"Come in, girls, come in. Please, sit, and make yourself at home. Here, Miss Nessarose, let me help you with that." Morrible said as she advanced towards the girl. Nessa quickly took her seat.
"Thank you, Madame, but as you see I am quite fine."
"That you are. It is nice to see that Shiz has helped you grow." Morrible answered.
Morrible examined them. Glinda was once again struck by how rarely she blinked. Fortunately, the Headmistress had not worn the same orange sequin outfit as their previous meeting. Instead she was clad in a billowy red brocade dress. Glinda thought she looked more like a couch than a Fish this time.
"You girls are probably wondering why I called you here."
Not in the slightest Glinda thought. She opened her mouth to speak but found it hard to do so. A sweet, sticky feeling cloyed the back of her throat.
"Quite, Madame Morrible." she distantly heard her voice saying. Glinda began to feel the separation from herself that she knew to be sorcery. Last time she was not well prepared; the year had changed her. Morrible gave her an appraising look.
"I have called you girls here to reiterate my offer from the previous semester. Oh? I can tell by the looks on your faces that you do not remember. That is my fault, dearies. You see, I put a spell on you to keep you from remembering. All for your safety, of course." Morrible gave them a smug look that told the trio it was for nothing of the sort.
Out of the corner of her eye, Glinda noticed Elphaba held the same stern, forbidding look she always did. Nessa had a look of serene acceptance. Glinda had thought her face held an open, yet blank look. Glinda realized for the first time that Morrible may not be the best at reading people.
"After the terrible incident with your Ama, Miss Glinda, I called you girls in to offer my sympathies and console you. You in particular were terribly distraught, Miss Glinda. So much so you asked for my guidance. All of you did; yes, even you Miss Elphaba."
Glinda kept her face blank (she did not know if she could do otherwise) but inwardly was disgusted. Worse, she felt the memories of the event twist to Morrible's words. Had she had not known the actual events she could see herself believing it. Instead, she hardened against them.
"I offered you all special positions in the world. Girls such as yourselves would be wasted sold off to the highest old man. I think we all know what men are useful for; and then again, sometimes not even then. I of course could not ask you to make your decision then; you were all too broken up over Ama Clutch. Therefore, as my effort to help, I bound your memories to help ease the pain. I can see that it was helpful, for my small part. You have all grown considerably."
Morrible turned around to face out of the window.
"To you, Miss Elphaba, I offered my assistance in helping restore the Thropp status. The moldering hall you call Colwen Grounds is haunted by your great-grandfather. He tries, but men can only go so far. His health is not the best, and I cannot see him lasting more than a few years. I know what you think: you would rather stay here and follow in Doctor Dillamond's work. There are bigger things to be had, Miss Elphaba. Besides, with your new influence you could set up a collegium to do the work. Even invite your Animal friends if necessary. No matter, Munchkinland would be yours to mould."
"To you, Miss Nessarose. I can already see your shedding of piety. That is good; excessive morality is grating. Especially since you would look to grow in influence in Quadling Country. Your second home is not a forgiving place. While I worried you may not be up to the task of living in the swamps, this year has shown me different. You may even preach to converts if you so wish. Either way, you would whip the corrupt lackeys into line. They serve their purpose, loyalty, but are not good for much else. The Quadling people would no doubt think your hands kinder, forgive the term. A gentle but firm touch does wonders with simpler people. It makes it harder for them to comprehend what is happening."
"Finally, Miss Glinda. You are ambitious, girl, and your sorcerous talents prodigious. Also, you can work the lowborn and highborn with easy grace. Gillikin has much to offer a girl such as yourself. The game is harder here, no doubt. Gillikins are raised on milk and politics. However, you can charm both the withered lines of landed nobility like your parents and the wealthy urban aristocrats like your friend the Margreave. A pity neither of you took a liking to each other, but then again, maybe for the best. Your work will be the most delicate and also the most crucial. For how Gillikin goes so does the Emerald City, and Oz."
"As for the Vinkus, as I stated before, plans are to wipe out the population there. The Winkie are not even well enough to be considered people. The smatterings of what passes for villages are rough and uncultured. Only the weak chinned Ozma's could have allowed such an infestation to keep them at bay. Oh, I know you think highly of your friend, but he is a rare case that can act like a civilized person. Notice how I said act; for that is all it is. He uses our manners and speech as to cover his barbarity as much as he does clothes to cover his body."
