"You look beautiful, Alyssae." Thranduin touched her cheek and smiled. "They're waiting for us."

He took her hand and led her to a large hall, with open walls and huge arches that carried the roof. Everywhere asteroid candles were burning. The elves cheered when they descended the stairs.

Alyssae felt uncomfortable under their expecting glances and she was afraid she would stumble and roll down the stairs. She didn't dare to see where Thorin was, afraid he would confuse her somehow.

"Let all of us be a light to each other tonight," Thranduin spoke. After an approving nod from his uncle, the musicians pulled their strings and Thranduin wrapped his arms around her waist.

Alyssae wasn't prepared for a dance and she didn't know what to do, but his calm glance expelled her panic and she let him lead. For a while things went well, until she saw Thorin.
He stood at the edge of the room and his eyes were fixed on her. He smiled a little forced when their eyes met, but she could image he didn't like to look at them. More than anything she wanted to release herself from Thranduin's arms, so she could run in to his, but she knew that would only cause trouble.

A dance, that was all she could hope for. After all, that was more than she had managed during their previous party.

"Sorry," she mumbled ashamed when she stepped on Thranduin's foot for the second time. She was out of rhythm and feared everyone could see that.

Thranduin only smiled as a sign he did not mind and he looked into her eyes. "Let's get something to drink."

She had the feeling he had noticed she didn't feel comfortable and was glad with his suggestion. He winked an elf that was walking around with a serving tray and offered her a drink.

"I want you to enjoy this evening, Alyssae. Don't feel obliged to stay with me. Your saviors deserve your attention as well."

Alyssae wrapped her arms around him. He was so good to her. "Thank you, Thranduin. For everything. You are very special."

He smiled humbly and walked to some elves Alyssae didn't know. She looked around to search for a dwarf with whom she could dance. Kili and Tauriel were already on the dance floor and when she saw the look in the eyes of her friend, she supposed she wasn't the only one who had developed feelings for a dwarf. Alyssae sighed softly and noticed she was a little jealous. She also wanted Kili to hold her, dancing unthinking without the word 'liar' reflected in his eyes.

She tore her glance away from the two and nipped her drink. She wanted to walk to Thorin immediately, but was afraid that would strengthen the suspicion of the elves - especially that of Thranduil. It felt like the elf king observed every move she made, as if he knew what was going on in her head, waiting patiently until she made a mistake.

She saw that Bofur had found an elfish girl as well and that another one walked away disappointed from Thorin, who stared with a sullen face at Kili and Tauriel. She had no idea how their fight had ended, but they both stood upright and the amount of bruises seemed limited.

Alyssae didn't want their family conflict to ruin this evening and she walked towards Bombur, who stood aside on his own and was dancing alone.

"So, what about a dance?" She smiled and offered him her hand.

His cheeks turned red and he looked at her insecure. "Do you really want to dance with me?"

"Of course!"

Bombur took her hand and turned her around. She had the feeling Bombur had observed the elves for a while, to see how they danced and he learned quickly.

"This is something different than the dances you're accustomed to."

Bombur nodded and looked over his shoulder, where Dwalin and Gloin were standing against the wall with gruff faces. "Not everyone appreciates."

"Shall we do a partner change?" a merry voice sounded after a while.

Alyssae glanced aside and saw Kili and Tauriel. Bombur shrugged and looked sheepish at Tauriel, who took his hands. Kili wrapped his arms so tightly around Alyssae she could barely move.

"Tell me, princess, when is it my turn?"

Alyssae raised her eyebrows questioning.

He smoothed her cheek and looked into her eyes. "Well, you're done with my brother and uncle, so I was wondering when it was my time."

He blew a kiss towards her.

She stared confused at him. There was a turbulent look in his eyes which she didn't understand.

She tried to push him away, but he held her close with a cynical smirk on his face.