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Chapter 42--Deception Uncovered

Mei Ling examined Legolas' eyes that were glazed in sleep and nodded. The truth drug had done its job well. She knew now what had happened and she could act accordingly. Gently she undid Legolas bonds. "Sleep well, sun child and let your soul heal from the violations you suffered. The King deserved to die; a rapist deserves no mercy. You will not remember anything that occurred tonight," she whispered. Turning, she escaped through the window and disappeared into the night.

**The Next Morning**

Legolas woke up the next morning feeling better then he had in a long time. It was the first night in a long time he hadn't been awoken by a nightmare. He was also famished. He got up and took a quick bath before leaving his room.

Qui looked up and smiled then stood. *Good morning* he signed. *Sleep well? *

"Very, you know you do not have to spend the night sitting outside my room. It cannot be to comfortable," Legolas said.

*I do not mind* Qui signed. *Besides it is part of my duty now because of my oath. That will not change*

Legolas shook his head. "Stubborn, let us go to breakfast. I am starved," he said.

*I will be there soon. I need to speak with my sister* Qui signed.

"Very well," Legolas said and hurried off.

Once Legolas was gone a forbidding frown appeared on Qui's face and he hurried off to Mei Ling's room. He had smelt something on Legolas' breath and he knew exactly what it was. He banged loudly on the door. His sister had better have a good reason for what she had done.

Mei Ling looked up when the banging started. She knew who it was. "Come in, Qui!" she called. Her brother came in and closed the door.

*You used me* Qui signed. *You gave Legolas Gai-thi root. You could have harmed him*

"I know how much to give and I had to know the truth," Mei said.

*Why are you truly here, Mei? * Qui demanded.

"I was hired by the King of Minas Tirith to avenge the murder of his father. He said Legolas seduced his father then murdered him in cold blood," Mei said.

*So you were sent here to kill him* Qui signed.

"Yes, but I had taken the job before I saw the notice, my brother. I know well that you are too honorable to swear protection to a killer so I used the root to find out the truth. I know now that I was lied too and that I will not ignore. Even an assassin has honor," Mei said. "Will you tell Legolas and the others?"

*I should, but I will not as long as you swear not to harm anyone here* Qui signed. *So what will you do now?*

"I swear on my life's blood that I will harm none here unless it is to save myself," Mei said. "I also swear to help all I can to protect those that dwell here. As for my plans I am not yet sure of them."

Qui nodded slowly. He knew what Mei was, but he also knew she would die before breaking her vow. *I accept, now let us go to breakfast* he signed.

Together they left Mei's room and walked downstairs to the dining hall. After bowing to the royal family they took their seats. The meal was a little more lively then last eve's dinner, though the King looked weary and concerned.

"So what are you doing today, Prince Legolas?" Mei asked.

"I am helping in the halls of healing all day," Legolas said.

"Ahh, an important task, but one I am sure you are very capable of," Mei said.

Legolas flushed and quickly looked down at his plate, much to Mei Ling's amusement.

After breakfast Qui went to the hall of healing with Legolas. Mei Ling returned to her chamber to meditate for a few hours. She had much to think about. She locked the door and sat cross-legged on the floor. "By lying to me he nearly made me kill an innocent victim. If I had then I would have dishonored myself, for that he must pay," she said…..

So now you know…Legolas is to young for romance in this, but not to young for a crush!!! Like it-Hate it? R/r please!!