This palace was truly incredible. The architecture alone would have fascinated her. But it was the eclectic mixture of old world design and modern elegance that captured her. The paneled ceiling and high beams reaching across it was a touch of old European design. But the clean marble of the fireplace in the great hall, the crisp lines of the artwork, the sedated color of the wallpaper all spoke to more modern sensibilities and flavors. Now that she was finally on the other side of the gate, she could see the sprawling lawns and well manicured greenery and certain windows overlooked courtyards filled with brightly colored, fragrant flowers, trees, and polished stone fountains and sculptures that looked like it could have been pulled from medieval paintings or a novel about a fantasy kingdom.<br/><br/>She lost track of where she was going, what room she was in, or concerning herself with any of that. She might have been lost but, even though it was a large, sprawling palace, it didn't seem large enough for someone to get lost in forever. She was confident in her ability to find her way out. She was meandering down another hallway, her olive colored eyes taking in the tasteful flower arrangements and the picturesque paintings on the wall when she heard a slight shuffle from behind her. She pivoted on her hip to look behind her and spotted Alistair through the archway, reclining on a luxe leather sofa. He looked weary about the eyes and far too relaxed in his seat.<br/><br/>Mindy shrugged, slowly ambling into the room, giving it a very cursory inspection, taking in the modernity of the large TV and marble accents couple with the old look of the dark wood and rich rugs. It was another truly beautiful room. "No, she hasn't given me a tour yet. She probably thought I would sleep until dinner time. I probably<i>should</i>be sleeping until dinner time. I've had... quite the morning." She rolled her shoulders and one gave a loud pop as if to emphasize the very bodily ordeal she'd just been through. She winced and shook out her arm, heaving an equally weary, tired sounding sigh. "But, of course, you already knew that." She made her way closer to the sofa, slowly easing her body into a seat across the way from Alistair and leaning her head back against the supple leather.<br/><br/>Finally, she fixed a dark eye on him. "So why does my sister hate you so much? And how long have<i>you</i>known about all this? Was your brother more forthcoming with details?"