Title: Hunting a different prey
Chapter: One: Weighing the odds
Author: Mysticheero
Summary: Haldir is a known warrior of Lorien, and a skilled hunter. Now he sets his eyes on a different prize and enters a completely new hunting ground.
Author's Note: There will be no detailing the bed room activities in this fic as I would very much like to keep this on ff.net. Also I believe the imagination of everybody out there could use a little exercise.
Warnings: Swearing is a possibility, subjects of a sexual nature will be implied and intended, yaoi and shounen-ai. HxL.
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Having served the Lord and Lady of Lorien for more than two millennia Haldir, the March warden of the golden realm, was renowned for his dedication and skill. He was one of Lorien's best and most able soldiers, fairing the same as a hunter. But, within his entire service, the March warden had never strayed from duty or taken a day off. He was the perfect role model for the younger soldiers, as well as many of the older ones and trained many a fine warrior.
Yet there was something missing from his life, something he could not find within his duties, family or friends. But Haldir intended to change that, regardless of what it cost him or how long it would take. It was time to hunt a different prey. And to do this he would change his hunting grounds in more than one sense. He knew what he sought was not in Lorien, or even in Imladris, but in the desolate woods of Mirkwood. So he found himself, quite nervously, seeking out the audience of the Lord and Lady of the Light, just after dinner this evening.
"Haldir." Lord Celeborn greeted the younger elf fondly, as Galadriel smiled upon their visitor with equal warmth.
"My Lord, my Lady." The March warden bowed respectfully while specking.
"Please, let us shed such formalities. We are quite alone here." Galadriel softly spoke. "And yes we know why it is you look us so late."
"I do not wish to be disrespectful, or discourteous, in that which I seek, but I feel that I must do this now. Waiting will do no good and will most likely loose me further chance." Haldir replied truthfully. Both nobles moved forward towards the corridor leading to the gardens, and motioned for him to walk with them, which he accepted.
"We understand Haldir." Celeborn went on. "In all of your years of service we have never been let down by you or your kindred, though Rumil and Orophin can be mischievous. Thankfully they are not nearly as bad as our grandsons." The three smiled at the fact, as it was very true; no-one could out do the twins in mischief. "Not once have you ever asked anything of us, though we would most likely grant it you. Nor have you ever dishonoured us."
"I do no more that expected of me." Haldir admitted, after Celeborn fell silent.
"Like you are doing now." Galadriel praised. "And we gladly grant you what you seek now. Take as long as you need, and do not hesitate to ask us, if we can be of any help."
"You have done enough for me already my Lady, for which I am forever grateful of."
"We only have one request of you, and that is that you take your brothers with you. I'm sure you would welcome the company." Celeborn said knowingly and Haldir smiled.
"Thank you. When may I leave?" Haldir inquired, hoping he didn't sound as disrespectful as he thought.
"Well Orophin and Rumil come off patrol at dawn tomorrow, if I am not mistaken." Celeborn mussed. "Give them the day to gather their things and rest up over night, then the day after tomorrow."
"Do you... do you think he will reject me and what I give?" the March warden enquired, slightly fearful of the answer, but felt Galadriel place a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I can not say for certain, but as long as you are truthful in your words and actions I am positive he will accept you. I do not believe your feelings are not returned, but he may be unsure on what to do. Be patient with him."
With a nod and another thank you, the blonde March warden bid the nobles goodnight, and returned to his family's talan to sleep as best he could with his mind racing nervously.
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The Next morning he was rudely awakened by his two younger brothers jumping on his bed and body. Both of the younger elves were grinning ear to ear, as if they were nought but little elflings again, and Haldir immediately went on his guard.
"What do you two want?"
"Now is that any way to treat your charming brothers who have just come off a long and tiring patrol?" Rumil asked sweetly.
"You are not charming, and if you are so tired then why did you wake me up?" Haldir shot back sleepily.
"Huh! The cheek. Besides, we've heard some very interesting news and simply had to see if it was true or not." Orophin remarked with a large smile.
"And what is this interesting news?"
"That you intend to win a fair prince's heart?"
"Yes, that would be true." Haldir answered Orophin with a small smile of his own at the thought of it.
"Finally!" Rumil cried, and he flopped down to lie on Haldir's left, opposite Orophin whom had done the same, a moment before.
"What do you mean 'finally'?" Haldir looked at both brothers, confused at their words.
"Oh please, the way you and the prince kept eyeing each other on our last visit there, it's a wonder the two of you haven't lain together yet."
"He was watching me?" the eldest asked incredulously, despite the mild blush at his brother's choice in words.
"I can't believe you didn't notice. You know for someone so good at noticing things you can be so blind to what was staring you in the eyes." Rumil snorted.
"Didn't you see how shy he was around you? Or how he actually sought your company above everyone else's?" the second oldest brother added.
"No, truly I didn't." He could only smile more brightly at it though. They were all silent for a while, before Haldir realised his brothers had dozed off. As he couldn't get out of bed without disturbing both of the sleeping pair he let himself fall back into peaceful reverie and pleasant dreams.
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Well what did you think? I welcome all reviews, criticism, and flames and will use them to improve my writing. Toodles and Ta and always remember – the review button will not hurt you. I can not say the same about the frog though.