Dearest Fiyero,

Please forgive the curt nature of this letter, but I'm not really feeling up to writing anything witty. Don't worry – I'm not hurt in any way. Just very, very tired.

Last night my father passed away. He went surprisingly peacefully, and, even more surprisingly, holding my hand. I'm glad he's gone, you know, but I'm sorry for Nessa's sake. She was grief-stricken; spent the whole night holding onto me, crying and shaking. I hope that she has at least found my presence comforting. I really wish there were something more I could do for her.

A small part of me – the silly, romantic little Elphaba – really wishes you were here, so that I could lean on you and let everything fade away for a moment. But please, don't take that as an invitation for you to ride into Munchkinland on a white stallion, or whatever it is that Vinkun princes tend to do. The wiser, more mature and logical Elphaba knows that this is the time she should spend with her sister and her sister alone.

If, as I suspect, you are frowning right now – please, stop. It's going to ruin your pretty face and we wouldn't want that. (That being said, I'd still love you, even with a permanent frown.)

All my love,

Elphaba

•••

Dear Miss Elphaba!

Due to the unfortunate circumstances that recently led to changes in the faculty of Shiz University, the Wizard and I have reached a conclusion that it is best to alter the course we had previously set for your education. As Shiz has been left without a qualified sorcery teacher, I have decided to resume my role as your tutor, which is why you will be expected to join me in the Emerald City before the beginning of the semester.

Yours faithfully,

Morgana Morrible, Press Secretary to his Ozness, the Wizard

•••

Dearest darlingest Elphie!

I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I'm aware that your relationship with him was a complicated one to say the least, but I imagine it must still have been hard on you, being with him when he went. I know you like to maintain a tough exterior, Elphie, but I hope you'll let yourself, for once, feel what you're feeling.

My heart breaks for our poor, sweet little Nessa. She's really lucky to have you by her side. I'm sending the both of you all my love and wishing you all the strength in the world.

However, I am so very happy about the news about you being summoned to study under Madame Morrible in the Emerald City, because… I HAVE BEEN OFFERED AN INTERNSHIP AS THE WIZARD'S ASSISTANT! Can you believe it? We'll be just two friends, two good friends – no, two best friends, sharing many wonderful days in the greatest city in the world!

Yours truly,

Glinda

•••

Dear Boq,

Thank you for your letter and I apologize for not responding to it sooner. I really appreciate you reaching out to me and asking how I was feeling. My good manners would require me to say I am well, but since you are one of my closest friends, I think I owe you a sincere response. I have been doing rather poorly. The first few days after father left us are a nightmarish blur; I'm certain Elphaba has told you that I was nearly fully incapacitated, barely able to eat, sleep or speak to anyone. But she has been incredibly patient with me, making sure I could have some peace, but keeping me company when I needed it. I don't know what I would do without her.

You are, of course, too polite to ask, but I'm certain you're wondering how I am about to handle the political aspect of the situation. Fabala and I have been discussing it for the past few days, and together, we've decided that it's best for me to finish my education before I assume my duties as Governess. You'll be happy to hear that your repeated arguments for Munchkinland to be led by an actual Munchkin have somewhat gotten through to me, and I have decided to give temporary governorship over to the Head of the Munchkinland Provincial Council. We will see how things progress from here on out.

Thank you so much for your kind offer to visit Elphaba and me, but I think this is a time I would like to spend alone with my sister. I hope your family is in good health and I look forward to seeing you again at Shiz.

Yours,

Nessarose