Valetni's squeamishness did not seem to bother Swiftbeak, if he was indeed aware of it; he continued to eat haphazardly so long as Mary was not looking in his direction. Valetni's deeper thoughts had escaped the gryphon's notice, even these past few months; while Swiftbeak had heard of the incident in the library, he was in no position nor of the disposition to judge those who had offered their hospitality freely, and should he had ever caught the poisoner's discomfortingly wistful glances, he may have written it off as, perhaps, jealousy for his mastery over flight. Which, all told, may not have been far from the truth- If something within the creature could allow something so cumbersome to fly, could it not do the same for a human?<br/><br/>Heedless to such questions, the creature stopped its meal, swallowing a final piece of rent flesh, when the regal man walked in; like many others he turned to watch this strange arrival, though the forward swivel and perk of his ears was unique to him. He listened to the speech with building worry, but something akin to excitement- Had he not been waiting all this time for a chance to prove his loyalty? ...But would they take him, even if he volunteered? Would he be seen as an asset or a risk?<br/><br/>Zato's voice solidified the gryphon's resolve. Standing to all fours, he stated as modestly as he could in his inhuman rumble: "I, too, will go, if you will have me. I look to repay the kindness you have shown me, thus far."