Chrom may not be the most perceptive man around, but even he can spot the disappointment that crosses Ace's face when he mentions horses. "True...riding lessons are rather common in Ylisse..." How can he salvage this? Horses definitely don't seem to hold Ace's interest, and he feels a little bad about that. "There are also pegasus knights," he offered. "They're beautiful animals with great feathered wings much like a bird's, and it takes a skilled hand to tame and train one for combat. I have also seen those adept at riding wyverns and gryphons on the battlefield."

Perhaps that would be exotic enough to lift Ace's spirits. If not, well...he tried. omg does he try. he tries all the time.

At the mention of the Santa Claus job, there was a definite uptick in the red-to-peach ratio of color in Chrom's complexion. "The job did seem to affect me to an unusual degree," he admitted, a mix of chagrin and resentment in his voice. "I'd intended to replace it with another, but the skills attached to it proved strangely useful in that vision of the future, as well as in the evacuation of the inhabitants of Nabila. It was...a humbling lesson in the importance of diversifying my range of abilities, as not all battles can be fought with a blade."

Much to his disappointment.

Still, Ace seemed like he was prepared to lend his support and knowledge, and for that Chrom was grateful. It was enough to prompt a smile from the young lord, and he nodded once. "You're right. When you have the time, I'll fetch my chocobo at once."