Haldir of Lórien debated whether to throw the spectacular fight in which he had been involved for nearly half an hour. King Thranduil was a challenging opponent, and Haldir relished this chance to show off the polished skills which he seldom could employ in a true fight to the death against an orc or a goblin. Thranduil held nothing back, and truly beating him would be difficult, but Haldir felt confident he could do it. However, letting the King of Mirkwood win might be the more prudent move, though Haldir rather despised that sort of politics.

Thranduil hated to lose and was not pleasant when he did, but he also liked to win fairly. If Haldir threw the fight, he would have to do it carefully. Of course, he had been out here for hours already giving Glorfindel a workout, so he might put a bad move off to exhaustion. Or, like Glorfindel, he could allow himself to be distracted by Elladan, who was coming back down the garden path now with Rúmil. Haldir was glad to see the two of them together. It was about time they patched up their friendship. Last night Elladan had confessed to him that he had once loved Rúmil and that Rúmil had mistaken him for Elrohir and broken his heart, but even seeing them approach together now, Haldir felt no jealousy.

Haldir wondered about Glorfindel's interest in Elladan. It was not returned, of that Haldir was certain. Glorfindel was already the lover of Elrohir, and Haldir had meant the warning he had given the war councilor earlier. If he made bold his attentions towards Elladan, he would find himself in a duel with Haldir that was not simply for sport. Glorfindel was a great warrior and had much wisdom and skill he could share with Arwen, and Haldir wanted very much for him to instruct her, but he had best leave Elladan alone.

Haldir smiled to himself, thrusting forward with his sword and forcing Thranduil backwards a few steps. Thranduil glared at him, gritted his teeth, and parried the blow. Already he was feeling possessive of Elladan? How odd... but Haldir knew already that his feelings for the prince were unique. When was the last time he had taken such sentiments to heart? Had he ever? Once he had thought he might have loved Thranduil or Legolas, but he had been torn between both father and son and in the end had remained only a friend to both of them. He knew now that this decision had been wise on his part.

Haldir was one of the few who knew how lonely Thranduil truly was. This was part of what had attracted him to the King all those years ago. Thranduil hid it far better than Elladan had, but Haldir had sensed it anyway. Thranduil liked to present a brash and arrogant image because he liked to have others underestimate him, but he had shown Haldir what he was truly like below the surface -- wily and intelligent. He liked to pretend he did not give a damn about anyone but himself (and possibly Legolas) but it was a game with him. Haldir had tried once to explain this to Elrond but had been unsuccessful.

Of course, Haldir thought as Thranduil nearly sliced his arm open, if Thranduil would cast aside this act he might find himself a lover that satisfied his emotional needs instead of taking an endless string of bed partners the way that Elrohir and Rúmil tended to do. They were young and their behavior was not unexpected of them, but in Thranduil it merely seemed frighteningly predatory -- which was exactly what he hoped for. His refusal to give this up was part of what had kept Haldir out of his bed, and his respect for Thranduil was what had kept him out of Legolas'.

"I will require a forfeit of you if you lose, Haldir!" Thranduil said.

Haldir swore silently. Now he could not afford to throw the fight. Who knew what Thranduil would ask for? "And will you give one to me if I win?" he asked lightly, ducking a blow.

"Think you are deserving of one?"

"If I should win against a warrior as skilled as yourself? Yes," Haldir said, hoping the compliment would throw Thranduil off balance. No such luck -- Thranduil thrived on compliments, and expected them.

"Perhaps I should agree, as you will not win!"

"Are you certain, my lord?"

"Oh, quite. Let us see... what shall I have of you? A night in my bed?"

"You have not beaten me yet," Haldir insisted, lunging forwards. Thranduil affected a yawn as he deflected the thrust.

"A few more minutes. You are already tired... I can see it in your footwork. Has Lord Glorfindel worn you out?"

"I rather think it the other way around. Look, Arwen has just taken his weapon."

"I am not fool enough to take my eyes off of you, Haldir."

"It would be unsporting of me to beat you with such a distraction."

"And you are not the sort to play any way but fair," Thranduil said, grinning at him.

"Nor are you," Haldir pointed out.

"I think I know what I wish of you," Thranduil said, and on that cocky note he brought the flat of his sword down hard on Haldir's hand.

The stinging blow made Haldir lose his grip and before he could think Thranduil's sword was at his throat. Polite applause came from the gathered elves. Glorfindel and Arwen had been watching along with Elladan and Rúmil. Haldir flexed his fingers and found he could barely move them. Thranduil had held nothing back. It was a fair fight and Haldir felt no shame in losing it. In fact, he felt lucky that Thranduil had not taken off his hand. His eyes met those of the King and he saw Thranduil smile at him. The smile contained some spark of admiration at first, but it quickly turned wicked and Haldir felt a chill crawl up his spine.

"I concede my defeat," Haldir said quietly. Thranduil lowered his sword.

"I concede that it came not easily," Thranduil replied. "But you still owe me a forfeit."

"I did not agree to that," Haldir said, glancing uneasily at Elladan. All he needed was for Thranduil to try to bed him now. It would probably be enough to scare the prince away from the bud of emotion that was only just starting to bloom between them.

"Certainly just the acceptance of Thranduil's challenge implied that you would, upon losing, give him a forfeit," said Lord Glorfindel. Haldir turned to see a mischievous glint in the war councilor's blue eyes.

"If that is so, surely you owe me a forfeit for beating you earlier, and the price I would have is for you not to meddle in my affairs," Haldir said to him in a warning tone.

"And you owe me one as well," Arwen told Glorfindel cheerfully. "I would have your turquoise robe with the silver trim."

"My best dress robe? It would not fit you," Glorfindel said, looking horrified.

"I could have it altered quite easily."

"I think it would look very becoming on you," Rúmil commented.

"I think we are all far more interested to hear what Thranduil would have of Haldir," Elladan said, trying to present a calm face.

He stepped forward next to Haldir, and the Marchwarden could see the panic in his eyes. Haldir laid a hand on Elladan's shoulder, hoping the gesture would give Thranduil a hint that Haldir had no desire to lie in the King's bed. He met Thranduil's gaze evenly.

"What would you have of me? I will give it if it is in my power," Haldir said.

"A night with Rúmil." Thranduil named his price.

Haldir shook his head slowly. "I do not barter my brothers. It is up to Rúmil whether he will fulfill this desire of yours or not."

"If not Rúmil, you then," Thranduil said, his voice like a purring lion.

"I will give you Elrohir," Elladan said, his voice slightly panicked.

Rúmil stepped forward, in between Haldir and Elladan and Thranduil. Not looking at either of them, he spoke directly to the King.

"I will do it," he said, "Of my own free will."

But to Haldir he sounded frightened.