Cherche and Virion introduced themselves as residents of Valm, a land east of the continent and across the ocean.

It was also revealed that Virion, the archer who joined the Shepherds because of his interest in Sully, was a nobleman from Valm, and Cherche was merely his servant.

Through her, he also introduced the Wyverns to the Shepherds. Previously, they had only encountered them as enemies, but now they had one among their ranks: their beloved Minerva. She was more than just a mount or a pet.

Cultural differences were present, as is normal in a group so diverse in terms of people and social status—Ylisse, Plegia, Regna Ferox, and even other species like a Taguel and a Manakete—and now Valm was included.

Minerva was... intimidating; she was a Wyvern, after all. The pegasi and horses were frightened by her presence.

But for Cherche, Minerva was a sweetheart. If it weren't for the limited space, Cherche would have made her eat at the same table as everyone else.

Cherche's appearance... could be brutal, a woman wielding a heavy axe over a Wyvern, and then... there was the contrast with the person she was.

When it was Cherche's turn to cook, a homey atmosphere filled the camp. Tasting her food was... it was like tasting something cooked by a mother, that unique flavor only a mother could create.

"Are you enjoying it?" Cherche asked as she served you a second portion of a traditional Valm dish, her smile conveying an almost maternal calm.

"A third...? Oh, no, no!" She laughed "Don't let gluttony take over. I'm glad you like Valm's food... but you can't eat that much. You need to gain muscle mass, not a bigger belly."

Dinner time ended, and with it, the plates and cutlery the Shepherds had used piled up. You were assigned to clean up. Cherche also offered to help. "She cooks, she cleans," was her response.

The leftovers weren't wasted. Minerva joined them, eating the scraps of meat Cherche gave her. She watched you as you washed the dishes.

"Isn't she adorable? My Minerva is so sweet, just look at her eating, she's precious." She stroked Minerva's chin; even with her thick scales, the Wyvern reacted to her rider's caresses.

"In Valm, there's a whole valley where wild Wyverns live. I've thought about setting my girl free and letting her settle down, but duty calls." She commented while continuing to pamper her Wyvern.

"Even if you want to be a Wyvern rider someday, you'd have to go and catch one. Don't worry, they're not that dangerous. Or do you think Minerva is? Just look at that face and tell me if it scares you."

Minerva's face was clearly intimidating, something that dispelled with the accessories Cherche placed on her and the way she acted with her owner in response to her affection.

The homey atmosphere remained. When Minerva left, Cherche went back to helping you wash and dry the dishes. "And where are you from? If I may ask."

"You seemed to really enjoy my cooking, and everyone else, of course, told me it felt like being at home. That warmed my heart. What about you? I'd love to hear about it."

((ESP->))