[ Thancred arrives to Istredd's domain twenty minutes after he sent the message, confident that Istredd will meet him there and allow him into the warded part of his library. This is about as secure as a meeting between Summoned could possibly be, and while it does bleed away some of the anxiety induced by the secret message he received, the urgency is still very much present in his gait and on his face as they make their way behind closed doors. ]

Things are coming to a head.

[ That's all he says by way of explanation until the rest arrive. Once Kyle, Stephen, and Yennefer have filed in, each looking some version of stoic, Thancred turns to the four of them. He shuts his eyes for a beat, then plants both hands on the large wooden table situated in the center of the so-called reading room. ]

I received a message minutes before I sent that message, from Jolene Sybell. She has reason to believe that there will be an incident in the castle tonight, some manner of power play. The details are scant, but my assumption is Sidwell and his people will make an attempt to oust the royal family and seize the castle for themselves.

[ Is this a good thing? A bad thing? It's hard to know. None of them are particularly thrilled with the actions of the Queen, but will Admiral Sidwell be any better? It's entirely possible he could be worse, that his military alignment will lead to all-out war with the Free Cities.

There isn't time to discuss all the political details. Thancred's gaze moves from one face to another as he heaves out a sigh. This all feels far too familiar for comfort, transporting him back to that night in Ul'dah. Himeka and Alphinaud, betrayed; all of them, forced to flee... ]

She worries that we will be caught up in this for our connections to the court and our dealings with the crown and its allies. She's offering us a way out.