Again, wonderful reviews, guys! Thanks! And yes, Legolas and Keldarion had a very nice relationship as brothers, like Elladan had with Elrohir. I was inspired by 'The Hardy Boys' series. (I've been reading that book since I was seven!)
P/s : When Eomer raised up his sword and cried "Rohirrim!" in TTT, I practically melt in my seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But before that, my mouth hung wide open for 15 minutes after they killed Haldir. Why must they killed him??!!!
"We haven't got many problems with the spiders for many years since the last time we burned its master nest up high in the mountain," Keldarion said, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "So now they've returned."
Keldarion and the twins were sitting together at a round stone table with Gloin and his right hand man. The dwarf chieftain had just briefed them of their troubles with the fierce creatures. "Aye. They've reproduced, increasing in numbers every day," Gloin said as he took a puff from his smoking pipe, much to Elrohir's disgust. He frantically fanned the smoke from his face with his hand, grimacing all the while. Elladan elbowed him in the ribs, mouthing 'Watch your manners!'
Elrohir glared and mouthed back, 'Why should I? He's just a dwarf!'
"Many of our people had gone missing, some of them had turned up dead, their bodies mutilated. Walking in the woods is not safe anymore," Gloin went on, oblivious to the twins' silent quarrel. "Our warriors are no match against the spiders' mighty strength. Our weapons are not strong enough, for the spiders have grown deadlier and more cunning than ever! That's why we set up those traps; we've got no other better choice."
"But the hunting traps in our woods? Was that necessary?" Keldarion asked with raised eyebrows. He will never forget the traps that had killed the two ferrets; that nearly led Legolas to his own early death.
Gloin sighed and lowered down his head for a moment, before looking up and stared directly into Keldarion's cobalt blue eyes. "It was a terrible error in my part, Prince Keldarion. I'm deeply sorry for it. Obviously, some of my men did not understand my specific orders," Gloin remarked, glancing at Tarang who was standing nearby. Seething in annoyance, Tarang stormed away.
Keldarion had seen the great animosity coming from Tarang, and just found out the terrible way he'd treated Legolas. He had a very hard time controlling himself from beating the hell out of the dwarf. But he knew that the luxury exclusively belonged to his brother. Let Legolas have at him when he's back on his own two feet! And I'll cheer him all the way!
Gimli appeared then. "Prince Legolas has just awakened," he announced. Keldarion and the twins immediately got up and followed Gimli to the chamber. They found Legolas already sitting up, pulling at the bandage. Keldarion slapped his brother's hand away and took over the task of pulling the bandage himself. The wound had healed, not even a scar was evident. Releasing a sigh of relief, Keldarion looked up to his brother. "You're such a trouble magnet."
Legolas grinned. "But you love me anyway." He hugged his older brother. "Thank you for saving my butt. I owe you one."
"You owe me millions! And I'm sure this won't be the last!" They laughed, the twins joining in with their own loud exuberant ways. "Look at you! You've lost a sleeve! I thought this is your favorite shirt," Elrohir teased.
"Well, I guess it is now my favorite sleeveless shirt!"
Gimli stared at the whole scene in envy. He never had a brother; he never had any friends his own age. The elves' camaraderie was very beautiful he wished he could be part of it. Clearing his throat, he came near.
"I've fixed the broken chain," Gimli said, handing out the stone of Manya to Legolas. He had volunteered to cool down Legolas's fevered brow with the magical water after Keldarion finished tending to the prince's thigh. When Legolas's temperature had gotten back to normal and he was resting much easily, Gimli had taken the stone out of the water bowl and stared at its beauty and magic in wonder. Then he'd noticed the broken chain. While he was sitting beside Legolas, watching over him slept, he started the painstaking task of fixing the chain with his tools.
Legolas took the chain, smiling gratefully at Gimli. "I thank you, Gimli. And not only for the chain, but for your kindness. We've not been introduced properly." He stood up and put his right hand over his left breast, before lowering it, inclining his head. "I'm Legolas, son of Thranduil. This is my brother, Keldarion the crown prince of Mirkwood, and our friends from Rivendell, Elladan and Elrohir."
Gloin stared wide-eyed at Legolas's formal introduction. He extended his own hand, in the dwarves' usual way of greeting. "I'm Gimli, son of Gloin." Legolas took it in his firm grasp, sealing the start of a great friendship of many years to come.
Gloin and the others stood watching in awe; amazement written clearly all over their face. Sometimes it take a very young mind to open the eyes of old hearts, Gloin thought to himself, looking proudly at his son. Never had I thought my own bloodline would sever the long-time hatred between the dwarves and elves.
Suddenly, a panic Tarang burst inside. "The spiders! They've returned! They were already at the opening of our cave!"
Everyone moved all at once, rushing out of the chamber, running to the cave entrance. The dwarves grabbed their axes and blades. Keldarion and the twins still have their bows and swords, leaving Legolas staring down at his own empty hands in dismay.
Tarang came to him then, carrying his bow, the quiver of arrows and the twin blades. "I guess you would need this to show us that you're not as pathetic as you look. Don't want to have you lazing around while we busted our ass out there murdering the beasts!"
Staring hard at Tarang, Legolas took his beloved weapons and strapped the quiver and blades to his back. Tarang was turning away when Legolas called him back, "Tarang."
The dwarf turned. "What?"
"Thank you."
Tarang shrugged. "They are useless to me anyway. I preferred my own axe." He started to walk away but Legolas called him again.
"What now?!" Tarang replied in exasperation.
Legolas had come closer, giving the bow to Elrohir. "I've waited so long to give you this." Without any warning, Legolas's fist came up and hit Tarang squarely in the jaw.
"Oof!!" Crying out, Tarang keeled over backwards and fell down onto his behind.
"Ow!!!!" Legolas grabbed his bruising fist in his other hand. "His jaw is like a rock!"
"Feel better now?" Keldarion asked as Legolas grabbed his bow from Elrohir. Legolas shook his head. "No. I think I've just broke my knuckles!"
Smiling grimly, they joined the other dwarves into the battle against the deadly spiders that were swarming the area. Tarang followed closely behind, cursing and swearing at a certain golden haired elf.
TBC…
This chapter is a little shorter than usual. (I'm having menstrual pain. Ugh!!!!)