Hi, Finally my plot bunnies drove away the writer's block…Yay!!

Chapter 19--Kind Eyes

Zonobi dragged Legolas roughly back into the hut and shoved him to the floor in the back. He took out some thongs and bound his ankles securely. "I will return later, Sari," he said.

"I will give him some food and water, until his fate is decided he must be kept well," Sari offered.

"Do as you will, but do not untie him," Zonobi said and left.

Sari shook her head and filled a bowl with rice and fish then knelt beside Legolas. She helped him sit up. Filling a spoon, she held it up to his mouth.

Legolas eyed her warily, not certain how to react.

"Good, very good…Eat," Sari said though she knew he couldn't understand. She took the first bite then refilled the spoon again. She held it to his lips again, smiling.

Legolas's eyes met hers. They were gentle and kind. He accepted the food and finished it all.

After that Sari got a fur blanket and laid it over him then knelt beside him. She put her hand on her chest. "Sari," she said. "Sari."

Legolas repeated the word. Obviously he got it right because she smiled brightly. She touched his chest and looked at him questioningly.

"Legolas," Legolas said.

"Lego..las," Sari repeated carefully. It took several attempts but she finally got it. The language lessons went on for two hours until Zonobi returned.

Sari pointed to Legolas. "Legolas," she said. She gestured to Zonobi. "Zo-no-bi," she said, stretching the name out so Legolas could hear it better.

Zonobi's face twisted with rage and he slapped her so hard that he knocked her to the floor.

Legolas winced then glared angrily at him. He couldn't believe he would treat the gentle young woman so cruelly.

Sari covered her cheek with one hand as tears spilled down her face. She sat up slowly.

"You are forbidden to teach him our language, even to speak to him!" Zonobi growled. "Go to your mat and be silent or I will beat you."

Sobbing, Sari obeyed. She laid down with her back to Legolas, shoulders shaking with sobs.

Legolas pitied her. He looked at the man again. You miserable bastard, he fumed to himself.

The next morning when Legolas woke up Zonobi was gone, but Sari was still there.

Sari brought him food and fed him, but she didn't say anything or look him in the eyes. Her eyes were swollen and red from weeping.

Legolas wanted to hit the man for hurting her. She didn't deserve it.

*Meanwhile*

Shaman Nigel looked up from the fire as Zonobi entered the hut.

"You summoned me?" Zonobi asked.

"Our ancestors have spoken to me of your captive and I know now what must be done, but there is a sacrifice you must make. Sit and I will speak of it with you," Nigel said.

Zonobi obeyed and listened while the shaman explained. He nodded as he finished. "When will it be done?" he asked.

"I will gather the proper herbs. Have your sister prepared," Nigel said.

"She will not do this willingly," Zonobi said.

"It will not matter if she is willing or not once the herbs had been given to her," Nigel said. "Leave me and do as I asked."

Sari looked up when her brother entered their hut with two more warriors. "What is it?" she asked.

"You are to be prepared for a ceremony this night. You will be taken to the women to be prepared," on obi said.

"Am I to be married? You did not tell me this," Sari said.

"You will give your innocence to another though not as a wife," Zonobi said. "Ask no more questions, sister and go with them or they will take you from here by force."

"If my innocence is taken by any other, but my husband I will be tainted, impure by our laws! Please tell me who I must be sullied by and why!" Sari pleaded.

"It is Nigel's command and you have no right to question it. His word must be obeyed," Zonobi said. He nodded and Sari was seized and dragged away. He gave Legolas an appraising look and left the hut…..

So something bad is up…R/R please!!!