Everything began to change quickly then. At seeing Elphaba and Fiyero quickly turn from friends to lovers, seeing Boq and Nessarose quierly, contently date each other hurt Glinda to no end, seeing others enjoy things she took for granted. She threw herself into her school work, not able to bear watching her former friends happy.
She began to see that in many ways Elphaba had been right. There was nothing to Glinda other than skin deep beauty. Sure, she meant well, but what good did that do? She spiraled into herself, like a rose blossom curling back into the bud. Her studies became more important, only because it didn't hurt to think about history or sorcery or science. It wasn't long before Madame Morrible suggested she go to the Wizard of Oz- he was interested in youth, the teacher had said, and what with her recent academic sucess, who was a better candidate than Glinda?
So she traveled to the Emerald City alone, and quickly realised how corrupt Oz was. But in exchange for her magic, for her beauty, fir her public face, she would be loved again, she would be revered by Oz. All she had to do was be a sort of spokesperson for the Wizard. In return, she would have all she ever had wanted.
So, when asked, to join him, she said with a sick feeling in her stomach, "Alright, I will join you."
And so she became Glinda the Good. She couldn't see what was so good about it all, though.
---
Six Years Later- The Governess Of Munchkinland's Mansion
Nessarose Thropp sat at her desk- it had once been her father's. She played with the ring on her finger idly, staring toward the West, not knowing what she should do, a letter to her sister in front of her.
Dearest Sister, I don't know what I should be doing. I recieved a letter this morning, informing me that there would be new restrictions on minorities in Oz. Elphaba, the Wizard says that it's because not all citizen's are capable of the same work-like the Animals-He says they are to be restricted at University as well. I don't know what to do, and am afraid the diminutive Munchkinlanders are next. If they are, I don't know how to protect them. And the Animals! Elphie, I don't know what to do. And I thought you would be interested to know Miss Glinda was the one to write the letter. She didn't say a social word, but seemed so unhappy. But she should be fine, shouldn't she? I can't shake the thought that something bad is happening. Elphaba, do you think Doctor Dillamond's disapearence is connected to the new banns? It makes me nervous. Please write back soon. On a social note, I have to inquire about your Fiyero, how is he? And his father? I've heard that the Vinkun King is ailing. My regards. Your Loving Sister,
Nessarose Thropp, Governess of Munchkinland
She played with the paper and called for a made to deliver it, knowing it would be sometime before her sister wrote back. She had moved to the Vnkus, full-time when Fiyero had proposed marriage to her at the begining of the last summer. Now, the two of them were making plans amid political duties
Nessarose herself had married Boq the year following her graduation, and he had stood by her through her father's recent death.
She knew that Lady Glinda had been associated with several men since her elevation to power, but none had been long term. She wondered why this was.
Knock Knock"Come in!" Elphaba called from her desk where she had been idly reading.
Fiyero smiled at her. "Mail, from your sister, I think." He moved to sit down on the little couch in the edge of her room, and she went to sit beside him. "How are you?"
"Fine." Elphaba said a little too quickly.
He studied her. "Fae. C'mon now. I know you better than that. Is it the wedding?"
"No! Not at all." She made a face. "Well, its not getting married, it's the whole long dress and formaility of it."
He kissed her cheek. "It's fine. It will be fine. It's just going to be one insane day, and then it'll just be us."
"I like that part."
"Me too." He handed her the letter, and was on his way.
She read the letter and frowned, upset at what her sister said.
Dear Nessarose, Fiyero's father recieved word from the Wizard as well, and put bluntly, he refuses to honor the Wizard's demands. Lots of Animals from the City are coming to find safety. I'm afraid of what might happen, though I know I wouldn't honour the banns either. I'm afraid of potential action against us. I thought of Dillamond as well. I hope not. If so, things have been going bad longer than I had guessed. Glinda wrote our letter as well. She doesn't sound like herself, though I hardly know who she is anymore. I certaintly can't see her being behind the banns. She was never that calculated. Nessa, come here to visit us. We can make a decision about what to do about the Banns.. Munchkinland will be fine, I'm sure. Your's Always,
Elphaba
And so, Nessarose and Boq arrived at Kiamo Ko at the begining of Summer. The sisters sat in Elphaba's bedroom idly discussing her wedding plans. There was little to be decided, despite her reluctance to doll herself up and the actual wedding.
It was there, amid swatches of fabric that they had been informed that The Wizard had infact taken up against the Vinkus. His ultimatum was simple, Honour the Banns or else. Fiyero's father had chosen or else.
Everything was changing again and the only thing Elphaba was sure of was that Glinda was at the center of it.