The night was dazzling with lights. One would think the stars had descended over the land and were dancing amongst the large and bright trees that sprung from the ground. On this very night, the fae celebrated life.

Aria squinted her eyes, trying to make out the forms of all those approaching the massive ivory palace. Beings of all kinds had been trickling in all day. Some had wings, other horns, some even had skin that resembled scales or fur. A passage led them towards the back of the palace, and that's as far as Aria could see.

But she didn't need to see what was beyond to know what was happening there. Aaron's explanation left her blushing all the way down to her breast. From the clothes that some of the more human-like fae wore, or lack thereof, it was easy to guess what kind of 'activities' they were looking forward to.

A soft knock on the door pulled Aria's attention from the balcony. She wrapped the sleeping robe tight around her body and entered the main sleeping chamber. "Come in."

The door unlocked and Nessa and Estel waltzed in through the door.

Aria's mouth hit the floor. "You both look outstanding!"

Nessa wore a dark navy skin-tight dress. The silk wrapped about her waist, and parted at each side to show her long and firm legs. Silver stars warped around her cleavage and around her back, serving as sharp straps. Estel on the other hand, donned a red-colored dress, that draped over each breast, unifying at the waist, and cascading down the front and back.

A dress like that would have gotten holy water thrown on her back at home. But Aria could not deny, Estel looked gorgeous.

"Why are you dressed for sleep?" Estel asked, eyeing Aria's white sleeping robes judgingly.

Aria crossed her arms over her chest. "What else would I do?" She wasn't trying to stumble upon anyone while... 'coupling.' She was not one to judge how people decided to indulge in their carnal urges. But to do that... in the midst of the forest while everyone knew, she couldn't fathom it.

"Do you not plan to attend the celebration? Security is low today so we need to be with you at all times, you mean to make us miss it?" Estel asked squaring off against Aria.

Aria turned to Nessa for help with handling the demanding elf. "I would be out of place."

"Come on, it will be fun. I'll mostly be hanging on the edges, I'll keep you company," Nessa added.

"Are you not 'partaking' in the night?" Aria asked

Nessa chuckled. "The company I enjoy wouldn't really be productive to the purpose of tonight's celebration. Besides, most are afraid to approach a night faerie. But the wine and food are exquisite."

"I suppose," Aria looked down at herself, and used her last remaining excuse. "But, even if I went. I have nothing to wear."

A smirk appeared on Estel's face. "I guessed as much. I brought you something I thought might fit." She flung a light blue-colored fabric into Aria's hands. Checkmate.

Aria's fingers brushed the soft silk. The dress was more modest than what the elf wore, yet, it still colored Aria's cheek red. The light blue fabric cut at each side, just high enough for her legs to peek through. The v cut of the dress was low, allowing a teasing glimpse of cleavage. The top half was weaved from fibrous threads, crafted masterfully into flowers and leaves, that would wrap loosely over her bosom, holding the dress together.

Aria blushed. "I can't wear this?"

"It's what I brought. It should fit you, so shut it and put it on." Estel grunted. The hollowing sound of horns hummed through the balcony. Her foot tapped impatiently against the floor. "Hurry up, the celebrations are beginning. I want to make sure to speak to the prince before too many get a chance to invite him."

"You are going to ask Elvin?" Aria felt a burning sensation within her chest. jealousy festered there.

Estel put her right hand on her waist. "Yes," — she smiled — "we consorted last year and I will ask him again, why?"

The action felt like Estel was pissing all over the ground, claiming the territory. Claiming Elvin as hers.

The thought of Elvin and Estel... Aria bit her tongue so hard she tasted iron. She knew she had no right to be jealous. It was not like Aria and him were anything more than friends. If they could even be called that now. 'He is free to sleep with whomever he wants,' Aria reminded herself. Yet, her heart still twisted painfully.

"No reason," Aria mumbled.

Aria looked down at the dress in her hands, letting the soft fabric grace her fingers. She hadn't seen Elvin since the night they almost kissed and he had turned away. She wanted to kiss him so badly. To feel his firm lips move against hers. It still left her baffled why he had pulled away. She saw it in his eyes. He wanted her too. Her nails grasped the dress tightly. "Can I have a moment to change?"

The two fae soldiers nodded their heads and began to walk outside.

Once alone, Aria turned to the mirror and she imagined her brother there. He stared back at her and chuckled.

"I have been afraid of you for so long," Aria spoke. "Afraid to care and love because you would rip that away from me. Like you took everything I ever cared about, until I was all alone." She pressed her hand against the mirror obscuring her brother's face. "I won't be afraid to live anymore."

Aria wasn't quite sure what she felt for Elvin. She cared for him like she had no one since Daeniell.

Elvin, in such a short time, ignited desires within her that she had not allowed herself to even think of for so long. In his arms, she had felt so peaceful, so cared for. At this point, all she could think about was how much she wanted him.

She didn't know what she would do when she made it to the celebration. But she wouldn't let the possibility that existed between them slip through her hands without a fight.

She would be true to what she felt.

The light tapping of drums matched the pace of Aria's fast beating heart. With every step, her skin tensed with anticipation.

