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 2

I came to Imladris soon after the Nazgul left Minas Morgul, meeting the old wizard, Mithrandir. Long did he counsel with Elrond, and it was on a cool fall night I was to learn of the council called by the elven Lord.

My form ethereal and unseen to all save the Istari, I took my place amongst all gathered there, watching the little halfling who sat nervously next to the old wizard. His luminous eyes swept past the room in awe and fear.

I sent the little one a soothing draft of reassurance and this seemed to calm him.

Abruptly, Elrond spoke. "Friends of old, we are gathered...." and so began the prepared speech.

I listened to the elf lord as he explained the reason for the council and let my eyes study all present.

There were Elrond's twin sons, Elrohir and Elladan, silent, grim, sad.

Then there were the sturdy, industrious dwarves, little square bodies that housed, I knew, fierce and loyal hearts. A stalwart ally there was to be had here, I mused.

My form rose to the tall trees above Mithrandir's head and I looked at the group from Gondor.

'Twas the group of men that worried me, for in their weakness lay the doom of Middle Earth. I was surprised when the man, named Boromir, raised his eyes in my direction, silently searching. Had he sensed me? I knew this could not be, but taking further care, I moved away from the bright sliver of sunlight that broke past the dark clouds above. I continued my inspection.

Aragorn, called Estel, was uncomfortable, and even Elrond sensed it. Why, I wondered?

Then my eyes lit upon the fair beauty of the eldalie.

Ah! The elves. I'd saved the best for last.

Here they were, seated with an air of elegance. Although they tried to convey a sense of security and peace, I alone of the Maia knew the true hearts of elves. They were anxious and worried, for the Ring of Doom whispered incessant taunts to the eldar. Watching them, I saw them wince every so often and my eyes dropped to the Ring now openly displayed before the council.

I listened to the man, Boromir, as he described a dream. I knew his heart in an instant. He meant to take the Ring!

With a shout, Elrond foiled him and I leapt before the man, my light blinding him, as Mithrandir spat the black words of Mordor and foiled the Ring's evil. Turning, I lowered my essence over the ring, encasing it in a light of self, which I knew was seen by others as a translucent blue light.

The Ring bucked under my command, its evil dark and twisted and it tried to draw me into its void. But I knew it and resisted its temptations, while visions of the One, whose eye haunted me, appeared before my mind. The Ring knew my weakness and it played it for me, taunting me, giving me visions of blue eyes and golden hair, until I broke its will. High I climbed, seeking strength from the fall wind, cleaning my essence with the sun's light. Below me, Mithrandir raged.

" 'Tis a thing I will not beg your forgiveness for, Lord Elrond, for if we do not act, soon will the Black Speech be heard in all of the West!"

Calmed, I settled my mind, growing conscious of the will of another close to me. Glancing once more toward the Quendi, I saw blue elven eyes look about and frown.

Then there came a heated exchange between the man called Boromir and a golden elf I had not seen before. I listened attentively as Aragorn asked the elf to sit...and it was at that moment I caught his name.

Legolas! I glided closer and studied him.


'Twas then I recognized he who had stolen my heart.

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Key:

Quendi - the name the elves call themselves.(i.e. the race of elves is the Quendi)
Mithrandir - the name the elves gave to Gandalf.


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