I'm back! Thank you for your patience. Here is chapter 23 of Reading the Sings. Tomorrow I'll post to my tumblr some references for dress Glinda wears.
As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and Critiques are welcome.
5/10/15
"Oh, thank Lurline, there it is!" Glinda exclaimed as she saw the familiar trees and paths at Caprice-in-the-Pines. Elphaba looked over her glasses from the book she was reading.
"Quite right, my sweet. There lies the source of so much anguish." Elphaba answered. Glinda huffed and swatted the green girl.
"That is uncalled for, Elphie."
"As am I. But your behavior has become less lady-like over the past few days. First wild exclamations and now physical violence? Disappointing." Elphaba replied, and dipped her head back to her book.
Glinda pouted. Elphaba's only response was to dig her hand into the bag of nuts at her side and pop some into her mouth. When she had just enough of being ignored, the blonde shifted to the other side of the carriage. Elphaba did not move but Glinda caught the slight flick of her eyes behind her cascade of hair, and the barest change of breathing. Smiling to herself, Glinda laid her head on Elphaba's shoulder.
"That makes it difficult to read." Elphaba said evenly.
"Why? I am not obscuring your urgent words." Glinda replied.
"Your weight is causing my shoulder to ache."
"What a terrible thing to imply."
"Weight is weight; there are no implications or subjectivity."
"You've been reading that same book since this morning, and being poor conversation."
"I am usually poor conversation."
"You're being beastly because you don't want to be here."
"The only manner of beast I am being is myself. Which, as you said earlier, is a terrible thing to imply."
"I shall be happy when we arrive."
"So as to be away from me?"
"So as to have you in a comfortable bed to myself. That should cure your beastliness."
"Were it so easy to cure me of other things."
"I wouldn't do it, even if it were." Glinda sighed. She felt Elphaba's skin warm.
"Such a silly girl with the silly things you say."
"Such a hard girl with all your points and facts."
There was a snort near her ear.
"I would think the world better if people relied more on facts than emotions."
"Such a silly thing to say, you silly girl." Glinda retorted. Elphaba snorted again.
"I do not particularly like having my words twisted."
"Then say them straight; for if you twist them I shall make them dance. Just I make your twisted lips dance against mine."
"You're falling asleep and not making sense."
"How often have I told you, Miss Elphaba; conversation is not about what is said, but going with the flow?"
"Never. You know I would consider it a preposterous notion."
"Hard and pointy, that's all you are. Though a bit softer now you eat."
"Hopefully it does spread to my head."
"Hmmm." Was Glinda's only reply. Elphaba glanced over, but the blonde had drifted off to sleep. Elphaba smiled slightly, content in her life as the carriage bumped along.
The unpacking was less chaotic than Elphaba had feared. While the boys stayed at a rented house not too far up the road, the girls had proceeded to the little house near Lake Chorge. The five girls had been here before, and quickly divided the rooms. Glinda had taken the room with the fireplace as it was the most romantic (and Elphaba would inevitable decide to read). Pfannee and Shenshen roomed together, leaving Milla alone in a small corner room. This suited the redhead just fine. The Amas cloistered together in another wing.
Glinda quickly went about unpacking her and Elphaba clothes, a whirlwind of action. Elphaba, on the other hand, was methodically sorting and placing her books along the empty shelves. Glinda came to the end of the clothing pile, and scrunched her face.
"Did you really have to bring it?" she asked in annoyance. Elphaba smiled but did not turn away from her books.
"I don't want to burn."
"You said yourself the sun doesn't burn you. You just did it because you hate fashion."
"I will not deny I hate fashion."
Glinda sighed but put the atrocious black hat near her own. The last objects were swaddled in old rags due to their delicacy. Glinda gently unwrapped them and held her breath. Though it silly, she still was in awe every time she saw her and Elphaba's wands near each other. Something about it sent a tingle of energy through every part of her body. Like the world warped around the two.
"Daydreaming?" came a smooth timbre near her ear. Glinda jumped. Elphaba was as light on her feet as a cat when she wanted to be.
"Nothing so wistful. Just thinking." Glinda replied.
"That's what I like to hear. About?"
"About how much life has changed, and will change."
"A very deep concept, my sweet." Elphaba purred and wrapped her arms around Glinda. Her hot breath tickled Glinda's neck and caused her to shiver. "It's very…attractive."
