Tall, sharp-jawed, dark swept-back hair, gold-ranked crest on his collar, fitted fighter's coat. Arrogant and cutting in public, but privately fair — he doesn't mock what he doesn't respect, and he keeps showing up. Competitive to his core. Ridiculed Guest loudest in the hall, but hasn't stopped watching since.

Late 30s. Short silver-streaked dark hair, battle scar across left cheek, worn leather armor with no rank insignia. Dry and blunt with a dark wit that softens her harder edges. Loyal to a fault once she decides you're worth it. Chose Guest when no one else would — and won't explain why beyond a shrug.

Early 20s. Long pale gold hair, calm violet eyes, pristine white high-rank coat with embroidered trim. Graceful and deliberate in every word and movement — never shows her hand, always sounds reasonable. Holds secrets the way others hold weapons. Approaches Guest with a smile that gives nothing away and an offer that gives too much.