"Now, I had planned for you girls to be in more shadow roles; pulling the strings but not in front. However, the past year has shown you girls capable of taking the lead. Also, Oz has moved to where stronger hands may be necessary. The people will need figures to rally to. Typically this has been the men of Oz; however Oz seems incapable of producing any more such men. The Wizard himself is proof of this. The current generation of men are weak, and I see no change in the next. Thus it will be you girls who will have to keep Oz in line."
Morrible turned back around and studied the girls faces. Glinda began to feel faint. She noticed Morrible's binding spell slowly constricting during her speech. Elphaba's Vinkun spell slowed but did not stop it. Glinda hoped Elphaba's plan would work. As Morrible looked examined each closely, Glinda was happy for the blank look forced on her face.
"I can feel each of you clearly." she said. Glinda prayed to Lurline it was a turn of speech. "Miss Elphaba, your anger, indignation, and frustration rage like a fire; but the embers hold a secret. Ambition. The lure of power calls you. I can see your thoughts which such power: overturn the Animal Bans, get justice for Dillamond; even overthrow the Wizard and put me in Southstairs."
Morrible laughed then and gave her a toothy smile.
"Oh yes, I see it all. But that power calls to you; to make a deal with the devil, so it were. Yes, yes, a turn of speech. I can see you rail against the term in your mind, though it seems fitting. I will give you time to think it over."
"Miss Nessarose; your disgust for me is palpable. You think I play at forging destiny, usurping the Unnamed God's authority. Worse, I dig deep into sorcery which He finds heinous. But my offer intrigues you. A life not pitied; a life not controlled by others; a life of your own. To be respected, loved, revered! You see it, and you want it. It cries out from your very soul. And you know it's the truth. In Quadling Country they would look to you to save them from their problems. When you soften the methods used they would hail you as their savior. The converts would likely try to canonize you. How does Saint Nessarose sound? It would go along nicely with Saint Aelphaba and Glinda."
"Glinda. You are the clearest to me, but then again, we are both Gillikin women, are we not? Wealth, power, prestige; these are all things we feel destined for. That combination which makes social position that cannot be replicated by only one. The reputation that strikes awe and envy into others. To wrap men around your fingers, to cowe women with a smile, to break households to your bidding. These are the things we strive for."
"But there's more to it than that. Gillikin women have a sense of history and yearn to make it. To change the world and to be remembered for all time. To be a role model and a rival perpetually even after you are long gone. These are the things the women of the other states of Oz do not understand or can even dream of. The women of the Emerald City may understand it, dream of it, but pale before us. You know it deep in your core as I do for we are much alike."
Glinda inwardly shivered in revulsion, and deep down, recognition of Morrible's comment.
"For you it would not be so overt as Miss Elphaba, or even Miss Nessarose. Gillikin men's egos are fragile things, but you know that already. You would have to work the ballrooms and barn rooms of Gillikin. The reward would be a great; not only freedom from a man chosen for you, but also much wealth and adorations. I do not doubt you would be one of the most loved ladies of the day."
Morrible looked over them all.
"So what say you? Miss Elphaba? Does being the strongest leader Munchkinland has ever known appeal? Some may resent you, but those you help would hold you a hero. Even more so those who crave security."
Elphaba glared back at Morrible. Glinda could see the strong muscles of her jaw clenching to say something. After a few moment, Morrible shook her head in disgust.
"Such narrow minded idealism. Like I said before, your strength of will is great enough to be admired if I did not think it vain. Miss Nessarose, how about you? Does sainthood appeal? Converting Quadling Country would put you on the fast track; so much so you might be canonized before your death? What do you say?"
Nessa swooned slightly in her chair, but the girl did not say anything. Glinda noticed she had gone pale. Morrible's eyes narrowed.
"I see. Your zealotry is almost as revolting as your sister's. However, what can be expected from ratcatcher nobles? No aristocracy even in your bones."
"Finally, Miss Glinda. Though not of the highest family you are still Gillikin. You know what I offer you would give you power beyond what you could achieve elsewise. So, will you accept my offer where your two stubborn friends have not? Take everything and become the greatest lady of your generation?"
Glinda felt the world constrict, and knew this is what the other girls must have felt. Morrible's sorcery was beginning to work on her. The only thing keeping it at bay was the spell woven by Elphaba, and even then it was pulled taught.
"I..." Glinda started. She saw Elphaba's eyes narrowed and nose flared. Nessa, for all her fitness, puckered her lips. Morrible's mouth twitched upward. "I...am...afraid I cannot accept, Madame Head. Thank you."