"Rae, what has gotten into you?" Glinda asked, and gasped as Elphaba placed a light kiss on her neck.
"I was pondering what you said early, about me be beastly."
"Oh? And what was your conclusion? Were you?" Glinda asked, and gasped again as Elphaba began to kiss down her neck.
"Then? Oh no." Elphaba murmured into her skin. Glinda huffed lightly. Sharp teeth sank into delicate flesh, causing Glinda to gasp louder. Elphaba growled. "Now, on the other hand."
Elphaba continued her trail of kisses to the nape of Glinda's neck, hot breath tickling fine hairs. There was a brief pause, and a slight noise of disappointment from Glinda. Long fingers traced their way up her sides and began to slip the confines of her dress. Both her shift and dress slid down past her shoulder but proceeded no further.
Elphaba took advantage of the newly exposed skin with her mouth. The soft kisses and nips caused the heat to race to Glinda's skin. Elphaba chased after it with her mouth, drawing a cool contrast to the flushed fleshed. Nimble fingers teased over the swell of her chest to draw a soft moan from Glinda. Elphaba drifted her mouth's attention back up to Glinda's ear, but her fingers continued to dance.
"How are you, my precious girl?" she asked huskily.
"Good." Glinda breathed.
"Then you won't mind me stopping?"
"Tease." Glinda whimpered. "You're being beastly again."
"Ah. Then I guess I should continue my beastly nature."
Elphaba slid the dress down past Glinda's arms, and the blonde reflexively withdrew them from the sleeves. The shift and dress were much too bulky to fall off the girl, but they draped now with only her bosom to support. Glinda whimpered again. Elphaba's hands went to the neckline, but rather than slipping the clothes off, spun the blonde. Glinda glanced up just quickly enough to catch dark eyes tinged with need before their lips met.
Elphaba's tongue teased across pink lips. They parted in supplication. The dance caused Glinda's knees to weaken and she wrapped her arms around Elphaba's strong neck for support. Elphaba leaned into the kiss, deepening Glinda's swoon. After a few long moments, the two broke part, chests rising urgently with the need for air.
Elphaba came back for another kiss, but her hands were not idle this time. Long fingers drew circles around neck, teased over the swells over her breast, and gently dragged nails down her back. Elphaba's mouth wandered down to capture the dainty junction of Glinda's neck and shoulders, and then down to her clavicle. The mouth traveled lower and Glinda held her breath. It danced perilously close, but then back up under her neck and chin to her mouth. A deep kiss that Glinda broke off this time.
"Rae, please." Glinda begged.
Finally, one hand descended lower, lower; until up it traveled past hemlines and stockings to the center of Glinda's radiating heat. Glinda moaned and Elphaba stole it away with her own lips. Elphaba's fingers had become expert in Glinda, and they played in harmony over Glinda's most sensitive zones. Delicate yet firm, they plucked the strings of pleasure as if a chord on a harp, and the sweet melody rang in Glinda's head.
It built to a crescendo but Elphaba never let the song of Glinda's pleasure escape for anyone but her to hear. Lips remained sealed as Glinda's began to alternatively tense and relax. All thought to remaining standing was gone, and one strong arm wrapped around her waist to support her. Glinda's vision dissolved as a wave hit her and she submitted to the will of Elphaba. The taller girl did not let the smaller go, continuing her ministrations until the blonde sagged like a ragdoll. Elphaba slowed and finally took her lips from Glinda's. The blonde's whimpers of pleasure came through.
"Rae, please." She begged. Elphaba nodded and stopped. Glinda sighed in relief. Blue eyes followed green fingers as they were brought to grey lips, and disappeared inside. Elphaba moaned deeply in pleasure.
"Delicious." she breathed, brown eyes meeting blue. Glinda felt the heat stoke again.
"Oh, Rae; you aim to kill me."
"Nothing so much; why would I destroy something I love so much?"
Tears came to Glinda's eyes, and she shook them away. Elphaba frowned, but her face slackened as Glinda pressed pink lips against green. After a moment of a deep, but not erotic, kiss, they parted.
"My turn." Glinda sultrily proclaimed.
Glinda stood in the middle of the room, basking in the afterglow. The blonde bounced lightly on her toes as she fixed her hair. Elphaba admired how every bounce sent ripples and jiggles across the pale flesh. After Elphaba's consent, Glinda had opted not to put clothes on, as she was doing more often after they made love. As the growing heat of summer neared, Glinda had moved away from her girlfriend so as not to irritate the green girl with her sweat.
