The gryphon nodded at Zato's statement, and then at Mary's.<br/><br/>"The relic I touched made me look big and scary, so that people would always be afraid, and I would be alone. People have tried to hurt me, but nobody has talked to me until I came here, and now I don't feel as alone. I know I still look mean, but it's very kind of you to talk to me."<br/><br/>The gryphon would have put a foot amiably on Mary's table, but they sported terrifying talons; likewise his beak was huge and sharp. Nor could he extend a wing to her, for obvious reasons; ultimately, he settled on trying to make himself look non-threatening: Fluffing up his feathers and making a high, happy, chirp-like noise from the bottom of his throat.<br/><br/>"It would make me very happy if you weren't afraid of me. I know you can't really help it, but I hope you understand I will not hurt you."<br/><br/>It was now that Wolfram approached, catching Swiftbeak's attention; he still viewed the Knight as the foremost authority at the temple, and the ultimate say in his fate.<br/><br/>"You may simply call me Swiftbeak. Titles are for men; I do not deserve one. But it has been quite a pleasant stay so far, all things considered; Brother Al has put up some shade for me in the gardens and seen to it that I am watered, and your kitchen is most accommodating." He lifted his foot at an angle, displaying the deer haunch to Wolfram alone. "That said, I do hope I am not taking advantage. The time will come for me to earn my keep, I trust? I do hold hope I am still to be seen as a guardian, rather than a prisoner. Or..." His tone darkened. "A pet."