You get a cyber cookie, drizztranger, because you're right…. *Plot Bunnies Run To the Kitchen To Make Cookies* Hey! Come back here!!!!
Chapter 36--Pursuit
Three days later Mei Ling returned to the cave to find them gone. It didn't take her long to find the symbol sketched onto the sand. She knew exactly what it was too. She left immediately, hoping nothing bad had happened.
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Legolas glanced at Qui, Aragorn, and Gimli. They were all still asleep. Legolas sighed and stood up to wander about the room, to restless to sleep. They had been held here for three days and Legolas was tired of being indoors. He couldn't leave. There was a guard and he wouldn't let him leave the room. He had just finished his fifth circle around the room when Aragorn sat up.
"Legolas, what is the matter?" Aragorn asked.
"This place," Legolas said, gesturing to the room in general. "I am tired of being inside, Aragorn."
"I know, but there is not much I can do about that. Try to be patient and perhaps we can find a way for you to go out," Aragorn said.
Legolas sighed heavily and wandered over to his mat then sat down. "It would help if we knew why they took us here and what they wanted," he said.
Aragorn sat down next to him; figuring talking would help distract Legolas from his boredom. "Mei is still out there somewhere. She might be able to help us," he offered.
"Only if she can find us," Legolas said.
"You are in a dark mood today, Legolas. It worries me to see you like this," Aragorn said.
Legolas managed a rather weak smile. "I am sorry, Aragorn. I guess I feel like these walls are closing in on me. I will try to get over it," he said.
Aragorn laid a comforting hand on Legolas's shoulder and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "Well, if you are still bored when Gimli wakes you can exchange barbs with him. You both seem to enjoy it at times," he said, grinning.
At that Legolas couldn't help, but laugh. It made it even funnier because there was a bit of truth in the comment. Sometimes the verbal sparring was fun.
Aragorn was pleased to see that he had succeeded in lightening Legolas's spirit a bit. "Be strong. We will get out. Mei will find us," he said and moved away.
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Mei was tired and angry when she finally reached the temple. It was twilight. She walked right in, ignoring the guards she knew were watching her. She was met by Shadow before she'd taken three steps down the hall.
"It is good you returned. The master is waiting for you," Shadow said.
"Where are my companions? I want to see them," Mei asked.
"My command was to wait for you to arrive then bring you to the master. Please come with me, Nightstar. I do not wish to be forced to harm you," Shadow said.
Mei Ling wanted to refuse, but she knew that she wouldn't. Shadow was a friend and she wouldn't get him in trouble. "Very well, I will go with you," she agreed.
Soon they arrived at the entrance to Master Wai Chee's chambers. Shadow gestured for her to go straight in then left. Mei entered and immediately knelt on the floor and bowed so low that her forehead touched the floor.
"You may rise, Nightstar," Wai Chee said.
Mei stood. "You wished to see me, Master?" she asked.
"I have your western companions, but of course you already know that or you would not be here," Wai said.
"I do know. May I ask why they were taken, Master?" Mei asked.
"I wished to see who would cause you to leave without my permission. You know that is not allowed. Why did you not ask?" Wai asked.
"I was concerned for one of them who was in a bad situation. I had to leave quickly or it would have been to late," Mei said.
"I see, I will consider your words while I decide what your punishment should be," Wai said.
"May I see them, Master?" Mei asked.
"Not today, perhaps tomorrow. Go back to your chamber, Mei," Wai said.
Mei knew better to push Wai. She bowed again and left. She went directly to her chamber as she'd been ordered. She was worried, but more for Legolas then herself…..
Mmmm, punishment….*Grins at Plot Bunnies* What kind of punishment? R/R please!!!!