PrincessofRain: Hopefully things will work out in the end, thanks for the review.

Manwathiel: You'll find out what they need to do in this chapter or the next one. And why did they do it? Hoped the last chapter explained it for you. Thanks for the review.

Angelofdeadlydarkness0010: I'm glad, as cruel as it may sound, that the previous chapter evoked emotions from you guys. Thanks for the review, and I forgive you!

Brownie24: for the first thing, in chapter four Giselle did foresee that happening, but what I meant for that part was Galadriel had seen, I forgot what chapter it was in but when the twins first arrive in the golden wood Galadriel vaguely tells them to travel to mirkwood before the snow fell. I reread the chapter and realized I put Giselle instead of Galadriel, sorry bout that! Hope that clears things up. I want Narnia to receive some pretty bad punishment but I don't want to be too mean, I'm such a sap. And difficulty for the two was what I planned from the beginning! Thanks for the review.

Myri78: The twins will be there to comfort Giselle and Legolas will have to be the one to fix things. Thanks for the review.

IwishChan: Elladan and Elrohir are trying their best to fix the problem, though Legolas didn't give them any detail about anything. Thanks for the review.

Kirsten-Inwe: You are correct, Galadriel was the one who had forseen this. I reread the chapter and realized I put in Giselle instead of Galadriel. Sorry bout that! Thanks for the review!

Lady Fae: Yes, I realized I did that, I changed it though. (I was wondering why people got confused by that bit) Of course Legoals will go with the twins, and Elrond and Arwen don't know yet what happened. (This chapter they will) thanks for the review.

Babii-Gurl07: Things will work out in time and because this is set before the war of the ring Legolas will not completely fade. Narnia's punishment… I've been trying to find out what would be a more suitable punishment that doesn't end in death or banishment. Thanks for the review.

Uomini: Narnia had hated Giselle from the beginning, when they first meet I think I say something along the lines of a brief flash going through Narnia's eyes. Narnia has apparently had a major crush on Legolas (like the rest of us) and got really jealous when he showed up with Giselle. And no, Narnia was never mean like that before. Thanks for the review.

Amanda: I know how you feel. Thanks for the review.

Lothwen15: Thanks for the compliment! And that's a really tough question, once I actually thought about it. Mirkwood is an interesting place because not much was said about it so its pretty mysterious and I'm able to make more things up that way. But Imladris is this beautiful haven that's private and very… nice. So to answer your question: Imladris. Which one is yours? Thanks for the review!

Sftballx3babie: I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for the review.

Jutey: thanks for the review.

Legolaslover: I think Legolas has learned his lesson. The twins will, of course, help. As always your reviews are appreciated.

FallenTruth: I don't think I've heard this story being called fabulous. Thanks! I never thought of the twins kidnapping Legolas to bring him to Imladris though now that you bring it up it isn't such a bad idea… Thanks for the review.

Bunny of despair: I don't even know when Giselle and Narnia are going to confront each other, it won't be for a couple chapters, though. The twins would of gone to Mirkwood earlier on, but the snow was starting to fall and horses can't travel easily in the snow. And I agree, they ARE too cute. Thanks for the review.

LadyExcalibur: Those two have some troubled times ahead of them. I want to do something to Narnia that doesn't end in death or banishment, as unfair as that sounds. Though I don't know what to do, thus I'm holding that point in the story off. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Thanks for the review!

Molly: That is a good twist. I have to think on that. Thanks for the suggestion and the review!

Aurora-myst: I'm glad you found it intense. Thanks for the review.

Chapter 29: Painful Reminders

"Giselle" a melodic voice called somewhere to the right of her. Giselle lay on her side. She had been awake for a while after a fitful dream but she did not know for how long. She knew Arwen called her and that she and the rest of her friends here were worried about her but she didn't feel like answering.

Her eyes felt raw from constantly rubbing the now fallen tears away, and they were red rimmed. She was cold, though she could here the first birds chirping outside her room. She felt the mattress give in and a warm hand placed on her forehead. Arwen sighed and shifted so that she was lying besides the woman and holding her.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Giselle was still for a moment before slowly nodding.

