Title: Hunting a Different Prey
Chapter: Two: Upon similar paths
Author: Mysticheero
Warnings: same as the first one.
Author's note: yay my ramble.... Ugh... I got caught by my biology teacher for skipping lesson, but I'm still alive so I'm counting my lucky stars (there only one so far). Sadly I won't be able to update until September due to the college being closed and this is where I write up my fics to post. But I'll be writing over the holidays, so I should have a few chappies in stock to post when I get back on sep. 9th. Have a good summer holiday everyone. Toodles and Ta me darlin's.
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The youngest of Thranduil's children walked quietly through the gardens, thinking absently on various topics and was surprised how many times his thoughts would lead to one particular elf. He was trying to keep his mind off that however, as he wasn't sure how to deal with it, not yet. He sighed and leaned against a strong oak, allowing its soft whispers to calm his mind. The day had gone slowly so far, the hours dragging by at a murderously lethargic pace, and when you are stuck in court for that time it is a task to remain awake. His father had let him go early; having seen Legolas' mind was straying quite frequently to other things. That was two hours ago, and the council would be ending, if not already closed, with evening meal only about fifteen minutes away. Soft foot falls, of more than a single elf, approached from the direction of the palace, announcing the arrival of two of Legolas' older siblings.
"Here you are, 'Las." Malcalen said as he leaned against the tree beside the youngest Thranduilion. "We had wondered where you had disappeared to."
"I'm assuming that you want something?" Legolas quested, with a brotherly smile.
"You wound us, 'Las." Lancril sarcastically exclaimed. "We're just doing our brotherly duty of discovering who has stolen your thoughts so much that you can not concentrate on anything but."
"Who said it is a person, plaguing my mind?" Legolas asked.
"Legolas, we helped raise you. You should know that you can hide very little from us, and I know what the symptoms of 'plaguing' as you so kindly put it, are having watched Mal before he actually married Brethilon." Lancril explained, with a smug smirk, which widened on seeing the faint blushes on both Legolas' and Malcalen's faces.
"Would you care to enlighten us on the mysterious elf?" The crown prince probed, hoping he would get a positive answer.
"Um.... Well...." Legolas wrung his hands, obviously nervous.
"We promise we will not tell anyone. Not a soul." Malcalen added encouragingly.
"It's Haldir." Legolas' voice was quiet but both brothers still heard and were surprised to say the least.
"As in the March warden of Lorien Haldir?" At the youngest's nod Lancril continued. "I wasn't expecting that. But we're not saying anything bad about it." He hastily added seeing the youngest looking dejected.
"We're just surprised that's all. Though I'm not sure why, with the way he was staring at you all through his last visit." Malcalen mused, and Legolas snapped his gaze to his eldest brother.
"He was looking at me?" Legolas blushed, realising how he must sound, and that elicited a chuckle from his brothers. Malcalen gave Legolas a small understanding smile, one which Lancril either missed or chose not to comment on.
"Yes, little brother."
"Why are you so taken aback by it? Half the elven kingdom stares at your beauty." Lancril said lightly. "Though, not all of them look as lovingly as Haldir does."
"Quite true." Malcalen added. "How soon until the wedding do you think Lan?"
"I'd say four, maybe five months, though the March warden will certainly ask before long. I wonder if his brothers will come. They were good conversationalists." Lancril said and both brothers seemed to ponder on this as Legolas gaped, unable to say anything for a moment.
"Wedding? I show an interest in Haldir, who may not return it, and the two of you already have me wed and bound to him!" The younger elf exclaimed, looking quite overwhelmed.
"Relax Legolas. We're only jesting." Malcalen chuckled, and smiled broadly at the deep blush that on his brother's face.
"He speaks the truth." Lancril added and they smirked. "I'd give Haldir three weeks to ask father, and a further two before you're binding to him."
"Lancril!" Legolas cried out and both his brothers ran off before Legolas could do or say anything else. He was still staring off in their direction when he heard the bells chime softly for evening meal. With a sigh he made his way to the family dining and secretly dreaded being stuck with Lancril and Malcalen's teasing.
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All through out the meal Thranduil could see that Legolas was still having trouble concentrating on anything other than some hidden subject. Apparently his older two sons knew something of what the 'problem' was, and they had been successfully teasing him into giving them dark looks between light blushes. It was quite amusing, Thranduil had found, as he had never seen Legolas squirm as he had during dinner. What a cruel thought. Thranduil had been unable to determine what has been seemingly troubling his youngest, but seeing how easily his brothers teased him, the Mirkwood king had placed it as nothing grievous. After having caught one of Malcalen's remarks on marriage, and seeing Legolas flush further, the elder elf surmised that Legolas had taken an interest in someone. The question now was who? And did they return the interest?
And so the king of the woodland realm found him self at his youngest child's chamber, knocking on the door gently. He received a call for him to enter and he did, quickly spotting Legolas sitting beside the fireplace.
"Father?" the younger elf was surprised to see him so late. "What brings you here at this hour"
"I came to speak to you, my son." Thranduil, to Legolas' further astonishment, lowered himself to sit on the fur rug beside him.
"About what?" It wasn't every day his father talked to him alone like this, as one or both of them were oft busy or tired from duty.
"I thought we might need to talk. I can see something is causing you some strife over, and from your lack of concentration of late I know it must be something important." Thranduil studied Legolas' face to see his reaction and knew he was on the right track from Legolas' embarrassed blush.
