Laren slumped onto her bed, snarling at the pile of textbooks she had aquired over the day. Apart from the Theory and Practice of Pyromancy, she had also obtained a copy of Basic Fire Dueling, A History of Pyromancy, and A Beginners Guide to Archery, her chosen combat skill. 

Along with the twenty inch essay, she had also been assigned six chapters to read in her history book, ten minutes of breathing and meditation from her dueling teacher, and reading up on the different advantages and disadvantages of certain bows and arrows. 

Lash slithered up her shoulder to nest in her curly red hair. She heaved a sigh, and picked up her copy of Basic Fire Duelng. Her teacher, a small dark skinned man, had told her to look up the proper method for meditation. Opening the thin book, she saw it immediately. 

Fire Dueling takes a calm, ordered mind. This will prevent emotions of excitement, fear, or adrenaline from taking your powers beyond your control. To achieve this state of mind, daily meditation must be employed. 

For the most effective meditation, sit on a soft, flat surface in a dim room. Cross your arms across your chest to feel your breathing, and clear all distractions from around you. Close your eyes and take deep, measured breaths. Clear your mind from all emotion, and focus on the fire inside. Continue this process for as long as desired.

Laren stared at the page blankly. Sit still for ten whole minutes? How did her instructor expect people to do this? 

But she did want to learn how to participate in fire duels, and this was the first step. 

Sliding off her bed, Laren sat on the soft carpet. She sat straight-backed against the bed and crossed her arms over her chest. Closing her eyes, she focused on breathing. 

In. Pause. Out. Pause. In. Pause. Out. 

The warm room enveloped her, clearing the stress and anxiety from her day away. With each breath it felt like a trouble was leaving. 

She now concentrated on letting her mind slip free of all thought. She dug deep, reaching far into her soul. 

In. Pause. Out. Pause.

And there it was. Deep in her heart, she could feel a flame. It pulsed in time with her heart, flaring and dying. Hot, exilerating fire flooded her veins.

She sat in silent ecstacy, breathing the flames in and out. 

In. Pause. Out. Pause. In.