- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
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- Points
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Lieven Thorner / Winola / de Pierre / Gwentyr
"Pretty Boy."
Character Information
<Theme>
"Pretty Boy."

Character Information
<Theme>
>"I'm taking back everything that was taken from me. You'll see."<
2023-2024: "Got it all but I still won't change."
2022-2023: "I dont need your help."
2021-2022: "My ego is broke? Nah."
2020-2021: "Nobodies problem but my own."
2019-2020: "I put my fingers in a fist."
2017-2019: "I wish I had the muscles of a granite sculpture."
2022-2023: "I dont need your help."
2021-2022: "My ego is broke? Nah."
2020-2021: "Nobodies problem but my own."
2019-2020: "I put my fingers in a fist."
2017-2019: "I wish I had the muscles of a granite sculpture."
- Full Legal Name: Lieven Aries Thorner
- Nicknames: (Lie, Live/Liev, Livy/Livey, Dastardly Thorner, Bad Father, One Lung Lord, Muscular Twink, Lucky, Trickster, Jack of Spades, Bellflower, Jester, Leia)
- "Everythink thinks they're so funny with these nicknames...they are pretty funny, to be fair."
- de Pierre; the surname of his first wife; is a name that Lieven and several members of her family consider to basically be his as well: Throughout the troubled years of knowing the large Ithanian family: Lieven is considered by most in there as one of them.
Having been adopted into the Blue Blood noble family of Gwentyr; He now bears their surname.
Title(s): Lord Gwentyr"Who let this happen."
- Race: Ailor, Anglian/Wirtem
- "A peculiar combination, that's one way to describe my parents, but the love is enviable."
- Age: 29
- "No no no..."
- Sex: Male
- "I think I'd hate a woman version of myself."
- Eye Color: Light Blue
- "Like the ocean, as some say. It's an overused compliment anyhow."
- Lieven is a man with no long-term goals in his mind, choosing to go by life day-by-day with the only consistency being the desire to ensure his daughter makes it to adulthood, as any parent would. Despite the objective skill he has combat-wise, he isn't a fighter, having only learned such things for self defense, fun, and the ability to back up his harsh words with fists. Though he appears as an immature asshole with a temper at the surface, those with the patience and willingness to dig further into the man might be surprised by what they find.
- "It hurts, I think. To be picked on by many but understood by few. The least I can do is have a laugh over it."
- Lieven has an almost unique talent. Thousands of people have found themselves letting Lieven get under their skin and angering them. With an equal amount having found Lieven as a chill and easily-liked man. Most of the time, Lieven isn't even trying to come off this way. A naturally hateable and likeable person at the exact same time and in equal measures, the perception of this Ailor varies widely from person to person depending on who you ask. The man himself doesn't even really know how or why, nor does he know how to fix is 'attitude problems.' Even if the answers to his curiosities are glaringly obvious. It can however be rest assured that; most of the time at least; he has neutral-to-good intentions. With one of the only instances in which he'll come off with genuine negativity & malice being when he's speaking to someone he genuinely dislikes.
- "I haven't even had the chance to do anything wrong this time why are you shouting at me."
- Strength: 1
- Steady Body
- "Do not underestimate the sword. For it is wielded by a very very superstrong arm. Mine. My arm. Arms. Plural."
- Intelligence: 5
- Tech Thruster
- Tech Resist
- Tech Exhaust
- Tech Auto
- Tech Exchange
- "Brain of a cockroach. Or so I'm told."
- Wisdom: 1
- Technique Parry
- "Wise beyond my years. The words of the people, not mine."
- Dexterity: 7
- Cutthroat Stance
- Cutthroat Target
- Cutthroat Dodge
- Cutthroat Mirror
- Cutthroat Bleed
- Cutthroat Flash
- Escape Artist
- Sharp Reflexes
- "Something about old habits dying hard, I believe?"
- Charisma: 1
- Undisclosed Presence
- "Who could say no to this face?"
- Athletic Hobby
- "My criminal days are far behind me. But it is so fun to scout rooftops and pretend otherwise sometimes."
- Alchemy Hobby
- "I make chewing gum. Sometimes they explode."
2) Damh-Mara members do not suffer reputation losses with NPC's when "swapping sides." Additionally, they gain +2 to their Persuasion Stat (Mechanic)
3) Aelriggan Penn Carchar Chapter Mechanic: Penn Carchar Knights gain a +2 Bonus to every Persuasion Dice roll while also raising the Persuasion Cap by +2. Additionally Foreign Diplomats like them more. (Mechanic)
Languages
"I can't always be witty."
- Common
- Anglian
- Calem
- Ithanian
- Breizh Learning (Lazy)
- Letz Learning (Slightly Less Lazy)
- Medium-to-Long Black (currently dyed blonde) Hair which, depending on the day, could be wavy or stringy. Standing at a (un)comfortable 6'0 and hovering around 185 Pounds. Despite pushing 30, he has managed to retain a relatively youthful look, with the average guess of his age being in the 24 to 26 range.
- "Told you I was pretty."
- No mutations or super abnormal traits. Merely burn scars on his left shoulder and scars from carvings/brandings underneath his collarbone.
- "I should probably heal these someday."
Backstory
"My origins are nothing exciting; rather simple even. But I'm grateful for that."
"My origins are nothing exciting; rather simple even. But I'm grateful for that."
- Lieven was born to Emilia Winola (later taking his father's last name) and Kurt Thorner on November 21st, 288 while they were together but officially not yet married, which would happen a couple of years later.
"Interesting to me, personally, that I followed my mothers path of life more than my fathers. I was born in late November, but to an unmarried couple. I know my father was not my mothers first love, but she was his first love. Shit, maybe I followed both of their paths equally, actually."
- The relationship was something Emilias family disapproved of, thus they outcasted her when she ultimately decided to stick by Kurt. Due to this, Lieven has met almost no one from his mothers side.
"I remember my first love, her parents did NOT like me hahahaha. At least her family didn't abandoned her because of me, the same can't be said for my mother though. They hated my father, and they hated the idea of them having a kid. Took the extreme route and just kicked her out of the family. All the money and riches gone in an instance over true love. How fucking corny is that. Very stereotypical, very fairytale-like, and very stupid. But man, I wish I could live a stupid story like that."
- Lieven and his parents initially lived in a city full of arts of all kind situated within the Door-Inner alongside his cousin Carlo, his aunt Lora, and uncle Albar for the first few years of his life, until his parents officially married and decided to move to a more rural farmland located in Angelland.
"Drawings, paintings, theater, mundane magic tricks, everything. Totally not at all biased, but I think everyone should visit there at least once. I admit I liked the empty farmland more, though. Returning to that life one day might be the move."
- Lieven was raised as a purist by both his parents, though mainly his mother as his father was raised a Draconist, not a Unionist like his mother. This would be a prejudice he'd carry until his early 20s.
"Mostly my mother taught me this way of thinking. My father was more neutral. Sorry guys, I got far too dazzled at people making glitter or snow or bubbles appear out of thin air. I am but a simple man with simple ways to be impressed. I'm just glad I eventually managed to make my parents accepting of the occult as well."
- While he has little to no memories of when he actually lived in the Door-Inner, he and his parents made very frequent trips and vacations there, staying for a couple weeks at a time every couple months with family that still lived there for about a decade until Lieven was around 16.
"I talk about it a lot...I talk a lot in general...but I loved these little vacations. I'm glad they got to evolve into something more. I wish Regalia was as consistently artistically inclined."
- During these trips, he'd take up the hobby of acting in small roles during theater performances. A hobby that started when he was eight, and lasting all the way up until he eventually left Anglia.
"An actor. At times I believe it to be my true calling. I firmly believe that in another timeline I went on to be a rich actor, performing in theaters all across this flat world. Don't think I've done TOO bad for myself, though."
- As most of his childhood was spent almost alone with just his family, bar those vacations, he naturally grew bored very quickly. Side hobbies he took up to help the boredom go away involved drawing and swimming, most noteably. Though drawing was a hobby that he slowly stopped doing overtime.
"I don't do it anymore really, not publicly anyways, but I love swimming. That is my shit right there. I do think I retained some of this childlike boredom up until even now, unfortunately. Don't think the therapist could solve that."
- When Lieven turned 16, he was permitted to stay in the Door-Inner by himself for weeks to even months at a time. It was during these days that he truly got closer to Carlo, and picked up the acting to something he frequently partook in.
"I'm something of a natural talent. The people won't admit it, but they know it's true. I'm just GOOD at what I do. It's hardly MY fault that I'm so naturally talented, come on now."
- His speciality was stuntwork. Be it in minor or major roles, hero or villain roles, if there was a scary stunt involved, Lieven was usually the one who applied for the role.
"Adrenaline junkie, perhaps? Love the thrill of a fall. Or a trick almost going horribly wrong. Maybe I do need to let the therapy fix me."
- It was during these longer stays in the Door-Inner where he'd meet Barry Jannsen, a man in his late 20s at the time, who picked up a psuedo-mentor role for the young Lieven. Mostly just teaching him tips and tricks on acting, but would occasionally provide genuine life advice akin to how a cool uncle would.
"I don't know if he's still alive. I hope so. It may sound immature but I wish I could've had him around during my first years in Regalia. My one and only true mentor figure beyond my parents. Love that guy. Fuck it; I wish I had him in Regalia with me right NOW even."
- At 18, Lieven made his first trip to Regalia alongside his parents for a wedding that they were invited to by family friends.
"This trip...truly was either one of the best domino effects to ever happen in my life, or one of the worst. Probably both...certainly both."
- For the next year, Lieven would have the desire to move to Regalia, finding himself mesmerized by such a place, as most of his life was spent farming or in an all-Ailor city.
"This place kinda sucks, actually. But even I am not dumb enough to say that out loud. It's kind of addicting, though. The suckyness of it all. I complain a lot but I don't know if I could ever leave. Maybe I'm the one who sucks, what a plot twist that'd be. I'm usually so damn cool."
- Encouraged by his family and mentor, at 19, just a couple months before he turned 20, he made the official move to Regalia, which marked the first day of the rest of his life.
"The beginning of the rest of my life. I don't know if I regret it, but shit, I'd do anything to view into an alternate timeline to see where my life would be if I never came here. Biggest what if of my life."
- Since moving to Regalia at 19, he has only acted exactly two times. While his hobby of acting and theater has practically been completely dropped, he still privately practices and thus has retained all skills he had gained over the years.
"It pays in more ways than just financially to know how to act and put on a performance in this city. I don't like being read, and I find it HILARIOUS when people complain about me being difficult to read. And as someone who puts humor over almost anything, it is my DUTY to keep practicing my acting skills."
- Lieven grew up very innocent. Still having a childlike wonder and optimistic happy-go-lucky view of the world until he was 21, with the harsh realities of the real world being a lesson he should've learned far sooner.
"I'm so fucking stupid."
The Debater: ENTP-T
The Alignment: Chaotic Good
The Enneagram: 7w8, The Realist
The Character Inspirations:
The Alignment: Chaotic Good
The Enneagram: 7w8, The Realist
The Character Inspirations:
- Johnny Cage:
- "Those were $500 sunglasses, asshole."
- "You wanna' see real? I'll show you real."
- "Like you got any clue what it takes to be me."
- "I was shy. I was weak. I actually got my ass kicked a lot."
- CM Punk:
- "I'm unfuckwithable."
- "Rebellion, in it's purest form, is freedom."
- "I'm told I'm a polarizing person, so people get caught up in hoping I fail. But just like success, failure is a perspective."
- "I wake up every morning, splash water on my face, and look at myself in the eyes in mirror and ask myself: Am I The Bad Guy?"
- Black Sails John Silver:
- "If it makes you feel any better, I haven't considered killing you in weeks."
- "Me? I can't help myself. I see an opportunity, I take it. It's a sickness...truly..."
- "I'm no one, from no where, belonging to nothing. And yet, mountains of gold have changed hands because I grasped it."
- "It bothers me doesn't it; what they think? The things I've done. It must be awful being me."
- Nathan Drake:
- "Is that it? Is that my deal? Die now, or help you and die later. It's a tough call...but you know what? I'll take die now."
- "I never think ahead."
- "I guess that's how they'll know me. How they'll remember me. But that's not who I am."
- "As thrilling as the next adventure may be, in the end, I'm always left with that same feeling."
- MJF:
- "Everyone who's met me says I'm a handful. I'm aggressive. I'm loud. I'm obnoxious."
- "I do things my way. I don't do things to make people happy or appease them."
- 'There's nothing fake about me. And I think there are some people that appreciate that, and some who hate that."
- "When they needed me most. When they believed in me. I left them. I left All of them."
- Nick Wilde:
- "Well, that is high praise. It's rare that I find someone so non-patronizing."
- "You know you love me."
- "If the world is only going to see me as shifty and untrustworthy, then there's no point in being anything else."
- "I'm never going to let anybody see if they got to me ever again."
- Flynn Rider:
- "This is the story of how I died. But don't worry, this is actually a funny story."
- "This is part of growing up. A little rebellion, a little adventure, that's good. Healthy, even."
- "Everyone in here doesn't like me."
- "For that one moment, everything was perfect. And then that moment ended."
- Hondo Ohnaka:
- "I am semi-speechless."
- "I may not be as young as I once was, but I'm older."
- "Oh, the stories I could tell. So many of them true."
- "Some of the truth is better than none of the truth. Which is what I'm used to getting."
- The Miz:
- "Just because I'm confident and I'm awesome and I'm great, I'm all of the sudden the bad guy? Why am I always the bad guy?"
- "I'm sick and tired of being called a coward. You're all the cowards."
- "Do I think I'll ever get the respect I deserve? No."
- "I don't want to be the dad that's not there. I don't want the kid to ever think that I wasn't there."
- Booster Gold:
- "I'll have you know that women have sung the praises of me."
- "Sometimes I have to use my brains, or my lack of them."
- "I've done a pretty good job of screwing up my own life."
- "I'm a fraud. I was a failure."
- Michael de Santa
- "I mean, I admit I'm a bad piece of work..."
- "I wanted to retire. From what I was doing, you know? From that...line of work. Be a good guy for once, a family man."
- "Surviving is winning, everything else is bullshit. Fairy tales spun by people too afraid to look life in the eye. Whatever it takes."
- "You know, I've been in this game for a lot of years, and I got out alive. If you want my advice: Give up."
Significant events throughout his lifetime in Regalia itself; all of which effected Lieven as a character and effected his trajectory in life, in one way or another.
When Lieven first moved from Anglia and settled in Regalia, it was the official start of something new in his life, like The Light Of A Rising Sun breaking over the horizon of a new day. He initially sought peace and comfort within a simple life as his goal. In those early months, he worked as a fisherman to make ends meet. Eventually, he picked up a part-time job as a bartender, giving him a chance to interact with people in the city for the first time.
One stormy evening, after a particularly rough day, he sat alone at a table in the Willow, feeling down. From his seat, he spotted a woman standing on the balcony, arms outstretched, eyes closed, smiling as she embraced the wind and rain. Already in a bad mood, Lieven made a sarcastic comment about how silly she looked. But instead of getting angry, she responded with kindness, offering to chat and lift his spirits. Lieven agreed, and they ended up talking—a conversation that continued for months to come.
Her name was Marthe Radley de Pierre. Over the next few weeks, she introduced him to her family: Hiro, Adam, Palina, and others who lived in Regalia. They became Lieven's first real friends in the city, giving him a sense of belonging. Marthe, especially, became someone special. After a tense conversation in his attic months after their first meeting, Lieven and Marthe started a relationship, beginning a new chapter in his life with his very first romantic relationship.
Things were going well for Lieven and his bond with Marthe's family. He found comfort in their shared activities, which helped him overcome his shyness and become more confident in public. This newfound confidence led him to befriend Kira Hana Konia, a Sihai. They instantly connected, and for a while, Lieven considered Kira his closest friend.
