Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters and/or places thereof

Author's note: This isn't a perverted chapter, it's just about bets being established. But it must be done.

Elladan and Elrohir looked up to see Arwen standing in the doorway. They traded wary glances: they might have been pervs, but they fought fair. Arwen's idea of fighting fair generally involved grabbing her opponent where it hurt and twisting until he gave in. Knowing their thoughts, she scowled. "It only happened once, over two thousand years ago."

"Whatever are you talking about?" Elladan answered, pulling a pillow over his sensitive areas.

Arwen grinned at her brothers. "You will never win," she told them.

On his guard, Elrohir asked, "Why not?"

"It's in the wording of the contract. Legolas and Estel have an advantage, here." She pointed, then explained. As she did the twins' faces changed to register shock, disgust, and, at last, defeat. "So you see, Legolas and Estel have an unbeatable edge on you."

Elladan leapt to save his chance at winning, strangely competitive. "How much must we pay you to keep this little secret?"

Arwen raised an eyebrow, falsely innocent. "Why, Elladan, that would be bribery and immoral. I only want to bet."

The twins agreed. At least they stood a chance. As for Arwen, she was certain Legolas or Estel would discover that little loophole by his own merit. They had better, for Arwen was skint.

...

"Galadriel, did you understand what went on at supper?"

"Not at the time, but Arwen has explained it to me." Galadriel paid little attention to Celeborn, more concerned with her braids. She knew how horribly her hair tangled if she did not undo the braids properly, and so paid more heed to her hair than to her husband.

"Well, what was it?" Celeborn asked. "Honestly, anyone would think those boys are children!"

Galadriel laughed. "They are, Celeborn. They have a bet running as to who will turn Elrond's face purple in anger using sexual tactics. Personally, I think Legolas and Estel will be the victors. The twins may be creative, but Estel and Legolas are far more bold."

"How can you speak against your own kin in such a way?"

"Celeborn! I hardly think blood is of great significance here."

"Blood is always of significance, Galadriel."

The Lady of the Golden Wood narrowed her eyes. "Shall we bet on it?" she asked.

...

The next morning, Celeborn walked in the gardens to calm his mind. How could he have bet? Should he tell Elrond? Yes, yes, that was the answer: tell Elrond, and call this sick game off.

Lost in thought, he did not see Thranduil until walking straight into him! "Good morning, Celeborn!" Thranduil said.

Celeborn disliked Thranduil very much, mostly because of all the energy that blasted king had so early in the morning. "Good morning," Celeborn growled.

"Oh," said the king with unusual perceptiveness, "bothered by your grandsons and my son and all of that? I heard about the betting from Erestor. Silly boy, that Erestor, horribly competitive..."

"Yes, I was worried about the boys," Celeborn admitted.

"Needn't worry! I know Legolas. If he wants to annoy someone, he will!" Thranduil chirped with total confidence.

Celeborn's eyes lowered. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?"

Thranduil considered. "Jolly good fun. Let's bet!"

As they shook hands, Celeborn wondered what was wrong with Thranduil and pitied all of Mirkwood.

To be continued

Hey, everyone! I'm sorry for the wait, but now I'm back from holiday and will (hopefully) have this finished before school starts. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Reviews are always appreciated.