They walked to the top of the stairs. Elphie looked down into the foyer and saw dozens of people milling around in tuxedos and fabulous ball gowns. She heard music and the murmuring of hushed conversations. She looked at Glinda and took a deep breath, then watched as her love walked confidently down the stairs, all eyes on her, and took the arm of her uncle. Glinda turned and looked up at her and winked, and was treated to the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. She heard people commenting on Glinda's gown and how beautiful she was. Then she heard the staff hit the floor three times and Hensign's loud strong voice
"Presenting Miss Galinda of the Arduennas of the Upper Uplands" followed by applause
Now it was her turn. She had been convincing herself all day that this was not the same as being on display as her father's prop, that she was no longer that gangly humiliated child. She was a strong, 18 year old, with people around her now who truly cared about her and who had no doubt she was everything this dress made her out to be. She took a deep breath and walked slowly and confidently down the stairs. She heard gasps and words like stunning, exceptional and sophisticated. Samion was waiting for her at the bottom smiling and she knew Glinda would be right inside. So far so good.
"Elphaba darling, that was perfect" Samion said offering her his arm.
They walked to the door of the ballroom. She saw Glinda grinning from ear to ear and heard the three stamps.
"Presenting Miss Elphaba, the Thropp Third Descending from Nest Hardings, Heir to Colwen Grounds."
There was loud applause as she entered the room full of people, on Samion's arm and was escorted over to Gwenot, who as with a dashing, young, white tie and tails clad gentleman, she assumed was the ambassador, due to the satin sash across his chest. Samion made a discreet exit to go and conduct introductions for his daughter.
"Elphaba darling" She made to kiss her check, as was custom, and whispered "Perfect"
"Miss Thropp, may I introduce Mr. Harluc Danim, Ambassador from Munckinland."
"I am very pleased to meet you Mr. Ambassador," She presented her hand and the man kissed it.
"The pleasure is all mine Miss Thropp, I have been anticipating this meeting."
"Ambassador Danim formally requests the honor of your first dance" Gwenot said
"I'd be delighted Mr. Ambassador, and I look forward to it" Elphie said with a small curtsy, as she had been instructed.
"As do I Miss Thropp. Until then." He bowed and moved away.
Elphaba exhaled
"Darling, That was exceptional, I'm very proud of you"
"Thank you Gwenot, That means more to me than you will ever know"
For the next hour or so Elphie was introduced, in more or less the same manner to corporate heads, financial barons, A general, many diplomats, city officials, professors, artists, musicians, business people and other notables of Oz. Her dance partners had been carefully selected and of all the people she was being introduced to, she was obligated to dance with only ten, the rest would be her choice. She was actually looking forward to a few of them, like the artist who painted the meadow painting she had purchased, and the conductor of the Ozian National Symphony. Gwenot was a marvel as a hostess.
"I know you are getting tired of this my dear" the regal woman said " but this part is nearly over, official dances are next, then you are mostly unfettered by protocol. Now one last introduction."
She steered Elphie through the crowd, polity dodging requests and introductions.
"Elphaba may I introduce Galinda Upland, Miss Upland is a student at Shiz." She laughed lightly, knowing both girls were ready for a diversion from all the stuffy introductions.
The girls shook hands and went through the formality as straight faced as they could.
"Miss Upland requests the honor of a dance later," Gwenot said seriously
Both girls looked shocked
"I'd be delighted, Miss Upland" Elphie said bewildered
"Mom?" Glinda whispered
"I'll arrange something my darlings, now wait with each other until your official dances, and behave" She smiled and glided off into the crowd
"Elphie I've been watching you, you were spectacular, you look like you were born to this." Glinda said wanting to hold her so badly, she ached.
"You are amazing as well. When ever my eye caught you, I was mesmerized."
They spotted Jilla happily chatting with a group of people. And Pamil with her husband, everyone looked grand.
The hosts dance was announced with a ten- minute warning.
"Here we go" Elphie said feeling flash of apprehension
"My love" Glinda whispered "you will be incredible"
The Ambassador presented himself before Elphie.