But nothing stays perfect forever. Marthe's parents expressed Disapproval of Lieven, and tensions began to rise. Additionally, his friendship with Adam de Pierre; one of Marthe's closest cousins; started strong but eventually soured. Their differing opinions, conflicting goals, and frequent arguments strained the relationship. Adam, protective of Marthe, took things further and falsely accused Lieven of crimes he hadn't committed. Given Adam's role in the city guard; and with Hiro and Palina having temporarily left the city, unable to talk sense into Adam; Lieven suddenly found himself unofficially wanted.
The strain from these events caused Lieven and Marthe to separate, the pressure too much for their relationship to bear. To avoid unjust arrest, Lieven fled to the sewers. Despite the breakup, they remained friends, and Marthe, against her better judgment, would occasionally visit him in the underground. For the next few months, Lieven was forced to live beneath the city, waiting for a chance to return to the life he had lost.
Life in the sewers was a jarring experience for Lieven, who had grown up with a relative sheltered innocence, now being given a Forced Taste of Criminality. Though he had witnessed crimes before, nothing could have prepared him for the raw and unforgiving reality of the underground world. Thankfully, he had Kira by his side, a friend who watched over him. Through Kira, he met Ivan Secri, a stern and humorless Kathar who seemed immune to understanding metaphors. Initially, Lieven found Ivan frustrating, often throwing sarcastic barbs and insults at the stoic figure. Yet, as the months passed, their bond grew stronger, and Ivan became the one person Lieven trusted above all others. Even nowadays, he holds Ivan as his truest friend and the most dependable person he's ever known.
Despite the chaotic environment, Lieven did his best to adhere to the laws of the surface world, avoiding crime as much as he could. That resolve began to crack when he crossed paths with Heather, a woman who embodied everything he was not. Her rebellious nature captivated him, and he soon fell for her. They quickly became a couple, and Heather led him down a path he'd never expected, one of crime and rebellion. She pulled him into her reckless schemes, and though Lieven was never fully at ease with it, he went along, driven by his feelings for her. Gradually, and to his own dismay, he found himself drawn to the adrenaline and excitement that came with breaking the rules.
The sewers were a chaotic, lawless place. A reality that Lieven understood in theory but never truly comprehended. THe first true lesson of this came when he had crossed paths with a cunning Slizzar named Valitez, his first true rival in the city. Valitez outclassed him in every way, winning every encounter except for a few rare draws. He took pleasure in taunting Lieven, even targeting his friends; Marthe, Kira, Ivan, and others; just to provoke him. Yet, none of his schemes ever left lasting damage.
That changed one day when Lieven was alone in the depths of the sewers. Unbeknownst to him, Valitez had been stalking him for hours. Their confrontation was brief, and before Lieven could react, the Slizzar set him on fire, intending to kill. In a desperate move, Lieven dove into the nearest batch of water, extinguishing the flames just as they scorched his left arm. But Valitez pressed the attack, leaving him with a broken right arm and shattered left leg before vanishing, leaving him for dead.
Lying there, Lieven nearly gave in to despair. But a fierce will to survive surged within him, and he crawled his way back to Ivan's shack. Ivan took him in and cared for him without hesitation, remaining by his side for weeks. Even Heather, despite her flaws, offered comfort during his recovery. The entire recovery process proved to not be all that bad, as it was full of visits from his friends and loved ones. Eventually, Lieven healed completely, though the burn scars on his left shoulder would remain as a permanent reminder of the ordeal, and would forever be remembered as his First Trauma, leaving him with a gentle fear of fire.
At that point in his life, Lieven's sense of morality was far too white to remain with Heather. As her thrill seeking tendencies grew more reckless, his discomfort intensified until they ultimately parted ways. It turned out to be perfect timing, as Hiro and Palina soon returned to Regalia. They managed to convince Adam to stand down, allowing Lieven to return to the surface without fear. Ivan, whose bond with Lieven had only deepened, refused to leave his side. Thus with Ivan's support, Lieven settled back into life above ground, now with a more profound understanding of the city. In no time, he rekindled his romance with Marthe, now that the tensions with Adam had eased. He found himself surrounded by a tight-knit circle of friends, strengthened by connections he'd made through Kira and Ivan.
Not long after, Marthe revealed she was expecting, with Lieven as the father. a moment that filled him with pure joy. This news encouraged them to marry just a few months later, sealing their bond in anticipation of the family they were building. Now a married man with his first child on the way, and his best friends Ivan & Kira by his side to ease the nerves, Lieven looked to the future with excitement and hope, as it seemed his life was only going in a Line Up to success and positivity.
His experiences in the sewers, and the friendships he had forged there, had shifted his perspective. The people who had taught and protected him during those dark times led him to abandon his former Purist beliefs. He now accepted the Occult, mostly leaving behind the prejudice he had once held.
Months into their marriage, tragedy struck. As Marthe gave birth to their daughter, her body failed her, and she passed away in front of everyone present. Her death casted a dark shadow over the new life she had brought into the world. Overwhelmed with grief, Lieven handed the newborn to Palina and fled, seeking refuge in Ivans home instead of his own. He knew that people would soon come knocking, offering condolences he wasn't ready to hear. Only Ivan knew where he was, providing Lieven with constant companionship, comfort, and unyielding support in those dark days.
In the wake of Marthe's death, the de Pierre family grew distant, turning cold toward Lieven, everyone except for eventually: Palina. Guided by Ivan, she found Lieven and chose to mourn alongside him instead of casting blame against him as the rest did. Lieven, too, held himself responsible. One night, in the depths of shared grief, Lieven and Palina chose a name for his daughter: Marthe, in honor of her mother, with the middle name Ava, which he and Marthe had originally planned.
Grief soon hardened into anger and resentment. Though Lieven never lashed out at Ivan or Palina anymore, his temper grew short with others. He begun to consume copious amounts of alcohol, became more aggressive, prone to arguments, and quicker to snap. When Marthe's father took his daughter away to Ithania, cutting Lieven off from the child he had barely come to know, his anguish drove him back to a place he had once hoped to leave behind: The sewers, choosing to cope and grieve there after the worst Spiral Down in his life up to this point.
Choosing to live in the sewers now as opposed to being forced into it, months passed without Lieven ever resurfacing, leaving him devoid of sunlight and the warmth of the outside world. He took refuge with Ivan and Ivan's sister, who had made that modest shack their home. During this time, Lieven delved deeper into a life of crime. Though he never fully embraced the underworld, he found himself regularly robbing, mugging, assaulting, and eventually even kidnapping others, allowing himself to have a Willing Taste Of Criminality. The majority of Lieven's self-confessed criminal activities took place over the next couple of years starting from here, albeit gradually diminishing in intensity with every passing year. His unarmed combat skills and sharp tongue flourished in this dark environment, transforming him into the archetype of a chaotic neutral rogue, shaped by the tumult around him.
Perhaps most noteably; was an interest in the building of strength, muscle, and agility that he begun around this time. Having been quite out of shape after stopping his farmwork. Though his drinking habits halted any major progress.
Back in the sewers, it wasn't long before one of Lieven's crime sprees led him to cross paths with Heather. Though their initial encounter nearly erupted into a battle, fate had other plans, and they found themselves rekindling their relationship in a Relapsed Romance. In a surprising turn, it was Heather who sought to distance herself from a life of crime, while Lieven was drawn deeper into its depths. He left Ivan's shack for the first time in months, moving to Crookback to live with Heather, and for what was almost the rest of the year, the two lived happily together, full of love and chaos, with several crime sprees being commited together alongside various friends and gangs.
However, that peace was shattered when Lieven walked in on Heather sitting on the couch next to Adam, who had grown increasingly resentful toward him following Marthe's death. In that moment, the truth emerged: Heather had been secretly seeing Adam for months, betraying Lieven's trust. Before he could fully process the betrayal, Adam struck him, landing a punch that sent Lieven crashing to the ground. The new couple left the house, abandoning him to stare blankly at the ceiling. This devastating encounter soured Lieven on romance, leaving him disillusioned and unwilling to pursue any relationships for years to come.
Unknowing and uncaring to where Adam and Heather had gone, Lieven eventually rose from the floor after hours of lying in silent pain. Just as he had fled after Marthe's death, he ran again, this time not to the sewers or the city, but to the outskirts, seeking solace in the forest surrounding Regalia. He needed to be alone, to cry freely. Unbeknownst to him, he was not alone; he had been followed. As he wept by the ocean, Hiro; consumed by anger and even more vengeful than Adam; emerged, spear in hand and fully armored. In his desire to avenge Marthe, Hiro lunged at Lieven with lethal intent.
In a frantic struggle, Lieven managed to wrestle the spear from Hiro's grasp, leaving both men armed with only daggers. In a moment of sheer instinct, Lieven drove his blade fatally into Hiro's side, at the exact same time that Hiro drove his blade into Lievens side. Expcecting both of them to die beside each other, Lieven accepted his fate. Hiro passed away first, his Death happening right in front of Lieven, who merely laid there, waiting and waiting for his last breath to be taken, he grew to realize; for whatever the reason may be, he was not dying that night. Despite suffering the exact same injury, Lieven had survived where Hiro didn't, and eventually he rose himself up to return to the city for healing, having failed in dying. Where he begun to plan his running away from the entire city or Regalia.
Despite their tumultuous history, Lieven harbored a deep-seated care for Hiro, and the act of killing would haunt him. This tragic event left an indelible mark on his conscience, instilling in him a solemn vow never to take another life, even in situations where he perhaps should have.
Overwhelmed and panicked by the events involving Hiro, Heather, and Adam, Lieven instinctively turned to his usual response to turmoil: He fled. This time, however, he wasn't just retreating to Ivan's shack; he was leaving Regalia altogether. Ivan, whose loyalty to Lieven was always unbreaking, remained steadfast as ever, ready to follow him anywhere and offer protection. Together, they devised a plan to join a pirate crew, as several captains in Crookback were always on the lookout for new recruits. The two set sail, embracing a new life on the high seas committing acts of Piracy for a full year.
In need of urgent repairs one day, the ship docked on the outskirts of Ithania, home to the de Pierre family. While waiting for the mundane repairs to be completed, Lieven and Ivan reluctantly ventured into the city. Fate intervened when Lieven encountered Palina, who welcomed them warmly. With a sudden desire to do so, Lieven asked for Palina to take them to the de Pierre mansion, a grand estate reflecting the family's wealth. Their goal was to speak with Marthe's parents and the rest of the family, but most importantly, to see his daughter for the first time since her birth.
Unfortunately, the meeting took a disastrous turn, especially when Lieven confessed to killing Hiro in self-defense. However, thanks to Palina's significant intervention, it was agreed that Lieven could at least spend time with his daughter. As he cradled her in his arms, he realized he and Ivan should leave the pirate crew and return to Regalia with Palina and his daughter. This idea met resistance from the family, leading to a heated argument.
The dispute ultimately split the family in two, with those against Lieven leaving Ithania and the Mansion alltogether, to go begin a new life. Leaving only those who were willing to give Lieven a chance. And thankfully; also leaving his daughter in his arms officially.
In that moment, he made a personal promise to himself: to try and stop running away from his problems.
Having "accidentally" forgotten to regroup with his crew upon their departure, Lieven found himself left behind in Ithania. It was there that the talk of the Mist Crisis in Anglia, which Lieven had heard about throughout his time in see, grew more urgent. His crew had already suffered problems as a result of the Food Shortage that was born due to the Mist, but it seemed to have only gotten worse and worse.
While Ivan and Palina sailed on back to Regalia Lieven arranged his own passage into the heart of the apocalyptic country. Worry gnawed at him the entire way, fearful of what he might find, or what he might not find. To his immense relief, his family had managed to carve out survival in one of the painfully few safe havens left in Anglia. His parents, aunts, uncles, and a scattering of cousins, all alive, and more than that, helping. They hadn't just endured the crisis, they were working through it. Still farming. Still providing food and supplies to both the local survivors and the wider Empire. Lieven hadn't planned to stay, but as his family asked him to start helping as well, he found it difficult to turn away from his own blood. And so, he stayed far longer than he ever meant to. Day by day, he returned to his roots, working the land and aiding his kin in giving back to the country that raised him.
At some point during his stay, he revealed to his family something he hadn't yet shared: He had a daughter, safely in Regalia with Palina and Ivan. That very same day, him family had now urged him to leave Anglia behind and go to her, ensuring that they could continue to be just fine without him. Lieven, though reluctant to abandon the effort he'd grown to take pride in, couldn't deny their request, or his own heart. There was no room for risks or sickness that could prevent him from ever seeing his kid again. He departed Anglia for the second time in his life. Tired, proud, and carrying with him the quiet satisfaction that for the first time in his life, he'd helped make the world a little bit better.
Lieven had returned to Regalia, and despite Palina and Ivan's advice, he sought out Adam and Heather, only to discover that both had left the city. A wave of relief washed over him, but it was tinged with emptiness, though a good emptiness, as everything that had defined his story up until this point was either gone, moved on, or transformed. In a sense, he was back at square one, but this time with a daughter and a closer circle of friends. Much like in 304 and 305, he found himself simply drifting through life: working, socializing with colleagues, and spending time with friends. Everything felt familiar yet different, enriched by his experiences and the presence of his daughter, who he was raising with surprising skill and ease. It felt like a Personal Soft Reboot to the man, who saw this all as one grand second chance to retry life in Regalia.
It was during this period that he forged strong bonds with a host of new close friends: James Watters, Dusk Waters, Bliss Willow, Joseph Marini, Auriane Marini, Ceara Reevali, Vivienne Haagensen, Jack Velcatine, Iadrik de Pierre; who had married into the family; and three more members of the de Pierre family by blood: Nicholas, Jeremy; who was Marthe's brother and Iadriks husband; and Yvonne. This lively ensemble spent their days together, hanging out everywhere and anywhere, creating memories for the months to come.
The majorty of Lievens Old Friends begun to change their life courses. Firstly, after years of unwavering support, Ivan announced his intention to leave Regalia and return home to begin his own personal journey. Lieven emotionally objected, not wanting to lose his best friend, but eventually, through teary eyes, he conceded that if Ivan believed it was for the best, then he would accept it. As Ivan prepared to depart on his ship, Lieven embraced him. a rare gesture at that time, declaring him the official godfather of Ava. Even after all these years, the two have maintained contact in the present day.
Just days later, Kira revealed her desire to leave Regalia as well, intending to return home to pursue her career and reunite with her family. Once again, Lieven voiced his emotional objections but ultimately relented. They exchanged a similarly tearful farewell, both acknowledging that they had once harbored feelings for one another at different points; a bittersweet "what if" that still lingers in Lieven's mind to this day.
Amid all these departures, one person returned: Heather. The tension between them was palpable and awkward, yet they found themselves unable to separate from each other's lives for the next two years, complicating an already messy situation. They never addressed the unresolved issues surrounding Adam or Hiro, leaving a shadow over their interactions.
Aside from the responsibilities of raising a child, Lieven found himself living a carefree life. Although he wrestled with internal demons from his past, he continued to engage in minor criminal activities, instigated fights, and exhibit random aggression to an unnecessary degree. His friends often pointed this out and tried to help, even though their efforts sometimes made them the unwitting victims of his outbursts. Despite these issues, life remained easygoing for the group, even amidst the Clicker Crisis that had begun. When Lieven was with his friends, it felt as though nothing was wrong in the world. He even got to experience the thrill and fear of fighting alongside them during Clicker attacks. Somehow, he was the only member of their ensemble who never sustained an injury from a clicker, despite their constant skirmishes. Fortunately, no clickers ever threatened Ava's life. Plenty of his days throughout this period were no doubt Carefree, But Clickers remained a constant threat.
