I'm sorry my updates have been so erratic, but I have been having a little burn out lately, plus been sick. I'll try to do better. Thank you for sticking with me and for your support!!!!

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Chapter 45--Never Let You Go

Everything seemed to slow in that terrible moment. Wai Chee brought his sword back to plunge it into Qui's heart then suddenly Qui seized his knobbed club and struck at Wai Chee's head. Caught off guard by the swing, Wai Chee didn't move quickly enough to avoid or parry the blow. There was a loud and ugly crunch.

Wai Chee staggered back blood pouring down his face. The sword dropped from his hand and he crumpled to the ground in a heap. His open eyes glazed over and went blank. He was dead.

Aragorn tensed, clutching his sword. He was sure the men Wai Chee had brought with him would attack, but they didn't. Two lifted Wai Chee's body and carried him away. One turned to them. "You are free to leave as agreed. None will hinder you," he said. He and the rest of the men followed the other two.

"That was close," Gimli said.

"We should go," Yokoku said. No sooner then the words left his mouth Qui collapsed.

"Qui!" Legolas cried, hurrying to his side and kneeling.

Qui was unconscious and blood pooled around him.

Legolas could feel it soaking into his leggings, but he didn't care. He began to go into a healing trance.

"Legolas! Qui said…" Aragorn began.

"I will not let him die! There is no one to see!" Legolas retorted.

"But Yokoku…" Aragorn began.

"Is going with us and will see it eventually anyway! Now be quiet and let me heal him!" Legolas interrupted.

Aragorn didn't really want Qui to die either, so he subsided. He moved back to give Legolas space to work.

Yokoku's eyes widened as the blue glow came from Legolas's hands and his eyes widened as Qui's ugly wound began to heal under the Elf's touch. "Black sorcery!" he breathed.

"There is nothing evil about it. It is a precious and rare gift," Aragorn said sternly. "If you wish to come with us then you had better get used to it."

Legolas slumped wearily then sighed in relief as Qui's eyes opened.

"What happened?" Qui asked then his hands flew to the spot. "You used your healing powers to save me, even after I warned you of the danger," he said sharply.

"I am sorry, Qui, but I could not just stand by and watch you bleed to death. I will never let you go if I can save you, never," Legolas said. "It does not matter what you say. I will never just stand by while someone I care about dies."

Qui sighed and slowly got to his feet then offered Legolas his hand. Legolas took it and Qui pulled him to his feet. "I thank you for that," Qui said.

"We should go," Yokoku said again. "It is dangerous to linger here."

"Do you know where Mei would have my ship waiting for us?" Aragorn asked Qui.

"I do, let us go," Qui said.

It took them a week to reach the coast, but somehow they made it there without further trouble. Aragorn signaled the ship and soon they were safely aboard and sailing away. They were on their way home at last.

Much to their surprise they managed to make it back to Gondor and Minas Tirith safely. Kokoku learned a lot of western on the journey and a bit of Elvish.

When Aragorn and the others entered the throne room they got a surprise. Elrond, the twins and Arwen were waiting for them. Thrandiul and Jadriel were there as well.

"Ada!" Legolas cried, running to meet him.

Thranduil embraced him warmly. "I missed you, my little Greenleaf. I was worried when we arrived and found you had left," he said.

"I am sorry, ada," Legolas said.

When Thranduil released Legolas Jadriel hugged him as well. "I missed you too, little brother. What mischief were you up too?" he asked.

Legolas laughed. "It is a long story," he said.

Boromir and Syri entered the room. Boromir bowed and Syri actually curtsied. "Welcome home, sire," Boromir said.

"Do not bow to me when we are alone and do not call me sire," Aragorn laughed.

Arwen smiled warmly at Aragorn. "I hope you did not run off because you changed your mind about your proposal, Aragorn," she teased.

"Never, we could get married now, or tomorrow if you wish," Aragorn said, grinning.

Arwen laughed. "Patience, love, we have plenty of time after all," she said.

"I must speak to my sons in private, please excuse us," Thranduil said. He led Legolas and Jadriel to the guest chamber he was using.

"What is wrong, father?" Legolas asked.

"Our people have decided to sail to the west. I want you to come with us," Thranduil said.

Legolas stared at his father, too surprised to speak…..

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A big decision to make for Legolas, R/R please!!!