*Setting*<br/><br/>Seni was in his normal post at the doorway deep in concentration. People said there hellos without much of a response but it was typical of Seni, and the majority had already gotten used to that stoic demeanor. The main hall was nearly empty save for a few early arrivals here and there. Shard was at the bar spinning a glass on the counter; her cloak pulled up over her in such a way that she almost appeared like a phantom bulk of dark fabric with one slender white hand working the glass.<br/><br/>Quissera was out of his chambers early and in the eastern hallway; hair neatly combed into its natural shaggy state. The marble statue at the center of the east wing remained there motionless. He looked at it as if expecting an answer to his hushed whispers, and yet there was no response. Something seemed to weigh heavily on his mind.