"Knock, knock," Robin grunted as he found his way inside the medical tent. Inside he was surprised to see several bottles and books levitating to their places, though they fell when Elice saw Robin.

"What have you gone and done now?" She took a look at Robin's bleeding shoulder.

"Had a sparing session with the really quiet guy. What was his name again…"

"Wolt?" Elice asked as she grabbed her staff.

"That's him. Well, he didn't pull his punches to say the least. He fought with an unusual style and caught me off guard. Won't happen next time."

"That's Wolt, alright," She murmured as she patched up the wound, "Rarely talks. Especially about himself. We don't even know where he's from, just that it's apparently far away, really closed off, and took his whole life savings to get out of there."

"Sounds fun. Hopefully I never have the displeasure," Robin put his coat back on with the wound handled, "Say, what were you doing when I came in?"

"Oh that? Just a little magic trick I picked up. It is handy for multitasking."

"Hmm," Robin rubbed his chin, "Mind if I learn this 'trick?'"

"I don't mind, but I don't think it really has combat use. It takes a lot of focus."

"Still, it could have its uses. I'd like to learn."

"Alright, I'll show you right now."

"Ngh," Travant grunted after being pushed out of the ring. Taking the offered hand, he grinned, "Not bad. You're really coming along."

"I'm a fast learner," Robin replied, "And I have a lot to fight for. I have to be stronger for their sakes."

"Heh, must be nice."

Sensing a sensitive subject, Robin changed topics as Marcia joined them, "So, tell me, why would there be a pegasus and wyvern knight here without a pegasus or wyvern?"

"I set my wyvern free at Wyvern Valley," Travant explained, "After all I had been through with her…just seemed right to let him live the rest of his days in peace. After that, I wandered aimlessly until I found my way here."

"I set my mount free when I arrived," Marcia spoke plainly, "I had left the order. It did not seem right to keep her. I imagine she returned to the order on her own."

"I see. Not going to lie, kind of which you kept them right about now."

"Hah!" Travant slapped Robin on the shoulder, "If it makes you feel any better, the weather this time of year isn't really conducive to flying anyway."

"Not sure that helps, but thanks." Robin would have to keep looking for other ways to make it back to them. He was not sure if Lucina would want to see him, but he at least wanted to make sure she was okay. If she never wanted to see him again, he would respect her wishes, but he wanted to know that much at least.

"Hey, Robin, we were about to…what are you doing?" Travant stopped in his tracks seeing Robin doing push ups. That alone was not weird, but he was also reading a book. That was levitating.

"Reading," Robin replied while keeping focus on the book.

"Haven't you already read that?"

"Yes, but there aren't many options around here."

"So why read it at all?"

"It helps my focus," Robin grunted while making sure to keep the book aloft.

"I'll admit, I never would have expected a tactician to take training this seriously."

"Never be willing to give an order you would not follow," Robin looked up from the book briefly before returning his attention to it, "If I can't protect those I care about with my strategy, maybe I can do it with my sword and so on. Now that I have a chance to train with a bunch of combat nuts, I might as well use it."

"No wonder we lost."

"You didn't lose. Gangrel was a blight to both our nations. We're better off without him. Your people just realized who their real enemy was."

"That's…good to hear," Travant leaned against a post, "So, how is the old homeland?"

Robin went silent for a few repetitions, the book falling with a thud before replying, "They have a new king. We haven't seen him much, but…"

"Don't tell me he's another Gangrel."

"I don't know. I don't trust him though."

"Well, great."

"Ever think of going back?"

"Every now and then, but not sure I want to now."

"Well," Robin levitated the book again, "I can't make the decision for you."

"I thought that was your job?"

"I'm a tactician, not a counselor."

"Heh, fair enough."

"Your balance has improved considerably," Seth commented as Robin deflected a stab of his spear, "Impressive considering you were no rookie when you arrived."

"I'm a fast learner with a reason to improve," Robin knocked the former Imperial off balance before ending the duel with a swift strike to his abdomen.

"So you are," Seth accepted his hand and the two started to discuss battle styles. All the while Priam watched from a distance. He had made more progress here than anyone else had in the same period of time. He was already skilled, but he assimilated the knowledge that the others had to provide at an astonishing rate.

He was impressed, and Priam was hard to impress.

"Well done," The man congratulated as he approached the site of the match which had garnered quite an audience, "How about you eat with me tonight?"

"What's the occasion?" Robin asked back, still unsure what to make of the mountain of a man.

"I'm curious about the guy beating up all my best fighters. I'm curious, plain and simple."

"Huh, well alright then. What do you want to know?"

"Amnesia, huh? Well, you don't seem to have let it slow you down," Priam evaluated the amnesiac sitting across from him, "Still, that's a lot of war. No wonder you're so strong."

"It isn't the war," Robin shook his head, "It's having a reason to fight. People to protect. That's why I need to get stronger."

"You know, many would consider that a weakness. People to target to get to you. Possible distractions on the battlefield."

