Next to You

Part 2

*Some months later*

A knock sounded from the other side of the door as Blinky tidied himself up, fidgeting and adjusting for the umpteenth time. "Need help with anything?" Blinky shouted back a harried no, adjusting his clothing one last time and heading out with a groan of apprehension.

It was time for the midwinter gathering, a huge ball, where trolls from all over the world gathered together to dance, socialize, and discuss recent issues. This was a special one as well; this was where Blinky would be recognized by all the other settlements as a troll elder.

All of his behavior and speaking had to be absolutely perfect, especially his dancing. But who would he dance with? Usually the new elder had a close female friend or partner to dance with, and while there were no rules against him dancing with Aargh, the two had only just begun dating and Blinky was unsure if Aargh wanted to be overly public with it yet, only the other trollhunters and Dictatious knowing at this point. It wasn't a shameful thing, it was simply that new relationships were generally very private affairs.

The main hall was a huge room carved from a natural cave discovered in the original creation of trollmarket. The walls were smoothed raw rock, studded with crystals of alternating greens, blues, and purples, softly illuminating the large space. Soft music emanated from a band in the corner, serenading the large groups of delegates, leaders, and various other guests.

Blinky fought the urge to pull at his collar, unused to the tight feeling of fabric around his throat. He wore the traditional formal dress of a new elder; a gold-clasped cape falling to his knees, a tailored pair of black pants, and a silky, light sleeveless shirt. For a troll used to no more than shorts and suspenders, it was extremely uncomfortable, and strangely hot.

Jim approached with Claire in tow, both dressed very nicely. Blinky smiled at them, but it likely looked more like a grimace. "It'll go fine, trust me! Just be yourself, they're bound to like you!" This came from Toby, who approached with two hands full of troll food. Blinky nodded, refocusing on the dancefloor, so absorbed that he didn't notice Aargh's approach until the huge troll was standing right behind him.

It was like Blinky's heart had leaped into his throat; Aargh was far too large for formal clothing, but Tobias had found him a green bow tie. His fur was washed and neatly combed, his skin scrubbed. The Krubera's scent was strong and happy, laced with notes of mint and jasmine from whatever soap Toby had given to him. It was an extremely pleasant scent overall, and Blinky stood as close to Aargh as he could within the limits of formal propriety.

The music got louder and trolls began to pair off, spinning away across the floor with elegant steps. "Want to dance?" Aargh asked Blinky, face lit up with nervous excitement. Blinky nodded, offering a hand for Aargh to take. Once they were far out on the floor Aargh pulled Blinky close to him, so close that their chests almost met. "I thought that you might want to take this more slowly, but I am glad that we are dancing now, even if everyone is staring." Aargh glanced around; it was true that many stared, but it didn't bother him. In fact, this night was starting to feel just perfect; holding Blinky in his arms, whirling slowly across the floor in the soft light with music in his ears, it was all he needed.