Arwen said nothing; waiting patiently for Giselle to continue. She didn't show it, but she was happy that Giselle was going to speak.

"Promise not to tell anyone?" she asked, voice rough from tears and unuse.

"Of course." Arwen replied without hesitation.

Giselle wearily moved into a sitting position, Arwen followed her movements, offering support where the weak woman needed it. In a small voice and a faraway look Giselle began her short explanation. "It was the morning after the spring feast. The night before I had been dancing and had not seen Legolas for a while. I made my way to his room and found him having sex with Narnia." Arwen inhaled sharply and hugged Giselle where the woman paused. "I couldn't take it. I felt so… stupid, Arwen. I loved him! I though, silly me, that we were going to get married and have a happy life! How idiotic could I be? I'm a human and ugly. Of course he would choose Narnia. Two beautiful people deserve to be together… but why did he have to use me? Why did he hurt me so much?

Arwen didn't say anything yet, letting Giselle continue. "I just ran, not taking anything with me. Nothing. I just went to Tarcil and told her to ride to Rivendell. No one followed me, as far as I know, and I don't know how I feel about that. Was I that insignificant?"

Arwen kissed the young woman on the temple and replied. "No, no Giselle. You are not insignificant. You are a wonderful woman and my heart aches for the pain you are going through."

"I never want to see him again. Ever. If he comes here I'll hide in my room or ride to Lothlorien, Dalion resides there and I intend to visit him."

"He won't hurt you again, Giselle. I won't let that happen." Giselle laughed lightly. For all her porcelain doll looks and outward manners, she did not doubt for one minute that Arwen would let anything heartbreaking happen to her again.

Arwen smiled; glad she was able to lighten Giselle's spirits at least a little bit.

And so the days passed. Giselle still stayed in her room, rarely gracing the rest of the household with her presence. If she ate, it was in her room and the tray was always half touched. Giselle often spent her time sitting in a chair out on her balcony wrapped in a blanket in her own little world. On rare occasions she would take a stroll in a secluded garden, staying out long. She avoided the waterfall hideout at all costs.

Elrond came by everyday to check on how she was improving. Arwen stayed with her for an hour or two each day on the balcony, though nothing was ever said.

Giselle knew they were worried about her and she was thankful for everything they had done for her, and continued to do for her. She didn't feel like talking, or doing anything really. She'd get hungry occasionally but when she saw the tray of food her appetite would leave her and she would eat a little bit anyway just so she wouldn't die… although she sometimes thought it was what she wanted.

One day, two months after Giselle came back to Rivendell a letter arrived from Elladan from Mirkwood. Father and daughter read over the letter and learned that they had arrived at Mirkwood a few weeks ago at the bidding of Galadriel. Elladan went on to say that he and Elrohir knew what had passed and by the time their letter reached them they would already be on the way back home with Giselle's belongings and that Legolas would be accompanying them. Elrond did not know what had happened between the two young lovers, only that something grievous had occurred and he pressed for no more information. Elrond and Arwen stayed in Elrond's study many minutes trying to find the best way to tell Giselle of Legolas' impending arrival. In the end they decided to not tell her of his coming at all.

Arwen understood Giselle's won't to see him and if he hurt her again, he would be at the receiving end of one of her rants and hand. But she knew that the two had to talk to each other.

And so they waited for three figures to enter the valley.


Arwen was again in Giselle's chamber when she heard a soft knock on the door. Laying her book on a table she went to answer it. "Your brothers have arrived, milady, along with Lord Legolas." A servant informed her. Arwen thanked her and the servant curtseyed and left. This was it. Who knew what could happen this day. Arwen looked over her shoulder towards the sleeping form on the bed. Grateful that Giselle would remain asleep for at least some time, she hurried out of the room and towards the corridor where Elrond already waited.

Arwen joined him and they both shared looks before turning their attention towards the three riding figures. There were four horses, one of them carrying luggage. Giselle's luggage. Two dark haired figures dismounted and went over to greet their family while the third sat still upon his horse, looking around the building. "Is Giselle here?" Elrohir asked.

