Title: Hunting a Different Prey
Chapter: Three: The Hunt Begins
Author: MysticHeero
Warnings: Okay, here ye get more implications, but not much or any decent action. Sorry.
Author's note: Hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer, and to welcome ye all back to school/college/where-ever, I give ye chapter three. I know I said I'd put it up yesterday but I was locked out of my college computer and there were no IT techs handy.
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Dinner was difficult, to put it simply, due to the fact that Legolas' older brothers had been continuously teasing him again. Only this time it was worse because Haldir and his brothers were also present. Thranduil kept up the appearance of not knowing or noticing a thing, much to Legolas' relief, and Legolas had to privately smile knowing that Malcalen and Lancril will be given some distasteful task by their father as retribution. Of course that didn't stop his brothers' tauntings, and so Legolas was forced to endure it.
"How long are you planning on staying?" Lancril asked, oh-so innocently asked the three March wardens, giving Legolas a sideways look in the process.
"Until our Lord and Lady arrive in a few weeks time." Haldir replied politely and Legolas thought he would die. A few weeks? How could he endure such torture off his brothers as well as seeing Haldir nearly constantly – if his family had something to do with it – for that same amount of time?
"Perhaps, this visit will grant you the time to see all the wonders of Eryn Galen, seeing as you had so little spare time on your last stay here." Malcalen said charmingly and Legolas could have sworn the crown prince had exchanged a similar look with Rumil as he did with Lancril. He prayed that he was wrong.
"We would very much enjoy that." Haldir answered and Orophin added his own comment.
"Rumil and myself would very much like to finish our sparring match that we had to cut short last time. Maybe you will beat us this time."
"You never beat us to begin with." Malcalen said, feigning hurt. "I believe it was a draw."
"Ah, yes, I believe it was too." Rumil stated.
"How about we continue our match tomorrow morn?" Lancril spoke up.
"That would be perfect." Rumil said with a smile.
"Legolas, how about you show Haldir the grounds? I believe he has yet to see them properly." Thranduil suggested lightly, but the youngest prince knew there would be no refusing the idea.
"Of course Father, if Haldir would like to." Legolas smiled politely, and kicked Malcalen under the table as he opened his mouth to comment.
"Only if I'm not imposing on you. I don't want to keep you from your duties." Haldir answered, unwittingly mimicking Legolas by booting Orophin in the leg when the other hid a laugh in his drink.
"Then it's settled." Thranduil said and wondered exactly how Legolas would get him back for cornering him so, into the arrangement. Not that he regretted speaking his idea. Indeed, Legolas was now beginning to converse more freely with their guests than before, having lost some of his reserved and shy demeanour. He was also speaking a little more freely with the Lorien visitors now, stubbornly ignoring his brothers' teasings. Thranduil, while politely listening to the conversations and commenting on occasion, turned his thoughts to finding a punishment that deemed suitable for his older sons for teasing the youngest so mercilessly. Perhaps extra patrols or court attendances.
- - - - -
Haldir retired to his room not long after dinner, with his brothers, as the three of them were quite exhausted from travelling. But despite how tired he was he found himself lying awake in bed, hair still slightly damp from his earlier bath, staring at the ceiling without actually seeing anything. His mind was working over time on the fact that tomorrow he and Legolas would be spending time together, most likely alone all day if his brothers had anything to do with it. Not to mention Thranduil and his other two sons if Haldir guessed correctly. A knock on his door startled him from his musings, but the person waited for no reply, but instead just let themselves in as if invited. It was Rumil and Orophin, but then again who else would it be? He had had the small hope that it would be the youngest prince of Eryn Galen, but he knew that was hopeless to think. At least at the moment.
"Still awake?" Orophin questioned rhetorically as he and Rumil climbed onto the bed to sit beside Haldir.
"Thoughts of a certain blonde keeping you up?" Rumil teased and received a gentle back-handed slap to his upper arm in response.
"I do think of things besides Legolas." Haldir said defensively.
"I was actually referring to myself, but seeing as you brought up the subject, which you were clearly thinking off before we interrupted. Looking forward to your private tour tomorrow?" Rumil replied.
"If you must know, yes I am. I finally have the chance to talk to him without your stupid comments and interruptions!" His words came out harsher than intended but it couldn't be helped and his brothers took no offence in them.
