Formal Introductions

His office is at the very entrance of the town, it almost feels like it is a checkpoint of sorts so the actual town still isn't visible. He opened the door and went in and Zeke immediately followed suit.

The office looks very rustic, like a cabin in the woods, it looks almost homey for an office. He sat on the chair behind his desk that was too big for his size and he gestured Zeke to sit on the chair in front of his table.

"Ahem. Now that we're here let's get acquainted with each other," he said while looking at a file, "you are to take over the farm you bought from our ad online just last night am I correct?"

When Zeke didn't respond he lifts up his gaze from the file and looked at his state of disorientation.

"Ah yes pardon my straightforwardness, I forget, I'm usually more accommodating," he tapped his chin while smiling, " Just a lot of preparations and papers to do for your moving in today."

"First allow me to introduce myself, I am Roarke Luxernium the Mayor of Loneharv, but you may just simply call me Mayor," he said with distinctive grace, "I understand that it is perplexing for a human like you to see someone like me, but please allow me to enlighten you."

"We are an anthropomorphic race which lived in the secret town of Loneharv away from the prying eyes of humanity since time immemorial. We are called Lumen."

"Loneharv is town interconnected to various realms, towns or worlds of different species of Lumen. The sole purpose of the existence of Loneharv is to the bridge of the link of our world to yours, as this town is the only realm that can establish a certain connection to your world."

"If you have any questions you can ask them now."

Zeke blinked twice then cleared his throat.

"Why are you people letting in someone like me?"

"Because it is you who answered our call of need."

"What call of need?" he thought to himself.

"What's with all the secrecy when i bought my farm?"

"There are no secrets, we fully intend to disclose everything once a human has been chosen to stay here."

"What's gonna happen now?"

"You will get the answer for that question tomorrow when you officially start your farm life and it is getting a little bit late," he turned to look at his window.

"Alright, now that you're a little bit familiarized with everything here I will ask you to sign a contract of ownership for the farm and all the obligations along with it," he said as he handed you a paper and pen, "I circled the part where you need to sign your name in printed letters"

"I hereby declare that I..

Ivo, Zeke,

shall accept all the responsibilities and obligations of being a farmer in Loneharv. I promise that I will do everything in my power to make my homestead flourish and bring Loneharv prosperity."

After reading the message below Zeke officially signed the contract. He gave it back to the Mayor and in turn the Mayor looked through it and smiled.

"Well, now that's settled allow me to officially congratulate you for becoming a farmer and a citizen of Loneharv," he extended his hand for a handshake and Zeke complied, "I know that you are very eager to see your farm but it is inadvisable to start trekking now as it takes five whole hours to get to the city and another hour to get to the farm."

"For now, stay the night here and we will reconvene tomorrow"

"Erasmus! help our guest find his quarters please."

An anthropomorphic horse who's wearing what looks like butler garments emerged from the door behind the mayor.

"As you wish master," he bowed to the Mayor and turned towards you. "Greetings Master Zeke, I am Erasmus Belhaven, pleasure to make you acquaintance," he gave a slight bow, which looked as elegant as he does.

"Master Zeke, if you would please follow me," he said before Zeke got the chance to reply. He started walking in a refined manner as he followed him.

As they both walk through the hallway Zeke ended up seeing more of the building. Various paintings are hung up on the wall that gives a nice ambiance of refinement. The walls that are made of hardwood gives off that simple rustic vibe and the brown carpet that's on the floor is a nice finishing touch.

The horse-like Lumen finally stopped at the end of the hallway. "This will be your room for the night Master Zeke" he started, "if you need any assistance or help at all just press the small button behind the door of your room. Now, if you'll excuse me Sir, have a good night." he bowed deeply one last time then left.

"What a busy guy," Zeke thought to himself while looking at the gentleman walk away, maintaining a natural sophistication with every steps he take.

Zeke went inside the room and flopped into the bed tiredly. What a long day. The amount of unbelievable stuff that happened to him today is almost overwhelming think about for an ordinary person like him. He tried to sort things in his head but ultimately failed because of the exhaustion that didn't fully envelop him until now. Almost instantly, he fell into a deep sleep.

Zeke woke up feeling refreshed. He hasn't felt this good after waking up for a very long time. The morning rays of the sun is already shining through the window of his room. He took his time to gather his thoughts, trying to make sense of the recent events that has happened to him. He's still in the a room of the Mayor's office and is clearly not dreaming, but now isn't really the time to make sense of anything so he focused on one thing that really matters. He's officially gonna start his life as a farmer today!