"Miss Thropp"
"Ambassador Danim, may I present my best friend and roommate Miss Galinda Upland"
"I am delighted Miss Upland" He said nodding
"As am I Mr. Ambassador" Glinda returned his acknowledgement
The introduction music was starting
"May I have this dance Miss Thropp" He said extending his arm
"By all means Mr. Ambassador" She said taking it
As she left, she reached back and Glinda brushed her fingers. That was all she needed. She walked gracefully on the arm of the ambassador to where the other couples were waiting. Glinda's parents were being introduced, followed by her Aunt and Uncle.
Then it was her turn, She felt all eyes on her as she walked onto the dance floor and had to fight down panic. She glanced over to Glinda who smiled at her.
"Ambassador Harluc Danim, of Munckinland and Miss Elphaba, the Thropp Third Descending from Nest Hardings" The Master of Ceremonies called
She was acutely aware of the lights and sounds around her. She heard Jilla and Pajul being introduced and Saw Gwenot and Samion smile at her. She glanced over to Glinda, who looked radiant and happy. At last everyone was ready and the music started. The ambassador bowed, Elphie curtsied and placed herself in his arms. He led her expertly into the waltz. Feeling surprisingly confident, she followed his slightest movement, gliding around the floor with grace. She flowed into a spin and back into his arms with ease
"You dance very well Miss Thropp"
"As do you Mr. Ambassador" Elphie replied
Glinda watched awe struck as her love moved around floor, She shimmered in the light, her movements smooth and elegant. She was captivated by the sight and felt a slight twang of jealousy.
At the last beat, and her partner's signal, Elphie was expertly dipped to a round of wild applause.
"Miss Thropp, that was a true delight" The man said sincerely leading her back towards Glinda
"I enjoyed myself as well" She replied slightly flushed
"May I have the pleasure of another dance later in the evening" He requested politely
"I look forward to it" She smiled
The dashing gentleman bowed and left
"Elphie that was fantastic" Glinda said
"It was fun, but I just can't get past the fact that I know this is more than it seems"
"I'm sure you are right, but that doesn't negate the fact that you looked unbelievable out there."
Samion approached the girls, followed by Robil.
"Are you ladies ready"
The music started as they were led onto the floor. Glinda danced with a bounce in her step in the arms of her Uncle, and Elphie comfortably settled into a rhythm in Samion's
Once again she was moving around the floor, but this was less formal, more familiar, and fun. They laughed and chatted and enjoyed themselves. Glinda breezed past Elphie and gave her a wink.
"Samion, am I required to dance the next dance?" Elphie asked she returned after a twirl
"No, my dear, I believe your official obligations end with me" He smiled
"This is no obligation, I would have requested a dance with you, had one not been offered" Elphie said with a surprising tenderness in her voice.
"I'm touched Elphaba, truly" He said as the music ended
He led her to where the rest of the family was gathered, and she was greeted with praise and admiration, as was Glinda.
"Us next Daddy" Glinda chirped
"Us indeed, my not so little little girl" He sighed
They re-paired, Glinda with her father, Jilla with hers.
"Elphaba, may I have this dance please," Pajul asked politely
"Pajul, I'd love to, but I'm in need of a brief break, May I postpone until later."
"Certainly" he said with disappointment in his voice
"Pajul, I'm no Elphaba, but I'd love a turn around the floor with my favorite son in law" Greda said
"Wonderful" He said and led her away.
"Did I acceptable decline?" Elphie asked Gwenot
She chuckled, "Yes you did, and you looked splendid out there, now let's watch Galinda dance"
Elphie suppressed a chuckle. Gwenot was a shrewd woman.
Elphie watched as the girl she adored drifted around the floor in the arms of her father like she was on a cloud. It was a breathtaking sight. The look of sheer delight on Glinda's face, made Elphie's heart jump. She watched, entranced, as they spun and whirled.
"She loves dancing with her father" Gwenot said
"It shows" Elphie replied, unable to take her eyes off of her.
At last the dance came to an end and the couples returned.
"Bravo Everyone, Bravo. Gwenot said and Elphie echoed. They all sat out the next dance and chatted casually. Hensign came and whispered something in Gwenot's ear.
