I'm glad everyone likes Mei Ling--wow, 355 reviews, maybe I'll hit 400? That would be great!!

Chapter 40--Getting Acquainted

Legolas was in the stable brushing Silverheart when a noise caught his attention. He looked up, startled to see Mei Ling just a couple feet from him.

"I beg your pardon, Prince Legolas, I did not mean to startle you," Mei said politely.

"That is all right. I have never met a Human that could move so quietly," Legolas said.

"I have many talents as you will see," Mei said. She turned her attention to Silverheart. "What a beautiful animal. I have never seen one like her," she said.

Legolas smiled. "She is very unique," he said.

"Much like her rider," Mei said. She smiled warmly at Legolas.

Legolas felt heat surging to his face and knew that he was blushing again.

Mei Ling laughed softly, brushing a lock of hip-length ebony hair out of her face. Her unusual golden eyes sparkled in amusement. "My compliments embarrass you? But certainly others have praised your beauty and if they have not then they must be blind," she said.

Legolas began to brush Silverheart again. "I have not been home for a long time," he said.

"Ahh, I have been away from home as well. I will return eventually though," Mei said. She moved to Legolas' side and turned him to face her.

Legolas was startled by her strength. "What are--" he began.

"Shh, it is all right. Your heart and soul are troubled and they bleed. Will you share your burden with me, sun child?" she asked. "Pain is often easier to bear when two share the burden."

Legolas tensed. "I am sorry, but I cannot," he choked. He pulled away from Mei and fled from the stable.

Mei Ling watched him until he was out of sight then patted Silverheart's neck. "Something is causing him a great deal of distress and I will find out what," she vowed. She left the stable to locate Qui; perhaps he could answer some of her questions.

Qui looked up as Mei Ling sat down beside him. "Qui, what causes such pain to the young prince. I sense it and it worries me greatly. It is eating at his soul and causing much pain," she said.

**I wish I could tell you, my sister, but that is not my right to speak of it. That is Legolas' right alone** Qui signed.

Mei Ling nodded. "I understand, my brother. Let us talk of other things. Tell me of your adventures over the time we have been separated," she said.

Dinner was very quiet. Jadriel and Thranduil took their meal in Thranduil's study, which meant it was only Qui, Mei Ling and Legolas.

Legolas was quiet and his thoughts seemed to be miles away. Neither Qui nor Mei could draw him into a conversation so they left him to his thoughts.

Mei Ling could still sense Legolas' grief and inner turmoil. Somehow I will find a way to help you, sun child. If you do not relieve this anguish it can destroy you. I will not let that happen, she vowed to herself.

After dinner Legolas excused himself. "I need to be alone for awhile, Qui. Do not worry; I will not leave the palace alone. I promise," he said and left the dining hall.

Qui shook his head, eyes clearly showing his concern.

"Are you sure that you will not tell me what eats at him so?" Mei asked. "I might be able to help if you did."

**I cannot, it is not my place as I have said** Qui said firmly, even though he longed to tell her. He rose and left the dining hall as well.

Mei Ling considered for awhile then went after Legolas. She found him on a balcony overlooking the garden.

"I said I wanted to be alone," Legolas said.

"I know, but I do not feel you should be," Mei said. She stepped up behind Legolas and laid her hand on his shoulder. She could feel how tense he was. She began to massage his shoulders with strong, but gentle hands. Gradually she felt him relax and removed her hands. She noted with some amusement that they were exactly the same height. "Is that better?" she asked.

Legolas nodded. "Yes--thank you," he said.

"You are very welcome, sun child," Mei said.

Legolas turned to face her. "Why do you call me that?" he asked.

"Because of your hair. It shares the sun's color and your eyes mirror the sky. It suits you. Why does your father call you Greenleaf?" Mei asked.

"Legolas means Greenleaf in elvish," Legolas explained.

"I see, does it bother you when I call you sun child? I will not call you that if it does," Mei said.

Legolas considered. "No, it does not bother me," he said.

"I will leave you now, but call if you need me," Mei said and walked off.

Legolas watched until she was out of sight then returned his gaze to the sky--wondering…..

So what do you think? R/R please!!