The clearing was now filled with random bursts of smoke, fizzled sparks, and the smell of burnt grass. Students shouted "Le-fire!" with varying results, none of which were impressive. Some sticks popped like firecrackers. Others smoked like damp wood. A few didn't even respond at all, leaving the poor nobles glaring at them as if they were broken toys.
One noble girl screeched with determination, "Le-fire!" and instead of a flame, her stick exploded in a cloud of pink sparks that left her hair standing up in frizz. The class went silent for a second… then a wave of laughter rolled through.
"Hahahaha! Look at her hair!"
"She looks like a lightning pink chicken!"
The poor girl tried to pat it down, but every strand stood straight up like needles.
Another boy stepped forward, stomping dramatically. "Watch and learn! This is how you summon true flame!" He swung his stick like a sword and bellowed, "Le-fire!!!"
