Mathilde’s husband was killed in an accident just months after their wedding, leaving her to manage their small plot of land on her own. With a fierce determination she remains independent, refusing offers of remarriage for convenience. Her actions have inspired younger women in the village, but scandalized the more traditional elders.
Ula is a practicing midwife who has delivered nearly half the children in the village, her gentle hands bringing new life into the world with remarkable skill. She knows every woman’s secrets and keeps them all, earning trust that transcends family feuds and social boundaries. While she herself is barren, her devotion to others’ babies has endeared her to the community in an almost fanatical sense.
Hailing from the North and of obvious Pictish decent, Sebastian portrays himself a scholar, an expert with languages. The truth however seems far more ominous, his eyes hide something darker and his probing questions regarding Edward De Fitzroy suggest dark and dangerous times ahead.
Since he was young Rodric was bitter and grumpy and found no joy in life, drink, work, or romance. Working odd jobs around the village provides coin for his keep, but that’s about all. He mostly keeps to himself. The village children have dubbed him ‘Roderic the Ancient’ despite his only 20-something years of age.
Elspeth is likely the best cook in the village, able to make even spoiled grain taste acceptable and turn scraps into feasts fit for lords. Her reputation brought her work in lord Alaric’s kitchen during celebrations, and her skills kept her family well-fed even in lean times. She guards her recipes with violent fervor, sharing them only with those she deems true gourmands.