"That's marvelous news." She said with a delighted look on her face
She excused herself and left with Hensign to great their new guest. As she left one of Elphie's scheduled dances approached her, and with a nod of permission, from Samion she went off to the dance floor with him. Brushing Glinda's fingers as she went by.
"Byjon! What a treat, I was informed that you could not attend" Gwenot said taking his hand.
They hugged and kissed as two old and dear friends do.
"My rose, you look fabulous, and your hair! Perfection." He gushed "Unfortunately, I can not stay for very long, but how could I miss my emerald ingenue's debut ball." He smiled
"Come, the girls will be thrilled, as am I"
Byjon entered the ballroom on Gwenot's arm to surprised gasps and applause. It was well known that Byjon rarely attended these functions. Glinda looked to see who was the cause of the fuss.
"Byjon!" She squealed greeting the tailor enthusiastically. What are you doing here?"
"I can not stay my pet, but I could not bear to not see my ravishing studious starlets one more time. And you look spectacular. "He said gently fussing with her hair "Did your father survive?"
"I did, but barely" Samion said "I hold you personally responsible for my little girl growing up" He chuckled hugging the beaming man.
"And where is my emerald ingenue?" He looked around
"She is on the floor" Glinda said pointing "And she is wonderful"
"That she is my pet, that she is" He chuckled
"Byjon, you remember my cousin Jilla" Glinda said taking her eyes off of Elphie reluctantly, remembering her manners.
"Ah yes Jilla, with the fiery tresses. You look grand tonight." He gave her a peck on the cheek.
Jilla blushed "It's so nice to see you again, may I present my husband, Pajul Newboron"
"Pajul, you are a very lucky man" He said shaking the man's hand
The end of the dance interrupted the introduction.
"Byjon, Here comes Elphie."
They both watched intently, although for very different reasons as Elphie walked towards them.
"Ah my emerald ingenue, you are magnificent" He gushed
"Byjon, hello" She said surprised, accepting his enthusiastic greeting "Here to see that I do your creation justice?" She chuckled
"Oh, my dear Elphaba, there is nothing more to do when perfection has been achieved."
She flushed deeply, Glinda giggled and nodded and Jilla simply rolled her eyes.
"Gwenot, my time is limited, but I would love nothing more than to dance with your daughter and her best friend."
"Ohhhh Byjon, how thrilling!" Glinda bubbled "Momsie?"
"Of course, of course"
"Come my pet, let us trip the light fantastic." He offered his arm to Glinda and leaned over to Elphaba.
"The dance is for my pleasure, the sight of it is for yours" He whispered and winked
They entered the floor and Byjon led Glinda in a spectacular tango.
"Gwenot, Byjon is a fantastic dancer." Elphie exclaimed
"He is a champion, but retired from it long ago. He rarely attends these events anymore."
Elphie was listening, but her eyes were trained on her love. The sight of Glinda laughing and gliding around with ease and grace transfixed her. The scene stirred Elphie's emotions in ways she could not identify.
All to soon the show was over. There was lots of applause as they left the floor, Glinda grinning from ear to ear.
"Byjon, that was so much fun, thank you."
"The pleasure was mine, and now it shall be yours, enjoy my pet" He winked at the blonde
"Shall we my emerald ingenue?" He offered his arm.
"The pleasure will certainly be mine, and I'm assuming hers as well" She indicated Glinda squirming around by her mother
Byjon laughed out loud "You are a clever and in love with a treasure." He said as they walked onto the floor
Elphie flushed deeply "Byjon, please" she sad quietly looking down.
"Oh no, my emerald ingenue" He said lifting her chin with his finger and looking directly into her dark eyes. "There is no shame in being in love. It is to be embraced, expressed and celebrated. Now let's celebrate!"
The music started and Byjon bowed deeply and with great courtly flourish. Elphie curtsied as deeply as she dared, chuckling. With a wave and a grand gesture he swept Elphie into his arms. It was quite a show; the iridescent green girl in the arms of the white tie and tails clad tailor. Elphie was at home in the genius tailors arms and dropped her guard a little. She focused and let herself feel the music, and they danced a nearly perfect waltz.
