Thanks to my reviewer new and old--I couldn't do this without you!! Sign language in--**blah**
Chapter 37--Regret And Forgiveness
Legolas found his friends at the sparring field watching Qui and Boromir spar. He walked over to stand next to Aragorn and Syri.
Aragorn looked over at him. "You seem upset," he said.
"I have bad news concerning Mirkwood and Gondor," Legolas said.
Syri gestured to Qui and Boromir who joined them. "All right, Legolas, tell us what is going on," she said.
"We are now formally at war with Gondor, my uncle gave the King information about secret paths leading into Mirkwood. We killed four soldiers that entered and took one prisoner. He has boosted of how King Rian will soon own Mirkwood and any of our folk who survive will be enslaved," Legolas said softly. He looked at Aragorn. "I am sorry, Aragorn, my father did not make this decision lightly."
Aragorn's face was grim and his hands clenched into fists. "I can not believe this is happening," he growled. He lowered his head, thinking, and then raised it again. "So be it, I swear my sword in defense of Mirkwood."
Syri looked at Boromir who nodded. "So do we," she said.
Qui gave Legolas' shoulder a gentle pat then nodded vigorously. ** I also** he signed.
"My father will be grateful," Legolas said. "As am I."
"Do Elladan and Elrohir know about this?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes, I imagine they will go to Rivendell to tell Elrond. I am sure father will ask for Rivendell's aid in this. We are not numerous enough to fight Minas Tirith without aid," Legolas said.
Just then two guards came up to them half leading half supporting a cloaked figure between them. "Lady Syri, we found this intruder on our borders. She claims to know you," one said.
"She?" Syri asked.
The figure pushed back her hood. "Hello mother," she said.
"By the Gods, Jandra! What are you doing here?!" Syri asked.
"I wanted to apologize for what I did to you, to Legolas. I was greedy and foolish and now I am paying for it. I do not expect forgiveness since I do not deserve it," Jandra said. "Rian had spies in Minas Tirith, he knew my plot and he laughed in my face when he revealed it. He turned me over to his guards to be raped then I was to be decapitated. I managed to escape when they were drinking and slipped out of the city through a rarely used gate. I thought I would die before I got here, but I made it."
"Jandra, you are bleeding!" Syri gasped.
"Yes, they hurt me inside, but worse is the fact of my dishonor to those who befriended me. Galen is dead because of me and I would have allowed you and Legolas to be killed in my lust for power. I cannot live with what I have done, but at least I was able to live long enough to try to make amends. Rian is much more focused and determined then Arathorn. He will not stop until Mirkwood is his or destroyed. Beware of him, good bye, mother," Syri said. She drew out a long, sharp dagger and plunged it into her heart before anyone could stop her then she crumpled to the ground--dead.
Syri stared at her daughter's body, eyes dark with grief. "Oh, Jandra, I am sorry," she whispered. "I wish things could have turned out different. I love you, my daughter and I do forgive you."
Boromir drew Syri into his arms and held her close as she began to weep. "I am sorry, beloved, so very sorry," he whispered.
Later they all stood before a blazing pyre just outside of Mirkwood, silently watching as Jandra's body was consumed by the flames. "Rest in peace, my daughter," Syri whispered. "Rest in peace."
None of the others spoke. They just stood quietly and watched and waited. All they could do was share her grief and offer their support and presence…
I know angst, nasty angst, I really like how this chapter turned out though. You guys like it? R/R please!!