Adrian
Lady Catherine Royte
House Royte

"Very apt, but I had a deep curiosity. As did you, braving the plague to also visit a stranger," She remarked, watching plumes of steam languidly rise from his teacup. The tea had been boiling the minute it touched the table. He had left it abandoned with reason, Catherine decided, empty-handed as she sat before him. A meal wafted from walls away, air thickening with the scent of varied spices. There was no need for tea or added weight on her account, something would soon fill her gluttony. "The reason for this fated meeting is to have an insight."

"You're a marvel, not as unseemly as expected. Someone so astute with numbers, I'd imagined all eyebrows, pondering over accounts," Catherine laughed.
Angel
Lady Anna Barrmount
Wilderness of the Iron Plaines, The Witherlands

She seemed to be absorted in watching the waking nature around them.

Anna's body felt a bit numb from the cold, some parts hurting when she moved. The Lady came back to the present as Pippin rose up with the cloak wrapped around her, a small cold breeze sending a shiver all over Anna's body.

She sat there with a regal pose, her fine gown matching the snow around her. Pippin was right, this first night had been dangerous, but Anna herself was so exhausted she wouldn't have minded even sleeping on a tree.

"It wasn't the best of decisions to camp here on our first night, but everything was so rushed and sudden... We had no more options dear" She responded as she warmed up with the newly lit fire "If I recall correctly, father once told me there are numerous caves along those mountains" She lifted her hand to point at the horizon, where some mountains looked like mere rocks in the distance "We could camp there next, if you think it's safe, mister Woodford" She suggested her guard, not wanting to choose a dangerous way to Taemar. 

Anna dedicated a warm smile at Pippin. 

"Don't worry about my health. The only thing that matters right now is reaching the council and look for help. Come sit by the fire dear, we can warm up, eat something and be on our way" Her voice was as cheerful as it could be, as Anna wanted to lift some spirits up. She rose as she spoke, walking towards the horses. 

The group was in a harsh and dangerous situation, if they also felt down they wouldn't be able to make it out of the Witherlands.

Anna caressed the horses and took some food from the bags, bringing it next to the fire and sitting down again. She distributed it in equal parts to her two companions and herself.

The everlasting smile on her face wasn't as bright as usual, the hints of sadness and worry were too heavy for the Barrmount to hide.
Edith
**Treasury Councilor Klaus Paberly
House Royte**

"Very insightful," Klaus responded with a smile. "My mother always told me I was smart *And* Handsome." Klaus took the lightest of sips on his tea. "She had good judgement." Thankfully, having a position on the Iron Plaines Council did not rely purely on merit. Klaus could count. That wasn't an issue. However, it was helpful to have his father as the previous treasury councilor, who passed the position onto his youngest son, since his eldest son was going to be the next Lord of The Grove.

"I would say curiosity did have something to do with it. It's not often that I am unfamiliar with someone in possession of an estate like yours so nearby to my own. I *Must* Invite you to one of my dinner parties once this plague business is over. You'd be a delight." Klaus's smile faded for a second as he looked off to the side, thinking.

"You know, I just remembered. There was something I've been wanting to get for the next dinner party. There was an artist that made a miniature model of the Iron Plaines. The distances are a bit condensed, but it was all to fit more models of each of the great houses of the region all on one table. It was very beautiful when I saw it in his shop. I wanted to buy it, but sadly it was a bit much in cost even for the pay of a treasury councilor. My father and brother didn't want to chip in for it. It's hard to say when I'll be able to pay for it. I'd hate for someone to take it before I get the chance purchase it." Klaus sighed wistfully.