Rhoynar turned to Ilinfer and smiled. 
"Meet me at the gates at sun set." He commented, his eyes turning to the sun above them. They had a few hours before he would have to meet her before the gates to the city. There were items lingering in his mind and questions he wanted answering, but they wouldn't be answered here. The Second East was the only place he'd get the answered he needed; he was grateful for his family's connections there. He left Ilinfer's side and disappeared through the crowds. Stepping between citizens and traders, merchants and whores, his feet took him along a familiar path and down a long, narrow street filled with closed doors and empty windows. He reached one door and paused. The building had been the only one of the street with even the hint of life inside. The open glass passed a cloud of heavy perfume, incense and sweat through to the rest of the city, the sound of sex echoing throughout the building. Rhoynar stepped in through the door and entered the whore house through its back door.

The girls inside were a mixture of all sorts. Northern girls with pale skin and brown hair. Southern girls with porcelain skin and blonde hair. Then there were the girls who seemed not native at all, sun kissed skin, like his own, and dark black hair with dark eyes and passionate lips. Rhoynar walked through the first room, and stepped into the busiest room. The girls simply lingered, chatting with men who entered and tempting them out of every coin in their purse. They were not Rhoynar's target but a small man with a beard that seemed too charismatic for his own good. He jumped a little when Rhoynar appeared and ushered the girls around him to leave. Ollivar, the owner of this particular house, seemed a little confused by the man's presence. 

"What brings you to the capital? You're family never come here." He stammered, guiding Rhoynar into one of the small more private rooms. "I don't mean to offend but any more of these girls and people will start to notice. They don't just migrate here."

"Relax, that's not what I'm here for." The knight smiled, pulling a page from his pocket. "Illyn Grey has asked me to find this." His finger moved over to a crown on the top corner of the page. "I need you to send a message to the someone who will know where I can find this." He added. The image seemed to baffle the shorter man who only seemed to cough and stammer. Rhoynar took the moment to pour them both a cup of wine and found himself a seat. The room was a mixture of rich reds and deep purples, beds covered in silks and satins, most of which were bought from the Second East. The room seemed to smell of jasmine, a strong thick smell that would linger on the clothes and hair on anyone who entered the building. Rhoynar took a sip of his wine and turned his attention back to the task at hand.

"The only place I can suggest would be the monks in Juhad if only to look through their library. I cannot think of anyone who would know." Ollivar commented, taking a gulp of wine himself. "I imagine this to be a lost relic. Did Illyn say why he was looking for it?"

"No, not the real reason. He merely commented on requiring it for the collection. I imagine he's going to amass enough wealth to take the crown. Why else would be searching for artifacts of wealth." The two men made a silent agreement and paused to drink.

"I would rather no King than the Grey's on the throne. I've heard rumours about the King's son being betrothed to wed soon although the name I haven't heard." 

"It would explain why Illyn Grey is in the Capital." Rhoynar commented. He pulled the page back into his pocket and finished his wine. "Be careful. You know you have safe passage to Astipor if you need it. Our army is far bigger than any of these Western Lords give credit for."

"Yes but your army is a week away by boat. You're family could be dead within a week." Ollivar commented, placing a hand on Rhoynar's shoulder. "Your family has the pride of many generations on their shoulders. Generations that grew from nothing to one of the most powerful families in both the East and West, but that pride will kill you. Your brother's death was the result of that-"

"My brother was murdered by sell swords." Rhoynar spoke, snapping almost.

"No, your brother was assassinated." Ollivar argued, lowering his voice. "There are enemies out there, dozens of them. If Illyn Grey is actually searching for the throne, your family will need to leave." He checked his eyes towards the door and back to his friend. "There are families in the East that want you dead. Meerai may be your family's second home but you will be less safe there than in battle. Be careful. The further East you go the less power you family holds. Things have changed, Rhoynar, things have changed far quicker than anyone ever expected." The smaller man stepped back and allowed his friend to take his leave. 

It was late. He knew that. Rhoynar finished his wine and headed out into the street, aiming for a quick pace towards the gates and a journey home. His feet carried him with a lack of mortality despite the news he'd heard. The streets were emptying now, as most headed home or towards one of the hundreds of inns across the city. The city was a city of sin when the sun fell. He hurried his way towards the gate, thinking only about how long they had before their 'time was up'. They would only try to reach this crown in time, if that was the purpose of his quest. Paranoia told Rhoynar it was a lie. But no kingdom could be overthrown in a month. He reached the gates and pulled his horse from the stable he'd paid for. He climbed into the saddle and waited, looking about for Ilinfer.