"The basics, obviously." He sits bow-legged and invites Connie to do the same. Regardless, he'll continue. "Now, a lot of mages will tell you that the most important thing about being a black mage is being in touch with nature and listen to the spirits or other such malarkey. While it isn't a good idea to completely ignore those whiners, that's not really what's going to get you casting fire and lightning to destroy your enemies."

As a demonstration, he raises a hand and a small orb of fire materializes. "In order to do this, you need to draw on your knowledge of the element and materialize it with your own will. That's why focus is so important. Casting magic as you were would make this go everywhere. Put enough energy into an unfocused desire and you will be nothing more than a ticking time bomb that can destroy anything near you, including yourself."

He looks at his hand and closes it and the ball vanishes. "So a focus is necessary to begin casting something. For example, defiance and stubbornness directed at a jerk who is giving you a hard time because of your sex."