Liam Mairi was a rider in the same year as Violet Sorrengail. He was fostered by the same family as Xaden Riorson after their parents were killed for their active role in the Tyrrish Rebellion.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Liam was the son of Isaac Mairi and Colonel Mairi and the older brother of Sloane Mairi.
His mother was involved in the Tyrrish Rebellion led by Fen Riorson, her name being listed on the death roll of the Calldyr executions. Liam, like all other children of rebellion leaders, was given a protection rune crafted by his mother, which he held onto while witnessing the execution of the Tyrrish rebels, including Colonel Mairi. This gave him the rebellion relic covering his entire arm starting from his wrists.
It remains uncertain what role Isaac Mairi played in the rebellion, but he was executed later that day at their family's house ― according to Violet Sorrengail, his name does not appear on any of the official records on the Apostasy.[1] Liam witnessed his execution sometime after the Calldyr executions.
| “ | “He was executed at our family’s house.” His features tighten. “Before it was given to another noble, of course. And yes, I watched as they did it that time, too. I already had the rebellion relic by then, but the pain was the same.” He looks away, his throat working. “Then I was sent to Tirvainne to be fostered by Duke Lindell, the same as Riorson. My little sister was sent elsewhere.” | ” |
–Liam Mairi and Violet Sorrengail, Archives duty, Fourth Wing | ||
After the apostasy, the Mairi family's house was given to a noble loyal to Navarre and the Mairi siblings were separated, sent to different foster homes. Liam was sent to Tirvainne to be fostered by Duke Lindell, who also fostered Xaden Riorson. Xaden taught Liam to fight in preparation for when he would join the Riders Quadrant on Conscription Day.[1]
Fourth Wing[]
As a child of a rebellion officer, he was forced to join the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. He was initially assigned to Second Squad, Tail Section, Fourth Wing.[2] He was the strongest cadet in Violet's year, having practically run across the parapet and destroyed every opponent during assessment day.[2] He finishes the gauntlet with the fastest time. During Threshing, Liam bonded a Red Dagger tail, Deigh.
He was asked by Xaden to watch over Violet after an assassination attempt lead by Amber Mavis.[3] Next morning after assassination attempt Liam accompanies Violet for Archives Duty where Violet observes the outright hostility towards Liam from other scribes. Liam mentioned that him and Xaden were fostered together catching Violet by surprise. Liam also bought up that he had to watch his father Issac Mairi burn at his family house whilst holding the rune, feeling the burning pain in his arm for a second time.[1]
| “ | "What did u want to be when you grew up?" I ask just to keep the conversation going.
"Alive." He shrugs. |
” |
–Liam and Violet Sorrengail on Archives Duty, Fourth Wing | ||
The next day Liam is accompanying the squad to battle brief where he's busy working on his wooden dragon figurine. He notices Violet flipping Xaden off and finds it amusing. He teases Violet and makes a cheeky remark by stating he would be glad to review a few potential candidates for Violet if that would stop her from pissing Xaden off. He's playfully questioned by Rhiannon who is curious to know his rating methods.
| “ | And now he's glaring. Tell me, is it fun pissing off the most powerful rider in the quadrant? | ” |
–Liam to Violet, Fourth Wing | ||
During battle brief Liam and Violet are both confused as to why the, scroll they sneakily read during the Archives duty, was not being currently discussed.
Sometime during December Liam is seen accompanying Violet and Rhiannon to the sparring gym carving yet another dragon figure. He is seen teasing Violet and Rhiannon who are busy watching Xaden and Garrik spar. He then proceeds to threaten Jack Barlowe who is mocking Violet daunting her to hide behind Liam. Both Xaden and Liam later kick Jack out of gym.
Later the same night Liam is seen having an awkward encounter with Violet when Tairneanach started channeling his powers. He questions Violet's odd behavior, Violet assures him that everything's okay and heads for his room.
In the last week of January, we see Liam and Violet on library duty, where Violet requests him to keep a secret from Xaden. Liam panics when he learns about her upcoming challenge against Jack Barlowe. He is in denial stating that leadership cannot allow that to happen. He then suggests that they should let Xaden know immediately so that he can put a stop to it, but Violet beats him to it assuring that she can hold her own. Liam clearly expresses his dislike and states that he is against this idea but agrees to keep her secret because they're friends. When the challenge starts Liam begs Violet to let Xaden know and sprints towards third years for the Wingleader.
| “ | "Tell me I can break the promise" Liam begs, and the pleading look and the in his eyes tells me exactly what a shitty position I have put him in.