In such a large group, romance naturally began to blossom throuhgout everyone. Yet Lieven remained the only one in the ensemble uninterested in romance, still wary of getting involved due to past experiences, even after Bliss expressed a particular fondness for him.
Shortly after celebrating Wintertide with his friends, the escalating tensions surrounding Lieven's attitude and anger issues reached a peak. Frustration grew among his friends, particularly with the couple Iadrik and Jeremy. Jeremy harbored a lingering grudge against Lieven due to the death of his sister, and this resentment intensified as Lieven's behavior persisted. In an attempt to take control, Iadrik and Jeremy began to manipulate and gaslight the rest of their group, aiming to convince them that Ava would be better off without Lieven and that they should take her away to raise her outside of Regalia. Weeks of turmoil ensued, during which Lieven attempted to improve himself, becoming less aggressive and working on his anger, but it was not enough for Iadrik and Jeremy. For the couple had started to weave rumors, lies, and fabrications about Lieven, all in an effort to reclaim the child and return her to the embrace of the families half who had vowed never to forgive Lieven. They successfully swayed the others to believe that they were justified and that Lieven was in the wrong, leaving him without allies and the target of constant disdain.
Paradoxically, the solution came when Lieven surrendered to his darker impulses one final time. After enduring one too many snide remarks from the couple about their success in taking Ava away, he snapped. In a fit of rage, he assaulted both men. Against the odds, Lieven somehow managed to defeat the couple; in spite of Iadrik between twice as tall and twice as wide. Following this confrontation, Iadrik and Jeremy quietly conceded defeat, leaving Regalia and abandoning their plan, allowing Lieven to keep Ava. For the first real time; he felt as if he was Tested as a Dad.
Through this ordeal, Lieven learned a valuable lesson: while peace should always be the first approach, there are times when violence regrettably becomes the only answer. Following the end of the turmoil, Lieven made the conscious decision to all but abandon drinking, restricting himself to no more than a sip or two on the rare occasions a mug or bottle found its way into his hands, and changed to diet to vegetarianism. Putting himself in a position to truly begin training his strength, muscle, and agility.
Lieven continued to slightly dabble in the criminal life still at this point, engaging primarily in petty thievery and merely mingling with the true criminals of the sewers and Crookback. However, everything changed one fateful day when he befriended a talking skull that could transform into a skeletal dog. Whilst in the sewers, Lieven would have the bragging rights of being able to walk around with a pet skeleton dog.
Shortly thereafter, he and his companions were followed back to the surface by a grotesquely mutated Kathar calling itself Viroul. Initially presenting a facade of friendliness, it wasn't long before Viroul revealed his true intentions: to recruit Lieven into his cult, claiming to see "potential" in the Ailor.
After politely declining, Lieven found himself targeted by the far more combat-experienced Viroul, who sought to eliminate him and kidnap Ava. Though he managed to escape with his life, Lieven sustained serious wounds, and his daughter was successfully kidnapped. Fueled by sheer determination, he eventually tracked Viroul to an abandoned, rundown building on the outskirts of the main city. Nerves began to take hold, as this was to be Lieven's first genuine fight to the potential death since Hiro. Pushing through his anxiety, he stormed inside, knowing that he was being Tested as a Father, and he couldn't afford to fail.
The abandoned building proved to be the home of Viroul's cult. In a moment of ingenuity over combat, Lieven realized that a direct confrontation could be unnecessarily perilous. Instead, he opted for disguise. Stealing the attire and mask from a sleeping cult member, he donned the outfit and seamlessly blended into the surroundings as he searched for his daughter. Eventually, he found Ava safe and sound, despite Viroul's menacing threats.
With his daughter in his arms, Lieven raced back to the city, adrenaline coursing through his veins. His hasty departure angered his companions, who had initially planned to confront Viroul together, but their frustration quickly turned to relief upon learning of his success.
Weeks later, Lieven and Viroul would face off in a climactic battle. Despite Viroul's superior skills in speed, strength, weaponry, and magic, Lieven triumphed. None of these advantages could rival the Ailor's iron will and his deep understanding of the environment in which they fought. In the face of defeat, Viroul vanished in a cloud of black smoke, never to be seen by Lieven again.
Still reeling from the trauma of his daughter's kidnapping, Lieven found solace in an unexpected source: Heather. Although he had never fully forgiven her for the past, he had moved on enough for them to reconnect as friends. Surprisingly, she offered him a level of comfort that none of his other friends could provide. The bond between them grew strong enough that they nearly rekindled their romance, but ultimately, Lieven chose to hold back on that front, though keeping their relationship benefitially platonic.
Shortly after Heather's return, Adam resurfaced in the city, harboring lingering bitterness towards Lieven. His resentment only intensified upon discovering that Lieven had beaten Jeremy. For several weeks, a fragile peace held, until one fateful day when tensions erupted during a public argument in a tavern. In a moment of lost control, Lieven resorted to insulting Adam by referencing the fact that he had killed Hiro. Adam, fueled by anger, knocked Lieven out cold in front of the tavern's patrons, most notably Palina, who rushed to help nurse him back to consciousness. In a fit of understandable rage, Adam stormed out and subsequently left the city.
Weeks later, Lieven and his friends received devastating news: Adam had died unceremoniously in a bar fight gone too far. Just like that, of all the original de Pierres Lieven met, Adam was One More Gone, rendering one singular member of the family, Palina, as the only one of the original four still alive. Each death, at least in part, a consequence of his actions. This painful truth weighed heavily on him, a burden he could never forget.
Throughout this mental and physical struggle that lasted for weeks, it was around this time that Lieven encountered a certain Aldane Justyr, who would later become known as Aldane Gwentyr. From their very first meeting, the two developed an intense rivalry that would define their relationship, as Lieven had managed to trick Aldane into accidentally throwing a glass full of wine onto a noblewoman, publicly embarrassing Aldane for the first time; the first of many.
A couple of months after the Viroul ordeal, Nicholas and Yvonne announced their plans to return to Ithania. In a selfless gesture, Lieven offered to let them take Ava with them, expressing his concerns about Regalia's safety for a child. Promises were made to ensure that father and daughter would visit each other as often as possible, promises that have endured to this day. However, once this decision was made, Lieven would find himself going months without physically seeing his daughter.
Gradually, most of Lieven's friends began to move away from Regalia, each departing on good terms and maintaining their friendships with him. They still managed semi-frequent visits, preserving the bonds they had formed over the years.
Though he wasn't entirely alone, with the talking skull for company and a rekindled friendship with Heather, Lieven also encountered a new group of friends after an embarrassing incident where he fell through a window and landed on their table. This mishap introduced him to Divy Rousseau and Merrick Felwinter, a couple at the time, who quickly became close companions. They, in turn, introduced him to their friends and family, including Reynard Benac, Heinrich Benac, and Ryo Varis.
This marked another personal reset for Lieven, with things now being Slightly Less Carefree. The absence of his daughter reminded him of his early days in the city. Yet, in reality, he had changed too much as a person for things to revert to their former state. He appreciated this moment of nostalgia, nonetheless.
During this period, his rivalry with Aldane intensified, particularly since Aldane was also acquainted with Divy and Merrick. The two men found themselves embroiled in countless physical fights, verbal disputes, and mental sparring matches, far too numerous to count. While Lieven always emerged victorious, one undeniable truth remained: the two men genuinely disliked each other.
One day, Lieven noticed Aldane attempting to charm two Playero women. With a well-established habit of stealing women from Aldane at this point, he swooped in once again to do just that once again. Aldane fumbled the opportunity on his own, Lieven only added insult to injury, prompting Aldane to leave in frustrated defeat. This left Lieven alone with the two women.
After a brief conversation, one of the women eventually departed, leaving Lieven with the remaining one, who introduced herself as Reselda. They continued to talk for hours, and those hours seamlessly turned into days, weeks, and eventually months. Reselda would later introduce Lieven to a certain Ana Cervantez, and reintroduced him to Heather, who was coincidentally dating Reselda's brother.
Reselda, who worked under Ana at her clinic, helped secure Lieven a position there as a Clinic Bouncer, where Divy, Merrick, and Reynard also worked at or frequently visited. As a result, much of Lieven's life over the next several months revolved around the clinic.
After being reintroduced to Heather, Lieven found himself spending more and more time with his ex, whom he hadn't seen in quite a while. Eventually, Heather dropped a bombshell: she had a child; A Son. While not shocking in itself; as she already had a few kids; she specified that this one was a boy, and claimed Lieven to be the father.
Taken aback by the news, Lieven wandered through weeks of confusion, his world turned upside down. It was Ana who stepped in to help him navigate the complexities of fatherhood, but he felt uncomfortable every step of the way. The toddler bore no resemblance to him, and after enduring awkward silences with Heather and lessons from Ana, he finally managed to extract the truth.
The child, named Apollo, was not, in fact, Lieven's son; he was from another of Heather's lovers. Heather insisted she had been genuinely confused and had not meant to deceive him. Nonetheless, Lieven's disappointment soured his feelings toward her once again, leaving him to spend a few days mentally recovering from the revelation.
Deep down, he hated to admit it, but a part of him had truly hoped that Apollo was his son. When the truth came to light, Heather took the child and left Regalia, leaving Lieven to grapple with his unresolved emotions.
Throughout all his struggles, one woman stood by Lieven: Reselda. As their bond deepened, Lieven found himself grappling with an unexpected fear. Not of Reselda herself, but of the realization that he had developed genuine romantic feelings for her. This marked the first time he had experienced such emotions since Heather had left him for Adam.
Weeks slipped by as he wrestled with his insecurities, plagued by nervousness that left him sweating and stuttering whenever he attempted to voice his feelings. At last, on a fateful day, he finally found the courage to speak his truth. To his great relief, Reselda reciprocated his sentiments, confessing that she too harbored feelings for him. They agreed to embark on a new chapter together as a couple, marking A Third Romance for Lieven, despite the disapproval of Reselda's family.
Though Reselda would remain oblivious to the depth of his struggle, Lieven would always silently credit her for helping him confront and partially overcome his long-standing fear of romantic connection.
Lieven grew close to the couple Merrick and Divy, though was far closer with Divy. Things took an unexpected turn when he was blindsided by the news that Divy had left Merrick and intended to pursue him. At this point, Lieven's charm seemed to be always getting him into trouble. Awkwardly, he turned her down, yet somehow, they managed to remain good friends despite the rejection. Merrick, understandably hurt, found himself clashing with Lieven multiple times over the following months.
In the midst of this, Ryo, who insanely considered himself the adoptive son of Divy and Merrick, gave Lieven a unique and rare opportunity to be entirely in the right over a situation during their rivalry, who frequently referred to Lieven as a Family Ruiner. Ryo began targeting everyone he knew, not just Lieven, but the Ailor still found himself one of the primary targets of the delusional young man's vendetta.
However, Ryo's antics led to some reconciliation between Merrick and Lieven. The three of them, along with a circle of mutual friends, agreed to "handle" Ryo together. Lieven, of course, kept his hands clean of any actual violence, but not everyone shared that moral stance.
Shortly after this, Lieven and Reselda decided to break up, recognizing that they had different goals in life and weren't suited for each other. Despite the split, Lieven felt relieved that it ended amicably, a welcome change from his previous romantic experiences. Interestingly, this breakup further eased his fear of romance, as he learned that relationships could indeed end peacefully. Reselda soon left Regalia to pursue her career as a doctor on the seas, with the two remaining good friends.
Lieven had become somewhat toxic; though not entirely on purpose; to his newer group of friends. He found himself unintentionally damaging friendships and relationships, pushing even the pacifists like Heinrich to their breaking points, as after one too many arguments, Lieven lost control of his temper again and insulted Heinrich personally. who responded by punching Lieven in the face. Ironically, this punch would kickstart their complicated friendship, leading Lieven to view Heinrich as one of his oddly closest frenemies.
Reynard, usually calm and composed, also reached his limits with Lieven's antics, getting irritated and annoyed on several occasions. Divy herself had as well began to grow somewhat sour on Lieven due to his recent behavior affecting their mutual friends.
As the Vampire Insurrection started to take hold, Lieven found himself in a massive battle on the outskirts of a safe zone, a culmination of all the issues he had created with everyone. It turned into a free-for-all involving Lieven, Heinrich, Merrick, Aldane, and Ryo, who had surprisingly resurfaced from the sewers rather than being killed, as Lieven had believed. With no teams and everyone fighting for themselves, Lieven emerged not only as the victor but also completely untouched. This ego boost would prove to be detrimental to everyone else, leaving Lieven as a Drama Magnet for months more as he rode this high.
With the Vampire Insurrection in full swing, Lieven became one of the few who dared to venture beyond the safety of the fortified areas to explore the city now under siege. Surprisingly, it was Merrick with whom he grew closer and truly mended their issues, despite Merricks numerous attempts to kill Lieven. The two would set out together to explore the chaotic streets, battling the sanguine foes and saving each other's lives on multiple occasions. Over time, their bond deepened, and Lieven began to consider Merrick one of his all-time best friends, right on par with Ivan.
His relationships with Divy and Reynard also improved during this period, and while his rivalry with Aldane remained, it had calmed down a bit. Even Ryo, once intent on targeting Lieven, had moved on from the hatred, focusing the rage on other people.
The Vampire Insurrection had an unusual effect on Lieven compared to most others. While many experienced it as a hellish ordeal filled with fear and tension, Lieven found it to be a strange era of resolution, where he was able to address and repair many of his friendships. In his memories, the Insurrection stood out as oddly positive, a time of growth amidst the chaos.
Lieven had mostly left his criminal past behind him, indulging only in petty thievery that was more about pranks and jokes than serious crime, often returning whatever he took. He found himself visiting Crookback less and less, until it became a place he barely recognized.
This changed briefly as his bond with Merrick and Divy deepened. Both were criminals and rogues in their own unique ways, which drew Lieven back into Crookback for a few months, if only just to spend time with the two individually. While nothing particularly dramatic happened during this time, he subconsciously found himself missing the thrill of his old life as a full fledged criminal. Painful memories began to take on a nostalgic hue, and Lieven found himself yearning for the days of being a criminal, a temptation to go through Relasped Criminality. However, despite this temptation, he did not act on it, for better or for worse.
Aldane Justyr had transformed into Aldane Gwentyr, a blue-blooded noble lord. Lieven couldn't help but roll his eyes at this development, viewing it as a sign of an impending apocalypse. From the very first day they met, the two had been at each other's throats. They sabotaged one another's careers and relationships, fought several times, occasionally coming close to death, and now it seemed Aldane had finally achieved a victory. Legally, Lieven found himself unable to continue their feud in the way that it had been going.
In an unexpected twist, Aldane offered Lieven a job: to secretly work for the Gwentyrs as a spy on other noble houses and serve as an advisor. The rationale was simple; since Lieven was Aldane's greatest enemy, he would be uniquely qualified to uncover any plots against the Gwentyrs, who better to discover the secrets of enemies than an enemy.
Lieven agreed to this uneasy alliance, and for over a year, they worked together, enemies turned collaborators. Despite the ongoing arguments and clashes, their partnership proved successful, with Lieven becoming a valuable asset to the Gwentyr family, providing the Ailor with A sample of Nobility.
Divy had left Regalia for Ithania with her daughter, creating space for Lieven and Merrick to properly move on from the significant impact she had on their lives. As they adjusted to this new dynamic, Lieven and Merrick grew even closer, with Merrick eventually moving on to another woman, Elvira Grey, a Countess. Merrick was quick to personally introduce Lieven to Elvira and her family, including the children she would later have with Merrick. Before long, the couple was preparing for a wedding at a masquerade, and Lieven happily accepted the role of best man.
