A/N: I do not own LOTR, as always. ***** scene changes, ^^^^^ flashback. I think that is it. Ok enjoy! - Naur

Under the Early Sun

Chapter 7

Explanations

"Why Mithrandir? Why do you wish for me to take Nayra? Wouldn't it be safer in your hands?" Legolas questioned.

"For a time I thought this but a great evil has been growing in my mind. Something you should always remember my dear Legolas, hold your friends close but your enemies even closer," Mithrandir answered. It was then that he bestowed Nayra into Legolas's hand and closed his fingers around it. "Keep it secret, keep it safe. If danger comes, ride to Imladris. I will meet you there," He finished.

He had been riding hard to Imladris for the past week on the back of his trusty steed, Shadowfax. Danger had found Legolas, he just knew it. Mithrandir only prayed that Elrond had been able to help him. After he had given Nayra to Legolas he had almost gone back but had not. Now knowing that danger had found the young elf, he regretted ever giving the ring to him.

*****

"Look! It is Mithrandir!" An elf cried as he rode into Imladris.

"Welcome Mithrandir!" Another exclaimed. He smiled at them but kept riding until he reached the main door and then slid off Shadowfax not waiting for anyone to come, he went into the house of Elrond. Mithrandir didn't need someone to tell him where Legolas was; he was in his normal room.

*****

All eyes went to the door as it opened and they all widened when they saw who stood there.

"Mithrandir!" They all exclaimed. Legolas smiled at him but then looked to the floor.

"Raise your eyes Legolas, you have no reason to look away from me," Mithrandir told him.

"But I do…you entrusted Nayra to me to keep and protect until the time came for you to take it back…and I couldn't even do that," Legolas said tears falling down his cheeks.

"Nayra is not in the hands of the enemy is it Legolas?" Mithrandir questioned.

"No, but…" Legolas started.

"Then you have kept your promise to me. Now I believe it is the time to explain why you had Nayra, I am sure they have been pondering the answer to that very question," Mithrandir replied with a smile. He placed a hand under Legolas's chin and raised his head so that he could see his smile. "You did not fail me." Legolas searched his eyes and then smiled.

"Well that is settled, now Mithrandir, if you would…please explain. One, why Legolas had Nayra in the first place. And secondly, why he came to Imladris in the shape he was in," Elrond said.

"Yes I believe the time has come to reveal that mystery," Gandalf replied and he sat on the side of Legolas's bed.

^^^^^

Gandalf looked over his shoulder, something or someone was watching him. A great cloud of evil had been growing in his mind over the last few days. Someone who was after Nayra, he could not let the Ring of Fire fall into evil hands. As much as he didn't want to, his best course of action seemed to be giving the ring to another to keep until the coast was clear. But who to give it to, that was the question. He could not give it to Elrond, he had Vilya and that was enough to deal with, same with Galadriel and Nenya. Thranduil prized beautiful things to much, who knows if he would ever get his ring back…wait a minute, not Thranduil but Legolas! Legolas was young, kind, and would never go against him. Yes he would give Nayra to Legolas for the time being. Darkness had been growing in Mirkwood even more as of late but what better place to hide the ring then under the enemy's own nose! Gandalf smiled to himself and quickly murmuring a spell he disappeared from his position and reappeared on the edge of Mirkwood. He could feel the sudden frustration of the enemy at losing him but he could only smile as he traveled further into the forest.

"It is Mithrandir! Open the gates!" An elf warrior called from his post. The gates to Mirkwood were opened and he entered into the main city of Thranduil's kingdom. Thranduil's advisor came and met him at the door a small smile on his face.

"Mithrandir it is a surprise to see you, but we welcome you just the same. The king is busy at the moment in a meeting but I am sure that Prince Legolas will receive you. If you will please, follow me," He explained and turned leading Gandalf into the palace. He left Gandalf in the receiving hall to go and get Legolas. It was only a few moments before Legolas appeared a smile on his young face as he greeted the Istari.

"Mithrandir! This is such a nice surprise! It is always good to see you! Is there something that I may help you with?" Legolas questioned leading him to a chair so he wouldn't have to stand.

"Yes there is young prince, and that is the reason I have come. A great evil has been growing in my mind and eyes of the enemy have been upon me. I came here to ask you if you would do me a favor," He explained.

"I will do anything you ask of me Mithrandir, it would be a honor," Legolas answered. Gandalf smiled at the forwardness and then held out his hand. Legolas gasped and his eyes widened when he saw what rested in the wizard's hand.

