Absorb

Injured in the midst of battle, or while climbing up a rock wall to find a phoenix feather? Not a healer? No healer in your party? No problem. Sort of. It's better than nothing, anyway, and good in a pinch. Also, this spell is one of the main reasons you just don't fight gaia sages in a forest.

Effect

With this spell, gaia sages are able to drain the life of a plant to both restore their wounds and restore their magical energy.

Side/Secondary Effects

When a plant's life is absorbed by this spell, it becomes impossible for another plant to grow there for many years (even with magically treated soil). As such, this spell is often a last resort for most gaia sages. Consequently, the rampant use of this spell by two gaia sages fighting against one another is what created the Blighted Forest (article in the other Vana).
If failed, the caster will lose some of their own lifeforce to the spell - though it's unknown where said energy ends up. Some speculate it transfers to the intended target of the spell, while others say it disperses into the spirit world.

Manifestation

As the plant's life drains, it shrivels and withers. It's almost like watching the natural death of a plant in super fast motion. For trees or bushes, the wood often splinters as it shrinks in on itself, so snapping and cracking sounds aren't uncommon.

Related Discipline

Gaia Order

Related School

Primal

Effect Duration

The healing is permanent for previous wounds (but doesn't affect future wounds)

Effect Casting Time

Varied - depending on the size of the plant and the size of the injury

Range

Touch

Level

Expert

Applied Restriction

A magically-created plant won't be affected by this spell, thus rendering it impossible for gaia sages to create their own unlimited source of energy. Even if a plant has somehow been touched by magic - say, with a nurturing spell - it may inhibit the gains of absorbing its lifeforce.
Additionally, this spell only works for the one casting it. They can't heal anyone else.