Jilla went into Glinda's room; it was early, considering their late night. She sat on the bed beside her sleeping cousin and shook her
"Wake up! You're late for class," She said loudly
Glinda sat bolt upright "I'll be ready in a minute Elphie" She said wildly, then confused
"I'm not Elphie you nitwit, do I look green to you." She smiled
"Jilla," She said hitting her cousin "You know I hate it when you do that!"
"Good morning to you cousin, I thought we'd take an early morning ride, before we go to town."
"Well I'd be more likely to agree if hadn't just scared me to death." She said, not really bothered
"It amuses me, what can I say" She shrugged, then kissed her cousin's cheek by way of an apology.
"A ride does sound good, I'll go tell Elphie" Glinda said getting out of bed
"No, No Elphie, I meant just us," She said irritated
"Alright Jilla, just us. But I'd still like to tell her what's going on, if that's alright with you"
"Fine, I'll go change but hurry up or we won't have much time"
Glinda was confused by her cousin's reaction, but let it slide, she could be a little possessive at times.
Luckily for Glinda, Elphie was already awake, so the grumpiness was avoided.
"Good morning, my sweet, she said pulling her ponytail tight. "You're up early"
"'Morning Elphie. Jilla woke me up, the brute!" She smiled
The still sleepy nightdress clad girl drew the wide -awake and dressed girl into a hug, then kissed her.
"Hi" She said
"Hi yourself" They kissed again "So what did your brutish cousin want?" Elphie grinned
"She wants to take a morning ride, but just her and me. Is that alright with you?" She was distressed
"Of course, it's alright. Lyndie we already talked about this. Go; spend time with your cousin. Have fun. I'll be here when you return"
"Promise?"
"Promise, Now go change into your trousers quickly, I'm sure the brute is waiting, and none to happily" She laughed and hugged her best friend. "I love you"
"And I love you" She gave her a quick kiss.
"And it's a riding habit…" She said as she left the room.
Elphie shook her head and laughed. She knew that Glinda wanted her to get along with Jilla, and she would try her best. She was, however, very glad to be staying behind, Riding with Jilla was the last thing she wanted to do. She fussed around the room, tidying up, knowing this drove Sargy crazy, but unable to stop herself. I wasn't long before she heard voices in the hall.
"Come on slowpoke, get your dainty little rear end out here" Jilla said loudly
Elphie went to her door and watched with amusement as her friend backed out of her room, behind first.
"Happy now, loudmouth" both girls giggled
Jilla grabbed Glinda's hand and pulled her down the hall.
"See you soon Elphie" as she headed down the stairs.
"Seems you've been abandoned too" Pajul said "Care to walk with me down to breakfast?"
He offered his arm. Elphie took it, feeling a mild sense of apprehension.
"I'd love to"
They made small talk as they walked downstairs and into the solarium. Gwenot and Greda were the only ones there.
"Good morning" they all greeted one another.
"Pajul, the men requested that you join them in Samion's study." Greda said
"I will go right away." He seated Elphie and waved "Until later ladies."
"Did you girls have fun last night?" Gwenot asked
"It was an entertaining, and enlightening experience" Elphie laughed
"Of that I have no doubt" Greda chuckled. "My daughter and her cousin do seem to bring out some interesting qualities in one another"
"So I've noticed" Elphie grinned
Elphie spent an enjoyable hour or so talking with the older women, Their sisterly relationship was comfortable and relaxed, as was the conversation. She was actually disappointed when it came to a close.
"Greda and I have some details to attend to, do you mind Elphaba?"
"Not at all, I'll wait for Glinda to return in the library"
"They have been properly threatened to return in time to change before we leave. We depart in two hours with or without them" Gwenot chuckled as she and her sister left.
The cousins grabbed some sweetbread on their way out the back door.
"Galinda, you know that just because you and Elphaba are roommates, that doesn't mean you have to be friends," Jilla said as they walked to the stables.
"Actually, we weren't friendly at all at first" Glinda laughed at the memory. "But as we got to know one another, a friendship grew."
"But what do you really know about her?" Jilla said with a confrontational tone in her voice.
"I know quite a bit actually" Glinda said pointedly "I understand that you are protective of me Jilla, but Elphie is no threat. She is intelligent, witty, kind and generous, but she is also somewhat shy and not extremely social. Ok?"
