The song came to an end and Aerlaer laughed as she came to stand still before her current dance partner, a dark haired elf who had told her he was a member of the King's guard. He was quite funny but a little heavy on his feet she decided.

"That was quite some fun." He said cheerily. "My friend beckons to me, I must see him. Maybe we can dance again this eve?" He asked hopefully and Aerlaer nodded with a smile and tipping his head politely he raced off to where another elf was waving to him. Aerlaer looked around and realised with a start she was very close to the King's throne. He was not looking at her thankfully, too indulged in a platter of food and she hastily turned and walked through the groups of elves to the other side of the glade. She passed three of her companions, still with dance partners and then jumped nimbly backwards, out of the way to avoid a stumbling elf who'd had one too many chalices of the strong wine and felt herself knock into someone behind and heard a low gasp of surprise.

…

The masked dance was pointless. Everyone knew it was him behind the mask. He could not escape being treated by his rank and it made the celebration like all the rest, tedious for him. Manners and etiquette were foremost with every elleth which sort him out. He had hoped perhaps behind a mask he would be treated normally, instead of as the Prince he was. He never knew if it were his title which intrigued the elleths who always wished to dance with him or his personality. Not that I can let much of it show through with all the stupid pleasantries I have to reciprocate. He sighed. As much as he enjoyed dancing, he was sick of not being able to simply be himself and relax. He felt someone knock into his shoulder and let out a gasp of surprise as he was pulled from his thoughts. He turned a little annoyed to see a young elleth looking at him with a shocked expression on her face and he braced himself for the gushing and simpering but she just grinned at him sheepishly.

"Sorry, I had to jump out of the way of that drunken elf there." She pointed to an older elf and Legolas gave a chuckle, he was pretty sure it was the King's head gardener.

"No harm done." He murmured politely and she flashed him a bright, mischievous grin. How interesting, she has not gushed over how sorry she is for knocking into me and no annoying simpering either. He studied her curiously, trying to discern if he knew who she was. The elegant blue and gold mask could not hide her apparent beauty, she was tall and slender but seemed strong too the way she held herself regally. He figured she was probably quite graceful and nimble on her feet. She was clothed in an attractive dark blue dress which showed off strong but elegant arms and shoulders and a toned back. It fell flowing about her revealing a pair of bare feet. He dragged his eyes away from her body and travelled to her lips which had a quirk of a smirk in their corners and finally to where her eyes behind the mask. They were not doe-like as many elleths here were but a dark blue and dancing brightly with amusement as she watched him and he suddenly realised she knew he had been taking in her form unguardedly. Idiot.

"I guess you would like me to ask you to dance?" He said flatly and a look of shock crossed her face.

"Oh, no?" She said in surprise, confusion now evident in her eyes. "I mean I don't expect you to at all." She laughed lightly and he was struck by how the musical notes of that one sound seemed to throw abandon to any responsibility. She was clearly not trying to impress him or anything except her curious personality was drawing him in. He wanted to know more about her. He realised that maybe she did not actually realise who he was and a smile played on his lips.

"I think you would be fun to dance with." He said. "Will you dance with me?" He asked and she gazed at him considering. For the first time in his life he actually felt worried that his request to dance would be declined and he didn't know why but he really wanted this she elf to say yes.

…

Aerlaer looked thoughtfully at the silvery blonde, tall male elf before her. It struck her as odd that he thought she expected him to ask her to dance with him but now he seemed eager for her answer. He was young too but perhaps a hundred or so years older than her and he looked like he would be light on his feet. He wore a regal looking mask of pewter and silver of intricate design but behind it she could see warm brown eyes which she imagined could easily have mischief lurking in their depths. His smile was bright and charming and it seemed genuine.

"Yes. I'll dance with you." She finally answered with a bright smile and his own smile turned into a boyish grin. As he held a hand out to her and she took it, immediately feeling her hand tingle where he held onto it. The music turned into another song and she let him lead the dance, feeling a warm shiver as he carefully placed his other hand on her shoulder. The tempo increased and Aerlaer laughed joyfully as the elf stepped up the pace and they twirled around the glade at a swift and exhilarating speed. This was not how they danced in her herd or even in Rivendell or Lórien. This was much more fun. She kept up with the male elf easily enjoying herself. He was by far the best dance partner she had had, perhaps ever, as he spun her about laughing himself in delight.

"Finally someone who dances as well as I!" He exclaimed and Aerlaer chuckled.

"Very modest there aren't you." She teased and he smirked down at her. "You are truly the best partner I have had all evening, perhaps ever. How have I never had this privilege before now?" He asked.

"Oh I don't usually dance." She replied simply and was glad to see he accepted her answer. "What a pity; you are so nimble and graceful on your feet." He replied kindly and she smiled up to him. The song began to finish and they slowed back down and then finally stopped as the song ended.

"That was fun." Aerlaer said and he nodded in agreement.

"Is it selfish if I ask you to dance again? I very much want to." He grinned at her with his head slightly cocked questioningly to the side and she laughed.

"Would it be selfish if I said yes to your selfish question?" She smirked and both laughing, they once again spun around even faster again to the next merry song the elves played.