AN: So I realize it's been a while, blame my crazy summer and exotic peach blossom for torturing me and all those readers…I had to go join a virtual fan fiction support group of peach's fans for her story (TB Lewis this is for you!) I am still working on details for New York and I am running out of time…I am sick of baby steps and classes that don't work. On a completely different note, I wish I had AC; it's hot and muggy here all week. Anyway, enough complaining, time for the next update ;D Oh, and a special shout out to my newest follower: Harriet Specter! Welcome!

The next couple of weeks saw the palace and all tis residents getting ready for Elphaba's debutante ball…some with more excitement than others.

"Remind me again why I have to go shopping for a dress and have a stupid ball? I don't even know any of these people!" Elphaba was not enthusiastic about the idea at all.

Melena was reminded of herself at Elphaba's age, much preferring her books and solitude to parties and people. She smiled as she patiently explained to Elphaba, "As the Wizard's daughter, there will be people within society that will expect things from you and the wizard. You will eventually take over for him when he can no longer rule. As such, you must know and be familiar with the members of society as well as all important political members. This ball is a traditional and easy way to do this. Now let's go shopping and find the perfect dress that will drive Fiyero nuts!"

Elphaba sighed, but determined to make the best of the day. To her surprise, she ended up enjoying her time spent with Melena. For her it was the chance to do things with her that she had always dreamed of a mother and daughter doing together. Late that afternoon just as they were about to give up and head back to the palace to set up a meeting with the tailor, Melena spied the perfect dress in the window display of a small shop they were passing by.

"Elphaba! Come here!" She had to shout as Elphaba had wandered across the street to the bookstore that had caught her eye. As soon as Elphaba came back over, Melena dragged her into the shop. "You must try that one! It will look gorgeous on you!" Elphaba smiled and rolled her eyes at Melena's enthusiasm, but complied without protest.

She took the dress and out it on in the dressing room. When she emerged, Melena was speechless. Elphaba looked at her nervously and shyly asked, "What, do I look horrendible? Is it that bad?"

Melena shook her head and found her voice. "Elphaba, sweetie, you look gorgeous! Fiyero is going to freak when he sees you in this!"

"You really think so?" Elphaba looked at Melena as if she had grown two heads. Melena smiled and nodded. "I know so."

A few days later, Elphaba and Fiyero were out in the city, enjoying the fresh air, as it was a balmy day that was starting to hint towards spring. They had been enjoying the quiet time together so Fiyero was startled when Elphaba suddenly stopped and tugged on his hand.

"Fae? What's wrong?" He was faintly alarmed at the serious look on her face.

"If I ask you a question, will you answer it honestly?" Now Fiyero was really worried.

"Of course!"

"Do you really think I am cut out for this? Being the Wizard's daughter and going to balls and parties, meeting with government members? I mean, for as long as I can remember, I was told I am nothing and to suddenly be this important, well, I don't think I am ready for it! It's easy for you as you were born into it, but I have no idea what I am doing! What if I mess up and embarrass you and my father and Melena?"

Fiyero sighed and couldn't say that he was all that surprised to hear that she was wrestling with these questions. Her life had changed so dramatically over the past few weeks that he wondered why these questions hadn't come sooner.

"Fae, look at me. You are never going to embarrass any of us. You are right for this role you are taking on. You know why? Because you are not just the Wizard's daughter. That is your title. You, as Elphaba, are Oscar's daughter. You are brilliant and will dazzle all the people at the ball with your intelligence, beauty and charm. And yes, you are truly beautiful. What you have been told in the past is lies told be a manipulative and greedy man. You will make us all proud."

Elphaba was stunned at the vehemence of Fiyero's response. "Are you sure? Especially since I can't dance."

Fiyero stared at her in shock a moment before he burst out in laughter. "Oz Fae, is it any wonder why I love you? Don't worry, I will teach you how to dance."

The night of the ball was a clear and crisp night. Elphaba watched nervously from her window as the guests arrived and entered the palace. She turned away, her dress rustling as she did so and looked towards Chistery, who sat on her bed in his own little suit. "Oh Chistery. I know what Fiyero said and he has faith in me, but I am so scared. What if I mess this up?" Chistery chattered back at her. "I guess that I your vote of support huh?" She smiled and ran a hand over his head. 'Well, here goes nothing."

As she exited her room, the Captain of the Guard bowed before her and extended his hand with a smile.

"Miss Elphaba, may I ay you alook gorgeous this evening? May I have the honor of escorting you to the ball ?" She smiled and placed her hand in his, taking a death grip on it. He noticed.

"Miss Elphaba, there is no need to be nervous. You will be just fine, and if you need a familiar face, jut search for your father, Melena or Fiyero. When you enter the ball room, smile and focus on them and only them." She smiled shyly. They stopped at the tall quoxzwood doors.

The guard looked at Elphaba and asked her, "Here we are. Are you ready?" Elphaba took a deep breath, pasted on a smile and nodded. As she nodded, the Captain gave the signal and the giant doors swung inwards. As they did, a voice rang out in the ball room within.

"Presenting: Miss Elphaba, daughter of our illustrious Wizard!"