"If you say so little cousin," She said unconvinced
"I say so. I want you two to get along"
"We will eventually, I'm sure" Jilla said dismissing the comment. But she still felt that things were not as they seemed with this Elphie. She decided not to push it just yet and enjoy her ride with her cousin.
Elphie got her glasses and book then happily settled in the library to read. She had been studying Gwenot's books on psychology. The subject was interesting, for the most part, and she was learning a lot. Eventually she hoped that she would be able to use this newfound knowledge to help herself, and to help Glinda.
She was lost in the pages of her book when she heard Glinda's voice in the hall. She walked to the door and popped her head out,
"In here" She called.
Glinda came out of the parlor, face flush and still in riding clothes. "Elphie, come up with me while I change"
"I'm right behind you," She said going to collect her things.
She entered Glinda's room stepping over a riding boot, and picking up a small jacket. Her love stepped out of the bathroom, clad only in undergarments.
"I'm in a hurry," She said brushing her hair
"I see that" Elphie chuckled
"Please pick me out a dress" She disappeared back into the bathroom
"Me?" Elphie gasped "You rode without your helmet again and bumped your head didn't you?" she laughed
"Just reach in my wardrobe and grab something, and stop being difficult" She huffed
Glinda hated getting ready in a hurry. It irritated her, but amused Elphie. She took a pretty yellow dress into the bathroom.
"A pink something!" She fussed, washing her face and arms.
Elphie grabbed a pink dress she'd seen her fickle roomie wear before.
"If this won't do, you are on your own" She chuckled
"It's perfect. Shoes please, closet, third row, second from the left." She slipped her dress on while Elphie retrieved the requested shoes.
"Zip please" She said turning her back to Elphie, then turning around again
"Kiss please" The green girl obliged.
"I feel so used" Elphie laughed falling on the couch.
Glinda buckled her shoes, gave her hair another brush, then hugged her love.
"I'm ready now" she giggled
"I see that" Elphie laughed
No one was left behind, and they had wonderful ride into town. Jefet dropped off the girls at the apothecary's then took the mother's to the Tea Room.
Jilla wasn't happy about running this particular errand, but held her tongue. She didn't understand all the commotion over oil.
"Hello Mr. Zedert" Glinda said as they walked in
"Miss Galinda, Hello" He said
"This is my friend Miss Elphaba, and my cousin Jilla Newboron"
"Miss Elphaba, Mrs. Newboron, I'm pleased to meet you, especially you Miss Elphaba, Mr. Kwenyo made quite a fuss about you."
"I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Zedert. Feel free to ignore Mr. Kwenyo, I try to" She laughed as did the old apothecary.
"Oh I dare not, His instructions, and threats were very specific." He laughed
Glinda found this exchange terribly funny and laughed merrily
Jilla, hands folded across her chest, had been watching all of this very impatiently
"May we go now" She huffed
"In a few minutes Jilla, we are almost done, look around, these shops are great!" Glinda said trying to placate her.
"Here are the oils you requested, and the scented mineral oil, I take it that whole encounter worked out?"
"Wonderfully" Glinda said while Elphie flushed. "I have another request, can you remix the stuff they use for facial masks at the salon with oils instead of water."
"Glinda!" Elphie said.
"Sorry, I forgot to mention this idea, what with last night's diversion and all" The blonde smiled sweetly
"I don't see why not, I'll get a sample from Pamil, and experiment a little. I'll send the results to your house first thing in the morning, will that be soon enough?"
"Perfect" Glinda bubbled "And before you say it. I know, test it first"
The girl and the old man nodded seriously
"Oh for goodness sake, I can take care of myself!" Elphie said exasperated "May I pay now or are you two going to conspire some more?"
"No, I'm done for now" Glinda giggled winking at the apothecary.
He tallied up the purchases "Mr. Kwenyo was right about her, She is a special girl." He chuckled
Elphie put money on the counter, and picked up her pouch, glaring at Glinda who happily ignored her.
"Let me know if the facial concoction works out" He said
"We shall, Goodbye Mr. Zedert"
"Thank you for your assistance Mr. Zedert, I really appreciate it, and try not to take the things your busybody friend, and my annoying one say too seriously, I am not as helpless as they make me appear." Elphie said with a touch of amusement in her voice.