"The third years are off doing third year things", I tell him as my toes touch the mat. " You can't get him here in time, but I know what it means to you to keep your word. Especially with him. Go ahead." He looks from me to Ridoc,"Guard her like you're me." "You mean I'm six inches taller built like a bull?", Ridoc gives him a thumbs up. "Sure. I'll do my best. In the meantime you'd better run. Liam's gaze finds mine, "Stay alive." |
” |
–Liam Mairi, Violet Sorrengail and Ridoc Gamlyn, sparring gym, Fourth Wing | ||
Liam is seen sparring with Mikael, a rider from Second Wing during the last challenge of squad battle. Liam defeats Mikael and their squad jumps from 7th position to the third rank. His entire squad is rejoicing in glee congratulating him on his victory. He is then accompanying his squad for the last portion of the squad battle, using his farsightedness to help them win the challenge.
The squad is sent to Mosterrat after winning the previous challenge. During training in Monsterrat Liam enjoyed actively pointing out to Dain, that Xaden, being present there due to his bond with Sorrengail was in charge and responsible for calling the shorts instead of him.
| “ | One of the riders down the table whistles low. "Do you boys just want to whip it out and measure? It would be faster." | ” |
–Squad in Monsterrat, Fourth Wing | ||
During an afternoon in May, Liam is exitedly discussing about the upcoming war games, stating that an equally exited Deigh cannot wait to get back at Glane. During the battle Baide is seen attacking Deigh, trying to slash him with her scorpiantail. Liam is wounded when Jack jumps on his dragon and stabs him with his sword. He loses his footing and is falling off his dragon's back when he's rescued by Violet, manifesting her signet and using Andarna's power to save him
| “ | Tairneanach roars with the unmistakable sound of pride.
" Lighning Wielder. " |
” |
–Tairneanach and Violet, Fourth Wing | ||
Liam is seen accompanying his squad during the reunification day. He sticks to Violet's side even during this day stating his concern over her safety. Violet insists on him leaving when Tauri approaches the duo but Liam stubbornly refuses, insisting on staying by her side. She notes his discomfort when the loyalty of marked ones is questioned by the Generals.
| “ | “Go,” I hiss at Liam in a whisper, forcing a smile for my mother’s sake as
General Melgren joins them. Melgren may be brilliant, but he’s also unnerving as fuck to be around. “When your greatest danger approaches? I think not.” His spine straightens |
” |
–Liam to Violet, Reunification Day, Fourth Wing | ||
Violet is absolutely furious thinking that Xaden forced Liam to accompany her during this day, but Liam surprisingly adds that he wanted to be there for her on his own accord. Dain allows them to sneak away for the evening. Once in the building, Liam is shooed away by Violet who states that she wants to go find Xaden
| “ | “Liam, you know I adore you, right?”
“Well, that’s nice—” “Go away.” I walk straight ahead through the courtyard. “What?” Liam catches up to me. “I can’t just leave you out here by yourself.” “No offense, [...] “I mean, your aim is shit according to you, but I get the rest!” he calls out, falling behind. |
” |
–Liam and Violet during Reunification Day, Fourth Wing | ||
During war games, Liam joins Violet and Imogen, when their wing is taken to Athebyne. Liam is seen agitated and nervous during their time. A worried Liam questions Violet if everything's okay between her and Xaden, he insists that Xaden has his "priorities". When the fliers spot them around the trade post, Violet is shocked and ready to kill them but is restricted by Liam who keeps apologizing. Tairneanach roars, threatening him to step back.
| “ | “Were we ever really friends?”
I whisper at Liam, searching for the strength to yell. “We are friends, Violet, but I owe him everything,” |
” |
–Liam Mairi and Violet Sorrengail, War games, before reaching Athebyne, Fouth Wing | ||
Liam is miserable, begging Violet to trust his foster brother, but she lashes out at him pushing him away. When they reach the outpost, he confirms the presence of venins using his powers. He, alongside everyone, makes the descision to fight at Resson.
| “ | “We watched as our parents
were executed because they had the courage to do the right thing. I’d like to think my death would be just as honorable.” |
” |
–Liam Mairi, during the battle of Resson, Fourth Wing | ||
Liam bravely fights during the battle, ushering townspeople to safety alongside Soleil. He and his dragon are locked in a tense battle with a venin wyvern, where Liam is seen jumping on to the wyvern and killing the venin with quick precision. Amidst the battle, Deigh jumps between a wyvern and Tairneanach, saving him from the beast's jaws. Liam is about to fall, when Violet grabs him pulling him on Tairneanach's back. Liam is in pain as the wyvern tears Deigh apart. Violet, anxiously questions his move to which he replies that he's her friend and is greatful for Violet saving his life.
