Hi there…keep getting writer's block on this for some reason, so I might be a little slow updating…but I will update…don't worry!

Chapter 25--Arrival

Legolas woke up feeling much better. He saw Qui dozing in a chair next to the bunk. He remembered how he hadn't been able to heal himself and frowned. He decided he had to see if he could do it now. He drew his dagger and cut his hand then tried to heal it. Much to his relief he had no trouble at all. The poison must have just caused it to be disabled for a while.

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The rest of the journey passed without incidents. Legolas and Aragorn learned about Qui's home and became quiet fluent in his language, even Gimli learned it well. Finally they could see Qui's homeland ahead of them. Legolas stood at the railing looking at it. "It looks like a beautiful land," he remarked.

Qui smiled rather proudly. "I believe Japan is the most beautiful land of all. It is good to be home once again," he said. He gazed forward longingly. "Come, Legolas. We have some last minute preparations to make."

"Before we all leave the ship I need to go ashore alone and get clothes for all of you that are like the ones here. We must be careful about everything we do and say. Remember not to speak unless I tell you it is all right. I will go now and be back as soon as I can," Qui said. He had already changed into a garment he called a kimono.

"All right, Qui, we will not step foot from the ship until you return," Aragorn said.

Qui bowed and left the ship. He moved through the crowds on the docks as people talked and hurried around. It felt strange, but pleasant to be around his kind and in his homeland again. Looking around, he saw the sort of shop he was looking for and headed towards it. He could buy what they needed there.

Two hours later Qui returned with suitable clothes. It took the three of them a little time to get them on properly, but finally they were ready.

Gimli wasn't impressed with his new attire. "I look like a fool," he grumbled. "No self-respecting Dwarf would be caught in something like this," he grumbled.

Legolas snickered. "You do look like a tent, a very short tent," he said.

Gimli scowled. "Shut up, Elf or I will trim those pointed ears of yours," he warned.

"That is enough you two. We must work together, so no fighting among ourselves. We are ready, Qui," Aragorn said.

"Follow me then, but remember all I told you," Qui said. They left the ship together. They market place was full of exotic sights, sounds, and scents. All three of them couldn't resist looking around as they walked.

Qui seemed pleased by their interest in everything around them and began to explain different things they saw as they walked.

Legolas decided that even if they found out nothing about the amulet the trip was still worthwhile. Just as they reached the edge of the market place horns blew loudly. Everyone dropped to their knees and bowed with their foreheads touching the ground. "Bow," Qui hissed, going down and they followed his example immediately.

An ornately, though Legolas thought it was gaudy, decorated coach moved through the streets heading for a huge castle like building in the distance. No one moved until it was out of sight then they all went back to what they were doing as if nothing had happened.

"What was that?" Aragorn asked softly.

"One of the Emperor's coaches, probably bearing a new concubine to the palace for his pleasure. He has many women there," Qui said.

"Why?" Legolas asked, puzzled.

"Why do you think, Elf?" Gimli said.

Legolas glared daggers at the Dwarf. "I meant why many woman?" he said.

Qui shrugged. "He is emperor and has the right to have many," he said as if that answered anything and continued on his way.

They all followed. They were amazed at the strange place that they had come too. Legolas wondered what else they would discover on this journey besides what he wanted to know….

Talk about culture shock…Snicker….Remember I know very little about Japan so it will be made up to suit the story…R/R please!!!!