In the air hung the scent of smoke and fire and faintly of food under that. Tents in the outpost were mainly in poor shape, but it was a still a cover over their heads—if they were so lucky to have that luxury. There were enough guards to spill out of the outpost and there was a settlement nearby. It had probably been abandoned once; however after the war it seemed to have gained new residents.

Plegia looked like Hell. The country had only just begun recovering the previous war with Ylisse waged by Chrom's father and now they had been set back again by their leaders. It was difficult to gauge the people, but in general Gaius would have described the feeling as "tired." Two years was not enough time for these people to recover. He only had to hope they didn't bring another fight to them in a few short days.

He gathered his cloak tighter around his shoulders. The wind felt sharp when it passed; carrying with it the smell of smoke from the homes that remained and the fires of those without. Gaius walked at a decent pace down the dirt paths with his hood pulled up over his head. He had to do everything in his power not to stand out. Plegia-styled clothing helped a little in this endeavor, but more than anything his ruse leaned on him keeping his head down.

This didn't exactly make his orders easy.

"Check out a few routes toward the outpost. See how the population is fairing and if we can even make it through. If you can do so I want word on the number of guard posted and how steady the Plegian army stands. It can't be too great, but we may not walk out so easily after this," were Robins words that night. The look in his eyes betrayed his concern for the thief. It did not stop him however.

Carrion Island was not as far a trip from Ferox. Not far, but certainly dangerous. Neither army had too much information on this place. It seemed to be of little concern and as far as military matters went likely abandoned when they did not have the manpower to keep eyes parked there. It gave Plegia eyes on that portion of the map and otherwise seemed useless. It would not serve much of a home. Much of Plegia did not.

From what Gaius could gather this island worked as a training ground at times and an outpost as much as it could be maintained. There was something unsettling about the area and the old gates and posts mixed with newer securities closer to the main building. There were only a few gates to pass through on the way in and the outer ones were not well guarded. If they absolutely had to they might be able to pass over hills and miss the valleys, but this would involved likely heading in the dry forests. Neither option was very easy but it would work for an escape. In an emergency it might either be enough cover or bog them down enough they got killed.

Gaius pushed the negative thoughts away and focused on moving with some of the other soldiers he'd wandered in with. They had come from the old settlement where some mages were practicing and testing their skills. A few of them joined the trip to base to share some sort of progress or news. Gaius didn't know and honestly didn't care. He could fake it well enough to be fine.

Word around camp mostly consisted of the very true rumors that Chrom and his Ylissean dogs were on their way. The soldiers seemed to have little idea of what the reasoning was, but were eager to have this over and done with. At least Gaius could share that sentiment with them, even if he kept it to himself.

The thief kept in close to the formation the group walked in as they approached the base. The smokey smell carried on the wind and stayed thick in the night air. There was something unsettling about the forested areas around the path and outpost. There was no way this place was safe for the Shepherds. The thought alone pulled a sick feeling into Gaius' stomach. They had all survived too much to die in this place.

He himself had survived too much to die here either. Robin needed to know this lay out and how many troops rested within these walls. The closer they got to the post gates the faster Gaius could feel his heart pounding. It had been a little while since he'd snuck into anywhere this high profile.

Once through the doors he knew this was where it would get serious. Blending in among the traveling group was easy, but once inside he would need to split up. He took his chance when it came.

In one of the larger hallways Gaius pulled aside stealthily from the group and waited just out of sight around the corner of a turn they passed. His missing presence went unnoticed so he carried on. Footsteps were light and quick as Gaius navigated the building as best he could. He managed to duck and hide when soldiers passed. Each time felt a little closer to death.

This was something he could do though. He knew absolutely he was the one among the Shepherds who could pull this off. He pushed on at that thought; determined to see this through.

