ScottyBaby Go on. Take Kel to the prom. Just don't let him do the 'moonwalking' dance, though. Believe me, it's terrible!

Acacia59601 You're lucky then. This chapter has no cliffie.

Beginning-end-314 : I can't wait for ROTK EE too. I just booked mine with our current video retailer. Why is December 14th so far away?

Sailor Elf : Yep. When you got to go, you got to go!

KeluinLossehilin I did have some pictures of the characters, Legolas' mostly, sent in by some of the readers. Megan, a friend of mine even drew some pics of Keldarion and Hawkeye. But after my PC broke down several months ago, those pictures were gone! I only have those Leggy pictures now. Very cute!

Mellaithwen Nice song. Appropriate lyrics.

BitterLee The humans are coming to offer some help, or try to. They have to confront Kel first. I think I will write a short LOTR fic after this. I want to get Gimli back into the picture.

Manders1953 Thanks, mate.

Delano Like you, I don't know why they took it off. Maybe they don't like Kel very much.

Szhismine You, naughty, you! Stop stepping on his legs!

Sindauviel But I love cup o noodles! Oh, Happy Hannukkah, dear.

Legosgurl You got a bow and arrow from the Fair of the Forks? Okay. I'm scared. (And don't worry. My PC loves to screw up also. Right now, it refuses to print.)

Legolas' Garden Light : You're welcome. Want more? He! He!

Jedi Gollum : I'm in the 2 percent group too. Sorry. Just kidding.

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Keldarion swore. He grabbed his sword and leapt to his feet, planting himself right in front of his brother as he scowled in the direction Elrohir had pointed. The twins also collected their bows and arrows, more than willing to shoot at the prince's command.

The townspeople came into view not long after, murmuring and whispering to one another when they finally caught sight of the elves. The men walked together in groups, bringing along their wives and children. There were also two carts that carried more children and old people, and some others were on horses. Amazingly, almost the entire town had turned out for this early morning stroll into the woods.

"Halt! Don't come any closer!" Keldarion yelled as he strode forward. Standing ten yards away, the prince glowered at the humans, eyeing them suspiciously as he searched for any weapons hidden in their midst.

The townspeople had come to a stand still, gaping and blinking at the furious looking elf. The long unsheathed blade he held looked menacing enough to make the people take a step back. Some were even cowering in terror as they found arrows pointed straight at them by the two identical elves. Anxious and unsure, the crowd quickly turned to their leader, the man who was at the front of the procession.

Gulping and slightly sweating in apprehension, the man stepped forward uncertainly. He took off the hat he was wearing and bowed slightly. "Good morning, my lords. I'm Ragan, the town mayor."

Keldarion's only response was by narrowing his eyes to a slit, pinning the short, stocky man under his glare.

That caused Ragan to gulp and sweat even more. "Well, I…uh…We came here to…"

"I don't care why you are here so be gone!" Keldarion snapped. "You are lucky we didn't kill all of you after what you did to my brother last night. But I'm still not in the best of moods today and might cut off a head or two. Now, if you value your life, I suggest you turn around and go home immediately before my sword here starts swinging!"

The people gasped and cried out in fear to hear that. Some were beginning to back away, frantically pulling their family along. Several women looked so distressed they began to cry, clinging to their men. Even the mayor spun on his heels to leave the area.

But, much to Keldarion's surprise, certain groups of the people didn't even budge from their spots. Surrounded by their young sons and daughters, several couples were gazing apologetically at the elves. Assuring one another, they braved themselves to move closer forward despite Keldarion's warnings.

Standing there, gripping a deadly blade in his hand, the prince looked stern and formidable. Even a fool could see how regal and noble a person he was. The silently approaching group of people was deeply intimidated by Keldarion's obvious fury and arresting charisma, but they were determined to carry out the mission that had brought them here in the first place.

"My lord," said one of the men, taking the role of the spokesperson for the group. "We know you are displeased to see us. But we came here to find out how the healer is. We are very concerned for his condition. Please, do tell us, how is he?"

"He is still alive and that's all you should know. Now, leave!" Keldarion curtly replied.

The man glanced at his family and friends who were urging him on silently. Turning back to Keldarion, he gulped down his nervousness and tried again. "May…May we see him?"

"No, you may not."

A woman stumbled forward then. "Please, my lord. We feel awful about what Shakmi did to him last night. We were powerless to stop the burning. The healer, your brother, has saved our children's life and we are utterly grateful. We really need to see him to thank him, and tell him that we are very sorry."

The rest of the humans also nodded and murmured in agreement. The children even came forward to add in their pleas, their eyes wide and hopeful. But Keldarion was immovable from his stance.