Glinda, still with her mother watched with unabashed adoration as her love swept around the floor with Byjon. It made her slightly sad that it wasn't her out there with Elphie, but only slightly.
"Momsie, She's amazing" She whispered her eyes following Elphie around the floor.
Watching her love laugh and seeing that rare radiant smile made her heart want to burst.
Jilla was watching this spectacle with interest "She may only know one dance, but she does it rather well. Aunt Gwen, Could you please request a dance with Byjon for me,"
I'll see dear, but he stated his time here was limited" Gwenot said calmly
While they were dancing Elphie hadn't noticed that the floor had cleared and when the music stopped she and Byjon were alone on the floor finishing their dance to thunderous applause. The partygoers knew it was a rare privilege to see Byjon dance again, and even more so with the stunning, exotic looking newcomer. Elphie wanted to flee, but Byjon bowed and acknowledge the crowd, and indicated Elphie should do the same.
"Accept your accolades my emerald ingenue, you deserve them" He whispered in her ear as the walked off the floor arm in arm.
Elphie was flush with excitement sand embarrassment as the rejoined the family.
"Well it seems we've had our spotlight dance" Gwenot chuckled "And a smashing one it was"
"This has been a fabulous treat for me, but I'm afraid I can stay no longer" he said looking a little weary. "Please walk me to the door my studious starlets."
"Byjon, thank you for coming, I know it costs you to attend these events, I'm thrilled you honored us"
"Gwenot, your Galinda is the light of my eye, and I am more than taken with Elphaba. I would not have missed this opportunity for all of Oz." He said sincerely.
"Now come my girls, escort me out"
He walked out in between Elphie and Glinda
"You two are fabulous, together and apart, it does an old tailor good to see such beauty."
He kissed both girls with true affection. "Continue to adore one another" He said quietly "And you, my emerald ingenue, remember what I sad to you."
With a wave and a courtly bow he danced out of the door.
"Well, that was exciting" Gwenot said excitedly "but now we could all use a brief break
I'm sorry you could not have your dance, Jilla but why don't you and Pajul go out to the terrace, it is lovely." She said trying to soothe the obviously disappointed girl
Jilla pouted a little, but took her husbands hand and walked towards the terrace.
Out in the hall Elphie and Glinda watched Byjon go. They were both giddy.
"Library!" Glinda said taking Elphie's hand.
They sat in their favorite chairs laughing
"Elphie, you have been amazing, you look unbelievable out there with Byjon.'
"That genius tailor will be the death of me, and what about you, you are magnificent, so poised and graceful, I'm in awe."
"Let's just agree that we are two amazing young ladies who look spectacular, and dance divinely" She giggled "What was it Byjon wanted you to remember?"
Elphie smiled. "He told me it was no shame to be in love." She gazed into Glinda's eyes and Glinda smiled back
They held that gaze for a long while, interrupted only when Glinda's mother came in to get them when the music started.
"Elphaba, the Ambassador has requested to have a beverage with you at the next break, and asked if I would act as chaperone, I'm confused."
"I'm sorry Gwenot, I should have explained. 18 is of age in Munckinland as here, but for a Descending Thropp it is nineteen. He is aware of this and is acting properly under the circumstances, although normally outside of Nest Hardings it is a non-issue."
Gwenot looked relieved.
"Please accept on my behalf, only if you will agree to chaperone"
"Of course darling, now out to the floor with you two, You have dances waiting"
Glinda rolled her eyes, Elphie sighed and they left.
They walked through the hall looking at all of the gowns, of every color and every style.
Glinda greeted people she knew, Elphie nodded to people she had been previously been introduced to. One gentleman stopped her and introduced himself
"It is a thrill to meet you Miss Thropp, I hope there is room in your schedule for a dance later on."
"If my schedule permits, I'd be delighted, but now if you will excuse me I am expected inside." She curtsied and the gentleman bowed.
"Certainly Miss Thropp".
As they walked away Glinda discreetly touched her fingers to Elphie's
"That was perfect my love," She whispered "Perfect"
They walked back into the glittering ballroom. The stars were sparkling on the ceiling; the lights were twinkling on the terrace and the lawn. The glow of the chandelier lights cast flickering images on the dance floor. In this environment Elphie and her dress were even more scintillating.
