By the time that Robin has calmed Warsman down enough to cut off his assault, he's exhausted. In fact, he nearly misses Temeraire's shadow as it slips, swaying as if cast by a flickering candle, past the wing's entrance, only looking up as he sees Warsman stiffen. But rather than setting his already burnt-out nerves on fire, it has the opposite effect- it's a reminder of his duty. There are others here he needs to protect; he is a soldier... no, he is a guardian of the vulnerable. A protector. What is he doing cowering and shaking in this dark hallway when the others here- his family- might be injured or trapped? His heart is still beating fast and the sound of it still makes his head pulse with pain but he knows what he must do now.

More confidently than before, he turns back to Warsman. Russian seems to sink in more than English- maybe his circuitry has been damaged. "I'm investigating that movement, I'll be right back.."

With that, he heads through the doorway and into the stairwell, just catching Temeraire as he staggers towards the banister. But he's so lost in his daydream that he almost appears to be sleepwalking and, as Robin draws closer, a new fear strikes him; that he might not stop and tumble right over the edge and into the darkness below. He can already hear the dull thud, the minute cracking of skull on hard wood, see the shape of his body beneath them with arms bent strangely and jaw hanging like a puppet's.

So strong is this premonition that the words leave his mouth in a panicked rush before he can compose himself. "For God's sake, stop!"