The hearth is sitting on the steps towards the very bottom of the Grand Hall. It's dim down there, hidden away from the glorious stained glass of the upper levels, and lit by the light of dozens of candles instead. Of course, the ones surrounding the hearth are burning so much brighter than the ones up above - it's like he's asking them to be brighter, from one fire to another, and the flames that surround him are simply responding to their kindred.

He has a length of thick, red cloth pulled across his lap, which he is cutting at with a small knife he has in his hand. He seems frustrated and a bit uncertain about what he's doing - he seems to be trying to cut holes into the fabric along the edges, but it's difficult to do without causing more damage than is needed.