Chapter Two

(Athena's POV)

Hidden deep within the text of an old poem, written on a bad day, is the origins of my other self. Now I wouldn't say that I have a split personality, because that wouldn't be true. But I know that there is another force lurking in the dark corners of my mind. He is always there, aids to my calls of pain and there to entertain me after hours of boredom. He is my friend and my enemy. He is my other self. Created by means of the "I don't know how" syndrome. There was one point in my examination of myself that he was a split image of my self, with a different personality. But I was wrong when I realized that I had control of both halves to my split-up mind. One side was an outlet for my hate and hurt to the world.

I woke up and found myself lying on the ground by a river. I stood up from the ground and smoothed out my long dress. Then I felt someone touch my shoulder "Lady Isabella Prigini? Why are you doing out here while you are suppose to be with Erestor walking in the gardens." I turned around, looking confused, and said, "I want to be alone Legolas. I know not of what you speak" Legolas then asked "Maybe you want to accompany me to the gardens?" and I replied, "As you wish." I followed the prince into the gardens and sat down on the bench. Then the prince asked me "Why do you wear such dark clothes?".

I looked down at myself and then said "It is merely a reflection of what I see?" Then the prince replied "What you see?". I spoke, "The things I see are faded to black. There is no color or what so ever for me anymore, there hasn't been for a long time". Then the prince brushed some black silky hair away to get a better view. I turned to look at Legolas, he seem to be drawn to my violet eyes. He leaned closer to me and whispered "Such strange eye color but yet beautiful. For such beauty it contains is only due to the beautiful soul within" Then he kissed me softly on the lips. The kiss felt like it lasted for eternality.

As I was kissing Legolas, I heard footsteps coming towards us. I broke the kiss and saw Erestor standing stock-still, gazing at us.

"Hello Erestor" I said, my face as bland as vanilla yogurt.

************************************************************************ (Isabella's POV)

I ran down from my room. I had just realized where my twin went when I was little. She went here.

I went to the gardens and saw Erestor walking away and Athena kissing legolas.

'That bitch! The nerve of her to ruin my love life!' I thought as I hurried over and vehemently smacked her.

"What the hell?" Athena shouted, then saw me and smirked.

"Oh I wondered when you would arrive Isabella. Don't you like my men? And don't you even go near Erestor. He is MINE! If you so much as glance at him the wrong way, you'll rue the day you tried to take suicide and fell into middle earth" she hissed at me, low enough so legolas did not hear.

I ran after Erestor. I found him near the gate.

"Wait! Erestor! I have to explain!"

"Go away. This is just too confusing to even try and figure out!" he exclaimed and went to open the gate.

"Stop! Please listen! It's not confusing! I swear to god! Just listen to me!" i cried and ran after him but he ignored me.

I played the only card I had left: I grabbed him and kissed him fiercely.

"See? That girl you saw kissing Legolas was Athena, my twin sister. I am the Real Isabella, the one you rescued. I'm sorry about that, please forgive me," I pleaded.

"I... I don't know what to say... I forgive you, it was not your fault, but... why did your twin do that?"

"She hates me, she wants you, and she is my evil side" I said Erestor looked quite shocked.

"I'll explain later. For now lets go get some lunch" I sighed and we walked to the dining hall hand-in-hand.

After lunch I spent the day with Arwen trying to decide what to wear for the ball tonight. We were sitting in my room, chatting and just as I looked Arwen held up a dress and I knew it was the one.

Arwen left to get dressed, and I did the same. Then I went and waited outside the doors to be announced.

"Lady Isabella Prigini"

I walked in and I heard the crowd hush.

I walked over to where Erestor was standing, trying to act oblivious to all the stares and it was then I noticed no one had on a sleeveless dress, no one's bustier was showing so much, and no one's gown was so tight at the top. I blushed and turned to Erestor. I went to kiss him but I had to turn around when I heard my sister's name called.

"Lady Athena Prigini"

I gasped silently when i saw her, because I was fearful of the loyalty of Erestor once he saw that gown. It was black, strapless, extremely low, and made of very thin, almost see-through silk.

"I don't like that gown she is wearing, it has no sleeves, and she should cover those arms of hers. Now you on the other hand look much better without sleeves," he said with a sly smile.

I grinned but inside I sighed with relief. 'Thank you whatever gods are above for sending this elf to me' I thought then turned back to him and chatted nonchalantly about the weather. That is until Athena came over.

"Oh why hello Erestor!" she said, stepping right in front of me, "hmmm I was just thinking about you and that wonderful time we spent in your room last night" she said.

"Oh shut up Athena you liar, Erestor would never sleep with you right? Right Erestor?!... RIGHT?!" I exclaimed when he did not reply.

"You see Isabella? I love Erestor and I was seduced by legolas to kiss him. So shoo shoo! Let the adults have some time alone!"

"You b****! You are horrible low life scum! And Erestor how could you do this to me?! I thought you loved me!" I said with tears in my eyes. Then I ran out to the farthest part of the garden, out the back gate, and into the fields at the back. I sat down in the head-high grass and sobbed.

I heard crunching behind me but I did not expect the voice I heard.

"I told you that you would be sorry if you went near him again" Athena said.

That was it; I had it, time to use the darker part of me.

"You b****! Oh you will be the sorry one tonight! You will be extremely sorry that you ever messed with me!" I said and lunged at her. But just as I went to strangle her she grabbed a knife and plunged it into my shoulder.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed and fell into a crumpled position on the ground.

"You see? You can't even fight for your elf. Now be a very good girl and die quickly, and may middle earth be rid of your goodness" she said, smiling evilly, then walked away, leaving me alone in a bloody heap on the ground crying my heart out.