There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Glinda singsonged.
"It's Pfannee. May I come in?"
"I'm not decent." Replied Glinda. There was a pause.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Milla spotted the boys' cab coming down the way. They should be here in about twenty minutes."
"Thank you, Pfannee." Glinda replied.
As they heard footfalls away from their door, Glinda moved to the closet. She pondered a moment, but then quickly began picking out clothing. Shooing Elphaba off the bed, she laid the two out. Hers was a gentle white with black striped with a built in stay and three quarter sleeves. Glinda placed it over her white petticoat. Elphaba's, on the other hand, was a dark purple dress of similar shape but full sleeves; no busk or stays, however. Elphaba arched an eyebrow.
"I thought the purpose of a vacation was to relax rather than to stay in the same conventions." Elphaba said.
"It's our first night here, so we have to have a bit of a formal get together." Glinda retorted.
"Why?"
"Because some of us are not culture heretics like you."
"Culture heretic? I like it."
"I knew you would. Now get in your dress. I still have to braid your hair."
"Can I wear my hat?"
"No. We will be indoors and it's not polite manners to do so."
The dinner was a bit of a subdued affair. The Circle had not yet recovered from their road weariness nor had acclimated to the gradually climbing heat. As such the group constantly fanned or fidgeted in their long clothing. The only one who seemed perfectly at ease was Fiyero, something they silently (or in Avaric's case, not so silently) cursed him for.
"I don't know why you require so much clothing here in civilized Oz if you can't take the heat." Fiyero finally said after another complaint.
"Well, we all can't run around bare-chested like some sort of heathens." Avaric replied with a smile.
"At the risk of sounding like you Avaric: why not?" Fiyero retorted.
"Why not indeed?" Avaric agreed with a smirk. The Amas in the corner made noises of disapproval but said nothing.
"Well, I for one would not do so. It is indecent." Milla said.
"Especially when there isn't much to see." Pfannee added.
"Miss Pfannee!" Milla exclaimed. Pfannee only laughed.
"Now, Pfannee, don't cast stones whilst you live in a china shop." Elphaba replied. Pfannee snorted.
"I could say the same for you, Elphaba."
"I'm not the one disparaging any breasts; women cannot control their size, and how big they are should not be an issue. A man should not only like a woman for her size; just like a woman should not only like a man for his."
"You seem to have a strong opinion for someone who likes the fairer sex." Avaric cut in. Elphaba turned to look at him.
"Only because you are so crooked do women seem fair to you." Elphaba retorted.
"I happen to agree with Elphaba." Fiyero reentered the conversation.
"You wound me, Fiyero. You think me so bent?" Avaric feigned hurt. Fiyero smiled.
"Not so much; more on the fact the all women are beautiful, and should be treated such."
"And see lordly Fiyero, gallivanting up in his shining armor and white horse." Elphaba added amused.
"You know, when you convert those to your position, you shouldn't immediately ridicule them for it." Fiyero retorted. Elphaba smiled.
"Your proclivity for scarcity of covering is well established, oh Great Hunter."
"Your inclination towards provocation is long known, oh Dragon of the East."
Elphaba arched her eyebrow while the rest looked at Fiyero amused.
"Dragon of the East?" Elphaba asked. Fiyero shrugged.
"I'm working on it. Figured I tried something as you have a penchant by calling everyone by affectionates."
"Perhaps some work."
"Well, I could call you by an Arjiki nickname, but it may be lost on you."
"Point taken."
"Why hasn't our Elphie given us nicknames?" Tibbett asked Crope.
"Yes, it makes me feel very put out."
"Who says I haven't? I just keep them to myself." Elphaba retorted.
"Well, where's the fun in that?" Crope pouted.
"Back to the topic at hand," Avaric cut in, "it is hot in here. How about we go for a walk?"
"I don't know if that is wholly appropriate." Ama Vimp cut in. Avaric smiled.
"But you'll be there with us. Nothing untoward shall happen." Avaric replied.
The Amas seemed to consider it, but then agreed. The Circle stood and made their way out the door. As the Amas were still present, they were not as free as they would like to be. Boq and Milla paired off, but the other couples had to shift partners. Avaric managed to snag Glinda while Elphaba paired with Fiyero. Tibbett managed to offer to Shenshen first, leaving Crope with Pfannee. Everything seemingly appropriate, the Amas nodded and the Circle went on their way.
