I was sort of hoping that her faster recovery was a sign that as she ages she becomes more powerful and better able to control how much of her gift she needs at any given time .

I'll buy that Twinsrule! I like that she recovers more quickly.

Hell, I wished it would last longer, too! 

I prefer it the way it was. The Earth Mother gives but exacts a price for the giving. Being totally drained afterwards ensures she only uses it when really needed and not repeatedly.

Its cause and effect.

Jim

Amen. Her being really weak afterward was a plot point - it added to the tension, instead of just letting the companions blast through everything.

I'm with Baz and Kerrick on this one.