Gilbert's fingers softly caressed the crimson crystal, his eyes studying it intensely before raising them to meet Northern's gaze.
"And this is?" he asked, an inquisitive brow arched.
"A red crystal," Northern responded. "I don't know if it has a special name, but it's a crystal with healing properties."
Gilbert's eyes widened in surprise, mirrored by the flabbergasted expressions contorting the faces of those around the table.
"Although," Northern added, his tone laced with a hint of caution, "I also think it comes with a side effect..."
Gilbert's hand stilled, and he ceased his inspection of the crystal, lifting his head to regard Northern with a furrowed brow.
"A side effect?"
Northern nodded solemnly.
"Yes, I think it has a tendency to make someone mad... or at least susceptible to darkness and malice."
"What do you mean?" Gilbert's voice carried a note of confusion. "I don't understand."
