Kicking at the rubble of one of the many buildings that had fallen, Robin couldn't help but feel guilty. More often than not, if their battles wandered into villages and towns, a good chunk of the buildings were razed in their wake.
Sighing deeply, he picked apart the bricks until he unearthed a battered doll. Setting it back down gently, he could only hope that the family and child that had lived here had gotten away in time and were taking refuge in the center of town. The townsfolk were already busy, working together to pull their home back together. He'd received nothing but gratitude from those he had spoken to, but Robin couldn't shake the feeling that they were bringing more destruction than they were chasing after.
"-obin, Robin?"
Blinking rapidly, the tactician finally noticed that Stahl had been waving his hand in front of his face, possibly calling out to him for several minutes. "Stahl, yes. Sorry. I just, spaced out."
"I noticed." A look of concern passed the knight's face. Patting the edge of the building that had been lowered to the point of making enough room for them to sit, Stahl invited Robin to take the space next to him before taking a seat himself. "You all right there? It doesn't look like you're injured, but you shouldn't hide it until it gets worse."
Robin shook his head. Stahl was able to read even those with the most secretive personalities as if they were open books. It would be pointless trying to lie to him. "Just the usual scrapes. I'm more concerned about that state of the town." Sitting on the bricks, he placed his elbows on his knees and rested his chin on his hands, surveying the wreckage in front of him with a frown. "It's a lot of collateral damage."
"Donnel says that everyone in his town was happy when you rolled in and tore the place apart." He grinned, and bumped his shoulder against Robin's. "Don't pull such a long face. It sure beats seeing those monsters around."
Humming in agreement, Robin knew that even with all the destruction, it was a better alternative than letting the Risen run amuck unchecked. "I just wish I knew how to do a better job."
"We all know you're doing all you can. And it's a lot more than, say, I could ever do. No one blames you for anything. I'd say they're grateful to have you around." Thumping the tactician's back hard enough to almost topple him from his perch, Stahl gave a smile. "Don't be too hard on yourself, alright?" Giving a final wave, the knight left, intent on helping the townsfolk in any way he could, before the Shepherds were scheduled to head out.
Returning the smile with one of his own, Robin nodded. The conversation with Stahl had been short, but the honesty and sincerity that they'd exchanged were enough to bring him back to his feet.
AN: Always open to suggestions if you'd like to see certain characters or situations!