Aramil Liadon, elven ranger, stared at the items in front of him. He had one final challenge left to complete the Testing - assemble the bow using the parts he had found.
Treyvon stood behind him on one side, with Lohr the Tree Mother on the other. They watched him intently. Also watching him intently was the crowd that had gathered the moment he had returned to the village. The elves of the village knew that they were about to witness another of their clanmates coming of age. It was an event for all to enjoy.
Aramil was pleased to spot Polissa and Korali amongst them. Korali had gone to find her family the moment she had arrived in the village but she had since returned to watch him. The only disappointment was that Lucia had indeed returned to the forest. Part of him would have enjoyed seeing all three women he had fucked over the past few days in one place.
He took a deep breath, then started. He knew what it was he had to do - every young elf knew how to construct a bow, even those who would not go onto use one in everyday life. His nerves stemmed from the large crowd and the knowledge that if he made a mistake he would ruin the precious materials he had brought back.
Even so he worked diligently. He treated the wood with the sap he had brought back then carefully attached the string. He heard Treyvon sigh in wonder when he picked up the string and knew that the man was overawed by Aramil's acquisition of dryad hair.
Nonetheless he had soon finished the bow. He picked it up. He had one last thing to do. Reaching for an arrow that lay on the table, Aramil nocked it and drew back the string. The crowd grew hushed. Then he released the tension and the arrow hurtled towards the target, hitting the bullseye.
The crowd erupted in cheers and Aramil grinned. He had done it! He had passed the Testing, collecting the parts for and then constructing a wonderful bow. Even he was impressed at his handiwork. The bow was truly magnificent and he knew it would serve him well in his journeys outside the forest.
As he basked in his glory he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Lohr smiling at him. The dark-haired Tree Mother gestured for him to follow and he did so willingly, knowing that she was leading him to the centre of the village for the ceremony. The crowd followed.
As they walked Aramil took the time to stare at Lohr's ass through her dress. She was gorgeous and he was horny, but he suppressed the desire that coursed through his veins. He would have time to find a willing partner later.
Soon they had arrived and the crowd gathered round as Lohr summoned him up onto a raised plinth. It was the platform used for village council meetings and other important events. He followed her up, his family and friends making sure they were at the front of the gathered group. Aramil smiled at them.
Then Lohr raised her hand and silence descended again. She smiled at him.
"Aramil Liadon, you have passed the Testing, and are free to leave the forest. You go with our blessing, and we will welcome your return. Well done."
The gathered crowd cheered as Lohr handed him a small pouch of gold and then to his surprise the Tree Mother kissed him on the cheek. He was even more surprised when she whispered in his ear as she did so.
"Come to my house in ten minutes."
Before he could ask her why she had stepped away with a broad smile on her face. There was something else in that expression too and his blood heated up at the sight of it. Aramil forced himself to be sensible. There was no way that the Tree Mother was making a move on him.
Then she stepped off the small podium and left him alone up there. He grinned at the gathered crowd then stepped down. His friends and family showered him with hugs and congratulations and then he found himself being praised by other members of the village. It truly was an event for the whole clan.
Korali was standing at the rear of the group, grinning at him. As the crowd dispersed he approached her and she mock-bowed. "Congratulations, Aramil."
"Thank you," he beamed.
"So, you have passed the Testing, and are free to explore the world. Where will you go?"
Aramil paused. He did not really know. He had always thought he would simply strike out in one direction and see where it took him. He shrugged.
"You do not have a plan?" Korali laughed. Her hazel eyes flashed with amusement. "You remind me of myself, Aramil. I did the exact same thing, but I swiftly grew bored."
"What did you do then?"
She beamed at him. "I joined the Golden Band, and rose through the ranks to captain. I wish I had done so sooner."
"I will keep that in mind."
"Good. And if you ever decide to try your hand at noble work, seek out our headquarters in the capital of these human lands. Find me and I will help you join. You are young, strong and skilled, Aramil. You will do well there."
He thanked her graciously again then they parted. Korali joined the group of villagers still milling by the podium and Aramil made his way quickly to Lohr's treehouse. What could she want with him?