As Zeki, Isadora, and Bia attended to Gustavo, the sound of footsteps approaching quickly caught their attention. Isadora and Bia immediately went on alert, their eyes locking onto the newcomers: a group of elves, led by the Elf Leader himself. His expression was grave, especially when he spotted his unconscious son on the ground not far from the others.
**Elf Leader** (with a concerned and restrained angry expression): "My son... wake up?"
Isadora and Bia maintained their defensive positions, but Zeki raised his hand, signaling that it was okay.
**Zeki** (calm, still recovering but firm): "The guy who was attacking your village is already falling."
The Elf Leader knelt beside his son, using his healing magic to stabilize him. A soft green light emanated from his hands, enveloping the young elf's body. Gradually, the wounds began to close, and the son's breathing became more regular.
**Elf Leader** (with a sigh of relief but maintaining seriousness): "You fought alongside him... as far as I can see. My son is impulsive, but courageous. He wanted to avenge our honor, and I can't blame him for that."
**Isadora** (still with a hint of distrust but less tense): "I know this isn't the best time, but we didn't seek this fight."
Bia, on the other hand, watched the Elf Leader heal his son, and something in her expression softened. She had always thought of elves as cold and distant, but seeing a father caring for his son with such tenderness moved her.
**Bia** (trying to lighten the mood with a slight smile): "Your son is tough, just like us. He'll be alright."
The Elf Leader looked at Bia for a moment, then turned to Zeki, noticing that Zeki's wounds were healing on their own.
**Elf Leader** (surprised): "You... seem to heal on your own. Impressive."
**Zeki** (nodding): "Yes, I don't need help with that. But my friends could use some assistance."
The Elf Leader nodded, then stood and gestured to the other elves present. They approached Isadora, Bia, and Gustavo, their expressions calmer now.
**Elf Leader**: "In gratitude for protecting my son, I will order my elves to tend to your injuries."
**Isadora** (reluctant but recognizing the need): "Alright. Just... no tricks, okay?"
The elves quickly began to heal Isadora, Bia, and Gustavo, using the same green and glowing magic that the leader had used on his son. The wounds closed quickly, the pain fading gradually.
Zeki watched in silence, feeling the tension gradually ease as he saw his friends being cared for. When the elves finished, the Elf Leader made a gesture to have his son carried back to the village, now partially destroyed by the battle.
**Elf Leader** (turning to Zeki once more): "Let's return to the elf village."
**Zeki** (with a firm look): "I appreciate it. But we need to continue our negotiation about the minerals. Can we discuss it after everyone is safe?"
**Elf Leader** (with a brief nod): "Yes, we'll talk about it later. For now, you are our guests. Rest and regain your strength."
With that, the elves began to withdraw, taking the Elf Leader's son with them. Zeki, Isadora, Bia, and Gustavo stayed behind, watching as the group moved away. The weight of what had happened began to settle on them, but they knew they needed to be ready for what came next.
In the elf village, now partially restored after Amendonin's attack, the group was resting. Isadora and Bia sat in a corner, still bearing the marks of battle on their bodies, but with their injuries already healed by the elves. The surrounding vegetation was dense and vibrant, with structures made of wood and leaves, perfectly integrated into the forest. The air was filled with an eerie calm, almost contrasting with the tension that lingered in the group.
**Isadora** (determined but with a tone of frustration): "We need to get stronger, Bia. If it weren't for Zeki, that fight could have ended much worse."
**Bia** (thoughtful but still maintaining her cheerful demeanor): "You're right. We can't always rely on him to save us... but we'll figure it out, Isa. I don't want to see Gustavo hurt like that again."
They exchanged looks, aware of the need to improve their skills. Meanwhile, Zeki was in a separate room with the Elf Leader. The environment was rustic, with natural light emanating from crystals scattered around. The Elf Leader was an imposing figure, with deep, wise eyes that carried an aura of respect but also caution.
**Elf Leader** (mature but with a hint of distrust): "You fought well, human. But what do you really want from us?"
**Zeki** (calm and direct): "We have no hostile intentions. We want to negotiate for the minerals your land possesses. Both of us can benefit from this exchange."
The Elf Leader pondered for a moment, his eyes analyzing every detail of what Zeki said.
**Elf Leader** (seriously): "I don't trust humans easily. But you demonstrated strength and honor by protecting my son and our village. We'll make a deal, but I'll be watching your every move."
**Zeki** (with a slight nod, satisfied): "I understand your mistrust. The agreement will be fair, and I won't disappoint your trust."
The two reached a consensus, and the tension in the air diminished, although the Elf Leader's distrust remained palpable. Zeki knew it would be a long process to fully gain the elves' trust, but this was a first step.
Meanwhile, in the area where Gustavo was resting, he finally began to wake up. His eyes slowly opened, and he sat up, visibly disoriented, with a confused expression on his face.
**Gustavo** (confused, rubbing his head): "Where... where am I? And that guy, what happened to him? I was beating him up..."
Before he could finish, Bia ran to him, hugging him tightly. Gustavo's expression, always combative and full of attitude, softened a bit as he felt his sister's relief.
**Bia** (relieved, almost in tears): "Gustavo, you're okay! I was so worried..."
**Gustavo** (still confused but with a combative tone): "Of course I'm fine! Just... just don't remember how the fight ended. Where's the guy? I was going to finish him off..."
**Bia** (laughing, still holding her brother): "Zeki took care of it, as always. But you did great, Gustavo. Just try not to get hurt so much next time, okay?"
**Gustavo** (with a mischievous smile, trying to mask his relief): "Pff, I don't need anyone's help. But... thanks, Bia."
The group was reunited once again, but they knew this was just one battle among many to come. The journey to become stronger and earn the elves' trust was only beginning.