| “ | “Why did you do that?” I cry, my fingers searching for purchase on his
leathers to pull him closer. [...] His gaze collides with mine. “That thing was going to take a chunk out of Tairneanach. You’ve saved my life and now it’s my turn. No matter what you think of me for keeping secrets, we’re friends, Violet.” |
” |
–Liam Mairi and Violet Sorrengail, battle of Resson, Fourth Wing | ||
Tairneanach tries his best to get the wyvern of Deigh, but the creature stubbornly holds onto him wounding him deeper with its talons. Liam screams in agony for his dragon. Deigh and wyvern both crash to the hillside, where he doesn't move again. Liam screams, mourning for his dragon. Liam is in utter shock and pain, desperate to take his final breaths next to his fallen dragon. He stubbles forward before reaching his dragon, too weakened in his state. He tries comforting Violet who is begging him to stay. During his final moments, he begs Violet to look after his sister, begs her to forgive Xaden and hear him out.
| “ | “Thank you, Liam. Thank you
for being my shadow. Thank you for being my friend.” He blurs in my vision as the tears come faster. “It’s been. My honor.” Liam’s chest rattles as his lungs struggle. |
” |
–Liam Mairi in his final moments, Battle of Resson, Fourth Wing | ||
Xaden carries Liam to his dragon, honoring his final wish. Short on time, he tells Xaden that Violet is the one who can kill all the venin and Xaden should be the one holding them off.
| “ | I don’t need to ask. Liam is gone. | ” |
–Violet Sorrengail, Battle of Resson, Fourth Wing | ||
After the battle, Xaden wrecked with guilt. He's seen struggling with grief while waiting for an injured Violet to heal as well as mourning Liam. Liam died protecting Violet, staying true to his friendship and loyal to his foster brother until the very end.
| “ | Liam. Guilt pairs with soul-sucking grief, and I can barely inhale around
the pain in my chest. I’d ordered my foster brother to keep her safe, and that order got him killed. His death is on me. |
” |
–Xaden Riorson, Xaden POV, Fourth Wing | ||
Iron Flame[]
Liam appears to Violet as a hallucination when she is being tortured by Varrish. His letters he wrote before his death were saved by Violet before his things could be burned and were given to his younger sister, Sloane.
Physical Description[]
Appearance[]
Liam was described to be as tall as Sawyer and as built as Dain, with spiky light-blond hair, a prominent nose, blue eyes, and a sprawling rebellion relic that began at his wrist and disappeared under the sleeve of his tunic.[3] He had dimples when he smiled. Violet notes that he's a head taller than most of the other riders.[2]
Outfits[]
He wore a Gauntlet patch.[4]
Personality[]
Liam was seen to have an easy-going personality. He was always seen smiling, thawing even the coldest of hearts with his smile. He was loyal to a fault regarding his cause and supported Xaden's mission until the end. He was fiercely protective of Violet but also believed in her abilities to defend herself. He had an amazing sense of humor as was seen teasing and snorting whenever Violet and Xaden were busy with their antics.
Fiercely loyal, charming, and a good sense of humor, Liam is well liked by those around him. He is open and honest when asked personal questions about his past growing up as a Marked One. While he understands how others view him, he carries himself with dignity and keeps a positive attitude.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
Lesser Magic[]
Every rider is capable of using Lesser magic once their dragon begins channeling through them after Threshing. With this channeling, riders are able to; open doors without touching them, preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, and powering ink pens.[5] Lesser magic also allows riders to place runes.
Signet[]
Farsight[]
Farsight, allows him to see very far in the distance and his pupils dilate when he uses his signet. It also allows him to see through things that others can't, like fog. This is demonstrated when he uses his Farsight signet to see the Venin in the fog near the end of Fourth Wing.
Ice Wielding[]
Liam has a second signet that was hidden from everyone, due to the fact that he was a family descendant of a previous rider of his dragon. However, he uses his ice wielding in the battle at Resson. This was confirmed by Xaden to Violet and that some of the dragons intentionally bonded marked ones who were family descendants of previous riders to have more power.[6]
Abilities[]
Combat Skills[]
Liam destroyed every opponent during assessment day.[2] Cianna notes that, along with Heaton, he will decimate on the mat for the challenge competition portion of squad battles.[7]
Relationships[]
Xaden Riorson[]
After the rebellion ended, Xaden and Liam were sent to the same foster home in Tirvainne. There, Xaden taught him to fight to prepare him for the Riders Quadrant.[1]
Violet Sorrengail[]
Liam and Sloane by illustratinghan
Because of his ties to Xaden, he became Violet's constant shadow and loyal friend to protect her from others in the quadrant who wanted her dead. He jokingly teases that he's not opposed to sleeping on the floor of her bedroom, to which she calls him a shameless flirt.[1]
Sloane Mairi[]
Sloane is his younger sister.[8] They were separated for years after the death of their parents.[1]
Deigh[]
Deigh was his bonded dragon, who chose him at Threshing.[1]
Isaac Mairi[]
Isaac was his father.[1]
Colonel Mairi[]
The Colonel was his mother.[1]
Quotes[]
"It's been. My honor."[8]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- In Scottish Gaelic, the name "Mairi" means "Mary" in English. However, the correct spelling would be "Màiri." Hence, Liam's full name in English would be "Liam Mary."