Letters From Home

Disclaimer: We do not own Wicked in any way, shape, or form.

Warning:

Author's note:

-xo-

To: Miss. Galinda Upland
Upper Uplands, Gilikin, 2486

From: Elphaba Thropp
Nest Hardings, Munchkinland 5783

Galinda, my sweet,

I admit that Ozpost is working faster than I imagined it would considering we're in different ends of Oz. Did you know that during the 'Great Draught' it took up to three weeks for people to receive their mail due to the strikes that took place and the Animals that were sacked? And during that time there was no Ozmail which meant that if you wanted something delivered in time, you have to deliver it yourself via horse. It was just something that came to mind. Don't any of your other friends write you; ShenShen, Pfannee, or Milla for instance? I learned to write in cursive writing when I was younger. It was something that Nessa took an interest in which meant that I had to sit the lessons with her... not that I regret it. You just need to work on being able to write large pieces of writing and for a long period of time. End of year exams are going to be a bit painful if you don't. The hearts that you occasionally put on top of your I's when you're thinking of what to write nextcould probably be left out too...

I guess I'm still not used to having friends. I was sceptical when the letter first arrived, but now I find myself looking forward to them... They are certainly a break from everything that goes on here in Munchkinland. You don't know what longhand is, Miss Galinda? It's ordinary handwriting in which words are written down in full as opposed to being typed or abbreviated shortened. I guess that would mean that Ozmail is classified as shorthand, which is when symbols or dashes are used in place of words and phrases. As the years pass, shorthand is becoming increasingly popular because it is quicker. I'll always prefer longhand though. And what about shorthand is stupid, my love?

Yes, honestly, Galinda! Holidays or not, studying is important! You're in University now, which requires more effort than High School ever did. I agree that we need to have time to relax but that doesn't mean that we can shirk our responsibilities. Of course I know how to relax... it's just that my relaxing involves a good book. I'll make you a deal – I'll relax in some form of way that doesn't involve a book if you can read a whole book by the time we return to Shiz. Can you do that, for me?

Of course that makes sense, my love. You've got your two different worlds. If you were to look at them as one, it might become too painful to remember those that you've left behind in your home. I understand that. I'm glad that you've started to enjoy your time at Shiz and can stand to be in the same room as me now as it will make the time go quicker. That and it's rather quite cosy comfortable in our dorm room with the fire and you.

Galinda, really? I just don't do bouncy. It goes against everything that I am. You could do with being less bouncy and perhaps a little more down to earth and focused... Just a thought. There is nothing wrong with worrying about your pink items, there are just more pressing things that you could be worrying about. Like, perhaps, the stack of school books that I just know you left behind at school.

I would have liked staying at Shiz had I have known that you were thinking of it. But as it turned out, I needed to come home due to family business. I would have much preferred to have been at school though. The business was just family business to do with my Grandfather and the near future, that's all. Nothing for you to give a second thought to, my love. Uh, Galinda, you do know that History is actually about studying the past? And if you were to pay enough attention you might actually find it quite interesting. Don't you want to know about the history behind your home? I find it beyond the realm of interesting. You should try to understand how important it is to know what came before us.

Please be safe whilst riding, Galinda. I wouldn't want to hear of you hurting yourself. I'm going to get lost in the local library for a while. Nessa is being increasingly bratty today and I think I need a break.

Awaiting your reply, but until then, study more!

Always,

Elphaba.