The elephant dragged its feet. Reen felt a little sorry for the great beast, obviously ready for a big meal and a nice nap after having carted the two of them around for the day. She hadn't raised a fuss at being led in circles for a half hour--but that was the last time he depended on Kai's sense of direction--and she did several neat tricks with her trunk on command regardless of the repetition--peanuts seemed to keep her happy then. But now the homestretch seemed just as long for her as it for them. The archduke pat at her leathery neck softly.
"Ah I understand, girl, you're tired, too, mate." The curious and playful trunk grabbed at his hand, then snout kissed at his face. Reen laughed with a few more pats and lounged back. "Kai-san, get out and carry the poor dear, you could do it."
"Haaaaaaare~?" The too-wide grin perked, but he remained laying down. "As if. It's more fun this way."
The elephant dragged its feet.