Gentleman bowed and women nodded as they past by. There was a dance in progress, another tango. Glinda and Elphie watched as exquisitely dressed people moved around the floor, the various lights playing off of ornate jewels. Elphie had never seen so much splendor. It was mildly intimidating.
They spotted Jilla and Pajul on the floor dancing in perfect unity
"It was after they danced this dance they decided to get married" Glinda grinned
"They are very good at it" Elphie said obviously impressed.
As the music was winding down, Gwenot approached with Elphie's partner. She re-introduced them, and presented him to her daughter and they engaged in small talk.
Glinda's father arrived with her partner and they repeated the ritual. As the music started the gentleman lead their respective partners onto the floor.
Elphie was dancing with the Chairman of the Frottica Bank. He was a competent, but unexciting dancer. The entire dance was spent trying to gain information on Munchkinland banking policies.
Glinda's partner was an athlete; an enthusiastic dancer who assumed a waltz was also a contact sport.
After the music stopped, Glinda's next partner was waiting. Smiling she accepted his hand and started to dance. He was a city official, who slurred his words and smelled of cigar smoke. Elphie's next dance was also waiting; they danced and chatted amiably. It turns out he was an apprentice apothecary, and had had a hand in mixing her oils.
After the dance was over, Glinda accepted another, but Elphie needed a break. She sought out any family member, but all were occupied except Jilla. Sighing she walked over.
"Jilla, I saw you and Pajul dancing earlier, you were fantastic" Elphie said sincerely
"You don't look so bad out there yourself" She smiled "Elphaba I'd like to introduce you to someone."
Before she could respond she was being presented, in proper form to a young man. He was captain of the guard for the Frottica police, a friend of the young couple's
They chatted politely until the current dance ended.
"Miss Elphaba, would you do me the honor of the next dance." He smiled
"It would be my honor" Elphie said formally
On her way to the floor she thought she saw Jilla smirk, and she got a little nervous.
When the music started and it wasn't a waltz, she had a moment of panic. Not being able to spot Glinda, she calmed herself quickly and accepted this as a challenge. She wasn't especially coordinated, but she was a quick study and could interpret signals. Paying close attention to her partner's steps, she matched them well enough, and in no time she was following along acceptably.
"I apologize for my lack of prowess with the steps. I am unfamiliar with this dance," She said smiling
"I could sense as much, would you care to stop." He offered
"If you can lead a complete novice, I am willing to continue" She smiled
She was determined not to cave into whatever Jilla had in mind.
They continued to dance, Elphie feeling more comfortable with the movements but less comfortable with the extreme nearness of the man.
Glinda saw her on the floor, attempting fairly well a dance she knew her friend knew nothing about. She was positive her mother did not arrange this, and even more positive that Elphie would decline an invitation from someone to whom she had not been introduced. That left Jilla.
She went to her cousin who was chatting with some friends, sipping wine.
"Would you excuse us please, she asked politely
"Jilla, did you arrange this?" Glinda asked
"Yeah, he is a friend, cute huh, we've got one for you too."
"Not now Jilla, but thanks"
The dance stopped and Elphie's partner tried to steer her out onto the terrace. Glinda walked quickly to intercept.
"Would excuse us please, Miss Elphaba has an obligation to attend too." She smiled pleasantly taking Elphie's arm, and walking into the hallway.
"Thank you Lyndie" She whispered
"I'm sorry that happened Elphie"
"It's fine, I adapted and the captain was very understanding about my missteps, It worked out" Her words were calm, but her face looked strained.
Before Glinda could ask, a group of her old school friends came over, talking a mile a minute. Glinda introduced everyone and the girls plied Elphie with questions about her gown and necklace and how she kept her hair so soft. Very girly things. Elphie answered them, enjoying the meaningless banter. They were talking about life at Shiz, when Gwenot approached the group.
"Girls I hate to break this up, but my two are needed inside."
Gwenot had their next partners lined up. Elphie, a local businessman and Glinda an architect.
"Please stay near, if you can" Elphie whispered as they walked onto the floor.
They danced and made small talk, Elphie catching Glinda's eye when she could. That helped calm her. When the dance was over. An announcement was made that the line dance would be starting soon.