"Haldir, we're your brothers. It's our job to annoy you as much as possible and tease you. Orophin smiled just as sweetly as Rumil, but Haldir could see the evil sense of humour lurking just beneath the surface.
"Is it also your jobs to make my life a living nightmare and a miserably long torture besides?" his voice held sting, but also a tired resignation in the undertone.
"We do not mean to. Of course if we didn't tease you so much then you wouldn't be as motivated to prove us wrong and accomplish things, so why would matters of the heart be any different to any other time." Rumil explained.
"Because this is more important to me." Haldir quietly stated and Orophin grinned at him.
"You would do the same for us if it were us showing an interest in another elf."
"Aye, and I'd probably give the same reply as Ru' did as well." They had him cornered, but he had no problems in admitting when he was wrong. That was one of the things that had drawn him to the youngest prince. On the few short occasions that he had been around Legolas he saw the same characteristic, but sadly no one else in his family, especially Thranduil, shared this. Legolas had definitely gotten the quality from his late mother, which was a shame as negotiations would run a lot more smoothly.
"So are you going to ask him tomorrow?" Orophin cut through his thoughts.
"No. I'm going to take my time. I don't want to risk ruining this by a careless mistake and I don't want him to feel pressured by rushing either. I'll simply tell him of my feelings and go from there." It was a good plan, but Haldir was unsure as to whether he would be able to hold to it when in the presence of Legolas. As if reading his thoughts, Orophin spoke.
"Or something along those lines."
"Something along those lines." Haldir repeated to himself quietly, as he stared up at the ceiling, tracing the moonlight shadows.
Exchanging happy looks with each other, Rumil and Orophin gave Haldir a brotherly hug before slipping off the bed and bidding him goodnight.
"We'll see you on the morrow." Rumil stated as he moved towards the door with Orophin.
"I'm sure you'll have some very pleasant dreams." The elder of the two commented, but didn't expect Haldir's reply.
"Aye, I will. I love to think of ways to get back at you two."
"Hey!"
"We deserved that, but I honestly think our blonde princling will be overtaking you vivid imagination this eve." Rumil said and both of the younger two brothers left, closing the door behind them.
With a sigh Haldir gave up on his brothers, instead losing himself in his thoughts of tomorrow again, and soon drifted off into pleasant dreams of honey blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes.
- - - - - -
The youngest prince of Eryn Galen was suffering a similar fate as Haldir and could not rid himself of his brothers' company for very long. They had arrived while he was lounging in his bath, soaking in the pleasantly hot water and now they were talking, Malcalen carefully washing the youngest's hair with the soap.
"Father seems to of inadvertedly given you ample opportunity to be alone with Haldir." The crown prince commented, receiving a snort from Legolas in reply.
"He was perfectly aware of what he was doing." The latter told them, but his brothers could detect very little disgust in his voice while saying this. "Like he was perfectly aware of you teasings at dinner."
"What do you think he will do?" Lancril asked, wincing at the prospect of punishment from his father.
"I don't know about you Lan, but I think Father will Bret to deal with Mal." There was amusement in Legolas' voice and it was Malcalen's turn to wince.
"Poor Mal." Lancril remarked with a sympathetic smile. "When do Brethilon and Galithil return from Imladris?"
"In nine days. Which means Father will wait until then to punish us both." The crown prince muttered grumpily. "But we're getting off the subject."
"True. So Legolas, what will you be doing with Haldir tomorrow? I can certainly think of a few good ideas." Lancril said and Legolas' grin faded into a blush.
"Lan! He's a guest and I barely know him. We aren't even betrothed and you're, once again, getting ahead of everything. Elbreth! I don't even know if he wants me that way." Legolas exclaimed, and looked rather down cast at the thought, and - most likely now – fear.
"Oh please Legolas. How can you be so blind to his love and affection? We know he wants you that way and every other way. If he were just after a mere fling I doubt he would spend so much time chasing you around the room with his eyes." Lancril told the youngest.
"Las, trust us on this." Malcalen said while rinsing Legolas' shining hair free of soap. "Me especially. I know what its like to be on the receiving end of Lan's taunts. It's just his way of getting you to hurry up and do something, and the best way to get him to stop is to hurry up and claim Haldir as your husband." This got another blush from the youngest Thranduilion, though it was barely visible.
Lancril, seeing that Malcalen had finished with Legolas' hair, fetched one of the towels from the shelf and returned to the bath's side.
