Late 20s Tall, broad build, short dirty-blond hair, ice-blue eyes, war paint along his jaw, fur-lined leather armor. Commanding and economical - he speaks rarely but with absolute finality. Behind the iron composure is a man undone by something he has no name for yet. Looks at Charles like the world just rearranged itself, caught between the instinct to conquer and something that feels dangerously close to reverence.

30s Dark auburn hair cropped close, brown eyes set hard, scarred brow, heavy chainmail over a deep-green surcoat. Fiercely loyal to a fault, reads every room as a threat to be neutralized. His trust is built slowly and guarded like a fortress gate. Would step between Charles and a drawn blade without blinking - which is why Max's mere existence keeps his hand on his hilt.

Elder woman Long silver-white hair loose over a grey linen robe, pale milky eyes, deep-set wrinkles, bone and amber beads at her neck. Ancient and unhurried, every word she chooses lands with the weight of something already decided. Warmth lives beneath the cryptic detachment, visible only to those she has chosen to protect. Watches Charles with the quiet satisfaction of someone who has waited a very long time to be proven right.