Glinda excused them politely from their partners and took her to the corner.
"Elphie, what's the matter?"
"Nothing really, just to many strange men, and their hands. I'm Ok"
"Let's go to the library and talk," Glinda said looking concerned
"No need, I've managed to settle myself down, we'll talk later. Now tell me about this line dance thing, it's not like that one we attempted at the sing a long bar, is it?" She chuckled hoping Glinda would stop worrying
"Not at all" She knew her friend well enough to know that she was Ok for now "It's more like a group thing, where you switch partners a lot. The steps are easy it's fun. We can even start out together."
But Jilla had other ideas. She approached the friends with the captain and another friend in tow. She presented Glinda to a young police lieutenant.
"Let's all go dance." She said.
The music started and Elphie nodded slightly at Glinda. They took their partners arms and the six of them went on to the floor and merged in with the circle. The music started and Elphie realized that many people did not know the steps very well, and she relaxed. They did some steps with their current partners then spun and shifted and ended up with new partners. After several repetitions of this half the circle formed an archway, with each person holding their current partners hand, and the other couples dancing through, stopping at the end and continuing the arch as the couples rotated through. Elphie and Glinda were both on the arch to start with and they were both enjoying themselves. When the dance was over, intermission was called. The captain and the lieutenant found the girls, and Jilla suggested they go out on the terrace.
"I'm afraid I can not join you." Elphie said, "I have a commitment I must attend to. Galinda, would you accompany me please."
"Of course Elphaba, would you excuse us everyone."
They made a quick exit.
"I almost forgot about your liaison with the ambassador."
"I didn't. It's the first time I've been grateful for chaperones." She chuckled "I don't want you to miss out on time with your friends, so you do not have to join your parents if you do not wish too."
"Of course I will Elphie."
Gwenot was waiting to escort Elphie to the ambassador.
"Miss Thropp," He said bowing "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me"
"It is my pleasure," She said with a small curtsy.
He offered her his arm and they walked to a small table in the corner of the main hall. Glinda and her parents sat a discreet distance away, at another table, but still within earshot. The ambassador seated Elphie, then excused himself.
"Allow me to get us a refreshment" He clicked his heels and walked away before Elphie could say anything.
Glinda came over to her friend's table,
"Are you sure you are Ok, my love" She spoke quietly
"I am sure my sweet, I can be nothing else with you so near"
"I love you Elphie" Glinda whispered in her love's ear
"And I you" Elphie whispered back.
Glinda left as the Ambassador returned.
Elphie arched an eyebrow when she saw what the ambassador had brought for her.
"I'm a diplomat Miss Thropp, I have ways of gathering information about my opponent"
He said placing a glass of cold cider, no ice, in front of her, and sat down
"Opponent? Are we going to do battle Mr. Ambassador?"
"You tell me Miss Thropp" He chuckled lightly, light eyes twinkling
"Allow me to get back to you on that " She smiled
Glinda giggled at the exchange and was promptly and sternly shushed by her mother.
"Miss Thropp, I would like it very much if you would call me Harluc, or at the very least, Mr. Danim."
"I will consider that, but since I was not afforded the courtesy of time to research my opponent, I wish to ask you some direct questions, and I would appreciate direct answers."
He had been warned she could be difficult, and was prepared. He needed her help eventually, so he knew it was in his best interest not to alienate her.
"As you say, Miss Thropp"
"Who sent you here?"
"Your great- grandfather, now ask me a question you don't already know the answer too"
"Why did he send you here?" She looked pointedly at him.
"His Eminence knew you were here and when her received word of the ball, he wanted to see if you were inclined to participate, or if you would sulk about, as was your nature, so I volunteered to attend."
"And why would you do that?"
"I received some interesting and conflicting reports about you. Since we might need to form a working relationship in the future, I wanted to find out the truth for myself. "
"I see." Elphie said surprised and pleased at his candor. "What did you mean by might need a working relationship, is your term up soon?" She said feeling him out.
"Miss Thropp, I am not an idiot, Your reputation at Colwen Grounds is complicated, to put it mildly, and I am very well acquainted with your sister. But we both know this is neither the time nor the place for this conversation." He stared at her point blank.