Fiyero and Elphaba hung near the back while Glinda and Avaric nearly led. This allowed the chaperoned girls the appearance of keeping their Amas close. It also allowed Elphaba to keep an eye on everyone. Up the way, they saw Pfannee motion to Crope. He leaned down and she whispered something in his ear. He laughed.
"Not even in the slightest. Though I may be tricked with a blindfold." He answered loudly.
A more modest girl may have blushed, but Pfannee simply motioned again. Leaning low again, this time she whispered longer. Crope looked flustered (something Elphaba thought she would never see), and straightened up.
"What have you gotten me into, Tibbett?" he exclaimed, Tibbett just turned his head slightly and shrugged.
"Nothing that if you were quicker you'd be out of. Now, excuse me, Crope my dear, I was learning the better points of sword work. You were saying, my friend?" Tibbett replied and looked towards Shenshen.
"That's because there would be simply no point in it, outside of the great enjoyment." Elphaba's ears picked up Avaric saying. "An aristocrat does not cuck another unless it is to raise their position and decrease another's. As neither would happen, it will not happen. Unless, of course, it's more mutual."
"Then it will never happen." Glinda replied serenely.
"Then just do me a favor; never pick the Winkie. My pride couldn't bare it."
"You should not fret."
"Any interesting band we have." Fiyero said. Elphaba finally took notice of him. He had opened his shirt slightly, and she could catch the barest hint of his marks glinting.
"Quite. A strange band of ruffians they are."
"I shall miss this when I go back to the Vinkus."
"Are you traveling home for the summer?"
"No. It would take me most of the summer just to travel there and back. I'll be staying around Shiz and the Emerald City."
"You finish in two years?"
"One. I had a tutor for my first year in the Vinkus."
"Expensive."
"My father made sure it was a priority. He knows that the best way to increase the Arjiki's strength is through close ties to the City."
Elphaba thought back to the comments that Morrible had made not a few months ago, but said nothing of it. Not only the binding would not let her, but she could not breach the subject.
"A calculated move." Was Elphaba's reply. "But the City doesn't seem to be the most open to Vinkuns."
"Yes, but money talks. The Gillikin and Emerald City nobility like their furs and meats. While we currently only sell those that we hunt, the idea is to turn the eastern Vinkus into a grazeland."
"Very ambitious."
"Yes, and it won't be completed even in my lifetime. But for my sons it will leave a strong foundation; possibly strong enough to earn respect in the City s equals."
"Those of the Emerald City do not see any as equals, Fiyero. Even Gillikin. They just fear Gillikin for their banks. Look how they treat Munchkinland, or Quadling Country."
"Then I shall make them fear us."
"Do not be too eager, Fiyero. The Emerald City is quick to crush those it sees as threats."
"They won't come into the Vinkus. It's too big, and too far away from their roads and railways." Fiyero responded confidently. Elphaba felt her insides twist but said nothing. There was nothing she could say, and ultimately it would play out as it would.
"So how goes your classes?" Tibbett asked Shenshen. She perked up.
"Good! Quite well actually, I should say. Duran is an amazing swordsman and instructor." She answered. Tibbett nodded.
"I quite agree. I was a dolt with a saber, and now I'm passable."
"When did you start?"
"Just the beginning of this semester. I'm actually astonished I made it so far."
"Not to be frank-"
"I should hope you be Shenshen." Tibbett cut in. She shot him a look.
"But why do you want to learn swordsmanship? You don't seem the kind for it."
"My father requires of it of me. He says it makes for a proper gentleman." Tibbett made a noise of exasperation. "If he only knew. Besides, it helps with stage roles if you can at least fake your way through swordplay."
"I see." Shenshen said evenly.
"You do not approve?"
"The proper lady approves of the goal for a gentleman, and scorns the use for the stage."
"Ah. And the improper sword maiden?"
"She disapproves of you lack of commitment. Swordship is an expression of oneself."
"That very deep, Miss Shenshen." Tibbett said, raising an eyebrow. She smiled bashfully.
"That's Duran, not I. I never looked past the mechanics; the competition. He's shown me that to be a swordswoman is more than simply the moves. It is about expressing your inner self and shaping your world. It is why we start from ourselves only, and build from there. There are an infinite number of combinations and responses in any fight; to try to know them all is to set yourself up for failure. Instead, know yourself and what works for you. Feel it; let it become instinctual, and you will be great."
