Fire

"Perhaps you are a fire mage," Alaina suggested. "We'll start small. Try to light that candle." She waved, indicating a wax candle on the table. "When you are first starting out, it helps to cast your spells in rhyme. It helps you focus and also increases the power of the spells."

"Umm, I was never really good at poetry," Jake admitted.

"Just focus on fire and let the words flow," Alaina encouraged. "If it is your talent, it will come naturally. And don't worry, there is a magic sprinkler system in case if things get out of hand."

Jake took a deep breath and tried to imagine a the candle in his mind, but somehow kept picturing Alaina's cute face. "I call things forth, that were not. Fire burn, bright and hot!" The candle remained untouched and unlit, but Alaina's cheeks had suddenly turned bright red.

"Umm... there's no fire, but it did just get really hot in here," Alaina stammered, suddenly flustered. She stared at Jake for a moment before quickly turning away, blushing as her heart started pounding and strange thoughts flashed through her mind. Thoughts of what Jake looked like beneath his thick tunic, of what his lips would feel like pressed against hers....

"I don't feel anything," Jake said. "Are you sure you don't have a fever?" He stepped forward and placed his hand on her forehead.

"Eep!" Alaina stepped away from his innocent touch. Even that small touch threatened to make her lose all control. "I - I'm fine," she stammered. "Let's just continue." But the heat was nearly unbearable. "But, do you mind if I take off my robe?" Alaina asked.

"No, of course not!" Jake exclaimed, trying not to sound too eager.