Refracto Libris

Rui I.

Rui I., Verse I.

This day was the most exciting one I've ever had. Not many of us city folk get to study in one of the northern mountain universities. I'm guessing you are required to have some sort of special connection to nature, which is pretty rare down around here.

Rui I., Verse II.

Well, it would seem that the spirits really liked me, because I still got accepted. This faithful morning I was on my way towards the station to catch my train. It wasn't too far from the tower I've been staying in, but I did have to cut through the woods if I wanted to be there in time. Honestly, you'd think that they would have built a road through it by now, but nope. Let the people hike, why don't we?

Rui I., Verse III.

So there I was, making my way through the pines. I've got to admit, even though I don't much enjoy being outdoors, being alone with my thoughts can be pleasant. I have next to no chance to do that at home, because of the constant noise of machinery.

Rui I., Verse IV.

It was silent all around me here. Not even the slightest wind, just the sound of my steps. But then suddenly, I heard something else. Quiet nestling, coming from a bush to my right. I turned that way immediately, and I was just quick enough to catch a glimpse of a glowing orange tail disappearing between the leaves. An ember fox! I've been fascinated with them ever since I've found out about the volcanic highland far to the northeast, where they supposedly come from. Although I had best hoped this one wasn't hungry.

Rui I., Verse V.

As curious as I was about it, I knew I shouldn't get too close. They are great at sneaking around, and are believed to be even more intelligent than humans. Plus they aren't shy to try and prey on us if they have no other options, so I decided that it would be for the best if I just let it be. I can't help but hope that I run into it another time though. For now however, I had to gather myself, and keep tracking. I knew soon I'd be out of the forest. The steam that lingers around the stations all the time started to creep in between the trees, and it brought the unmistakable odor of machine grease with it. Sure enough, after a minute or so, the bushes ran out, and I found myself on the cobblestone streets again.

Rui I., Verse VI.

I don't come by here too often. This part of town always creeps me out. You can never see further than five meters, and everything looks like it was abandoned centuries ago, understandably so. It's not exactly the most luxurious district. Basically anything that is undesirable for the people living in the city ends up here, out on the edge.

Rui I., Verse V.

I did eventually work up my courage to continue moving. I passed tiny, crumbling houses, one after another. They would all have been indistinguishable, hadn't it been for the mold patches on the walls. One of them however, rose above the rest. It was bigger, darker, and even more delabitated than all the other buildings. Considerable chunks were missing from it, as if a gigantic monster took bites out of it. It was horrifying to the last bit.

Rui I., Verse VI.

And yet, I just wanted to go inside. As I got closer and closer, my steps became increasingly confident. I knew I didn't have a lot of time to spend, since I had a train to catch, but I just couldn't resist my curiosity. Then all of a sudden, I heard some noises from inside. It was surprising enough to pull me back into reality for a moment. I couldn't imagine what business anyone could have in these ruins. Unfortunately, this has just made me even more curious, and I got pulled right back in. I stepped to the front door, grabbing the handle, making sure that it's still attached to the door itself. I took a deep breath, and opened it up.