"Come on, out you get. It time you went to bed, what with such a busy day ahead of you tomorrow." His light teasing received a grumble from Legolas, and Lancril wrapped the large towel about his brother's naked form when the elf stepped out of the metal tub.
"Do you truly think he wants me so?" Legolas asked as he pulled on a pair of light cotton sleep pants, having towelled himself off sufficiently.
"Yes, and if he doesn't then he'll regret stringing you along, because he'll have not just Mal and I to contend with, but also Father, Rumen, Orophin and no doubt Bret and Galithil as well. But we know that he does care you, so don't worry. Just tell him the truth and you'll be fine. Lancril advised.
"I don't know why I let the two of you to rally me so. I'm only showing him around, for Elbreth's sake." Legolas stated with frustration and he climbed into his bed, sitting with the covers drawn over his legs.
"Goodnight Little Leaf. We'll see you at breakfast." With Malcalen's words both brothers departed, having kissed the youngest goodnight on his brow. He had grumbled about not be a child to coddle but accepted their actions anyway. Now alone Legolas' thoughts flew to tomorrow and the prospect of being alone with the March warden.
"Haldir." Legolas whispered, breathing the name more than saying it. With that he allowed himself to be pulled into a relaxing and replenishing reverie.
- - - - - -
Legolas found his brothers intended to escort him down to breakfast, but he absolutely refused to wear the clothes that they had decided he should wear.
"Oh but Las, you'd really look good in them." Lancril was trying to persuade him to no avail.
"And why would that matter?" Legolas inquired while changing into a soft pair of leggings the colour of the blue-grey mist that hung about mountains along Arda's spine. "Surely, it won't matter." His voice was implying that beauty wasn't everything and the crown prince sighed.
"We're not saying that he's shallow Las. Just that we thought the extra effort might boost either his or your confidence that's all."
"I'm not wearing it." Legolas declared, using the same tone of voice that his father used when his decision was final.
"Alright, alright. We'll leave it be." Lancril gave in with a sigh, putting the clothes away as Legolas simply smiled. He has put on a cotton shirt of off-white colour and was currently fastening up his knee length long tunic of deep forest green, verging towards emerald. Finishing off with a pair of green suede soft boots, Legolas brushed his hair to rid it of knots and tidying it. He allowed his brothers to plait in his side braids, leaving the remainder of his hair unbound, with their sworn word of nothing fancy and then the three of them were off to the family dining room to break their fast.
Haldir's small group came in a few minutes later after them, his brothers dressed similarly to Malcalen and Lancril, for their intended sparring match following breakfast. Thankfully the brothers, of both Legolas and Haldir, kept their teasing to a minimum, instead turning towards their own plans for the day, discussing their weapon skills and techniques. This left Haldir and Legolas free of mostly shyness and embarrassment and they commented on various points during their brothers' conversation. Thranduil had left early to attend his duties, leaving the six younger elves free of diplomacy and formal titles. The four sparring elves headed off to the practise grounds, debating heartily over who was going to win and who would bet what. The remaining two couldn't help but laugh at their brothers' antics of competitive quarrelling and dallied longer at the table, still talking before leaving for the tour.
"I never realised how alike our brothers are." Haldir commented as they walked through the various hallways and corridors.
"Is that a good thing or bad?" Legolas replied, worrying mildly of the answer.
"At the moment, bad." Haldir watched Legolas nod in agreement before they shared a smile. "How fare your brothers at the blade?"
"On average, fairly well, but to be more precise Mal is better at a double handed sword, preferring the heavier and more forceful attacks. He isn't bad with a spear either, very agile in manoeuvring it and pinioning an opponent. Lan, he favours melee rather than ranged fighting. But he can wield a short sword as well as any master. Legolas told. "How about your siblings?"
"They're very similar to each other, but where Ru excels at the bow, Phin favours the javelin. They can both out seat me at the short sword and long knives, but they'll take an offensive attack, using speed, no matter what the weapon." The March warden explained, before continuing. "I prefer melee like Lancril, but I'm better at the spear and broad sword."
"If I had to chose one type of weapon to use, it would most likely be long knives." Legolas revealed. "Though I also take to the bow." The pair came to the main entrance of the palace, and Legolas led them off to the right, making for the dense gardens.