"More Duran?"
"Yes."
"You sound quite smitten with him."
"I'm nothing of the sort!" Shenshen protested aghast. "He is a very charismatic man, but he is simply too rough for myself."
"I'm sure Ama Vimp was pleased to hear that."
"I'm sure as well."
After their initial outbursts, Crope and Pfannee were discussing such topics that needed a hushed tone. Head bent downward, Crope was far too close for Ama Clipp likes even though she knew his tendencies. She would have been much put out if she could hear what they were talking about.
"So who is bigger: Avaric or Fiyero?" Crope asked.
"Avaric is longer but Fiyero is wider."
"Interesting."
"I thought so. But really, they're two different men. Fiyero is very powerful, almost overwhelmingly so. Avaric is that way when he hasn't been drinking, but when he has he becomes much gentler."
"Avaric?"
" Yes. Gentler may not be the right word; elegant may be a better description. He's still there in powerful way, but he seeks out and exploits out the little areas that make you weak enough to come undone."
"How strange. You'd think he would care less when he's drunk."
"I thought so too. Btu who knows? Anyway, you were wondering something?"
"You seem to be the girl to ask about technique."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Do. So I was wondering if you could give me any pointers." Crope said hesitantly. Pfannee giggled.
"Having bed boredom?"
"No! It's just I want to be better, you see. For him."
"What do you do, besides simple sex?"
"What do you mean?"
"Hands, mouth?"
"Oh both, of course!"
"Ok. I can't give you any advice on your hands, but there's a neat thing I've picked up when using my mouth.
"Do tell."
Boq heard the giggles from Crope and Pfannee, and shook his head. Milla looked at him sweetly in the eye.
"That can't be good." He said. Milla giggled.
"Probably not. But let them be. They seem to be having a time of it."
"Miss Pfannee's peculiar personality can sometimes be close to Crope's own."
"Now, Boq, don't judge so harshly. Miss Pfannee is from a stifled home, just like the rest of us. So what if she cuts loose while in school? It won't harm her chances any."
"Perhaps you're right." Boq agreed distantly. Milla did not like the look on his face.
"Just what are you pondering so hard now?"
"Me?" Boq asked, pulled from his thoughts. "Nothing in particular."
"I know that wrinkle on your forehead. What is it?"
Boq fidgeted for a moment as they walked, then finally acquiesced.
"Pfannee has a reputation of going after those near to her." He said softly.
"Yes." Milla replied in the same volume.
"I was wondering-"
"If she had gone after me?"
"Yes."
"I can say that she has."
"And?"
"Would it matter if I did?"
"Only if it were after we got together."
"Then do not worry."
"I'll try not to."
The two lovers continued their walk in happy bliss.
"So never, huh?" asked Avaric.
"Never what, Avaric? You have to be more specific."
"Never reconsider being with her?"
"No. Never." Glinda replied in a controlled tone.
"Even for your own advancement? A Magreavess is the highest one could hope for."
"Elphaba is all I ever have and will hope for." Glinda replied, the anger creeping into her tone. Avaric nodded.
"That's good. And what of her? Are you the same to her?"
"Why do ask, Avaric? Have your eye set on her?" Glinda redirected. Avaric laughed.
"Her? What a horrible wife she would be! Opinionated, contrarian, stubborn, hot headed, and with a distaste for manners."
"You didn't answer the question, Avaric."
"That I did not; but the question needs not answering, so why bother?"
"An interesting thought."
Tibbett rolled over. The barest light crept through the window. He groaned but the mousy brown mop of the boy next to him caused his lips to tug in a smile. The sheet had rolled down, exposing the lines of the shoulders as they dipped to the hips. The slight curvature at the end of those lines caused Tibbett's mouth to break into a full smile. He traced his fingers lightly down the shoulders to follow the curve of the small back and lower. Placing the barest of kisses along the shoulders, the other boy groaned.
"By Kumbrica's hairy snatch, Tibbett, why are you awake? And why are you waking me up?" Crope groaned. Tibbett laughed.
"Because, my divo, we have anarchy to arrange." Tibbett replied devilishly. Crope's head popped up.
"That's right. Do you think they'll be awake?" he asked nervously. Tibbett chuckled deeply.
