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Chapter 31--Reforging Trust
Aragorn and Arwen entered the room, looking puzzled and a bit concerned. "What's going on, Legolas? Jaisia roused us and said you needed to speak to us and that it was urgent," Aragorn said.
"Where is Jaisia?" Legolas asked.
"She said Gimli should be here too and went to get him," Arwen said.
Legolas nodded. "He should be indeed, we shall wait for them to return," Legolas agreed. "Then we will talk." He felt Sandi's grip tighten and squeezed her hand gently in reassurance.
It seemed to take forever for Gimli and Jaisia to return, but finally they did. "I guess we're ready now," Jaisia remarked. "Who starts?"
Sandi took a deep breath to gather her courage. "I will or I fear I won't be able to make myself speak at all. Mother, father, Gimli, it's a long story, perhaps you should sit down," she said. The three of them obeyed and waited. Sandi looked at Legolas.
"All will be well, Sandi, go ahead, it must be done so you can start again," Legolas encouraged her. "Be strong, little one."
"I lied to you and mother, father, I was here to take the throne from you by any means necessary. I tried to poison you. Legolas knocked over the goblet though. I tried to murder Legolas and Jaisia too. I had my spy send those men to kill you and Jaisia, Legolas because you both were getting in the way of my plans. He's the one that put the widow maker in Legolas' chambers. I came here tonight to kill Legolas myself. He still forgave me though I can't see how he could," Sandi said, almost whispering.
She pointed to the knife. "But Legolas awoke the memories I didn't want to recall and made me realize the evil that I was committing. I realize now that Darrin used me for his own ends, lied to me so I would follow his suggestions. He never cared a bit for me. He just turned me against the ones who did." Tears filled Sandi's eyes again and spilled down her cheeks. "I will accept whatever punishment you deem suitable for my crimes. I ask for your forgiveness though I know I don't deserve it." She fell to her knees at her parent's feet, head bowed
Arwen was crying too and Aragorn looked stricken. Things were silent for a long time, except for Arwen and Sandi's weeping.
"I know that I have committed treason, father and the punishment for that is death. I won't resist that sentence if it is to be my fate," Sandi said bravely.
Suddenly Aragorn stood and pulled Sandi to her feet, his own eyes filling with tears. "I forgave Legolas for kidnapping you because it wasn't of his free will. How can I not forgive you when it wasn't your fault either," he whispered. He hugged Sandi to him. "I love you, my daughter." He pulled Arwen into the embrace also and they stood there a long time.
Pulling away, Sandi looked uncertainly at Gimli and Jaisia. "Do you two forgive me?" she asked.
"It wasn't your doing, I don't blame you," Gimli grunted. "It was all this mage's fault."
Jaisia hugged her. "Fuzzy's right, I forgive you too," she said.
That night for the first time in countless years the future of Minas Tirith and Gondor seemed bright and full of promise once again. They could start their lives anew.
How was it? Sappy--I know. **Sniff** But I like sappiness occasionally….. R/R everyone!!!