Valerion leaned back in his armchair, and smiled. "So", he continued, "as we have already discussed by correspondence, I am nothing but glad to hear of your interest in the arcane arts, and I am nothing but glad to offer my assistance in your learning. Your foundations are solid, and, with constant effort, I have no doubt that you'll be able to bring theory into practice in due time".

"Thank you, sir. I can only hope you are right", Adrien said, twitching his hands. "So... what should I do to begin?".

"Oh, nothing complicated - a few basic circles, to see your technique, and then we shall continue from there".

"Alright", Adrien replied, resolute, "where should I draw?".

To Adrien's surprise, Valerion burst into a hearty, cheerful laughter. "No!", he said, still chuckling, "Not now! You have barely had time to sit down! What am I, a teacher on the day of the exam?".

Stammering and blushing, Adrien backpedaled. "I -- I am deeply sorry, I did not mean --".