"She sleeps." Arwen replied pointedly. Elladan nodded and turned around to walk towards Legolas. After a few gestures he dismounted and walked slowly to Elrond and Arwen. Bowing low he greeted them. When he straightened both of them noticed the changes that had taken over their friend. They are both suffering... Arwen thought to herself.

"How fares Giselle?" He asked in a slightly hopeful tone.

Elrond and Arwen exchanged looks, mentally deciding on what to say to the prince. "She sleeps." Arwen said at last. Legolas nodded slowly and excused himself to the stables. The twins followed with their own horses.

Servants came and unloaded Giselle's belongings, and started carrying them to her quarters. Elrond left with them to find out if Giselle had woken and to make sure they did not wake her if she didn't. Arwen waited for her brothers and Legolas. They said nothing when they were making their way to their rooms and although she did not comment she noticed how the twins walked on either side of the Mirkwood Prince. Legolas however seemed to not notice, walking with a stiff back and eyes straight forward.

Legolas' room was closest from the courtyard and giving formal goodbyes, Legolas departed inside and informed them they would meet again at the upcoming mid-day meal.

Arwen joined her brothers in Elrohir's room. "I would be correct to assume that you know what has passed?"

"You are." Elladan nodded, lounging in a chair, long legs stretched in front of him.

"How fares Giselle, honestly." Elrohir inquired, sitting across from his brother.

Arwen sighed. "She's changed. She hardly eats, hardly talks, rarely joins us for meals. It is as if she were a ghost of her former self." She paused and feeling the need to tell her older brothers, continued. "When she first arrived she had barely gotten by on the journey with food. She began sobbing and could not stop until Ada gave her a sleeping drink. Then she did not wake for three days. I fear for her."

"When we arrived in Mirkwood after grandmother's urging…" Elladan began slowly.

Elrohir continued. "Legolas has changed as well. We learned the gist of what happened from him… From what Thranduil tells us he slipped into the role of a prince , even when it isn't asked of him. You've seen how he is. Arwen, he truly suffers from what he has done."

Arwen crossed her arms. "He deserves it, after what he has so willingly done to Giselle."

Elladan shook his head and pleaded. "You have not heard his side of the story, little sister. Don't judge him before you know what had happened to him." Arwen said nothing, though silently prompting one of her brothers to explain to her.

"Narnia has been after Legolas affections, though she has managed to hide it well. She managed to drug Legolas and while Giselle danced with various elves at the feast she managed to lead him away. He knows what he has done, and he claims that he is not innocent from this crime. He suffers for it, you can see it Arwen. He aches to see Giselle though he knows she won't see him, and it has taken carefully planned manipulation to get him to come with us."

"She won't see him. She's told me she never wants to see him. Ada and I never even told her of your impending arrival. She'll be happy to see you though what she will do when she becomes aware of Legolas, I do not know." Arwen said softly.


Giselle woke past midday, feeling hungry, as usual. She looked at her bedside table and saw the tray of food, her hunger once again leaving her. Angrily she growled and reached for a slice of bread with berry jam. She wanted to eat and yet when food came into her vision, her appetite left her and it was starting to take its toll on her.

Oh how she wished she was back in Kelly's dorm with a warm bagel and cream cheese; a cup of coffee in her hand and a box of pizza with her name on it on a table by the door. Munching on the piece of now cold bread she looked about her room and stilled.

What was that?

Slowly she placed the bread back on the tray and weakly pushed herself up out of the bed. Clutching various sturdy objects in her path she made her way to a few trunks that looked oddly familiar. Kneeling down she pried open the trunk and found her stuff… all of her belongings she had left in Mirkwood. Digging through the trunk excitedly she came upon a certain robe. She frowned and as tears began to blur her vision she angrily shoved it at the bottom and closed it up again.

