[quote=@Grey]
[@Konami]
Yes, hello, can you please explain this sentient mana business? That's basically all.
[/quote]

Hmm yeah I suppose I didn't really go into that enough. Well since the Lore for Lucis is more or less up in the air I thought I'd add this to it:

So I assume that in Lucis magic is a force of nature, like the wind. It's everywhere, but like the wind it is stronger in certain places. Magic is drawn to magic so places like mystical forests, creepy marshes, ancient ruins, these places would have more magic around them. When magical energy clumps together like that it gives births to spirits. Spirits are basically wisps of concentrated magical energy or mana, appearing as intangible floating lights. They show signs of basic awareness and react to the presence of people. These spirits are an integral part of Witchcraft as they are what power the magical enchantments in a Witch's items. Since magic is drawn to magic, the magical nature of a Witch's Familiar is what draws these spirits close enough for the Witch to trap.

I hope that was a decent enough explanation.

Edit: Let me know if this conflicts with any of the established Lore.