[ Istredd is far from subtle but part of that is on purpose. He doesn't want to seem like he's sneaking or trying to fool anyone. His intention is to put the other person at ease, and he's just generally not good at it. When he first got here, he avoided everyone because this is far too much socializing for him, even now, but he agreed to help the newcomers, and he's changed over time. That happens here. She's too new to know that. ]

Yes, them. And they will throw you in the dungeons at the first chance. Those are the royal quarters.

[ So the guards are extremely protective over those! He isn't sure anyone has really been allowed there, perhaps Kyle, but they are kept apart from the royal house on purpose. Not that most of them wish to be in their direct eye line, at least Istredd doesn't want to be. Getting the queen's attention is as much a curse as a positive thing.

Istredd helped them put up some wards in the dungeon himself, in part so he knew what was in there, in case of future issues. ]

I'm Istredd, I'm part of the welcoming committee here. Which is a very weird situation, I know, but necessary.