Scene: Rosalia & Emrys

The runes on Emrys's sword glowed faintly at his side, casting pale blue light across the forest clearing. Rosalia stood opposite him, her fiery hair catching the shimmer like threads of flame, her green eyes narrowed in concentration.

"I don't understand," she admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "I can feel the magic, but when I try to use it, it just... slips away."

Emrys tilted his head, studying her like one might study an unruly spell. Then, with a faint smirk, he crossed his arms. "That's because you're trying too hard."

She huffed, planting her hands on her hips. "Trying too hard? That's your advice?"

"Lighten your grip," he said, stepping closer. He reached out and took her hand, gently uncurling her fingers. "Magic isn't a sword to be wielded with force. It's more like..." He tapped her knuckles lightly. "...a dance partner. If you lead too aggressively, it refuses to follow."

Rosalia frowned, but she let him guide her hand toward the rune-etched sword. The markings glimmered faintly at her touch, though they quickly dimmed again. She groaned. "See? It doesn't work."

"You're impatient." His smirk widened. "Typical redhead."

She shot him a glare, though a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "And you're insufferable."

"Perhaps," he admitted, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "But I am right. Watch."

He drew a small sigil in the air with his free hand, the glow responding immediately to his calm, steady presence. "You don't force the light-you coax it. Invite it."

Rosalia inhaled, letting her frustration ebb. She followed his movements, this time with gentler intent. To her surprise, the glow lingered, weaving into the shape she'd traced. It shimmered like starlight before fading.

Her eyes widened. "I did it."

Emrys gave a low chuckle. "Of course you did. You're not hopeless after all."

She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed at his teasing tone. "Careful, or I'll let my 'hopeless' magic set your cloak on fire."

He laughed outright, the sound rich and unexpected. "Now that, I'd like to see."