He got out of the bed and went to the bathroom to do his morning routine stuff. He looked into the mirror then proceeds to wash his face.

Once he's done examining himself he looked into his bag to find some clothes to wear then finally got out of his room.

As he was about to close the door Erasmus is already there beside door, standing and diligently waiting for him.

"Good morning Master Zeke," he said while giving Zeke a gentle smile, "this way please."

Without wasting any time he followed him.

"Good morning Zeke, I trust you had a well-rested sleep?" the Mayor asked as soon as he got into his office.

He nodded. "Yes, thank you."

"Alright," he looked at his watch, "come, the carriage is already waiting for us outside.

"Carriage?" Zeke asked, tilting his head a bit.

"Yes, we don't use those vehicles that you humans call 'automobiles'. It is much more efficient in this town and isn't harmful to our environment."

Zeke followed the Mayor outside and saw two guys in front of the said carriage. They are a race of Lumen that looks to be similar to Erasmus and they're not wearing any top garment. Their bulging and sturdy muscles are out in the open air and their bodies glistening with sweat. As Zeke unintentionally 'assess' their manly figure the ebony skinned equine noticed his stare and looked directly into his eyes and smiled devilishly, holding his gaze.

Zeke blushed furiously, feeling a little embarrassed by how he unconsciously checked out the guy, he looked away then turned his focus on the mayor.

"Are they our bodyguards or something?" Zeke asked the Mayor, while clearing his throat.

"Yes, and no," he responded and stopped walking to look at him.

"As you can probably tell we don't have animals here like you humans do," he continued, "we all do the hard work ourselves and in this case the people who are going to be hauling our carriage are their race, the "Equinekind". Like Erasmus, their kind are suited for hard labor because of their immense natural strength." he turned around and continued walking to the carriage."

Zeke caught up with him. "Well, how about meat? How do you guys get some? Do you even eat meat?" Zeke asked hurriedly, "hang on, don't tell me you guys eat each other?!"

The Mayor chuckled with an amused expression. "Well, we have certain plants and trees here that bears a kind of fruit called 'Grubfructus', so we procure meat from those, and this is why farmers are heavily needed here," he paused, "but in your case it's different and you will soon understand why once we get to your homestead.

"Hello Mayor!" the ivory horse Lumen greeted the Mayor then looked at Zeke, "hey there little guy!" he gave him a goofy smile. The ebony equine gave both you and the Mayor a nod of greeting.

"Zeke these two are going to be our carriage-runners, this is Lumos," he pointed at the white equine, "and this is Noxen." He pointed to the other equine.

They both nodded and smiled at Zeke and he smiled back.

"I hope you two had a good rest," Lumos said, "it's gonna be a long ride to Loneharv, so you guys ready?"

'Yes, let us depart," the Mayor said.

"Okay! go inside and buckle up let's go," Lumos replied.

Zeke and the Mayor went inside the carriage and made themselves comfortable. The two equines lifted up the wood that acts as a handle to pull the carriage and started running as fast as the horses back from the real world although the difference is, Lumen ran twice as fast while only using their bipedal legs.

The ride to Loneharv was smooth and fast and Zeke didn't even notice that they've arrived.

"We're here," Mayor said then got out of the carriage. Zeke followed him outside and he finally saw the place.

"Welcome to Loneharv, my child," the Mayor gestured elegantly at the place while Zeke stood there in awe absorbing every detail of the magical town. Every other anthro-race passersby are walking in the streets. There are food stands on the side of the brick roads and the children are playing beside the fountain in the middle of the plaza square. It all looks like a dream. Zeke couldn't help but sigh with happiness. This is everything that he's ever asked for, a peaceful warm place where he can finally belong. He smiled with genuine contentment.

"Ahem, are you still with me boy?" the Mayor said snapping him out of your reverie.

"U-uhm yes! Where shall we go now?" Zeke replied, while scratching the back of his head.

"First we shall stop at my head office to explain your situation and the responsibilities of having a farm and the danger it entails."

Zeke blinked, confused "the danger it entails? what does that mean?" he thought to himself.

"Then I shall introduce you to your personal farmhand assistant, and he will show you around while I work on acquiring your equipment which I will send to your farm tomorrow." Mayor further explained, "your assistant will also be the one who'll bring you to your farm so come, let's not waste anymore time."

Zeke followed the Mayor, and he's pretty sure that everything will be explained when they arrive at the Mayor's head office.