"Maybe, but they are also a source of immense strength," Robin looked a bit amused as he smirked, "I guess you could say my bonds are a source of strength. If given the choice between being alone or fighting for my friends, my family, I know which one I'd pick. It gives me a drive that I daresay no one can match fighting for themself."

"I see," Priam frowned, the words stinging for some reason, "Well, Robin. I welcome plenty of battle doctrines here, and I can't really argue with the results."

"What about you?" Robin turned the tables, "You don't seem very concerned with the outside world, but yet I doubt you achieved such strength cooped up here alone."

Priam let out a laugh, "That much is true. My family has been one of warriors for as long as I can remember. When my father died, I did not have much left, but I dedicated myself to the singular goal of being stronger. So that I could one day be worthy of the strength of my bloodline."

"And what bloodline would that be?" Robin asked in bemusement wondering what hero of legend he would claim. Then again, Robin personally knew several that were related to the Hero King of old.

"Hah, a story for another time perhaps. Not many know of him around here. Still, I can hardly imagine getting wrapped up in so much war. I've no taste for it. Fighting for the sake of petty feuds holds no honor for me."

"Well, I would agree, but that all depends on what side you're on," Robin looked down into his mug - water, he did not drink; doubly so around strangers, "War isn't necessarily black and white. Still, I'd do it again. To protect those I care about and the innocent. Even those on the other side if I can help it.

"So," Robin set his cup down, "I guess I just don't understand the path of a lone warrior. Power for the sake of it does not appeal to me. Perhaps the discipline can help one better one's self, but without a cause to use it for, I'm afraid I fail to see the point. If anything, it could grow to become a temptation to abuse it."

Robin stood up, his meal long finished, "Sorry. Perhaps that was a bit harsh."

"No," Priam stood as well, "I appreciate the candidness. You'll be able to leave soon enough. In the meantime, we're here to help each other with our goals. That includes you."

"I'll remember that. Thank you."

Robin kept finding himself at the coast, observing the weather to see how long it might be until he could start looking for the others. For Lucina. Every day he felt her absence more potently. Was she safe? She had to be safe. She had to be for his sanity's sake.

The question was, did she want him to come back? Did she mourn him? Was she indifferent? Happy? Robin shuddered to think of such an outcome. Regardless, if he could help her, or any of his friends, it was worth doing what he could to reach them. He would not give up until he knew they were safe.

"Figured I'd find you out here," Priam approached from behind, "Well, you nearly took out everyone here, but it's finally time. I'm told it should be safe to head out tomorrow."

"Thanks," Robin turned with a smile, "I know I may have not seemed like the most gracious of guests, but I am thankful nonetheless."

Priam let out a laugh, "Not like I'm one for manners. You got stronger. It's all I ask of those who come here. Speaking of which, we haven't gotten a rematch yet. Up for one more round before you go?"

"Heh, I guess I owe you that much. Don't rough me up too badly though."

"No promises, but I'll try not to break anything."

"Hah!"

"Hrah!"

The entirety of the village had gathered for the spectacle, even the reclusive Wolt. It was not every day they got to see their strongest members battle it out. It really demonstrated the progress that Robin had made since being stuck there. For one, he was still fighting.

However, Priam was still insanely skilled, and he was able to knock Robin's weapon away with his absurd strength. That did not mean he was out of the fight though. Surprising the crowd, Robin managed to grab Priam's weapon on the next swing, his fingers charged with magic. While the others were shocked, Priam smirked.

Next, Robin charged a wind spell to knock the fighter back. To Priam's credit, he did manage to keep hold on his weapon, but he was vulnerable. Charging forward, Robin held his hand out behind him to pull his weapon back to him, and in one fluent motion, he took hold of the wooden sword and delivered a finishing blow to Priam's armored side.

While it was enough to win the bout, it hardly fazed the larger man. In fact, he was laughing, "I'm impressed. Perhaps your views have some merit."

"Huh?" Robin raised a brow.

"You've got me thinking. I once thought my ancestor could protect his friends because he was strong, but perhaps he was strong because he fought for them. Maybe I've been a big fish in a small pond for too long.

"These Shepherds of yours, they face nearly insurmountable odds, do they not?"

"A powerful foe to be sure, but I won't let that stop me," Robin did not even hesitate in his answer earning another chuckle.

"I like it. Well, allow me to lend my blade. I'd like to come with you."

This earned several gasps and mutters from the assembled crowd forcing Priam to address them, "I know it's sudden, and you're free to stay if you'd like, but I think it's time I put my strength to good use. Besides, they sound like a strong lot. Maybe I can learn something, or at least find some good new sparring partners."

The audience was silent before Wolt stood forward, "Then, sir, may I have one last spar?"

Before he knew it, Priam was inundated with requests to spar one final time. Requests he granted happily. Robin for his part merely watched on. It would certainly be safer to travel with someone else, and he could be a boon to whatever struggle the Shepherds found themselves in.

So, Robin watched on contently, as in the morning, he would finally be on his way with a new ally.