For an outpost on the edge of nothing, Iskura was proving to be a surprisingly sophisticated place. The roof of the castle was clearly defensive in nature its, edges ringed by crenelations for archers to crouch behind in the last defense of the city, but for all its defensive practicality the local elite had done a remarkable job of transforming it. A soft layer of moss had been lain over the cold stones, neatly cut squares carefully interlaced to create the illusion of a single carpet. Short trees had been placed in small pots and small brass lanterns had been hung from their branches, the glass of each tinted a different color. Several musicians played stringed instruments from a stand on a platform that was probably meant for some kind of siege engine. Food and drink were heaped on long tables which ran around three sides of the space, the forth left open for the view out over the city. From this altitude that was a pleasant view of twinkling hearth lights rather than a sprawl of untidy alleys. Jocasta could see lights on a low hill beyond the city wall where the fireworks were being set up.

"Ah, the guests who brought the news about the unfortunate events to the south," a striking man with a neatly trimmed beard and a pointy mustache said with an accent Jocasta couldn't quite place. He gave every appearance of being genuinely excited to meet them.

"I must say I rather expected you to be dressed in bearskins and leather wot!" he joked, giving their costumes an approving look. He took Jocasta's hand and kissed it gallantly despite her making no move to offer it to him. As his hand touched hers she felt a slight twinge in the tattoo she had acquired when she struck her bargain with the outsider. She lowered her eyes, ashamed of herself for reasons that had nothing to do with social niceties. 

"And you must be Beren, my you do live up to expectations," the suave noble continued turning his attention to the young monk with equal enthusiasm.