Hours had passed since Miguel had sent the letter to Elnar. He was in his room, focused on drawing the sketches of the mill. The soft late afternoon light illuminated the table, reflecting on the simple tools he used for work. The paper he had seemed rustic, but it served its purpose. Miguel was immersed in his thoughts and plans, tracing lines and curves with precision.

A gentle knock on the door pulled him from his concentration. He raised his head, blinking to adjust his eyes to reality. "Come in," he said, a bit curious about who it could be.

The door opened and the innkeeper entered, holding an envelope. "Good afternoon, sir. This is the response from the deer, Elnar," he said, extending the letter.

Miguel took the letter with gratitude. "Thank you," he said, feeling a mix of expectation and nervousness. He opened the envelope and began to read.

In the letter, Elnar wrote that Miguel was invited to dinner at his house that night. He mentioned that soon one of his employees would come to the inn to pick him up and that Miguel could bring some companions with him.

Miguel read the letter twice to make sure he wasn’t missing any detail. The invitation was an important opportunity, not just to discuss the sketches, but also to strengthen the trust relationship with the beast men.

“This is good news,” Miguel said, more to himself, but the innkeeper smiled, understanding the relief and hope in Miguel's voice.

“I’m glad you received a positive response,” said the innkeeper. “If you need anything else, I’ll be around.”

Miguel nodded. “Thank you very much for your help.”

With the letter in hand, Miguel began to think about whom to take with him. Ricardo, certainly, and maybe one or two soldiers to ensure safety. He knew he needed to be well-prepared for this meeting, both in terms of plans and behavior.

He sat back down at the table, looking at the sketches before him. The night promised to be long and full of important discussions, but he was ready. Each step brought him closer to his goal of helping his people and building a better future.

With a sigh, Miguel carefully put away the sketches and began to prepare for the next phase of his journey.

***

The afternoon was already turning into night when Elnar's employee arrived at the inn. Miguel, Ricardo, the little mage, and John were ready to leave, waiting anxiously in the lobby. The employee, a bipedal rabbit with a friendly expression, gave a slight bow upon entering.

“Baron, I’ve come to fetch you. Mr. Elnar is waiting,” he said, gesturing for the group to follow him.

They left the inn, and Miguel immediately began to observe the structure of the city around him. The houses were a fascinating mix of stone and wood. The stone constructions were solid and well-made, with smooth walls and arched windows that gave the city a fortress-like air. Among these stone structures, there were wooden houses with rustic charm, adorned with vines and flowers that added a touch of life and color to the streets.

The streets themselves were paved with perfectly fitted stones, forming a smooth and pleasant path to walk on. Miguel noticed how the stones varied in shades of gray and brown, reflecting the light of the torches that were beginning to be lit along the sidewalks. It was evident that the city of the beast men valued the harmony between the durability of stone and the natural beauty of wood.

As they walked, Miguel observed the activity around them. Beast men of various species were wrapping up their daily activities, some closing their shops while others chatted at their doorsteps. There was a strong and welcoming sense of community, something Miguel deeply appreciated.

The walk to Elnar's house was pleasant, and each detail of the city continued to surprise him. Finally, they reached a more wooded area of the city, where the houses seemed more spaced out and even more impressive. Elnar's residence stood out immediately.

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The facade of the deer's house was stunning. Built entirely of wood, the mansion looked like a natural extension of the trees around it. The walls were made of logs carved with intricate details, and the windows had frames of intertwined branches, giving the impression that the house had grown from the forest itself. The roof was covered with leaves and moss, completing the illusion that the house was a living part of the environment.

The house was not just a construction but a living work of art, perfectly integrated with nature. The front door, robust and decorated with detailed carvings of forest scenes, was open, and Elnar was standing at the entrance, waving them in.

“Welcome, Baron, and everyone else. Please, come in,” Elnar said with a welcoming smile. His voice had a calm and gentle tone, reflecting the serenity of his home.

Miguel felt a touch of admiration and respect as he entered the mansion. He knew that the night would be crucial for discussing the sketches and understanding the available resources, but he also felt deep gratitude for the hospitality they were receiving.

Accompanied by Elnar’s employee, the group crossed the threshold and entered the mansion. Miguel was eager to see the interior and discuss the plans, knowing that this was a unique opportunity to build a relationship of trust and collaboration with the beast men.

As they crossed the entrance, Miguel exchanged a glance with Ricardo, both aware of the importance of that moment. The little mage and John followed closely behind, equally impressed by the beauty and grandeur of the place.

Upon entering Elnar’s mansion, Miguel and his entourage were immediately greeted by an environment that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The interior was warm and elegant, blending rusticity with a sense of refined comfort. The main hall, where the meeting and dinner would take place, was especially enchanting.

