Maya

Disclaimer: All familiar characters of this story belong to the awesome world and works of JRR Tolkien, who is an unparalleled genius of this genre. All unfamiliar and original characters, animals and places are of my own invention. I do not derive any monies from this work and created this story solely out of the love and respect that I hold for all of the works related to this canon.

Maya
by Sienna Dawn.

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Chapter 1

How does a creature of eternity forget the perfect love? To what memory box is it sent? Which crystal facet will hold it trapped within a moment of forever?

Long ago, I perched atop the tallest peak of the Misty Mountains, the abode of eagles and wizards. All around me was still, and below, the world waited and watched, as men, elves, dwarves and other creatures scratched out their existence, oblivious to the rest of us who sit and wait.

Once, I came to the world, expecting nothing, giving all in service to the Powers of Arda.

I came not as a mortal woman, but in human shape, though ethereal and translucent as a dragonfly's wing. Yet, my spirit was still wild and eternal, nurtured by the waterfalls I so loved, lulled by the cool breezes I once rode, shaped by the song of birds upon the morning dawn. Upon my will did I take solid form, visible to human and elven eyes. But human I never was, and invisible I served the will of the Valar.

I took the name Miele, but one among the First Born came to call me Maya, which means "dreams" or "illusion".

But I am not an illusion.

I am...forever.....

It was at the dawn of the Third Age, when the Children of Illuvatar still knew us, still sang of us, before the shadows had not yet touched the great Greenwood, that I first saw him.

He was a beautiful baby, an elven cherub, whose golden hair matched the color of the wheatfields of men. His gurgled laughter rang out in the deep woods when he played with sticks and brambles. He was a nimble baby, long limbed, with slender arms that promised strength and agility. Often, I saw him scamper across the wide trees of his father's forests.

I watched him from afar, my spirit riding his laughter in the spring time and his sadness in the winter gloom. He knew me not, when a child in years he still was. I knew his spirit was growing within the stillness of the world about him, and often came to his dreams and brought him my laughter, my song and my caress. In the passing of years, he began to sense my presence. This I discovered one day when I let him see my reflection as he splashed deliciously cool water on his father's face.

There, in the midst of my beloved waterfalls, did I espy him, now a youth of 19 summers, strong, handsome and pure. And as he waded into the water, I whispered his name gently into the wind that played with his golden hair and he turned. Below the falls I perched, riding the rainbow mists and there, surrounded by a cool arch of color, did he see me.

It was on that day when our eyes met, his deep blue eyes finding mine. It was then I lost my heart.

Ah, the beauty of the First Born! A vanimar!

The purity of the First Song of Illuvatar bathes their faces and their bodies, gracing their eyes and voices. How could I not fall? To the eldar is given the gift of beauty and who knowest what will surpass it? I cared not for the affairs of men and dwarves. From that day on, I gave my fealty to the elves. Many more of my kind were there to defend men and dwarves.

Yet my heart was not mine any longer, for I had paid the forfeit. Stolen was my heart, lost to the beauty of an elf lord who knew me not. And I knew he too paid the forfeit, for in dreams he sought me, whispering my name in the ancient sacred groves, returning many times to the waterfalls. But I fled from him, terrified lest he see my true nature and turn in horror. I cried to the Valar, but they heeded me not. Silent were the Lords of Arda within their ancient halls.

No longer could I return to the tall mountain spires and ride with the north gales. Nor did I visit my beloved waterfalls for he took to spending hours there, hunting, searching, and often weeping alone.

My spirit recoiled at my sin and I ventured away from the world and knew him not again.

Seasons came and waned, and years melted one into the other. Then darkness covered the World and I came back, to my old haunts, but I found him not. Long was my search, in the midst of war and death. I searched for the child of the wheat-gold hair and sky-blue eyes.

But never did I find him again.

Soon, in the time that the Maia were called to the World, did I return once more. I walked amongst the creatures of Arda, unrecognized and unknown for my form was revealed to few. I came to counsel and protect, battle darkness if needed, and above all thwart the plans of Sauron and his minions. With the Istari, Mithrandir, did I journey, beside him, unseen by others, but known by him.

And here I am now...at the end of the Third Age and my heart still escapes me. Yet, I feel him near, and how can this be?

I know not.

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Key:

A vanimar! - Quenya: O beautiful ones!
The Powers of Varda - The Valar
Mithrandir - Name the elves gave to Gandalf