Irene kept looking at the crystal on the table. "I'm frightened even looking at it. What is the meaning of this, Richard?"
"Remember when I told you that Heron requires some additional training?"
"Yess…"
"Well, working the crystals is what I had in mind," Richard said calmly.
"What?" Irene jumped out of her chair and yelled. It was the first time Heron heard her yell, considering that so far she had always been calm and collected. "I thought that you meant some healing training and crystal tools, not this."
"Irene, please calm down. I know what I'm doing," Richard gestured for her to return to her seat.
"Heron is more sensitive to the crystals, even to the tainted ones," Richard continued. "This makes him a unique candidate to handle more powerful ones, as he may be able to sync with the crystal as the elite guard does. Think of the magic power we'd had at our disposal."
With the last said part, Richard's eyes were almost glowing. "It is an opportunity we shouldn't squander. And that is where you come in. I need someone reliable to keep things from going out of hand."
"I won't do it," Irene responded adamantly. "I did not agree to this."
"And I'm not forcing you. First and foremost, the choice lies with Heron," Richard said, shifting his focus. "So, Heron, what do you think of the idea?"
"I don't want to do it," Heron said firmly. "I heard enough stories to know what happens when you work with those types of crystals. I made my piece that I need to interact with crystal-powered tools, but to use crystals directly, that is a line I won't cross."
"Very well, I respect your decision." Richard returned the crystal to the pouch.
"Just like that?" Irene asked.
"Just like that," Richard said calmly. "What did you think would happen?"
"I mean, you are far more persuasive, so I am confused. And what is with all the theatrics? You could have just asked."
"Well, I didn't want to have more ears on this than there needed to be, and I planned for this scenario, too. I still need your help, Irene. He needs to get accustomed to crystal-powered tools without zoning out."
"I will help with that," Irene said coldly. "You should have just said so from the start, and then just later ask if we wanted to progress things further. This wasn't the way to go about it."
"You are right," Richard said. "I apologize to both of you. Now, Heron, as we discussed, you will train with Irene to help you avoid zoning out when using crystal-powered tools. Understood?"
"Yes," Heron nodded. "But I also agree with Irene, you should have just asked. I felt uncomfortable there, thinking that using pure crystal was mandatory."
"No, I just thought to inform you I had the possession of one. And also to point out that you have the ability to make use of it. It is a rare gift, you know."
"Still, even if I were to agree to use it, it wouldn't be in this kind of situation."
"Of course. I'll ask you to reconsider once you start getting accustomed to using tainted crystals without side effects."
"I will consider it," Heron said.
"Very well. Heron, you may now leave. I still have some things to discuss with Irene, but let us talk again tomorrow."
And so after saying their goodbyes, Heron departed, leaving Irene and Richard alone.
"I must admit I'm disappointed in your decision," Richard said. "Or at least I didn't expect you to refuse straight away. Were you not interested in seeing what the boy is capable of?"
"Richard, I understand your desire to learn more about the crystals, but this isn't the way to go about it. And what do you mean by getting himself acclimated? I never heard anyone with this condition getting immune to side effects?" Irene argued.
"I mean, how many people do you know with said condition? I may know a way to get him to acclimate, but it requires using a pure crystal."
"Well, why didn't you tell him that?"
"It is something he needs to come to terms with on his own first. But the first step is to place the seed. I may have gone about it the wrong way. Despite everything, I am not the best at social etiquette."
"Yeah, you can be too dense."
"So, will you help me when the time comes?"
"I will consider it, but only if Heron agrees beforehand."
"Why of course. But I need a pure crystal user to teach another. I'm not on your level after all."
"I mean, it is a challenge to get used to shadow plain. But you know it can drive him mad if we fail."
"I am well aware, but he can't be in this situation. One touch to crystal power, and he transfers to the shadow plain. We need to avoid that at all costs," Richard concluded.
"So do you want to go to lunch. They say there's a new place with amazing pork barbecue. My treat." Richard smiled.
"Sure," Irene sighed. "You owe Heron a treat too after today."
Richard laughed. "I know. Let's pack the maps and head out then."