what you mean, there is a rhythm to her gait and it's not hard to match."
Glinda was beaming "Are you feeling better about all of this now my love?"
"Yes, I can see why you love this, it is rather… freeing" Elphie said.
Glinda used her legs and caused her horse to walk a little faster, and a little bouncier.
Elphie's horse followed suit and Elphie felt her teeth rattle as she tried to match her body movements with the horse's gait. At last she managed to stop bouncing around.
"Glinda a little warning next time, my teeth are now loose and I'm positive my rear end is bruised." She chuckled
"Sorry Elphie, but are you having fun? except for the bruises"
"I hate to admit it, but yes I am."
"Goody." Glinda clapped.
"But no faster, please"
"No faster, I promise" Glinda put one hand over her heart and one in the air
"Not yet anyway" she giggled.