Morrible scowled. Glinda noticed Nessa's relieved look and the slight smirk tugging at Elphaba's lips. The Head turned quickly, her outfit billowing around her. Loudly striding over to her window, the woman looked out it for a few long minutes. The girls wondered what was going on in the woman's mind. Glinda wondered when the pressure building on them would be released. Finally, the woman turned around with a look of schooled disappointment on her face.
"I can honestly say I am surprised. You girl's short sighted view has disappointed me. I think your distaste for me has let it get the better of you. I will say of how proud I am of you, also. Even with my persuasion you stood firm. That confirms what I thought; each one of you is special. Too special to let yourselves be thrown away on your own whims."
Morrible stepped around the table. Glinda felt the pressure build; she did not know if it was sorcery or simply the tension of the situation.
"The best laid plans leave nothing to chance; nor do I. While you may not serve knowingly, you will still serve. Even now your memories of this event will change. You will think I called you each individually, and that it was simply for encouragement. You will start to take my words into consideration and move towards the roles I suggested. Furthermore, despite your ridiculous ideas now, you will remain loyal to Oz. You will help Oz in anyway you can. I will not make you like me; that is too far a stretch even more for my power. But in time you will respect me and what I have done for Oz and you."
Glinda felt the words as if they were chains. Elphaba's spell tried not bend to the new weight, but stretched until it only remained by a thread. Glinda knew it would not hold; it could not hold. Glinda's heart cried out as she knew her life would be bound to the vile woman across from her. The only thing keeping her face calm was the spell woven upon them. And then it broke.
Glinda could breathe again. Like removing her corset, Glinda felt released. Searching herself, Glinda could feel neither the spell by Elphaba or Morrible still on her body. Almost as if in response, her body flushed with heat. Glinda inwardly sighed in relief.
Morrible had a smug look on her face. Glinda understood than that for all her finesse, Morrible's ability at sorcery was mediocre at best. That brought her to a revelation: Morrible was stationed at a girls' school for her ability would only work on the young and impressionable. Young men were too headstrong against female authority, and older women were very set in her ways. As far as talent went, hers was only in encouraging it. Glinda felt a rush of triumph at the revelation.
"Now girls, I hope you take my encouragement to heart." Morrible was saying. "I expect great things out of all of you. Now, back to your studies. I would not want to keep you."
Morrible ushered them out of the office. As the door closed behind them, the girls looked at each other. Glinda opened her mouth to speak, but Elphaba shook her head.
"At the room."
X
"What was that?" Nessa whispered as the door to the room shut.
"That," Elphaba replied, "was Morrible trying to make us her Adepts against our will."
"What do we do now?" asked Glinda. "She does not know her spell failed, but I'm sure there will be repercussions."
"Now, I will write to Peerless." Elphaba answered. "We cannot stay in the dorms. They are too much under her control."
"You think he will give us the money to move out?" asked Nessa. Elphaba nodded.
"He insinuated that he knew Morrible was dangerous; he'll see reason."
"Until then, what do we do?" asked Nessa.
"We play along." answered Glinda.
X
The repercussions were not slow in coming over the next few weeks, though lightly felt at first. A report of Elphaba's got graded more harshly; Glinda did not get invited to the latest social outing; and Nessa's chapel was closed for repair and reconsecration. While this annoyed the girls (particularly Nessa) it was also a relief. If that was the worst of Morrible's backlash, they would survive just fine.
Elphaba had become engrossed in some sort of Life Science project. This gave Glinda plenty of time to get to the bottom of a mystery presented to her: namely, where Elphaba had learned that spell. She had sent a message to Fiyero to meet her at the little cafe outside of Crage. Though there were many eyes there, that is what it made a safe meeting place. Glinda sat in her seat by the trellis and watched the patrons. When Fiyero swooped in, looking splendid in brown and creme, eyes followed him. Had he been Gillikin they would have been filled with admiration and longing. Being Vinkun meant they held suspicion and contempt.
"Master Tigelaar; so nice of you to meet me." Glinda curtsied and held out her gloved hand. Fiyero grasped it lightly and bowed over it. At the last he met her eyes and gave it a kiss. Glinda's blue eyes twinkled. "How scandalous. You cavort with the Margreave of Tenmeadows too much."
