A/N: Shout outs to my anonymous reviewer and James Birdsong! Glad you liked it. Thanks!

Chapter 7

Glinda, Bayram, and Boq exited the blonde's quarters only to see Sergeants Zeki and Duncan coming down the hall toward them. They didn't have worried looks on their faces and the three wondered what was going on.

"Ma'am, sirs, you should come outside," Zeki spoke up.

"What's going on? It sounded like a herd of elephants out here a moment ago," Glinda asked.

"Just come outside," Duncan tried to usher them along. Bayram raised an eyebrow but moved along which convinced the others to move. They worked their way through the hallways until they reached the balcony where Glinda would give her proclamations.

"Is it safe?" The blonde knew that the men wouldn't put her in danger, but they were being weird. Zeki smiled and opened the door. Glinda went outside to see that a crowd of Animals had gathered beneath the balcony.

"Lady Glinda!" A cry went up before joyous shouts of thanks and love floated up to the blonde. They'd been given their freedom. Something that had been promised and then yanked away.

"Good citizens of Oz, I appreciate your appearance here. It is my hope that we as a country can move forward. Do you have any questions? Is there a concern that was not addressed?" The blonde was surprised and confused at why they had formed outside the gates, which had obviously caused Lieutenant Zetti to let them inside.

"I think they just want to let you know that they are happy. I know it seems weird given all we've been through," Bayram smiled at her as more shouts of appreciation came from the happy Animals below. Glinda nodded, held up her hands to quiet the crowd, and then addressed them,

"I want to apologize for my predecessors and their behavior. You have always been citizens of Oz and should have been treated as such. I only hope that the healing can begin. There are more announcements coming. For now, please return to your homes. Know that I will never forget this moment." Cheers went up and slowly the crowd began to disperse with the help of Lieutenant Zetti and his men. Glinda and the group that had formed on the balcony headed back inside.

"That was weird," Glinda still couldn't shake it.

"Get used to it. People all over Oz adore you. You and the Council did something very important today. The affected groups will want to show their respect and adoration for you," Bayram pointed out to her. Glinda shook her head.

"Another big day tomorrow. I'm heading to bed," she told them. Everyone wished her a good night and went on their own ways. Bayram followed her until they reached her door. He waggled his eyebrows and she chuckled before inviting him inside.

Meanwhile, Zetti and his men were making sure the courtyard was clear. Once all of the Animals were escorted out, the Palace gates were closed and secured. The Lieutenant made sure that the night shift was coming on duty and the day shift was heading for their quarters.

Not ready to retire himself, Zetti decided to take a walk around the grounds. The impromptu meeting was something that could have been a security nightmare, but he figured that Animals that just got their rights back weren't coming to harm Lady Glinda. That's when he saw a pair of eyes reflecting in the light of the torches inside a bush at the edge of the royal garden.

"Hey! What are you doing there?" Zetti called out to the pair of eyes. A small Rabbit hopped out of the bush.

"Did you get left behind?" The Lieutenant asked as he crouched down to look him in the eyes.

"I must speak with Lady Glinda. There is trouble afoot," the young Rabbit told him.

"Trouble from who?" Zetti wanted to know.

"I…" it was obvious that there were trust issues there. Not that the Lieutenant blamed him.

"Look, I'm a good friend of Miss Elphaba and Lady Glinda. I mean you no harm, but I cannot give you a moment with the most powerful lady in Oz without something I can give her," Zetti explained.

"I'm scared," the Rabbit admitted.

"You're being very brave for staying behind. What you know, you must think is very important. Why don't we start small? What is your name?" Zetti asked.

"Arnab," the Rabbit finally said after a few minutes.

"All right Arnab. I'm Lieutenant Zetti. It's nice to meet you. Why don't we go to the mess tent, get you something eat and drink, and then you can tell me all about what your heard?" The Lieutenant smiled. Arnab nodded and the two went off to see if there was some food. Zetti was wondering just what this little Rabbit had heard.

To Be Continued…