Sorry, this was late. Real life was determined to keep me to busy for another update…
Chapter 48--Friend Or Foe
Legolas was relieved when he left the spiders and doomed soldiers behind. He moved as fast as he could back towards the Elven army. He felt vulnerable with only his knives to fight with. He hoped this whole miserable business would be over soon. It was quiet except for normal forest sounds so Legolas figured it was safe here. The brunt of the fighting was on Mirkwood's border not in the deeper parts of the forest.
Eventually Legolas found himself by the river. It was then he realized how thirsty he was so he paused to get a cool drink and rest for a minute. It was then everything went dead quiet. Alarmed, Legolas looked around for any sign of danger. Someone touched his shoulder and he whirled.
"Easy, sun child. I did not mean to startle you," Mei said.
"How do you do that?" Legolas said.
Mei shrugged. "You should not be out here so far alone. I will walk you back to the army, certainly they will need your help," she said.
They walked off together. "The Elves are holding their own very well," Mei remarked.
"We know every inch of Mirkwood. That gives us an advantage over the invaders," Legolas shrugged.
"It is always good when you can fight your enemies on familiar ground. I do not understand why he would not try to form a truce with your kind. It seems that would be more useful then starting a war," Mei said.
"I do not understand it either," Legolas said.
Mei nodded and glanced around them. "Sometimes I cannot understand a Human's motives and I am one," she joked and laughed.
Legolas laughed with her, glad for a reprieve from the horrors of war for a while. "Perhaps some day we will be able to understand," he said.
"You might, but I doubt I will live long enough to do so myself," Mei said.
"Is it frightening to know that you will cease to exist?" Legolas asked hesitantly.
"Perhaps a little, but I also know that my spirit will become one with the land and sky when I am no more. That gives me comfort," Mei said.
Legolas nodded, making a mental note to ask Aragorn the same question later when it seemed appropriate.
Just then seven soldiers came into sight. Five of them wore plain leather armor, but the other two wore the metal armor. Legolas stopped short a couple paces ahead of Mei Ling and started to turn. Suddenly something hit him in the head. He fell to the ground and the last thing he heard before losing consciousness was Mei saying---"I am sorry, sun child."
The guards moved closer, weapons ready. One nodded at Mei in recognition. "Well done," he said.
"So you recognize me?" Mei asked.
"Yes, you are working for King Rian," the soldier said. He looked at Legolas. "Cut his throat then we will return to the others."
Mei Ling laughed. "That would be a waste of a valuable prize. Take him back alive. I will return shortly and explain all to the king," she said.
The soldier scooped Legolas up and slung him over his shoulder. "As you wish, I will tell King Rian that you will return as soon as possible," he said. The soldiers left, taking Legolas with them.
Once they were gone Mei Ling let out a sigh of mingled frustration and relief. She would have to come up with a plan. It was then she heard a noise. She turned to see Qui standing behind her, eyes filled with shock, hurt, and rage. He clutched his knobbed club so tightly in one hand that his knuckles were white.
*My sister, how could you betray Legolas and me like this* he signed. *You will pay for this betrayal with your life*
Mei Ling backed up as her grim faced brother stalked towards her, raising his weapon. "Wait Qui, you must give me a chance to explain my actions," she protested.
*I saw what happened. I could read both your lips. You handed Legolas over to them. You cannot deny it* Qui said.
"No, I cannot. That is true, but there was a reason I did this," Mei said. She began to explain….
So what do you think? Also a big thanks to Ebony for giving my plot bunnies a jumpstart!!! R/R please!!!!