"Forgive me father, I do mean to be inattentive." He apologised looking a bit put out.
"May I know what holds your thoughts so?"
"I fear you may not..... approve father." Legolas answered quietly.
"Why would I disapprove of who has taken your interest?" the king replied with a fatherly tone, and he watched as Legolas' features showed both his shock and confusion.
"How did you....? They promised they wouldn't say a word to anyone."
"I'm assuming by 'They' you are referring to your brothers? They have not said a word, though I suspected they knew something on the matter." Thranduil admitted. "Legolas, I needed not ask them. I can see something was bothering you without their help. Though it wasn't until I caught a comment off Mal said about marriage that I managed to narrow down what it was that was troubled your mind."
"You didn't?" the youngest Mirkwood prince looked uncomfortable at the fact, and nervously bit his lip.
"Do I get to know who?" Thranduil enquired hopefully. Legolas was silent for so long Thranduil feared he wouldn't answer, but he did with a small surrendering sigh.
"Haldir of Lorien." Legolas stated quietly and waited for his father's reaction.
"He is a fine warrior. I can understand some of your attraction to him." Blinking in disbelief, mouth agape Legolas looked very comical before he managed to regain himself and close his mouth. "Did you truly think I would object?"
"I didn't expect you to take it so..... lightly."
"Legolas, you are my son. I want you to be happy and despite part of me wanting to lock you away from any possible hurt or danger, I will give you the freedom to be so." Thranduil smiled warmly and was surprised when Legolas hugged him tightly.
"Thank you father." The younger elf mumbled against his father's chest, as the king wrapped his arms around him.
"Just remember, I'm here if you ever want to talk, no matter how trivial the issue. I like to know what's going on in my children's lives. Preferably when they are happening and not at some later date." Legolas smiled at this, knowing full well what past occasion his father referred to.
"Father?" he said after a while.
"Hm?"
"What do you think mother would have said about Haldir?"
"She always liked him, and I'm sure she would be more than happy about your choice in him." Thranduil replied truthfully. "Do you think Haldir will return my feelings?" Legolas asked and Thranduil could sense the undertone of fear his son's voice held in speaking those words.
"I'm sure he will." Thranduil quietly replied. After another lapse into silence, he spoke again. "Its getting late and both of us should be getting abed."
"Goodnight, father." Legolas said disentangling from his father's embrace as they both stood.
"Goodnight, my son." He placed a kiss to Legolas' brow and left, heading for his own chambers to sleep.
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The next morning saw an early start and Legolas ate his breakfast slowly, ignoring his brothers as much as possible, though he did occasionally blush as their comments. Thankfully, his father saved him as he called his older two sons for another day of court. Today Legolas was free of duty and decided to take refuge on the practise range with his bow. The practise was calming and after hours at it he headed back to the palace for midday lunch. He was quite surprised when a small group of three elves arrived on horseback in the courtyard. He was even more shocked to see it was Haldir and his brothers. A messenger must have run to his father because Thranduil soon appeared at Legolas' side to greet the guests. Much to Legolas' annoyance his brothers had also come and they were nudging him from where they flanked him, giving him meaningful looks. Barely able to suppress a blush, Legolas moved for ward with his family to welcome the Lorien elves.
"Well met, my friends. What business brings you to our dwelling?" Thranduil said, receiving three unified bows of respect from those in front of him.
"We bring a message from the Lord and Lady of Lorien." Haldir politely said in a smooth voice, trying his hardest to not openly stare at Legolas.
"Then please join me in my study. I'm sure your brothers would like to rest after your journey. Lancril and Malcalen shall show then to where they may rest." Thranduil explained and he turned, beckoning Haldir to follow, while giving Legolas a kind look. The youngest prince watched his brothers led their other guests away, with a sense of dread, and headed to his own rooms to bathe and change before seeking something to eat, thankful his father had spared him much embarrassment for the time being.
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And now, on to the reviewers:
Beloved fool – Here ye go ye fussy madam, the next chapter. avoids getting hit as yer most likely sitting to my right at this present moment
Haldir's Heart and Soul – Oh yes this is a Haldir and Legolas slash fic. Hope ye like. The next chapter has a bit of a mean streak in it along the lines of brother, but I shan't say another word on that save I ruin it.
Kasmi Kassim – I know what ye mean. The pair are quite addictive. Have you read a fic called 'The difference Between Love and Marriage' by Kaiyoz? That's a good one for L/H.
Charli – Sorry, but I did send ye an email me dear, and besides I didn't see ye until after I had written and posted this fic. Luv ye loads.
Mithros – Claire!!!!! Hello me darlin'. Is this long enough for ye? Unfortunately, as I mentioned at the top, I won't be updating for about two months because my college access, on which I write all this, will be gone due to the summer holidays. But it gives me two months to write more, and hopefully by September 9th (first day back) I'll have chapter's three and four, possibly five as well, ready to post. Any more to ye fics yet?
Angelbird12241 – here's the continuation, so enjoy me dear,
Moonbunny77 – sorry about the confusion and I've fixed it now so thanks for telling me. I truly wasn't aware I had forgotten that.
ScottyLass – seeing as yer sitting on me left at the moment I was debating whether or not to reply to ye and I thought what the hell – I am Shinigami (or rather Shinimegai).Enjoy the hols and I'll hopefully see ye tomorrow.
MistressSerenity – Here's the next chappy. Sorry not much id happening but the next chapter has more um... embarrassment in it for our cute couple.