Chapter 10: Arion and Arondel

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening and the storyline or characters.

Morgan and Frederick would be taking care of their horses together.

Many people thought that Frederick the Wary only had three loves in his life: training, his family, and brutally maiming his enemies. However, unbeknownst to people, the knight had another love in life: horses.

Every morning, Frederick's daily routine consisted of not only chores, but also tending to his horse, Arion. This particular horse had been with Frederick since he was a boy in fact- he had learnt to ride him when he was just five years old. There was a certain comfort that horses brought to the knight before and after every battle. Every day, Arion was always there to greet him happily- unlike some of the Shepherds at the beginning of his Fitness Hours.

The truth is, many people do not realize that a horse was just as imperative as a knight's sword or lance. Sumia and Cordelia would agree- these animals were lifelong companions that carry soldiers to, throughout the battlefield, and home with such stunning strength and beauty that no soldier alone could ever do. In Ylisse, a knight was not only judged by his skills and valor, but also by how well that person takes care of his horse. It was a strict discipline and honor to take care of those who would ride into battle and everyday life with you. If the horse was not healthy, then that person would not be taken seriously as a knight- they would be looked down upon by those of great status for the simple reason of not being able to hold the responsibility to care for their lifelong companions.

Since he was a boy, Frederick vowed to teach his future children the wonders and companionships of horses. For Arion has saved his life countless times and comforted him on many days when the onslaught of war and loss was too great for him to bear.

On the day that Morgan was found and recruited into the Shepherds, Frederick and Robin were not surprised to see that their son was a cavalier. Using his critical eye, the knight did a quick once over and was pleased to see that the boy's horse was obviously well taken care of. Robin had remarked later that if this boy was truly their son, then it would be easy to assume that Frederick had been the one to teach and discipline him on everything that had to do with raising horses. With that in mind, he was not surprised to find Morgan with Arion and the boy's own horse in the stables later that night.

Smiling to himself, Frederick observed quietly as Morgan tended to both of the horses with such tender love and care it was as if he was watching a younger version of himself tending to them. Every brush of their manes was done carefully as to not hurt the animals. Deciding to make himself known, the older knight took this opportunity to join his son. Grabbing a brush, Frederick gingerly stepped closer to the boy's horse and started brushing the mane. Morgan quietly smiled at his father and spoke,

"His name is Arondel- he was given to me as a lifelong companion on my fifth birthday and has been with me every since."

"Hm. Is that so?"

"Yea, he's been by my side after every battle; He's been with me through thick and thin and saved my life too many times to count. In fact-"

During Morgan's explanations, Frederick felt his smile growing wider with genuine happiness. Morgan may have wanted to be just like Robin and be the greatest tactician to ever grace the realm, but his son inherited a lot more from his father than he ever realized. It seems that Ylisse had gained another cavalier to be proud of.

"…He had always been a voracious eater; one time when Arion was not looking Arondel went into his food and ate everything! Let's just say that Arion was very grumpy during the ride back to Regna Ferox-"

"I am truly happy that I can share these moments with you Morgan."

Morgan looked at his father with a surprised glance. He immediately gave his father his full attention.

"What do you mean dad?"

Smiling widely, the knight patiently explained, "A lot of people, except for your mother, do not know that I hold such a huge passion and gratefulness to horses. Many people see them as a convenient ride to battle or even to town and forget that they are living, breathing, creatures. I am glad that I have taught my son that there are more to them than that."

With one last brush of his horse's mane, Morgan slowly got up and began putting on his riding armor. "Well, I learnt from the best. You used to tell me that a true knight and horseman does not look at the horse with his eyes, but he looks at his horse with his heart."

Following his son's example, Frederick quickly got to his feet and put the saddles on each of their horses. "Want to go out for a ride before dinner? We should be back before your mother finishes preparing dinner."

"Of course! I would ride anywhere with you, Arondel, and Arion forever dad!"

Hello everyone! It has been waaay too long! I hope everyone is doing well! A lot has changed in these past two/three years! This prompt was also a test for me to get back into writing.

Most of Frederick's view on horses comes from my own. I had always wanted to ride horses before but never had time to!

I have not forgotten about the other requests so please be patient- I will do these whenever I can! Hope you all have a great day!