"Sweet. Oz." Glinda gasped as she walked beside Elphie down the richly appointed hallway.

She held onto her own hand to keep from slipping it into Elphie's. It was very early and the lights were dimmed, but she gaped at the wall hangings, paintings, statues, as well as the archways, moldings and ceilings.

"Your Excellency, you are aware the ambassador needs to see you as soon as possible." Miss Gruity said as they headed up the magnificent staircase.

"I am. You can tell him that I will meet him in about an hour." Elphie said unenthusiastically.

Miss Gruity nodded and motioned to another woman, who was walking with them, who hurried off.

"Glinda, I think…" She looked over to her love, who wasn't there.

She looked around wildly then saw Glinda at the bottom of the steps looking in wonder at the banister carvings.

"Wait a minute Miss Gruity, we've lost someone." She chuckled quietly heading back down the stairs.

"Glinda, you should probably stay with the tour group so you don't get lost." She said with a smile.

"Elphaba, this is extraordinary. " She breathed, running her hand along the banister as she followed Elphie back up the stairs.

"Miss Gruity, if you have time would you mind taking Glinda on a tour of the palace. Architecture is somewhat of a hobby for her, and I think she is impressed." Elphie smiled.

Glinda nodded vigorously.

"I would be happy too." The woman smiled.

"Thank you!" Glinda bubbled.

Elphie saw her gives a little wiggle of excitement and her heart melted. All of a sudden she wanted to go home. Upland Manor home.

We can start right now. We are in the family wing." Miss Gruity said when the reached the top of the stairs.

"Down that hall is the apartment, private conference room and office of His Eminence."

"How is great grandfather?" Elphie asked not really caring

"Anxiously waiting to meet Miss Upland."

"I'll bet." Elphie muttered.

"Here is the suite that Miss Nessarose shares with your Nanny. And across the hall is the room your father is currently occupying. This is your brother's room." She pointed to a door a few down from her father's.

"He visits every so often and likes this room for some reason. This is the family parlor and dining room. There is a small kitchen in back as well as a sunroom." Miss Gruity said as the passed through a large open area, with a fireplace, and various types of furnishings, all very elegant.

They walked around the corner, and stopped at a set of double doors.

"Here is your and Miss Upland's suite." She opened the doors into a large parlor, with more elegant furnishings.

"This is beautiful." Glinda said.

"Yes, it is." Miss Gruity smiled.

Glinda walked around and took in the furnishings and architectural features of the room.

"Your Excellency, would you please sit with me for a moment, I need to go over some things with you."

"Certainly Miss Gruity, but I need to ask something of you." She said sitting on the divan.

"Anything Your Excellency." The woman said sitting in a chair near her.

"Please, call me Elphaba, or Miss Thropp. I can only take so much Your Excellency." Elphie said calmly.

Miss Gruity looked chagrined. "Of course Miss Thropp. I apologize."

"No, no please do not apologize. I am uncomfortable with such titles, I always have been. I know you are acting properly, but I would consider it a personal favor." She tried to sound friendly.

"Of course Miss Thropp."

"Elphaba, the bathroom in the master bedroom is unbelievable, the tub sinks into the floor!" Glinda said coming out of one of the rooms.

"It is wonderful isn't it." Miss Gruity said. "That is Miss Thropp's room…"

"Oh no. Miss Gruity please put Glinda in that room. I have no need of a big bedroom and I am sure you have been informed, I do not require a tub or sink."

"As you wish Miss Thropp." The woman said uncertainly.

Glinda sat down in another chair and smiled warmly at Elphie. Her love looked stressed

"Ah here is Devi." Miss Gruity said indicating the woman who just entered the room.

"This is Devi, your personal maid."

"Welcome Your Excellency." The woman said curtsying.

"It is very nice to meet you Devi." Elphaba said with a smile.

"Devi, This is Miss Glinda Upland, She is Miss Thropp's best friend, roommate and traveling companion. She will be in the Master bedroom."

"Miss Upland, it is a pleasure." She said with a small curtsy.

"For me as well Devi." Glinda smiled.

"Devi, would you please go run Miss Upland a very hot bath. We have had a long trip." Elphaba asked politely.

"Of course Your Excellency, right away." She scurried off into the master bedroom.

"Miss Gruity, may we finish our conversation in a moment. I wish to speak with Glinda before I go."

