"This does seem like a good thought", Valerion said with a bright smile. "You should try whenever you are ready".

Adrien nodded, gathering his resolve once more; he adjusted his grip on the staff and smiled.

He saw Valerion step back, close his eyes, and once again the shadows enveloped his hand; Adrien held tight on the staff until he could see Valerion's fingers open and the darkness lunge at him. He took in a sharp breath, and he drew his circle - holding on to the thought of running down the path into the woods near his home, past moss-covered rocks and flowering honeysuckles, the grass fresh and soft underneath his light feet.