Chapter Five: The Majestic Griffon

Word Count: 2,681

Focused Characters/Pairings: (Robin x Cherche)

Summary: So a griffon, a tactician, and a wyvern enter a stable...

Cherche loved the plot of land Robin and her bought outside of Ylisstol. The capital was a slight flight away with plenty of space for Minerva to roam about. It wasn't Wyvern Valley, but it was the best option possible with living so close to Ylisstol.

'Perhaps Minerva would like tostretch her wings. Honestly, it's too nice not to.'

Although what Cherche liked best would have to be the custom stables she personally designed. The stalls were larger than average and were roomy enough for Minerva to pace. She took the same consideration to building the Minerva's home as she did for her own and it showed with high lofty ceilings and plenty of fresh hay. Minerva deserved no less.

For such a fine stable it was a shame it was empty most of the time. Minerva spent her time hunting rabbits or rolling in the fields. The other times the stalls were occupied were for Gerome's Minerva, or when Morgan brought a mount of her own. If Robin needed to visit the capital he usually took Minerva, a clear indication of approval.

That was why Cherche nearly had a heart attack as she saw hay flung into the air at the farthest stall away. There was also a screeching noise that buzzed about in her ears.

'Did Morgan bring a mount home? Or… Did a neighbor bring their steed in?'

Slowly she approached the stall, hoping it wasn't what she thought it was. A Pegasus or a horse didn't make such a horrid noise and a wyvern would've been seen already.

That meant one thing. After confirming her suspicions she ran off to Robin because there was no way she would've allowed a griffon in the stables.

"Robin… dear, why is there a griffon in our stables?"

"Oh… I was meaning to tell you, I bought him." Robin said, not even bothering to turn away from his books.

"You what?" The tone in her voice was concerning enough for Robin to turn around, he grimaced upon seeing Cherche's displeased face. It was a rare show of emotion from her.

"Well the creatures themselves are very rare. I found it a good chance to learn more about aerial combat."

"While I've always admired your tactical ability, I will tell you: there is no need to bother learning about griffons because no one has a remote interest in those foul beasts."

"I thought out of the Shepards you would appreciate such a fine, mythical, and rare creature."

"While I can appreciate a wyvern skin's roughness, I don't see the appeal of those half breed abominations with their pointy beaks and squabby legs…."

"Squabby isn't a word dear."

"Well there are no words that can properly describe a griffon. They're horrid." She folded her arms and stared directly at him. Robin shivered.

It was the fearsome part of Cherche he had come to love, a determination that could chill one to the bone. He saw it within his wife always-in battle, in conversation, in intent. There was a quiet storm that brewed insider of her, which was kept tempered… Usually.

However this time Robin laughed. He set his book down onto his desk and leaned upon it for support.

"So what's the punch line for this joke? Tell me so I can join in."

"Well I've never seen you act this way. It's cute."

"W-what?" Her hands moved to her hips, not sure if she was angry, confused, or happy.

"I've always thought you had a bit of a childish side. Who knew it took a griffon to bring it out." He walked towards her, taking her hands. "Even in marriage I learn something new about you everyday."

"Your appeal to women is very strange." She began circling Robin, observing him from head to toe. "A gifted tactician yes. A skilled fighter, I can't deny. However a loving husband…? Well you have your days."

"Does that include today?"

"It's too early in the morning to tell dear." She said with a smirk.

"Well despite how this will affect my standings, I have to ask you-there's no one else."

"Go on." The sharp look returned.

"Teach me how to ride a griffon."

"Is that what your sweet words were for?"

"I mean every compliment I give you. And I'll have you know griffons are very smart. They're sturdier than pegasi-"

"Then how come Cordelia isn't captain of the 'Ylissean Griffon Riders'?"

"And they can outrace wyverns-"

"Oh I wouldn't let Minerva catch you saying that..."

"In conclusion, griffons do have advantages from their mounted counterparts. Now, what is your position?"

"They're dirty, they're rude, and their feathers get stuck in your armor. I know because my parents made me ride one before when they learned about Minerva. That it would make me forget about the scary wyvern."

"And what happened to the griffon?"

"Well after scratching me Minerva… scared her away. Let's put it at that. So if that griffon gets on Minerva's bad side, I can't guarantee his safety."

"… Fair enough. So, you'll teach me?"

"Stick to the tomes and swords. Curiosity killed the cat, and apparently the tactician."

"I swear I wont trade in my cape for a saddle alright? I'm only performing my duty as Chrom's personal tactician."

"You've always said that when you wanted to learn new things. Remember how well it went when Vaike taught you how to wield an axe?"

