Authors Note: remember that the underlined sentences are things that have been written but then crossed out once our girls think better of it. Hope you're still enjoying the Letters. xx Sammichbatch.

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

From: Elphaba Thropp
Nest Hardings, Munchkinland 5783

Galinda, my love,

You're not looking forward to the start of school? Personally, I can't wait! Which you would expect nothing less from me, of course. Don't work too hard on the textbooks because you will burn yourself out by the time we get back to school. We don't want that now, do we? It's going to be a long year. I think I'm looking forward to quite a few things upon my return to school. Well, the books and study, but also the atmosphere (no matter how draining it can be), the trips to the apothecary and book stores, and, of course, you, my dear; but perhaps not all the perfume and bottles of colour nail polish scattered around the room.

Are you feeling any better since Ama Clutch's funeral? I know that it's still fresh, but it will get better with time. She's in a better place now, I'm sure. Once you get back to school your mind will be on other things and you won't spend as much time thinking about it.

I can't promise, but it would be good to spend some time together next holidays. We'll have to arrange it once we're back at Shiz. That is, if you don't freak out about the idea come closer to the time.

I can't believe that you didn't realize it soon either, my dear Galinda. Those people at school that you called friends; even combining them they have less potential than you do alone. Now you can surround yourself with the people that are going to help you, that are going to allow you to achieve your full potential; People who like you for you, and not for your beauty or wealth. Oh, it's going to be a good year!

You... you're allowed to do those things inside your house? I mean, your parents and staff don't mind? No one would be caught doing any such things in our house or it would be serious trouble – not that I would or Nessa could, of course. Oh, actually, it sounds exactly like something Shell would do. He's quite the trouble maker! Speaking of... I don't think I've ever mentioned Shell to you. Truth is, I barely hear about him since being at school. Shell is the little brother to Nessa and I. He's quite a bit younger than Nessa and he's always in trouble for something. Please don't be mad at me for never mentioning him; I didn't mean to keep him a secret. I'm not even sure why I did, really. We can discuss it more at school if you'd like.

I would love to watch you dive and swim, my love. I'm more than content to sit upon the sand or grass and just observe. I've never once had the urge to swim; never thought that I was missing out on something. I assume it comes with the water allergy, that it's something innate.

Nessa is coming to Shiz in the new school year. She's a socialite, like yourself, and loves attention, but she needs Nanny around her all the time. She's different than other people. Nessa has been paralysed from the waist down since birth – she's in a wheelchair. I'm not sure if she and I will be put in a room together, or if she'll be put somewhere more accessible, somewhere that Nanny can stay with her. For some reason it never really occurred to me! I'm still working on the argument for why you should stay in our dorm room; surely Madame Morrible will see reason. I'll always look after you, my sweet.

I'll try to answer all your father's questions as best I can. I'm no stranger to questions, you know that. I'm still just shocked. Not many people ever want to meet me, especially after they've been notified of my discoloration; unless of course they're overly curious. I'm sure I'll love where you live, Galinda. Anywhere up north is beautiful country, and I'm sure that given your family standing your estate is quite extensive and nice.

I'm so proud of you, my sweet, for looking past the petty things in life; especially when it comes to a prince. You need someone who can continue to teach you and help you be the very best that you can be. Not someone who just wants you on their arm because you're beautiful and not very opinionated. I've never really thought about any of this before, to be honest. I've always figured that I'd be by myself with some good books and a bright future. Oh please, I don't 'crush' on people, my dear. Besides, there are not many people that I've met on campus that live up to what I really want in another person (if I was to even consider the option of being with another person – or more importantly, if they were to consider me.) Have you met most of the people at school? There are not a lot of appropriate candidates. No one has ever told me that I have beauty before... Thank you, my love. If I think about it too much, I realize that you have a lot of the qualities that I've mentioned finding admirable in another person.

Please stay safe until I next hear from you, my sweet.
I look forward to your letter.

Always,
Elphaba.

xoxo