The Oak tree clan was truly speechless after the consecutive shocks that Elaina had exposed them to.
Moreover, they had no idea what happened to her, since in the past she would always follow the clan's arrangements, but now she defied them, and it didn't look like she would back down, no matter what they did or said.
-So after all this, you intend to abandon the clan and run away?
Elaina's grandmother said, more like a statement than a question.
-That's rich.
Elaina started laughing, but there was no joy in her laughter.
-Since when did the path of Eldars become an escape route?
She asked.
-I see.
Since that's the case, there is no point in talking to you any longer.
From this moment on, you are no longer a member of the Oak tree clan.
You are banished and forbidden to use our clan's name ever again.
These words stung Elaina more than she expected, but she was almost certain that this would be the result either way, since she was of no use to the clan now.
Even if they didn't exile her, she would not be much more than a servant in the clan, since she was unable to be married away after losing her purity.
-So be it.
Elaina said after a moment of silence.
Her voice was calm and steady.
She didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing how much it hurt her.
A moment later, two young elves stepped forward and threw two bags at her feet.
-These are all your belongings; take them and never show yourself before our eyes again.
The clan's matriarch said and turned around to leave, followed by all the clansmen.
Only after the elves were out of their sight did Elaina start trembling slightly, and tears fell from her face as she fell to her knees.
Seeing this, Paul picked her up and hugged her, letting her cry on his shoulder, and assured her that everything would be alright.
By now, he knew what it meant for an elf to be exiled from their clan, which was a very heavy punishment, since it stripped not only the family bonds, but also the exiled one's identity as an elf.
-We need to leave. I am no longer considered an elf, so there is no reason for us to stay here any longer.
She said after she calmed down a bit.
-That's not exactly the case.
The elder elf from the council said, approaching them.
-I'm sorry you had to see this elder.
Elaina said, turning to him.
-Yes, it was hard to watch and not interfere, but you know our laws.
The elder admitted, not hiding his anger at her former clan.
-As for your stay here, nothing is preventing you from staying, since you are still a guest of the lady, and I would appreciate your help during the ceremony.
He reminded her.
-I also prepared everything for your trial.
The elder said, handing her a stack of documents and a spatial ring.
-These are recommendation letters to the elf tribes in the upper realms.
With these, you and your companions can freely enter their territory during your journey.
-The ring contains the standard equipment, received by anyone entering the path of an Eldar.
It's not much, but it'll help you during your travels.
The elder explained.
The ring contained a tent, an armor, a sword, a bow, and a quiver of arrows, along with some food, and medical pills and potions.
The last item was a bundle of clothing, containing three sets of clothes.
As the elder said, it was not much, but it would help.
-Thank you, elder.
Elaina said, taking the items and storing the documents before putting the ring on her finger.
This ring was more than just a spatial device; it was proof that she was walking the path of the Eldars.
-You don't need to thank me, it's my duty.
The elder smiled.
-The two of you should get some rest before the ceremony.
I'll send some guards for you when the time comes.
The elder said, before walking away.
Paul and Elaina decided to take this advice to heart and left for their guest house after picking up Elaina's things from the ground.
When they came back, Elaina took out the two bags to see what of her possessions her clansmen allowed her to keep.
It turned out that they just brought her clothes, which she had left in the clan when she left for the temple.
Other than that, there were some personal items and a scarce amount of jewelry, that even Paul could say was not even close in quality to what the elves were wearing when they met her family.
There were no items like her bow and arrows, a sword, or even a dagger, not to mention her armor, which he now knew that every elf possessed.
-I never expected that this would be all; they allowed me to keep.
Elaina said sadly, seeing many things she cherished missing.
She never expected them to humiliate her in this way, as this was the proof that they considered her unworthy of her other possessions, which would be distributed among her clansmen.
But at least the things they left her were not damaged, as she feared they might be.
-If they wanted to exile you, then they could at least give you your weapons and armor back.
Paul said, pissed that his woman was treated in such a way.
-Unfortunately, the exile has no say about what they can take with them.
Elaina said, with a sigh.
-It's like they want you to die, and the sooner the better.
-I would not be surprised if this was their plan, since an exile is always a stain on the clan's honor, while they are alive.
The elf smiled sadly.
-But if that is their plan, then they will be disappointed.
I have no reason to follow their wishes anymore, and I have plenty of reasons to live.
Elaina said with a happier expression.
-Good, because I have no intention of letting you go.
Paul said, hugging her from behind.
The warmth of his body calmed her down and made her feel comfortable.
But it was his arms holding her tightly and his possessive attitude that let her feel secure and cherished, and right now, she needed this feeling more than anything.