The soon-to-be Woeful Wedding went off without a hitch. Until it didn't. Outside the venue, Elvira was attacked by a masked sanguine. Although she narrowly escaped with her life, the incident triggered flashbacks for Lieven, reminding him of the traumatic events involving Marthe. Determined to help Merrick, Lieven took it upon himself to uncover the identity of the attacker.
Already having a suspect in mind, Lieven managed to persuade the Metro to share their reports on the wedding with him. Using the information, he single-handedly identified the culprit and shared his findings with the newlyweds and the Metro. They quickly tracked down and neutralized the sanguine who had attacked Elvira.
Lieven had not only solved the case entirely on his own, but had also protected the family from further danger. For this, he received praise; a rarity in his life. He felt boyishly giddy and proud of himself for weeks afterward, and the pride from that event still lingers with him to this day.
Traumatized by the wedding fiasco, Merrick and Elvira soon left Regalia with their family, though they would make occasional visits back. Lieven found himself dangerously close to feeling like he had rebooted once again, as life settled into a quiet routine. His circle of friends had gradually transformed from criminals to commoners and now to nobility. He had met Taralynn Trémaux, who helped ease his tension around the noble class and even helped turn him into a Kathar for a couple of weeks, against his will.
What Lieven never expected from this new circle was the opportunity to join the peerage as an actual member. The Gwentyr Matriarch, Viviwynne Gwentyr, recognized his consistent loyalty after working secretly for them for so long. She offered him the chance to be adopted into the family as a new Lord Gwentyr. Much to Aldane's chagrin, who remained Lieven's rival despite their complicated relationship, Lieven accepted the offer, officially becoming one "Lord Lieven Gwentyr."
This newfound status unlocked a world of opportunities, granting him wealth beyond anything he had ever known and forging connections he never would have made otherwise. Yet, whether nobility was truly a "blessing" for Lieven remained highly debatable; whether he even deserved it was an even greater question, both of which he often pondered himself. Though he indulged in the privileges of his new life, a lingering doubt remained: did he truly belong in this life?
From a criminal pirate to a noble lord, Lieven had once despised the peerage, participating countless crimes, robberies, and heists against them. Yet despite all of that, his greatest heist was not in what he had taken physically, but what he had taken socially. Slipping into the ranks of the aristocracy, not as a thief in the night but as one of their own; this was his Heist of the Century.
Despite now owning an entire estate, Lieven still found comfort in his old home from his days as a commoner. A place once filled with laughter, friends, and family, now left empty except for him. The last person he expected to see in the neighborhood was Heather. Throughout their on-and-off relationship, they had never truly addressed their issues: Adam, Hiro, the toxicity of their past, none of it. For years, Lieven had been haunted by thoughts of the conversations he wished he could have had with her, believing he'd never get the chance again, as their final encounter was her leaving his house in the middle of the night after a one night stand, years ago. Yet on this fateful day, Heather just happened to be visiting Regalia for a week and was near his home.
Lieven invited her in, and they finally talked. They covered everything: the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. Hours passed, the moon rising and falling as they shared their thoughts. Unlike before, there were no arguments, no shouting, no anger. They conversed calmly and maturely for the first time, ultimately ending things on a positive note. It was incredibly therapeutic for Lieven. This was a weight he had carried for five long years, and finally expressing it lifted a burden from his chest, helping him relax and even sleep better.
If this ended up being the last time they ever saw each other; Lieven would be content with it, as it truly felt like A Chapter Closed.
Lieven had long remained in the backround of House Gwentyrs activites, managing the day-to-day tedium of noble life. Paperwork, funding allocations, oversight of businesses, and citizen affairs filled his days. It was dull, but it was easy. That dullness of his noble life had shattered the moment their Matriarch, Viviwynne, found herself locked in a bitter standoff with House Mekrov, a Lothar-controlled purist house. Tensions had flared between the houses before. House Gwentyr, composed almost entirely of Occult save for Lieven, drew ire from the Mekrovs by merely existing numerous times already. But this time was different. Viviwynne had released a public statement condemning them on a much more personal scale. Their Patriarch, Riftan, retaliated with aggression far exceeding what anyone expected. Mistaking Viviwynne's words as Lieven's, Riftan issued a formal challenge: a duel for honor. Viviwynne was an elderly woman, however, unable to even stand without a cane, let alone lift a weapon. When the misunderstanding was clarified, that Riftan mistook Viviwynnes for Lieven, the challenge wasn't retracted. Instead, Riftan smugly proposed a solution: Lieven could fight as her champion. The Gwentyr household was quick to reject the notion. It was a petty dispute, not worth the bloodshed. But Lieven defied them. Going his own route and accepting it. Despite the controversy, his family eventually stood behind him, supported him. The duel was officially set.
Lieven had never liked the Lothar, but this was the first time he had a just cause to act on it. Riftan was the superior fighter, Lieven knew this, but he also knew that Riftans mind was not the sharpest. He knew he was smarter than Riftan. Because crucially: Riftan believed Lieven to be Occult, and permitted magic in the duel. Riftan spent his days preparing for a magical battle. What he got instead was a swordsman. Mundane, yes, but Lieven fought not just with steel, he fought with words too. Through every swing and parry, he taunted Riftan, hinting at spells that would never come, feeding the man's paranoia, letting the Lothar think that he was going to cast at any moment. Leaving Riftan waiting and prepared for a magical onslaught that would simply never arrive. In that paranoia and uncertainty, Lieven won, defeating the Lothar. Defending the Honor of his Noble family in the process, and would soon become the Gwentyrs number one fighter, always being the guy sent to participate in duels in the future.
One seemingly ordinary day, Lieven found himself reveling in lighthearted mischief with friends at a tavern run by one of their own. Amid the laughter and jesting, he playfully crawled under a few tables, all in the spirit of fun. The moment caught the eye of several onlookers, including Fiorenza, an Ithanian with the titleage of Honorable. She remarked on how undignified behavior this was for a noble, to which Lieven replied with typical sarcasm, leaving her offended. Minutes later, this situation was rendered quickly forgetten by Lieven.
However, weeks later, at an extravagant gathering hosted by the Gwentyr estate, that small exchange resurfaced in an unexpectedly grand fashion. With a room filled with dozens of knights and nobles, Fiorenza found herself in a heated confrontation with Aldane. Mistaking him for Lieven, she accused him sharply of the "table-crawling incident." This confusion led to a private conversation among the three, where Lieven clarified that he, not Aldane, had been the one responsible.
But in a turn that bewildered the entire Gwentyr family, Fiorenza's simmering frustration ignited into an impassioned outburst, her accusations now leveled at both men. The room's attention swiftly gathered to the argument and shouting. Then with a dramatic flair, Fiorenza declared her intentions to bring Lieven and Aldane to a public Viridian Mediation, before promptly being kicked out of the estate by the Gwentyrs, officially kickstarting Lievens first Rivalry in the peerage.
With the Mediation drawing near, the three youngest Gwentyrs; Alastair, Aldane, and Lieven; had begun Preparation for what was sure to be a challenging ordeal. Aldane and Lieven had both earned their share of controversy, not only among the nobility but across the Regalian society as a whole. Their opponent, Fiorenza, on the other hand, was well-liked, influential, and deceptively eloquent. It was a battle that seemed nearly unwinnable, with the Gwentyrs only real support being in the form of the Norinn family, whose aid could only soften the severity of Fiorenza's superiority, rather than equal it.
Lamont Norinn offered a glimmer of strategy. Having overheard Fiorenza's allies discussing their plans for the trial, he informed Aldane and Lieven of what he learned, proposing they confront a few of these so-called "witnesses." Lieven, fully aware of the fact he was a better talker than Aldane, volunteered to take on the task.
To his surprise, the maneuver paid off. Lieven extracted valuable information from a couple of them, gaining critical insight into Fiorenza's plans and even managing to dissuade one or two of her supporters from aligning with her during the trial and either noshowing or remaining in the audience.. His network extended beyond nobility, drawing him to consult trusted figures among the city's common folk and criminals as well, including Ana Cervantez. Ana, on the other end of the spectrum of Lamonts advice, offered a handful of morally ambiguous strategies, having been a criminal rather than nobility. The two found themselves growing unexpectedly close, too close, even, but their attention remained firmly on the approaching trial.
Having learned parts of Fiorenzas desires & plans, and having gotten advice from countless of people all over the social pecking order, Lieven felt ready to spearhead the Gwentyr defense. His confidence in Aldane's capabilities was low, bordering on non-existent, leaving Lieven to believe that he was really the only hope in victory.
Yet even with every preparation made, the odds remained bleak. Lieven was no saint; his reputation for unsavory deeds was as public as it was controversial. Fiorenza could achieve victory on truths alone without even needing to resort to lies.
Despite the unfavorable stakes, an attempt had to be made, no matter how improbable the outcome.
After nearly two months of exhaustive preparation, the day of The Trial finally arrived. The Gwentyr family; Alastair, Lymard, Viviwynne, Aldane, and Lieven, along with Lisette Beauchene; had laid out every possible defense or offense they could muster, and did their best in predicting what Fiorenza could throw at them.
In the days prior, Fiorenza had issued a call for support, asking the crowd to wear pink for her or blue for the Gwentyrs. Lieven, disheartened yet unsurprised, noted as he surveyed the sea of spectators that only a single figure wore blue in support: Ana Cervantez.
With Countess Sorenvik by her side and a full bench of witnesses prepared to testify, Fiorenza had come strapped with alliances and influence. Aldane and Lieven, in stark contrast, had little beyond their immediate family members and Lieven's own tongue to fall back on.
As the trial stretched on for hours and hours, Lieven took on the bulk of the speaking, battling nearly every moment to stay on the defense. He argued against those far more seasoned in Law and Tactics than he could ever hope to be. He had years worths of practice talking his way out of situations, yet this was different. Though the odds were steep, and the crowd's support practically entirely against him, Lieven and Aldane held their ground.
To the Gwentyrs own surprise, the proceedings drew to a close with the verdict coming down in the Gwentyrs favor. Lieven and Aldane, in a rare moment of unity, reveled in the expressions of frustration, defeat, and anger on the faces of Fiorenza and her allies, a victory that neither had fully expected.
Lieven looks back on the moment with pride and disbelief, knowing he had somehow swayed the tides against all odds. For him, it was a moment of triumph, even if he felt, in his heart, that he hadn't truly earned the win. Though that feeling only made it more sweet.
The Lothar Order had long been an object of disdain for the Gwentyrs, and Lieven was no exception, harboring hatrerd toward the group even before joining the family. However, the introduction of two significant members of the Order complicated matters. Most notably, there was a Darkwald named Marius Winola, whose last name sparked immediate curiosity. It was the same surname as Lieven's mother. Initially chalked off as a coincidence, it got harder to ignore as more and more people begun to point out how similar they looked.
Lieven couldn't dismiss the striking resemblance either, and after a conversation with Marius, in which both confirmed that their mothers shared the same first name as well, he was left grappling with a growing sense of uncertainty. To seek the truth, Lieven made the journey back to Anglia to confront his mother.
Upon his arrival, he learned the truth. Before meeting his father, she had been in another relationship, resulting in the birth of a son: Lievens Sibling. Pressured by her toxic family, she had left Marius, leaving him in the care of a father who was suddenly alone. With this revelation that he had a half-brother within the Lothar Order, Lieven's perspective began to shift. Though his feelings toward the Order remained negative, he found himself less inclined to regard every single one of its members with outright hostility.
Over time, Lieven and Marius learned to coexist, establishing a tenuous bond that, while not particularly close, carried an underlying sense of care. Despite Lieven's reluctance to embrace this familial connection, he couldn't fully suppress the understanding that he was now linked to the Lothar Order through blood.
As if matters weren't already complicated, Marius took it upon himself to arrange a date for Lieven with a newcomer, Adagio von Rolanthe. Amused by the absurdity of it all, Lieven agreed, intending to treat the encounter as nothing more than a passing diversion. Yet, against all expectations, a genuine mutual attraction emerged. What began as a jest spiraled into a brief romance that lasted only a matter of weeks before they amicably parted ways, each choosing to explore other romantic paths.
Still, the end of their relationship marked not the end of their connection. Lieven and Adagio remained steadfast friends, their bond tempered by mutual care and an unspoken understanding. Time and again, they found themselves crossing moral boundaries for one another's sake, driven by loyalty that neither could fully rationalize.
These two relationships only complicated Lievens feelings on the Order and his Morals further than ever before. For better or for worse, he'd go on to find himself working with the Order numerous times. Willingly and controversially.
The only person who might have been happier for Lieven's unlikely victory against Fiorenza other than the Gwentyrs was Ana. Her open blue display of support in a crowd dominated by pink lingered in Lieven's mind, and he found himself spending more time with her in the following weeks, expressing his gratitude for her loyalty. Yet, as they grew closer, he faced an uncomfortable realization: his feelings for her had shifted, becoming romantic.
Lieven knew he couldn't act on these feelings as a noble lord. While Ana, by contrast, lived the life of a criminal against the law. He was content, he thought, to leave things as they were, to let her remain a cherished, if complicated, friend. Aldane, however, eventually saw through their feelings. One day, he confronted both Lieven and Ana in the Gwentyr estate, bluntly pointing out the truth they had both been avoiding: their mutual affections.
In that moment, standing in the quiet halls of the estate with a few other of the Gwentyrs looking on, Lieven and Ana chose to try to be together, regardless of how impossible it seemed, no matter how much of a Questionable Love it was.
Their relationship would go on to become an open secret to those outside of the noble family. For their mutual friends were more than aware of it, it remained never declared, but widely known.
Despite all their differences, Lieven found an unexpected peace with Ana. In a world where so few people felt truly genuine to him, she was among the rare few he'd consider such. She saw through his defenses, and he felt safe to be emotionally open with her, a gift that outweighed the odds stacked against them.
A longtime friend of Lieven's, James Waters, rekindled a romance with Ceara, another longtime friend of Lievens. Their joyous reunion culminated in a wedding that temporarily revived the old group of friends: Yvonne, Bliss, Dusk, and Vivienne. It was a day filled with laughter and celebration, which blossomed into weeks and then months of happiness, ultimately resulting in the couple welcoming a child into the world. James often made light-hearted remarks about Lieven becoming a pseudo-uncle to the child, a title that Lieven would have embraced without hesitation.
Yet, as is often the case, joy is fleeting. During a brutal attack on the couple, Ceara was struck by magic that homed itself in her heart. This malevolent force began a slow, agonizing, and incurable process of killing her.
In the days that followed, countless doctors, both mundane and magical, were consulted in a desperate search for a cure. However, all their efforts proved futile. Within the clinic, both James and Lieven bore witness to Ceara's final breath. This heart-wrenching moment remains etched in Lieven's memory, a haunting image that lingers in his mind, as yet another Gravestone was added to a long list of Lievens deceased friends.
Fortunately, in the aftermath of such profound loss, Lieven found solace in the presence of his partner Ana, an individual with whom he felt safe enough to unravel his emotions, as he had nobody else that he was comfortable enough to express his grief towards.
Life inevitably moves on, but while neither James nor Lieven ever truly overcame the grief of Ceara's death, they each learned to carry her memory forward, forever holding her close in their hearts as they navigated the world without her.
A time limit had always loomed over Lieven and Ana's relationship, a shadow cast by the escalating terroristic actions Ana committed. With each incident, it became increasingly difficult for Lieven to overlook the reality of their situation. Countless friends urged him to break up with her for his own sake, but his love for Ana overruled any advice. So much so that he even contemplated relinquishing his noble status to be with her.
Just as Lieven began to entertain the notion of abandoning nobility, Ana made the unexpected decision to end their relationship. She knocked on his door, her intentions clear from the moment he opened it. Lieven stood frozen, stunned into silence, his mind racing yet unable to form words. The shock of her declaration left him reeling, incapable of even crying from how shocked he was.
