The question of casinos raises a chuckle from Moss, but little else. He has never been a materialistic sort, and the idea of going to such a place just seems tedious to him. He was mildly interested by their mephit breeding, but had heard they were quite cruel to the creatures. It seemed to him whoever was running the place was of a disreputable sort. The druid expressed as much, his words typically blunt, and not overly kind.<br/><br/>"I have never been to that island among our chain, It is some distance from Turtle Island, and said to be of a particularly shady sort. The casino is home to a criminal enclave, and they beat and torture small elementals for sport. I am not inclined towards associations with such people. Besides, casinos operate upon wealth, and material possessions have never held any great wealth to me. They are the trappings of those seeking validation. True value is found in cultivating nature."<br/><br/>When she offers up the bird, Moss takes a moment to examine it with curiosity, his beady eyes taking in the small details of it, running a taloned hand along the details of the bird. At the same time, he continues speaking to her, more gently now, offering a measure of comfort as he tries in vain to give her some words of solace. It is not his manner to guide others through such pain. Emotional pain is one he has little skill in treating.<br/><br/>"Little one, death is not a wall between the living and the dead. It is a gateway. All things pass through it at some point, and that is the right and proper order. It is wrong to say that the living do not effect the dead though, as you yourself were shaped by many dead things. We each leave an impact upon the world with our passing, rather that be be a carved wooden bird, or the love and affection we pass onto our young. All is precious, and part of the cycle. As to gifts...do not worry. It is my practice to give thanks to those that have aided me, and the bowl is simply an expression of that. It is yours, without expectation of remuneration or compensation."<br/><br/>Moss takes a moment longer in pondering their discussion, but is interrupted by the intrusion of the elf, whom he regards with curiosity, searching for some measure of context into his words. New to islands, he has only heard of the elf lord in passing, only knowing that he has some sort of vineyard on the island. As to the reference of a Shambling Mound, the druid has to search his memory to recall what such a creature is.<br/><br/><strong>PC: Moss rolls a 12, for a total of 15 on his nature check. What does he know about Shambling Mounds?</strong>