Title: Hunter and Prey, 5/? Author: Rune Dancer, runedancer@hotmail.com Rating: R Pairing: That would be telling. Disclaimer: I own nothing, Tolkien is God, yadda, yadda. Warnings: Slash. Archiving: Anyone who wants it, just let me know. A/N: This has nothing to do with my previous Unspoken story arc, although some of the characterizations are eerily similar. Updates will be haphazard, but I promise to finish it.

* * *

Elladan paused in the underbrush, waiting silently while several Galadrim passed within feet of his location. The main body of the Hunt must have moved into the woods by now, for he'd seen no fewer than twelve Hunters of different types in the last half hour. Haldir, however, had managed to avoid all of them handily, which rather impressed Elladan. He'd been confident of his own ability to stay hidden; although Imladris' guards knew the border regions like the back of their hands, they were largely unfamiliar with the area around the house, and the Mirkwood and Lorien Hunters were in completely unknown territory--yet he had grown up playing in these woods. He was surprised that Haldir was able to make his way so easily, however, almost as if the forest itself was helping him. Which it had better not be, he sternly informed a nearby tree, which managed to look as innocent as a tree could as it fervently denied the accusation. You'd better be telling the truth, he warned it silently, but couldn't help a brief grin at the thought that the sexy Galadrim had managed to subvert even the foliage of Imladris. I didn't stand a chance, did I, Elladan mused.

Despite his charm and skill, however, Haldir was not perfect, for Elladan noticed with glee that he was doing exactly as expected and heading straight for the falls. When Elladan had planted his little clue the week before, he had counted on Haldir remembering it and deciding that his best bet for another win was to focus on the standard. After his previous victory, everyone would be looking to eliminate him, thus dropping his chances of survival if he concentrated on gathering tokens. Finding the standard would, however, obviate that necessity, and so Elladan watched as Haldir began a systematic check of the waterfalls, edging ever closer to the place he so desired him to be.

In a way, Elladan almost regretted having to arrange things this way, as he admired Haldir's uncommon skill, and would have liked to see if he could manage a second win if given a fair chance to do so. However, he was not charitable enough to permit any such thing when it meant allowing the gorgeous Galadrim to slip through his fingers yet again. Elladan had been smitten with the silvan guard since he'd first seen him a decade before. Haldir's regular missions for Lord Celeborn had insured that he was rarely able to take part in the Hunt, and although he'd participated a few times as Elladan was growing up, it had not been until he almost won the thing a decade before that he'd caught Elladan's eye.

Elladan sighed when he thought of the futile pursuit that had followed. The problem was that the Lorien faction usually only arrived a week prior to the game, and Haldir was completely focused on his participation that whole time. Unlike some of the others, who used the opportunity to flirt, drink and dance their way through the intervening days, Haldir could not be bothered with anything except the Hunt itself. Elladan had tried everything to gain his attention, but to no avail. Provocative outfits were useless, as Haldir didn't even notice them. Innuendos, likewise, went unheard by one whose complete attention was taken in formulating his battle strategy. Even a blatantly worded offer two years ago had received the humiliating reply of a vague look and a, "maybe later, Elrohir," infuriating Elladan who, despite what everyone said to the contrary, was not a copy of his brother. It had been after that that he decided more drastic measures were called for.

The difficulty lay in the fact that the Lorien guards left the day after the Hunt each year, giving Elladan very little time with Haldir when he was not focused on the game. He'd therefore immediately latched onto him after his win the year before, taking advantage of the fact that Haldir was very happy to talk about each and every move he'd made on the way to victory to anyone who would listen. After several hours and a couple of bottles of his father's best wine, Elladan had finally received the opening for which he'd waited so long.

"But I will win again next year, too," a rather confused looking Haldir had told him, blinking blearily in his general direction. "So you're bound to lose."

"Then you should have no trouble agreeing, should you?," Elladan had reasoned, with his best "trust me, I'm your friend" smile. In the end, Haldir had done exactly that, just before he passed out and had to be carried off to his rooms by a group of Galadrim. Elladan had been ecstatic, and fairly danced back to his own chambers. True, it was frustrating to have to wait yet another year for his prize, but then, Haldir of Lorien in his bed for a night was worth waiting for. Yet it was also something, he mused, as Haldir finished his exploration of the Chiming Falls and moved on, that he had yet to earn. Slipping through the woods with the silence acquired from years of sneaking up on his brother, Elladan followed his prey toward Rainbow falls, and the surprise he'd carefully arranged for him there.