"Of course Miss Thropp, I will be in the office, right over there." She pointed to a door and walked away.

Glinda sat with Elphie.

"Wow." Glinda said.

"I know. Glinda, take a long bath then take a nice nap. I am reasonably sure we will be meeting the family for lunch, and you will need all of your strength."

"Alright Elphaba. That does sound good." Glinda looked into her love's eyes.

"Please do not leave the room, not even with someone. I do not wish you to run into anyone yet. Please."

"I will stay right here, possibly in the tub." Glinda smiled.

"Thank you. I have to go. Enjoy your bath." Elphie returned her smile, but weakly.

She got up and smiled at her love.

"Enjoy your meeting!" Glinda giggled as she skipped off to her bedroom.

Elphie saw that Miss Gruity directing the porters. She assisted her by pointing out which bags were Glinda's and which were hers. The porters were in awe of her and kept bowing. When everything was sorted out she accompanied Miss Gruity into the small but lavish office.

"This is your private office, if you should require it. You have another downstairs."

"I do?" Elphie said a little confused.

"The heir apparent does, yes. You will be meeting the ambassador there."

Elphie sighed and sat down in a chair.

"Please tell me about Devi." She said quietly.

"Devi is on temporary loan out from the household of a good friend of mine's parents. I have known her since I was young. She is head housekeeper there, very professional and discreet and not easily intimidated or unduly impressed with power. She has seen it all and she is also very excited to be in service to you. Her room is directly across the hall."

Elphie raised her eyebrows.

"I mean no disrespect Miss Thropp, but you being here now, your ceremony and reception are a very big deal and very exciting. Not everyone is against you." She said with deference in her voice, and a little fear.

Elphie looked at her closely.

"Thank you Miss Gruity, I appreciate that. Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Yes, I am also on loan out. I have been temporarily reassigned as your personal assistant. The ambassador thought that would be the best way for me to keep a handle on things for you." She smiled.

"Thank you. I do not want Glinda to be alone while she is here, ever. May I make some requests before I go, do I have time?"

"You do." She picked up a pad and smiled.

"I know I am going to be very busy from here on end, everyone is going to be clamoring for my time."

The woman smiled

"Glinda knows this as well, but if she tells you she needs to see me, not matter what I am doing, she takes priority."

"Alright. Next?"

"Do you know anyone who owns a salon?"

"A salon? Yes, I do."

"I would like to arrange for salon type things for Glinda, Nessa, Nanny, you and myself if I have time, for tomorrow, between the ceremony and the reception. As a treat."

"Salon type things?" Miss Gruity was not sure she understood.

"Manicures, facials…I don't know, I've only been to a salon once. Oh and make sure that she brings mineral oil, for my manicure." Elphie said.

"Mineral Oil?" The confusion in her voice was evident.

Elphie sighed. "I was going to surprise Glinda with this, but maybe you should talk to her about it, about me in general. Trust me it will help."

"As you wish Miss Thropp, but now we need to go." Miss Gruity said uncertainly.

"No, I'll find my way. Please check on Glinda, make sure she has everything she needs" Elphie said.

"Miss Thropp, I do not wish to contradict you, and I will stay if that is your wish, but the ambassador and I both explained your wishes to Devi very thoroughly and she understands completely. Miss Upland will

Have everything she needs, and requests and she will never be left alone, not even in here."

"You are correct Miss Gruity, I apologize." Elphie said unhappily.

"Please do not apologize to me Miss Thropp." The woman said shocked.

"Miss Gruity, I value directness. Please always tell me what you think I need to hear, even if you think it is not proper to do so. If you need my leave to do so, you have it. I expect it from the ambassador and from you as well. I do not think I can function otherwise."

"Then I shall do as you ask. The ambassador is waiting." She smiled.

"Thank you." Elphie sighed.

"Miss Thropp, I may, eventually be able to call you Miss Elphaba. It takes awhile to undo some kinds of training. But I would consider it an honor if you would call me Fruoa." She smiled.

"I understand the undoing training problem and if you can try, the least I can do is try also." Elphie returned her mile, wishing she fully felt the emotion it conveyed.

