Nor paced back and forth on the steps outside the Wizard's Palace, though she guessed it was Glinda's Palace now.

Scraps sat a few steps down and was playing a game with some old rag dolls. "Miss Malina speaks out of turn. She's a bad example, and will have no cakes tonight," she said, to no one in particular.

"That's okay, Scraps," Nor said in what she hoped was a soothing voice.

The door opened and who should come to her escort, but Trism bon Cavalish. She drew herself up proudly in anticipation of a confrontation. Fortunately, his sense of propriety outweighed his wounded pride. He gave her a stiff bow and said, "Lady Arduenna will see you now."

She declined to curtsy and turned to Scraps to say, "Stay here, don't move and don't talk to anyone." And then she entered into the palace.

Glinda stood in the hall, surrounded by servants and various heads of state. Presently, she waved them away. Nor paused, having had no idea that she would receive her undivided attention.

"Oh dear," Glinda said in a high voice, "Some one was just here, asking about you and where you might be."

"Who," Nor asked her.

But Glinda was busy studying her face. "Oh just some boy. His name escapes me but it couldn't have been two days ago," she said vaguely. She stepped closer and boldly took hold of Nor's chin, turning her face this way and that. "Oh dear," she repeated. "You do so look like him. Although he had the most marvelous dark skin, and you are as pale as milk."

Nor stepped back, giving her a defiant look, and Glinda looked mortified.

"Oh, I am sorry. That was remiss of me. I could not help myself. For my part, I was quite fond of Whispers. We all were, even that dreadful Avaric," Glinda told her, now looking reflective. "Though he probably wouldn't admit it." She sighed and looked close to tears. "It was such a sad affair, what happened to your daddy. And he was so young. You know, they never found the body but I here there was so much blood in that little apartment..."

Nor nodded stiffly. A lump seemed to form in her throat but she would not allow herself to cry in front of this woman.

Glinda continued on, "Yes, you would know that I'm sure. Everything went downhill from there. Everyone I mean. Tibbett died in the Mauntery, just after your father. The poor thing, he never recovered from that business at the Philosphy Club, thouugh I can't say what that business was. Elphie and I had audience with the wizard that very night, and then she of course disappeared afterwards. I saw her once recently." She fell silent for several minutes.

She began to walk and gestured for Nor to follow her. "But enough about all of that. I'm rambling, I feel like an old biddy going on about the good ol' days," she said, with a little laugh.

Then she looked back at Nor, sober at once. "There must be something you want. After all that's why most come to visit me. Seeking aid, and requests. My lot as a leader, though I thought there would be more to it somehow." Under all the sugary sweetness there was bitter resentment.

"I've just come for information," Nor said.

A Munchkin girl offered a tray of refreshment. Glinda plastered on a vapid smile and accepted a small tart. "I'm afraid that these are not as delightful as they once were. We have a new Pie-Maker." Again, there was the bitter undertone but this time Nor could not fathom the meaning. "But you are welcome to help yourself," Glinda added.

Nor declined and they walked on.

"What sort of information?"

"Kiamo Ko," Nor told her without preamble.

Glinda stopped and appraised the girl. "That's not information, that's a castle," she said fondly.

Nor took a deep breath and pressed her case. "You are the interim ruler of Oz. My grandfather toiled and fought and claimed it for his line. It is my birthright," she asserted. She lifted her chin and fixed Glinda in her steely grey gaze, though inside she was ready to bolt.

"Oh my," Glinda said, tilting her head slightly and smiling a bit. "Look at you, a proud little Queen." But her tone was sincere rather than mocking. She reached out and brushed an errant lock of hair from Nor's shoulder, looking almost maternal in her fit of tenderness. "Whispers would be so proud of you. I can arrange this for you. For him. I've no doubt he would wish it for you. And we can get started on the affair of your marriage immediatly."

"What! Marriage?"

"Oh come now, there is no need for histrionics. Marriage is a necessary evil for we of the fairer sex if we want to make something of ourselves in this world. Surely you have realized? Oh now, don't look all flustered, Sweetness. There are many men out there in the Vinkus that will be looking to scale your palace walls and Love, I don't just mean Kiamo Ko."

Nor blushed at the analogy but did not back down. "I can take care of myself. I broke out of the Southstair didn't I?"

Glinda waved her hands to hush her. "Don't say that around here. They'll have your head and mine as well," she hissed. And then she shook her spangled and bejeweled head. "Dearest, look, I meant no offense. I am sure you are quite capable. But you are also very young and still don't understand. Men can be quite wicked."

Nor thought of Cap'n Bill and his advances. But said nothing of it.

So Glinda went on, "You need a strong male figure at your back or else they will eat you up."

There was a commotion a the front of the hall and Nor suddenly remembered Scraps.

Now, the girl was certainly making herself known. Nor flushed bright red at the scene before them. Scraps had wandered in apparently and was harrassing one of the servants to play some mad game with her. She began to wail and have a fit when they wouldn't join in. Nor lifted her skirts and rushed to her side.

Nor held her as she rocked and wailed and sobbed. She made soothing noises to Scraps, hoping that soon she would calm down.

Glinda made her way over, looking curious and a trifle offended at the fuss.

"I'm naming all the stars," Scraps said, after she had settled down.

"You can't see the stars, love," Nor told her, stroking her hair and glancing upward. "That's just the ceiling. Also, it's day."

"I can see them," Scraps protested, her voice going up an octave. Nor braced herself for a fresh out burst but Scraps just relaxed and rambled on. "But I've named them all the same thing, and there's terrible confusion..."

"Well, then I'll just have to help you think of new ones for them, won't I?"

"Who is she," Glinda whispered, peering down at the two of them.

Nor shook her head. "I don't know. I just found her a few weeks ago." She kissed Scraps on the hair, cheek, lips and continued to rock her back and forth.

Glinda came around to the other side to get a better view. Her face suddenly went pale. "Oh sweet Oz, it's Ozma," she gasped.

But Nor didn't look up at her, she just kept working trying to keep Scraps from flying off the wall again.

Note: Next chapter I promise, we will return to Elphaba and she will battle the rak