Filrian Darsmoon's Home

Evander chuckled and wrinkled his forehead. "Alright. So now what do we do?"

"Well, now we do things." Filrian smiled. "First, it's cold. Could you light a fire in that fireplace there?"

"You mean, with magic, right?" Evander wanted to be sure.

"Well, if you can, then do so. Otherwise, just light it," he said.

Evander nodded. "Okay. Um." He concentrated, trying to figure out how to tap into the magic he knew could be available to him. He'd used magic once before, on accident, so he knew he was capable of it.

"Hmm... If he can't get it, perhaps I shall revert to the older, more tried method: coaching him beforehand," Filrian muttered to himself.

Evander screwed up his face. "Ugh. I don't think I can do it with magic just yet." He walked over to the fireplace and began stoking the dying coals.

"Indeed. Come here, Evan. Is it all right if I call you Evan? Or do you prefer Der? Or Evander?" Filrian pulled a stick out of his pocket. "It may be a little easier with a leaf... Oh well."

Evander snorted. "Um, I usually go by Evander. But I guess Evan's alright..." He glanced at the stick. "You want me to light that on fire?"

"Excellent, Evvie! Yes, you will light this stick on fire," he said. "Now, as I hold this peculiar object--I found it yesterday during my walk--you will envision it in your mind. Tell me when it is as real in your mind as it is in my hand."

Evander stared at the stick, trying to memorize its every twist and bump. He shut his eyes and an image of it floated in his mind. "Okay. Now what?"

"Now... See it in flames," Filrian said.

Evander wrinkled his forehead. "Okay..." He pictured the stick on fire, seeing the tendrils of flame twist and dance. Suddenly,t he scent of smoke touched his nostrils and he opened his eyes to see the end of the stick smoldering.

"Good. Well, it's a start. Soon, you'll be able to take a tree and set ablaze within two seconds. Try again."

Evander nodded and pursed his lips. "Okay." He tried again, with the same effect.

"Hmm. Try seeing it burning up; the effects of fire, not just the fire."

Evander nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. He visualized the twig burning into ash, and felt the magic come from the banana he held. He opened his eyes and smiled as the a flame danced on the tip of the stick.

Filrian watched and clapped his hands. "Brilliant! Simply superb. I expect you to practice this at home. Also... think on what you wish to be your implement." He walked to a bookcase. "Now..." He pulled out a book and thumbed through it. "Terrific," he said, stopping at a page. He handed the book to Evander. "Memorize this spell and cast it on me."

Evander took the book from the professor and narrowed his eyes at the open page. "What does it do?"

"Oh... It does..." He grabs the book and reads the spell again. "Oh yes. 'Cause temporary foot fetish in school teachers.' Just a tip, though: Have me in your mind as you say it... otherwise it may affect you."

Evander suppressed a nervous laugh. "Foot fetish? Good thing it's temporary..." He read the sentence a few more times. "Okay. Cause temporary foot fetish in school teachers!" he blurted, making sure to keep the professor in the forefront of his mind.

"Good gods. What lovely feet you have," said Filrian. He cringed. "Fortunately, it wasn't the strongest spell so it wore off before I did anything too embarrasing."

Evander snorted, almost choking. "I caused that?"

"Yes. Through that," he said, pointing to the banana. "Now... let's try something else. See that crystal ball there?"

Evander nodded. "Are we gazing into crystal balls now?" he asked with a smile, feeling more relaxed now that he could see that the professor didn't take himself too seriously.