The four friends were being guided into the elven territory, surrounded by vigilant archers. As they advanced, the tension in the air grew, but they remained resolute.
Gustavo (irritated, muttering): "Damn, these elves are getting on my nerves. Who do they think they are, huh?"
Bia (jokingly, trying to ease the tension): "Gustavo, sometimes I wonder how you manage to be so clueless."
Isadora (responsible, but firm): "Of course they're surrounding us since we're in their territory."
Zeki (calm, analyzing the situation): "We need to be patient. The situation is delicate, and we can't afford an unnecessary confrontation."
Gustavo (grumbling, but complying): "Alright, alright. But if things go south, I'm ready to deal with these stuck-up archers."
The elven archers kept their weapons aimed, ready for any sign of hostility. An archer with a stern expression approached.
Archer (suspicious): "Some elves can sense people's intentions, but you with the pink hair... I don't sense any good or bad intention from you."
Zeki (retorting): "My hair is red."
Gustavo (arrogant, crossing his arms): "Great, now ask them to point their bows at our faces."
Bia (smiling, trying to ease the tension): "I think so too."
Isadora (confident, but firm): "We need the minerals your tribe has. We're willing to make a fair trade."
Zeki (calm, looking directly at the archer): "We understand your mistrust. But our intentions are genuine. We want a collaboration that benefits both sides."
The archer narrowed his eyes, assessing each of them. He finally nodded, still cautious.
Archer: "Very well. We'll take you to our leader. But know that we're keeping an eye on you."
As they continued walking, Gustavo muttered to Bia and Isadora.
Gustavo (irritated): "These elves are unbearable. If it were up to me, I'd have sorted this out with a fight already."
Bia (joking, but serious): "Relax, Gustavo. Not everything is solved with brute force. Sometimes a smile is more effective."
Isadora (responsible, but retorting): "And sometimes, knowing when to keep quiet is the best strategy. Try to stick to the plan, okay?"
Zeki (calm, showing no emotion): "We need to stay calm. We don't know what we're dealing with yet."
Bia (laughing): "Easy for you to say, Zeki. Sometimes I wonder if you feel anything."
The group moved forward, senses heightened and minds focused on the imminent meeting with the elven leader. They knew they had to rely on each other to overcome any challenge they faced.
The four friends continued through the elven territory, still surrounded by archers. A female archer approached the lead archer, looking worried.
Female Archer (concerned): "I don't support bringing them to the chief. They might be hiding their true intentions. And that red-haired kid... I don't trust him."
Lead Archer (calmly responding): "That's exactly why I challenged him. But still, I don't sense anything good or bad from him."
The archers continued their journey, leading the friends deeper into the elven forest. Eventually, they saw the entrance to the camp, marked by an imposing carved wooden gate, guarded by armed elves who watched them with suspicious eyes.
Gustavo (whispering to his friends, irritated): "I knew these elves wouldn't welcome us with open arms."
Bia (trying to ease the tension, but serious): "Relax, Gustavo. Let's see how it goes."
Isadora (confident, but cautious): "I hope so."
Zeki (calm, looking directly at the elven guards): "We're here to negotiate a fair trade. We have no intention of causing trouble."
The elven guards continued to stare at them with suspicion but allowed the group to advance, leading them into the camp.
As they moved, the lead archer approached the elven guards at the gate, who immediately expressed their disapproval.
Elven Guard (frowning): "I don't agree with letting these humans in. They might be a threat."
Archer (firmly responding): "Only one of them will go in to speak with the leader. The rest will stay here."
Gustavo (crossing his arms, grumbling): "I already know who it will be, even though I don't like the idea."
Zeki (calm, stepping forward): "I'll go. You all stay alert."
The female archer who had expressed distrust looked at Zeki with a worried expression but said nothing. She reluctantly accepted the decision and began to lead Zeki to the elven leader.
Female Archer (looking at Zeki, still distrustful): "I hope your intentions are truly good, because if you try anything funny, you'll regret it, human."
Zeki (calm, but serious): "Mm-hmm."
She nodded, though clearly still doubtful, and continued to guide him through the elven camp towards the leader.
The elven guard approached the village leader and reported Zeki's arrival. After a brief discussion, the leader consented to Zeki's entry but made the guard promise to stay vigilant.
Elven Guard (serious): "The human is here to speak with the leader. Stay alert."
The elven leader, with a look of distrust, awaited Zeki's arrival. When Zeki entered the leader's tent, he was met with a skeptical gaze.
Elven Leader (dismissive): "Ah, so this is it. You came to negotiate because you couldn't steal our minerals, is that it?"
Zeki (thinking): "Looks like this negotiation is going to take a while."
The elven leader smirked sarcastically, thinking Zeki was joking with him.
Elven Leader (laughing): "You really think you can negotiate after failing to steal what you wanted? I'm not sure whether to laugh or get angry."
Zeki (thoughtful, but maintaining calm): "The archer mentioned something about this. Can I know more about what happened? Why were you attacked?"
Elven Leader (arrogant): "Oh, you don't know? Humans attacked our village to get the minerals. They were strong, much more than mere plunderers."
Hearing this, Zeki immediately made a mental assessment. He thought that these attackers could be Class B or higher and began to suspect Stevan. Zeki concluded that this might be part of a more elaborate plan to obtain the minerals by any means necessary.
Zeki (thoughtful, but controlling his emotions): "I see. It seems the situation is more complicated than I thought."
The elven leader watched Zeki, thinking he was underestimating the gravity of the situation. However, Zeki maintained his firm posture and continued to focus on what really mattered while considering the implications of this new information about Stevan.