"Miss Arduenna; a grace as always. The Margreave sends his condolences that he was not invited. He was quite put out." Fiyero answered. Glinda nodded and waited. Fiyero, catching the signal, walked around to help her with her seat. After she was settled only then did he sit. "He asks to not forget his request."
"I would not dream of doing so. Even now I remember it. However, these things do take time." Glinda paused to drink some of her tea. A waitress walked by and Glinda expected her to stop; with a glance towards Fiyero, she kept going. Glinda hid her scowl.
"I am aware. Just passing along the message." Fiyero smiled. "What did you wish to speak to me on?"
"You helped Miss Elphaba find a Vinkun sorcerer."
"That I did."
"I am wondering why she came to you."
"From something Miss Shenshen said, apparently she asked her first."
"Do you know why she would ask her?"
"I do not; perhaps this is a conversation to have with her."
"I did. She mentioned that Elphaba came to their room. I was hoping you could shed some light on the matter."
"I assume you asked Miss Elphaba these questions."
"I did. She was not forthcoming on it."
"Perhaps you should respect that."
Glinda gave Fiyero a hard look. Fiyero realized once again the steel beyond those blue eyes. As the waitress passed them again, Glinda raised her hand. The waitress looked at her and almost kept going, but the expression on her face halted her.
"Miss, I understand you are busy so perhaps you did not notice my companion sit down. He'd like to order."
Fiyero smiled and placed the order. With a further glance at Glinda, the girl moved off. Glinda returned her eyes to Fiyero.
"With Miss Elphaba, often times one has to discover as much as ask. She seems to prefer it that way."
"Perhaps you should find out where she came from."
Glinda looked away from Fiyero. Following her gaze, the Vinkun boy did not see anything of note. He figured she was just gathering her thoughts on the topic. When she looked back at him, his conclusion was true.
"At that time of day she could have been out looking through the magic shops of Shiz."
"Then there is your path."
"Then I would like to ask a favor of you."
"Oh?"
"I am not the best tracker nor are some of the areas that Miss Elphaba might frequent are what I call...appropriate for a young lady to go unchaperoned."
"Are you looking for a companion?"
"If you would be so kind."
"I would be delighted."
"And if the Daughter is the last stop on our list, would you still be so delighted?"
"Not very much. I do not think I would like to take you there."
"I may be quite insistent."
Fiyero lips twitched in a smile.
"The veil of civility sometimes amuses me. A Vinkun man would have tried bribe or threaten me; even Miss Elphaba cajoled me. You, on the other hand, put a demand on the table wrapped in the most delicate of words. Steels wrapped in silk, as it were."
"I don't think that analogy fits me at all. I have no stick; that is to say, I have no way to force it."
"Not something as crude as force. You wield a much more effective but difficult stick; influence. I have no doubt if I were to deny your request that you would be polite to me; however, I also have no doubt that it would almost be instantly known to be out of favor. Before you protest, i don't think you a gossip. You just wield the social forces well around you."
"So you are acquiescing to my request?"
"Yes, but I may not be able to this day. The Daughter of Rashira is not someone you just drop in on."
"Then let us hope she is in a graceful mood."
X
The cabbie dropped them in the poorer side of Shiz. He glanced at the young man and woman. The Vinkun he could understand, but the plainly dressed blonde seemed out of place. Her manner placed her as a working woman, but something about her (aura, was all he could think) held a regality. Shaking his head, he departed for his next pick up.
Glinda and Fiyero looked around. After a few hours asking about the shops, they had run into the girl who had suggested the fortune teller. The final lead, the pair had hopped a cab to Little Glikkus. Now they moved across the street. Glinda had to force herself to act as those around her. Though she had known slums existed, she had never been to one. To her mind, this area very qualified. Seeing a homeless man on the street, she resolved herself to finding ways to help if she could.
Fiyero stopped. Glinda stopped next to him, puzzled. Glancing in the same direction, she noticed a young man and a laundry woman speaking. The man was familiar to her.
"Duran." Glinda said quietly. Fiyero looked at Glinda.
"What made you say that?"
"He's over there talking to the cleaning woman."
Fiyero turned his head back around. Glinda saw his lips twitch and he graced her with a smile.
"So it is. But that is no laundry woman."
"What? Why do you say that?"
"Because it's Shenshen."
"What?" asked Glinda. Fiyero, however, had looked both ways and crossed the street. Glinda hurriedly followed. The pair glanced at them but did not acknowledge them at first. As they closed in, they realized they had been recognized and turned to the other pair.
