Whitefish River The miles are getting longer it seems

He remained behind the pair, even as Reiko slowed. He could tell she was wavering. Her steps growing slightly hesitant and lethargic. Dutiful, Yuudai remained behind. Eyes keenly following her steps. In the time it had taken them to travel out of Kaiestloki and up the mountains, Yuu had been able to force his more painful thoughts away. All that mattered was getting to the Vale.

They had made steady progress even with the slowing of the Empress. But, because Yuu had no luck, he saw the misstep. And watched her paw slip out from under her and her hit the ground hard. Her little princess luckily saved from physical harm, was letting out the most devastating cry.

“Rei-“ The pup in his mouth prevented him from properly annunciating her name. But he rushed over none the less. Gently placing his own princess near her sister, and turning to the fallen mother.