While Glinda soaked in a very steamy tub, with some of her purple bottle mixture mixed in, Devi was out putting her things away. She sighed at the wonderful soothing water and she felt better. It had been a long, intense journey and she really needed this. She couldn't believe how opulent everything was here. It made her nervous, and she was accustomed to a certain measure of finery. For a long while she thought about the trip and the things they talked about, including Jacol and the no affection edict. She was very glad they were only going to be here a few days.

"Excuse me Miss Upland." She heard Devi outside the door.

"Yes Devi?"

"I have put away your things and prepared your room, I am now going to do her Excellency's. If you need anything, just pull that little cord by the tub."

"Thank you very much Devi, I will." Glinda said.

Elphie had gone to great lengths to see that she was protected and taken care of. She hoped that someone was going to be protecting and taking care of Elphie, since she was not in a position to.

She soaked for awhile longer, washed her hair then climbed up and out of that wonderful tub. After she had dried off, put on fresh clothes and put her hair in a ponytail, she wandered out of her room. She looked around for Devi, and finally saw her in a small room towards the back of the suite.

"Excuse me Devi?"

"Miss Upland? Why didn't you ring?"

"I'm sorry it seemed unnecessary." Glinda smiled. "What is this room?"

The older woman chuckled. "It's called a maid's closet. They are common here, but are usually not this big, or furnished. Now, what can I do for you?"

"I am under house arrest." Glinda chuckled. "Would it be possible for me to get something to drink before I take a nap.

"Of course, what would you like, I can keep your and Her Excellency's preferred drinks on hand, here in the icebox."

"Oh, that is grand. Cold water is fine for me, Elphaba prefers cider, and please call me Glinda."

"I'll take care of it right away Miss Glinda"

"Thank you Devi. And Devi, I am positive that Her Excellency will be much happier, much more comfortable, if you call her Miss Elphaba, or at least Miss Thropp. She does not care for formality and hates to be catered too. She values directness and is not offended by it. Honest."

"As you say Miss Glinda." The women smiled, nodding with understanding.

While the maid was getting her a drink, Glinda wandered into Elphie's room. Her oils were laid out on her dresser with her brush, hair dust tin and soft cloth. The room was decorated with many fine and beautiful things, but it lacked warmth.

"Oh my love, it will all be alright. It has to be." She whispered.

She went to the closet and selected something for Elphie to change into and laid it out on her bed, with appropriate stockings and boots. Then she went into her own room, where a glass and a pitcher of ice water were on her nightstand.

"Thank you Devi." Glinda called after she took a long drink of cool water.

"You are welcome Miss." The woman called back with a chuckle.

Glinda settled in her bed, held her doll close and drifted off to sleep, thinking of waltzing with Elphie.

Elphie had settled in down in her office, with the ambassador. They got the pleasantries out of the way and were starting to get down to business. Miss Gruity had gone to get coffee and something for Elphie to eat.

"Now, why did you need to see me so urgently?" She said tiredly.

"To make you aware, before you see Nessarose, that she is going to try and talk you in to staying here, to tutor her. With your great-grandfathers blessing."

Elphie sighed. She was hardly surprised at this; in fact she had been expecting it. Miss Gruity had poured out coffee for everyone; adding cream to Elphie's as she had seen Glinda do at Shiz.

"Thank you Miss Gruity." She smiled slightly.

"Do not worry about Nessa Harluc, I can handle her."

"Your family is on her side." He said.

"Aren't they always." She sighed.

She sat for a moment sipping coffee, and collecting her thoughts.

"Harluc, Is this room private?" She said after a time.

"Very."

"Good. Something happened before we left Shiz that you should be aware of."

She proceeded to tell him everything that had happened with Jacol. She started with meeting him right after returning from spring recess and his continuing fascination with her and her title. She explained the various incidents in which he had cornered Glinda for one thing or another and her responses. Giving emphasis to what happened right before they left Shiz.

"He is blackmailing your best friend? For money and sex. That is abominable!" He said angrily.

Elphie flushed and nodded, feeling angry again.

"Apparently he is going to be here for my ceremony. He seems to think he can get into the reception. He also seems to think that Glinda will meet him at some Inn near here.

"Well I assure you that will not happen." The man said confidently.

"What information did he say he has."

"Just the fact he knows I have money and am allergic to water is troubling to me. But he does know something that is even worse."

She got up and started pacing.

"I was never planning on making this known, at least not any time soon." She sighed.

