My deepest apologies for my taking so long with this story. I have a bad habit of not finishing what I start, and I'm hoping this won't fall into that category. Thank you to bubblesnbrooms, whose comment was the main reason I finally got back into this story, and to whom this chapter is dedicated.

Ummm...I'm eventually going to do a third and final title change, but not quite yet. I finally found the title I was looking for in one of Idina Menzel's songs, "If I Told You." (btw, her CD is awesome, and I highly recommend you go and buy it if you haven't already.) So, yes, the next time I post a chapter, this story will be found under "Shedding My Skin."

I think that's it...I still don't own Wicked. enjoy!

It was late in the day when Glinda heard a knock at her study door. She sighed, annoyed at any interruption of her quiet time, but most especially when she was in the middle of a good book.

"Come in!"

It was her head serving woman. Glinda suppressed another sigh as the old lady took a glancing sweep around the room, at last focusing her attention on her mistress. As if she were on equal terms with her, or better. At last the crone smiled.

"I hate to disturb you, missus, but there's a...girl...at the door who insists on seeing you. Couldn't get a word in otherwise, so I had to fetch you. Shall I send the brat away?" At this last sentence the woman looked hopeful. She had apparently had a rough time with the...girl, did she say? A child then? Well, then, whatever it was, the matter should be solved quickly. And with any luck, Glinda might be able to get in another chapter in before dinner tonight. After all, Glinda the Good had a way with beggar children.

"No, that's alright, I'll see what's so pressing. Thank you for informing me."

The serving woman knew she was dismissed, and didn't look too happy about it. Casting one last glance around the room, she turned to leave. However, she couldn't help getting in the last word.

"Since when did the princess learn to read, anyway?"

Glinda suppressed the urge to smack her. Just because she acted the blonde didn't mean she couldn't enjoy a book or two!

Suddenly Glinda smiled. She was fooling herself. She had only discovered her love of reading when Boq began living with her. She wanted at first to impress him, but quickly found she thoroughly enjoyed the activity. Shaking her head at her constant need to impress, she descended the main stairs to see what all the trouble was about.

A first impression told her it wasn't much. A ragged girl, about 16 or 17 years old, was hugging herself, as if trying to keep warm in the bare rags she wore. Glinda didn't even try to guess the color of her hair, muddy as it was. Hearing Glinda's entrance, she looked up. But instead of the half-frightened, half-starved look Glinda expected to see, the bright green eyes gave her a fierce, steady look. No beggar child ever looked like that, or commanded the air she suddenly had. Glinda tried to cover her surprise and regain her composure.

"I am Glinda the Good. I was told you wanted to speak to me. How can I help you?"

The child stared at her a moment longer, then calmly replied, "There is someone in need of your help. I can take you to him."

"My dear, you'll have to be more specific than that. I cannot rush off to save every child or adult that comes to my door. There are plenty of healers in this city; surely one of them can help?"

"I'm afraid, m'lady, that this is no ordinary patient, and that no one else in the city will do. You are the only one who can help him."

"What is he sick with?"

The girl bit her lip. "...I fear I do not know."

"Well, where is he?"

"If you agree to help, I will take you to him."

"Well, I need something more than what you're giving me! A name, anything, before I go rushing of to who-knows-where to do Lurline-knows-what!"

The girl paused, clearly weighing her options. Finally, she said, "I can give you two names. I am known as Kestra. And my...your...patient answers to Fiyero."

Glinda felt all of the breath go out of her. It couldn't be. Fiyero hadn't been seen for years. No one had heard from him. And suddenly this girl appears out of nowhere...? Glinda couldn't think straight. She only knew she had to help.

"Take me to him."

"I'm coming too!"

Both women looked up, startled by the new voice. Boq was standing at the top of the stairs, listening unnoticed for who knows how long. Seeing the identical look of protest on their faces, he held up his hands.

"I'm coming, and that's all there is to it. I must be able to help in some way."

Glinda turned to Kestra, whose shoulders sagged in defeat. "Fine. Come if you like, I don't care. But we need to hurry. I ....I don't know how much time we have."

For the first time, Glinda smiled at her, though her insides were quaking. "Then we'll have to make do with what time we have."