( Chapter 11 : Falling in love with her )
Note : It is not advisable to skip any phrases or words in this chapter . It is best to read carefully .
It was autumn now . A year was about to end soon , and only a year left to the completion of their engagement . Ren was sitting on a bench in the mansion's garden . He was sitting with his legs open , bending over the gap , with his fingers inter-locked in a criss-cross way . He was thinking deeply about the certain matters . Pirika was walking by then , she saw Ren and walked over .
Pirika sat by Ren's side quietly , watching him intently . Ren did not notice Pirika , only when Pirika sneezed in a petite way . In a motion , Ren sat up and gazed directly into Pirika's eyes . Pirika also gazed into Ren's eyes . They seemed to be reading what the other was thinking , how was the other . Ren broke the contact and looked into the darkness of the forest-garden . Pirika's eyes melted into a gentle gaze at Ren , observing him . He seems to be troubled .
" Ren-kun , what happenned ? "
" Nothing important . " he answered not looking at her , watching the silent movements in the dark forest .
There was no use to continue asking , he did not wish to tell it . It was something he did not want her to interferr . Pirika did not ask on . She looked at Ren with concern , then accompanied him to look into the forest .
" Let's take a walk in the forest . " Ren said in a serious tone , standing up , looking at Pirika .
" Mmm Mmm " Pirika replied , getting up briefly and dusting her skirt .
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Both of them proceeded into the forest . As they strided towards the forest , the trees departed to show a path winding through . Ren and Pirika paced through there . Pirika was walking behind Ren then . The place was scarcely lit up . Soft beams of the full and slightly violet moon spreaded over the forests , giving a quaint and elegant feel to the soul of the forest . Ren paced on , his glaring eyes silently observing the night forest . Pirika walked behind him , watching the beautiful plants and slight movements of the animals . Then they reached a pine fortress .
The pine fortress was a magnificent place which the most efficient engineers , carvers , artists , planners took five years to complete it . It was a master piece . The fortress consisted of three hour-glass shaped buildings , solely made out of pine wood . They did not have any roofs , their tops were an exposed circle . Intricate designs were skilfully carved on the outer walls of these buildings . The three buildings were positioned to form a triangle . They were connected together by thin threads of glass passages , drawing the dots into a full triangle . It was a marvel of skill , technology and shrewd thinking .
Pirika was astonished by the sight of the enchanting place . A pine fortress , a precious secret hidden by the forest . Positioned in the heart of the forest , surrounded by lush trees and the chorus of forest sounds .
" Pirika , follow up . " Ren said turning his head around after he did not notice the shuffling of feet behind him .
They went up to one of the glass passages . ( Do note that Ren and Pirika's relationship had improved dramatically since the previous chapters concerning them . Ren treats Pirika as a worthy companion and Pirika treats Ren as her husband .) Pirika did not dare to walk into the thin glass tube . Yes it looked gorgeous but it seems impossible for it to support her weight , not to mention Ren's weight too . Then Pirika saw as Ren was about to step into the tube passage , she pulled onto his arm .
" Ren-kun , don't walk on it . I think it is very dangerous . "
" Pirika , the engineers have designed it to almost absolute perfection . It will be okay . " Ren replied in a serious telling tone .
" Come on Pirika . " Ren took hold of Pirika's hand and pulled her along .
Pirika followed mindlessly and saw that the glass passage could really support their weight . She took each step gingerly and carefully . What lies below was a valley of blackness . The passages were not secured to the buildings , so they were dangling in the air , supported by the ends which were tied to the sides of the buildings . The passage rocked gently as Ren took Pirika to the middle of the passage . Then he stoppped there .
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Beyond them through the glass was the whole of the forest , dark yet active . Ren looked through the window , Pirika too was taking in the view . Then a strong breeze passed by . The entire tube construct shook violently . Pirika was throw off guard to the side of the tube , she hit the glass panel very hard . Ren got to her swiftly , helping her to get up . Then on the midway of Pirika trying to stand up , a mighty wind pushed the tube into a high swing . The glass panel which Pirika hit started to crack under the pressure . Pirika had difficulties getting up , the glass was too smooth to do so . Following that came a series of very strong cold autumn winds , bending the tube from their continuous attack .
Then the cracked glass panel shattered into a thousand pieces , exploding to the outside . Pirika was dragged out the gap by the suction force , but Ren held onto her hand . Pirika was now flying like a rag doll in the wind now . Ren was trying his very best to pull her back but could not manage to do so , still he kept a secure grip to her hands . Pirika was very frightened , and when Ren saw that his heart felt desperately depressed . He did love her after all . Ren was going nearer and nearer to the hole now , but still he refused to let go . Pirika saw this and her heart heaved with notions of love , despair and utter heart wrenching sadness .
I love him , only now do I realise it . And it's already too late .
" Ren-kun , let go , it's no use . "
" No , I will never do so . "
" Please Ren-kun . I cannot bear to see you die . '
" Neither can I . "
Pirika looked into Ren's eyes with a despair . She tried to pull her hand off with the other but Ren still held on determined . Then , the winds finally stopped their howling . The abrupt stop of the winds also ended the suction force , the passage suddenly swung boldly to the other way , boasting its freedom from the winds . When the passage swung the other way , Pirika was pulled roughly into the tube by the force of the passage's movement . She was finally safe , her fingers still interlocked with Ren's . Pirika hugged Ren and he returned the hug . The passage gave another mild swing toppling Ren over Pirika . Pirika laughed , they were finally out of danger now . Ren looked at her queerly and gazed into her eyes . Pirika also stopped laughing and looked into Ren's eyes in her naturally cute manner . Ren leaned down and kissed Pirika on the lips . Pirika was momentarily surprised but returned his kiss after .
Ren broke the kiss and looked at Pirika . She looked fazed by the events , her cheeks were white from cold but her eyes were still a warming blue . He rubbed her cheeks . His hand returned to his side .
" Let's go then Pirika . It's late . "
" Okay Ren-kun . Mmmm , I wish to eat mushroom soup ! "
And so , they walked back to the mansion . Ren smiled .
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This is not the end of the story yet . I would also like to give thanks to all reviewers . Adding to that , I apologize for the inconsistency of paragraphing by which I did not place for the previous chapters . Sorry about that . Thanks to all readers and reviewers sincerely . I would not be able to update very soon , it may take a long time . I'm very sorry but I've got plenty of school work to complete recently . ( Jamier )