Once again, I wanted to thank all my reviewers and also my silent readers….I know you're out there…enjoy the next chapter of Heart!!!

Chapter 24--Haven

They raised their weapons to fight again, but the natives didn't move to attack. They just studied them from where they stood.

Sari suddenly let out a glad cry and came out from behind Legolas. She ran to one of the natives and flung herself into his arms.

The strange native returned the embrace, eyes filled with tenderness then kissed her.

Sari pulled back then began talking rapidly. She gestured towards Legolas and the others occasionally as she did so.

Legolas was sure he caught his name mentioned several times, but she was talking so fast that he couldn't be sure. Since it appeared they were not in danger of being attacked the three of them put away their weapons.

"Looks like she has found a safe haven to me. We should go, Legolas," Aragorn said.

"Aye, I think you are right," Legolas agreed. They started to move away.

Sari noticed and went to Legolas. She gestured to him then at the jungle.

"I cannot stay, Sari. I wish you could understand," Legolas said. He shook his head and pointed back the way they'd come.

Tears filled Sari's eyes, but she nodded and hugged him then she released him and returned to the man. The natives melted into the forest as silently as shadows.

"Let us go, Legolas, she is safe and we have a journey to continue," Qui said.

Legolas nodded and turned to follow the others then pain ripped through his arm where the knife had cut him. He clutched at it and cried out in pain. Next thing he knew he was on the ground and he couldn't move.

Qui was kneeling at his side in an instant. "Legolas!" he cried. He noticed the edges of the knife wound were red and swollen. "Heal yourself."

Legolas tried, but he couldn't do it. He tried to explain that to Qui, but he couldn't speak either. What did he do to me?! he thought.

Qui thankfully seemed to understand. "Aragorn, you are a healer as well. He needs help!" he said.

Aragorn hurried to Legolas's side with his bag and knelt beside him. He touched his forehead and winced. "He is burning up," he muttered. He began digging through his bag, looking for the right herbs. Finding them he laid them aside and studied the wound. He saw it was closed, but badly swollen. "The wound needs to be lanced," he said and took out a knife. "Hold onto him, Qui, just in case," he said.

Qui gripped Legolas's shoulders and pinned them firmly to the ground.. He nodded at Aragorn to show he was ready.

Aragorn took a deep breath and cut down the wound. Black fluid welled from it along with blood. It looked horrible.

Legolas's mouth opened in a soundless cry of pain. It hurt and he couldn't move, couldn't scream. All he could do was bear the pain the best he could.

Aragorn took a deep breath and squeezed the edges of the wound together. He knew it would hurt horribly, but he had too. It took three times, but at last just blood emerged from the wound. After that he covered the wound with herbs and bound a clean bandage. It was encouraged when Legolas moved a little. "we should get back as fast as we can. I have other medicines on the ship. Qui, can you carry him?" Aragorn asked.

"Easily, he is very light," qui said and scooped Legolas into his arms. They headed back to the ship as fast as they could.

It took nearly two hours despite their haste, but at last they arrived. Qui carried Legolas to their cabin while Aragorn went to fetch more medicines.

Qui was encouraged by the fact Legolas was slowly starting to be able to move and speak again, obviously the poison was meant to immobilize, not kill. He laid Legolas on his bunk. "Aragorn has mentioned locking you in this cabin, little one and if you do not stay out of trouble I might agree to it. I will even help him," Qui said.

"I am sorry for all of this, Qui," Legolas murmured and fell asleep in minutes. He was exhausted.

Aragorn came in and saw Legolas was asleep. "How is he?" he asked.

"He can move again and speak. I think he will be alright now," Qui said.

"I would just like to know why he could not heal himself. If anything happens let me know," Aragorn said.

"I will, thank you, Aragorn," Qui said. Aragorn left and Qui was alone with the Elf he'd sworn to protect, but now was becoming like a son to him…..

Wanted to show that Aragorn was still a healer and Qui's growing bond to Legolas…you like? R/R please!! Thank you for reading!