"And that's a list that'll take forever to go over," Alec said, staring up at the sky briefly. "In born talent."

He flicked a hand out and a flicker of flame appeared which shaped itself into a phoenix. Well, a fiery bird - but for Alec it was a phoenix. Some of his own in born talent.

"Learning of spells, which requires years of studying, learning the rules and languages, what sort of ingredients to use to get what sort of effects you want, finding the right tools of the trade. Making deals with creatures of power. Learning how to tap into power sources like leylines... through music and poetry..."