Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, WB, MGM. This is a fanfiction, a non-commercial derivative work. I only own Adelaide. 

Aeriel and I entered the great hall where it seemed all the elves in Rivendell had decided to gather. They clustered in orderly groups along the edge of the room, the center taken up by formal dining tables that spanned the length of the hall.

Arched windows spanned both sides, open to the warm evening air. More elves gathered on the mezzanine murmuring quietly amongst themselves.

I searched for the company, spotting Kili, Fili, and Oin standing near the front of the hall before a table on a raised dais. They were dressed in freshly pressed tunics, their hair braided neatly.

Excusing myself from Aeriel I wove through the center aisle to reach them. "I see you boys dressed for the occasion."

Kili tore his attention away from a female elf threading through the crowd with a tray of wine and gawked. "By Mahal's scraggly beard, the elf maids worked wonders on you." He circled me, taking in the form fitting dress, and neatly arranged hair. "Uncle's jaw will drop in astonishment when he sees you."

My smile slipped a fraction. What was I before a train wreck? Kili was losing his touch, dishing out back-handed compliments but the idea of striking Thorin speechless had some appeal. "Thorin probably won't come."

Fili drank deeply from a goblet. "Aye, tis true. He's not fond of elves, unlike my brother who has an unnatural inclination for their maids." He cast a pointed glance at Kili. "Dwarrowdams are more to my liking."

Kili grinned good-naturedly. "I am a staunch admirer of all female beauty." He winked at an elf maid who scoffed and turned her back on him.

"Yet, the ladies seem impervious to your charm." I noted, snagging a wine goblet from a passing tray.

"I'll grow on them."

Studying him over the rim of my goblet, I smiled. I couldn't fault Kili's self-confidence. I wished I were more confident in myself. Instead, I felt like one step away from falling over a cliff. I surveyed the crowded room for the other dwarves and Bilbo. "Where is everyone?"

"Dwalin's not coming. The others will be along presently." Oin said.

A few minutes later, Lord Elrond appeared, taking a seat at the table with Lindir, and a pair of twin elves who bore a striking resemblance to him. They must be his sons, Elrohir and Elladan.

Odd, I thought they were supposed to be in the North with Aragorn and the Rangers. I shrugged. Maybe that's later in the timeline. I liked the books and films, but I was not so obsessive I knew every intimate detail about Middle Earth.

Once the Lord of Rivendell took his place, the rest of the elves scattered to the tables and the platters of food spread across them.

Aelfric the healer appeared before me, extending his arm gracefully. "My lady."

I peered up at him warily. This is the first time we had spoken since he released me from his care. "Yes, my lord?"

"Will you grant me the honor of escorting you to your table?" He asked politely.

"Certainly." I threaded my arm through his and he led me to the table furthest to the right where Aeriel and Aerys were already seating themselves.

Aelfric pulled out a chair for me and waited for me to sit before taking the vacant chair to my left.

Fili, Kili, and Oin were shown to Lord Elrond's table. At the same time the rest of the company arrived and ascended the dais behind the other dwarves. Thorin, of course, was absent.

Why was I the only member of the company seated with the general populace? It seemed odd to be singled out in such an obvious way.

"Lady Adelaide, are you well?" Aeriel asked, plucking a cluster of grapes from a platter.

"I..." I trailed off unsure what to say or if I should say anything.

The she-elf waited expectantly for a reply.

I dropped my gaze to my empty plate and shook my head. "It's nothing."

I was being silly. After everything the elves had done for me, I'd only sound like an ungrateful brat complaining. I already had zero credibility with Aerys and truly being seated with Aeriel and her friends was not a hardship.

The she-elf at least was warm and gracious. Aelfric was okay. A bit reserved, but okay. Using tongs, I deposited several strawberries on my plate, next to a salad.

"I hear, you intend to leave us, Lord Aelfric." Aerys commented, swiping butter over a roll with a knife. "To return to your kin in Mirkwood."

I nearly choked on a strawberry. Mirkwood? Aelfric was from Mirkwood? The same place as that jerk Thranduil.

"Yes, I have been too long away. Now that I have completed my studies, I must return home." Aelfric replied coolly and shifted his attention to me. "You seem...overwhelmed my lady."

Coughing, I gulped down a goblet of water and inhaled deeply. "No, no, I'm fine. Just had a tickle in my throat."

The elf healer did not buy my lie in the way I expected. Aelfric's gaze turned critical as he studied me closely. He cupped my chin lightly in his fingers and peered into my eyes and looked up my nostrils. "I do not see signs of hay fever."

