The tree house they were provided with was quite comfortable and well-furnished.
The bed was very comfortable, and they both slept like babies after a day full of surprises.
Unfortunately, they could not cultivate, since there were two guards stationed outside.
Not to keep an eye on them, but to keep any trouble from interrupting their rest.
Elaina explained that most elves didn't like humans, and Paul was not surprised in the slightest, considering what humans did to elves, not only in the past, but also in the present.
He was actually happy that they had guards, since it would bring them a lot of trouble if he had to fight an elf in their territory.
The elder came to visit them as they had their breakfast.
-Sorry for the intrusion, but I'd like to ask the two of you to help with the transformation ceremony tonight.
We have more than enough mages to perform it, but the more mana we can supply to the lady, the better, and the two of you are quite strong.
-It'll be an honor, elder.
Elaina said, agreeing, and Paul nodded, as he could not express it any better.
-Thank you.
The elder smiled.
-Additionally, your clan asked me to bring you to see them as soon as possible.
They were shocked when they heard that you were here, as they thought you were either dead or sold as a slave.
Hearing this, Elaina lost her smile.
She knew that coming to the elf forest would mean that she would need to face her family sooner or later, and they would not be happy when she explained what happened to her.
-Don't worry, you were forgiven by Fei Fei, and you can prove it.
Moreover, you are her sister now, so it should not be that bad.
Paul tried to cheer her up.
-What are you talking about?
The elder asked, surprised at Paul's words.
Elaina took a deep breath and explained what happened to her and how she became Paul's woman.
-If that's the case, then you have nothing to worry about.
You not only didn't bring any shame to your clan and our people, but you even became sisters with an Emerald Dragon.
Added the fact that an ancient one has gifted you the technique from the upper realms, you have nothing to worry about.
No clan would reject their child, especially since you accomplished many things that are impossible for any other elf.
The elder said with certainty after she finished her story.
-I'm more worried that they might try and stop me from what I plan to do next.
Elaina said.
-And what is that?
The elder asked, surprised.
-I want to travel the path of an Eldar.
Elaina said, shocking the elder.
-This is not a decision anyone can influence.
Elder said after a moment of silence.
-If you truly wish to enter the path of Eldars, then it's your decision alone, and the consequences are also yours to bear.
Elder's voice became serious.
-I know that, but I have not entered that path yet, and I'm worried that they will want to stop me before I do.
-Calm down, child.
The elder said calmly.
-I understand your fears, but they are unfounded.
Any child of the forest that wishes to enter the path of Eldar can do so, and no one can stop them.
-What is this path of Eldar?
Paul asked suddenly, as this was the first time Elaina had mentioned it.
-It's a trial that every elf has the right to undergo.
However, the risks involved are great, since they need to leave their forest and travel all twelve worlds, while evolving until they reach the highest world and evolve into the final form of our people, called an Eldar.
To my knowledge, only two elves managed to accomplish the trial, and that was thousands of years ago.
Ever since then, there has been no one who managed to reach the last world and evolve.
Each year, some brave elves try, but not many of them reach even the second world, much less the twelfth.
-Since we are going there anyway, I might as well try to become an Eldar.
Elaina said.
-True, nothing forbids you from traveling with your friends, and it actually increases your chances.
However, you still need to remember that the moment you start the journey, you won't be able to return to our forests until you accomplish it.
-I know, and that's what I'm worried about, my family might want to try to persuade me from undergoing the trial.
-There is only one way to find out, and whether you want to or not, you will meet them today, either in the meeting they asked for or during the ceremony.
Paul said, stating the obvious.
Hearing that, Elaina agreed to the meeting, since she didn't want to cause drama during the ceremony.
On one hand, she was happy to see her family, on the other one, she was terrified of this meeting.
An hour later, she and Paul were brought by one of the guards to a big garden, where Elaina's whole clan was waiting for them.
Some of the gathered elves looked relieved when they saw Elaina; some were looking at her with disgust, but all of them looked at Paul with hostility.
-It took you a while to come back.
A middle-aged-looking female elf said.
Anger, evident in her voice.
-After what the Emerald Dragon clansmen said, we expected you to return immediately.
The woman continued.
-Grandmother, I never reached the temple, and even if I did, then I would most likely be a slave now.
Elaina said calmly, trying to explain herself.
-We know this much.
The older elf said, not any less angry than before.
-What I want to know is, why did you become a maid to a dragon exile, and even a mistress to a human?
-Is it not the highest honor for any elf to serve a true dragon?
Elaina asked.
-As for my relationship with Paul, I'm not his mistress, I'm his woman.
She added with pride in her voice.
A murmur of surprise went through the gathered elves, as they clearly never expected her to talk back.
-There is no honor in serving an exile, as for you being this human's woman, that's simply a joke.
Can't you see that he is simply using you?
Elaina's grandmother almost shouted when her granddaughter didn't behave like she used to.
-Tell me one instance when I used Elaine in any way?
Paul suddenly asked, and his voice was low and calm, which indicated that he was getting angry.
-Silence, you have no voice here.
One of the male elves said angrily.
-I have a voice, and if you want to silence me, then your barking won't be enough to do so.
The human retorted.
-I'm asking you again, when and where have I used Elaina in any way?
Was there an instance in which she was forced to do anything against her will?
Paul asked once again.
All the elves looked at him with anger, but they could not name even one such incident.
As far as anyone knew, Elaina willingly became his partner and was never forced to do anything against her will.
Moreover, she could have left anytime she wanted to, and no one would have stopped her.
-That's what I thought.
Paul said after the silence stretched for a long while.
-As for Fei Fei's status as an exile.
He continued.
-It never mattered.
Exile or not, she is an Emerald Dragon, so stop spewing nonsense.
-Also, I'm no longer her maid, I'm her sister now.
Elaina said, and held her hand up, for everyone to see, as a mark representing an Emerald dragon appeared on the back of her palm, making all the elves forget to breathe.
-Big sister gave me a choice to acknowledge her as a sister, the same as she allowed me to choose if I wished to become Paul's woman.
She added.
-Lastly, you no longer have any power over me, since I intend to walk the path of Eldars.
Elaina dropped another bombshell, shocking them even more if it was even possible.