It had been a good day for him, too.
One last kiss was given, one that lingered in the air between them after it was over. A bittersweet reminder of what they were losing. That night, as he lay in bed, denial washed over him, filled with a misguided hope that he could persuade Ana to reconsider her choice.
Not long after, on the roof of a building in Crookback, the two found one another. There, amid the stars, he confronted her, having just begun attempting to restart their relationship. But Ana's words that interrupted his own ruined any hope, for she had moved on to someone else, someone she deemed more suitable for the life she lived.
The revelation hit Lieven like a physical blow, unleashing a torrent of emotions he had kept tightly controlled. In a surge of anguish, he shouted incoherent phrases at her in multiple languages, his heartache spilling over until Ana turned to leave. Alone on that damp rooftop, he was left to himself, pathetic cries echoing through the night. The attention of one too many people was grabbed by his cries, prompting him to run back to his estate, ensuring nobody else could see him in such a state. This was only his fourth official relationship, yet that Fourth Time Wasn't The Charm.
In the days that followed, Lieven struggled to contain his despair, often unfairly lashing out at his friends. It became a twisted coping mechanism: If he could bring others down, perhaps it would elevate his own spirits, even if only momentarily. A belief and behavior that lasted for just a couple of months before vanishing.
The exact circumstances remain shrouded in mystery; but one morning, Lieven awoke to citywide news that both he and Aldane were wanted for attempted murder and conspiring to hire a hitman against a certain Lothar Major. The accusation came completely out of left field, and the only thing Lieven knew for certain was that it was a baseless lie against both men. However, he was also acutely aware that the Lothar Order was not known for their willingness to entertain reason. With his brother having already left the city temporarily and unable to help, Lieven opted to go into hiding, taking refuge in various corners of Crookback. During this time, he and Aldane met in secret, carefully plotting their next move.
By sheer luck, when the Lothar Order finally tracked Lieven down, it was Adagio specifically who found him. Rather than attacking or arresting him outright, Adagio extended an unexpected offer of leniency. He proposed trying to clear the charges in exchange for a peculiar request: a barrel of wheat. Though Lieven was baffled by the demand, he wasted no time in fulfilling it, delivering the barrel within the day.
The wheat would ultimately be used in experiments aimed at tipping the scales of the ongoing Hadar war. experiments that Lieven was never privy to. The war itself, however, would soon become an immediate part of his life.
Adagio's efforts to absolve Lieven alone proved insufficient. In the midst of this turmoil, Lieven had funneled Gwentyr funds to undermine the Lothar Order, sabotaging their resources and contributing to the deaths of several of their members. This act of defiance became public knowledge after the murder accusation, further complicating matters.
Although unable to secure Lieven's outright freedom, Adagio managed to negotiate a compromise: a choice. Lieven could either fund the Lothar Order and join the war effort under Admiral Satharini, or remain a fugitive until inevitably caught and forced to face trial.
The prospect of returning to life as a criminal on the run; something he hadn't experienced in half a decade; was incredibly tempting. However, Lieven managed to suppress these impulses, recognizing the need to focus on the more pragmatic options. The idea of risking a trial was discussed among the Gwentyr family, but the stakes were clear. If Lieven chose the trial, the entire family would be forced to participate. In contrast, only he and no other Gwentyr needed to serve in the war to secure the dismissal of the charges.
In an act of selflessness, Lieven chose the latter path, enlisting in the war. Against all odds, he managed to somehow uphold his personal vow to never take a life, emerging from the conflict without so much as a scar. A rare stroke of fortune amidst the chaos, and earning him the right to refer to himself as a War Veteran.
Shortly after the war ended, the borders of Amontaar, a nation that had remained dangerously closed for years, were finally reopened. In droves, the Regalian population poured across, eager to explore the new land. Among them was Lieven, driven by curiosity to see what the Elven city had to offer. Upon arrival, he found himself awestruck by its beauty, a splendor far surpassing Regalia, though he would never dare voice such a thought aloud. Marking the city as a potential retirement haven, Lieven joined the crowds making their way to the Sol's Palace, where they had all been graciously invited.
The tranquility, however, was short-lived. Chaos erupted when an Ailor named Roca stormed the welcoming festivities, turning the atmosphere tense and volatile. Within moments, war was declared: Roca versus the Sol. What had promised to be a moment of peace and wonder devolved into turmoil, leaving the Regalians no time to truly savor the city's beauty. In the weeks that followed, they found themselves splintered, forced to choose sides in a conflict that none had anticipated.
Over a dozen factions emerged in the wake of the conflict, and Lieven found himself aligned with one called The Damh-Mara. It was a Sol-aligned faction, controversially led by his longtime friend, James Waters, who had chosen to reject joining his fellow Aelriggans in their faction and create his own. Among the recruits were Althea Waters, Amelie Solvbekk, Cass, and Rosha Farraan. With just six members, The Damh-Mara quickly became the smallest faction of them all with the least amount of members out of the dozen. An underdog from the start and, to some, the laughing stock of all the factions.
With their limited numbers, the group barely had time to reflect on their position, as the fighting erupted almost immediately around the city. The brief respite Lieven had hoped for; time to recover from the Hadar war and enjoy a vacation in a new city; was shattered. Instead finding himself thrust back into the chaos of yet another war, his reprieve fading as quickly as it had come.
During a casual evening at a bar with his well-loved friend Avril, the conversation eventually turned to Lieven's daughter, who shared her mother's striking green eyes. In a moment of longing, Lieven expressed how he wished he, too, had green eyes. Avril, ever playful and willing to indulge him, offered to temporarily change his eye color. Lieven agreed, though only one of his eyes was altered to green, leaving him with temporary heterochromia.
Avril, known for her magical aesthetic inspired by the stars, infused the change with her signature touch, beaming stars directly into Lieven's eye. This unusual alteration led Lieven to spin a highly exaggerated tale, claiming that the reason his eye turned green was because he had been shot in the eye with a star during combat. He would keep this heterochromia for the remainder of his time in Amontaar, never missing a chance to embellish that story full of flair.
Weeks of relentless fighting had passed, and though Lieven had grown to trust his teammates with his life, he still found it difficult to get along with most of them. Despite their small numbers, The Damh-Mara managed to hold their ground against the larger factions, a fact that irked their rivals to an intense degree.
Controversially: even when two factions were ostensibly on the same side, it wasn't uncommon for battles to erupt amongst allied factions, and The Damh-Mara frequently found themselves targeted by other Sol-aligned factions. This constant friction began to wear on Lieven, his frustration growing with each battle.
Friendships within the faction began to fray as well. Lieven had friends on both the Sol-aligned and Roca-aligned sides, relationships that seemed increasingly at risk of being torn apart by the heat of combat. A breaking point came when Lieven witnessed James and Althea being taken out and verbally disrespected by members of another Sol-aligned faction, The Chalice. In that moment, Lieven had enough. He knew he couldn't take on the entire faction alone, so he turned to leave to plan a way to exact revenge; only to bump into the Roca-aligned Lothar faction, who were on their way to face The Chalice immediately after they defeated James and Althea.
The temptation to join the Lothar, to fight alongside them rather than against them, was powerful. And when Adagio, a familiar face, called out to him with a battle cry, inviting Lieven to join their ranks, the choice became inevitable. With little hesitation, Lieven aligned himself with the Lothar for the first official time, united in battle against The Chalice.
After the conflict, the Lothar invited Lieven to a bar to celebrate, showering him with gifts and praise, something Lieven rarely experienced. The moment felt oddly satisfying, but it didn't sit well with his Damh-Mara allies. Their disapproval would eventually lead to deep fractures within the faction, setting the stage for further tensions to come
During a Damh-Mara mission to locate and contain a demon, James and Lieven found themselves locked in a bitter argument over Lieven's recent decisions regarding the Lothar. The heated exchange reached a tragic climax when an innocent civilian was killed right in front of the entire team. Despite the chaos and the loss of life, the demon was successfully eliminated by Rosha and Amelie.
A few days later; the days being filled with most bickering between Lieven and his team about the Lothar; the team met with the Aelriggans, who had issues and tensions with James, and attempted to merge the Damh-Mara into the Aelriggans.
With nobody in the Damh-Mara wanting to become grunts for a Knight Order, it was decided that James and Althea alone would leave the faction they had founded to join the Aelriggans. Their departure was driven by both the pressure exerted by the Order and Lieven's repeated support of the Lothar. With Rosha now in charge, the Damh-Mara was left with two fewer members, a blow to their already fragile cohesion.
As if this wasn't enough, Fiorenza, who had previously led the Gwentyrs through a Viridian Trial earlier in the year, took it upon herself to place a bounty on Lieven's head in Amontaar. This decision led to a series of confrontations with bounty hunters intent on collecting the reward, further complicating Lieven's already precarious situation within Amontaar.
Almost as soon as the bounty had been placed on Lieven's head, it was swiftly rescinded following Fiorenza's arrest by the Amontaar guards, charged with theft of all things. With the bounty lifted, Lieven was granted a brief moment of respite, allowing him to refocus on the war effort.
James and Althea's positions were filled by three new recruits: Osira, Dammokh, and Avril. Their combined battle prowess significantly boosted The Damh-Mara's success, though their distinct personalities only served to heighten the faction's internal tension. The first mission this new team embarked on was surprisingly mundane, to the point of being made fun of by the other factions due to how comically simple it was: The team was tasked with finding a noble's lost pet fox.
Despite the seemingly trivial nature of the task, the team treated it as a brief reprieve, using the opportunity to bond and enjoy the peaceful countryside of Amontaar. Their relaxation, however, was short-lived. As they found the fox, they also found it was being pursued by a massive Crimson Drake, a creature the size of an entire building. The team quickly engaged in battle, but Lieven found himself at a disadvantage. As the only Mundane member of the group; a fact that weighed heavily on his self-esteem and was frequently pointed out by the Lothar; he had no way of combating the beast with his swords alone. Unable to fight, he remained on the ground, watching helplessly as his teammates were taken out one by one.
In a terrifying moment, the Drake landed directly in front of Lieven after eliminating everyone else, locking eyes with him. As fear gripped him, Lieven whispered prayers under his breath, preparing for the worst. But to his astonishment, the Drake did something entirely unexpected: it surrendered. The beast, seemingly respecting Lieven for refraining from attacking, ceased its assault. Against all odds, Lieven managed to tame the Drake, convincing it not only to stop attacking his teammates but also to spare the fox, with the fox eventually being gifted to Osira to keep.
After the success of their mission and with his confidence restored, Lieven was eager to celebrate at The Damh-Mara's safehouse. However, his celebration was short-lived when he discovered unsettling news: his teammates had adopted a homunculus. Opposed to the idea entirely, Lieven immediately voiced his objections, arguing that it was a mistake. Yet his protests were met with disagreements, and his concerns went unheard.
To calm himself, Lieven decided to attend an arena fight, where he unexpectedly struck up a conversation with Amadea, a Unionist Everian who he had interacted with only briefly in the past. What began as a casual exchange soon turned into something more. By sheer accident, Lieven found himself causing Amadea to fall hopelessly in love with him, a feeling that he; still haunted by his time with Ana; struggled to reciprocate. Despite his reservations, he tried his best to give their relationship a chance, and over the following weeks, they spent increasing amounts of time together. Their growing bond, however, was abruptly cut short when Amadea vanished without a trace.
Her disappearance was the work of a cult, one that had created the homunculus and wanted it back. Enraged, Lieven confronted his teammates, insisting that their decision to adopt the homunculus had led directly to Amadea's abduction, proving him right. The urgency to rescue her intensified when the group received a gruesome package: Amadea's severed arm. Within days, the team set out to confront the cult. They ambushed them deep in the forest, where Amadea was being held hostage in a coffin. The group split into two: one faction engaging the cult, while the other rushed to get Amadea to safety and into a nearby clinic.
In an unexpected turn, Adagio repaid Lieven's earlier solitary aid to the Lothar by offering his own solitary assistance to The Damh-Mara. Gifting Lieven a Puretek pistol for the fight, Lieven wielded it alongside Adagio's own despite the disapproval of his teammates, marking the first time he ever used Puretek weaponry in combat.
The rescue was a success, with Amadea being safely recovered and healed over the following days. As a token of gratitude, Adagio allowed Lieven to keep the puretek and even gave him one of his outfits as a gift. With this situation resolved, The Damh-Mara was able to shift their focus back to the war effort, which was quickly drawing to a close.
To no ones surprise, The Sol emerged victorious in the war, a fact that became undeniable in the final weeks. What truly took everyone by surprise, however, was The Damh-Mara's performance. Despite having the smallest roster throughout the entire conflict, they defied expectations and ended up as the second most successful faction statistically, silencing all their doubters.
Fortunately, the team managed to remain intact, never fully fracturing, and even managed to reconcile with James and Althea by the end of the war. Though the members of The Damh-Mara largely went their separate ways upon returning to Regalia, Lieven held a deep appreciation for each individual he had fought alongside. He made a conscious effort to reconnect with them individually whenever he could.
Shortly after returning to Regalia, Lieven dyed his hair Blonde, a decision that scared countless of people.
A couple months later, overnight and with minimal warning, Lieven's noble title had been stripped away, and with it, much of the bravado he once wielded. When he first ascended to the peerage, he often claimed that it meant little to him, and that it was merely one of his greatest heists in way. Yet now, a year and a half later, he found himself in a vastly different mindset. He had come to care, to cherish the status. Yet the world sought to unfairly strip the title from him, leaving him feeling adrift.
For all the chaos that life had thrown at him, it was rare for Lieven to feel something was beyond his control. Yet here he was, grappling with a sense of powerlessness that gnawed at his insides. No matter how hard he tried to move forward, nothing felt right. He was a ghost in his own life, wandering through the criminal underbelly for a time, then attempting to reintegrate into more commoner jobs, only to find both endeavors deeply unsatisfying.
And then the realization hit him, one he had never anticipated: His time in the city was over, or at the very least, it was over for the time being. The notion stung, and it was coupled with an unsettling acceptance. He no longer had a place in this grand city, much to his chagrin.
On a whim, driven by a restless spirit, Lieven sprang from his bed, hastily packing his belongings and preparing for departure, with one place in mind: Ithania. The place where his daughter lived along with the rest of the de Pierre familiy, who he had of course come to consider as his own flesh and blood now at this point. The mansion owned by the rich family awaited him, as for years, they had kept one room empty, meant just for Lieven should he ever decide to move in officially.
His farewells were rushed and largely unspoken, a reflection of the abruptness and impulsiveness that had defined much of his adult life. Lieven had long since learned that life's chapters often closed without warning, and he had no intention of treating this one any differently.
Thus, he set off for Ithania, eager to embrace the opportunity to live with his daughter full-time for the first time in years. The thought of reconnecting with the de Pierre family on a daily basis; also for the first time in years; filled him with a happy anticipation. He yearned for the chance to experience that genuine happiness again; a happiness he had not truly felt in years; surrounded by those who mattered most to him.
Shadows Of A Setting Sun spread across Lievens time in Regalia. For he had, in the moment, no intentions to return.
After being satisfied with his visit, and ensuring his parents are still well off, Lieven made his way to Ithania, to the de Pierre mansion where the family; and his daughter; lived. A room had been reserved for him in that mansion for six years up until this point, waiting and wanting for the day he moved in to use it. It was here that Lieven enjoyed what bordered on a solemn retirement. Seeing his daughter every single day proved to be very healthy for his morale, as well as seeing everyone else he had grown to love over the years in this Ithanian family. He didn't do much in the way of jobs due to the families wealth, though did earn his keep metaphorically by assisting all the servants in their work whenever he could.
