Memory Of Light Waves

By Firestarr

Chapter Fourteen – Unseen Beauty

It took me some time to realize. That its a part of life to move one… Rui is right.. maybe like him and what he's been thru is nothing compared to what happened to me.. Vale watch sunset behind the trees that after noon her thoughts drifted thinking that it would be hopeless if she would keep on worrying everyday. Maybe it would be a big lie if I will try pretend I'm still searching and hoping to find Napchore to where he is.. Maybe what I've heard last night was true

Thinking al lot made Valenarr realize.. that it's a different time now , that afternoon just like any ordinary housemaid.. Vale would fetch a pil of water and mop the floor of the house. She would go to the well and fetch water to prepare for supper. The fishermen would pass and give her a fresh cath of fish from the market since the whole town knows her's as the monk's little wife. Everyone in town was kindred to her. She prepared the fresh fish and went to the market to et some garnish.. before the sunset.. Vale cooked Rui's meal and prepared his dinner .as sky became night Rui hasn't come home yet. Valenarr stared at the table .. Rui's meal became cold so instead she cleaned the table and took back the food and palced it ina small pot to keep it warm by the furnace.

Valenarr sighed, clutching in her sleeves on the table that evening while staring at the door way.

"Rui where are you you haven't come back it's late" she whispered maybe it was midnight she woke upn still he hasn't return.. Vale stood up and went into Rui's room she started to fix his bed and add acoupl of pillows " He could be tired when he comes home.. I'd better fix him a moist towels"

Her eyes began to be a bit heavy, valenarr boiled water and took out a couple of neat towels, she poured the warm water in basin and placed it at the bedside with the towel beside it.

She stared at the basin and smiled it is funny every body in town I would think that Rui and I were really married she thought and grasp hold of the towel Oh I I wish I could share this things to my future husband, I wish that day would come.. .. if its only it would be… Valenarr snaped away from her thoughts.. about her beloved Napchore, every thing has to stop and every thing has a new start she stood up and looked at the basin she saw her reflection at the water.. and what she saw is not a girl who used to be a wandering thief but her slef in ordinary clothes.

I am not what I used to be.. Vale sat by the door way and looked outside still no sign of Rui a couple of hours it would be dawn

Why am I staying with Rui? I can survive with out him?what has gotten into me why doi have to stay with him? Is it this kind of kindness he took me in? she thought and wondering why would she stay up to dawn to wait for the man the village would think that they were married.

Vale closed her eyes as it was beginning to be heavy she closed her eyes as she try to recall how did Napchore looked like.. but it came across her mind his face but it wasn't Napchore.. its brown eyes belong to the man who saved her in the stream.

"RUI!" she woke up and felt asleep for a moment there she became confused. Napchore and Rui has the same resemblance , it's the only thing she notice , "I'm just tired Rui hasn't returned " Valenarr locked the door but she still sat by the doorway and waited for Rui's return during the mid dawn until she felt asleep

Not for long the door opened. Rui stepped into a neat warm house He notice Valenarr felt asleep by the doorway. "Valenar…" he patted her shoulder but she was sound asleep.. mesmerized by the room . Rui notice vale was holdinga small towel. She must have prepare it and waited to give it to me , she took it from her hand.. Still fast asleep Rui some how smiled it was really sweet of her to wait for him to come home. " You silly tarou rat" he said and carried her and laid her on his bed " You deserve to sleep here" he said … he notice the basin.. it was filled with warm water she prepared this for me?" he thought, he took off his garment and soaked the towel withit and wiped his face…Rui sat beside valenarr while she was still fast asleep she took out his shoes. Just then he notice the whole house was clean spic and span ..and notice by the table was a small casket pot he checked it and notice there was a plateful of warm rice and freshly cooked fish

"This is some thing ..!" Rui was startled his meal was still warm and started to eat some how he can't help but smile and feel so grateful as if Valenarr was really his little wife , he watched her closely while he finished his meal that dawn. Rui sat beside her and watched her asleep .. "Valenarr……" he whispered " thank you… it was the second time someone showed me kindness inspite of what I've shown you.." he added. And somehow it felt warm as she stared at her. It was just then he notice she had a lovely smile while asleep. Rui loosened her hair and placed her legs neatly at the bed.