The polished wooden floor gleamed under the soft light of the lamps hanging from the ceiling. The slightly arched ceiling was supported by robust wooden beams delicately carved, displaying patterns of leaves and branches that seemed to come alive in the firelight. At the center of the hall, a large stone fireplace dominated the room. The fire crackled warmly, filling the space with a comforting aroma of burning wood.

Near the fireplace, there were armchairs and sofas of leather and fabric, all richly decorated with embroidered cushions and wool blankets. A coffee table, made from a single piece of solid wood, was adorned with wildflower arrangements and lit candles, casting a soft, dancing glow throughout the room.

On the walls, shelves filled with ancient books and handcrafted objects showcased the cultural richness of the beast men. There were wooden sculptures depicting scenes of nature and wildlife, serene landscape paintings, and colorful tapestries that added a vibrant touch to the space.

Miguel noticed a large wooden dining table surrounded by chairs that looked equally comfortable and sturdy. The table was carefully set with silver cutlery, hand-painted ceramic plates, and crystal glasses. Everything was prepared for a meal that promised to be memorable.

Elnar, with a welcoming smile, guided the group to the hall. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. We will meet down here. Dinner will be served shortly.”

The entire environment seemed a perfect combination of elegance and simplicity, as if every detail had been thought out to create a sense of well-being and harmony. The high, arched ceiling gave a sense of spaciousness, while the carved beams and branch-framed windows brought nature inside.

Miguel was enchanted by the place. “Your home is incredible, Elnar. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said, admiring every detail.

“Thank you,” Elnar replied, visibly proud. “We want our guests to feel comfortable and welcome.”

Ricardo, John, and the little mage were also in awe. Ricardo approached Miguel and murmured, “This place is spectacular. In all my life as a knight, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

While waiting for dinner, Miguel approached the fireplace, feeling the comforting warmth and watching the flames dance. He knew that this night would be crucial, not just for discussing the mill sketches but also for strengthening the bonds of trust with Elnar and the other beast men.

With everyone settled in the cozy hall, the atmosphere was one of tranquility and anticipation. Miguel was ready to discuss the details of the sketches and hear what Elnar had to say about the available materials. But for now, he allowed himself to relax and appreciate the environment, feeling grateful for the hospitality and the chance to build something meaningful for the future of his people.

***

The table was meticulously set, and all the guests were comfortably seated, enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Elnar’s mansion. The conversation flowed smoothly as the flames from the fireplace cast dancing shadows on the carved wooden walls.

The deer, Elnar, returned to the hall accompanied by a few employees, each carrying a tray. They moved with grace and efficiency, placing a tray before each guest. As they lifted the lids from the trays, a delicious aroma filled the room: a steaming, fragrant vegetable broth.

The smell was irresistible, a blend of fresh herbs and well-cooked vegetables, promising a simple but comforting meal. The golden broth was filled with chunks of carrots, potatoes, onions, and other roots, harmoniously combined to create a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Elnar, with a hospitable smile, addressed his guests. “Please, feel free to start the meal. Once everyone is comfortable, Miguel and I will have a private conversation.”

Miguel smiled in gratitude, picking up the silver spoon beside his plate. “Thank you, Elnar. The soup looks wonderful.”

He took the first spoonful, savoring the rich and well-seasoned flavor of the broth. The food was comforting, warming him from the inside out. Ricardo, seated next to him, also tried the soup and looked at Miguel with approval. “This is incredible,” he murmured, savoring every bite.

The little mage Lila, still a bit shy, began to eat slowly, but her eyes showed satisfaction. John, on the other hand, seemed more at ease, already immersed in the meal and enjoying every bit.

The atmosphere was pleasantly tranquil, and everyone present seemed to relax as they enjoyed the meal. Miguel relished each spoonful, feeling renewed and energized. As he ate, he thought about the conversation he would have with Elnar and the details he would need to discuss about the materials for the mill.

When he finished eating, Miguel wiped his mouth with the napkin and looked at Elnar, who was finishing his own meal. He knew it was time to talk about the projects.

Ricardo, noticing Miguel’s movement, leaned in and whispered, “I’ll go with you, my lord.”

Miguel shook his head, smiling. “Thank you, Ricardo, but I’ll be fine. You should enjoy the meal and rest. I’ll be back soon.”

Ricardo seemed to hesitate for a moment but finally agreed. “All right, my lord. Just be careful.”

“Don’t worry,” Miguel replied, giving a reassuring pat on Ricardo’s shoulder.

Rising from the table, Miguel looked at Elnar and nodded, indicating that he was ready for the conversation. The deer nodded back and began to rise, ready to guide him to a more private location where they could discuss the details of the sketches and the materials needed for the mill.