Aria gazed lovingly at Elara, her mind racing with the weight of the task ahead. She had to teach her daughter about the crystal, its significance, and her role in wielding its power. But Elara was still so young, and the letter was written in an ancient language that even Aria struggled to understand. Aria watched as Elara, now 7 years old, playing innocently with her doll, her laughter carrying on the wind. Aria's heart swelled with love and concern, knowing that her daughter's carefree days were numbered. The weight of the crystal's power and Elara's destiny loomed large, and Aria knew she had to begin teaching her daughter about her crucial role. Elara, with her curious mind and adventurous spirit, was eager to learn, but Aria knew she had to tread carefully. The crystal's power was not to be taken lightly, and Elara's innocence was precious. Aria longed to shield her daughter from the burdens that lay ahead, but she knew that Elara's fate was inextricably linked to the crystal's. With a deep breath, Aria resolved to begin Elara's training, starting with the basics. She would teach her daughter about the crystal's history, its significance, and the ancient language that held the secrets of its power. It would be a long and winding journey, but Aria was determined to guide Elara every step of the way, preparing her for the great responsibility that awaited her. Thorne walked into the cottage, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something. Aria and Elara were sitting at the table, surrounded by strange objects and books. He raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What's all this, Aria?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled. Aria looked up, a hint of defensiveness in her eyes. "Just some teachings, Thorne. Elara needs to learn about her heritage." Thorne snorted. "Heritage? You mean that old magic nonsense? I thought we agreed to leave that behind." Aria's face tightened. "It's not nonsense, Thorne. It's our daughter's legacy." Thorne shook his head. "I don't want Elara getting mixed up in that. It's dangerous and unnecessary." Aria's eyes flashed. "You don't understand, Thorne. Elara has a gift. She needs to learn how to use it." Thorne's expression turned disapproving. "I understand that you're filling her head with foolish ideas. She's just a child, Aria. Let her enjoy her innocence while it lasts." Aria's face fell, but she said nothing. Elara, sensing the tension, looked down at her hands, her eyes wide with worry. Thorne's gaze lingered on the scene before him, his disapproval palpable. "I think it's time for me to take a closer look at what's going on here," he said, his voice low and menacing. Aria's eyes met his, a silent challenge passing between them. Thorne's presence seemed to fill the room, his skepticism and disapproval casting a shadow over the lessons, and over their relationship. Aria knew she had to be careful. Her husband, Thorne, couldn't find out about the crystal or the secret. He wouldn't understand, and Aria feared he would try to take the crystal away, thinking it was too dangerous for Elara. So, Aria began to teach Elara in secret. She waited until Thorne was out fishing or tending to his duties, then she would take Elara to a secluded spot in the woods, far from prying eyes. "Elara, this crystal is special," Aria said, holding the crystal up to the sunlight. "It holds great power, and you are the chosen one to wield it." Elara looked at the crystal with wide eyes, but Aria could see the confusion in her mind. "What does it do, Mother?" Elara asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Aria sighed, trying to think of a way to explain it in simple terms. "It's like a key, Elara. A key to unlock great things. But you have to learn how to use it, and that's what I'm here to teach you." Elara nodded, but Aria could see the struggle in her mind. She was still too young to understand the complexity of the crystal's power. Aria tried different approaches, using stories and examples to help Elara grasp the concept. But no matter how hard she tried, Elara just couldn't seem to understand. As the days went by, Aria grew frustrated. She knew she had to find a way to make Elara understand, but it seemed like the more she tried, the more confused Elara became. One day, as they sat in the woods, Aria realized that she was pushing Elara too hard. She was expecting too much from her young daughter. "Elara, it's okay," Aria said, hugging her daughter tight. "You don't have to understand it all right now. Just know that the crystal is special, and you are special too. We'll figure it out together, okay?" Elara's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gazed at the crystal, her mind racing with questions. "Mother, why does the crystal glow?" she asked, her voice full of wonder. Aria smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "That's a great question, Elara. The crystal glows because it's special, just like you." Elara's face scrunched up in thought. "But why does it make me feel funny inside?" Aria chuckled. "That's because the crystal is trying to talk to you, Elara. It's trying to tell you secrets and show you magic." Elara's eyes widened. "Secrets? Like what?" Aria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like how to make the flowers bloom with just a touch, or how to make the birds sing in harmony." Elara's face lit up. "Really? I want to learn!" Aria's heart swelled with pride. Elara's innocence and curiosity were a reminder of the pure potential that lay within her. As they continued their lessons, Elara's observations and questions revealed a unique perspective, one that saw the world with fresh eyes. She asked why the trees swayed in the wind, and why the rivers flowed to the sea. She wondered if the stars were like diamonds in the sky, and if the moon was a silver crescent smile. Aria answered each question with patience and love, seeing the world anew through Elara's eyes. And as they explored the mysteries of the crystal, Elara's potential for greatness began to shine, like a light slowly unfolding its petals. One day, as they sat in the woods, Elara turned to Aria with a look of deep understanding. "Mother, I think I know why the crystal glows." Aria's heart skipped a beat. "Why, Elara?" Elara's voice was barely above a whisper. "Because it's trying to show us the magic inside ourselves." Aria's eyes welled up with tears. Elara's words were a revelation, a reminder that the greatest magic lay within. And in that moment, Aria knew that Elara's potential for greatness was limitless, and that her innocence and curiosity would change the world. Elara smiled, and Aria saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they would figure it out together. But for now, Aria knew she had to be patient and trust that Elara would come to understand the crystal's power in her own time.