" That Assain must be lucky to have you for someone so loving and brave" he said while he brushed her hair fast asleep "every time I could hear yousay this napchore name. he must be a very lucky guy…"

"………………..Rui…" Valenarr moaned in her sleep.

"!" he was surpired Valenarr uttered his name

What is this you uttered my name?...you're such a priceless gem valenarr" he thought as she touched her cheeks and her hand for a moment there Rui felt Valennar's sweetness.

"this is what is like when you care for someone" he said.. as helie down beside valenarr.. it was like he have seen her hidden beauty Rui tooka msall pillow and slept beside her.

Then she uttered his name again.. His hear was pounding fast.. he can't help but he wrapped his arms around Valenarr , as unconsciously she twitched closer to his side and muttered his name.

Rui can smell her hair.. and she has the softest skin.. Rui embraced her tightly that night as he also then fell asleep.

The sunlight glimmered before her eyes , Valenarr woke up and found herself in rui's bed? "…ugh… have I fell asleep?" she thought ,

"Rui?... calling his name "he must have returned this dawn maybe I fell I asleep and he brought me to bed.. …what the ! my clothes" she notice she was only wearing a loose shirt, Quickly Valenarr took the small apron hung by the door and went outside… she notice that there was something boiling by the stove and there was a plateful of freshly bake loaf of bread.. but she went at the back of the house . her clothes were there

"Hunged ?" she touched her clothes it was still soaking wet… and there was a used basin still with suds.. come to think of it it came across to her mind that Rui washed her clothes. Her face blushed . thinking he might have undressed her that's why she was only wearing a loose shirt

"Valenarr" a young boy called by the picket fence. It was the boy who plays at the neighboring house of garments Tristan

"Good morning Tristan" she said trying to take her clothes and squeeze the excess water off.

"Tristan Have you seen Rui this morning?" she asked.

The little boy replied and giggled maybe because she was wearing Rui's undershirt

"What?"

"Oh nothing … you're face is blushing that's' all" the little boy laughed

"Oh well I saw big brother by the house this morning he was talking to mama something about a new dress for you"

"new dress?" she wondered.

"I forgot big sister .. while you were asleep big brother told me to remind you to eat your breakfast.. before he comes back" the little boy said.

"huh?" Valenarr looked at him questioningly

"Is there a problem with that I see you are awake?" Rui said just arrived.. and Valenarr went inside the house. Clutching the old apron trying tohide her legs form him"

"Oh com'n I saw more than that!" Rui exclaimed

"You… You what!..."

"Itook off your filthy clothes, if you're wondering…"

"You've undressed me?" she asked

"… yeah so?"

Vale's face was bright red and getting so irritated and took a small loaf at the table and threw at him

"HEY! It took my money to buy you breakfast and beside.. I've already seen you naked before by the stream…" Rui said even Tristan laugh.. he patted the boy on the head

"See even this little boy find it funny…." Rui smiled at her… and he took out small bag and threw it at Valenarr.

"Here try if it fits you?" Vale caught it.

"And get changed, Tristan and I will just go outside wait for you before we leave.." he said

"Where are we going?" she asked shyly

"The fireworks festival in Louyang!... " The little boy said delightfully

"Tristan's family invited us to go there. Since its been like ages I haven't seen fireworks aside from the spouts of war why don't we go there as well?" Rui looked at her with a sweet smile. It was the first time Vale saw him smile at her like that. And she went back insde the room.

She opened the small bag and took out a white floral dress. It was pretty and there was a small floral hair pin and a small comb .., Vale was startled and started to put on the dress. She stared at the mirror. She was startled .. feeling a bit guilty how she was used to yell at Rui, it was the first time she received something out of kindness.. and it was Rui.

"what's taking her so long?" Rui thought… then Tristan pointed at the doorway , Vale was standing there wearing the whte floral dress and the small hair pinattached on her hair. She felt a bit awkward especially how ui was surprised to see her in a feminine way.

"Valenarr you look so pretty..!" Tristan said as his parents were just arrived.

Rui didn't say a word as he stares at the woman who used to fight in the midst of war.

