It is a grand room, with two ornate staircases leading up either side to a second floor balcony where there is a doorway at the very center.  Other doorways occupy the sides of the second floor landing.
Foyer, Inside Palace
witch
resting travelers
It's good we get to rest after that long journey. We are both weary. I just need a mug of ale and relax.
Witch...are you friendly? We are so weary. I am a friendly witch, but my familiar Helix is telling me there is something not right around here. What are you sensing? It is not me, it is my cat Helix, but alas, he cannot speak, he just shows that he is sensing something off. I think it may be that painting over there. ...that painting is of my grandfather. How do you have it?? Are you part witch? Do you know where you are? This is a temple for the great and powerful witches and warlocks! I AM attracted to pointy hats and love to clean with my broom. Oh my Goodness!! Here would you like to have some of my berries? I found them in the woods, I use them for potions. Yeah but we're so tired that I just might eat them. Here, lets go rest on these stair right here, ill show you my 300 year old spell book. That sounds like a boring read. What's your favorite spell? A BORING READ? how dare you. Would you rather I show you my favorite spell?