* * *

Elrohir trailed after Glorfindel along an almost indistinguishable path through the undergrowth, wondering as he did so just how to steer him towards Erestor's trap without it looking too obvious. He'd already overcome one hurdle by persuading him to take him along, despite the fact that Glorfindel had been furious with him for swallowing so much of the smoke. "You went through training--you know better! You are supposed to hold your breath when it comes at you, not gulp it down!" Elrohir had let the angry words slide off him, mainly because he was pleased to note that Glorfindel had obviously been concerned for him.

The really tricky part of his task was still ahead, however, Elrohir reminded himself. Somehow, he had to keep Glorfindel from knowing that he was a part of Erestor's plan, for he didn't even want to think of the consequences otherwise. And, although their plotting had seemed at least feasible in the secretary's rooms in the palace, it was much less so now.

Elrohir was so lost in his thoughts that he bumped into Glorfindel, who had stopped suddenly in the middle of the path. He received an impatient look for his clumsiness, but nothing more as they were both concentrating on the distant sound of a few leaves crunching under a light tread. Without any need to speak, they both melted into the shadows under the trees, careful to tread only on tufts of grass as they did so. A few moments later, a party of Galadrim came by, obviously still hunting as a pack, but making surprisingly little sound considering that there were five altogether. Elrohir had assumed that Glorfindel would let them pass by and had taken to the shadows only to avoid being seen. It was with considerable surprise, then, that he witnessed his companion tense as they drew level, then launch himself out of the bushes at them.

It took Elrohir a few seconds to join the fray, so startled was he by the seneschal's actions, but when one of the Galadrim managed to get into a position to flank Glorfindel, Elrohir acted without thinking. Hooking a foot about the silvan's legs, he toppled him into a ditch beside the path, then grabbed his token before he could get his feet under him again. By that time, Glorfindel had disposed of the other four. All five staggered off muttering imprecations a few moments later, their pride more bruised than their bodies and their tokens left behind.

Elrohir stared at the pretty gold stone in his trophy with a feeling of pleased accomplishment. He hadn't actually planned it this way, but as he'd thought back at the starting line, a few tokens would at least make he and Glorfindel look better to the guards later on. Besides, he couldn't deny that it had been fun.

He looked up to find Glorfindel regarding him with an expression of tolerant amusement. "Enjoying yourself, Elrohir?" He nodded in response, having, as usual, a problem articulating much in Glorfindel's presence. This was much better than that nightmare conversation a week ago, however, for at least this way Glorfindel had something to concentrate on other than him, and so he could relax a little. Looking about at the blue sky overhead and at the smiling, carefree face of his companion, Elrohir could only wish that this day could go on forever. He felt wonderfully light and almost giddily happy, and wondered when he'd get another chance to spend this much time with his old tutor in future. Probably never, he suddenly realized, as, under different circumstances, he could hardly take the risk.

As they started back down the path, Elrohir wondered if it really mattered that he lead Glorfindel towards the trap immediately. After all, he'd only promised to keep him from winning; nothing had been said about how or when he did so. Erestor had apparently assumed that he'd want to get it over with as soon as possible, but then, it really would make more sense to drag things out. If he had helped Glorfindel for the better part of the hunt, wouldn't he suspect him less of having anything to do with his entrapment later? Yes, Elrohir thought happily, that was definitely the smart move, and it would also allow them to amass a large number of tokens, and so look at least reasonably competent even when they ended up losing. Still, it was damned annoying that he'd agreed to help Elladan out with this; remembering how easily Glorfindel had handled the Galadrim, he felt sure they could win otherwise. He laughed at the thought of Elladan's face if they came back with the prize, and barely managed to muffle his reaction behind a hand before anyone could hear. Glorfindel noticed, however, and grinned happily at him while ruffling his hair. "We're going to take the prize, Elrohir," he whispered confidently, "I can feel it!"

Elrohir fairly skipped down the path after him, pushing aside his guilty feelings for the moment. He'd worry about all that later. For now, he just wanted to be happy for a little while. What a wonderful day this was turning out to be!