"Goodness.. Valenarr you look really stunning my dear" Tristan mother went to her and set her hair behind her shoulder. Valenarr blushed she can't even looked at Rui who didn't utter a word

"well we better be going.." said the Neighbors wife who appeared behind Rui

" stop drooling there looking at your little wife !" and they laugh at him. As they went at the port.

"How come you rare so silent… do I look stupid ?" She whispered at rui's ears

Rui looked at her and smiled " Yeah you look pretty stupid" he giggled , vale poked him at the head. " You asked me and I answer right? You look fine don't worry , for a cunning rogue you look cute" Rui teased her. And she blushed. As they went abroad the ship Rui held her hand as soon she got on the bridge, but he didnt let go his hand holding she looked at Rui he didn't mind it.

For some reason , she felt a bit comfortable as the board the ship to Louyang that day .

Valenarr didn't think of any worries. They feast together in the small cabin of the ship . until they've dock the port o the dragon lands of Louyang. The travel took almost for hours as they arrived by the sunset.

Louyang

The city itself was spectacular.. there was a streamers of different colors and soldiers from the port to the gateway of the dragon castle itself.

"I've never been in this part of Rune midgard" Vale said " At least you know that there are places which far from the reaches of war.. " said rui. Vale looked a the sky .. there were also different lights and festival lanterns and some fireworks blown up in the darkening sky of the sunset.

"Well we better get a place to stay " Said Tristan's mother. They went by the nearby town's inn

the whole city itself were full of visitors.. since they are havinga hard time to get a room.

"There are only two rooms left well Rui it's okay since you two couple will just stay in one room while the three of us next to yours?"

Rui felt a little bit embarrassed

" well?..."

"okay…" valenarr took the keys and smiled at Rui…

"Is it okay with you?" Vale asked as they went inside their room " Do I have a choice then my little wife?' Rui laughed felt a bit embarrassed with the way Valenarr looked..

"You know you're so quiet during the travel is there something wrong?" She asked

Vale walked over the overlooking window and stared at the darkening sky to the north.. further north the were darkened clouds

"Storm clouds.. I didn't thought it can be seen over here" She said . as Rui went by the window beside here

"The skies of Juno… I know.. we are still at war.." Rui said softly

" Where were you last night ?'

" I went some place but you would always worry about that." Rui said

" Rui…."

Rui looked at her , with the exression of her face

" I cannot run away from what I am looking for… I want to fight.." Valenarr said.

Rui sat at the edge of the balcony and looked at her.. since she didn't want to let her tears fall down from her cheeks her eyes were beginning to be a bit misty with tears.

" Thank you for taking me with you… I want to fight and look for my family and…."

"And you're looking for some one right? I didn't have the chance to know the whole story what happened to you because things were fast…… " Rui said

" is he still alive?...but Lyan said nothing…"

"Is this the knight you told me who took every thing fromyou.." His voice sounded a bit furious.. Valenarr didn't answer

"Why should you believe him. Since… he accused you…" he added

" Rui.. I didn't kill anyone…" She tried to control her emotions but Valenarr just bursted into crying ..Rui felt her sorrow..he just pulled her and embraced her tightly as valenarr cried.

"Hush…. We'll talk about it for later" … he wiped her tears from her eyes and looked at her "stop crying…. Please…." He said with his eyes seemed so caring Valenarr looked away and took a deep breath

" I'm sorry…"she almost forgot she was embracing a stranger.. but some how.. it felt different.. Rui hold her hand and looked at her.

" I know you're still the cunning rogue I met during the britonian siege, and I Know her heart is still as strong as she thought" He said and smiled

Vale nodded

Tristan went in the room " Big Brother lets go the festival has now started.." said the boy

" I guess its about time to have a little fun little tarou rat " Rui said and pinched her cheek.

"Alrightt…"

That evening the festival was spectacular.. who woud think the there was an outbreak of war during those time, but like what would Rui said.. her strength would come from her heart.

Lights sparkled the night sky and as there were different performers in the streets. Eventhe little children would shout and enjoy the night. . Valenarr would catch Rui looking at her. Every time her thoughts would drift into her worries.

The Castle grounds were full of spectators.. from different places.

