Isadora, Bia, and Gustavo sat in a corner of the elves' village, still recovering from their recent battles. Bia was beside her brother, worried about everyone's condition but determined not to show any weakness. Gustavo, always the joker, tried to mask his frustrations with jokes and teasing, while Isadora, with her tough personality, was already thinking about their next steps to become stronger.
**Isadora (determined):** "We need to get stronger. That last fight showed us we've still got a lot of work to do."
**Bia (worried but determined):** "I know... But we need time. And honestly, I think we all need more training."
**Gustavo (impatient, with an ironic smile):** "Oh, big surprise! You always say that, Isadora. The question is: how?"
Isadora looked at Gustavo with a determined glint in her eyes. She knew exactly how they could improve their skills and wasn't going to waste time with doubts.
**Isadora (with a slight sarcastic smile):** "Actually, I have the perfect place for that. My family owns a training area. It's well-equipped, safe, and... private. Perfect for us to prepare better."
**Gustavo (crossing his arms with a teasing smile):** "Oh, of course! The rich girl with her private gym! Why am I not surprised?"
**Isadora (with a challenging smile):** "Exactly. And you know what? Maybe that 'private gym' is exactly what you need to learn how not to get beaten up so much, Gustavo."
**Gustavo (responding provocatively):** "Oh, sure! Because training in a place full of fancy equipment is gonna teach me not to get crushed by guys like Amendonin!"
**Bia (interjecting, trying to calm the situation):** "Hey, hey, calm down, you two. This could actually be a good idea. And, Gustavo, you know Isadora's just trying to help."
**Gustavo (with a crooked smile, still teasing):** "I know, Bia. But you know how it is... I can't pass up a chance to mess with our 'heiress' here."
**Isadora (rolling her eyes but still in good humor):** "And I can't pass up a chance to show you how much you need to improve, Gustavo. Now, if you guys are up for it, we can start training there tomorrow. Unless you'd rather stay in the 'getting beaten up club.'"
**Gustavo (accepting the challenge with a grin):** "Alright, alright. I'm in. But if I end up showing you some tricks, I expect a thank you afterward, got it?"
**Isadora (sarcastically):** "Don't hold your breath, Gustavo."
**Bia (smiling, trying to keep the mood light):** "I just hope you two don't kill each other during the training."
With that, the three continued discussing the details of the training, with Isadora explaining more about the location and how she planned to help them improve. Despite Gustavo's teasing, it was clear that they were all committed to getting stronger, knowing that the challenges they would face in the future would be even greater.
The four — Zeki, Gustavo, Bia, and Isadora — were ready to depart, standing in front of the elf leader in one of the central courtyards of the village. The area around them still bore signs of the recent battles, but the presence of the elves, organizing and restoring the place, was a clear sign that everything would soon return to normal.
**Elf Leader (with a respectful but still serious look):** "You've done more than we could have expected. For that, I thank you on behalf of all my people. My distrust of humans has lessened considerably, thanks to your actions."
**Zeki (bowing slightly in respect):** "We're grateful for the opportunity to prove our intentions, leader. And we're glad we could help."
The elf leader nodded, but Gustavo, who was standing a bit apart, observed with a less friendly expression. He glanced around, noticing that the leader's son wasn't present, which didn't escape his attention.
**Gustavo (with a tone of disdain):** "Funny, isn't it? The chief's son didn't even show up to say goodbye. Guess he didn't like us much..."
**Isadora (sarcastic but with an amused smile):** "Oh, stop being so dramatic, Gustavo. He probably got beaten up worse than you against Amendonin. Just avoiding the humiliation."
**Bia (chuckling softly, trying to ease the tension):** "Well, maybe, since Gustavo was passed out... it was a lot for everyone."
**Gustavo (grumbling):** "Oh, go to hell... Something about that guy just didn't sit right with me. I don't know, I just didn't like him."
The elf leader, who had been listening to the conversation without intervening, finally responded with a slight expression of understanding.
**Elf Leader (calmly):** "My son is still young and has much to learn. He was injured in the battle, but responsibility and leadership come with time. Perhaps one day, he will be able to see humans as I am beginning to."
**Zeki (adding in a pacifying tone):** "Change takes time, both for humans and elves. The battle against Amendonin was a big step, but there's much more ahead."
**Isadora (shrugging, with a teasing smile):** "Maybe we'll have to give him some lessons next time. Who knows, he might learn to have a little more fun."
Gustavo chuckled, appreciating Isadora's teasing, but still keeping his guard up regarding the leader's son.
**Elf Leader (with a slight smile):** "Who knows? The journey is long and unpredictable. I wish you all safety and strength to face whatever lies ahead. And if you ever need it, our village will be open to welcome you again."
The four nodded in thanks and began to walk away, ready for the next stage of their journey. Gustavo still wore a thoughtful expression, while Isadora and Bia chatted animatedly about the next steps. Zeki, always calm and analytical, kept his thoughts focused on what might come next, aware that the battle with Amendonin and his followers might not have been the last.