Hi there, wow! We are getting nailed! Almost twelve inches of snow in less then three hours and it's still snowing!!!

Chapter 37--Cat and Mouse

Finally a man entered the room where the four of them were being held. "Master Wai Chee wishes your presence. Come with me," he said.

They followed the man from the room and back to the master's chamber. Once there they once again followed Qui's lead and bowed politely.

Wai Chee nodded. "Be seated," he said and waited until they were settled. "Lord Hachi's men are searching everywhere for you. I heard this from one of my followers. I would like to know why they want this one so badly," he said, gesturing to Legolas.

"We are not sure, Master Wai Chee. We thought perhaps because he is a rarity with his blonde hair and blue eyes. Most here are dark haired and dark eyed," he said.

"Perhaps so, but are you sure there is not another reason?" Wai Chee asked. His eyes seemed to bore into Qui's.

""No, Master Wai Chee. Why would there be?" Qui asked.

"Why, indeed," Wai said, studying them each in turn.

Aragorn hesitated briefly. "Master Wai Chee…" he said tentatively.

Qui gave him a shocked and worried glance at that. He had warned him not to speak unless he was spoken too.

"Please forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I was wondering if it would be possible for Legolas to spend some time outside," Aragorn said.

"Why?" Wai Chee asked. Qui started to speak. "Be silent! I asked this one!" Wai snapped.

Aragorn knew he had to tread carefully, so he wouldn't give away Legolas's discomfort of being inside. If he did it could be used against them. "He is a bit tired of being inside," Aragorn said. "I admit that I feel much the same."

Wai Chee studied them both for a long time then gestured to a couple men. "Take these two out to the garden," he ordered. "Your friends will stay here and if you try to escape they will die most unpleasantly," he warned. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Wai Chee, we understand," Aragorn said. They followed the two men outside. The two men stood near the building, watching them.

Legolas took a deep breath of the fresh air and visibly relaxed. "Thank you, Aragorn," he said.

"You are quite welcome though I have a feeling I am in for quite a lecture from Qui later. After all I did do the opposite of what he told us to do. I do not like this place. I hope we will be able to leave this country soon," Aragorn said.

"I have found out what I needed to know. It seems it was not really worth the effort and trouble we went through. I am sorry, Aragorn," Legolas said.

"It is not your fault. You did not know what it would be. Besides this is the last time I will probably be able to leave the castle. I will soon be marrying Arwen. I hope you will stay long enough to attend the ceremony," Aragorn said.

"Of course I will. You need not ask," Legolas said. He looked towards a good sized tree and smiled.

Aragorn followed the direction of his gaze then laughed. "Feel free to climb up there, but I will keep my feet firmly planted. I do not have your skills of tree climbing," he said. "I will sit at the base and relax."

"A ranger that is not skilled at climbing trees? How horrible. Stay on the ground then. I would not like to explain to your betrothed if you fell out and broke your neck," Legolas said.

"Mouthy Elf," Aragorn retorted.

Legolas just laughed and went to the tree. He climbed up easily and stretched out on a thick limb, looking right at home. "There is still time for you to climb up if you want, Aragorn. Are you sure you do not wish to join me?" he asked.

Aragorn shook his head at the Elf. "Little brat," he said before finding a comfortable spot at the base of the tree. He could just hear Legolas singing softly and he smiled. Relaxing, he allowed himself to be lost in the music. At that moment everything seemed less bleak……

Seems to me that Master Wai Chee suspects that they're hiding something….What do you guys think? R/R please!!!