"Glinda. What would you be doing in a place like this?" Shenshen inquired.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I am going for one of my weekly lessons." Shenshen cooly answered. "And you?"
"I am looking for a fortune teller Elphaba possibly saw." Glinda replied.
"Fortune teller? I don't know of one here in the Lower Downs." Duran asked with an arched eyebrow. Fiyero looked at him.
"You might not know of her."
"I like to keep abreast of the happenings of Lower Downs."
"Lower Downs?" asked Glinda.
"Yes. It's the moniker of this part of Shiz. Most lump it into Little Glikkus but it isn't. In addition, there aren't enough Quadlings or Vinkuns to have the dominant culture. It's a mix of lower class so they simply call it the Lower Downs."
"And you live here?"
"Near enough. But you were on the way to find your fortune teller. We won't keep you."
"Actually, I would feel a bit more comfortable if you came with us." Glinda interjected. All three gave her a look. Glinda blushed. "I'm sorry Fiyero, I did not mean anything by it."
"No, it is alright. Master Duran knows the area better than I."
"If Miss Shenshen is accepting of it."
"Yes. Now I am curious myself."
Glinda handed over the scribbled notes to Duran. Looking them over, he nodded and began to lead the way. The three followed Duran as he led them through the dirty streets. Every so often the young man would stop and greet someone, or inquire about family. His political savvy was not lost on the three aristocrats. After they moved from the crowded streets through some alleys, Glinda made mention of it.
"Just because the politics here are low class doesn't make them any less real or tangled. In fact, it can even be deadly. A wrong step and you could end another body in a back alley."
"Strange choice of words." Fiyero observed.
"I admit, they could have been better." he answered with a smile. The group turned a corner and Fiyero noticed they stood in front of the fortune teller's door. Duran tipped his straw hat to them. "If that's all you need?"
Fiyero did not reply. He moved slowly to the door and push on it. It swung open. The young man reached for his knife as he advanced. Feeling a presence at his back, he turned to see Duran.
"Continue on; I'll follow."
The boys crept into the building with the girls following after them. The apartment was bare. Fiyero knew that this was a planned move. There was no damage to the building nor anything left behind.
"Strange she should pack up and leave so quickly." he said as he reached down. He came back with a bead. "This is about all that remains."
"Could you ask around?" Shenshen asked Duran. He shrugged.
"Possibly, but if she moved so quickly I'm going to guess she did not tell people where."
"Let me see that bead." Glinda said. Fiyero handed it over while raising his eyebrows. Glinda turned it over in her hand. "Yes, this will do."
Glinda bent down and found some dust. Closing her eyes, she began to murmur the words for the spell. The magic in the air flowed through the bead and around the room. It expanded outwards in search of Glinda's bidding. However, there was a slight impediment near, as if a stone jutting from a river. This was peculiar to Glinda, but she knew that it happened sometime. The magic must have found its source as she felt it rush into the dust. Glinda opened her eyes to see what must have been the area from the sky. A tiny arrow had formed to point out a building.
"Do any of you know where that is?" she asked. The group shook their head.
"I do." Duran answered.
"Then lead the way."
Duran led them through the winding ways of Lower Downs. The trio quickly became lost but trusted their guide. After twenty minutes they had started to wonder if he himself knew where they were going, but the young man turned a corner and then stopped.
"Here it is. And here I will leave you." he answered.
"How will we get back?" asked Shenshen. "I don't know where we are."
"Go that way," he said, and pointed the further down the alley, "and it will get you to Slant Street. From there you'll recognize the area."
"Thank you." Glinda said.
"You're welcome." With that, he left.
Glinda turned and rapped on the door. A latch pulled away to reveal a pair of grey eyes surrounded by a desert of wrinkles.
"Who is it? Go away."
"We are here to see the Fortune Teller." Glinda said. The eyes darted to her.
"Not taking visitors; go get it somewhere else."
"Please, Miss, you saw my friend not too long ago. I was wondering if you could help me also." Glinda put honey in her voice. The wrinkles deepened.
"Friend, hm? Ah yes, I see now. Fine, come in."
The trio entered the building. Fiyero noticed is what not as lavish as the previous one; however, the chests around spoke of unfinished set up. The old woman went to an area with only one chair and a small table. She flopped into the chair; they had to make do with wood floor. As they settled, she spoke first.
"I saw you would come to me." she said.
"If so, why did you move?" asked Glinda.
"It was not necessarily a time or a place that would decide our meeting, but an action." the old woman responded.
