Thanks for the encouragement now that I know I'll continue…I don't know if those that reviewed on the A/N chapter will be able to review on this since it's replacing the A/N, but you can review this in three or five if you can't if you want…

Chapter 4--Healing An Old Wound

Plans made, they left Aragorn's chamber. Aragorn headed to the throne room to get things ready while Legolas and Qui headed for their rooms.

Once they reached Legolas's room Qui started to go to his. "Wait, Qui, I need to talk to you alone. Come in, please?" he said.

*If you wish* Qui signed. He followed Legolas into the room and Legolas closed the door. "I should have asked this long ago, but I was not sure if I should," he said.

*What is it Legolas? * Qui signed.

"May I attempt to heal the injury that took your voice?" Legolas asked.

*Do you think you can and that I will be able to speak again? * Qui signed.

"I do not know, but I would like to try if you would allow me," Legolas said.

*I would and gladly. I have been wanting to ask* Qui signed.

"Why did you not?" Legolas asked.

*At first because I did not know you well enough and then because you would need your strength to aid those wounded in the war against Rian* Qui signed. *Where do you want me? *

" You could have asked before this. Lie down on the bed. That would be the best," Legolas said.

Qui nodded and laid down. *Stop if it is too hard for you or causes you pain* he signed.

Legolas knelt beside him and laid one hand on his throat. "Stay still and relax," he directed. He closed his eyes and slid into the healing trance. The wound was much worse then Legolas had thought. He figured that even Qui didn't know how much damage had been done. He had been lucky to survive at all. He began trying to heal the wound and he felt the extra strength flow through him.

Qui sat up fast when Legolas crumpled limply onto his chest. He checked Legolas's pulse and relaxed. The Elf had fallen into a deep sleep. Qui moved Legolas out of the way and got up then arranged Legolas into a comfortable position on the bed. He wondered if the healing worked. He decided to try to speak. "Q..ui…." he choked out and joy filled him. He could speak!!! It had worked. It would take time to get his voice back completely and it was hoarse and raspy, but he could speak! He smiled gratefully at Legolas and left the room, so he could rest.

Legolas woke up and by the light he knew he had been asleep for hours. He got up and went to the door that linked he and Qui's rooms together and knocked.

Qui opened it and he was smiling broadly.

"Qui, did it work?" Legolas asked, noticing the smile.

"It….did….I owe…you much, Legolas," Qui said haltingly.

"You already have repaid me. Everyone is in for a surprise," Legolas said.

The next morning everyone was surprised and delighted. Syri especially. She hugged Legolas fiercely and thanked him over and over for what he'd done for Qui.

"Are you sure you want to come with us, Aragorn?" Legolas asked. "Qui has said it will take a year by ship."

"Of course. Boromir will keep everything in control here and besides I am bringing one of my diplomats to try to get a trade agreement," Aragorn said.

"I.... Fear that will not happen…my people distrust and....dislike foreigners," Qui said.

"It is still worth the try. We will set sail tomorrow with the tide," Aragorn said decisively.

The rest of the day was busy for them all as things were made ready and Aragorn took care of a few last minute things.

Legolas didn't sleep much that night. He was both excited and nervous about the coming journey. He hoped it would go smoothly and that he wasn't making a mistake. The next day they said their final goodbyes and they set sail.

"We will not be bored on this journey. There are many things I must teach you about my land's ways and cultures so you do not offend someone by your ignorance. I also would like to teach you some of my native tongue as well. It will help you greatly. Few speak your language where we are going," Qui said.

Aragorn and Legolas had no arguments. Perhaps the trip wouldn't be as boring as they had feared….

Thanks to all those that left comments…The story goes on…R/R please!!