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 4

War had not impeded me, nor had Shadow.

Battles were fought and won and now came the time of Men.

Sometime in the journey to the world of the Atani, Mithrandir returned. Wiser and mightier, leading Men to battle. His sight caught my form, hidden from all save him and the Powers of Arda. Long was his counsel, gently tasking me to remember my nature, my mission and my oath. Long and silently did I listen, but my heart refused to heed, refused to obey. This, I knew, Mithrandir understood and from him I drew words of compassion. " 'Twill never be, child." His gentle words warned. But I heeded not and loved my prince with a fire that consumed my thoughts, my willpower. To him I would give my allegiance, till the end of time, if need be, but to none other. This too Mithrandir well understood, smiling and chuckling that the ways of love were indeed a mystery even unto those who are held within its thrall.

I watched him on the battlefields, my golden prince, armored, glinting mithril in the darkest nights. Always was I close, his spirit never far from me. Beloved elf of golden hair and sapphire eyes. Once I thought he had seen me, reflected in the rain-water that pooled upon the ramparts of Helm's Deep.

Long was that battle, more death and darkness came. The black hordes swirling in the unrelenting rain. I gave him my hope as I had given him my heart. Gently, I whispered into his mind, "Courage, melda!" and saw him fight with renewed confidence.

Then, we traveled again, swiftly moving to overtake the shadow as it made for Gondor. Close I stayed to my prince, savoring his nearness, his spirit, his scent. Together, alongside his friends and allies, did we battle the creatures of Sauron, I never more than a fraction away from him, and he, without knowing how, needing my essence and now searching for it whenever I glided too far.

In the solitude of his watches, he called me, sweet whispered calls, "Maya?" He had come to call me illusion....was that all he believed me to be? Illusion....?

Forbidden to respond, I drank in his beauty, his courage and the purity of his soul. If he tired, I covered him with my essence and gave him strength. If he sorrowed, I persuaded a leafy frond to caress him gently, wooing his heart back to the light. If he found a single star to wish upon, I whispered his desires to the winds, so that all may know him and call him friend. To the waters and streams did I entrust his safety so that never would his crossings be fraught with danger. To the moon and sun, my brother and sister, did I teach them the name, "Legolas Thranduilion, son of Thranduil, of the line of Oropher, kin to the high-born of the Eldar." The forests and groves knew him from times long past, and so to them I entrusted his spirit so that it may always know peace. All vowed that never would his blood be spilled upon the shores of Middle Earth.

But war pursued him still and his great heart did not cower in fear.

One day, while I watched and protected him, manouvering the elements in the favor of Men and their allies, I saw not the peril close at hand.

It came, the blackness, hovering near my right. Too late I turned and felt the dark sting of Shadow's might. The winged Nazgul leapt toward me and I raised my essence, cool blue light that flared suddenly and encased the mighty evil lord.

But his intent was elsewhere and he ignored me, diving toward the glinting golden head. I saw his desire and knew death was but short moments from the elven prince.

I shuddered from the power within me, raising it like a cone of energy that dueled in brilliancy with the bright glare of the sun's light.

Moving to cover Legolas, I shimmered before him, revealing myself to the Nazgul lord, my light and fury deflecting the shadow sting of death the Ringwraith aimed at my beloved.

I felt Legolas' surprise but knew his reflexes to be quick. Into his mind I shouted the warning and he heeded me, turning to intercept the blade that aimed for his heart.

Within that instant, I felt the cold sting of the Morgul blade penetrate me, and I recoiled in pain and fear. My mind whispered his name, so sweet to me, "Legolas!"

Hearing, but seeing me not, he whirled, his blade in hand flashing, as he searched for me, his face a mask of agony. "Beloved.... Maya!" he shouted in desperation.

I feared for him, vulnerable as he was, seeking me amidst the battle, but I was too weak to project a warning. I heard a shout and saw a golden woman engage the creature. I felt empty and cold, a grayness enveloping me. Light was dimming quickly. I knew then I was dying.

Golden light covered my vision suddenly and I glided slowly to a corner, away from battle. My life drained away and I saw Legolas turn, searching, sapphire eyes quickly moving until they came to rest upon me. In that moment, when I took the blade meant for him, I had shown myself and my true form, and knew he had seen me. Yet, now, within the shadow world of death and life, I could not maintain my shields and I was revealed.

Swiftly, he ran to me, kneeling, deep blue eyes holding mine, which I knew were the colors of the air. His countenance was sad, grave, knowing I had little time.

He spoke then, "What is your name?" His voice gentle and sweet, like the groves he so loved. His eyes, troubled sapphire pools that held love within their depths. For the first time, I sought the Powers of the World, but they remained silent as my life drained, the Morgul magic destroying the light of my spirit.

For a moment I panicked and felt sorrow. Was I destined to walk endless halls of darkness? Would his sweet face be kept from me forever? Again I called upon the Valar and again received no response.

"Maya?" He whispered gently, supporting my head on his knee, gazing into my face. For the first time I dared to touch him and reached a hand to his fair and gentle face. My hand trembled as it neared his flesh. Beloved elf of the golden light. Softly, I touched his cheek. How smooth was elven skin. I touched his nose and his lips, while his spirit poured itself into me. I knew then he was risking his own life, giving me his essence, offering the ultimate gift of love.

But that I would not allow.

"Maya...tell me your name, sweet Lady." He pleaded again, his whisper a caress.

My eyes focused on the golden Legolas. I saw myself reflected in the jewels of his eyes. I tried to smile, but answered him not. What use are names?

I looked upon him, fair and sweet of face that not even the grime of battle could conceal, and I heard him ask again, "Pray, tell me, so my soul shall know and forever remember, who are you?"

My life drained and my hand dropped from his face. I gazed into deep pools of blue that glittered with unshed tears.

The last vision granted to me was of his golden hair and sapphire eyes. My last words were whispered for him only, "I am sorrow."

Finis.

KEY:

melda - Quenya; "beloved"

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