The opulence of the Ruby Palace is almost oppressive. intricate molding on both stone and wood surfaces are highlited with metal inlays: brass, silver, and even the softer, gentler sheen of gold. The constant niches, holding works of art that are probably worth skyships themselves, are given nameplates of polished gemstone, carved and inlaid with the name of the work in bronze. Everwhere you look, there is wealth, and moreover the obvious, unsubtle statement of how much MORE wealth there is than YOU have. There aren't as many guards as you might have expected, though they do have the look of formidable fighters, wearing heavy metal armor, and carrying heavy falchions that might easily double as cleavers. Instead, you sense another presense following you as you walk through the corridors, following Gol. It watches you, unblinking, and its malice and vigilance aren't even remotely hidden. Whatever this thing is, there's only a fence of reeds in between you and its metaphorical teeth tearing into you.

You find yourself in front of a pair of double doors. To nobody's surprise, they're constructed of solid pieces of a bright, silvery metal -mithral, by the look of it,- with an impressive tableau molded into it depicting an androgynous winged figure welcoming a fleet of skyships into their arms. The ships themselves seem to be made from a different metal, a darker bluish-gray that might be adamantine. The doors open silently as you approach, and your guard companions give you sympathetic looks. "Well, we're here."

Them there characters that I control will also follow Ra'ven.

In constrast to the gaudy halls, this throne room, almost certainly one of many, given the relatively modest size, has attempted a more understated elegance. Well, as understated as a pair of bronze knight statues, black marble, inlaid gold, an impressive series of braziers and a literal dragon-skull throne can possibly be. Sitting at the far end of the room, on said thron, is a man with the darkest skin you have ever seen. He's clearly a Void Genasi; one of the rarest of their kind, but while most tend towards a dark grey, like drow, his skin simply seems to absorb all light, making it nearly impossible to make out his features aside from faintly shining orange eyes. He is dressed in wide-necked robe depicting a starscape which, as he moves, seems to remain static. Instead, new stars appear at the edges, so that it resembles more a window into a sea of constellations than a piece of cloth with stars sown on it. He smiles, and his teeth shine, a shockingly white slash in the middle of pure blackness. "Greetings. You are invited to kneel at your leisure." Something about his voice makes it seem like both the invitation and comment about "your leisure" are perfunctory, and not to be taken seriously. "My name is Emir Ibrahil Jad Kelarus. And, call it a peculiarity of mind, but I like to meet people who cause a commotion in my city, whether they are friends or foes. So, perhaps you could explain which you are?"

me raises an eyebrow. "Interesting, rising before I asked you to. I suppose now I know a bit more about how you see yourself. As for your question... it's been known to happen. But mostly I know who is who before they even enter the palace. The ones who would say foe almost always have more waiting for them than they thought."

For her part, Patience seems to simply accept that stance from you, as though it's an everyday, expected thing.

A disgusted look crosses her face. "Oh, but it's not complex THAT way. Ugh, gross. No, try to think of a different way my words could be true. Thanks."