The Heathen

Before leaving the old man made his way into the wooden cave. Reaching the back of the cave he reached out his hand and once he made contact he thrust his hand into the wood. Instead of breaking the wood his hand melded past it. With great force the old man pulled his hand out of the wall, causing the wooden roots that had made up the wooden aspect of the cave to retreat into where the old man's hand was. With great effort, the old man continued to pull. Slowly the top of a wooden staff began to emerge from the wall. The further the staff emerged the further the roots around the cave rushed into the staff. Eventually only leaving the old man with his wooden staff inside the b.a.r.e cave.

The campgrounds were a short distance away from the once wooden cave but due to winter setting in, a small distance could be rather tiresome.

The agreed upon day in which Aos would be returned to her mother was still several days away but with Aos' meditation taking weeks at a time there was no alternative.

The old man and Aos slowly walked towards the edge of Fervir clan's campground until stopping just before exiting the treeline.

The old man had stopped Aos and wanted to tell her something before leaving, "Aos, your future is still ahead of you. I have grown tired of this world. In my past, I have done many mistakes. Promise me that although you have grown, you will keep those who you love close to you and protect them. I failed my kin many centuries ago. Plea-" the old man was interrupted by Aos as she confidently said, "(I swear I'll protect those who I cherish. I will carry your legacy.)".

The old man warmed by the confidence in which Aos had sworn her oath, was brought to tears as he embraced Aos. In the midst of the embrace, the old man made his last statement, "Make me proud." before the old man made his final breath and disintegrated. The ashes carried away by a sudden gust of wind.