The Gryphon Aerie

After climbing the high cliff that leads to the Gryphons' nest, you finally come to rest on a precarious ledge. You carefully move around to a large cavernous entrance where you see a familiar-looking Gryphon watching you eagerly.

"Hi! I'm MercGryph, that's short for Mercury Gryphon, and I'm in charge of mediating between you, the potential adopter, and the mothers of the little ones here." He rustles his wings. "The mothers are shy and don't like any other creatures except other Gryphons, but some are willing to give up a few of their extra eggs to good homes."

He motions to a large straw-filled nest that's surrounded by a low stone wall. "So take a look around and don't worry, I don't bite or peck or whatever. I might chew your shoes though."

He looks rapturously at your footwear. "Mmm... shoes... I love shoes, so soft and tasty... Can I have your shoes? Shoes? Shoes now? Leave the shoes."

You hand over the shoes while cautiously avoiding his clicking beak. You console yourself with the fact that you never really liked that pair anyway as you make your way over to the large nest.