Months of life past living like this, though never one to enjoy the hands of fate getting a win over him, a decision to return to Regalia would spark within him. With the plan to regain his nobility status; no matter what.
"So, you wanna' hear about what I consider my beginnings in the city, huh? I suppose it's nothing particularly unique, no, my uniqueness doesn't come in until later on.
Still, though, it's my experience. If I could relive my beginnings all over again then; for the most part; I absolutely would."
Still, though, it's my experience. If I could relive my beginnings all over again then; for the most part; I absolutely would."
"An Ailor, but a peculiar one. He is of this grub-like race, but, one of the less maggotry of his kind. Open to the unknown and not a slave to his primal instincts.
Perhaps there is hope for Human Kind after all."
- Isunjae Ryiladj Masenjanirai, "Skull"
Perhaps there is hope for Human Kind after all."
- Isunjae Ryiladj Masenjanirai, "Skull"
When Lieven first moved from Anglia and settled in Regalia, it was the official start of something new in his life, like The Light Of A Rising Sun breaking over the horizon of a new day. He initially sought peace and comfort within a simple life as his goal. In those early months, he worked as a fisherman to make ends meet. Eventually, he picked up a part-time job as a bartender, giving him a chance to interact with people in the city for the first time.
One stormy evening, after a particularly rough day, he sat alone at a table in the Willow, feeling down. From his seat, he spotted a woman standing on the balcony, arms outstretched, eyes closed, smiling as she embraced the wind and rain. Already in a bad mood, Lieven made a sarcastic comment about how silly she looked. But instead of getting angry, she responded with kindness, offering to chat and lift his spirits. Lieven agreed, and they ended up talking—a conversation that continued for months to come.
Her name was Marthe Radley de Pierre. Over the next few weeks, she introduced him to her family: Hiro, Adam, Palina, and others who lived in Regalia. They became Lieven's first real friends in the city, giving him a sense of belonging. Marthe, especially, became someone special. After a tense conversation in his attic months after their first meeting, Lieven and Marthe started a relationship, beginning a new chapter in his life with his very first romantic relationship.
"Your lack of wealth? That's why it'll never work out between you two. And with the job you have? You'll stay lower class forever."
- Erwan de Pierre
- Erwan de Pierre
Things were going well for Lieven and his bond with Marthe's family. He found comfort in their shared activities, which helped him overcome his shyness and become more confident in public. This newfound confidence led him to befriend Kira Hana Konia, a Sihai. They instantly connected, and for a while, Lieven considered Kira his closest friend.
But nothing stays perfect forever. Marthe's parents expressed Disapproval of Lieven, and tensions began to rise. Additionally, his friendship with Adam de Pierre; one of Marthe's closest cousins; started strong but eventually soured. Their differing opinions, conflicting goals, and frequent arguments strained the relationship. Adam, protective of Marthe, took things further and falsely accused Lieven of crimes he hadn't committed. Given Adam's role in the city guard; and with Hiro and Palina having temporarily left the city, unable to talk sense into Adam; Lieven suddenly found himself unofficially wanted.
The strain from these events caused Lieven and Marthe to separate, the pressure too much for their relationship to bear. To avoid unjust arrest, Lieven fled to the sewers. Despite the breakup, they remained friends, and Marthe, against her better judgment, would occasionally visit him in the underground. For the next few months, Lieven was forced to live beneath the city, waiting for a chance to return to the life he had lost.
"Just keep to yourself. Most people should leave you alone if you do that. Don't ever forget that."
- Kira Hana Konia
- Kira Hana Konia
Life in the sewers was a jarring experience for Lieven, who had grown up with a relative sheltered innocence, now being given a Forced Taste of Criminality. Though he had witnessed crimes before, nothing could have prepared him for the raw and unforgiving reality of the underground world. Thankfully, he had Kira by his side, a friend who watched over him. Through Kira, he met Ivan Secri, a stern and humorless Kathar who seemed immune to understanding metaphors. Initially, Lieven found Ivan frustrating, often throwing sarcastic barbs and insults at the stoic figure. Yet, as the months passed, their bond grew stronger, and Ivan became the one person Lieven trusted above all others. Even nowadays, he holds Ivan as his truest friend and the most dependable person he's ever known.
Despite the chaotic environment, Lieven did his best to adhere to the laws of the surface world, avoiding crime as much as he could. That resolve began to crack when he crossed paths with Heather, a woman who embodied everything he was not. Her rebellious nature captivated him, and he soon fell for her. They quickly became a couple, and Heather led him down a path he'd never expected, one of crime and rebellion. She pulled him into her reckless schemes, and though Lieven was never fully at ease with it, he went along, driven by his feelings for her. Gradually, and to his own dismay, he found himself drawn to the adrenaline and excitement that came with breaking the rules.
"You're just easy prey."
- Valitez
- Valitez
The sewers were a chaotic, lawless place. A reality that Lieven understood in theory but never truly comprehended. THe first true lesson of this came when he had crossed paths with a cunning Slizzar named Valitez, his first true rival in the city. Valitez outclassed him in every way, winning every encounter except for a few rare draws. He took pleasure in taunting Lieven, even targeting his friends; Marthe, Kira, Ivan, and others; just to provoke him. Yet, none of his schemes ever left lasting damage.
That changed one day when Lieven was alone in the depths of the sewers. Unbeknownst to him, Valitez had been stalking him for hours. Their confrontation was brief, and before Lieven could react, the Slizzar set him on fire, intending to kill. In a desperate move, Lieven dove into the nearest batch of water, extinguishing the flames just as they scorched his left arm. But Valitez pressed the attack, leaving him with a broken right arm and shattered left leg before vanishing, leaving him for dead.
Lying there, Lieven nearly gave in to despair. But a fierce will to survive surged within him, and he crawled his way back to Ivan's shack. Ivan took him in and cared for him without hesitation, remaining by his side for weeks. Even Heather, despite her flaws, offered comfort during his recovery. The entire recovery process proved to not be all that bad, as it was full of visits from his friends and loved ones. Eventually, Lieven healed completely, though the burn scars on his left shoulder would remain as a permanent reminder of the ordeal, and would forever be remembered as his First Trauma, leaving him with a gentle fear of fire.
"You're far too sweet to ever stop loving, unfortunately."
- Marthe "Radley" de Pierre
- Marthe "Radley" de Pierre
At that point in his life, Lieven's sense of morality was far too white to remain with Heather. As her thrill seeking tendencies grew more reckless, his discomfort intensified until they ultimately parted ways. It turned out to be perfect timing, as Hiro and Palina soon returned to Regalia. They managed to convince Adam to stand down, allowing Lieven to return to the surface without fear. Ivan, whose bond with Lieven had only deepened, refused to leave his side. Thus with Ivan's support, Lieven settled back into life above ground, now with a more profound understanding of the city. In no time, he rekindled his romance with Marthe, now that the tensions with Adam had eased. He found himself surrounded by a tight-knit circle of friends, strengthened by connections he'd made through Kira and Ivan.
Not long after, Marthe revealed she was expecting, with Lieven as the father. a moment that filled him with pure joy. This news encouraged them to marry just a few months later, sealing their bond in anticipation of the family they were building. Now a married man with his first child on the way, and his best friends Ivan & Kira by his side to ease the nerves, Lieven looked to the future with excitement and hope, as it seemed his life was only going in a Line Up to success and positivity.
His experiences in the sewers, and the friendships he had forged there, had shifted his perspective. The people who had taught and protected him during those dark times led him to abandon his former Purist beliefs. He now accepted the Occult, mostly leaving behind the prejudice he had once held.
"Something bad will happen to you one day if you don't stop being so annoying."
- Chris Byrne
- Chris Byrne
Months into their marriage, tragedy struck. As Marthe gave birth to their daughter, her body failed her, and she passed away in front of everyone present. Her death casted a dark shadow over the new life she had brought into the world. Overwhelmed with grief, Lieven handed the newborn to Palina and fled, seeking refuge in Ivans home instead of his own. He knew that people would soon come knocking, offering condolences he wasn't ready to hear. Only Ivan knew where he was, providing Lieven with constant companionship, comfort, and unyielding support in those dark days.
In the wake of Marthe's death, the de Pierre family grew distant, turning cold toward Lieven, everyone except for eventually: Palina. Guided by Ivan, she found Lieven and chose to mourn alongside him instead of casting blame against him as the rest did. Lieven, too, held himself responsible. One night, in the depths of shared grief, Lieven and Palina chose a name for his daughter: Marthe, in honor of her mother, with the middle name Ava, which he and Marthe had originally planned.
Grief soon hardened into anger and resentment. Though Lieven never lashed out at Ivan or Palina anymore, his temper grew short with others. He begun to consume copious amounts of alcohol, became more aggressive, prone to arguments, and quicker to snap. When Marthe's father took his daughter away to Ithania, cutting Lieven off from the child he had barely come to know, his anguish drove him back to a place he had once hoped to leave behind: The sewers, choosing to cope and grieve there after the worst Spiral Down in his life up to this point.
"I care more about the wellbeing of my friends rather than the mortality of their actions. I'll always be loyal to you, regardless of what you do. But I do recommend not doing anything stupid. Though I predict you won't listen."
- Ivan Secri
- Ivan Secri
Choosing to live in the sewers now as opposed to being forced into it, months passed without Lieven ever resurfacing, leaving him devoid of sunlight and the warmth of the outside world. He took refuge with Ivan and Ivan's sister, who had made that modest shack their home. During this time, Lieven delved deeper into a life of crime. Though he never fully embraced the underworld, he found himself regularly robbing, mugging, assaulting, and eventually even kidnapping others, allowing himself to have a Willing Taste Of Criminality. The majority of Lieven's self-confessed criminal activities took place over the next couple of years starting from here, albeit gradually diminishing in intensity with every passing year. His unarmed combat skills and sharp tongue flourished in this dark environment, transforming him into the archetype of a chaotic neutral rogue, shaped by the tumult around him.
Perhaps most noteably; was an interest in the building of strength, muscle, and agility that he begun around this time. Having been quite out of shape after stopping his farmwork. Though his drinking habits halted any major progress.
"Awh, my favorite boy has returned. You just can't help yourself from running back to your past, hm~?"
- Heather
- Heather
Back in the sewers, it wasn't long before one of Lieven's crime sprees led him to cross paths with Heather. Though their initial encounter nearly erupted into a battle, fate had other plans, and they found themselves rekindling their relationship in a Relapsed Romance. In a surprising turn, it was Heather who sought to distance herself from a life of crime, while Lieven was drawn deeper into its depths. He left Ivan's shack for the first time in months, moving to Crookback to live with Heather, and for what was almost the rest of the year, the two lived happily together, full of love and chaos, with several crime sprees being commited together alongside various friends and gangs.
However, that peace was shattered when Lieven walked in on Heather sitting on the couch next to Adam, who had grown increasingly resentful toward him following Marthe's death. In that moment, the truth emerged: Heather had been secretly seeing Adam for months, betraying Lieven's trust. Before he could fully process the betrayal, Adam struck him, landing a punch that sent Lieven crashing to the ground. The new couple left the house, abandoning him to stare blankly at the ceiling. This devastating encounter soured Lieven on romance, leaving him disillusioned and unwilling to pursue any relationships for years to come.
"It's your fault. Everything is your fault."
- Hiro de Pierre
- Hiro de Pierre
Unknowing and uncaring to where Adam and Heather had gone, Lieven eventually rose from the floor after hours of lying in silent pain. Just as he had fled after Marthe's death, he ran again, this time not to the sewers or the city, but to the outskirts, seeking solace in the forest surrounding Regalia. He needed to be alone, to cry freely. Unbeknownst to him, he was not alone; he had been followed. As he wept by the ocean, Hiro; consumed by anger and even more vengeful than Adam; emerged, spear in hand and fully armored. In his desire to avenge Marthe, Hiro lunged at Lieven with lethal intent.
In a frantic struggle, Lieven managed to wrestle the spear from Hiro's grasp, leaving both men armed with only daggers. In a moment of sheer instinct, Lieven drove his blade fatally into Hiro's side, at the exact same time that Hiro drove his blade into Lievens side. Expcecting both of them to die beside each other, Lieven accepted his fate. Hiro passed away first, his Death happening right in front of Lieven, who merely laid there, waiting and waiting for his last breath to be taken, he grew to realize; for whatever the reason may be, he was not dying that night. Despite suffering the exact same injury, Lieven had survived where Hiro didn't, and eventually he rose himself up to return to the city for healing, having failed in dying. Where he begun to plan his running away from the entire city or Regalia.
Despite their tumultuous history, Lieven harbored a deep-seated care for Hiro, and the act of killing would haunt him. This tragic event left an indelible mark on his conscience, instilling in him a solemn vow never to take another life, even in situations where he perhaps should have.
--"What'd I tell you? Nothing particularly unique yet. I'm ashamed to admit; I ran away from my problems. The progress comes from me no longer being afraid to say that.
Though since you're still listening to me, you probably gathered that I did eventually come back, hm? What can I say. I'm nothing if not stubborn, and I needed to prove something to myself."--
Though since you're still listening to me, you probably gathered that I did eventually come back, hm? What can I say. I'm nothing if not stubborn, and I needed to prove something to myself."--
"A Pirate? You? You're far too sweet to kill and plunder."
- Ponnoc Kymiin
- Ponnoc Kymiin
Overwhelmed and panicked by the events involving Hiro, Heather, and Adam, Lieven instinctively turned to his usual response to turmoil: He fled. This time, however, he wasn't just retreating to Ivan's shack; he was leaving Regalia altogether. Ivan, whose loyalty to Lieven was always unbreaking, remained steadfast as ever, ready to follow him anywhere and offer protection. Together, they devised a plan to join a pirate crew, as several captains in Crookback were always on the lookout for new recruits. The two set sail, embracing a new life on the high seas committing acts of Piracy for a full year.
"You've made so many mistakes. But I forgive you. I know you never meant to do any of the bad things you've done."
- Palina de Pierre
- Palina de Pierre
In need of urgent repairs one day, the ship docked on the outskirts of Ithania, home to the de Pierre family. While waiting for the mundane repairs to be completed, Lieven and Ivan reluctantly ventured into the city. Fate intervened when Lieven encountered Palina, who welcomed them warmly. With a sudden desire to do so, Lieven asked for Palina to take them to the de Pierre mansion, a grand estate reflecting the family's wealth. Their goal was to speak with Marthe's parents and the rest of the family, but most importantly, to see his daughter for the first time since her birth.
Unfortunately, the meeting took a disastrous turn, especially when Lieven confessed to killing Hiro in self-defense. However, thanks to Palina's significant intervention, it was agreed that Lieven could at least spend time with his daughter. As he cradled her in his arms, he realized he and Ivan should leave the pirate crew and return to Regalia with Palina and his daughter. This idea met resistance from the family, leading to a heated argument.
The dispute ultimately split the family in two, with those against Lieven leaving Ithania and the Mansion alltogether, to go begin a new life. Leaving only those who were willing to give Lieven a chance. And thankfully; also leaving his daughter in his arms officially.
In that moment, he made a personal promise to himself: to try and stop running away from his problems.
"These are your people, right? Don't you care about what happened to them?"
- Anneke
- Anneke
Having "accidentally" forgotten to regroup with his crew upon their departure, Lieven found himself left behind in Ithania. It was there that the talk of the Mist Crisis in Anglia, which Lieven had heard about throughout his time in see, grew more urgent. His crew had already suffered problems as a result of the Food Shortage that was born due to the Mist, but it seemed to have only gotten worse and worse.
