I arrived at District 4 on time. Now I am at the hot air balloon airport. Many colorful balloons are here. Some are landing, and some are taking off according to schedule.
I stand at Terminal A, just arrive as the pilot prepares his balloon. The old elf opens his palm and a small flame appears in his hand. Then he gently blows the flame toward the burner so it can heat the air inside of the large balloon. It takes a few minutes before the balloon is ready to float. One balloon basket can carry about 20 elves, including one the pilot.
"It's rare to see an elf use their power these days."
One female elf praises the pilot. This is not really something new. Elves on Ox have many different abilities and powers. But times have changed, and most elves no longer use them.
The pilot chuckles. "I ran out of matches, so I just used my power."
All the elves around me fall silent after hearing his answer.
.
The trip from District 4 to the city of Ladaag 1 takes about two hours. Not everyone with me plans to visit Mount Duabonnir, most of them only want to visit Ladaag 1 for fun.
When we arrive in Ladaag 1, the balloon lands smoothly on a landing platform. Each elf pays five silver coins for the ride.
Now I stand in the heart of planet Ox. This is the most modern city and also the center of the government of Ox. It is also the place where Duabonnir was born and where he died. And on the peak of that mountain is the place where I plan to end everything and forget my depression.
If you think the most modern city on planet Ox is dry and full of neon lights everywhere, you are wrong.
The city of Ladaag 1 is built inside a dense forest. The trees are huge, tall, and close together across the entire area. Not a single tree is cut down to build a structure. Every building follows the natural shape of the land. So the leaves form a natural roof that covers almost the entire sky of the city making sunlight enters softly through the gaps in the leaves and creates a warm atmosphere.
I walk into the city along a pedestrian path that follows a winding river with clear and calm water. Differences in height create small waterfalls in several places.
All kinds of elves gather here. The place feels very crowded, unlike the quiet districts out there. Some elves walk slowly along the path, either alone or with their families.
Houses, hospitals, cafés, restaurants, and other city facilities are arranged neatly throughout the area, almost every building has walls covered with climbing plants, decorated with hanging lamps everywhere.
My eyes stop on a round building with a beautiful glass dome roof, climbing plants wrap neatly around the walls, some pink and purple flowers grow there too, it is the library and information center of Ladaag 1.
When I open the wooden door, a small bell near the entrance rings automatically. I walk inside. The library is quite busy with visitors, but the reception area is empty.
Today a male dwarf elf is working at the reception desk. He is one of the elf types on Ox. He sits on a chair with very tall chair legs. His ears are pointed like other elves, but his body is small. He also wears a green color cone shaped hat on his head
I glance at the small name tag on his clothes and quietly read it. "Louvel."
Louvel is drinking hot chocolate when I walk closer. I stand in front of the reception desk.
"What's your name?" Louvel says without looking at me. He sounds a little annoyed. Maybe because I disturbed him while he was drinking his hot chocolate.
"Vill."
"Oh." He glances at me before taking another sip of his drink.
I stand there awkwardly. "What's wrong with my name?"
Louvel finally looks at me. From my simple clothes, the bow and arrows on my back he can tell that I come from a district.
"You know my name, so I should know yours too. Do you think I didn't see you reading my name tag?" he says calmly.
I feel even more awkward. This dwarf elf is annoying. I clear my throat. "I'm going to Mount Duabonnir."
"And?" Louvel raises his eyebrow.
I stay silent for a moment and scratch my head even though it doesn't itch.
"Uh... and... by the way, can you help me? This is my first trip."
"Do you want me to carry you there, Dill?" His small hand slams the desk. Oh wow, Nothing happens. Not a single object on the desk falls.
"Vill, not Dill. What? No! I mean, what should I-" Before I finish my sentence, Louvel takes a folded map from the brochure holder on the desk and give it tu me.
"Take this map. Just follow the path and go."
Louvel waves his hand like he is shooing me away. He looks a little calmer now after drinking his hot chocolate again.
...
Now I sit on a park bench. A river flows on my left. On my right is a small apple tree, and next to it is the walking path.
Both of my hands hold the map open. From what I see, to reach the mountain from here I must first walk to Shamot. It is a part of Ladaag 1 where most buildings hang from the trees instead of standing on the ground.
In Shamot, there is the gate to Mount Duabonnir.
After that, I just need to sneak past the barrier and the forest guards to reach the peak of Duanne