That sends a pang of sadness through Robert. Having to be hidden away even when they were aboveground, as though their species was something to be ashamed or afraid of... it makes him a little sick.

But he wants Leonardo to continue. Their voices drown out the disturbing snapping noises from the fire, anyway.

"When did you next venture outside? And what about the time spent in the interim? I presume you spent much of that training..." It's hard to miss the melancholy note in Robert's voice, of course. Never being able to go to a proper school... what kind of childhood would that be? A sad one.