proper use of tools

"Would it be so difficult to call a favor from you? Alvis?"

Melia paced the Origin observation chamber, steps perfectly placed in a single-file line as she knew Alvis had always proceeded. His wide boots. Her prim heels. She spoke to the ceiling, to the walls, to the air. She spoke to the ether, which Agnus said Alvis was particularly well-equipped to channel.

Better so than she?

But she had learned to channel people. To establish favor. To speak to the departed, not as ghosts.

To see the charm illusory.

"Would it be so difficult to call you a friend?"