Heat flushed through my body at his close proximity. I tried to look away but couldn't. His eyes were green as emeralds and his hair like silken flax. He was even hotter than Lindir.

And touching me. My legs shifted restlessly as he swept a thumb slowly over my cheek.

Damn my hormones. I hadn't done the horizontal tango with a man in over two years! It was like dangling a juicy carrot in front of a starving rabbit and expecting the rabbit not to bite.

Aelfric seemed unaware of his effect on me and leaned in closer, his sweet breath brushing against my lips.

I licked my lips automatically in response. Oh, boy.

"Leave the poor child alone, Lord Aelfric. She is fine." Aerys drawled. "Besides, such examinations are not appropriate at the dinner table."

Duly chastened, Aelfric drew his hand away from my face. "Apologies, my lord."

Aeriel hid a smile behind her hand, disguising the movement by reaching for her goblet with the other. She sent me a pointed look, her eyes shifting to Aelfric.

I blushed and stabbed a fork into my salad. Damn it. I had hoped no one noticed. Thankfully, Aelfric and Aerys were as oblivious as every other man I knew and didn't catch our silent exchange.

"Lord Aerys, I received your journal." I said, eager to change the subject.

The stuffy elf raised a brow. "Consider it an apology for my rudeness. I should have handled the situation with more discretion."

"I suppose I owe you some thanks then. The journal will be useful."

The rest of dinner passed peacefully and soon the party shifted to a vast outdoor ballroom with an unparalleled view of the stars. Gossamer draped the columns and garlands of colorful flowers perfumed the air. Musicians were set up in one corner of the ballroom, leaving plenty of room for the dancers as the first notes of a sweet gentle tune burst to life.

My feet tapped in anticipation. I loved to dance. As a teenager I was fortunate to take ballroom dance classes. It was a skill I could actually utilize in this world.

Aelfric dipped in a graceful bow before me. I curtsied and held out my hand.

The elf took my hand in his, raising our arms and stepped to the side, turning me. Our hands parted with each twist and turn but came back together again when we faced each other. The medieval dance consisted of us gliding around each other in a circular pattern and briefly pressing our hands together. I hardly broke a sweat from walking in circles. 

Aelfric held my gaze, a slight smile curving his lips as I followed his lead. "You dance well, my lady."

"And you are a great dance partner, my lord."

Part way through, the mournful strains of the violin wrapped around us and the elf brought me close taking both my hands in his. He stepped back and I stepped forward, somehow without colliding with the other dancers who were doing the same thing.

When the final notes shivered through the air, Aelfric pressed one hand to my waist and drew my other hand to his chest, holding me close. We came to a stop, my skirts swinging around my feet. My breath hitched in my throat as I stared up at him, a peculiar feeling coming over me that had nothing to do with hormones and everything to do with being watched.

I scanned the ballroom, snagging on a familiar dwarf. Thorin stood at the edge of the dance floor, face livid, his arms crossed over his chest looking straight at me.

Uh-oh. What had I done now?

I slipped my hand from Aelfric's and sank into an absentminded curtsy. "Excuse me, my lord."

"Of course. Thank you for the dance, Lady Adelaide."

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Thorin had no intention of attending the party. Even if he liked music and food, his hatred of elves nearly surpassed both. Dwalin was the only one of the company to share his feelings. The rest had gladly streamed toward the great hall for the feast. In Kili's case, for the company of elvish maids.

Thorin disapproved of his nephew's bizarre proclivity and yet could not scold him. Not when they all risked their lives for Erebor.

Still, despite himself he followed the corridor through the villa until he arrived at the entrance to the ballroom. The elves glided elegantly about the floor, weaving in a sinuous tapestry of movement.

In their midst, Adelaide spun in the arms of the healer, caught up in the spell of the music, a radiant smile on her face.

For once, she wore a gown that suited her, not borrowed garments or castoffs or the strange male clothing she'd donned for the journey. The claret red linen hugged her soft curves, setting off her pale skin. She positively glowed, her lovely hair arranged in elegant braids, the flower crown Thorin made for her sitting on her head.

Anger boiled in Thorin's blood as he watched her dance and smile with the elf. That pointy-eared bastard pulled her close, hands lingering on her waist longer than the song called for. They came to a stop, Aelfric pressing her hand to his chest, and holding it there.

