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Chapter 18
The Maiar
"I want what I am going to tell you to remain in this room. Those of our number that are missing will have to be told but I will leave the time and manner of that telling up to you Elrond."
The Noldor Lord nodded his head in assent.
Gandalf continued. "I now know what the creature is that Anayah fought last night though I had not known of the existence of such a creature outside of Mordor. It is known as a shadow-wraith to some and a half-wraith to others, but a wraith it is indeed."
All four elves gasped at the same time but it was Lord Elrond who asked the question the rest of them were thinking.
"This is indeed disturbing news, Gandalf. What can you tell us about this wraith and how, exactly, is it different from a Nazgûl?"
The grey wizard sighed once then began his tale.
"When the consciousness of Sauron first woke after his defeat at the Battle of Dagorlad he sought after special individuals who were wise in the ways of the magic of both men and elves. In the beginning, these men were similar to what the Captain of the Nazgûl used to be before the ring he received from Sauron corrupted him. Few of these dedicated humans existed in that time, but when Sauron did find them he used every means at his command to pervert them to his ways and some of the ways of Maiar magic.
In return for Sauron's favor, these creatures pledged themselves to his service and became the half-wraiths, able to exist and function fully in either shadow or light. Because these Shadow Wraiths were perverted without the use of a ring, they have retained some of their human nature, so it is possible to kill them, not easily mind you, but it is possible. Do not mistake what I have said my friends, for the Shadow Wraiths are just as evil and just as deadly as the Nine. They are drawn to strong magic as well as to those who wield that magic and that fact is what disturbs me the most, for it may suggest a dark purpose. However I will say no more on that matter until I am able to gather more information."
Seeing the flush of fever on his daughter's overly-pale complexion, Lord Elrond touched Gandalf on the shoulder and when he did, the wizard instantly understood the elf lord's concern.
"Well, young one, you have become fatigued and since Lord Elrond and I have much to discuss, we will leave you to get some much needed rest." Seeing Anayah open her mouth to argue, the wizard continued. "I will hear no argument on this matter - now get some rest!"
Elladan and Elrohir settled quietly in nearby chairs so she would not be alone while she rested. The two knew, from experience, that when ill or injured, there was something comforting about the presence of family. However, after the third time Anayah sighed, both twins knew they had encountered someone who was going to be a worse patient when they were ill than even Aragorn, himself.
After looking at his twin and receiving a nod in return, Elladan turned back to the young she-elf and began to sing a lullaby that their mother had often sung to them when they were younger. Anayah looked at Elladan in surprise for she recognized the song as one her own mother had sung to her before their separation and one which her mother had learned from her sister Celebrian, mother of the twins. Finding herself soothed by a melody she hadn't heard for many, many years she was soon fast asleep. Elladan and Elrohir just smiled at each other.
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Elrond and Gandalf were deep into a discussion about the half-wraiths and the significance of their existence and appearance. Gandalf had surmised that Anayah's encounter with the wraith had perhaps been by chance, that neither the Dark Lord nor the wraith itself had intended to be seen and perhaps the wraith had not run after being wounded but had been called off by its master. Either way, both wizard and elf lord concluded, they needed to find out as much as they possibly could about this creature and his dark purpose.
Finally, after some time, and after some fine wine, Elrond asked Gandalf a question about his daughter.
"My daughter has been in my home for some time now and even though she has become very dear to me, I do not know any more about her now than I did before she arrived. I understand why she is so fiercely independent and I understand her secretive manner, but she confuses me, Gandalf."
"How so Elrond?"
"Over the long span of my years I have met creatures of light as well as creatures whose entire existence was based on darkness and evil deeds but I have never met one being whose mind I could not understand, at least in part. My daughter is one of those - I do not understand her - she is a mystery to me. I believe that she is bitter that her existence was based on need rather than love, and so much time is spent trying to live up to those perceived expectations that she fails to see that she would mean as much to us if she did nothing at all."
Gandalf sat in silence for a few moments considering the words of his friend as he stared out the window of the room at the beautiful gardens just outside. Then, after having gathered his thoughts he turned to the elf lord.
"Elrond, Anayah was never meant to be alone. She was to be raised, and her talents nurtured by the elves. Alas, fate was not smiling on our endeavors and she was cut off from her intended support system when she was but a baby, when she was kidnapped and her mother died. You are not the only one who does not understand her for that child does not understand herself and that is because she was never taught how. She has only been in your home for a short while but has been on her own for most of her life."
"Then you suggest that the best course of action would be to give her time?"
"Yes, Elrond, that would be my suggestion although I would warn you of one thing."
"And what would that be, my friend?"
"When I was attempting to connect with Anayah's memory to better see and understand the evil creature she encountered, the room began to shake. I clearly felt the uncertainty and fear from both you and your sons when this happened."
"That is true, Gandalf, and we are sorry for our reactions. We just do not quite understand what is occurring when that happens."
"I understand, Elrond and I will attempt to explain this matter to you."
The grey wizard refilled his wineglass before he continued.
"It was the intention of the elves, at the beginning anyway, to unite two of the greatest bloodlines in the history of Middle Earth and hopeful produce a being who would be of service to the throne when Aragorn finally took his place on it. It was hoped this being would possess the best traits of both men and elves and while it is far too early to tell whether this objective has been achieved, I can tell you that I have discovered something else that was not taken into account."
"And what might that be?"
"Melian."
It was Elrond's turn to refill his wineglass. He was beginning to understand.
"Melian was of the race of the Maiar – I think I am beginning to understand."
"Yes, I think you are."
The wizard's eyes began to twinkle in amusement.
"She carries the blood of the Divine within her – as do you, I might add – so, not only does our young Anayah have the best qualities of both lines and both races, but she also possesses some of the qualities of the Maiar. And, my dear Elrond, I can tell you that the blood of Melian runs strong in her."
"Does she know this?"
"Anayah knows some of it although she is somewhat loathe to speak in its regard for fear she will be treated as an oddity rather than as herself. My advice to you, my friend, is to have a talk with her. Try and get her..."
The discussion Gandalf and Lord Elrond were having was interrupted by the entrance of Elrond's extremely frantic twin sons.
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"Ada." Elladan was the first to catch his breath. "She is gone!"
"What do you mean she is gone?" Lord Elrond said as he rose to his feet. He was starting to get a bad feeling about this.
Elrohir continued. "She asked us to get her something to eat and a book to read but when we got back to the room, she was gone!"
"And this time she took Huan and both of her small crossbows with her." Elladan finished then looked at his father. " I am sorry Ada. I should have never left her alone."
TBC