"It seems as though I have manifested magical abilities." She said quietly.

"What?" The ambassador said.

Elphie went and got a candle from the mantle and put it in the table in front of him.

"Flama" She murmured, moving her fingers over the candle.

"This man found out you are a sorceress. You are a sorceress?"

"I am not a sorceress. Apparently, according to two very reliable sources, I am a witch."

"A witch." He said only mildly surprised.

"No one was more surprised than I, Harluc. I have no interest in magic; I do not even like it. I rarely perform it, except to help or amuse Glinda, and then only in the privacy of our room."

She proceeded to tell him about the sorcerer's picnic, the near tragedy with Dani and what she had done.

"That is the only place he could have seen me do anything, but he would have had to be focusing entirely on me to realize what I was doing."

"Are you powerful?"

"According to Glinda's mother I am. Only her family and two friends from Shiz know about this.

"Thank you for telling me this, I know it could not have been easy for you. But it was the right thing to do. You said he has something even more damaging?"

"According to Glinda." Elphie sighed.

All right, we need to find him and question him. With any luck he is a part of the cell here, or at least can lead us to them. We will stop this Elphaba, before it gets out of hand."

"May I go now." Elphie said simply. "I am assuming I have lunch scheduled with my family."

"You do." Miss Gruity smiled. "First, may I clarify this information?"

Elphie nodded.

"This man's name is Jacol Koiy, he transferred to Shiz from Emerald College and he was born and raised in Bright Lettins."

As far as I know." Elphie said.

"Miss Gruity could you please let Mister Kwenyo know that we arrived safely and arrange for us to see him some time before the ceremony."

"Of course, I'll arrange it now."

"Thank you Harluc for asking him to escort Glinda, it was a perfect idea."

"I thought you would approve." He smiled.

"And Fruoa, thank you so much for all the work I know went into those travel arrangements." Elphie's voice was tired and stressed, but sincere.

"It was my pleasure, truly Miss Thropp."

"After lunch, you may have some private time to speak with your sister, then your great-grandfather wants to meet with you. I'll come and get you." The woman smiled.

"Thank you, I am going to freshen up and try to relax a little before lunch. I'm going to need all the help I can get." She sighed.

"I'll see you later this afternoon Elphaba. Please try and remember, we are on your side here." The ambassador said.

"I know."

She sighed and walked out.

She walked up the back steps, to avoid running into her family. Figuring Glinda was still sleeping; she flopped down on the sofa. She sat there rubbing her head and trying to clear her mind.

"Hello Miss Thropp." Elphie jumped at the quiet voice.

"Oh Miss, I am so sorry I frightened you." The woman said.

"No need for apologies Devi, I startle rather easily. Is Glinda asleep?"

"Yes Miss, She soaked in her tub, and then went to sleep. I think she laid clothes out for you before she did." The woman chuckled.

"She does that at school as well." Elphie thought she might be able to like this woman.

"Devi you may go now. I am not going to leave the room until Glinda and I leave to have lunch with my family."

"As you wish Miss. May I get you some cider before I go?"

Elphie arched an eyebrow. "Thank you, please."

The woman hurried off and returned moments later with a glass of very cold cider with no ice.

"Miss Glinda told me." She smiled. "There is a pitcher in the icebox in the maids closet, if you'd like more. If you need anything else, please just pull this cord. " She indicated a tasseled rope hanging from the ceiling near the fireplace.

"It rings in my room. I am here to look after you girls, to see to your needs. And with all due respect Your Excellency, I intend to do just that." She smiled.

"Thank you Devi. I appreciate that."

"Your things are unpacked in your room. I'm across the hall if you need me."

Elphie smiled and nodded. She liked this woman.

Elphie took her glass and went in to her designated room to bathe, saw the clothes Glinda had picked out and smiled. As she bathed and cleaned her hair she tried to prepare herself for her family, especially her father. Everything changed for her when she read his writings, when she found out how he thought. She was positive she could hide her feelings and act as she always did, but it irritated her that she had to. She knew today was going to be a long hard day, and all she wanted to do was get it over with, so she could face the long hard day she was going to have tomorrow. After she put on the outfit Glinda had selected, the dark blue with the white eyelets that they had bought on their ill-fated shopping trip, she looked at herself in the mirror.

"Glinda knows who you are, maybe that's enough for now." She sighed.