Aria walked down the spiral flowers-covered dirt path that led to the back of the castle. Her hair contrasted with the crystal blue fabric. She looked like a storm of fire and ice. Star-shaped jewelry adorned her rustic metal hair, making it shine under the bright moonlight.

Each step took them closer to an archway woven from vines and plant matter leading to a large garden.

Aria stepped through. When her bare feet touched the grass, splatters of colorful light sprinkled from the wet grass. Light leaked like a grape being squished and turned to juice. She stumbled back.

"Don't be afraid of it." Nessa pressed a hand against Aria's lower back, urging her forward. "It's the mother tree releasing the energy that it receives throughout the year, nurturing the land. It's why we celebrate life today."

"How come I have never seen anything like this happen in human territory?"

"Most of the mother tree's connections have been severed to that part of the land. At least that's what I am told." Nessa stepped into the grass, and light poured from out the ground. She raised her dress, extending her toes as light seeped through like liquid. "It tickles."

Her motion sent colorful waves rippling through the grass. They traveled across the clearing, clashing into ones created by the dancing fae at the center. The ones that were not rocking to the beat of the music, lingered at the edges, drinking and eating to their delight.

"Welcome," a fae greeted from the side as he gestured for the group to enter. His lower body was that of a sheep with hooves for feet, yet he possessed the upper body of a man. Aria tried not to stare as he blew into a horn.

Everyone on the dance floor stopped for a second, looking towards the entrance.

"Stand tall and look proud," Nessa whispered from Aria's right. "The fae find confidence attractive."

"I am not trying too—"

"Mhmm." Nessa chuckled at the redness in Aria's cheeks.

Aria's eyes shifted to Estel. The elf looked comfortable. If there was something Estel was never lacking, it was pride and confidence.

Aria straightened her stance and looked onwards, past the people that gathered and gasped at the sight of a human. Her gaze reached all across the clearing and her breath caught in her throat when they met Elvin's shocked stormy eyes. He sat on a throne made of branches embedded with silver lilies, with the king in a larger version to his right.

Elvin's mouth was slightly agape as he took a deep breath. He wore a tunic and trousers made of fabric as dark as the night sky. Over it all, he donned a dark navy jacket draped over his dark trousers and a golden belt closed over his mid-waist. Threads of gold waved through the fabric, resembling a layer of metal armor. A plunging neckline dipped all the way to his lower abdomen, showing a tempting glimpse of his firm, tattooed pecs. Blue-grey metal guards plated his broad shoulders and fastened a storm-tinted royal robe that draped down his back. On top of his silver hair was a dark metal crown embedded with spikes and leaves shaped sapphire gems.

He was breathtakingly handsome.

Aria felt dazed at the sight. She thanked the darkness for hiding the redness on her cheeks as his eyes traced every curve of her body. Memories of how his hands had set her skin aflame at the nymph's lake invade her mind. She bit her lip. This time there was no pretense.

He gulped as he leaned back on the throne. For as much as she was taken with him, the prince was just as stunned by the dress she wore.

"Shall we?" Estel asked with a cocky smile on her face. Her eyes locked on Elvin as her chest puffed out at the thought that the prince was looking at her.

"This way." Nessa gestured to the right, where many nests like benches laid at the outlines of the trees. They walked, Aria occasionally casting her gaze back at Elvin. His jaw was tight as he traced every step she took.

His heated look fueled the sway to her hips. Aria chuckled internally when he tried to look away. Yet, his eyes wavered with desire back to her legs, caressing them mentally as they slipped through the cut of the dress.

"So, how does this night work exactly?" Aria asked Nessa as they sat together on the bench. Estel was happy to linger standing as she surveyed the dancing fae.

"Do you see that circle at the center?" Nessa pointed to a silver ring that lit up the surrounding area at the center of the clearing. Swirls twisted inside like guides for the dancers to follow. "It is infused with magic. If you enter it, the music will guide you through a dance where your instincts come to life."

"As in?"

"It amplifies your wants and needs. Whatever you find attractive in a mate, whether it be scent or power, it leads you to it."

"What happens if you do not like who the circle leads you to?" Aria asked.

Estel turned her attention from the dance floor. From Elvin. "The magic only works within the circle. If you are not happy with whom it leads you to, you can try again or just enjoy the celebration, I suppose."

"What happens to the ones that decide to engage in... coupling?" A blush spread over Aria's cheeks again. The concept was so foreign to her. A party to encourage people to engage in 'coupling,' as Aaron had called it. All to increase birth rates to make up for the lives lost during the war.

"You will find it that some couples get lost in the forest throughout the night." Nessa snorted as she took a sip of fae wine. "Some emerge with the intent to become mates. Others just say their goodbyes after an eventful night." She laid back on the chair, a smile as wide as lover's lake.

'That must be some powerful wine,' Aria chuckled internally as the night faery sipped more on the shimmering blue liquid. The wine seemed to fill her with confidence and light. Perhaps, Aria could use some of that.

The beat of the drums began to speed up, and everyone's attention turned to the circle. Twelve faes walked forward, standing at the edge of the circle.