* * *

The rushing sound of water obscured everything else as Elladan slipped through the rocky pass leading into the cave under the falls. It had been a favorite playground for him as an elfling, and he and Elrohir had spent many hours there replaying his father's discovery in a similar cave so long ago, or just eluding the guards who'd been sent to round them up for dinner. Other elves knew of its existence, of course, but none of them were among the younger generation, as Elladan and Elrohir had considered it their private preserve and had told no one. Since the Hunters were almost exclusively drawn from the younger set, he thought that its location was probably safe, and of course, there was little chance of a Lorien or Mirkwood contestant figuring out that it was here. Not that it mattered, Elladan thought with a grin--were any of the other Hunters to stumble in here and find Haldir, it was extremely unlikely that their impulse would be to let last years' champion loose.

Elladan paused before rounding the final turn in the short, rocky tunnel that led into the main cavern. Victory, especially one so long postponed, was very sweet, and should be savored. After a moment, Elladan took a steadying breath, for Haldir was NOT going to be pleasant about this, and stepped into the dimness. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust, and then he just stared. Two things were immediately apparent: Haldir had managed to elude the trap he'd set for him, whether by chance or design Elladan wasn't sure, and he had the standard in his hand.

Elladan boggled at it, his mind unwilling to accept what he was seeing. What was it doing here? He had, of course, lied to Haldir about having been the one to hide it. Glorfindel usually did the honors as Hunt Master, but, as he was competing this year, other arrangements had had to be made and Ada had done it. Elladan had only told Haldir what he had in the hopes of luring him here, where he'd be trapped until the Hunt was safely over and Elladan had won the bet. He had never in his wildest dreams thought that Ada might choose this very spot in which to hide the prize, thus insuring that Elladan had as good as handed Haldir a victory.

He must have moved slightly, or perhaps Haldir had simply finished admiring his prize, for he glanced up and spotted Elladan. For a few seconds they merely looked at each other, then Haldir lunged. Elladan wasn't sure if he was trying to thank him, kill him, or merely get past him, but one thing was sure, Haldir could not be allowed to get back to the starting line with the standard. Technically, he hadn't won until he crossed that line, and Elladan had no intention of letting that happen. Diving for Haldir's legs, Elladan managed to get a grip on one ankle and he held on for dear life. Haldir hobbled towards the cave entrance, viciously kicking at Elladan all the while, but just as he'd almost broken free, he suddenly stopped.

Elladan, who had just taken a nasty jab to the nose--with the result that his vision was rather blurred for an instant--did not immediately realize what was happening, until he heard Rumil's familiar, mocking tones. "Well, well, strategy pays off in the end, it would seem."

Elladan looked up, never so glad to see any two elves in his life, and offered Haldir's brothers a lopsided grin. He'd probably have a hell of a black eye tomorrow and it felt like his jaw needed partial realignment, but thank Elbereth, he'd hung on until help could arrive. "It took you long enough," he commented to Rumil, who flashed him a grin before stepping forward and laying his hand on the standard.

"Do be a good boy, there, Haldir, and don't put up a fight. You were outwitted fair and square, you know, and the prize is ours."

Elladan released Haldir's foot and scrambled backwards, well aware that the concept of giving in gracefully was not in Haldir's vocabulary. He'd just managed to get clear when Haldir tore the standard from Rumil's grasp and spun it about, using the end that was normally planted in the ground as a makeshift spear. It was, as Rumil's suddenly cautious expression made clear, quite sharp.

"Come, come, Haldir--it's a standoff at best! Three against one and there's no back way out of this cave. Elladan chose well." Elladan would have preferred for Rumil to leave him out of this, as the look Haldir shot him then could have melted glass. Suddenly, a night alone with him sounded more scary than seductive to Elladan, who offered him a weak grin but wisely said nothing.

"There's at least twenty-one hours left," Haldir reminded his brother in a nasty tone. "A great deal can happen in that time, Rumil."

Orophin, whose presence Elladan had almost forgotten, apparently decided that he didn't want to wait that long, and abruptly rushed his brother from the right. Haldir swung the standard about like a fighting pike, preparing to meet the assault, but in doing so took a step backwards and the next minute was dangling from Elladan's trap, the hidden noose of which had been painted the same color as the cave floor and hidden among some rock chips. It had, Elladan noted now, caught the same foot that he himself had earlier grabbed.

