Edmund and his group slowly make their way out of the underground base, hidden by the shadow spirit. When they were safely out, Edmund lets out a breath of relief.

It was quite lucky that the child stayed silent throughout the short journey. Edmund slowly looks down at the child, it's cute, soft face and chubby cherub body. That's one pretty baby. Edmund thinks.

“Well, thanks for your help, lad. You may keep the bow if you wish. What's your name, boy?” The cloaked man asks.

Edmund smiles. “The name is Edmund. Yours?” He asks.

“This is Rachel and my name is Archand. We appreciate the assistance.” He says with a short bow.

The elf lady smiles and leans over to give Edmund a peck on the cheek. “Thanks again. You’re a very brave boy.” She says before giving Edmund a hug, her huge breasts pressing against Edmund’s chest.

Edmund’s eyes widen and a hot blush forms on his cheeks. Holy shit. Holy shit. He thinks, immediately becoming erect.

The elf lady feels something pressing against her and she clears her throat before letting go.

“Sorry! I have to go! I must offer sacrifices to the gods!” Edmund says before trying to rush away with a red face.

The cloaked man grabs onto Edmund’s shoulder. “Wait.” He says as he holds onto Edmund. “You offer sacrifices to the gods? Are you a religious man?” He asks with a stern look.

Feeling hot and bothered, Edmund feels a little uncomfortable. He lets out an awkward chuckle. “Unfortunately, yes. I’m an acolyte of sorts.” He says.

“Oh? Hmm. To whom do you serve?” Archand asks.

Edmund lets out a sigh and relaxes. “To Galladril and his brother, Hakrom.” He says.

“Hmm. For someone so young, it’s impressive that you are allowed to serve them. Well, very well, we won’t keep you. We must continue Rachel’s Pilgrimage of Red Dust. It was unfortunate that we were delayed by her kidnapping. These thugs probably intended to sell her off into slavery to serve the rich and lavish lifestyles of the upper class. I had to sell my bow just to purchase a horse so that I could seek her out.” Archand says with a shake of his head.

Edmund raises an eyebrow. “Pilgrimage of Red Dust? What’s that?” He asks.

“Let me explain, Archand.” Rachel says as she steps forward. “It is a pilgrimage that each elf must make when they reach adulthood. They must go out into the world, explore and absorb what they can. It can be a journey of love and sexual exploration, of art and acts of heroism. It can be so many things, anything a person can be. But when they go back, they must be judged. If the red dust of the mortal world becomes rooted in the youth, he is to be exiled from their home.” Rachel expresses with passion and sadness.

Edmund’s eyes widen. “That’s horrible! Why even make the journey at all!?” He asks, bewildered.

Rachel lets out a sigh. “Yes, it’s the sad truth. In a way, it’s the elves way of growth. They let their young seek out their truth in the world and grow as they wish; if they are exiled they can never return home, but in a way, it’s how the elves plant their seeds in the world. The exiled go out and build new communities, armed with different skills and abilities from their Ancestral home. It’s sad, but as elves, we are all still connected.” She explains.

Edmund’s jaw drops. “That’s amazing. And these, you say, sexual explorations? How often does that happen?” He asks, very curious, some hidden motives beginning to show.

Archand clears his throat. “Well, Edmund. Thank you, but we must be going.” He says as he grabs onto Rachel’s hand.

Edmund lets out an awkward chuckle as realization dawns on him. “Oh, very well. Perhaps we will meet again.” He says.