"I'll try to remember that Miss Elphaba" His smiled and winked at Glinda who giggled.
"Great, now I've got busybody, overprotective apothecaries in two cities" Elphie said as they left the shop.
Glinda laughed "You are just crabby because somebody wants to help you."
Elphie grumbled something unintelligible, and Glinda assumed, not very nice. She desperately wanted to hold her soft green hand, but she knew that wasn't possible.
"Jilla, isn't an apothecary shop a fascinating place?" She said as they walked down the street to the Tea Room
'Not really, why are you re-mixing the facial mask" She said in a bored tone
"So Elphie can have facials with us tomorrow" Glinda said as if it were obvious
"Seems like an awful lot of trouble to go to" Jilla commented
"I couldn't agree more" Elphie nodded
"Oh if it woks out it will be great, now Jilla stop sulking and Elphie stop crabbing"
She put herself between them, taking their arms.
"Next stop The Emerald Tea Room" Glinda bubbled
"Elphaba, why did you bring an umbrella, there is no hint at all of rain" Jilla asked hoping to bring up the water thing
"It matches my outfit" Elphie quipped, making Glinda smile
Jilla engaged Glinda in a cousins only discussion for the rest of the short walk. They were a little late arriving at the Tea Room and the women had already been seated
"Hello girls, did you get all of Elphaba's things?" Gwenot asked as the server sat them.
"Everything, and he is going to try and mix a batch of facial mask with oil instead of water" Glinda said enthusiastically
"What a superb idea, Galinda. I may try it myself. My hands were so soft after the manicure." Her mother said excitedly
"Aunt Gwen" Jilla said wanting to change the subject "Will the ensemble allow requests to be made at the party?"
"Yes, that's one of the details we cleared up earlier" Greda responded
The servers brought out iced tea and milk, and the dishes that Gwenot and Greda had already ordered for them. They sampled all of the delicious offerings and talked about the party until the Ensemble started to play.
"They are fantastic," Elphaba said impressed "This is the group playing at the ball?"
"They are indeed," Gwenot said
They ordered dessert and Gillkineese coffee and listened to the music. It was a wonderful and relaxing lunch.
They were all disappointed when the server came with the message that their carriage was waiting.
"Well, we must be off, parties do not organize themselves" Gwenot said herding her family towards the door.
Back at the house, Gwenot and Greda went to attend to party details. Jilla went in search of Pajul, for a nap,
And Glinda and Elphie went to Glinda's room; As soon as the door was shut Glinda threw her arms around the green girl and hugged her hard.
"I wish you would let me hold your hand when are out. I wanted to so badly today"
"Lyndie…"
"I know and I understand, I really do. Snuggles?" She said leading her to the sofa
They snuggled, Glinda in Elphie's arms. You are excited about the party, aren't you?'
"Yes, but I'm a little nervous and frightened and many, many other things, but excited is defiantly at the top of the list." Elphie said playing absently with Glinda's hair.
Glinda sighed and slid over at the knock on the door.
"Oh Hi Momsie" She chirped
"Elphaba darling I need to speak with you. It's important"
She came in and sat down. Jilla, seeing her Aunt go into Glinda's room, went in as well.
"So this is where all the fun is," She said
"Jilla dear, I'm relaying a private message for Elphaba right now, can this wait?"
"Sure Auntie. Come on Galinda, let's go for a walk" She looked at her cousin
Elphie grabbed Glinda's hand discreetly.
"I need to stay here Jilla, we will go later Ok?" She said as soothingly as she could.
"Fine", Jilla mumbled as she left, quite annoyed
" Thanks, Glinda. Is something wrong Gwenot?" Elphie asked
"I'm unsure. There has been a last minute request made of you that I'm afraid I can not ignore.
The new ambassador from Munckinland has sent word that he will be attending the ball."
"Great" Elphie said unhappily
"He has formally requested, on behalf of The Eminent Thropp, I'm assuming your great- grandfather, the honor of your first dance"
"Wonderful" She said sarcastically
"I'm not sure you are free to decline" Gwenot said seriously
"You are correct, I am most assuredly not free to decline" She sighed, irritated. "Oh well, please tell him I said sure thing, but phrase it more diplomatically," She said as nicely as she could manage.
"This now makes your first dance part of the host's dance, You will be introduced along with the ambassador, the third of ten couples."
