Liam Mairi was a first-year 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[]
Before Basgiath[]
Liam was the son of Isaac Mairi and Colonel Mairi and the 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. It remains uncertain what role Isaac Mairi had 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 documents on the Apostasy[1].
| “ | You're going to love Violet. She's smart and stubborn. Reminds me a lot of you, actually. You just have to remember when you meet her: she's not her mother | ” |
–Recovered corrospondance between Liam Mairi and Sloane Mairi , Iron Flame | ||
His execution was witnessed by both Liam and his younger sister, Sloane[1] sometime after the Calldyr executions. Afterwards, the Mairi family's house was given to a noble loyal to Navarre and the Mairi siblings were separated, sent to different foster homes:
After the executions, 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.
Liam, like all other children of rebellion leaders, was given a protection rune crafted by his mother Colonel Mairi which he held onto while witnessing the execution of his mother. This gave him the rebellion relic covering his entire arm starting from his wrists.
First Year[]
As a child of a rebellion officer, he was forced to join the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. He was in 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 Sorrengail after an assassination attempt lead by Amber Mavis. 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.
| “ | "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 Barlow 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 Tairn 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 Barlow. 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
| “ | Tairn roars with the unmistakable sound of pride.
" Lighning Wielder. " |
” |
–Tairn 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 | ||
While on watch, he would pass the time by whittling small dragons out of wood.
| “ | “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 and Violet, Archives duty, 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[]
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. When he smiled, a dimple appeared. Violet notes that he's a head taller than most of the other riders. [2]
He wore a Gauntlet patch.
Personality[]
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.[3] 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.
Abilities[]
TBA
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.
Violet Sorrengail[]
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. [4]
Isaac Mairi[]
his father
Sloane Mairi[]
his younger sister
Quotes[]
"It's been. My honor."
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."