Elphaba Speaks Her First Word

One evening, the family and Turtle Heart are gathered around a fire. Frex is in a good mood, and Nanny is preparing to leave. Turtle Heart begins to speak of the horrors in Quadling Country, where the Emerald City is planning to build a road and exploit ruby deposits. He warns of a cruel stranger king. Elphaba, who has never spoken before, suddenly says her first word: 'Horrors.' The word shocks everyone. Turtle Heart is awed, believing the child has seen the future in the glass he made for her. He becomes determined to return to the Emerald City to plead for his people. Melena, distraught at the thought of him leaving, reveals she is pregnant again.