Great Balls of ...

“Fireball as a spell is a neat idea in fiction, but its practical application is tricky. Having fire as an element is a good start, but the evocative or force magic you need to make it more than a spell to roast marshmellows doesn't come naturally to fey.”

Michael sipped orange juice while lecturing. Magic consumes a lot of caloric energy and even demonstrating intuitive spells could leave one seriously depleted. “The magiir have the big booms necessary, but lack the essentia for elemental casting.”

“But that means Valerie...”

“Uncle Morgan did a blood transfusion with her to help cure her of a disease. A side effect of the transfusion is it granted her the ability to manipulate the element natural to him.”

“What if I try to make the fireball bigger?”

“It will be more voluminous, but no more dangerous.”

The youngster flexed his fingers frustratedly. “Part of being an adult,” Michael said patiently, “is accepting that everyone, including yourself, has shortcomings. I can't produce fire or electricity. And I never studied evocative magic. Your uncle may be able to teach you that, but be prepared for him to say no.”