Was Legolas here? She could not see him, if he was. It would be too much. She wanted to ask Arwen, but was afraid to go outside of her room incase of an unwanted encounter. She thought it unusual that Arwen or Elrond weren't with her, like they usually were. I don't need to be babied anyway. I'm an adult I can take care of myself. She thought. Sighing she held onto the trunk's edges and heaved herself up as best she could. Shakily walking to the other side of the room she went in search of a dress. Pulling it on she recognized the orange-yellow color and remembered this was the first dress she had chosen to wear when she first came to Rivendell. Only this time Arien wasn't around to help her get dressed. Where is Arien, anyway?

As she smoothed the gown with her hands she stopped when she heard a soft knock. Panic took her as she stood frozen in place. The door opened and Arwen slipped in. She smiled when she saw Giselle up out of bed. "How are you today Giselle?" she asked.

"Fine." Giselle replied, shifting her gaze to the trunks in her room. Arwen followed her gaze. "Who brought me my trunk?"

"My brothers have returned home and they had stopped by at Mirkwood."

"Is Legolas here?" she asked in a controlled voice.

Arwen hesitated. "Yes." She answered finally.

"You knew." Giselle said disbelievingly after a moment. "You knew they-he was coming and yet you never told me."

"Giselle, please understa-"

"No! You understand! Do you not listen Arwen?" she was screaming now, she wanted to stop.She wished she could take a deep breathe and try to tell Arwen what she was feeling in a more calmer manner, though she couldn't calm down. Her anger had been bubbling up for days and now it was overflowing and she had to release it in the only way she knew how. She knew later on she would regret yelling at Arwen. The elven woman unfortunately would have to bear her rants.

"I can't see him. I can't! I don't know what I'll do if I see him. I feel like I'm back home with my father and I can't escape, anywhere. And his coming here ruins everything! I told you I never wanted to see him again and yet you never tell me he's coming!"

"Giselle, calm down. Please. You are too weak to be working yourself up like this."

Giselle's eyes blazed. "Too weak?" she asked in a deadly quiet voice. "Don't you dare tell me how to live my life!"

"I'm trying to help you." Arwen tried to reason.

"Help? I don't need your help. I appreciate your trying to 'help' me Arwen, but all you're succeeding in doing is smothering me. I need space. Me time. Do you understand?"

Arwen was quiet for a moment. "If you ever need me, you know where to find me." With that she turned around and exited the room.

Giselle watched her go and felt her angry dry up. Now that her anger was gone she felt fatigue replace the strength that had enveloped her moments ago. She shouldn't have yelled at Arwen like that. It was getting to be too much. She needs space yet she secretly craved for company though she didn't know how to communicate that need. Clutching a chair she let the tears fall and she let herself sob.


Arwen closed the door behind her and started when she saw Legolas, pale faced, standing there. She didn't need to say anything. He had heard everything and she hugged him. Faintly sobs could be heard in the other room and Arwen said to Legolas "I think we should leave her be for now."

Legolas nodded. Arwen sympathetically placed a hand on his back and led him to the dining hall.

Legolas let Arwen lead him away. He had wanted to try to speak with her but he knew that wouldn't happen anytime soon. '…never wanted to see him again…' The sanging rang loudly in his ears over and over again. He hated himself. Hated what he had done, what he had caused. What would he do without Giselle in his life? He excused himself and informed Arwen that he was not hungry and that he would be in his room if he should be needed.

He walked slowly, trying to take in the peacefulness of Rivendell and found that his heart ached too much and would not let any other feeling in. His feet led him not to his room but to Giselle's door. He stood there, hands hanging by his sides. She had stopped crying and he heard nothing from within. He did not know how long he stood there, outside her door, but when he finally left he could tell it was mid afternoon.


Giselle had wiped the tears from her face yet again and now sat in her usual chair, wrapped in her usual blanket, on the balcony. She felt exhausted, utterly drained. She was beyond tired. She felt thin, too thin. She had lost needed weight and had not gained any of it back and because of it she could see her bones from her ribcage and her bones had trouble supporting her.

She really wanted to apologize to Arwen for what she said, but she knew that Arwen would give her the space she sought and she would have to wait. Wrapping the blanket around her form tighter, she leaned her cheek on the high back of the chair and fell in a light nap.