Thorin took an involuntary step forward before he stopped himself. She pulled away from the elf and stared across the dance floor at him. Her smile abruptly faded, when Thorin realized he was scowling at her.

Adelaide's brows furrowed as she faced Aelfric again and curtsied.

His fists shook with suppressed rage. At the elf for beguiling her. Human hearts were easily swayed. This is not the first time, Thorin had seen her cast admiring glances at an elf. What did she see in them? A pretty face?

Sighing softly, Balin broke away from his conversation with Gandalf and laid a hand on Thorin's shoulder. "Don't do it laddie. I know how you feel about the elves but tis not worth it."

"I do not understand the connection between them." Thorin said softly as Adelaide engaged Bilbo in the next dance, a lively jig.

"Ah, well, elves and men are both children of Illuvatar. Their connection might seem incomprehensible to us, but they have always been drawn to each other, bound in kinship." Balin said sympathetically. "But I would not worry. Soon we will be off and the elves a distant memory."

"I am not worried." Thorin lied and added to prevent further misunderstanding. "Or jealous. I simply do not trust any of them."

"Then in the spirit of the evening, perhaps you should ask the lady to dance." Balin suggested.

Thorin wanted to balk. Ask her to dance? He had no wish to celebrate anything with elves.

His eyes slid automatically in Adelaide's direction and lingered. "Very well, Balin. I will ask."

*************************************************************************************

Inhaling deeply, I perched on a bench at the edge of the dance floor, peeling off my slippers. Rubbing my aching soles, I lowered my feet into the grass and sighed. I'd been dancing for hours without a break. Aelfric had danced with me twice more along with Fili and Kili and even Lord Elrond's twins.

After spying Thorin earlier, I'd half expected him to confront me about dancing with the elves. Its not like I could have refused, nor had I wanted to. Swinging my legs back and forth I gazed off into the distance.

The fury on Thorin's face resurfaced. I wondered what imaginary infraction I had committed in Thorin's mind this time. He really was pig-headed and unreasonable sometimes. I brushed a finger over my flower crown. Yet...he had his redeeming qualities.

When Thorin came around the bench to stand in front of me, I lifted my chin, prepared for a confrontation. "Thorin, what are you doing here? At the party."

"My feet have a mind of their own." He said, joining me on the bench. "You seem happy tonight."

More than a little wary, I swiveled to face him. Nervous butterflies fluttered in my stomach but I leveled him with a severe look. "Cut the crap. Why were you glaring at me?"

"Tis not you I have a problem with." He smiled thinly. "However, let us not talk about the elves. I came to ask you to dance."

The invitation caught me off guard. Dance with him?

I uncrossed my ankles and swung to my feet, offering my hand. "Let's dance then."

"Not here." Thorin took me into the gardens, his broad hand encircling my own.

Heart pounding, I lengthened my stride and fell into step beside him. An enormous weight lifted off my shoulders when I realized we weren't going to argue. It had to be a record for us not to be at each other's throats by now.

When we found a spot with relative privacy, still within hearing range of the musicians, Thorin released my hand and dipped into a formal bow, sweeping out an arm grandly. "I am honored to have this dance, my lady."

I curtsied and stepped into his arms as the strains of a vaguely familiar melody reached us. Perching one hand on my waist, Thorin took my hand in the other and we began to dance.

I laughed in delight as he led me through familiar steps. "You know how to waltz! Where did you learn?"

A shadow scudded across his face. "Before the destruction of Erebor we were allied with Dale. We often hosted celebrations together. Human dances are not difficult to learn." He spun me in an embellished twirl, not a part of the dance, before taking me in his arms again. "I am remiss, I should have told you, you look beautiful tonight, Lady Adelaide."

I turned fire engine red. Somehow, the compliment meant more coming from Thorin. "And you cut a fine figure yourself, my lord."

Truly, he was graceful.

More graceful than I anticipated a dwarf to be after Fili and Kili nearly broke my toes with their awkward stomping. I sank into the rhythm of the dance swaying in his arms, following him across the emerald green sward.

Once the waltz closed, we did not stop. We kept dancing for the next hour. A warm glow sputtered to life in my breast as we danced beneath the ethereal glow of the full moon.

A/N: Hi, everyone. I intended to get this done yesterday but I was sick in bed. I feel a little better today so I decided to finish things up here. I originally intended for them to have an argument before they danced but I was disappointed with the chapter ending and I knew all of you would be disappointed so I made some changes that I'm happy with. As always, vote, comment, and have a wonderful day!