While Ivan and Palina sailed on back to Regalia Lieven arranged his own passage into the heart of the apocalyptic country. Worry gnawed at him the entire way, fearful of what he might find, or what he might not find. To his immense relief, his family had managed to carve out survival in one of the painfully few safe havens left in Anglia. His parents, aunts, uncles, and a scattering of cousins, all alive, and more than that, helping. They hadn't just endured the crisis, they were working through it. Still farming. Still providing food and supplies to both the local survivors and the wider Empire. Lieven hadn't planned to stay, but as his family asked him to start helping as well, he found it difficult to turn away from his own blood. And so, he stayed far longer than he ever meant to. Day by day, he returned to his roots, working the land and aiding his kin in giving back to the country that raised him.
At some point during his stay, he revealed to his family something he hadn't yet shared: He had a daughter, safely in Regalia with Palina and Ivan. That very same day, him family had now urged him to leave Anglia behind and go to her, ensuring that they could continue to be just fine without him. Lieven, though reluctant to abandon the effort he'd grown to take pride in, couldn't deny their request, or his own heart. There was no room for risks or sickness that could prevent him from ever seeing his kid again. He departed Anglia for the second time in his life. Tired, proud, and carrying with him the quiet satisfaction that for the first time in his life, he'd helped make the world a little bit better.
"Running and climbing, are you? It's good exercise, but you can't solve every problem with running."
- Kurt Thorner
- Kurt Thorner
Lieven had returned to Regalia, and despite Palina and Ivan's advice, he sought out Adam and Heather, only to discover that both had left the city. A wave of relief washed over him, but it was tinged with emptiness, though a good emptiness, as everything that had defined his story up until this point was either gone, moved on, or transformed. In a sense, he was back at square one, but this time with a daughter and a closer circle of friends. Much like in 304 and 305, he found himself simply drifting through life: working, socializing with colleagues, and spending time with friends. Everything felt familiar yet different, enriched by his experiences and the presence of his daughter, who he was raising with surprising skill and ease. It felt like a Personal Soft Reboot to the man, who saw this all as one grand second chance to retry life in Regalia.
It was during this period that he forged strong bonds with a host of new close friends: James Watters, Dusk Waters, Bliss Willow, Joseph Marini, Auriane Marini, Ceara Reevali, Vivienne Haagensen, Jack Velcatine, Iadrik de Pierre; who had married into the family; and three more members of the de Pierre family by blood: Nicholas, Jeremy; who was Marthe's brother and Iadriks husband; and Yvonne. This lively ensemble spent their days together, hanging out everywhere and anywhere, creating memories for the months to come.
"Don't ever forget the people who left marks on you. Both good and bad ones. Cherish the memories, kid."
- Barry Jannsen
- Barry Jannsen
The majorty of Lievens Old Friends begun to change their life courses. Firstly, after years of unwavering support, Ivan announced his intention to leave Regalia and return home to begin his own personal journey. Lieven emotionally objected, not wanting to lose his best friend, but eventually, through teary eyes, he conceded that if Ivan believed it was for the best, then he would accept it. As Ivan prepared to depart on his ship, Lieven embraced him. a rare gesture at that time, declaring him the official godfather of Ava. Even after all these years, the two have maintained contact in the present day.
Just days later, Kira revealed her desire to leave Regalia as well, intending to return home to pursue her career and reunite with her family. Once again, Lieven voiced his emotional objections but ultimately relented. They exchanged a similarly tearful farewell, both acknowledging that they had once harbored feelings for one another at different points; a bittersweet "what if" that still lingers in Lieven's mind to this day.
Amid all these departures, one person returned: Heather. The tension between them was palpable and awkward, yet they found themselves unable to separate from each other's lives for the next two years, complicating an already messy situation. They never addressed the unresolved issues surrounding Adam or Hiro, leaving a shadow over their interactions.
"Why do they never seem to attack you? You fistfought one and walked away without a scratch. How much luck was packed into your body at birth? Too much, that's how much."
- Joseph Marini
- Joseph Marini
Aside from the responsibilities of raising a child, Lieven found himself living a carefree life. Although he wrestled with internal demons from his past, he continued to engage in minor criminal activities, instigated fights, and exhibit random aggression to an unnecessary degree. His friends often pointed this out and tried to help, even though their efforts sometimes made them the unwitting victims of his outbursts. Despite these issues, life remained easygoing for the group, even amidst the Clicker Crisis that had begun. When Lieven was with his friends, it felt as though nothing was wrong in the world. He even got to experience the thrill and fear of fighting alongside them during Clicker attacks. Somehow, he was the only member of their ensemble who never sustained an injury from a clicker, despite their constant skirmishes. Fortunately, no clickers ever threatened Ava's life. Plenty of his days throughout this period were no doubt Carefree, But Clickers remained a constant threat.
In such a large group, romance naturally began to blossom throuhgout everyone. Yet Lieven remained the only one in the ensemble uninterested in romance, still wary of getting involved due to past experiences, even after Bliss expressed a particular fondness for him.
"You're not fit to be a father. You're a terrible, emotional, reckless piece of shit. You should be grateful that no ones put you out of your misery yet."
- Iadrik
- Iadrik
Shortly after celebrating Wintertide with his friends, the escalating tensions surrounding Lieven's attitude and anger issues reached a peak. Frustration grew among his friends, particularly with the couple Iadrik and Jeremy. Jeremy harbored a lingering grudge against Lieven due to the death of his sister, and this resentment intensified as Lieven's behavior persisted. In an attempt to take control, Iadrik and Jeremy began to manipulate and gaslight the rest of their group, aiming to convince them that Ava would be better off without Lieven and that they should take her away to raise her outside of Regalia. Weeks of turmoil ensued, during which Lieven attempted to improve himself, becoming less aggressive and working on his anger, but it was not enough for Iadrik and Jeremy. For the couple had started to weave rumors, lies, and fabrications about Lieven, all in an effort to reclaim the child and return her to the embrace of the families half who had vowed never to forgive Lieven. They successfully swayed the others to believe that they were justified and that Lieven was in the wrong, leaving him without allies and the target of constant disdain.
Paradoxically, the solution came when Lieven surrendered to his darker impulses one final time. After enduring one too many snide remarks from the couple about their success in taking Ava away, he snapped. In a fit of rage, he assaulted both men. Against the odds, Lieven somehow managed to defeat the couple; in spite of Iadrik between twice as tall and twice as wide. Following this confrontation, Iadrik and Jeremy quietly conceded defeat, leaving Regalia and abandoning their plan, allowing Lieven to keep Ava. For the first real time; he felt as if he was Tested as a Dad.
Through this ordeal, Lieven learned a valuable lesson: while peace should always be the first approach, there are times when violence regrettably becomes the only answer. Following the end of the turmoil, Lieven made the conscious decision to all but abandon drinking, restricting himself to no more than a sip or two on the rare occasions a mug or bottle found its way into his hands, and changed to diet to vegetarianism. Putting himself in a position to truly begin training his strength, muscle, and agility.
"You know, I mean this genuinely:
You're a fantastic father. A good man, too.
Just a stupid one as well. So, very stupid."
- Viroul
You're a fantastic father. A good man, too.
Just a stupid one as well. So, very stupid."
- Viroul
Lieven continued to slightly dabble in the criminal life still at this point, engaging primarily in petty thievery and merely mingling with the true criminals of the sewers and Crookback. However, everything changed one fateful day when he befriended a talking skull that could transform into a skeletal dog. Whilst in the sewers, Lieven would have the bragging rights of being able to walk around with a pet skeleton dog.
Shortly thereafter, he and his companions were followed back to the surface by a grotesquely mutated Kathar calling itself Viroul. Initially presenting a facade of friendliness, it wasn't long before Viroul revealed his true intentions: to recruit Lieven into his cult, claiming to see "potential" in the Ailor.
After politely declining, Lieven found himself targeted by the far more combat-experienced Viroul, who sought to eliminate him and kidnap Ava. Though he managed to escape with his life, Lieven sustained serious wounds, and his daughter was successfully kidnapped. Fueled by sheer determination, he eventually tracked Viroul to an abandoned, rundown building on the outskirts of the main city. Nerves began to take hold, as this was to be Lieven's first genuine fight to the potential death since Hiro. Pushing through his anxiety, he stormed inside, knowing that he was being Tested as a Father, and he couldn't afford to fail.
The abandoned building proved to be the home of Viroul's cult. In a moment of ingenuity over combat, Lieven realized that a direct confrontation could be unnecessarily perilous. Instead, he opted for disguise. Stealing the attire and mask from a sleeping cult member, he donned the outfit and seamlessly blended into the surroundings as he searched for his daughter. Eventually, he found Ava safe and sound, despite Viroul's menacing threats.
With his daughter in his arms, Lieven raced back to the city, adrenaline coursing through his veins. His hasty departure angered his companions, who had initially planned to confront Viroul together, but their frustration quickly turned to relief upon learning of his success.
Weeks later, Lieven and Viroul would face off in a climactic battle. Despite Viroul's superior skills in speed, strength, weaponry, and magic, Lieven triumphed. None of these advantages could rival the Ailor's iron will and his deep understanding of the environment in which they fought. In the face of defeat, Viroul vanished in a cloud of black smoke, never to be seen by Lieven again.
"I hope the guilt will last forever. I know it will. And you deserve it to last forever."
- Adam de Pierre
- Adam de Pierre
Still reeling from the trauma of his daughter's kidnapping, Lieven found solace in an unexpected source: Heather. Although he had never fully forgiven her for the past, he had moved on enough for them to reconnect as friends. Surprisingly, she offered him a level of comfort that none of his other friends could provide. The bond between them grew strong enough that they nearly rekindled their romance, but ultimately, Lieven chose to hold back on that front, though keeping their relationship benefitially platonic.
Shortly after Heather's return, Adam resurfaced in the city, harboring lingering bitterness towards Lieven. His resentment only intensified upon discovering that Lieven had beaten Jeremy. For several weeks, a fragile peace held, until one fateful day when tensions erupted during a public argument in a tavern. In a moment of lost control, Lieven resorted to insulting Adam by referencing the fact that he had killed Hiro. Adam, fueled by anger, knocked Lieven out cold in front of the tavern's patrons, most notably Palina, who rushed to help nurse him back to consciousness. In a fit of understandable rage, Adam stormed out and subsequently left the city.
Weeks later, Lieven and his friends received devastating news: Adam had died unceremoniously in a bar fight gone too far. Just like that, of all the original de Pierres Lieven met, Adam was One More Gone, rendering one singular member of the family, Palina, as the only one of the original four still alive. Each death, at least in part, a consequence of his actions. This painful truth weighed heavily on him, a burden he could never forget.
Throughout this mental and physical struggle that lasted for weeks, it was around this time that Lieven encountered a certain Aldane Justyr, who would later become known as Aldane Gwentyr. From their very first meeting, the two developed an intense rivalry that would define their relationship, as Lieven had managed to trick Aldane into accidentally throwing a glass full of wine onto a noblewoman, publicly embarrassing Aldane for the first time; the first of many.
--"It never got easier. I won't pretend like it did; it still hasn't. But you know what? If you ask me? If you take my word for it? The most intelligent and important word of them all?
For the first time since her death. I felt like I mattered. I felt important in some way. It's a rare feeling, one I can count on only one hand the amount of times I've felt. At the very least, I also felt as if I deserved to stay in Regalia now."--
For the first time since her death. I felt like I mattered. I felt important in some way. It's a rare feeling, one I can count on only one hand the amount of times I've felt. At the very least, I also felt as if I deserved to stay in Regalia now."--
"Meeting you was the best and worst thing to ever happen to my life. To ever happen to the lives of everyone you've ever met too, I imagine."
- Divy Rousseau
- Divy Rousseau
A couple of months after the Viroul ordeal, Nicholas and Yvonne announced their plans to return to Ithania. In a selfless gesture, Lieven offered to let them take Ava with them, expressing his concerns about Regalia's safety for a child. Promises were made to ensure that father and daughter would visit each other as often as possible, promises that have endured to this day. However, once this decision was made, Lieven would find himself going months without physically seeing his daughter.
Gradually, most of Lieven's friends began to move away from Regalia, each departing on good terms and maintaining their friendships with him. They still managed semi-frequent visits, preserving the bonds they had formed over the years.
Though he wasn't entirely alone, with the talking skull for company and a rekindled friendship with Heather, Lieven also encountered a new group of friends after an embarrassing incident where he fell through a window and landed on their table. This mishap introduced him to Divy Rousseau and Merrick Felwinter, a couple at the time, who quickly became close companions. They, in turn, introduced him to their friends and family, including Reynard Benac, Heinrich Benac, and Ryo Varis.
This marked another personal reset for Lieven, with things now being Slightly Less Carefree. The absence of his daughter reminded him of his early days in the city. Yet, in reality, he had changed too much as a person for things to revert to their former state. He appreciated this moment of nostalgia, nonetheless.
During this period, his rivalry with Aldane intensified, particularly since Aldane was also acquainted with Divy and Merrick. The two men found themselves embroiled in countless physical fights, verbal disputes, and mental sparring matches, far too numerous to count. While Lieven always emerged victorious, one undeniable truth remained: the two men genuinely disliked each other.
"You're a terrible medic. An awful bouncer. A bad assistant. I'm not sure what you're good at, exactly.
But dammit, you're funny."
- Merrick Felwinter
But dammit, you're funny."
- Merrick Felwinter
One day, Lieven noticed Aldane attempting to charm two Playero women. With a well-established habit of stealing women from Aldane at this point, he swooped in once again to do just that once again. Aldane fumbled the opportunity on his own, Lieven only added insult to injury, prompting Aldane to leave in frustrated defeat. This left Lieven alone with the two women.
After a brief conversation, one of the women eventually departed, leaving Lieven with the remaining one, who introduced herself as Reselda. They continued to talk for hours, and those hours seamlessly turned into days, weeks, and eventually months. Reselda would later introduce Lieven to a certain Ana Cervantez, and reintroduced him to Heather, who was coincidentally dating Reselda's brother.
Reselda, who worked under Ana at her clinic, helped secure Lieven a position there as a Clinic Bouncer, where Divy, Merrick, and Reynard also worked at or frequently visited. As a result, much of Lieven's life over the next several months revolved around the clinic.
"I know you try your best. Anyone with any sense should know to appreciate that.
For what it's worth, I think you're a good father."
- Bliss Willow
For what it's worth, I think you're a good father."
- Bliss Willow
After being reintroduced to Heather, Lieven found himself spending more and more time with his ex, whom he hadn't seen in quite a while. Eventually, Heather dropped a bombshell: she had a child; A Son. While not shocking in itself; as she already had a few kids; she specified that this one was a boy, and claimed Lieven to be the father.
Taken aback by the news, Lieven wandered through weeks of confusion, his world turned upside down. It was Ana who stepped in to help him navigate the complexities of fatherhood, but he felt uncomfortable every step of the way. The toddler bore no resemblance to him, and after enduring awkward silences with Heather and lessons from Ana, he finally managed to extract the truth.
The child, named Apollo, was not, in fact, Lieven's son; he was from another of Heather's lovers. Heather insisted she had been genuinely confused and had not meant to deceive him. Nonetheless, Lieven's disappointment soured his feelings toward her once again, leaving him to spend a few days mentally recovering from the revelation.
Deep down, he hated to admit it, but a part of him had truly hoped that Apollo was his son. When the truth came to light, Heather took the child and left Regalia, leaving Lieven to grapple with his unresolved emotions.
"I cannot believe I fell for you. Bet you've heard plenty of women tell you that before, though."
- Reselda de Gonzo
- Reselda de Gonzo
Throughout all his struggles, one woman stood by Lieven: Reselda. As their bond deepened, Lieven found himself grappling with an unexpected fear. Not of Reselda herself, but of the realization that he had developed genuine romantic feelings for her. This marked the first time he had experienced such emotions since Heather had left him for Adam.
