Ok, I found some stuff about Japan that suits this story…I hope. I'll do my best…
Chapter 28--An Invitation that Can't Be Refused
Qui was gone when Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn woke the next morning.
Makiko bowed to them when they left room. "Good morning, most honorable guests. I have prepared a meal for you if you pleases you," she said.
"Can you tell us where Qui is?" Aragorn asked.
"Master Qui and my Lord husband have gone to the marketplace to purchase some things. They will return as soon as possible," Makiko said. "If you require anything else, please summon me." She bowed again and walked off.
The three of them sat down at a low table and helped themselves to food and tea. They didn't talk much as they ate.
"So what do you think of all this, Aragorn?" Gimli asked, "the trouble Qui's friend mentioned?"
"I think we had better watch what we do," Aragorn said. "Part of me wishes to leave this land, but I will wait."
Gimli snorted. "Of course, must indulge the Elfling's whims," he said.
For a minute Legolas was tempted to throw his plate at the damned Dwarf, but Aragorn gave him a look that warned of dire consequences if he did.
Gimli obviously caught the look because he laughed.
Legolas scowled at both of them then went back to his food.
*Meanwhile*
Qui was starting to see examples of how unsettled things were as he and Nikito moved about the market. People were nervous and there was less haggling between merchants and customers then usual.
"You seem fond of the gold haired one," Nikito said.
"He saved my life and I owe him much. Lately I have thought of him as a son. He is a very gentle person," Qui said.
"But he is not your son. You should not be in that land, Qui. This is your home," Nikito said.
"It was my home, but now? I am not so sure if it is anymore," Qui said.
Nikito gave Qui a rather shocked look, but said nothing more.
They purchased the things that they needed and as they left the last store it happened.
"Stop where you are!' an imperious voice shouted.
They stopped instinctively and to Qui's horror five well-armed Samurai walked up to them.
"Master Qui, Lord Hachi asks your presence," one said. It was clear it was not a request, but an order. "You will come with us now."
Qui didn't want to go, but it was unwise to ignore a clan leader's demands. He bowed slightly instead. "I will come," he said. He gave Nikito a meaningful look, ignoring the samurais' shocked looks, and then followed them.
All to soon for Qui's taste they enter Lord Hachi's private gardens. They were as beautiful as ever and he couldn't help, but think how much Legolas would love to see them.
When they entered servants removed their shoes and replaced them with soft slippers then the samurais led Qui to Lord Hachi. When they were in his view all five samurai fell to their knees and touched their foreheads to the floor to show respect to their Lord.
Since Qui was not in service to him he just bowed deeply from the waist. He decided to go ahead and show he could speak. "It is good to be in your presence once again my Lord," he said.
"You have regained your voice! How is this possible?" Hachi asked.
"A western healer was able to help me," Qui said.
"Perhaps one of the three you arrived with?" Hachi asked.
"Perhaps, my Lord," Qui said. Since he didn't ask, he didn't have to tell.
"I would see these strangers you have brought with you. You will bring them here at dusk," he said. He made it clear by the tone of his voice it was an order.
Qui could have refused since he wasn't in his service, but he knew the Lord could cause them a lot of trouble in retaliation for his refusal. It was better to accept. "We will be here, Lord. May I go?" he asked.
"You may," Hachi said smugly.
Qui bowed his way out of the Lord's sight. Once he was out of the house. He muttered several curses under his breath. This was what he had been trying to avoid. He hurried back towards Nikito's house. They had a lot to do before dusk……..
Like it, hate it? Let me know and thanks to Evil Snapple Pie for comments and pointing out mistakes for me….R/R please.