"Ai Elbereth…Nayra…I am afraid I do not understand…" Legolas whispered.

"I wish for you to take Nayra and protect it for me, until I come for it," Gandalf replied. Legolas looked unsure and he told him so.

"Why Mithrandir? Why do you wish for me to take Nayra? Wouldn't it be safer in your hands?" Legolas questioned.

"For a time I thought this but a great evil has been growing in my mind. Something you should always remember my dear Legolas, hold your friends close but your enemies even closer," Mithrandir answered. It was then that he bestowed Nayra into Legolas's hand and closed his fingers around it. "Keep it secret, keep it safe. If danger comes, ride to Imladris. I will meet you there," He finished.

^^^^^

"And that is what transpired," Gandalf finished. Everyone in the room was staring at them in shock, it didn't seem as if they were breathing. Legolas became worried.

"Breathe," He said and watched as they all took a breath.

"Mithrandir…you took a great risk. You risked another's life. I must say I am not impressed by your actions," Elrond commented standing.

"I understand your word's Lord Elrond but you must understand I had no intention of Legolas getting hurt the way he did. I did not realize the enemy was after the ring so fiercely. Believe me had I known this was to happen I would not have given the ring to him in the first place. You know that," Gandalf replied.

"Lord Elrond…it was also my choice…I could have said no to Mithrandir if I thought it to dangerous but I did not, I do not hold it against him that I got hurt the way I did," Legolas told him. And so it was the conversation went…

*****

Lindamir tightened his hold on the sheets as another wave of pain swept over him. He knew what was coming and was not afraid. Too much of the orc poison had gotten into his system before he had gotten to Imladris, before Lord Elrond could treat him.

"Master Lindamir? Are you in pain?" A voice asked. Lindamir opened his eyes and looked over to the figure standing in the door. He knew from past battles with this elf that he was none other than, Glorfindel, the one who had died and then returned from the halls of Mandos.

"Aye, you have felt similar pain before Lord Glorfindel. I feel the pain of death," Lindamir answered. He closed his eyes against yet another wave of pain. Glorfindel's eyes widened when he saw this and took off running to Legolas's room where he knew Elrond would be.

*****

The door had been closed so no outsiders would hear of the conversation going on within. Glorfindel pushed the door open and looked around for the lord of Imladris, Elrond stood as he opened the door.

"Glorfindel? What is it?" He asked.

"It is the elf from Mirkwood, Lindamir!" Glorfindel said.

"He is dying," Came a small voice from behind Glorfindel, they all looked behind him to see who had spoken, it was Estel.

"What?!" They all exclaimed.

"Just as I said. Lindamir is dying, there is nothing that anyone can do that will save him now," Estel replied. Elrond and Glorfindel quickly pushed him aside and ran back to the healing rooms. Now that they were gone all eyes rested on Estel once again.

"Estel? How is it you know this? How is it that you knew it was Legolas that was hurt before you ever saw him?" Elladan asked causing the rest of the eyes to shift back and forth between the two.

"I don't know…I saw Legolas in my dream and Lindamir…he was cold to my touch," Estel answered.

"Elladan, Elrohir, please…help me to him, I need to see him," Legolas pleaded trying to sit up.

"You can't! You are not yet healed enough!" The replied trying to push him back down.

"As crown prince of Mirkwood, I command you to show me to my guard!" Legolas yelled his eyes hard as stone. Knowing that he wouldn't change his mind they sighed and slowly helped him up taking him to the healing rooms.

A/N: Well another chapter done! Hope you liked it! I think this is the next the to last chapter but who knows! - Naur

Review Replies

Joeel – Ok you might want to hurt me now. I am pretty sure you should know what is coming. My name Dur En Thurin Naur is elvish for, Servant of the Secret Fire. Yay! Another member for the PAA! At first I had no clue what you were talking about lol!

Deana – Hope this made you happy!

LegolasLover2004 – Another for PAA! WHEEEE!

Saxaphonebaby – Very exciting indeed…to bad it is almost over.

Cherryfaerie – Indeed, he will be confined for awhile, probably a few days after this story is over. Thanks for supporting me through all of this!

Someone Reading – Thank you! I am so sorry for making you bite your nails, I didn't mean to I swear! He had to make it to Imladris but…I wasn't gonna have him die, then you said something about it and got my mind working! Thanks!