Sigh, darned plot bunnies are in rebellion over this story and a new Jaisia fiction is pushing to be written!

This never ends…..:-)

Chapter 23--Another Task

"The best thing to do would be to leave here at once," Qui said.

"I think he is right, Aragorn. We have nothing left for us here," Gimli agreed.

"What about Sari? We can't leave her. They might hurt her," Legolas protested.

"What do you want us to do, Elf? We cannot adopt everyone we meet," Gimli snorted.

Qui shook his head and turned to Legolas. "These are yours, I believe," he said and handed Legolas's weapons back to him.

"Thank you, Qui," Legolas said.

Sari moved closer to Legolas's side and grabbed his arm then tugged at it.

Legolas glanced at her. "I think she wants something," he said.

Sari tugged at Legolas's arm again and pointed towards the forest. Letting him go, she headed in that direction then looked pleadingly at him.

"Perhaps she knows somewhere safe for her to go. Can we at least follow her and see?" Legolas asked.

Aragorn considered then nodded. "Alright, we will follow," he agreed. He turned and ordered the men to return to the ship and prepare to leave. Once they had left he turned to Legolas. "Let us go," he said.

Legolas gave Aragorn a grateful smile and moved towards Sari.

Sari smiled in obvious delight and hurried off. An hour passed without incident then they heard voices. Sari stiffened and her eyes filled with fear. "Zonobi," she said.

"What is Zonobi?" Qui asked.

"One of her tribe, the one that found me. He was the one that we were running from. He is not alone," Legolas said.

"Then we prepare to fight," Gimli said, taking his axe from his back.

"We should try to drive them off if that is possible. I do not want to kill any of them if it is not necessary," Aragorn said.

There was no more time to discuss it as the hunting party emerged from the trees and spotted them. They immediately approached, stopping twenty feet from them.

That is Zonobi," Legolas said softly.

Zonobi made a threatening gesture with his spear then pointed at Legolas and Sari.

"I think he wants us to return Legolas and Sari to him or they will attack," Qui said.

"I think you are right, Qui, but that is not an option," Aragorn said. He looked at Zonobi and shook his head.

Zonobi began yelling threats and waved his spear. It was obvious he was giving them one more chance to comply.

"No, you cannot have them," Aragorn said and shook his head again.

Sari's eyes were filled with tears and she backed off to stand behind Legolas.

Qui moved closer and took out his knobbed club and watched the natives coolly. His casual posture was an act and Legolas knew it.

Zonobi hadn't planned on having to fight a group of strangers, but his fate would be worse then death at the strange people's hands. "Attack, kill them except for the strange pale-haired one and Sari!" he ordered.

Howling strange battle cries, the natives charged at the small group.

Aragorn dodged a strike aimed at his knee the hit the native upside the head with the flat side of his blade, knocking him sprawling.

Qui clopped another over the head, careful to knock him out, instead of killing him.

Gimli punched one in the groin and he fell, clutching himself and retching.

Zonobi flung himself directly at Legolas and Sari.

Sari screamed as Legolas dodged a blow from Zonobi's dagger. A line of blood appeared on the Elf's arm, but it wasn't deep.

A kick from Qui slammed Zonobi into a tree, knocking him unconscious. The fight was over. That was when they heard rapidly approaching footsteps and another group of natives burst into view…

Wondering what this bunch will do? You'll have to wait and see! Until then R/R please!!