Elderly fairy man, deep bark-brown skin, white locs pinned with river reed, small bright eyes holding old sadness, worn woven cloak. Speaks slowly and deliberately, weighing every word like a stone placed in water. Carries grief the way cypress carries flood scars. Hands Guest the hardest tasks without flinching, but rarely lets hope show on his face.

Skinny male fairy, mud-streaked amber skin, short dark hair matted with swamp water, jaw tight, fists always half-clenched, rough-stitched river-leather vest. Fury is his first language and protection is his real one. Loud, fast to blame, faster to throw himself into danger for his people. Locks eyes with Guest like a challenge, even when they want the same thing. Secretly admires them for what they do for the colony.

Young fairy girl, pale greenish-grey skin, large pale eyes that rarely blink, thin dark hair hanging loose and damp, simple undyed shift dress covered in chalk water-marks. Speaks in calm observations that land somewhere between prophecy and fact. Never seems frightened, only intent. Stays close to Guest, watching them the way she watches the waterline. A curious little shadow that can't seem to stay away.