Dal'tek guided the group of misfits and odd persons through the woods with confidence. It was clear that he knew the way, even though he spent much of his time glancing back at the foreigners, his curiosity obvious and similar to the curiosity a child might have standing before something new. He had always hoped to one day spend time talking to a human, or one of the fox-people, or any of the other races that inhabited the strange, mysterious world outside the forest, but he never thought he'd get to meet such a diverse group of people all in one place, all having stepped into the forest's domain. More than once his eyes peered over each member of the group, noting small details about them, and still quietly surprised how close they looked to the images in the vision he had experienced the night before. Here they were now, following him to the aviari village, but for what purpose - he was not yet sure.<br/><br/>"Not much father," he mentioned on more than one occasion, noting that some of the members of the odd assortment of travelers seemed pensive and unsure. Dal'tek could empathize - wouldn't he, himself, feel the same way if he suddenly found himself in a strange land away from the safety of the forest? Wouldn't he be worried, nervous, perhaps even frightened? He did not know the answer to that, but he could only guess that such thoughts were running through the mind of their guests as they walked. The two bigger spear-laden aviari had split up - one walking at the front of the procession beside Dal'tek, always within his reach, while the other brought up he rear, mostly spending his time watching behind them as much as ahead.<br/><br/>Soon they arrived at a stone circle on the ground, seemingly in the middle of the forest. It was then that Dal'tek, smiling, slowly tilted his head back to look -upward-. There, above them in all its glory, sat the aviari village. It was high off the ground, over a hundred feet to the nearest structure, and with the thick foliage in most places, there were even more structures that were hidden from view. Even now, the party could make out the dark silhouettes of figures above looking down upon them curiously, as Dal'tek set about preparing to bring he visitors up into the village in the trees.<br/><br/>"We can each carry you one at a time, or you may climb a vine if you wish," he said. "The trees are likely to wide to climb, and the sap they give off is often slick, meaning climbing them by hand might be otherwise dangerous and perilous. I humbly ask that you do not start trouble, for we are a peaceful race, and none of our people will start trouble with you. Some of my kind will be very... curious about each of you. Please take no offense, for with only a few exceptions, including an elf that has resided with us for some time, we rarely see outsiders. As you also might guess, attempting to harm the trees themselves in any way is... not recommended. Please do not mistake 'peaceful' for 'helpless', for we are anything but helpless," he said, his voice polite and non-threatening.<br/><br/>With that, Dal'tek's two lumbering aviari moved forward to join him, and Dal'tek glanced around the group for a moment. "We can each carry you one at a time, and then will return for the next. If you have an aversion to heights, I suggest that... you close your eyes during the ride," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. He nodded at Verita's question. "Of course food will be provided, though our food might be very differen than your own - I do not know. Come, you will meet many of our people and they will ensure that you are able ot rest, clean-up, and relax."<br/><br/>Soon, the group is moved and is eventually approached by various members of the flock. Each introduces themselves and offers various forms of hospitality, varying from bathing to food to areas of relaxation and contemplation. Dal'tek merely stands off to the side, out of the way, allowing his kin to observe the newcomers, every bit as curious as he is. The females, especially, seem curious about the males in the group, and are rather forward in their open examination of each one. The males, only slightly more shy, remain at a short distance, observing the females, noting how odd it is that such creatures can exist without any feathers at all!<br/><br/>Dal'tek listened with approval as each of the visitors made their choice, as he stands by in case any of them have questions or concerns. The excitement in the air is thick. All about them, from other nearby ledges above them and level with them, other aviari, young and old, peer and strain to get a glimpse of the newcomers.<br/><br/>* * * * *** **<br/><br/>"Kali! Kali! Kali!" the cries came, as three of the younger aviari in the village, nearly six feet tall already even at their young age, came hopping into he small quiet area where she currently sat. The elf would easily hear it by now - a sir amongst the other nearby aviari, messages and communications transmitted quickly over short distances in a series of strange chirps, caws, and cries. But the three youngsters came to her speaking her own tongue, what few words they had learned from her so far, or had learned from one of their elders who could somewhat speak her tongue. The nearby aviari adults seemed agitated, but in an excited way, rather than alarm. The three youngsters reached for her, gently tugging on both of her arms, urging her to rise and follow them.<br/><br/>"Come, Kali! Come see the outsiders!" they urged, obvious excitement in their voices as they all tried to speak at once, insistent upon her following them to come meet someone - or something - from outside the village...<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>