On planet Ox, we have what we call "districts". In each district, elf houses surround a giant tree. I live in district 3 of the city of Ladaag 2. Each district is separated by rivers, fields, gardens, and farms.
The village chief's house, stands on the highest branch. It shows honor, reputation, and power while Evils say it is a way to look down and mock the lower elves who live below.
The chief's family and the rich elves build their houses along the trunk and branches of the tree. Each house has windows and sturdy balconies. All connected by wooden stairs that spiral around the tree. These stairs climb from one level to the next, reaching all the way to the highest branch where the chief's house stands.
In Ox If your house is on the ground, it means you are a poor and low class elf.
My feet step downward, each wooden stair makes a small creaking sound. The wood is old, damp, and almost rotten from the rain.
A few young elves ran up and down past me. Adult elves like me must be careful. falling from this height would be a dumb way to die, I have already decided to die at the holiest place on Ox.
I stop for a moment remembering something, that elves have long lives. Thank you for reminder.
I just met Ziek, the chief of District 3. I reported to him that I would take a spiritual journey to Mount Duabonnir. Some elves do this because the tomb of Duabonnir lies on the shoulder of that mountain.
"I didn't know you were so religious," Ziek said while sipping his tea.
I did not answer. I simply looked out the window toward the mountain.
"Vill, you should pray more often. You look very depressed," he continued, setting his tea glass down on the table between us.
"You should pray a lot and return to how you used to be. We spent money on you to become a winner, not a loser."
Hearing his words, I stood up abruptly and smirked
"At least I am not a killer to gain a cheap position! Oops, I meant chief position" I yelled.
Ziek's face turned bright red. The air temperature dropped to a killing cold and green sparks of light came from his hands when he was ready to use his magic I rushed out.
He was right, I was a loser
...
The reason elves build their villages around a tree is simple. The tree brings life. Their lush leaves form a canopy that creates a cool atmosphere, especially during summer. The trunk also produces thick, sweet honey, save food for daily and lean season.
The average height of the trees in several districts is around 300 meters, with massive trunks. You can imagine how tall those trees are. On planet Ox, this is normal. Some trees in the forests are even bigger, while others are smaller.
Elves who live in forests with dense trees have a different village system. Elves who live near the coast, far from tall shady trees, also build their villages in a different way. Their way of living is not the same as city elves like me.
I close the door of my house without locking it. There is nothing valuable inside except spices that I use to make medicine. If another elf wants to steal them, I do not mind.
All the houses in District 3 are built from wood, including my house, poor and rich are the same, the only difference is the size and style of the house.
I wave to a few of my neighbors. They know I am going to the mountain, but they do not know that I will never come back.
"Be careful on your journey," they say.
I only carry a light backpack, a bow, and several sharp arrows made entirely of iron. I put them in a quiver and sling it across my back.
I also bring my thick cloak to protect me from the cold air.
First, I must go to the city of Ladaag 1. That is where the base of Mount Duabonnir is located. It will be the starting point of my journey.
Long ago, before modernization, elves used to run everywhere with our strong legs. Now elves can travel far by riding hot air balloons.
But these balloons are not available in every district. They only exist in larger districts, like District 4. So I must walk along the old road, crossing wheat fields and a bridge with a strong river below, just to reach District 4.