"Enough!" he shouted, causing the people to jump in fright. "Be gone, I said! My brother doesn't need you to see him wallowing in the pain that you've caused. And you can do nothing for him anyway so…"

"Kel."

It was the barest of a whisper but Keldarion heard it. He spun and gazed straight at his brother. Legolas was gazing back at him with a stoic smile. Obviously, he had been awakened by the loud voices just now.

Sighing softly, Keldarion quickly returned to Legolas' side. "Yes, brother? Are these humans causing you distress? Do you want me to dispel them all?"

The twins also knelt down beside him. "Want us to shoot a heart or two?" Elladan asked with eagerness.

"Want me to capture the town mayor so that you can pick his eyeballs out?" Elrohir asked next.

Legolas had to chuckle at that. "No, thank you. Just…just let them come forward, Kel."

Apparently, Keldarion didn't like this. "I will not! You need your rest. This people will only upset you more. I won't allow it."

"Kel," Legolas said, laying a hand on his brother's. "Can't you see? They are so afraid of you they are shaking in their boots. They can't do anything to me anymore. It's all right, Kel. Let them come."

Silently, Keldarion's eyes met his brother's appealing gaze. Then, with a heavy sigh, he stood and walked back towards the waiting people. He regarded them seriously, staring at the solemn faces, one by one.

"You may see him," he finally said after what seemed like an eternity. The crowd instantly broke into smiles of relief, loudly thanking Keldarion as they shuffled forward.

"I'm not finished!" the prince shouted in exasperation, causing the humans to freeze in mid step. They blinked back at him in stupefaction.

"Only the children are allowed to see him," Keldarion added. "The rest of you shall stay behind."

At this, the people gaped at him. They looked down at their young sons and daughters, slightly afraid that they would be harmed. Seeing this, Keldarion had to stifle a derisive snort.

"Trust me, humans, unlike you, we elves have enough honor not to harm innocent little children," he said. "Go on. Let them go see my brother. But, if they upset him in any way, I won't hesitate to put my blade to use."

The people hastily nodded. They spoke quietly to their children before pushing them towards Legolas. Reclining under the tree and flanked by the twins, the manyan prince watched as the boys and girls approached him with hesitant steps. A little boy reached him first, extending one hand for a handshake.

"I'm sorry you got hurt," the boy said as Legolas accepted his hand. "And I would like to thank you for saving my life yesterday. Shakmi was very bad. I'm happy he is dead."

Legolas nodded and the boy stood and stepped to the side, making way for other children. A girl came next, and she bent down to kiss the prince's cheek.

"Thank you for healing me, my lord. I hope you get well soon," she said with a shy smile. She pulled a stuffed animal from behind her back and placed it on Legolas' chest. "Here. This is Bobo the bear. My mother made it for me so he could be my protector. He can be your friend now so no one else can hurt you."

Legolas was so shocked and pleased by the gift he didn't know what to say. "I…uh…thank you," he muttered, gazing dazedly back at the girl as he wrapped his arms around Bobo.

The girl beamed and moved away. More children took her place after that, bearing gifts and words of gratitude as they also wished him a speedy recovery. Legolas was clearly overwhelmed, grinning at the children through his tears. Keldarion's anger quickly evaporated when he saw his brother's smiles. He exchanged amused glances with the twins, glad that the children's visit had managed to boost Legolas' spirit.

When the last child left, the manyan prince had received two more stuffed animals, ribbons for his hair, a pair of woolen socks, a shirt made of soft cotton, a beautiful leather belt, several handmade blankets, some jars of medicated salves, and four bouquets of flowers. Elladan and Elrohir were trying hard to control their laughter to see Legolas surrounded by the piles of gift.

"Thank you. All of you," Legolas managed to say as he looked gratefully at the children who had returned to their parents' side. The people nodded and smiled back at him, but they were still wary of Keldarion's intimidating presence. They kept sending uncertain glances towards the elder prince who stood there like an avenging angel, his arms crossed and his face impassive.

"Now you've all had your say, I suggest it's time you leave," Keldarion told them.

"Yes, my lord," one of the men spoke, nodding vigorously. "Again, we apologize for all the things that have happened."

"Apology accepted. Now, move on," Keldarion impatiently responded with a wave of his hand. The people bobbed their heads as they bowed, shuffling backwards.

"Thank you, my lord," said one woman, curtsying awkwardly.

"If you need anything, my lord—anything at all—do tell us and we will do our best to give it to you," said another.

That made Keldarion pause. He grew thoughtful for several seconds. "Anything?"

At this, the townspeople glanced at each other before one of them replied, "Indeed, my lord. Anything you ask for."

"Very well." Keldarion nodded, coming to a decision. He then pointed to the cart which had carried the children here. "I want that thing."

TBC…

Want to know what Thranduil's reaction would be? Wait for the coming conclusion!