The Heathen

Aos noticing the well of nature energy within herself abruptly opened her eyes and looked at the old man curiously. The old man then began to describe the underlying power of druids, "All druids possess the innate ability to wield nature. On the night I first took you into my care I created openly displayed this ability. It allows druids to control nature at an expense." The old man then proceeded to wave his hand. Aos noticing the old man's energy slightly dim before recovering. Then suddenly a root sprang forth from the ground beside the old man.

Aos witnessing the root emerge finally understood what she had seen so many months ago. Before she could begin her own testing, the old man continued, "Although using mere gestures to manipulate nature is possible it is beyond expensive. The alternative is using the druidic tongue to aid nature by calling to it. The words of nature itself have great meaning behind them. My predecessor told me many years ago that the words were gifted to the original druids by the land itself." the old man reached into his robe before pulling out a 7cm thick worn leather book with a detailed tree etched onto its cover and a spine lined with triskeles.

Aos marveled at the intricate designs while the old man resumed his lecture, "I have spent the last 8 months hand-writing this guide. This book contains my complete knowledge of the druidic tongue," Aos receiving the tome in her hands and begins to flip through the several hundred pages. "from now on you must practice meditating from morning till high noon. Then proceed to study and memorize 2 pages before nightfall." yet, before the old man left he said one final message, "I will have to prepare for the final initiation rite. I will not return for a prolonged time. You must train diligently until then." the old man then began to quietly walk away, leaving Aos in a confused state. Although she was unimaginably happy at the idea of learning druidic she couldn't help but feel sad for the old man leaving her. She knew he would return but she couldn't help but b.a.r.e the sadness of being left a second time.

Aos watched as the old man disappeared into the forest. Having nothing else to do she quickly delved into the contents of the book.

Although Aos never learned to read, something about the druidic tongue spoke to her. When Aos' eyes passed by the words written in the book she understood and comprehended the words. Aos quickly took to the book and its contents. She read page after page, marveling at the beauty and profound meaning. The first third section of the book named 'Vocabulary' contained the b.a.r.e words while the second third section named 'Rules' contained the rules and guidelines for connecting words, while the last third section named 'Spells' contained many sentences to aid in the manipulation of nature and countless notes strewn around the sentences.

Although Aos could easily understand and comprehend the words the challenge she faced was still the memorization of the words. Druidic spoke to her but only in passing. She had yet to master it and properly make it her own.