The older woman looked at Elphaba carefully. She had no idea what the implications of this news meant to her, but she knew that the girl was very unhappy.
"I'll take care of the response. Darling, I don't know why this makes you so unhappy, nor do I need too. I just hope it won't spoil your time. I'll leave you two to talk" She placed the message on the table and left.
"Damn!" Elphie said as soon as the door closed. "Damn, Damn, Damn" leaping up and moving around.
Glinda could only sit and let whatever this was run it's course. Elphie was clearly not happy.
"Why can't he just let me be until I'm 19." She fumed
"Who Elphie?" Glinda said softly
"His Eminence, that's who. The ambassador isn't attending because it is the social event of the season. He knows I'm here, and wants to remind me of my obligations, my duty to represent the Thropps properly. You can't get more proper than dancing a first dance with an ambassador. I cant…."
Jilla strode into the room.
"I saw Aunt Gwen leaving…"
Not even aware that she was doing it Elphie turned and glared at Glinda's cousin
"Not now Jilla" Glinda said as calmly as she could "Please"
Even more annoyed, Jilla left the room
"This just gets better and better. My great grandfather is putting me on display as a political means to and end and your cousin, who doesn't really like me any way, now thinks I'm a raving lunatic"
"My love, I can only follow one rant at a time, please pick one and stick with it." Glinda said calmly
Elphie looked at her and laughed. She sat back down on the sofa, her initial irritation abated.
"Oh my sweet, I know all this nonsense means nothing to you, I'm sorry"
She pulled Glinda into her arms.
"It's just I despise all the excessive formality and pretension that surrounds anything and everything about my title. My mother hated it so much she married a minister and moved to a rural village. The only one who actually seems to like it is Nessa, but she craves attention."
She played with one of Glinda's curls
"I've been on display, and used by my father as a prop, a tool to gain converts all my life. And yes, this story deals with my voice and the scars on my arm, but I can only cope with so much, so that's for later."
Glinda kissed the tiny scars on Elphie's arm.
"So I'm not sure why my great- grandfather's actions surprise me. I always assumed he'd figure out a way to do it sooner or later, Apparently I'm a commodity, not a wanted one, but one none the less. Being with the Uplands must humanize me enough to be worth something to him. I see it as: The Ambassador from Munchkinland dancing with the nominal next governor of Munchkinland at the Upland Manor Ball, is great for his image and gives me credibility as an actual person." She said in a frighteningly resigned tone.
Glinda sat up, wiping away tears; she was angry, very angry.
"I can see you are upset my sweet, I'm sorry" Elphie said calmly
"Do these people even know who you are? Do they care to know? ' Glinda voice was tight.
"Lyndie, This is what it is, just like with you around here. This is all I have ever l known, until Shiz. I accept it. We will discuss this more I promise. It is very complicated, as are my feelings when I try to talk about it.
"I understand Elphie really," She said.
Elphie wiped her tears away, and Glinda soothed the sting they caused with as kiss, as had become their ritual.
"So you are Ok with the ambassador's presence here?"
"Since I have no choice, yes. I will dance and make small talk and answer any questions the man poses to me. I refuse to let any of it ruin the wonderful time I know I will have, once the panic goes away. Besides I have more important reasons to be nervous about tomorrow, like not falling down the stairs or stepping on my dance partners feet" She laughed
"I think the ambassadors toes will be safe, my love" She kissed the love of her life gently and lovingly, then hugged her for a long time.
"Are you feeling better now?" Glinda said moving Elphie's hair behind her ears.
"I am. Why don't you go and try to smooth things over with your cousin."
"Elphie, She's fine, she just doesn't like to share. I don't want to leave you."
"I am fine as well, and I do not mind sharing because I know I'll get you back" Elphie kissed her love and grinned
"Now I feel used" The blonde laughed.
Glinda found Jilla in the parlor with her mom and aunt.
"Hello Galinda darling" Her mother said "Did you get everything resolved?"
"So what were you and Elphie fighting about?" Jilla said
"We were not fighting. She was a little put out because the Ambassador from Munchkinland will be at the ball and wants her first dance."
"An Ambassador wants to dance the host's dance with her and she is complaining? What is wrong with her?"
