As Ravi approached the gates of Etheria, two guards came forward, their armor shining in the sun. Their faces were hidden behind heavy helmets, but their stances were upright, their hands on the hilts of their swords. One of them held up a hand, commanding Ravi to halt.
"Halt," said the guard, his voice covered by the helmet. "State your purpose."
Ravi pulled back his hood, showing his face and then said "I have come to see the Born Tower with my newborn son," he explained, his voice steady but assertive. "As instructed by the Elders."
The guard moved in, his gaze narrowing as he examined Ravi. "The Born Tower, you say? And what does a man of the forest have to do there?"
Ravi's jaw clenched, but he maintained his level tone. "The Elders called for me. My son's presence is needed."
The guard exchanged a glance with his companion, who gave a slight nod. "The Elders, huh?" the first guard muttered, his tone shifting from suspicion to reluctant respect. "Very well. But you'll need to pay the entry tax."
Ravi dipped into his pouch and produced the coins, his actions slow. The guard counted them rapidly before moving aside. "Go on. But keep that child close. The streets of Etheria are no place for the unprepared."
Ravi nodded, his hold on AAdi tightening reflexively. He spurred his horse on, riding through the gates and into the thronging city beyond.
The air was heavy with the smell of freshly baked bread, spices, and the acrid tang of metal from the blacksmiths' forges. The streets were filled with activity—merchants arranging their stalls, children weaving in and out of the crowds, and soldiers marching with practiced ease.
The Transport Tower
Etheria was divided into five regions: Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. There were four entrance gates, and each of these gates had a transport tower where one could decide the destination. Ravi had entered the fourth gate, and he proceeded towards the transport tower.
Within, the air was cold and thick with the soft buzzing of magical energy. A receptionist sat at a highly polished wooden desk, her smile being warm and professional.
"Hi sir, morning. How can I assist you?" she greeted.
"I need to go to the central region of Etheria. How much will it be?" Ravi asked.
"It will be about 300 silver coins for fast travel, which will take about one day. The slower option will take about three to four days and costs 125 silver coins," the receptionist explained.
Ravi paused for a moment, considering his choices. The quicker route would bring him to Lumina sooner, but it also meant traveling high above the clouds—a path that made him feel vulnerable. Nevertheless, he couldn't spare the time. The Great Elder's calls were not something to be taken lightly.
"Alright, then here is the money," Ravi said, producing the coins.
"Thanks. Go forward and turn right at the second flight," the receptionist told me.
The Journey to Lumina
In Etheria, travel was done by two mediums: road and air. Ravi chose the air travel option, which was much faster and involved flying over the clouds to the central part of Etheria. The journey was smooth, the air crisp and cool as they soared above the landscape. AAdi slept soundly in Ravi's arms, undisturbed by the motion.
One day later, Ravi and AAdi arrived at the heart of Etheria. At sunrise, the warm golden light spreading across the horizon, the little caravan moved toward the city gates of Lumina, the great capital of Etheria. The three-day-old infant lay nestled in the arms of its father, seemingly sensing the magnificence before it. There was the scent of blooming flowers in the air and the distant hum of city life stirring.
The towering walls of Lumina, embossed with finer carvings and glistening in the break of day light, whispered secrets of a well-storied past and guarantee of protection from within. On the other side of the gates, the alive streets lay sprawled out before them, boasting a city vibrant with life. Merchants unloading their vendors' stalls chattered with gusto, while calls of the wares mingling with the notes of street players tuning up resounded in chorus.
As they walked through the gates, Ravi looked around with a combination of wonder and resolve. The wide avenues with towering trees and the beautiful buildings depicted a scene of affluence and culture. The Great Lumina River, shining in the morning sun, flowed through the center of the city, its waters reflecting the grandeur of the buildings that towered along its shores.
As he rode deeper into the city, Ravi's gaze swept over the towering structures that defined Etheria. The Born Tower stood in the distance, its spire piercing the sky like a needle. Nearby, the War Tower loomed, its dark stone walls a stark contrast to the gleaming white of the Born Tower. To the east, the Teleport Tower hummed with energy, its crystal core glowing faintly even in the daylight. And to the west, the foreboding Curse Tower hung a dark shadow over the city, a warning of the dark powers that threatened the world.
The streets were filled with activity. Humans wandered back and forth with their great beasts—some guided dragons with glinting scales, others walked with griffins, their wings folded neatly at their sides. Magical creatures of all sorts mixed with the people, weaving a tapestry of magical life.
Kids ran around in the parks and squares, laughing and shouting. They ran circles around fountains that shot streams of shimmering water, and some sat on the backs of small, friendly dragons. The colorful scene was alive with the exuberant energy of youth and the magic of living in such a wonderful place.
Upon entering the Artisan's Quarter, they were met with the pungent smell of fresh bread and the sound of rhythmic clanging of blacksmiths at their furnaces. Artisans displayed their magical items, ranging from enchanted jewelry to finely crafted weapons that shone with otherworldly light.
The Born Tower
"Let's proceed directly to the Born Tower. I guess you should be hungry, isn't it?" Ravi told AAdi, who was resting in his arms after eating his food.
As they entered the Born Tower, they were met by a welcoming and hospitable waiting lobby. The floor was covered in colorful mosaics illustrating mythical magical moments, and the atmosphere buzzed with a soothing aura of magic. Soft seating areas, complete with comfortable cushions and intricately carved wooden chairs, were set out across the area. A cheerful receptionist behind the desk smiled and offered help, pointing visitors to their destinations.
Ravi stepped toward the receptionist's desk. "I come by order of the Great Elder," he announced.
"Yes, the Elder spoke to me about your visit. This way," the receptionist said.
They proceeded toward the lift located at the middle of the lower section of the Born Tower and ascended towards the uppermost end of the tower.
Climbing the lift up to the first floor, they entered into the Grand Library. This large but intimate room was dominated by towering bookshelves that were filled with ancient books and scrolls. Soft, mystical light streamed through magical windows, filling the room with a peaceful atmosphere ideal for reading. Scholars and beginning magicians sat at huge wooden tables, silently immersed in their books, while magical creatures called Book Sprites darted about, bringing books and helping visitors. The library radiated tranquility and wisdom, open to everyone who wished to study and expand their magical potential.
A bit higher up, they encountered the Novice Magicians' Quarters, a vibrant floor where young magicians honed their craft with the tutelage of experienced instructors. This floor was alive with the ring of incantations and the appearance of magical experiments, a dynamic and instructive setting. Next, they came across the Portal Room, where there were several doors that led people to different locations in the world of Dracoria, each portal with a distinct color of light and protected by attentive sentinels.
Above, the Staff Quarters was a serene haven for the tower's devoted staff, with comfortable rooms and lounges for relaxation. The most critical floor, the Meeting and Judgment Hall, occupied the top position. This large chamber was where important decisions were made and high-level meetings conducted. The chamber had beautiful tapestries and a big, round table where Etheria's most powerful wizards gathered to discuss matters of great significance. The whole tower had an aura of old wisdom and rich life, symbolizing the center of magical research and practice in Lumina.
The lift came to a halt at the floor where the meeting room was situated. Ravi got out and proceeded to the meeting room.
As he reached, the big doors of the room opened automatically, and Ravi entered the room, viewing the grand sight.
Ravi has reached the meeting place.