"You've picked a good time to get acquainted. With any luck they'll all be drunk and happy with the world when you find them." Leid smiled at the thought. It mad his own appearance at the coming festivities all the more acceptable and with any luck he could slip by unnoticed and well fed. Gareth once again provoked him to think, this time about the uncomfortable topic of why exactly he was here. The truth was, this was just the habit, showing up for celebrations in lands that had forgotten his name and the modest weight it had once briefly held. "Why am I here?" He mimed the question aloud, unsure of the degree of honesty he felt comfortable performing that day. "To celebrate my woeful retirement with somebody else's food. I'm already plenty acquainted with this court and its games." He look back at the group of people conversing with the guard at the throne, and for a moment felt it odd that nobody else was bothering to take a glimpse at the throne room the night before. They hadn't gotten bored of it in only a few years had they? "This is a rare sight, you know. I don't think I've ever heard this place so quiet before today."

As Karl spoke, behind him at the door a tall man who had previously been occupied writing down names at the palace gate ambled into the room, stopping at the door to briefly address the woman standing beside it. He shot a look around the room, still habitually checking for that face, and unsatisfied, departed immediately. The woman turned and left her post, following after him. The two did not make it far into the palace before he found two people he had an agenda with, Hal and Tursgud Berning. Official business. "House Berning, a blessing to see the two of you well," The man spoke slowly, with a croaking, sweet voice that seemed far more fit for an older man than he. "I trust that today's... sailing went well? It's a shame that you haven't been able to relax in the capital, sir." He looked to Hal as he spoke.