The ground stopped shaking. The flames ceased. For a moment there was nothing but silence. The silence seemed to last years. Elphaba could not figure out if this was a good situation or a plight. The silence was broken by a gentle, friendly voice"Oh? Is that you Elphaba? I didn't realize!" It was still dark in the majority of the room, but the head and its surroundings were let up so that one could see. From a curtain near the head emerged a man. He was old, at least in his late fifties, and he was very lean. He had white hair, round silver glasses, and seemed energetic for such an aged man. He was dressed in a blue vest which was tucked into black pants which were striped in gray. He wore an overcoat so faded that it no longer portrayed its original white color; instead it was a light grayish pink.
The man approached Elphaba and Glinda. He was lively and had a bounce about him. Elphaba observed that he was far less energetic than Glinda, but he did however seem to have a joy about him. "I hope I didn't startle you; it's so hard to make out peoples' faces all the way back there. So, let's see... which is which? Elphaba!" The man stretched out his hand and shook her hand. After a brief shake he embraced Elphaba. "You're. . ., you're the Wizard aren't you!" Elphaba exclaimed. "That would be me, my dear," responded the Wizard. Elphaba, overcome with joy spoke "I am so honored to be in your presence! All my life I have wanted to meet you, this is amazing! This is everything I have ever wanted! Everything I have ever dreamed of!" The Wizard returned "I'm glad I have brought you so much joy." The Wizard continued "And you must be."
"Glinda. The Ga is silent." Glinda responded. "I know." The Wizard returned. Elphaba was now looking at the mask which had struck so much fear within her such a short time ago. The Wizard started"It isn't much, is it? But people expect this sort of thing. You have to give people what they want. The thing is, I hardly ever let people meet the real me, but this being a special occasion." "I'm so happy to meet you." Elphaba exclaimed. "Well, that's good," returned the Wizard "Because that's what I love best: making people happy!
I am a sentimental man
Who always longed to be a father
That's why I do the best I can
To treat each citizen of Oz as son or daughter
So Elphaba I'd like to raise you high
'Cuz I think everyone deserves the change to fly!
And helping you with your ascent
Allows me to feel so, parental.
For I am
A Sentimental Man. "