Elphie slowly opened the door to Glinda's room. She saw her love curled up on the big bed with her doll in her hands, surrounded by frills and finery. It suit her, she was beautiful. She walked over to the bed, but did not sit down.

"Glinda, wake up. Glinda."

"Elphie?"

"I am here. It is almost time for lunch."

Glinda sat up and looked at Elphie, a slight pout forming.

"I don't like to be awoken like this. I want my trusty alarm." She yawned.

"Glinda you know I can…."

"I know, I know. Don't fret, I'm fine. But can you at least call me Lyndie when we are alone?"

"Go get cleaned up, Lyndie."

"Mean green thing." She whispered, hurrying into the bathroom.

Elphie sat on the bed and watched the girl she adored brush her hair and wash her face, things she had seen her do hundreds of times.

"Hold onto this Elphaba." She said to herself.

Glinda came out after a few minutes and made an unhappy clucking noise.

"Would it really break protocol to put your hair in a ponytail?"

"I will check with the ministers." Elphie smiled slightly, taking down her bun.

She borrowed Glinda's brush, which she had done on occasion, and brushed it out.

"Do you possess any simple, dark hair pulls?"

"I started carrying some for emergencies." Glinda grinned, handing her a plain black band.

"One day, we are going to have to discuss your definition of emergency." Elphie said putting her hair up

"It's Ok if you are a little nervous about meeting my father." Elphie said after they had settled in their parlor.

"I know, and I am. But I had too eventually, so now's a good time as any. Are you alright?"

"I can affect whatever I do not feel, which is mostly everything. So yes, I am fine."

"That is not amusing Elphaba." Glinda said.

"I did not mean it to be. Come, we should go."

"You look good Elphie, you really do."

"It will not matter, but thank you." She smiled at her love.

They walked down to the family parlor and thought they were the firsts ones there, until Glinda saw a boy by the windows.

"Is that your brother?" She whispered.

"Shell?" Elphaba said and the boy turned abruptly.

"Shell, you have grown taller." Elphie said going over to him.

"Elphaba, you look…different. You look good. University must like you."

"Thank you, I think." She smiled at her not so little, little brother.

Glinda was amazed at how much Shell looked like Elphaba. He had the same black hair and eyes, and similar, but softer facial features. He was a handsome boy. Eleven years old if she remembered correctly.

"Shell, may I present my best friend and roommate, Miss Glinda Upland."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Shell." Glinda said happily.

"I am happy to meet you too Glinda. How Elphaba dragged you here I'll never know." He chuckled.

"Shell…" Elphaba started to admonish.

"Elphie!!" Glinda heard a rather insincere type of squeal and saw a very pretty girl in a wheelchair being pushed in by an older, woman, whose expression she could not read. The girl looked nothing like Elphie, with brown hair, light eyes and delicate features.

"Hello Nessa." Elphie said going over to great her sister with a kiss and a hug, of sorts.

"Nanny, I am so happy to see you." Elphie said with a hint of sincerity.

"Do not try and make nice with me Elphaba Thropp. I am rather put out with you for abandoning me for so long." Nessa said indignantly.

"Nessa, Nanny." Elphie said ignoring the outburst in a practiced manner.

"I would like you to meet my best friend and roommate, Glinda Upland."

"I am very pleased to meet both of you, I have heard so much about you." Glinda said taking Nanny's hand then Nessa's.

"I am pleased to meet you too. " Nessa said. "Great-grandfather said that Elphaba had a roommate who seemed to be able to tolerate her…oddities."

"Nessa darling, be nice." Nanny cooed. "Welcome dear. I am pleased you could come."

They settled into chairs and on the sofa to chat while they waited.

"Nessa." Glinda said nicely. "I am rather fond of your sister's supposed oddities. I find them unique and charming."

"They can have a certain appeal." Nanny smiled. "Always with her nose in a book and mumbling, that one."

"Nessa." Elphie said, changing the subject. "I hear you have some exc…"

"Papa!" Nessa said excitedly. "Elphaba finally came home."

"Father." Elphie said going to kiss the bearded cheek.

Glinda saw a man slightly shorter than Elphaba, with a long white beard and hair. He looked to be around fifty years old. He had light eyes, but did not resemble any of his children.

"Hello my little Fabala." He said taking his daughter's hands in his. "It has been far too long."