Rumil was too bent over in helpless laughter to do anything for a few moments, but Orophin quickly relieved Haldir of his prize and, fingering it almost reverently, stepped back to the cave entrance. Elladan breathed a sigh of relief and grinned at Orophin. It had all worked out after all, something he would not have counted on a few minutes earlier. Rumil eventually managed to get his breath back and wiped his streaming eyes. "Priceless," he gasped, leaning against the cave wall, "utterly and completely priceless. Orophin, old son, we shall drink out on this story for years to come." Orophin just smirked, his hands still petting the standard as if it was a favorite dog. Rumil pushed himself away from the wall, and walked over to the dangling Haldir, who was thrashing about in apoplectic fury.

"This is cheating," Haldir finally managed to say in between graphic descriptions of what he was going to do to his brothers when he got loose. "He already knew where the standard was--he helped to hide it! He can't compete after that, so the whole Hunt will have to be replayed!"

Rumil glanced at Elladan, who shook his head. "Father hid it," he protested. "He just happened to do so in the same place I'd already set the trap. Great minds thinking alike, I suppose . . . " He trailed off at another ream of curses from Haldir, to the effect that no one would believe such tripe.

"This whole thing was fixed so that Imladris could win!"

Rumil smiled at that, and backed away from his brother, who had come perilously close to getting a hand on him as the vine attached to the ceiling stretched under his weight. "Oh, I doubt that protest will hold up, brother, especially after Orophin and I are declared champions."

Elladan felt himself suddenly grabbed from behind, and before he fully realized what had happened, someone was wrapping a vine similar to the one he'd used to trap Haldir around his hands. "What . . . what are you doing?!," he demanded, staring around at Orophin as if he'd gone mad. "This isn't funny--let me go!" In response, Orophin merely dragged him over to a large boulder and tied him down.

"Oh, we will," Rumil assured him, "just as soon as we've returned this wonderful artifact to Lord Elrond. Such priceless relicts shouldn't be left laying around, should they?"

"You really thought you could fool us?," Orophin asked him, picking up the standard once more from where he'd dropped it in his attack. "We don't know what game you're really playing, Elladan, but if you like Haldir so much, you should enjoy the next few hours in his company."

"We'll send someone back for you . . . eventually," Rumil added, laughing at his outraged expression. "Cheer up, Elladan, you just won your bet!" Then the two brothers worked together to wrap several lengths of vine about Haldir's thrashing form, eventually managing to trap his arms to his sides, before leaving the cave arm in arm.

"That is . . . this . . . ," Elladan struggled against his bonds in impotent fury, words failing him for the first time in his short life. For those two lunatics to leave him, Elladan of Imladris, trussed up like an animal, to await the moment when his own guards would have to release him . . . he shuddered, half in rage and half in horror, at the very thought. They would never let him forget this--never! His reputation was ruined. As he began to look for a way out of such a horrible fate, Haldir abruptly started laughing. Elladan worried that all the blood rushing to his companion's head might have caused an odd reaction, for he was very red in the face, but decided after staring at him for a few minutes that his amusement was genuine. "What is so funny?"

"You are. We are. This whole thing . . .," Haldir moved his head and shoulders about in a gesture that caused him to start spinning in lazy circles. "Of course," he commented in a thoughtful voice after he'd managed to stop the parabolas with a foot to the side of the cave, "it's really you I feel sorry for." Elladan watched in amazement as Haldir slowly used his feet to climb up the wall of the cave, moving from indentation to indentation in the rough rock with seemingly little effort. "After all," he went on, "*I* won the Hunt last year. Even should I lose this time, which of course I have no intention of doing," and he hooked a leg about the top of a small overhang, causing the vine about his leg to sag as his weight came off it, "I will still be a past champion. No one can take that from me. You, on the other hand," and he levered himself up to a seated position, "will forever be the prince who was bested on his own home ground. And within just a few hours, too." Haldir rubbed the vines imprisoning his arms on the jagged stones behind him for a few seconds while Elladan thought about that. Within a surprisingly short span of time, the bonds snapped and he immediately ripped the vine about his leg in two before jumping lightly to the ground.

He approached Elladan's form, which Orophin had draped in a very uncomfortable way over the boulder, with a calculating look on his face. "Of course, the centuries of humiliation you're facing probably don't worry you. I'm sure you'll manage to get used to the snide remarks and the winks and nudges as you walk past, in a ten year or so . . . "

"Are you just going to stand there and gloat?" Elladan demanded, "Or would you still like to win this thing?"

Haldir smiled at him, a gleam coming into his silver-blue eyes. "What did you have in mind?," he asked softly.

Elladan grimaced. "Let me loose and find out."

TBC