A head count was impossible—he ruled this out early on. Soldiers remained difficult to track a number on in this maze of an outpost; however he'd caught word their ruler was expected within the next day or so. Surely there were reports made up and ready for him. Robin wouldn't have it any other way. If Plegia was even half as competent they probably had at least a thing or two in writing. Offices or rooms for record keeping became his new goal. This took a fair amount of sneaking around, but eventually he had it.

A leader's office was not empty when he arrived so Gaius found a good place to hide in the weapon storage room across the hall. He kept his ears open for the sound of the officer leaving for the better part of the night. Peeking from behind his crate Gaius could see the window and note the height of the moon. He would be more likely to be caught once morning came and soldiers were up and more attentive.

It felt like ages in that small space. Every breath too loud. Any shifting too much a thunderclap. He could not hold in air for hours at a time. He could try, but it was pointless.

The quiet wore on his mind. Thoughts wandered. Every single one of the soldiers in this base would likely cut him down without any hesitation. He was an enemy. He'd been killing their comrades just two years prior. He didn't hate them for any animosity, but wouldn't hold back either. He didn't like the idea of cutting his way out of here. It was an scenario that ended in his death every single way. Drain him for the information and cut him out when he said enough.

That sick feeling bore deeper up into his chest. There was no point in fretting. He'd never been one to do it either. This had something riding on it though. More than eating the next day. It was more complicated than he wanted to let himself admit. He needed to get back to Robin. For once in his life people were counting on him and only him.

Dwelling on the pressure would have to be put aside. He heard the officer leaving their room. Once the coast was clear he silently made his way across the hall and let himself in. In the dark it was difficult to make out what was what so with the door shut behind him he relights the lamp on the desk and starts to scope out what was there. Sure enough important documents were left out. A few of these noted army numbers and rations as well as maps and stations at the gates on the island. If he were more of a praying man he would have praised whatever god was listening. He noted the numbers in his head and did his best to memorize the layout of the map. The most important parchments he takes with him however—the one with army numbers and posts mapped out. That would be vital later if they had to make an escape or were not so welcome in. Carefully Gauis folded the parchment up and stored it in a pocket within his shirt. It couldn't be too obvious on his person in case he were caught.

He wouldn't get caught. He couldn't afford it and Robin couldn't either. Now that he had the document he needed to find a way out. The window in the storage room wasn't big enough to fit through and it seemed like most of the windows were this way. It was a base after all. Getting in and out couldn't be that easy.

This brought him to the way he came in. It was really the only way. Sneaking over that way proved possible, but getting out the doors unnoticed was a greater concern. There were guards posted at either side. After awhile of thinking on it he goes for it—casually walking through the gates. The soldiers were posted to watch more of what was going in than out surely anyway.

"Where are you going?" one of the guards asked as soon as he passed into their view. Gaius froze but didn't turn their way. It was not casual enough maybe.

"Out. Can't sleep over the damn snoring," he says flatly. If he sounded tired enough maybe he'd be left alone.

"There's no pity if you're too tired for your shift."

The second guard pipes in before the other more alert one could go on. "Just stay away from the village still. Orders stand there."

"Yessir," Gaius mutters and waves them off; carrying on there. It wasn't a soldier's walk he took up exactly, but a slow, tired drag toward the campsite he'd need to pass through to get out. He couldn't believe he got that far now. It seemed luck was on his side. If he were quiet he doubted anyone would stir from their tents. This he could handle just fine.

Straying off the path would be too suspicious with eyes still guarding every so often. He stuck to dirt walkways through the camp—avoiding the fire pits where other night owls and watchmen were still up.

One stride could be so long. One footstep could be so heavy. One breath could sound so strained.

The closer he got to the series of gates he felt a dark sensation edging its way through his chest and clawing up his throat. He crossed the last few tents with his heart spilling over his tongue. If he could go unnoticed for just a little longer he'd be fine.

Every step he reminded himself to keep his cool and not spring off into the night—not yet. He was not going to outrun any archers posted at the towers. He didn't need to get this far just to end it with an arrow in the back. Still the vision persisted. He damned his thoughts. Usually this was so much easier.