"Father, this is my best friend, Glinda Upland. We are also roommates."

"Glinda this is my father, Frex."

"Glinda, I am so pleased you consented to make the journey. I have been looking forward to meeting the girl who befriended my daughter."

"I have been looking forward to coming here and meeting Elphaba's family Mr. Frex." Glinda said truthfully.

"Oh no Mr., just Frex, I am a but a humble preacher."

"Papa!" Nessa huffed.

"Oh yes, hello my precious Rose. How was your morning?"

He went over and kissed his daughter warmly and pushed her to the table.

"It was terribly dull." Nessa sighed dramatically. "But now that Elphaba is here to tutor me again, things should be much better."

"That they should little Rose, that they should." Frex said indulgently.

"Nessa, after lunch we need to talk about that." Elphaba said walking over to her father and her sister.

"What is to discuss Fabala. You went to University, now it is time to stay home and fulfill your obligations to your family."

"Father, I do not wish to discuss this now, but I am not staying here for more than a fe…"

All of a sudden Frex slapped Elphie very hard across the face.

"How can you be so selfish Elphaba?" He said angrily. "Your sister needs you."

Glinda was completely taken aback at the suddenness and force with which Elphie's father had smacked her. It took all her control to not go over there and gather her love into her arms and kiss the red mark that had formed on her cheek. Elphie's face remained impassive. She had not flinched or even moved from her spot. Nessa was smirking, looking very pleased, Nanny seemed unconcerned and Shell simply looked bored.

"I do not mean to be disrespectful father, but I will talk with Nessa about this." Elphie said with contriteness Glinda knew that she did not mean.

"Now, let's go have a nice family lunch together." She took her father's arm and motioned for Shell to seat Glinda and they sat at the table together, looking every bit the normal happy family.

Glinda was fighting back tears of fury and revulsion. Elphie was deeply distressed that her love had witnessed that. Her father had slapped her before, but not very often. Maybe it was good in a way that she did see it now, at the first, so she would know to be cautious about her interactions with them.

As lunch was served, and Nessa and Nanny started happily asking Glinda questions and telling her about Nessa, Elphie felt the numbness creeping up on her again. She couldn't even feel the sting of her father's smack.

"Elphaba, do not sit there and brood during lunch. You didn't get any less than you deserved, for being selfish." Nessa said.

"I hope she behaved herself better than this at school." She said finishing the last of the chicken, rice and vegetable dish that they were served for lunch.

"I have never known Elphaba to be selfish in the least." Glinda said nicely.

She watched as Nanny took the chicken pieces off of Elphie's plate.

"Such a waste dear." She said with a tsk tsk.

"Nanny you know I do not eat meat." Elphie sighed.

"I do not know how you put up with her Glinda. We have to, we are family, but you… you must be a saint."

"Far from it, and I often wonder how she puts up with me."

"Elphaba can have patience when she chooses." Frex said. "Being allowed to help with Nessa helped her to be somewhat human, and normal. She was very wild as a child."

"She did have her moments." Nanny chuckled.

They all talked for awhile longer, helpfully filling Glinda in on Elphie's character flaws, while they ate dessert.

"Nessa." Elphie sighed finally.

"You and I need some private time. I insist on it. Nanny please take her back to her parlor and I shall meet her there shortly." Elphie said with authoritatively.

"Bossy Bess." Nessa said.

"Father, I will spend some time with you later and have dinner with you tonight if I am able, My schedule is very busy."

"I know Fabala, with your ceremony. But you have more obligations than just an arbitrary title."

"Until later father." Elphie said kissing his cheek.

"Shell, I will spend time with you as I can."

"Do not worry about me sis." The boy smiled. "I think I am the least of your worries."

Glinda followed Elphie down the hall and into their suite.

"Elphie, are you alright! That was unconscionable." Glinda spat.

"I am fine, do not worry about what happened, ignore it all if you can." Elphie said quietly.

"Later Nanny and Nessa may take a walk and want you to go along. Go only if you wish to.

Glinda, I'm sorry. You will have to figure out how to deal with them on your own. I have to go."

She turned to leave, but stopped and put her ear to Glinda's.

"I love you my sweet, I do."

And with that she hurried out the door to get Devi.

Glinda heard the words, and believed them with all of her heart, but she could barely sense anything from Elphie.