Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 7: Magic

After a couple more hours of hiking down, the Fellowship arrived at the base of the mountain- right outside the great Mines of Moria. The group got to work setting up camp for the night, the sun falling in the distance. The hobbits started a fire, while the other individuals began laying out their bedrolls in the clearing.

Aria flattened her blankets onto the hard ground, her mind still racing on the supernatural event that happened hours ago. I have powers- but how? She thought to herself.

Ever since she was a little girl, she knew which traits she had received and which she had missed out on. Her dark, wavy hair and strong nose clearly represented her father, but her mental walls were much like his as well. As for her mother, her personality and beliefs were the same as Aria's. The only physical thing she received from Ravonna was her shocking blue eyes. So, how was this possible? How did she receive magic? How could something so strong, strong enough to hold it's own against Saruman, be dormant for this long? And, more importantly, how would she ever learn to control it?

Gandalf sat near the roaring fire, grumbling to himself. He knew what awaited the Fellowship in the mines- his original suspicions were correct, confirmed by Saruman earlier.

Shadow and Flame.

Aria cleared her throat, making her presence known to Gandalf. He quickly snapped out of his thoughts- the arising problem would have to wait.

"Mister Gandalf? Can I spare a minute?"

Her youthful nature and manners still amused him. She adopted her mother's childlike nature, that was for sure. Seeing Aria was like seeing both of her parents for the first time all over again- together.

"Of course. You needn't call me Mister, my dear." He chuckled as she sat next to him. "This is about your powers, I presume?"

She nodded in response, her eyes widening at the prospect.

"Don't look so scared, my child. Magic is a gift, but a great responsibility as well. Your magic, though, is unlike anything I've ever seen. The power and potential it promises- it is both terrific and terrifying. Possibly even more powerful than your mother." A strange expression crossed his face.

"But... I didn't even know about these abilities until today." Aria stuttered. "How could they be this strong so early on?"

"A question I cannot answer." Gandalf sighed. "These powers are unique, that much is true. I've never seen that kind of magic from a beginner, even your mother. She mastered her shields much later on, a year at least."

"You trained her?"

"I began teaching Ravonna at about your age, after she took Beorn and Tauriel into her care. She learned of her powers the same way you did, an accident. I taught her portions of what she knows today, but most of it she learned herself, from her organic magical qualities. Without her ancestors, though, her magic would be not nearly as strong."

"How come?"

"Traits are a part of it, too. It is very hard for one to master magic from just free will, no genetics involved- it takes a lifetime of practice."

"Has anyone actually learned magic that way?" Aria asked.

"Saruman himself. But more often than not, people learn magic to gain power, and power corrupts. Your mother knows that better than anyone." He thought back to the Battle, a dark memory taking hold of the old wizard.

"Then...wizards must have a constant battle." Aria began to catch on. "Between light and dark."

"Yes." Gandalf stared into the fire. "Always. Magic frees, but manipulates its way to it. It soars, but drags its host along with it. Every wizard must face this- it determines their choice. Good or evil, light or dark, right or wrong. A good wizard overcomes the darkness, but the greedy take the latter- evil, power. That is why every wizard must be trained- if one lets this power manifest, it could have chaotic results." He gave her a dangerous look. "Especially a wizard like-"

"Me." Aria had a faraway look in her eyes. "Will you train me? To choose light over dark- good over evil."

Gandalf smiled, taking her hand in a sweet, elderly fashion. "I would consider it an honor, my dear. And again, I am so glad you understand the grave importance of the Choice. It is vital to success."

Aria smiled sweetly. "But, I am deeply interested in my abilities. Do you know what exactly they could be?"

"Well, you know my abilities dabble in the weather." Gandalf thought.

"Most often, children of magical descent have opposite powers of their ancestors, oddly enough. Your mother can create, heal, and give life, for the most part. That would give you the ability to..."

"Destroy, harm, and take." Aria's voice shook. "Take what?"

"That remains to be seen." Gandalf took a drag of his pipe, blowing a ring of smoke through his lips. "It could be anything- from simply grass to kingdoms, regions... even life."

"By take...does that mean erase? Completely?"

"Possibly. Your mother could create smoke with a wave of her hand... you could pull it from the air and get rid it- completely."

Aria was beyond shocked. Take away? Erase? How could someone have so much power...how could it be humanly possible?

"Then how did I create a shield? That wasn't taking." Aria stated blankly.

Gandalf rubbed his chin. This was certainly a mystery- he had never seen anything close to Aria. Most wizards use what already existed. For Ravonna to be able to create her own matter was already a blessing. But Aria, to be able to take, pluck from the very air, was closer to a nightmare.

"I surmise you may have taken from Saruman's power. Your forces weren't fighting- they were growing and shrinking. For him to counteract you, that must mean-"

"He knows. About me and my powers." Aria shook her head. At first, she was excited to share something with her mother- now, she wasn't sure how to feel.

Her doubt must have shown in her face, because Gandalf immediately interrupted her thoughts to comfort her. "I am here for a reason, Aria." Gandalf squeezed her hand. "I swore on my life to protect you, to your parents. And I most definitely intend to keep that promise."

"Thank you." Aria's gratitude filled her eyes, soon replaced with fear. "You will help me, right? In making the right Choice?"

"Of course. Lessons will begin tomorrow morning, at dawn, before the others rise." Gandalf finished with his pipe, standing to return to his bedroll.

Aria sighed, remembering the nightmares. Although she now knew their cause, it did little to comfort her. "I'll be up anyway."

With a million thoughts racing through her mind, Aria bid Gandalf a goodnight, returning to her bedroll. Settling in the covers, her mind wandered to her new knowledge of her magic- and power.

I was right. This quest is going to be one hell of a ride. She thought, fatigue taking over her system and luring her into a deep sleep.

Magic, man. Complicated stuff. Anyways, hi again! How did you all like this chapter? Please let me know, I love to hear from you. Also, I apologize that not much took place in this chapter, it was more of a filler. And also, Aria's powers! Comment your opinions on that please, the concept I came up with is very intricate. If you have any questions about it as well, feel free to ask! I read every comment, seriously. Anyways, sorry this author's note is so long, and I'll see you next time!

Olivia :)