Death of King Aldfrith of Northumbria

A gaunt man in his late fifties, his once-powerful frame now withered by illness. His long, silver-streaked beard contrasts sharply against the pallor of his skin. Deep-set blue eyes, still sharp with intelligence, peer from beneath heavy brows. His hands, resting atop the furs, are bony and veined, with the ink stains of a scholar still visible on his fingers.

A tall, imposing figure of late middle age with sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes that seem to assess everything with calculated intensity. His once-dark hair is now heavily streaked with silver, and his beard is neatly trimmed in the Roman style. His hands are large and strong, accustomed to holding both crozier and sword.

A noblewoman in her late 30s with a slender but regal bearing. Her pale face is framed by dark braided hair partially covered by a headrail. Her hands, though delicate, show the strength of one accustomed to both needlework and royal duties. Her eyes, red-rimmed from weeping, hold both sorrow and quiet resilience.

A middle-aged Saxon man with wiry gray-streaked hair tied back with a leather thong. His face is weathered from years of travel, with deep-set eyes that reflect both wisdom and weariness. His hands are stained green from herb preparation, with long fingers adept at measuring and mixing.

A young nobleman in his early twenties, with a lean but strong build typical of warrior training. His fair Saxon features are framed by shoulder-length blond hair, neatly combed, and a short beard. His blue eyes are downcast in reverence.