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

Chapter 8: A 'Friend' Awaits

"He taught you more, I see... you will prove useful, my dear...

I can see it."

Aria's eyes snapped open, awaking her from her fitful slumber. Saron's malicious laughter rang in her ears, still echoing her disturbing dream. Sitting up, she wiped sweat from her brow, surveying her surroundings. The sky was still black, and the chatter of nighttime raged on throughout the woods. The memories of the quest came flooding back, which made sense as to why she was sleeping with a bunch of dirty, smelly men.

To her relief, nobody beside her was awake- she had finally learned to keep her screams to herself. It's about time, She thought. Can't be giving away our location in these woods.

Suddenly, she saw why the Fellowship was sleeping so silently, a gasp escaping her lips.

To her surprise, her magic had formed a protective web around her, the orb humming melodically. It glowed in a brilliant purple, the shimmering display constantly moving and changing around her. It reminded her of a river- it's impression of flowing water mimicked the motions a river might have.

She reached out and ran a nimble finger along the shield, giggling. It made her feel like a child again- oblivious to danger and well protected from it.

Her fear snapped her back into reality. As serene and beautiful as her shield was, it still scared her. If that's what she could do when she was sleeping, who knew what could happen when she was awake.

Focusing all her energy on the shield before her, she willed for it to drop. Using her fear as a drive, she pushed against it, crying out, but to no avail. After a painstakingly long time, she dropped to her knees, her body wracking with sobs.

"It's no use." Tears dripped down her cheeks. "He's right. I'm a monster." She whispered.

A terrific one, my dear. Saron's voice echoed through her head, the same as one of her dreams. She clawed violently at her scalp, desperate to get the dark lord out of her head. Legendary, even. A legendary  monster. The terrible voice laughed, enough to rip the humanity out of an individual.

"No." She growled. "No. I am no monster, nor will I ever be."

We'll see. Saron laughed, his abhorrent presence finally leaving her head.

Aria sighed in relief, grasping the earth greedily. She panted heavily on the ground, the shield still surrounding her- but the fear gone.

Once she calmed down, she focused once again on dropping the shield. It had increased in force and size, most likely because of Saron. Instead of using her fear of the magic, she tried a completely different approach- accepting it.

It is mine. It belongs to me. Aria thought. I control it- nobody else.

And just like that, the shield slowly faded into nothing, it's protective assurance waned.

"Well done." The Gray Wizard's voice startled her, coming from behind. "That's precisely where we will begin. Control- and how to control it." He held out his hand to help her up from the ground.

Aria smiled back at him, shifting as she took it. To her, it symbolized much more than it really was. It wasn't just a helpful hand- it was a new beginning.