"Being able to find you with sorcery." Glinda said. The old woman nodded and replied.
"I am surprised you found me so quickly. It speaks well of you."
"Thank you." Glinda answered and dipped her head. "I have questions."
"About your friend." the old woman emphasized with a knowing smile.
"Yes." Glinda answered evenly.
"Ask away; though I may not tell you what you want."
"My question is this: what did you tell Elphaba? She's been flustered since that moment."
"I cannot tell you that."
"I understand your want for confidentiality but I'm starting to get very perturbed by this secrecy. Elphaba is my girlfriend and it is my duty to take care of her. I want to know what is upsetting her." Glinda almost growled. The duo of her friends leaned back at the rancor hidden behind her pretty words. The old woman only smiled her yellow smile.
"I cannot tell you that since it doesn't relate to you. To tell you would do no good."
"I'll be the judge of that."
"Too bad, dearie. However, I can read your fortune for you. That may be help you with your questions."
"Fine."
The old woman heaved herself out of her seat and went to a chest. Digging out a bowl and a mat, she placed both on the table. She went back to her chests and began to dig out the incense holders and sticks, lighting a few for each. In a few minutes the air was thick with the smoke. Finally, the old woman came back and unrolled the mat.
"We can leave if you want." Shenshen offered. Glinda nodded but the old woman held up a hand.
"No need. The fortune will make no sense to anyone but the intended. Indeed, I will read each of yours. But you first."
The old woman dug into the bowl and cast the cracked bones onto the map. The hair on Glinda's arms rose. There was something here; something in play that she could sense but not put her finger on.
"Ah yes. Destined for great things, are we? Yes we are, regardless of the path you take. Though this path seems to be more your own. Your friend will have a influence your life until the day you die; once again, no matter what path you take. There's more to you than you appear, and you'll do more than all will think you can. But that's because there is something more to you, yes? Yes of course, but you'll find that out in due time." the old woman leered at her and then looked down and frowned. "This is strange, very strange indeed. Hm. Strange, strange, strange…"
"What is strange?" asked Glinda. The woman looked at her again.
"Here. These two points pop up in your journey, but have no ties elsewhere. I've never seen that before. Both you've met and both you'll meet again. This one," she jabbed her finger at one, "will have a large effect on your life both for good or ill. The other will have as well, good and ill, but not as much."
"Anything else?"
"No, or at least not for awhile. But then again, you will forget this conversation by then, so what's the point? No is the answer."
"Thank you." Glinda said, and moved back towards her friends. The old woman beckoned Shenshen forth.
"Beauty before men, I always say." the old woman cackled. Shenshen sat in front of her. The old woman scooped the bones from the mat and into her hand. She blew on them, and tossed the group a wink. "For luck."
The bones scattered over the mat. The old woman eyed them and jabbed at a couple. After a few moments, she began to speak.
"Yes, interesting. Not as grand as your friend, but interesting nonetheless. Not everyone wants a grand life, eh? I see that your future is tied to Shiz. You will wander for a bit to make your way, but your destiny is here. A man in a military uniform will be the focus of your life; he's further back than before, that much is clear. Some event pushed him so. You relationship will also change; you'll be one of more equals than before. Not a bad thing. I will say your fate line is strong. Though there are some slight tugs here or there, nothing greatly influences, and nothing shadowed like your other friend."
"Thank you." Shenshen answered, and moved back towards Glinda. Fiyero fearlessly came forward. The woman scooped and cast the bones for a third time.
"Ah yes, a strong man- unless it comes to women! Women have and always will be your weakness. In some fates, your downfall. I'd warn to keep clear of dangerous women, but there are none other in your sphere!" she laughed. "Your current fate is still undecided. There is much greatness possible; the greatest of any around you. Here is also much danger here; death and destruction of you and your clan. But it leaves great room for mediocrity! Which is more likely. Remember this young man, if nothing else. Don't let your heart - or your prick! - rule your head. That way leads to disaster."
"Thank you."
"Now, I am tired and you got your reading. Go, shoo! I need my sleep. I am quite old, you know."
X
Elphaba stared at the ragged title of the book. She had found it when she had come to get more books to copy. The title was worn off, and the binding was almost falling apart. It was in such bad shape the librarian refused to let her check it out. Now, Elphaba was in a side room copying the text into a plank notebook. As the spell started, Elphaba read the words that captured her attention and fear.
On Sorcery and the Body.
X
This chapter covers the dates of the 17th through 24th of Highfall