A/N: Hiya, friends! Good to finally be back. Sorry I took longer than expected. Um, this was a rather difficult chapt to write, so if it's kinda cheesy, I apologize. :S and just for the record, this story is gonna get kinda crazy, so I'd appreciate it if someone will let me know to back off or whatever the case may be. But enough of my jabberin'. On with the show!...i mean chapt, HeeHee!

Summery: While horse-racing through the woods of Rivendell, Elladan, Elrohir, young Aragorn and Legolas encounter a pleasant—and unusual—surprise. Don't worry, no OC pairing…unless ya'll want it, lol!

Note: Aragorn knows who he is, but nothing war-like has happened yet. And I never found out what Leggy's mother's name is, so I fashioned on of my own.

To Zellycat, thanx again! It feels so good to hear words of encouragement! pleez review again.

Disclaimer: The usual.

"Remember, you must get that to your father by any means necessary. He will tell your next objective. Our fates rest with you. Don't fail us. Don't fail me." Jeanuetta remembered those words well. They were her mother's last.

Before that incident, she did not understand what in Middle-Earth death was. She had no idea she was causing it when she defeated her enemies. She had thought she was merely frightening then so that they would collapse in terrible fear, never to bother her or her mother again. Like any other average elf, she just didn't understand it…until the day her--their mother perished.

Now she knows she why she must fight back when attacked: to stay alive. To make it to Greenwood.

She now stood, leaning against a tree. She held the pink-jeweled trinket in her hand. It was so beautiful. How the glimmering mithril and gold formed together into an 'O', how the shimmering claws held the garnet on top, forever sparkling. 'Tis the very object entrusted to her, only her. 'The Born Protector' was what her kin called her.

She was told it held great honor, but she wanted it not. It held seclusion as well as honor. She wanted it not. There was one Protector alone. Thus, the Protector is destined to be alone. She wanted it not. She wanted to tell someone of her secret. She wanted to tell--

Legolas came walking in her direction. Jeanuetta hastily hid the jeweled object in her belt, "Lord Elrond tells us you are departing," he said.

"He speaks truly. I cannot linger very long."

"He also tells us you wish us to accompany you."

"Yes. I have forgotten the way to Greenwood. It is where I must go."

"My home is in Greenwood—now called 'Mirkwood'. I would feel honored to lead you there."

"You have my thanks."

The Next Morning

Elrond bid his sons and the Wood-Elves farewell at sunrise. He wished them speed and good fortune. But before Legolas followed the others, Elrond stopped him. He spoke warmly, but the words he said were grave, "You must watch over her, son of Thranduil. That which she carries is highly vital. Be sure nothing happens to her." With that, he ushered the party to the borders of Imladris.

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They rode for some miles until they came to a stop as soon as the Sun had set. The others were curious about why Jeanuetta would not permit them to let their horses rest, but suddenly felt the urge for shelter come night.

"Trust me, it is the wise option," she would say. "There will be another time for answers. Right now, you must rest."

Though still puzzled, the twins and Aragorn tried to find sleep after eating a short dinner. But Legolas was forever restless for Jeanuetta would not sleep. But she would chant songs and sometimes prayers for a reason he could not identify. Finally deciding to, he lightly walked over to where she sat on the edge of a low cliff. She took no notice, but continued her singing.

"You have the gift of song, Lady," he suddenly said.

"I sing in honor of my mother. She was taken from me years ago."

"She sailed?"

Jeanuetta turned to look at him as if she wanted to tell him of something he knew nothing of, but instead, she said, "One might say that."

"I know…nothing of my mother. I have never known her."

Jeanuetta smiled, "I knew her, Legolas Thranduilion."

"Please, Lady," Legolas pleaded. "Tell me what you knew of her."

Jeanuetta looked back at the drop, "She held great beauty within her. She was the most gentle-hearted She-elf ever known," she pause and looked back at him, "Her eyes are not different from your own." Another pause. "She loved you with all of her heart and soul. I am sorry you have no memory of her. But her duty led her away, thus she hasn't returned." She fell silent. "You must rest, son of Thranduil. Tomorrow we ride long and hard, as we must reach Greenwood as soon as possible.

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"Mother," Jeanuetta telepathically prayed in the dead of the night. "what must I do? I feellost. Alone. I feel as if I should accept the fact that I cannot succeed without first telling them who I am."

"Daughter, there is too much risk in telling them. It may change the set coarse for the future. We cannot risk such."

"I am aware. But perhaps it is the only--"

"There are alternatives. Until those run out, you are to keep your identity secret."

"Yes, mother."

Just as Jeanuetta closed the connection, the Elves jumped to their feet, weapons in hand, "Yrch!" Aragorn was roused by their sudden movements.

"You heard them as well," Jeanuetta worriedly said.

And sure enough, a large party of orcs came racing toward them, lustful to kill…

A/N: I know, I know! This chapt sucks. But I promise the next will be a lot better. Have I ever lied to you? Lol. Review as always!