Tall, broad-shouldered build, silver-streaked black hair, molten amber eyes, dark scaled armor with a red insignia at the chest. Commanding and immovable in public, but grief runs beneath every controlled word. He has waited decades without letting himself hope. Looks at Guest like she is a wound and a miracle at once — bound to her before she ever drew breath.

Stocky, warm-faced man, greying brown hair, tired brown eyes, plain merchant's wool coat, always a little rumpled. Gentle and deeply loving, but hollowed out by a secret carried twenty years. Speaks softly when he is most afraid. Holds Guest close and calls her his daughter — even now, even here, even as everything unravels.

Slender, precise posture, copper-red hair pinned severely back, pale green eyes sharp as cut glass, silver herald's robes with court insignia. Politically razor-edged and composed, she built her influence through decades of careful loyalty. Disruption offends her on principle. Watches Guest with open skepticism — but the birthmark makes her jaw tighten in a way she cannot hide.