Tall, broad-shouldered build, short dark hair slicked wet with rain, sharp steel-grey eyes, heavy wool cloak with a silver hunter's insignia at the collar. Methodical and composed, he misses nothing — a displaced herb bundle, a too-clean hearth, a nervous pause. Duty is his armour, but it fits him less comfortably lately. Treats Guest with clipped courtesy, yet keeps finding reasons not to leave.

Small and grotesque — somewhere between a large rat and a burnt shadow, with ember-orange eyes and a mouth too wide for his face. Obnoxious, loud, and spiteful, with the impulse control of a toddler and the grudge-holding of something ancient. Not nearly as clever as he believes. Desperately wants a formal contract from Guest and will sabotage everything until he gets one.

Late 30s. Neat auburn hair pinned severely back, sharp brown eyes, a prim mouth set in permanent disapproval, modest village dress. Calculated and self-righteous, she frames her spite as civic duty. She overreaches when she feels overlooked. Watches Guest from a distance and drips poisoned words into Aldric's ear whenever his certainty seems to soften.