"I agree Harluc, your research has been most through." She smiled.
"I am a mere diplomat Elphaba, in the service of the Eminent Thropp"
The music had started again and He asked her to dance.
"If your chaperone approves of course," He said
Elphie nodded towards Gwenot, who nodded approval. He offered her his arm and walked her back into the ballroom. Elphie decided that although she was still wary of his diplomatic intentions, she didn't feel she had anything to fear from him.
"I requested the Official Munchkinland waltz, which should be next, if you don't mind waiting"
"Not at all" She was happy, she loved that waltz
" Would you mind if I speak with my roommate a moment," She said seeing Glinda out of the corner of her eye.
"Of course not, and please ask her, If I could have the honor of the next dance."
"I will"
She and Glinda went to the hallway.
"Elphie, you handled him incredibly well, I'm so proud of you" Every bone in her body longed to hug her.
"I wouldn't have done near so well, If he had put on his diplomatic airs. Apparently he researched me." She laughed "We'll talk more later, He requested the Munchkinland Waltz. Next to our waltz, it's my favorite. Oh and he would like to dance with you. I'd accept" She winked "He's very good, but not as good as us"
"Elphie" Glinda giggled "Tell him I accept."
Elphaba went back to the ambassador as the music was starting. He bowed and she curtsied and they drifted off onto the floor, dancing even better than before.
"So does she approve?" He laughed
"We'll see after your dance together" She laughed also.
Glinda watched them dance, Her love was so exquisite out there. She wanted so much to be in her arms, dancing as they had before. When the dance was over they walked over to her and the ambassador took her hand
"I'm honored you accepted Miss Upland"
"I can't let my roommate have all the fun Mr. Ambassador" She smiled and went of and eased smoothly into a fantastic dance Elphie was not familiar with.
Elphie loved watching her move around the floor, and seeing her perform these new dance steps was exhilarating, and slightly confusing.
When the dance was over the dashing man returned Glinda to her.
"Ladies please excuse me, I have obligations I must attend to"
"I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one" Elphie chuckled
"Not the only one, but definitely the loveliest" He bowed and left
"Elphie, he was flirting with you!" Glinda said highly amused.
"No. He is a diplomat, he was being diplomatic" She chuckled
They both danced a more of their scheduled dances and chatted with groups of people, but spent little time together for the next hour or so. A dance lesson was announced and Glinda went in search of Elphie.
"Come on, this is fun, my parents teach a lesson right there on the floor. We can dance together!"
"Really?" Elphie said confused
"It's common for friends or unescorted ladies, as well as couples to participate, see" she pointed to the various couplings on the floor.
"My mother is a genius"
For the next half an hour or so, Glinda, Elphie and about 75 other people learned to samba. They got to hold each other and move together, and feel their connection. It was the best part of the ball up until then.
After the lesson, they parted and Glinda finished up her scheduled dances. Elphie chatted with Glinda's school friends, who were very envious of the one on one with the dashing diplomat, and wanted details. She had been avoiding Jilla as much as possible.
Glinda walked over to their little gabfest and joined in, then Jilla and her crew came over
"Come on cousin, Elphaba, it's the young couples dance, let's go"
Elphie went with the captain, even though her heart wasn't in it. She stayed as close as possible to Glinda and as far as possible from her partner. He danced well enough, but he was being very familiar. Glinda's partner was an excellent dancer and they did well together. Jilla and Pajul as usual, were wonderful. After the dance Glinda's mother pulled them aside for a moment to talk about their partners for the last dance. The others headed out onto the terrace. After they were finished working out the details Elphie looked at her love.
"Would you care to accompany me out to the terrace, I hear all the young people love it out there"
"Why Miss Elphaba, you're very brazen"
"Says the barely dressed blonde bombshell" She laughed and flushed.
Glinda laughed to and they walked out to the terrace and joined Jilla's group. They talked for awhile about this and that, and then Jilla and Pajul excused themselves and walked out on the lawn. The captain was talking amiably and respectfully with Elphie and Glinda was showing the lieutenant the architecture features of the terrace.
