A book and many things to do

[Anastasia]

The apple is considered and then put down. "Small and against the wall, ripe and red in the mind's eyes, they are what are the path ahead, a small and delicate taste of yesterday, plump droplets taken far."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa sends to Bastian, 'What the hell does that mean?'

[Anastasia]

'Something besides an apple,' Bastian replies back. 'It's hardly the only red fruit there is.'

[Iron Dragoon]

'Small and against the wall? A strawberry or the like?'

[Anastasia]

'I think so, too,' Bastian says, 'Try those.'

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa heads back to the feast and snatches up some Strawberries!

[Anastasia]

Easy enough. This time the old man takes one and eats it in two bites. He says nothing, but a smile graces his face.

[Iron Dragoon]

"More old man? Or something different this time?"

[Anastasia]

Blindfolded eyes are unseen, but his head is in the right angle to look at you. "Ask what you want," he says.

[Iron Dragoon]

"There are Sharrans here. A new cabal. We're looking for information about them and their location."

[Anastasia]

"I've heard a few secrets about that," Is your reply, "They reside in the Ash Basin, most likely."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa turns to Bastian, "Know that area?"

[Anastasia]

"Been there once or twice. It's a deathtrap," Bastian shakes his head, "Full of lowlands with quickash. Like quicksand but worse."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Hm. Should be alright, considering, as long as we go slow and be stealthy."

Turning back to the old man, "Would you happen to know anything about their numbers or leader?"

[Anastasia]

A shake of his head, "Only where they are likely to lair."