The lesson started the same way the previous ones had.
Morana arrived at the courtyard first. Ragnar came shortly after.
They slipped back into the pattern they had developed without either of them having to think about it much anymore.
Today's lesson was different. Flames burned steadily above Ragnar's palms as Morana circled him.
"You're still treating the fire like something separate from yourself," she commented.
"It is separate from me." Ragnar turned his head slightly to glance at her, looking bewildered.
"It isn't." Morana stopped in front of him. "The fire responds to your will, your focus, your intentions, and your emotions. It is not a tool you're holding. It is an extension of you. Until you understand that, you'll keep fighting it."
Ragnar looked unconvinced, even as his forehead creased in confusion.
Morana had expected that reaction. "Tell me what you're thinking about."
"Right now?" His frown deepened.
"Yes," came her response.
