( It's a question that deserves as much attention as anything, and Jill sets the food aside for a moment, gaze cast down as she gathers the right words, though as she speaks her tone gets sharper and sharper. )

Almost. It is used to light fires, to heal and to wound. But those that cannot use magic naturally must rely on crystals to do so, and those who can are enslaved so that they can be ordered around, dictated to on how to direct and use their magic. They are treated like things, and-- ( Jill's anger fades, her shoulders dropping somewhat as she returns to chopping her vegetables. ) discarded when the magic takes its toll on their bodies.

( A shake of her head. )

So yes, we rely on it too much.