A few weeks later, I got letters from everyone I'd written to, except for Frexspar, and I immediately read the very day I received them. I started with Thom's, since his was the first one I saw—and I knew I would have to save Raoul's for last because once I read that letter, I'd be completely useless and you wouldn't get me to pay attention to anything.
Dear Elphaba, I don't know this Madame Morrible, but she was one of the three mentioned to be powerful enough to be able the send the Sweating Sickness that struck in Corus back when you were twelve—but you and I both know that it was Roger. I don't know that she wouldn't do that, for a fact, but I guess it might best if you do what you think is right. Thom.
Dear Elphaba, congratulations. Hope to see you soon. Coram says hi, too and wants to know why every time he turns around, you're getting yourself into trouble. I'm in trouble, too, because since my adoption in the Bloody Hawk, I've become the tribe's shaman and since I have no intention of staying in the desert forever or getting slain by the first rival who comes along, I am training three students with the Gift to take over when they are ready—Ishak, Kourrem, and Kara. Alanna.
Dear Elphaba, I hope you have been working hard in your studies. Hope to see you at Court during your winter break, if you get one. Maybe it will coincide with Midwinter Festival. Sir Myles.
Dear Elphaba, my husband and I know your history—that you lack a motherly figure. That is part of why we are writing. We are both very proud of you and if it is okay with you, we would like to adopt you into our family, for I have always longed for a daughter of my own, and I would love for you to be able to call me your mother. Let us know what you decide as soon as you can. Sincerely, Queen Lianne and King Roald.
Dear Elphaba, it will be cool if you become my sister, since you are one of my closest friends. Also, I've never told anyone this, but I've always wanted a younger brother, or sister. I think it would be really cool if you became that little sister I've dreamed of having for years—okay, fine, my whole life. I hope you say yes. Jon.
Dear Elphaba, if you become Jon's sister that would make you my cousin, which would be cool and we could annoy each other and be like siblings—that's sort of what Jon and I do—and here are some blonde jokes that might help, except that I kinda destroyed them on accident right before mailing them. Hope you can figure them out. Gary.
When I read the three letters, I jumped up and down, and whispered to myself, "Of course this is what I want." I immediately sat down, and wrote a reply.
Dear King Roald and Queen Lianne, yes. I would love for you to adopt me. It would be an honor for me to able to call you my parents. I cannot wait to see you again, Momma, and Dad. Sincerely, your soon to be daughter, Elphaba of Trebond and Conté.
Then I read George's letter.
Dear Elphaba, how sweet of you to write. Everything is fine here in the city of Corus. Lightfingers is still getting himself drunk and the rest of Rogue is fine. Who knows I might even pay a visit to Oz and see you. George.
Immediately after sorcery class, I sat down on my bed, and began reading Raoul's letter eagerly—I'd burned the others after mailing my reply to their Majesties' letter—this one I was saving. I reread the one I'd written, right before reading this one.
Dear Raoul, how have you been? It seems like only yesterday we just met and now we're friends, I mean lovers. I have made into Shiz, which was a bit of a secret dream of mine from when I was little. Anyway, I'm at Shiz and I hope you'll come to visit me sometime. I guess I've gotten myself into somewhat of an adventure—I sort of accidentally signed myself up for a sorcery class. I was accepted into the sorcery class, thanks to Nessa. You remember her—the little sister that I never shut up about—that one. Here's the best part: I'll get to talk to the Wizard, which means I was just provided with the best chance to tell him the truth—that I'm his daughter, I mean. Isn't that great? I can't believe it either. I know that's really cool, but I have a problem. It's not that I fear my Gift, which I kinda still do, but that I'm worried about the teacher. Her name is Madame Morrible, but when she was explaining to me about the class she was a little overly polite, sort of like Duke Roger. That's why I'm worried. Let me know if you think I should trust her or just practice on my own in secret. Oh, well, I still love you, and I miss you like crazy. I miss everyone else at Court very much too, but I miss you the most, besides Queen Lianne. I cannot wait for the first school break so I can come visit. Has Gary been making you laugh? I hope so. I've even asked for his help in dealing with my roommate, whom I loathe with a passion, Galinda Upland. She's the Shiz princess and thinks she's the best person to ever walk the planet. I highly doubt she'd have what it takes to survive the Ordeal. I'm also really excited since Frexspar let me go to Shiz, even if it is just to care for Nessa, because I didn't think he would. Unfortunately, technically, he thinks I'm grounded for, like, life, which is awful. Although, now that I think about I was grounded even at Court for using my Gift after Father had forbidden it, but it was Thom's fault, because he kept making me angry. You know me—when I get angry, I lose control and I accidentally use my Gift—that's how I got into the sorcery seminar. I can't wait to see you again. Maybe you and some of the others, like Jon, Alex, Gary, maybe Thom, and hopefully Alanna could come visit me here at Shiz. I love you. Love with all my heart, Elphaba of Trebond.
Dearest Elphaba, my love, I have missed you dearly. King Roald sent to the Sandrunners' territory for a patrol and they have adopted me—the tribe that is. I have heard that King Roald and Queen Lianne wish to adopt you as their own daughter. I'm really happy for you if you choose that, though, I can't see why you wouldn't since you are so devoted to her Majesty. I've also read in your last letter that you loathe your roommate. I'll take your side, and makes sure that she knows nobody mess with Raoul of Goldenlake's girl. I hope that you are happy though. I cannot wait to see my princess again, if you have said yes to being adopted, but knowing you, you will have already said yes by the time you read this. I cannot wait to hear what your decision will be if you haven't already decided. I do hope you'll write me as soon as you've decided. I can't wait to hear from you and I truly hope you still do love me like you said in the last letter you wrote me. Do me a favor and take care of yourself for me. I don't want you wearing yourself out. Congratulations on making into that sorcery class, but what are you going to do about the Wizard? Also, from I got out of your letter, I think you should take this advice. DON'T TRUST MADAME MORRIBLE! Are you going to have two separate identities—Elphaba of Trebond and Conté for when you're here in Tortall and Elphaba Thropp for when you're in Oz? Do let me know what you want me to call you, as long as I still get to call you Fabie. I love you very much and cannot wait to see you again. Raoul.
I wrote to him and told him what I'd told Queen Lianne and King Roald.
Dear Raoul, I have accepted their Majesties offer to adopt me. I'll probably just use my Tortallan identity—Elphaba of Trebond and Conté. Thanks for the advice and I just do the same thing I did back at Court when I was studying magic under Duke Roger's teaching—practice more advanced spells in secret. I do hope you come visit me soon. I really miss you, and cannot wait to see you again. I love you too. Elphaba of Trebond and Conté.