[color=#cccccc]Granlow seemed very content that his guests were getting stuck into the meal. He relaxed further as Mirror talked about the woods, nodding along at how such places could be dangerous. Granlow rarely got outside the walls these days, and he seemed to momentarily be living vicariously through the Tabaxi excitement, despite her talking through mouthfuls of food. He raised his goblet with Tae as she proposed a toast.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]"Here here."[/color][color=#cccccc] Granlow echoed Jameson's words, [/color][color=#ffffff]"Wisdom of the woods is sorely needed, and fine food makes the world go round."[/color][color=#cccccc] He gave a stiff smile at that. His position in life prevented him from being too forward about it, but he was proud of the workers of Fort Rock and the hunters and cooks that had made the meal possible. His pudgy frame betrayed his love of good hearty food. The man was no stranger to keeping himself well fed.[/color]

[color=#cccccc]A twinge of distaste crossed his features at being called [i]Granny[/i], of all things. The Chamberlain stopped eating and placed his fists either side of his plate, watching Tae disapprovingly for a little while. He managed to keep his composure and did not voice his concerns, though. After all, he was in need of their assistance and didn't want to make it harder on himself convincing them.[/color]

[color=#cccccc]His disdainful gaze turned to Johnson and his way of eating.[/color]

[color=#cccccc]My goodness these people ate savagely. But then, he had kept them waiting longer then he intended.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]"I have heard the men at the tavern do get quite rowdy. I hope they haven't been causing you too much trouble. Well meaning folk live in these parts, generally. I hope the drink made up for it.[/color][color=#cccccc]" He approached his meal with a more refined grace then his guests, though he was not afraid to get stuck in. He did not interrupt the casual conversation around the table, and found his eyes lingering on the quiet ranger who had yet to speak. Granlow hadn't had many personal dealings with Vadania, though he had heard she had been very helpful around town the last few weeks. She wouldn’t be in the room otherwise, after all.[/color]

[color=#cccccc]Mirror's final words seemed to jarr him out of his thoughts, and he quirked an eyebrow at her bemusedly. There was no escaping the Tabaxi's piercing gaze, and he decided against playing it off. "[/color][color=#ffffff]Ah. I had hoped you hadn't overheard and wanted to leave it till the end of the meal, but your sharp hearing has caught me out. Yes, I require your assistance in a matter a little more serious than your previous dealings. I was hoping the four of you would be able to deal with the situation as a cohesive unit.[/color][color=#cccccc]" He nursed his goblet, his expression darkening as he stared into the liquid.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]"Some of you may have noticed the group of travellers that have set up beyond our walls. We've had travellers come by our way before and it's never been a cause for concern. More trade and fresh news is always a boon to us, being out so far as we are. However, I've gotten concerning reports, and earlier today... there was an incident." [/color]

[color=#cccccc]He sighed and regarded each of you carefully, his eyes lingering on Jameson's injury. He took a swig of his drink as he caught himself staring.[/color]

"I have been receiving numerous corroborating reports that the travellers have been harassing our people as they come and go from the gates. They have been making demands for coin and wine, and when denied, threaten to put curses on anyone who fails to give in to their demands. Earlier today, I sent out some guards from the walls to investigate and get the troublemakers to move along. When the men returned to me, they were bewitched."

[color=#cccccc]His mouth tightened into a fine line. The candles above head flickered. The shadows danced.[/color]

"My men are good men, local men, with families inside these walls and history going back several generations. I won't have them played with like toys, and neither will the General when he returns. He will take this matter very, [i]very[/i] seriously indeed. I fear his justice will not be forgiving."

[color=#cccccc]The words lingered.

Granlow sighed.[/color]

"I have no interest in violence, but I can't stand ideally by while these strangers get funny and dangerous ideas in their heads. I don't want them harmed, but you must understand something must be done. I was hoping to enlist your help in this regard."