Dread Mage

“If it wishes to be your friend, it will come. If not, there are other ways to summon it,” Vell explained. “Most people can use fire; only a small percentage cannot, regardless of how they try to call it. Water and earth are also easy, but other elements can be trickier and have higher standards for who can wield them. Now, reach out to the fire,” Vell instructed. “Feel its essence and let it sense yours. You’re not just summoning it; you’re inviting it.”

Suddenly, a tiny flicker ignited between Sonder’s palms, barely an inch tall yet glowing life.

“Nice work! Hold it steady,” Vell encouraged. “Remember, this is a partnership. Speak to it, assure it that you mean no harm, and feed it your energy.”

“I mean no harm,” Sonder whispered to the flame, her voice steady yet gentle. “I just want to be a friend.”

The flame danced in response, flickering as if acknowledging her words.

A rush of excitement surged through Sonder, but she reminded herself to stay focused. “What’s next?”

“Now? I guess you practice nurturing that friendship and things like that. Maybe try to expand the flame without losing it." Vell suggested.

Sonder concentrated, imagining the flame stretching upward.

Slowly, the one in between her palms grew taller, a small column of fire rising from her palms. It flickered, and she held her breath, keeping her mind busy.

“Stay with me,” she murmured, focusing on her intent.

“Great! You’re doing it!” Vell praised. “Now let’s test your ability to extinguish it. If you want it to be your friend, say goodbye in whatever way feels right.”

“Thank you,” Sonder said to the flame. “I hope you’ll respond the next time I call.”

And just like that, the fire vanished from her hands.

Sonder was ready to summon it again, placing her palms together.

“Hold on, wait a moment,” Vell said. “You don’t want to call it again right away, do you?”

“Why not?”

“Imagine if someone summoned you, dismissed you, and then called you again immediately. That would be annoying, wouldn’t it? It wouldn’t matter if you wanted it to be a servant, but it does if you want it to be a friend.”

“I guess that's true,” Sonder let her hands fall beside her, “the fire you conjured seemed different than this type of fire.”

“It is different. There are various methods to create fire. Summoning natural fire, like you just did, is one approach. If you have enough mana, you can concentrate it within yourself and release it as fire. You could also call on fire elementals, but their power has limits. That’s usually not an issue unless you need to fight or burn something really large. If you're made of fire yourself or used fire transfiguration, you can also use your own nature to conjure more of yourself.”