Wraith quickly runs into Aalistair, Kar, and J'landria, in the boughs of the great span oak, speaking with the Gryph Elder.

"I do not believe any of the Ariane are with us now," he says, "though if this is of great import to you, you might bring him to Altan, perhaps two days flight from here."

In reply to GM (msg #21):

Hoping to avoid being impertinent, Wraith casually listens to the exchange and assumes that the group discusses the mysterious passenger imprisoned on the ship.

Aalistair looks back to Kar and J'landria. "I cannot make the decision to subject both the ship and its crew to more travel over something that may be a triviality." He turns back to the Elder Gryph. "You have places here for travelers, though. That might be for the best."

In reply to Aalistair (msg #23):

"Pardon the interjection," says Wraith, taking a lithe step forward.  "I do think that it is very important for us to arrive at some sort of consensus about our mysterious traveler.  If he isn't what he seems to be, he could potentially destroy each and every one of us.  I believe that we should jettison him as soon as possible, unless we can determine without any doubt that he is who he says he is."

The Aamanian nods. "That is the matter at hand, yes. Mirna was working on a plan earlier, but I am not sure of the results."

In reply to Aalistair (msg #25):

"If this man truly has power to overwhelm us all, why would he not have used it before now? Also, how long can one maintain the kind of deception required to fool a ship full of various peoples. I am beginning to think this man is just what he appears. Maybe we should bring him out of his confinement and let his actions prove himself."

In reply to Kar (msg #26):

"Perhaps you're right, Kar," says Wraith.  "We may be overreacting.  Perhaps the dubious scent that was detected is the result of mistreatment. I am fine with whatever course of action you all decide upon.  I do, however, feel that he should be closely watched, in the event that we decide to let him remain upon the ship."

The elder looks between those speaking, "So you have a passenger you are uncertain of, and no longer wish aboard your vessel?  If you wish to discharge him, yes, we do have places here for travelers."  He nods to a younger Gryph nearby, "Hree will assist you with any arrangements, and guide you to the evening feast, should you be inclined to attend."

She shrugs her shoulders, turning back to the group.

"We should let him go," she says quietly.

In reply to J'landria (msg #29):

Mirna nods in response to J'landria. "Aalistair, you too raised concerning information. How do you feel about letting the Djaffa go?"

"I must admit I would feel that I had been remiss in my duties should we allow this fellow to go free only to find out later that he had committed some villainy here. But, we cannot be responsible for him. He is not one of our charges, so perhaps it is best if he were set upon his way with enough supplies to see him to the next settlement."

While you discuss your passenger, the Elder looks on, nonplussed.  He finally speaks, breaking the silence as you ponder.  "The feast begins shortly.  As I said, Hree here will assist you." 

With that, he, and a retinue of several other Gryphs turn and leave, heading back towards the Aerie, leaving only the young Hree behind with you.

"Well, Hree... what do we need to do to adequately prepare for this feast? Several of our number would likely appreciate that opportunity to bathe first, but are there any other concerns? Things we should be aware of?"

Hree regards you with a cocked head and a curious eye.  "There is water available to bathe; if you need the comfort of warm water, we had best take you to the buildings below.  Also, it is customary for our people to feast on a fresh kill directly, and only dry and preserve the remains afterward.  If you wish your portion cooked, no offense will be taken, but it would be best if I could relay that before the feast." 

She looks around, noting Gryphs flying to and fro.  "It will not be long, it would be best not to be late." 

Warm water sounds good, in temperatures just above freezing.  It is a chill day, for all but perhaps the Gryphs in their warm plumage, and the two Jaka with their fur.

"Warm water would be good, yes. And I, for one, would prefer my meat cooked; I am not used to rich fare." He looks back to Wraith and from thence to the ship. "Perhaps we should inform the others and get an idea for their preferences as well? And see about letting that fellow in the hold down on the ground; though bringing him to the feast might prove beneficial as well." He turns back to the Gryph before him. "I would imagine that you are going to need a tally of our numbers so as to adequately provide for all?"

In reply to Aalistair (msg #35):

A smile twitches across Wraith's face.  "I'd definitely prefer my fare cooked.  More important, though, I wish to thank you for inviting us to your feast.  You are quite generous in doing so."  He looks a Aalistair and says,"Perhaps we could learn more about our peculiar friend if we treat him less like a prisoner and invite him to the feast."

In reply to Wraith Zephyr (msg #36):

"Too, if is indeed whom he claims to be, then a meal is the least we should provide for him after dragging him this far."

Hree considers briefly, then answers, "Yes, I'm sure the number of guest would be good to know.  We must move on straight away, if you are to be refreshed, and we are to be on time." 

In reply to GM (msg #38):

After cocking his head and thinking for a moment, Kar responds to Hree:

"We have a total of 20-25 aboard including the two Jaka and myself. I am unsure of their dietary requirements... J'landria?"

"Thank you," Hree responds to Kar.  "I will go and deliver the news, and be back right away, that we can make haste, to not arrive late."

The brightly plumed young Gryph flies off, swooping gracefully towards the center of the great span oak.

"Mrrrrr, I can eat uncooked meats, Jaxar can too.  I think most... of the others would like it cooked," she says while looking around.  Her eyes linger on something for a moment before she turns their intense gaze back on Kar.  "I am... excited."

In reply to J'landria (msg #41):

"We should let the rest know, and start in"
 shrugs toward the center of activity "we don't want to be late."

"I'll go get them," she says simply and heads back onto the ship, her quick steps making her tail sway a bit.

Hree returns, landing softly, "There is just time for you to go below, if you wish." 

From the great branches, you travel inward to the trunk of the great span oak, where long rope ladders are unrolled, allowing descent to the ground below.  A short distance away, a small cluster of buildings huddle beside a flowing creek, and Hree leads you to the largest.

"This is the inn and marketplace frequented by those more comfortable out of the heights," she points a taloned hand towards the structure just as a portly Pharesian opens the heavy wooden door, a broad smile upon his face.

"Greetings, I am Erethar, master of the Lowly Inn," he sweeps his hand in a flourish into the interior of the building.  "How may I be of service?"