"People would come here mostly especially this year away from the war itself since Prontera hasn't been the same peaceful city as it was before. " Rui said.

Before it was almosta year already when I last saw Prontera

"What is it?" he asked

"Rui do you when is the festivity of prontera before the outbreak of orcs?" she asked

"A week from now almost a year …. Why?"

"a week from now ….." she sighed

"Why?..." he yelled since the whole place was crowded and it was noisy with the sound of the festival drums

" Nothing really ! .. it's just my Birthday when that happened when I was still a thief.." She smiled

"Well well well… I didn't know it will be your birthday next week" Rui hugged her tight and carried her offher feet

"put me down ! yeah its my birthday…." Valenarr laughed .

"valenarr is it true? " Tristan asked

She just nodded and the small boy was delighted and went to his parents

"Well he is more delighted than you are.. But I am as well" Rui smiled and combed her hair..

"Thank you rui" she said

"What?"

"I said thank you!" she yelled

"What I Can't hear you .. everything is loud!" Rui yelled tugging his ear

Vale moved close to him and kissed her in the cheek

"That's a thank you!" he asked a bit surprised. Vale nodded.

After the fireworks and festival parade that night. They stop by at the nearby tavern since every place in the castle grounds was crowded.

.as they were havig dinner that night. Across the table by the window.. valenarr notice a group of knights..

Valenarr suddenly twitched in her seat ' Are you okay my dear?"

"Yes I'm just a bit tired" she whispered. Rui looked ather he noticed that something caught her attention, Valenarr looked away. Rui looked over the direction across the table it was a group of knights having a conversation.

Rui hold her hand and squezzed it "You okay..?" he asked softly…

She looked back at the direction of the table and her skin felt cold in fear when she saw someone familiar ..

"I……i….."

"What?..." he asked

"Calm down okay.." he handed her a glass of water.

Rui ignored the group of knights across the table but some buton of the knights were talking he heard then name

"Lyan…." Rui was surprised .

"I… I'd better get some rest.. I don't feel welll" Valenarr quickly stood up from her seat

"You look so pale.. Rui why don't you accompanyher for a while" their neighbor said.

Quickly Valenarr turned her back she was shaking.. Rui grabbed her quickly as they went back in to their room.

He closed the door.. valenarr fainted as he grabbed her , she was shaking In fear.. " It's him he took my things … my money… he locked my in a room and let me crawl out the culverts…..he thought I killed his wife….. the doppelganger killed her.. I was trying tosave her.. rui!... but she was trying to save me.. and it was to late… The doppel took my saber and used it against her.. he mistaken thatiwas the one who stab his wife.." Valenarr cried.. Rui held her tightly

"valenarr keep you voice down.. I believe you…." Rui said

"….. and he told me there was no assassin when he found me almost dead in the lutie field.. I know he was not telling the truth.. I lost every thing… I don't know what to believe" Valenarr Cried helpless while still mumbling her words. Rui tried to keep her voice down.

"Are you sure it was him…. He was the lead knight I sawyou camping in kordst and during the battle in Britonian castle" Rui asked

"yes… it is him" Valenarr mumbled and cried.

"That moron!... he call himself a knight……" Rui held her tightly as he carried her to bed.. and held her as sson as she fell asleep from crying.

During that night Rui went down stairs the tavern was empty.. their neighbor went upstairs after dinner and was wondering how was Valenarr.. Since she was asleep… he said she was doing fine.. just a bit tired. Rui went by the bar and asked the tavern lady where did the group of knights went. The taven lady told that it was only a couple of minutes before that had left. Rui went back to their room and brought a glass of water with him, Valenarr was up.

"Where were you?' she asked

"Why are you still up you should rest.." Rui said and secretly he put a small amount of sleeping medicine in her glass..

"Here you must be tired" he said

"Rui…. I'm sorry"

"Hush….. here" he handed a glass of water and he sat beside valenarr "Getsome sleep"

Get some sleep Valenarr.. I have to do this so you wont sneak on me….Wait till I get that moron.. and take what he took from Vale

Rui thought as Vale fell back in her deep sleep. Clutching his fist angrily Rui went outside… to look for the group of knights that they saw that evening