Northstar Vale Entropy

She greeted him. There wasn't much enthusiasm, and he could at least reciprocate that. He didn't have to fake anything with her and nor did she with him and for that he was at least thankful. He watched as she took the meal back inside and waited for her to come out again. He seated himself outside of her den and allowed the exhaustion he felt to overtake his eyes. She would understand and she wouldn't condemn him for how he felt. 

 "How..." He began to ask her how she was but his voice trailed off. He knew exactly how she was. How they were. Devastated. 

 "I'm sorry I've been away. I...know I didn't leave the empire...I couldn't. I was too concerned about the state of things. After I broke the news to everyone and then spoke with Hiromi...I grew worrisome about Reiko. I'm so mad...but...she asked me to be her guard once upon a time...and I guess I can't help but to still feel inclined. I worried for you," She was out of the spotlight. That was what he had wanted, but there was always the fear she got found out. There was always the fear Takeshi would come for her as he had come for Hiromi. It was better to stay here and make sure a hand was never lain on them.