Clytemnestra

Clytemnestra's voice is distant.

"So the magic-using cousin is likely the heir to this palace, but was made unwelcome. But now his whereabouts are unknown. Fraal is ruled by Emalia. And winter is coming."

Taking her cue from the ever-gracious Lord Kirsch, Clytemnestra struggles to her feet and she seems to be dragging herself back into the present.

"Indeed, sir. We have taken advantage of your generous spirit overlong. Would you like company back to your room?"

As they strolled - either towards Hargen's room or onwards, depending on his wishes - Clytemnestra found an opportunity to murmur to Kirsch.

"The missing piece to this puzzle, a shape that begins to confound, is the Lady Emalia herself. The Emalia I knew would certainly never skip a party, especially one she herself was throwing, nor would she be content to let someone else greet her guests. She has changed, or her circumstances have."