"Jilla dear, it's far more complicated than that, as are her ties to Munckinland." Gwenot said calmly
Glinda was surprised how easily and quickly her mother could figure things out
"Fine Aunt Gwen" She huffed
"Come on Jilla, let's walk" Glinda pulled her cousin off the couch
"Dinner in half an hour dears" Greda called after them as they left.
"Why are you so dead set against giving her a chance?" Glinda said as they walked out the front door.
"I am not, but you seem to be totally wrapped up in her, like she has some sort of hold on you."
"Don't be absurd, We are friends Jilla, very good friends. We have been through a lot together."
"I just don't want anyone to take advantage of you little cousin," She said
"As if anyone could, who do you think taught me all I know."
"Not everything, some things you are still too young to know" Jilla laughed and pinched her cousin playfully, running back into the house.
Glinda took off after her and caught up with her outside the dining room.
"Brute" She said catching her breath
"Sissy" Jilla countered
"Girls please settle down you are proper young ladies not hooligans" Gwenot scolded
Pajul rose to seat his wife.
"Well I think there is a little hooligan in here." He chuckled giving her a kiss.
"And this one" He said seating Glinda "Who knows what college has done to her"
"Mom. Where's Elphie?" Glinda said concerned
"Elphaba asked to be excused from dinner, she said she wasn't hungry, but I sent Cook up with a tray anyway. She told me to tell you to enjoy your dinner,"
Glinda wasn't overly concerned; Elphie had a lot on her mind. They'd have some time together tonight.
"Galinda" Jilla said as they ate "Why don't you, Elphaba, Pajul and I sit around and get aquatinted tonight, we can talk or play a game or something."
"Wonderful suggestion darling" Pajul said
Glinda knew Elphie would hate it, but would do it for her, and she loved Jilla for making an effort.
"Sounds great. We'll meet in the library in an hour or so." Glinda said
"Perfect"
They said goodnight to the parents with hugs and kisses, then the young couple went for a short walk.
"Momsie, was Elphie alright?"
"She appeared fine darling, go see her"
Elphie was in her room reading when Glinda walked in.
I hope you ate, Cook still thinks you are too skinny" She said falling in the other chair.
"I finished every bite" She smiled
"I have a favor to ask of you my love. Jilla wants us children to get together tonight, and talk or play a game or something. Some get aquatinted time."
"Sure Lyndie if it makes you happy" Elphie said
"You hate the idea," Glinda said
"I do, but, as I have stated, I love you. So I will go and play nice with your cousin, or at least as nicely as a mean green thing can." She chuckled
Glinda launched herself from her chair onto Elphie's. She sat on the arm and gave her a big hug.
"Why do you do things you hate just to please me?"
"Lyndie, think about it, If we only did things that I liked we would do almost nothing at all" She tried to kiss her but couldn't really reach.
"Sorry, not the right position for this" She said getting up.
Glinda giggled, let's go on downstairs, we are meeting in the library."
"Well at least you gave me home field advantage" She winked and gave her a hug.
As they walked by the parlor they saw Glinda's parents doing some dance steps.
"What dance is that?" Elphie asked as they sat down in the library.
"I don't remember, but it's fun. I'll show you." She got up and pulled Elphie off her chair
"Glinda, not here!"
"It's easy, watch. 1,2 ya, ya, ya-- 3,4 ya, ya, ya.
"I cant do that" Elphie said referring to the hip movements on the ya part.
Glinda got behind her and put her hands on Elphie's hips
"Just do it with me, like the curtsy. 1,2" They moved their legs. "Good. Ya, ya, ya"
She used her hands to move Elphie's hips from side to side. Then did the same with the 3,4 count. She repeated it, then moved around to face her.
"Let's try" She took her hands and counted out the beats.
"Move your hips Elphie" She swayed hers with gusto, laughing
"If I actually had hips it would be easier." She laughed still trying to get with the beat.
They kept at it, laughing and adding a shoulder shimmy or two.
Jilla and Pajul came in and saw them dancing.
"Don't you think It's a little late to teach her how to dance" Jilla said coming over to the laughing girls.
"Don't be silly, Elphie can dance perfectly well." Glinda giggled
"That's a relief, I'd hate to see anyone embarrassed during the host's dance." She said sweetly
Elphie felt that bristled feeling coming on.