"Maybe we should spar some time?" Haldir suggested and felt almost giddy when Legolas smiled at him warmly, eyes twinkling.
"Aye, I would like that. Mayhap we can help each other in improving our skills." The prince's voice was soft and Haldir raised an eyebrow at the tone of voice. "In sparring that is."
"Oh, of course." Haldir murmured, trying very hard to ban the images that though brought up. Not that the thought of sparring with Legolas didn't conjure up inappropriate images, but they weren't as... graphic as the others.
"Then mayhap we'll put our brothers in their places. Call it revenge for all the teasing they're given us." Legolas was startled at this comment but smiled none the less.
"Yes, they really do need to stop that." They lapsed into silence as they slowly ambled through the beautiful gardens, neither sure how to broach their feelings to the other.
"Legolas, I...." Haldir began unsure as to how he should word his thoughts without pressuring the younger elf. "Do you know of my feelings?"
"I know of them, but not of their.... extent."
"I am myself, not entirely sure of how deep they run, but I know I care for you dearly. I know I love you, but I am...." Again the March warden struggled to phrase his emotions.
"Uncertain as to what you want? I have never felt this way before and I don't know where to start in dealing with them either." Legolas admitted and Haldir smiled in understanding.
"So we feel the same and neither of us are sure as to what to do." The March warden stated un-necessarily, and they stopped walking.
"I would like to see where this goes." Legolas' voice was quiet, though perfectly audible. "If you are willing then...." He let the sentence hang, both knowing what he left unsaid.
"I would love to." Haldir said, taking Legolas' slender hand in his own. There was a silent agreement to take things slowly, neither wanting to push too far or rush things; they had all eternity to be together so there was no point in hurrying like mortals.
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And now on to the reviewers.
Haldir's Heart and Soul; Glad that ye liked my take on Thranduil's reaction to the possible involvement of Haldir and Legolas. You wanted more of the sibling teasing, here ye go then. I have plenty of possible ammunition as I'm the youngest of six children and was teased a hell of a lot by all of them as they ganged up. Enjoy.
Ertia; Are you still pouting me dear? Ye seemed to be smilin' at the end of ye review. But none the less, here's to make ye smile again. Chp 3 and number four shouldn't be too far behind – if my computer doesn't muck it up again and the IT techs don't delete my work again (ye know I had to re-write the whole bloody thing because this one tech froze my computer and I couldn't save anything. Add to that that the original writing up of this would load up when I tried – it kept saying that no such file existed. POUT).
Princess-Sunshine2003; "Every one should have at least one brother to tease" eh? What happened to mine then? I was teased mercilessly by my two brothers and three sisters, but I couldn't tease them in return. But, as I told Haldir's Heart and Soul, I have quite a large stock of teasings to use in this fic and others. I love Haldir too – but I prefer him with male company to mine or any other's, if ye get me drift.
Mithros (Miss Sarah); Hey-dee-who me darlin'! Glad ye liked it and chappy 4 should be out soon (see Ertia's reply for the reason of delay on this one.). I just have to write it up on to the computer. Toodles and Ta me darlin'. Hope that ye had fun in China and thanks for the mails.
Mithros (Miss Claire); Get yer arse into gear me darlin' and write some more to ye ficcies. Dude I love ye fics. You have to write more!!!!! I need more!!!!! But anywho enjoy this chappy. Toodles and Ta me darlin'.
Kathy- stgqvk; Here ye go, sorry for the delay but summer holidays stopped my access and then the computer was misbehaving.
Paranoid Penguin; Yes I'll kill ye in tutorial seeing as yer in my group now. Ooooh, let the torture begin. I'll tell ye when I get some.... Erm... "decent" ficcies up.
Empath89; Enjoy the H/L goodness – I can't promise it's the best that ye will ever read as I can actually name better ones. Difference Between Love and Marriage, and Never Without You are only two. (They are MPREG's so be warned if ye don't like that sort of thing.)
Isidwen; Thanks me dear. I'm glad you liked it. Now I'm off to get a lot of coke and something sugary AND tasty, not just tasty. "Come on Scotty-Lass"
I'm now 18 and legal to do everything – not that I've never done any of these things before but I actually of legal age now so ye know. I went to see the Chronicles of Riddick again on me birthday with Scotty-Lass. I will never get tired of seeing Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel) or Lord Vaako (Karl Urban i.e. Eomer) in action.