The low vibrations of a string-born melody flowed through the clearing. The fae within the ring took a deep breath, overcome as the light from the grass glided across their skin. They danced fluidly to the rhythm of the music. The light on their skin fluttered through all the colors of life as the melody guided their limbs through a delicate dance. Two of the dancers would meet every so often, and their movements would begin to match as their actions merged into one.

Aria took in a deep breath. A pair exited the circle and proceeded to dance with each other suggestively. By the way their bodies rubbed against each other, it was clear how their night would end.

Uncertainty began to crawl under her skin. Was she truly ready for this? Perhaps, she could just talk to Elvin. Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest at the thought of sharing something so intimate with him. Did he even want to?

"You look tense?" Nessa's question from next to Aria.

"Just feeling like a fish out of water." Aria smiled back, trying to push down the nerves that bubbled in her stomach. 'What was I thinking in coming here?'

"What do you have to be nervous about? It's not like you are participating," Estel asked. Her eyes checking her nails were as pristine as ever. "Once I go off with Elvin, Nessa will stay with you."

"What if I am?"

Estel's eyebrow rose in amusement. "Oh really? I guess you and Aaron have been getting along quite well. Where is that knucklehead, by the way? Always making his entrance late."

"I am not planning on asking Aaron." The declaration slipped out of Aria's mouth before she knew. But she wanted the elf to know that Elvin wasn't hers to claim. She didn't even seem to contemplate that perhaps Elvin would want someone else. That he would want her.

The elf's lips thinned. "Then who?" Estel's eyes followed Aria's eyesight. "The prince?" She asked, her voice pitched with disbelief.

Aria ignored the shiver of doubt that ran down her spine cast by Estel's tone. The thought seemed so outrageous to the elf. "Perhaps," Aria spoke, struggling to keep her calm.

Estel placed her hand on her waist. "Let me save you the embarrassment. The circle won't lead you to the prince."

"Why are you so certain?" Aria's nails dug into her lap if only to stop herself from cursing the elf out. Who died and made her queen of Elvin's life?

"I'll give it to you that everyone can see he is attracted to you. But the circle works at a different level. The prince is not interested in someone as fragile as yourself."

'Fragile?' She reminded the elf with a smirk on her face. "I disarmed you."

"Pure luck." Estel's weight shifted to her right. "Do you even know how to repeat what you did?"

Aria bit her tongue as she tried to think of what to say, but words failed her.

"That's what I thought." Estel began to turn and walk away.

"You're wrong."

Estel's long fingers combed through her golden hair. "If you want, I'll spar with you later-"

"Not about fighting. Sure, I am not yet as skilled as you. But I would wager that a powerful warrior is not the most important thing to Elvin. If you think that power is what he cares about, you don't know him. He has wants and desires that run far deeper than that."

"I guess we shall see who is correct." Estel flipped her hair before she strode towards the two thrones. Her hips swung suggestively as she approached the prince.

Estel bowed before the two, a smile on her face.

"Hello, Estel." The king chuckled. "Your father tells me you have grown into quite an impressive warrior."

"Thank you, your highness. It is my pleasure to serve under your liege." She rose and looked towards the prince. "If I may, Prince Elvin, would you join me for a dance?"

"Well, of course, he would. Marvelous." The king rumbled happily from his throne.

Estel raised her eyebrow in question.

"You will have to excuse my father. He is quite pertinent today," Elvin answered with a smirk on his face. Yet, he was mentally glaring at his father. He rose and offered Estel her hand. "Shall we?"

Aria's heart dropped to the pit of her stomach when Elvin took Estel's hand. All her hopes of sharing her feelings crawled up and died. That was it? She didn't even get to speak with him? To tell him how she felt and see if he felt the same.

"Are.. hiccup.. you giving up already," Nessa asked, taking another sip.

"He already chose." The words weigh heavily against Aria's chest. She felt stupid for coming here. Her eyes cast down, she didn't want to see them together. She needed to leave—

"You know, when I use my powers, it allows me to see into the minds of the being while their guards are down. Elvin has learned to guard against my powers, but at the moment, when he was shielding your mind with his. I got a glimpse."

Aria edged closer. "What did you see?"

"As he was seeing himself being stabbed by his friends for failing his people. He kept telling himself you were okay. Seems to me someone that would endure that for someone, must have something more than just lingering attraction."

The words sunk deep into her heart.

Elvin had done so much for her. He soothed her fears when she could not. The least she could do was not give up on him so easily. She would not coward from it anymore. Her heart beat for him. She would tell him that. She would bare her feelings before him.

Aria took a deep breath and reached out, grabbing the drink from Nessa's hands. "You don't mind, right?"

"By all means." Nessa waved her hand.

Aria chugged down the blue liquid. Her throat burned as the drink slipped down. Instantly, her body felt like it was ablaze. She stood from her seat, and she strode fast and confidently towards the edge of the light circle.

Estel's eyebrow rose.

Aria ignored her and instead looked straight ahead. Caramel-brown met thundering grey eyes, then—

The music began to play.

---.---

And so the dance begins...