"Well… Stahl accepted my apology. There was no harm done, just a good scare really."

Robin saw Cherche's expression soften.

"Just think of it as an early wedding anniversary present?"

"I thought we agreed on no presents?"

"Well… That's… We can take back a silly promise like that. I promise…" Robin said with a sly grin. "I'll get you great present. Nothing expensive, I know you don't like that."

"… If you're insisting. I'll teach you all I know so you can become a competent griffon rider."

"Great!"

"HOWEVER, I'm not going into the stable if that griffon's in there. You're responsible for him."

"I can accept those terms. So tomorrow, bright and early?"

"Time for your first lesson: don't wake a griffon up. You don't want to ride an irritable griffon, especially at high altitudes."

"Now introduce yourself by offering your hand. Don't just get on before introducing yourself, that's rude."

It was noon when the griffon decided to wake up. And he so gladly announced so to Robin and Cherche with a loud cry. Upon taking him out Robin noticed Minerva was nowhere to be seen, but that was fine-she would come back in the evening and he could approach her then.

Robin approached the griffon slowly and bowed, dipping his head to avoid eye contact. After he put his hand out for the griffon to recognize his scent.

"Good, now straight posture… You have to appear bigger. You are the rider. Now keep your hand out, even if he bites."

"What do you mean?!" Robin murmured.

"It won't be that painful-it'll be like a baby teething."

"Does that look like a baby to you?" Robin shout-whispered. The griffon curled its neck around Robin's arm, making quick flighty movements. "He's going to peck my eyes out."

"What a shame, you won't be able to see your wife's face anymore."

The griffon opened his beak, nearly giving Robin a heart attack. He read how griffons caught fish and snapped them in half with their beaks.

'What finger will I lose? My pinky? Thumb? Oh anything but my thumb.'

However all Robin could feel was a gnawing pressure. Cherche's knowledge was impressive.

"It's going okay?"

"Oh yes, it'd be much worse if he didn't like you."

Robin removed his hand from the beak to gently rub the griffon's head. In response he heard a purring noise.

"Great! I think you can ride it now."

"A-are you sure?' But Cherche was hearing none of it and 'helped' Robin get on.

"It's rather simple-don't jerk or pull on his neck. Lean into the direction you want to go. And don't be nervous. Not just griffons, but all animals can sense that."

"Simple enough. Now how do I- AUGHHH!"

"Have fun dear!" Cherche yelled out, smiling.

It was clear Robin had no control over direction. All he could do was hang on tightly. The movements were erratic with quick turns and sharp dives. One moment Robin was above the clouds, the next his foot almost skimmed the ground.

"Okay, okay… Can we go back down now, please?"

As the griffon slowly descended Robin sighed in relief, until he looked in the direction they were heading.

"Woah! Not near the lake. Next to Cherche, you know on the dry ground?"

However his initial command was all Robin was allotted and the griffon playfully glided over the lake. Through the aerial rolls and tailslides Robin found himself hanging upside down, clinging to the griffon's claws.

"BAD! No, go back upright!"

However all Robin could hear was a squawk, was it spiteful laughter?

He could only hold on for so long until Robin felt the hard surface of the lake's surface. He quickly swam back to shore where Cherche stood, smiling.

"That was good for your first ride. I think he really likes you."

"You sure? I wouldn't drop my friends into cold water."

"Well there are other places he could've bucked you off. You know Minerva burnt me when we first met, consider yourself lucky."

"… Noted."

"Why don't you dry yourself off? I'll put the griffon back in the stable."

"No!" Robin said as he got pulled himself up. "I mean, I thought you said you weren't going into the barn with the griffon?"

"You're soaked to the bone and it seems too mean to leave all the chores to you. Besides seeing you ride that griffon reminded me of when I was first learning to ride Minerva. It's endearing to watch."

"It's fine, really. I'll take care of it. In fact I'll do it right now."

"But Robin!"

"Same time tomorrow alright?" Robin hollered as he took the griffon and left nothing but a soggy trail behind him.

Despite the sore muscles in his back from the week of learning, Robin woke up with a smile on his face. Everything felt perfect, the sun was shining through the window-promising for a perfect day of riding. And right in front of him was his lovely wife.

Without her usual headwear Cherche's hair sprawled in all direction. He pulled a few strands behind her ears while revealing her bare shoulders at the same time. With the summer heat she had opted for a lighter nightgown-one that complimented her form quite well.

'Gods, she's beautiful.'