Gaius crossed one open gateway and strode toward the next one. Hope seemed almost reasonable.

It was past the third gateway down the road that dipped between two valleys that his luck turned. From that path going the opposite way came a small group of mages, the group chatting and laughing amongst themselves. If he was lucky they would just walk by.

They had to just cross—it would be easy.

Gaius froze when he heard a "hey" his way when they came in closer. The group of mages swayed a little in place while blocking his path. When the taller one among the three leaned in closer Gaius could smell alcohol on his breath. This was not the best combo, but one he could worm out of.

His heart started beating again as one of the mages spoke further.

"Who authorized you out on a midnight stroll, eh?" the taller one asked with a grin.

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Who let you into the booze? You sure that wasn't for the higher ups?"

The mage shot him a glare and the other two looked a bit more defensive. They probably wanted to split but their friend was a lot more aggressive. More aggressive or more drunk, Gaius wasn't sure yet. The man made a grasp for his collar, but Gaius stepped back out of the way. That empty hand was quick to turn to a fist.

"A word of this goes to the captains an' I'm gonna—"

"I wouldn't dream of it, pal. You just get on your way; I really don't care," Gaius was quick to respond, cutting off the man before he finished. He didn't really need to. Despite the calm smile he put on and his relaxed posture his reaction didn't satisfy.

The taller mage looked to his mates for support; receiving mixed looks. Gaius opened his mouth to offer more in exchange but the man's fist swung at his face. He stepped back to dodge and was met with another swing at his face from another mage. This one connected, causing him to stumble over a few steps. It seemed the two friends were more than willing to jump in if the leader started it. Gaius cursed everything before the three set on him.

He dodged another round of punches thrown his way, but just barely the third among them caught him by the wrist and yanked him closer. He'd hoped they would be drunk enough to be clumsier; however between the three of them throwing everything into each swing they were more of a force than he could have expected. He tried to kick off the mage holding onto him but was met with more punches aimed at his gut. His free hand grasped more desperately for his blade, but he couldn't get far into drawing it this close.

Winded and unbalanced what happened next felt like a blur. Gaius felt hands at his collar a fist or knee at his torso again. Another. At least three or four more hits at his side before he lost a decent count of it all. The next thing he knew he was on the ground and in a hell of a lot more pain than he was before.

One hand at a time he put a palm to the earth and tried to pick himself up. He couldn't have been out of it that long—surely. When he pulled himself together he noted the mages had already run off. He understood the meaning well enough. Not that he was going to report them anyway. Anything was better than going back into camp. They weren't going to get caught; a wasted effort for them.

With some strain Gaius looked upward trying to get a grasp for the time. It was still very dark—not yet morning at least. Pain rolled up his body as he moved and got himself to his knees. One hand reached up and patted at his chest. The papers were still there.

It took some careful pushing, but Gaius got himself to his feet and swayed there another few seconds. Someone worse could stroll through here at any second—he couldn't risk a longer stay.

Nothing about moving was pleasant. He could do it though. That was enough to get him to pick up his pace. It was a walk only long enough for him to get a sense of his balance back. Once he passed one more set of unwatched gates he broke out into a run. A split lip and a few nasty bruises were going to suck but he could run with it.

No one else crossed his path and no guards spotted him if he were out. He couldn't believe it. Just maybe he was going to live.

When Gaius finally made it back to the Ylissean camp he was a day late. He still found them according to the path Robin had let him know of ahead of time. Camp looked to be a moving one—one set up more hastily so they could pack up fast in the morning. They really were going to make way for Carrion Isle whatever happened. Hopefully other scouts were able to keep an eye out for them in the meantime.

Gaius dragged himself at first but as he sought out Robin's tent he felt a little of his energy come back. He took small, careful breaths still as he approached. He'd not been bothered on the way in. Guards noted him, but by then he was a familiar presence sulking in the shadows at late hours like these.