"Elphaba, I've had a good time with you tonight, you are a great dancer "He said moving uncomfortably close.
"You are as well," She said stepping back slightly.
They continued talking when she heard Glinda's voice,
"I do not appreciate that," She said in strained tones
Elphie looked over concerned
"Don't worry about her, he is very good with the young and innocent"
"What!" Elphie said appalled
She pulled away and made her way quickly over to Glinda arriving just as she was slapping the lieutenant's face.
"That was most ungentlemanly and I am appalled" The small girl said trembling.
Elphie put her arm around her and with great difficulty resisted the urge to bury her head in the shimmering shoulder.
"I think you should leave" Elphie told the surprised man in a cold and threatening tone.
Glinda's father had come out upon hearing the commotion. Elphie reluctantly transferred her love into his care and went to go find Jilla
"How could you set your cousin up with such a cad" She was furious, but spoke in calm tones
"Wanting to humiliate me for whatever reason, is one thing, but she deserves better"
She whirled and left, heading to the library where she assumed Glinda was taken.
Jilla was honestly stunned; she had no idea anything untoward was happening, if she had, she certainly would not have allowed it. She sent Pajul to talk to their friends and find out what happened.
The dancing continued most people unaware that a small fracas had taken place on the terrace. Elphie flew into the library. Glinda was sitting with her mother, much calmer.
Elphie walked over to them.
"It's Ok Elphie, I was not harmed" She said soothingly
Elphie looked miserable. Gwenot left them alone to talk
"Elphie, He didn't do anything but try to steal a kiss, I slapped him because he made a rude and vulgar comment about you"
"Me?" She was surprised
Glinda was ready to explain when Jilla and Pajul came in looking horrified.
"Galinda I had no idea, they were such cads, I'm sorry."
"It's fine Jilla these things happen."
"Elphaba, we'd like to talk to her alone if you don't mind."
Glinda nodded "Not at all"
She left and went in search of Gwenot.
"Well it wouldn't be an Upland event without some sort of disturbance, I'm so sorry it involved you and Galinda. I think it was all a big misunderstanding"
"Maybe" Elphie said unconvinced
"Elphaba, please try not to fret. Galinda will be unhappy if she knows you bare upset."
"I know, I know."
Glinda and her cousins emerged from the library, laughing and smiling.
"No big deal Elphie, it's all forgotten."
"Hardly" Elphie thought.
The ball was winding down, and last dance was called. Glinda was to dance with the mayor, and the ambassador had requested Elphie's it was a slow waltz and Elphie actually enjoyed herself.
"I'm impressed with you Mr. Ambassador, you candor earlier pleased me. When you are ready to let me know what it is you require of me, I shall be of a mood to listen." She smiled
"My dear Miss Thropp, I am going to fire my staff upon my return to Colwen Grounds, as I have been woefully misinformed as to your character."
"Don't fire them just yet, I'm sure I am as they have described, when I'm there." She gave her a look her could not interrupt.
They finished the dances in grand style, then formally parted company they went around saying goodbye to old friends and new ones. At last all the guests were gone.
"Elphie, Now I can sneak out to the terrace with my love"
They walked out to a secluded part of the twinkling terrace and spent time looking at the lights. Looking around to see if anyone was about, Glinda slipped her hand in Elphie's.
"This is my dream," She said gazing into the dark eyes of her love.
"The twinkling lights, the moon, the love of my life."
"And this " Elphie said kissing her softly in an unprecedented show of public affection.
When they parted Glinda looked deep in Elphie's eyes and saw so much love; she felt tears coming on. She thought of her love dancing, and laughing and smiling.
Taking Elphie's face in her hands, she kissed her. Not a soft chaste kiss that had become their lifeline, but a slow, passionate kiss. Startled Elphie pulled back slightly, then responded with equal passion. Holding each other close they shared their first long, passionate kiss. It that left them both breathless. Elphie stroked Glinda's cheek and Glinda pushed Elphie's hair from her face. Then they held each other for a long time savoring the feelings and emotions they were experiencing, appreciating the time alone, after a night of crowds
But they were not alone. Jilla, who had been looking for Pajul, saw the green girl kissing her cousin.