For the forest maze, go right and enter the Left path (first option), then continue right and take the Right path (third option). In the 3rd map, enter the path BEHIND you (where you just came from on the left side) and take the Right path. If memory serves correct, continue towards the right and enter the Middle path (second option) to get to the boss.
As for your second concern, I am stuck as well. Don't know how to enter the elf forest as the guard keeps kicking me out.
Would also like to know how to retrieve the blue (water?) orb after it is stolen. I've entered pretty much every map and completed all the dungeons except the elf forest and have not found the thief.
Edit: Just figured out how to enter the elf forest. You must first go meet the fairies on the right side of the world map and obtain the 10000 gold item from the right fairy. Then go back to the elf village and give that item to the sleeping blond girl (Leticia?). After that, you can enter the forest.