**Chapter 9: An Uneasy Encounter**

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The elves were known as a peaceful race, living in harmony with nature and each other. But when outsiders trespassed into their territory, their demeanor could quickly shift from serene to vigilant. Grey was well aware of this as he cautiously approached the injured elf. Glimmer, hovering nearby, wobbled anxiously, sensing the tension in the air.

The elf was a female, her long silver hair matted with dirt and blood from her wounds. Despite her injuries, she was alert, her emerald eyes narrowed in suspicion as she aimed an arrow directly at Grey. Her grip on the bow was steady, belying the pain she must have been feeling.

"Are you okay?" Grey asked, keeping his voice calm and non-threatening. He raised his hands slightly to show that he meant no harm, though he knew that his goblin appearance did him no favors in this situation.

The elf didn't lower her weapon. Instead, she regarded Grey with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice soft but firm. "And what are you doing in our territory?"

Grey knew that one wrong move could turn this encounter deadly. He had no desire to start a fight, especially with someone as skilled as an elf archer. "I don't want any trouble," Grey said, slowly backing away. "I'll leave."

As he began to turn, the elf suddenly lowered her bow. "Wait," she said, her voice softer now. "Who are you? And… where is the four-armed bear?"

Grey paused and turned back to face her. "I killed it," he said simply.

The elf's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible," she muttered, shaking her head. "That bear was far too strong for a goblin to defeat."

Grey knew she wouldn't believe him without proof. "Come with me," he offered. "I'll show you the body."

With a hesitant nod, the elf followed Grey back to the clearing where the bear's massive corpse lay. The sight of the fallen beast left the elf momentarily speechless. She approached the bear's body, her eyes filled with awe and confusion.

"You really did kill it," she murmured, her fingers brushing against the bear's fur. After a moment, she turned back to Grey, her expression softening. "May I take the bear's corpse? It will provide us with much-needed resources."

Grey considered her request. He had no use for the bear's body now that the fight was over, and it would be wise to maintain some goodwill with the elves. "Sure, take it," Grey replied. "But I need a favor in return."

The elf raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what would that be?"

"I need to pass through the Forest of Silence," Grey explained. "Can you grant me permission to do that?"

The elf frowned, her gaze turning thoughtful. "I'm not authorized to make that decision," she admitted. "Only the Queen can grant such permission."

"Then can you ask her for me?" Grey pressed.

The elf hesitated, then nodded. "I will speak to the Queen. But it will take some time for me to return to the capital and deliver your request. You will need to wait here in the outskirts for at least a week."

Grey considered this. A week wasn't long, but it was a delay he hadn't anticipated. Still, he had little choice if he wanted to pass through the forest without attracting more trouble. "I can wait," he agreed.

The elf gave a slight bow of gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding. I will return with the Queen's decision in one week."

As the elf began the arduous task of preparing the bear's body for transport, Grey and Glimmer moved back to the outskirts of the forest. There, they would continue their training and preparation while awaiting the elf's return. The encounter had been tense, but Grey knew that he had handled it well. Now, all that remained was to see what the Queen would decide.

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