Note: I do not own LOTR, as much as I wish I did. Anybody you don't know I own. This idea just popped into my head so I had 2 write it! I hope u guys like! Please R&R! These things, ***** mean scene changes. ^^ means POV things, not many but a few. And at the beginning the words in Italics are hints to what happened before. In that main flow of the story though thoughts are in Italics. Thanks to my beta, Gwyn! This fic wouldn't be what it is without you! And Sly-chan, for helping me until she got sick. I love you guys! - Alkvingiel

Under the Early Sun

Chapter 1

Riders & Nightmares

"Hit, swing, dodge, dodge, twang, swing." He repeated the training moves over and over in his head as he fought.

"Nor! Agog! Noro!" The words Lindamir had said before he left repeated over and over in his mind as he and Tareth galloped through the dense woods. He glanced back hoping to see Lindamir or another one of the warriors following but all he saw was the dark forest and the growing darkness pending in his mind.

He watched as the early morning suns rays slowly lit the path through the trees. Soon Rivendell would appear and he would finally be safe…at least for awhile, he just hoped he could last that long. Tareth neighed unhappily as he was once again nudged into going faster pushing the horse further beyond any limits he had ever set. "Noro…agog…noro…" He whispered. With another unhappy nicker Tareth picked up more speed as they came out of the forest. Normally his cloak would fly out behind him and his hair would be played with in the wind but not now. His cloak felt heavy but everything was so hazy he couldn't really remember why it was that heavy. Small whiffs of dust sprayed up behind Tareth's hooves. Tareth knew that if he didn't get to Rivendell soon that his master wouldn't make it. The sun glistened as they rounded the final bend on the road to Rivendell. Light shown off the bright rooftops and the waterfall sparkled under the early sun.

*****

"Sir there is a rider coming along the road heading for Rivendell. We can not tell who he is. What do you wish us to do?" Nethiel asked his commander. Quickly the commander came to the window and looked out across the quickly lightening morning. His gaze fell upon a lone figure, clad in a dark cloak and riding hard on his gray steed as if he were in a hurry for something. This only made Idhren apprehensive; he was quiet for a moment and then turned back to Nethiel.

"Go tell Lord Elrond. We will wait in the courtyard until the rider comes in and will follow his orders," Idhren answered. Nethiel nodded and left to tell Elrond. Idhren called the warriors together and quickly they all made their way down to the courtyard to await Elrond's orders and this mysterious rider.

*****

In his study Elrond and his sons stood pouring over an old map and healing books. A knock came at the door. "Enter!" Elrond called looking up. Nethiel entered and bowed.

"Sir, there is a rider heading for Rivendell. Who can not be identified, Idhren sent me to get you saying he and the other warriors would be waiting in the courtyard. They will act on your orders Sir," Nethiel explained. The three glanced at each other and then nodded moving to follow Nethiel to the courtyard. Once there Elrond stood between Elladan and Elrohir with the other Rivendell warriors on their sides. Each held a bow loosely notched with an arrow. Elrond stood perfectly clam as always and with most elves never showing emotion. Soon galloping hoof beats were heard and then the horse galloped in. The warriors and twins all raised their bows their arrows ready to fly if the rider pulled anything.

*****

^Rider POV^

He watched warily, the Rivendell warriors and twins arrows were notched and ready to fire. A brief feeling of sadness hit him that they didn't know who he was but then he remembered the heaviness laying against his tunic. He couldn't say he was surprised that they had reacted this way, worse would have been done in his home. Pain laced through his body and he stiffened. It was not his place to show pain or weakness. He briefly heard Tareth nickering to Lord Elrond asking him to help his master but he stopped as he felt his master slowly slide off him.

^End POV^

*****

The gray horse stopped and shifted nervously nickering to them in distress. Taking their attention from the horse's nervousness they took in everything about the both of them. The horse trembled and they took in the dark spots that darkened the horse's coat in places…blood. All eyes went to the rider who was still fully covered in his cloak, it was clear that he was trying and struggling very hard too not show the pain he was in. Slowly he slid off the horse and stood against his horse as support for a moment before standing up right and then he turned to Lord Elrond. He took a couple of steps forward and stopped, blood quickly pooled at his feet.

"L…or…d…El…ron…d…" He gasped and started to give a bow but began to fall. Elrohir saw a flash of bright bloodstained blonde hair fall out from under the cloak. He dropped his bow and ran forward catching the person.

"Ada! It's…" He started.

*****

In another part of the palace Estel screamed and sat up in his bed gasping. Tears filled his eyes and he screamed again.

"LEGOLAS!!!!"

TBC…

Well…what do u guys think? Do u want it to be continued? I hope so!

Elvish Translations

Ada- Dad

Nor! Nor agog! Noro! - Run! Run swiftly! Go!