His gaze scanned the area for what he needed—the one tent with a flickering light behind the canvas. He paused before the flap and took a deeper breath. It hurt just a little. The moment he ducked his head in Robin turned toward the opening with wide eyes. What was surprise on his face quickly turned to relief. It seemed like it was only a second before Robin's hands were on Gaius' shoulders holding him tight and closer.

"Gods! Gaius...! I was so worried. Are you alright? Did something happen?" Robin asks all at once; the look in his eyes so honest and concerned Gaius was a bit overwhelmed.

It took him a moment to find his voice. "I'm doing just peachy. Had a little trouble getting out, but nothing major. Here though." He does his best not to wince as he shifted an arm to his chest and reached within his shirt to withdraw the papers. Robin took them, put them on the desk and immediately returned to Gaius' side.

"You look awful, sit down and talk with me at least," he insists, trying to coax him over to the cot to sit. He didn't really want to linger so much as he wanted to lie down and not move again for a very long time, but the tone of Robin's voice convinced him.

"Just for a bit then. I got all the details I guess," Gaius said plainly.

Robin acted like he never heard him as once they were down he fires off completely unrelated questions. "Are you sure you're alright? You really don't look to well. It's not just that you're tired. Be honest with me, Gaius."

Robin's gaze fixed on Gaius' leaving him no room to escape. Usually he would have been bothered, but there was just a hint of something else there. Realizing what it was left him somewhat weak. He couldn't quite slouch and hide everything away. It hurt like hell to do anyway.

"Just a scuffle on the way out. It was stupid and I got out. Hurt something fierce though and slowed me down."

Robin paused only a second to look him over. "You weren't captured were you?"

"No. You think I'm that bad?" he half-joked. It didn't seem to help the worry over the tactician's face so he continued. "I ran into some hooligans on the way out and they got the jump on me. Nothing some rest won't fix up. I mean it."

For once Gaius looked more directly into Robin's eyes. After a few seconds of their lock, Robin nodded. "I'm sorry...But I'm glad you're back. I'll see if I can rouse Lissa and have her help you out." Robin was nearly up off the cot when Gaius grabbed his coat to keep him in place.

"Don't. Let the princess get some rest. In the morning...I'll check in with her." Guilt sunk into his chest at the thought. Robin already expended all this energy on him as it was.

Robin returned to his seat next to Gaius and went silent. The quiet remained between them for what felt like an age.

"Bubbles, thanks, but it's gonna be fine. If any of that mess helps you, we're good," Gaius finally said in nearly a whisper. "Couple bruises are worth it. We're all getting hurt out there anyway."

"That doesn't mean I like it. You're a friend, Gaius. Try to consider that for a moment."

Gaius fell quiet once more. Another pause gave him the time to find words. "No, I think I got it. Thank you, I mean it Bubbles," he spoke with all the honesty he could muster up. Maybe it didn't come across well with a suspicious-looking face like his, but within a few seconds Robin recognized the glance he received. A small smile settled on his lips.

"No thanks needed. Just keep coming back. That's all I'm asking for."

"Tall order there. Especially if you got more missions like that," Gaius returned with a slight smile.

"I don't for now. Get some rest. We can figure out the rest in the morning," the tactician offered kindly. It sounded too good now that it was on the table again. Slowly Gaius rose and Robin joined him.

"Gotcha. I'm on it, Bubbles," Gaius answered with a nod and then moved for the flap of the tent. There came a rush of hesitation and he glanced back the tactician's way. "You make sure you're coming back from all this mess too. Don't be reckless."

Robin smiled warmly. "How would you or Chrom do without me? I'll be here. Don't worry."

Something about that put him at ease. Gaius smiled back. "See you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Gaius."

The two parted ways there; Gaius out to hunt for a tent he could crawl into in a way that wouldn't hurt everything when he laid down.

He was glad to have made it back. There was more there than just work to turn in for coin at the end. The look on Robin's face when he first entered was something else. It was just a little scary but at the same time very warm.

Nothing felt better than making it back.