Marriage Arrangements
The Next Day Morning...
Elphaba awoke from sunlight streaming through her window, casting a warm glow across her room.
The soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts and as she opened it, she was greeted by Galinda, radiant in a bright yellow dress that seemed to embody the very essence of cheerfulness.
“Good morning, how are you feeling today?” Galinda asked.
“Morning, I’m feeling better today,” Elphaba replied.
“Would you like to join my family for breakfast? Your father should be there too,” Galinda proposed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Sure! What should I wear?” Elphaba inquired, glancing down at her own attire, feeling a tug of uncertainty.
“I think you should wear something that makes you feel comfortable,” Galinda encouraged, her tone soothing.
“I have the dress I wore yesterday and the one with that school uniform vibe,” Elphaba replied, (recalling the outfit from the musical moment when Elphaba and Galinda sang their duet, "Loathing.")
“Is that all?” Galinda questioned curiously, arching an eyebrow.
Elphaba nodded slightly, a frown creasing her forehead. “I’m not sure what else I should wear…”
“Relax! It’s just a casual breakfast,” Galinda assured her, waving a dismissive hand.
“I don’t know…” Elphaba murmured, her doubts lingering like shadows.
“Okay, then wear the dress from yesterday! You looked good in it,” Galinda insisted.
Elphaba nodded in agreement, trusting Galinda’s judgment.
Just as Galinda was about to leave, she turned back with a bright smile, her eyes lighting up with an idea.
“Next week, we should go into the city together to pick out some clothes that will really suit you.”said Galinda.
“Really? You promise?” Elphaba asked, her heart lifting at the thought.
“I promise! Now, go get changed. I’ll be right here waiting for you,” Galinda said, pausing just outside the door.
“Sure,” Elphaba replied, stepping into the bathroom to change.
Once she was dressed in the familiar yet beloved dress, Elphaba emerged from the bathroom and out of the bedroom, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves.
Galinda stood there, leaning against the wall, her eyes sparkling as she admired Elphaba's appearance.
“Mmm... Galinda? I’m ready now,” Elphaba announced, her voice slightly hesitant.
Galinda’s gaze met hers, filled with admiration.
“Oh… you look absolutely stunning! Why didn’t I notice how beautiful you looked in that dress yesterday?” Galinda exclaimed, her voice brimming with genuine delight.
A smile bloomed on Elphaba’s face, and together, they made their way to the dining room, the warmth of developing relationship enveloping them.
Seated at one side of the large, elegant dining table were Highmaster and Larena, who shared a knowing smile, while Mr. Thropp sat at the opposite side, exuding a comforting presence.
Galinda glided over to join her parents, and Elphaba moved to occupy the seat beside her father.
“Good morning, my sweet daughter,” Mr. Thropp greeted her warmly, his eyes shining with affection.
“Morning, Father. Good morning, Highmaster, Larena,” Elphaba responded, her tone respectful yet tinged with a newfound confidence.
“Good morning! How are you feeling today?” Larena asked, her voice gentle, full of concern.
“I’m feeling much better than I did yesterday,” Elphaba replied, the truth of her words bringing a sense of relief.
Larena nodded thoughtfully, her expression serious.
“We would like to schedule the wedding for next Sunday. We want you to feel comfortable enough for the big day,” Larena explained, her tone compassionate.
“Thank you for considering my feelings,” Elphaba said, a grateful smile lighting up her face.
“It’s Galinda who suggested pushing it back to give you more time,” Larena added, glancing at her daughter with pride.
“Thank you, Galinda. I truly appreciate it,” Elphaba said, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“It’s no trouble at all. Where would you like the wedding to place?” Galinda asked, leaning forward, her curiosity piqued.
Elphaba glanced between Mr. Thropp, Highmaster, and Larena, feeling their support surrounding her.
“Would there be any chance it could be held in the forest that lies between both our countries?The forest village and the villagers are lovely.” she proposed, looking specifically at Galinda, her excitement kindling.
“I love that! What do you think, Mother? Father?” Galinda responded enthusiastically, her eyes glimmering with approval.
“I will honor my daughter’s wish,” Highmaster asserted a proud smile on his face.
Larena and Mr. Thropp exchanged glances and smiled in agreement.
“Yes!” Galinda squealed in delight, clapping her hands.
“Galinda, the butler mentioned that you wanted to take Elphaba to the city for new clothes tomorrow,” Larena said, her tone warm and inviting.
Galinda nodded eagerly, “Yes, I did.”
Larena continued, “ We would also like you two to pick out your wedding attire. The butler and Mr. Thropp will accompany you to offer suggestions and insights.”
The two younger women shared excited glances, their spirits ignited by the promise of a beautiful day ahead.
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