"Allow me to put your mind at ease" She said
Glinda assumed she was going to dance a few moments with her, or even with Jilla, but her roomie went over to Pajul and extended her hand.
"Would you mind?" she said
"Not at all " he said pulling her into position and leading her into a waltz. Elphie hummed, and Pajul recognizing the tune joined in and for one or two minutes Elphie put on a wonderful show, while Jilla glared and Glinda suppressed pure glee.
Noticing his unhappy wife he whispered to Elphie "Switch"
The man spun her over to Glinda, who saw a look on her face she had only seen a few other times before; it was a self-satisfied smirk. Pajul, without missing a beat scooped up his wife and twirled around, while kissing her passionately. Glinda continued the dance with Elphie.
"That was brilliant my love, but could you please refrain from antagonizing her further" She laughed
Elphie just grinned.
"Is your mind at ease now Jilla?" Elphie asked when they had settled in chairs.
"It was never uneasy," She said tightly
"Jilla and Pajul have won the Official Palace Dance Contest two years in a row" Glinda said proudly,
"Impressive" Elphie said sincerely.
They chatted more or less amiably about jobs and school. Elphie mostly listening.
"Galinda, Why don't you come to the EC for awhile over your summer break. Pajul knows some Palace cuties that'd love to go out with a Shiz girl."
"A trip to the Emerald City sounds fun, but I'm attending Summer Session." Glinda responded
"What?' Jilla was stunned "Since when have you cared about studying enough to do it in the summer?"
"Since there is a session long sorcery seminar, that sounds fascinating. Lot's of potion lab time and we get to create our own spell books."
"That's not why you wanted me to get a wand is it?" Elphie said
"Of course not, everyone needs a wand Elphie" She grinned
They talked more about Glinda's decision, Jilla trying to convince her not too and Elphie vowing no homework help. Glinda discussed, already knowing she'd win both battles.
Gwenot came in and suggested that they go on to bed because tomorrow would be a big day. They agreed reluctantly and went up stairs. The cousins hugged and said good night. Pajul gave a blanket good night and waved, and Jilla and Elphaba were cordial
Glinda went into Elphie's room. "That's the best I'm going to get isn't it" She said
"You know how I am when I feel challenged, I'm sorry, but I promise to try harder, Ok?"
"Ok, but I wish I knew what the problem was." She sighed
" The problem is we don't like each other very much" Elphie said
"Thank you Dr. Thropp. Change and come over" She said kissing Elphie's cheek.
Fifteen minute later Elphie was sitting on the sofa, with Glinda back in her arms.
"You get another oil soak tomorrow Elphie, isn't that exciting"
"It is" She said "And I may even get my first facial, I hope the green mask compliments my green skin." She chuckled
"The fact that you think of things like oil baths and oil based facials utterly amazes me." She absently played with Glinda's hair, a habit she had developed recently.
"I want you to experience everything, all the fun things."
"My sweet I have experienced more in the past ten days than I have in the past 18 years. "
"I love you so much Elphie, I want to show you everything and see everything you have to show me."
"That will be a very lop-sided viewing" She laughed
They sat cuddling on the sofa. Elphie still playing with Glinda's hair and Glinda playing with Elphie's fingers. Glinda was fidgety and excited; squirming so much Elphie finally made her move.
"Maybe we should go to bed" She reasoned "Sleep might settle you down"
"Except I have to settle down to go to sleep, and that is a problem" Glinda countered
"What can I do to help my sweet?"
"Sing to me?"
"One song, and only if you sit without squirming" She chuckled
"Goody"
Elphie made up a song on the spot and sang it softly in Glinda's ear, while stroking her hair. When she was finished she walked Glinda to her bed and gave her a long soft kiss.
"Tomorrow will be fantastic my sweet, but we need sleep. So wiggle into bed and attempt to stay there"
Glinda grinned " I love you Elphie"
"And I you" She kissed the bubbly blonde again and left
She turned at the door and smiled at the girl bouncing on her bed.
"Good night my love" She said in a voice drenched in affection
"Good night Lyndie" She gave her a beautiful smile.
In her own bed she was having trouble sleeping too. The ball was tomorrow. She went over all the things that were going to happen, processing them while calming and reassuring herself and chuckling at Glinda's mother admonishing her to go to sleep. At last, she drifted off, smiling, thinking about the beautiful girl in the turquoise gown.