"Not the way they were drinking. Farm boy always sleeps like a log, and the Aristocrat will still be slightly drunk."
"What about the Prince?" Crope asked. "He's very talented."
"I think we should be alright. Even the Lion sleeps." Tibbett answered.
"Then let's not wait then, dearest Prima Uomo."
The two boys quickly dressed in their shirts and breeches. Tip-toeing out of their shared room, they moved silently through the rented house. The other boys stayed in their own rooms. Avaric occupied the master suite while Fiyero had chosen the loft. Boq had chosen a simple room that looked out towards a small field. The two troublemakers made it to the kitchen where their first priority was.
The boys quickly found the bottle of cooking oil where they had seen it last night. Knowing they would be watched as they went to bed (as they were well known for their harmless but insistent pranks), the boys had not brought it with them. In fact, they had stashed the second part of their plan in one of the sitting sofas in the parlor. They rummaged in it for a moment before they pulled out their prize. A perfume bottle.
Not just any perfume bottle, but one of Pfannee's (or Shenshen's; they were not sure) many perfumes. Crope had snagged it when they were leaving the girls last night. He had not known what they would use it for, but knew it would be useful for something. Besides, it was not one she ever wore; of that both boys were sure. Most likely because it was an almost overwhelming powerful floral scent.
The two boys set about their plan. Creeping to Boq's room, they oiled the joints of the door. Adding some in the keyhole for added safety, the pranksters slowly opened the door. Heavy breathing was the only sound, causing the boys to smile. Creeping in, they went to the Munchkin's wardrobe and promptly doused it in the perfume. Halfway through, the realized the smell was quite strong. Worried, they quickly finished and crept out of the room.
The two boys went next to Avaric's room where the young heir was snoring profusely. Taking less care, they quickly repeated their actions. As they were leaving they heard Avaric mumble and froze. After a moment, the snoring continued, and the boys quickly crept from the room. They let out a sigh of relief after they shut the door. Steadying themselves, they went to the room that would be the hardest.
Creeping into Fiyero's room slowly, they heard no sound. Slightly unnerved, they looked towards the bed but did not find the young prince there. Searching the room, they wondered if they had somehow missed him. Crope finally spotted him, and nudged Tibbett. The other boy followed the direction he had pointed.
Fiyero had taken residence not in his bed, but on the balcony. He had folded the sheets over a rope he had procured from somewhere to create a tent like structure. He had draped his Vinkun poncho over the top of him, but that was all he had slept with outside of a pillow.
Tibbett shook his head at their friend's peculiar ways, but nudged Crope. They went about the business of perfuming the young Vinkun's clothes. When they met the traditional clothing of hides and colorful patterns Fiyero had brought with, neither boy had the heart to do it. Instead they crept out of the room, their mischief managed. They did not see the young man crack open one eye, smile, and then go back to bed.
"Why do you all smell like you just came straight from a whorehouse?" Elphaba asked as the boys met them the next day. The Amas looked aghast at her tactlessness, but the females were all in agreement.
"Someone snuck into our rooms last night and sprayed our clothing with this perfume." Avaric grumbled. Elphaba cocked an eyebrow and then looked at the mischievous pair.
"I am shocked you would suspect us, Miss Elphie." Tibbett sniffed. "We ourselves smell just like the rest."
"You two always smell like you come from a whorehouse." Elphaba countered. The duo looked dismayed.
"We smell much better, thank you!" Crope protested. "Why not look to our princeling? He is the only one who does not reek like the rest of us."
"That is because unlike the rest of you, I did not sleep in until the sun was high." Fiyero replied. "I had plenty of time to clean one pair of clothes."
"You do smell rather different though, Fiyero." Glinda said as her delicate nose picked up the slight spice in the air. He looked a bit bashful.
"I figured with some much…femininity in the air I should try to counterbalance it." He answered.
"While I'd like to give you my opinion, the overwhelming perfume does not allow me to do so." Glinda ended.
"So what is the plan for today?" Avaric asked "Rowing? Riding?"
"A ride would seem nice. Perhaps we could arrange one after brunch?" Shenshen said. The other girls seemed somewhat wary, as did some of the boys.
"Perhaps a coach ride." Glinda suggested. Shenshen pouted but acquiesced. "Then it's decided. I'll write the note while you ring the staff for brunch."
This chapter covers the date of the 11th of Wanespring.