Ever since Cherche joined the Shepards Robin always felt a connection to her. Perhaps it was her maturity, it was refreshing to talk to her. She seemed so much wiser than her actual age, which was only five years older than him.

Maybe it wasn't love at first sight, but he felt a familiarity. During camp he sought her company and although Minerva intimidated him at first, nothing would deter him from speaking to Cherche, even if it meant playing wyvern matchmaker. Their love grew through the similar search for companionship and understanding, not from mere glances.

In retrospect their story was rather dull compared to the exciting love stories of the other Shepards. Chrom and Olivia had to be the winners in that department, marrying after a meeting on the battlefield. But as he watched how the dancer made his best friend smile after tremendous loss, Robin knew something had to be there.

Although sacrificing himself to rid the world of Grima was exciting in its own right, it made Robin appreciate the ordinary.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Us of course. Happy anniversary Cherche." He gave a light good morning kiss before stepping out of bed while gathering his cloak to cover his torso. Like Cherche, Robin opted for lighter nightwear-or in his case no nightshirt at all.

Cherche in bed, pouted.

"Modest are we?"

"Don't be too disappointed dear-it's only morning after all." He said with a wink. He held out his hand for her. "I promised you a gift, didn't I?"

She grabbed a shawl as Robin led her through the house blindfolded. Soon she smelt fresh hay and carved wood.

"All right, you can look!"

She removed the blindfold to see Minerva smiling, or at least as close as a wyvern could try.

"What's with you Minerva? Normally you're a bit grumpy in the morning."

Minerva snorted, a small puff of black smoke erupted from her nose. She turned sideways to reveal her long body.

"Wait, why are you saddled so early in the…?" Upon closer inspection her usual riding gear was differe. She went to touch the supple leather of the saddle, whose black sheen distinguished itself from Minvera's scales. Engraved throughout the leather strips and saddle edges was a battle between wyverns with smoke and fire between the two.

"Do you like it?" Robin asked. "I know you said your previous saddle gave Minerva a rash so…"

"You made this?" Cherche asked. "Are you a tactician or a leatherworker or a sower?"

"To be honest I had to ask Gaius for help with the sowing. When I tried I just stuck myself with needles. Everything else… Well I read whatever I didn't know, which was a lot."

"This is beautiful." Cherche couldn't stop running her hands along the leather. She felt bad that such a beautiful piece was just going to be sat on.

"Think of this as a gift and an apology for leaving."

"Please Robin, don't punish yourself over that. Ridding the world of Grima was a noble decision, I couldn't be any prouder of your choice."

"None the less, it must have been lonely not knowing if I would return."

"I knew you would return, I just needed to wait and I'm very patient. While there were times I felt your ghost touch or saw the empty side of our bed… Gerome, Morgan, Minerva, and all the Shepards gave me company."

"Well I just wanted to make up for missing our first true wedding anniversary."

"How about we let it slide this time. Thank you Robin, really." Cherche gave him a kiss and hug. "Wait… Where's the griffon? I don't hear his cries. He's not even in his stall. Did Minerva really eat him?"

Robin pulled back from the hug.

"Oh that? Well uh, about that I returned him to his owner… Sumia."

"Really?"

"She bought him for breeding, which is going quite well for her. Anyways I asked to borrow him. To be honest I did look at the price of a griffon… And well let's just say I've found another reason why griffons aren't practical in an army."

"So you borrowed him as a distraction to keep me away from the stables? How did you even know I disliked them?"

"Gerome. Although he said he was left on his own at a young age, he clearly remembered your griffon hate. And when I said I would borrow one, he suddenly declared his departure for Wyvern Valley. Perhaps we need to speak to him about that when he returns... But anyways, it was a good distraction while I made some final fittings."

'Perhaps I wasn't such a bad parent after all…'

"So learning about aerial units…" Cherche tried to bring her straying mind back to focus.

"While valuable, it wasn't quite the truth. Sorry for tricking you dear."

"Well seeing you dropped into the lake should call it even. Watching you ride that griffon showed your points... But no griffon can compare to Minerva."

"And with those swims I came to understand your hatred."

"Never mind that dear, it looks like Minerva's eager to test out that new saddle… What do you say?"

"Uh right now?" He hesitated looking at their sleepwear, but he went with the flow as Cherche pulled him up.

"Okay girl, let's go. And just for fun, let's go around the lake first."

A/N: This one-shot was done at the suggestion of Mzr90. Hopefully you liked it :D

And seriously there are hardly any griffon riders in FE:A. The only ones I can recall are in Inigo's chapter... And there's got to be a reason for it... Right? Seriously did anyone choose to make any of their characters griffon riders?