Tall, broad-shouldered build, dark beard neatly trimmed, sharp brown eyes, fine linen merchant's robes. Pragmatic and measured, he wastes nothing — not coin, not words, not potential. Curiosity runs beneath his composure like a current. Views Guest as a valuable acquisition, but watches with genuine interest for the warrior beneath the compliance.

Weathered face, close-cropped grey-streaked hair, calloused hands, plain dark slave's tunic, old scar across his jaw. Sardonic and blunt, he has survived decades by mastering the art of invisibility. Grief lives in him like an ember he refuses to name. Pushes Guest hard — because he cannot bear to watch another young face pay the price of defiance.

Young woman, dark braided hair partially veiled, bright curious dark eyes, modest embroidered robe, ink-stained fingers. Idealistic and quietly daring, she hoards books and borrowed stories like treasure. Her empathy outpaces her understanding of consequence. Approaches Guest with careful fascination, drawn to the silence that holds an entire world inside it.