The Heathen

It took several minutes before Aos was able to regain full control over her limbs. Aching to further figure out the new energy, in hail mary move, attempted the only druidic spell she remembered, "(ensnare thy enemy)". A plethora of roots numbering in the dozens made their way towards a close tree. The force exerted by the roots creating cracks on the tree's bark. The old man astonished by Aos' growth couldn't help but praise her, "Aos, you've grown so much in such a short time, if I had not witnessed it I don't think I would be able to believe it."

Although excited about the results of her training, she knew that she would need to resume her training. With this in mind, she began her studying of the remaining section of the tome of nature. Excited for the new spells she would learn.

Aos continued training the days began to mix together as each time Aos would meditate ever-increasing gaps of times passed. While the first meditation had cost Aos twelve weeks, the next took thirteen, while the next fourteen.

Before either Aos or the old man had realized several years had passed.

During the time Aos memorized a handful of new druidic spells and the energy within Aos had only managed to condense once more.

The appearance of Aos had barely changed. When she questioned the old man he told her that, "The practice of nature energy and apparently also your pure energy slows aging. I cannot say for your pure energy but for nature energy, it slows aging at a 10:1 scale. Although I appear old I am far older than should be possible. Unlike other forms which have been found of increasing one's lifespan, the slowing of aging doesn't just affect someone visually but fully slows the aging process.

With the time nearing for Aos to return to her family, she couldn't help but feel remorseful for having to leave the old man. Without noticing she had grown far too attached to the old man. She had always known that she would eventually leave but over the years the old man became her sole parental figure.

With the few memories Aos still had of her family were growing furthermore distant, both Aos and the old man began to make way towards the Fervir winter campgrounds to await her clan.