Weeks slipped by as he wrestled with his insecurities, plagued by nervousness that left him sweating and stuttering whenever he attempted to voice his feelings. At last, on a fateful day, he finally found the courage to speak his truth. To his great relief, Reselda reciprocated his sentiments, confessing that she too harbored feelings for him. They agreed to embark on a new chapter together as a couple, marking A Third Romance for Lieven, despite the disapproval of Reselda's family.
Though Reselda would remain oblivious to the depth of his struggle, Lieven would always silently credit her for helping him confront and partially overcome his long-standing fear of romantic connection.
"You ruined all of our lives. Do you just enjoy doing that? Does it not get tiring being so unsympathetic and sarcastic all the time?"
- Ryo Varis
- Ryo Varis
Lieven grew close to the couple Merrick and Divy, though was far closer with Divy. Things took an unexpected turn when he was blindsided by the news that Divy had left Merrick and intended to pursue him. At this point, Lieven's charm seemed to be always getting him into trouble. Awkwardly, he turned her down, yet somehow, they managed to remain good friends despite the rejection. Merrick, understandably hurt, found himself clashing with Lieven multiple times over the following months.
In the midst of this, Ryo, who insanely considered himself the adoptive son of Divy and Merrick, gave Lieven a unique and rare opportunity to be entirely in the right over a situation during their rivalry, who frequently referred to Lieven as a Family Ruiner. Ryo began targeting everyone he knew, not just Lieven, but the Ailor still found himself one of the primary targets of the delusional young man's vendetta.
However, Ryo's antics led to some reconciliation between Merrick and Lieven. The three of them, along with a circle of mutual friends, agreed to "handle" Ryo together. Lieven, of course, kept his hands clean of any actual violence, but not everyone shared that moral stance.
Shortly after this, Lieven and Reselda decided to break up, recognizing that they had different goals in life and weren't suited for each other. Despite the split, Lieven felt relieved that it ended amicably, a welcome change from his previous romantic experiences. Interestingly, this breakup further eased his fear of romance, as he learned that relationships could indeed end peacefully. Reselda soon left Regalia to pursue her career as a doctor on the seas, with the two remaining good friends.
"Trouble sure loves to find you, hm?"
- Shanari
- Shanari
Lieven had become somewhat toxic; though not entirely on purpose; to his newer group of friends. He found himself unintentionally damaging friendships and relationships, pushing even the pacifists like Heinrich to their breaking points, as after one too many arguments, Lieven lost control of his temper again and insulted Heinrich personally. who responded by punching Lieven in the face. Ironically, this punch would kickstart their complicated friendship, leading Lieven to view Heinrich as one of his oddly closest frenemies.
Reynard, usually calm and composed, also reached his limits with Lieven's antics, getting irritated and annoyed on several occasions. Divy herself had as well began to grow somewhat sour on Lieven due to his recent behavior affecting their mutual friends.
As the Vampire Insurrection started to take hold, Lieven found himself in a massive battle on the outskirts of a safe zone, a culmination of all the issues he had created with everyone. It turned into a free-for-all involving Lieven, Heinrich, Merrick, Aldane, and Ryo, who had surprisingly resurfaced from the sewers rather than being killed, as Lieven had believed. With no teams and everyone fighting for themselves, Lieven emerged not only as the victor but also completely untouched. This ego boost would prove to be detrimental to everyone else, leaving Lieven as a Drama Magnet for months more as he rode this high.
"Lieven is easily hateable and likable at the same time."
"Correct, just let him use that charm of his and he'll figure a way out of this situation."
- Bronwyn & Lamont Norinn
"Correct, just let him use that charm of his and he'll figure a way out of this situation."
- Bronwyn & Lamont Norinn
With the Vampire Insurrection in full swing, Lieven became one of the few who dared to venture beyond the safety of the fortified areas to explore the city now under siege. Surprisingly, it was Merrick with whom he grew closer and truly mended their issues, despite Merricks numerous attempts to kill Lieven. The two would set out together to explore the chaotic streets, battling the sanguine foes and saving each other's lives on multiple occasions. Over time, their bond deepened, and Lieven began to consider Merrick one of his all-time best friends, right on par with Ivan.
His relationships with Divy and Reynard also improved during this period, and while his rivalry with Aldane remained, it had calmed down a bit. Even Ryo, once intent on targeting Lieven, had moved on from the hatred, focusing the rage on other people.
The Vampire Insurrection had an unusual effect on Lieven compared to most others. While many experienced it as a hellish ordeal filled with fear and tension, Lieven found it to be a strange era of resolution, where he was able to address and repair many of his friendships. In his memories, the Insurrection stood out as oddly positive, a time of growth amidst the chaos.
"You seem too complicated for a "good person" or "bad person" label."
- Kingsley Miller
- Kingsley Miller
Lieven had mostly left his criminal past behind him, indulging only in petty thievery that was more about pranks and jokes than serious crime, often returning whatever he took. He found himself visiting Crookback less and less, until it became a place he barely recognized.
This changed briefly as his bond with Merrick and Divy deepened. Both were criminals and rogues in their own unique ways, which drew Lieven back into Crookback for a few months, if only just to spend time with the two individually. While nothing particularly dramatic happened during this time, he subconsciously found himself missing the thrill of his old life as a full fledged criminal. Painful memories began to take on a nostalgic hue, and Lieven found himself yearning for the days of being a criminal, a temptation to go through Relasped Criminality. However, despite this temptation, he did not act on it, for better or for worse.
"Imagining you as a noble sounds like the worst nightmare a man could ever have."
- Nicholas de Pierre
- Nicholas de Pierre
Aldane Justyr had transformed into Aldane Gwentyr, a blue-blooded noble lord. Lieven couldn't help but roll his eyes at this development, viewing it as a sign of an impending apocalypse. From the very first day they met, the two had been at each other's throats. They sabotaged one another's careers and relationships, fought several times, occasionally coming close to death, and now it seemed Aldane had finally achieved a victory. Legally, Lieven found himself unable to continue their feud in the way that it had been going.
In an unexpected twist, Aldane offered Lieven a job: to secretly work for the Gwentyrs as a spy on other noble houses and serve as an advisor. The rationale was simple; since Lieven was Aldane's greatest enemy, he would be uniquely qualified to uncover any plots against the Gwentyrs, who better to discover the secrets of enemies than an enemy.
Lieven agreed to this uneasy alliance, and for over a year, they worked together, enemies turned collaborators. Despite the ongoing arguments and clashes, their partnership proved successful, with Lieven becoming a valuable asset to the Gwentyr family, providing the Ailor with A sample of Nobility.
"You two are similar. A life of tragedy. Tragedy with spouses, with children, with relationships, with friendships, with enemies. Yet you both are still here. Maybe you two ARE the toughest people I've ever met then, haha!"
- Elvira Grey
- Elvira Grey
Divy had left Regalia for Ithania with her daughter, creating space for Lieven and Merrick to properly move on from the significant impact she had on their lives. As they adjusted to this new dynamic, Lieven and Merrick grew even closer, with Merrick eventually moving on to another woman, Elvira Grey, a Countess. Merrick was quick to personally introduce Lieven to Elvira and her family, including the children she would later have with Merrick. Before long, the couple was preparing for a wedding at a masquerade, and Lieven happily accepted the role of best man.
The soon-to-be Woeful Wedding went off without a hitch. Until it didn't. Outside the venue, Elvira was attacked by a masked sanguine. Although she narrowly escaped with her life, the incident triggered flashbacks for Lieven, reminding him of the traumatic events involving Marthe. Determined to help Merrick, Lieven took it upon himself to uncover the identity of the attacker.
Already having a suspect in mind, Lieven managed to persuade the Metro to share their reports on the wedding with him. Using the information, he single-handedly identified the culprit and shared his findings with the newlyweds and the Metro. They quickly tracked down and neutralized the sanguine who had attacked Elvira.
Lieven had not only solved the case entirely on his own, but had also protected the family from further danger. For this, he received praise; a rarity in his life. He felt boyishly giddy and proud of himself for weeks afterward, and the pride from that event still lingers with him to this day.
--"I suppose some things never change. No matter how hard I tried, I could never quite escape my quote "problematic" tendancies and quote "urges" to return to the old criminal lifestyle that ruined me in ways I still feel to this day. I try my best, really, I do, though nobody ever believes me.
Makes it hilarious then, how ironic things would get: For I went on to become the exact opposite of a nobody-common-criminal. Wanna' hear about it?
Of course you do."--
Makes it hilarious then, how ironic things would get: For I went on to become the exact opposite of a nobody-common-criminal. Wanna' hear about it?
Of course you do."--
"You? A Lord? Lord of what? Tricksters?"
- Taralynn Tremaux
- Taralynn Tremaux
Traumatized by the wedding fiasco, Merrick and Elvira soon left Regalia with their family, though they would make occasional visits back. Lieven found himself dangerously close to feeling like he had rebooted once again, as life settled into a quiet routine. His circle of friends had gradually transformed from criminals to commoners and now to nobility. He had met Taralynn Trémaux, who helped ease his tension around the noble class and even helped turn him into a Kathar for a couple of weeks, against his will.
What Lieven never expected from this new circle was the opportunity to join the peerage as an actual member. The Gwentyr Matriarch, Viviwynne Gwentyr, recognized his consistent loyalty after working secretly for them for so long. She offered him the chance to be adopted into the family as a new Lord Gwentyr. Much to Aldane's chagrin, who remained Lieven's rival despite their complicated relationship, Lieven accepted the offer, officially becoming one "Lord Lieven Gwentyr."
This newfound status unlocked a world of opportunities, granting him wealth beyond anything he had ever known and forging connections he never would have made otherwise. Yet, whether nobility was truly a "blessing" for Lieven remained highly debatable; whether he even deserved it was an even greater question, both of which he often pondered himself. Though he indulged in the privileges of his new life, a lingering doubt remained: did he truly belong in this life?
From a criminal pirate to a noble lord, Lieven had once despised the peerage, participating countless crimes, robberies, and heists against them. Yet despite all of that, his greatest heist was not in what he had taken physically, but what he had taken socially. Slipping into the ranks of the aristocracy, not as a thief in the night but as one of their own; this was his Heist of the Century.
"There's nothing wrong with moving on. Especially for someone like you. Enjoy your next chapter, Lieven."
- Dusk Waters
- Dusk Waters
Despite now owning an entire estate, Lieven still found comfort in his old home from his days as a commoner. A place once filled with laughter, friends, and family, now left empty except for him. The last person he expected to see in the neighborhood was Heather. Throughout their on-and-off relationship, they had never truly addressed their issues: Adam, Hiro, the toxicity of their past, none of it. For years, Lieven had been haunted by thoughts of the conversations he wished he could have had with her, believing he'd never get the chance again, as their final encounter was her leaving his house in the middle of the night after a one night stand, years ago. Yet on this fateful day, Heather just happened to be visiting Regalia for a week and was near his home.
Lieven invited her in, and they finally talked. They covered everything: the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. Hours passed, the moon rising and falling as they shared their thoughts. Unlike before, there were no arguments, no shouting, no anger. They conversed calmly and maturely for the first time, ultimately ending things on a positive note. It was incredibly therapeutic for Lieven. This was a weight he had carried for five long years, and finally expressing it lifted a burden from his chest, helping him relax and even sleep better.
If this ended up being the last time they ever saw each other; Lieven would be content with it, as it truly felt like A Chapter Closed.
"Lord Lieven Gwentyr is not the type to fight for honor."
- Riftan Mekrov
- Riftan Mekrov
Lieven had long remained in the backround of House Gwentyrs activites, managing the day-to-day tedium of noble life. Paperwork, funding allocations, oversight of businesses, and citizen affairs filled his days. It was dull, but it was easy. That dullness of his noble life had shattered the moment their Matriarch, Viviwynne, found herself locked in a bitter standoff with House Mekrov, a Lothar-controlled purist house. Tensions had flared between the houses before. House Gwentyr, composed almost entirely of Occult save for Lieven, drew ire from the Mekrovs by merely existing numerous times already. But this time was different. Viviwynne had released a public statement condemning them on a much more personal scale. Their Patriarch, Riftan, retaliated with aggression far exceeding what anyone expected. Mistaking Viviwynne's words as Lieven's, Riftan issued a formal challenge: a duel for honor. Viviwynne was an elderly woman, however, unable to even stand without a cane, let alone lift a weapon. When the misunderstanding was clarified, that Riftan mistook Viviwynnes for Lieven, the challenge wasn't retracted. Instead, Riftan smugly proposed a solution: Lieven could fight as her champion. The Gwentyr household was quick to reject the notion. It was a petty dispute, not worth the bloodshed. But Lieven defied them. Going his own route and accepting it. Despite the controversy, his family eventually stood behind him, supported him. The duel was officially set.
Lieven had never liked the Lothar, but this was the first time he had a just cause to act on it. Riftan was the superior fighter, Lieven knew this, but he also knew that Riftans mind was not the sharpest. He knew he was smarter than Riftan. Because crucially: Riftan believed Lieven to be Occult, and permitted magic in the duel. Riftan spent his days preparing for a magical battle. What he got instead was a swordsman. Mundane, yes, but Lieven fought not just with steel, he fought with words too. Through every swing and parry, he taunted Riftan, hinting at spells that would never come, feeding the man's paranoia, letting the Lothar think that he was going to cast at any moment. Leaving Riftan waiting and prepared for a magical onslaught that would simply never arrive. In that paranoia and uncertainty, Lieven won, defeating the Lothar. Defending the Honor of his Noble family in the process, and would soon become the Gwentyrs number one fighter, always being the guy sent to participate in duels in the future.
"You make things look so easy. Wooing a woman, besting men in combat, persuading someone into liking you. It's infuriating to witness...but, I need you to help us get through this just as easily as everything else you've done."
- Aldane Gwentyr
- Aldane Gwentyr
One seemingly ordinary day, Lieven found himself reveling in lighthearted mischief with friends at a tavern run by one of their own. Amid the laughter and jesting, he playfully crawled under a few tables, all in the spirit of fun. The moment caught the eye of several onlookers, including Fiorenza, an Ithanian with the titleage of Honorable. She remarked on how undignified behavior this was for a noble, to which Lieven replied with typical sarcasm, leaving her offended. Minutes later, this situation was rendered quickly forgetten by Lieven.
However, weeks later, at an extravagant gathering hosted by the Gwentyr estate, that small exchange resurfaced in an unexpectedly grand fashion. With a room filled with dozens of knights and nobles, Fiorenza found herself in a heated confrontation with Aldane. Mistaking him for Lieven, she accused him sharply of the "table-crawling incident." This confusion led to a private conversation among the three, where Lieven clarified that he, not Aldane, had been the one responsible.
But in a turn that bewildered the entire Gwentyr family, Fiorenza's simmering frustration ignited into an impassioned outburst, her accusations now leveled at both men. The room's attention swiftly gathered to the argument and shouting. Then with a dramatic flair, Fiorenza declared her intentions to bring Lieven and Aldane to a public Viridian Mediation, before promptly being kicked out of the estate by the Gwentyrs, officially kickstarting Lievens first Rivalry in the peerage.
"Bad behavior seems to be a common trend in this household."
- Fiorenza Lemieux
- Fiorenza Lemieux
With the Mediation drawing near, the three youngest Gwentyrs; Alastair, Aldane, and Lieven; had begun Preparation for what was sure to be a challenging ordeal. Aldane and Lieven had both earned their share of controversy, not only among the nobility but across the Regalian society as a whole. Their opponent, Fiorenza, on the other hand, was well-liked, influential, and deceptively eloquent. It was a battle that seemed nearly unwinnable, with the Gwentyrs only real support being in the form of the Norinn family, whose aid could only soften the severity of Fiorenza's superiority, rather than equal it.
Lamont Norinn offered a glimmer of strategy. Having overheard Fiorenza's allies discussing their plans for the trial, he informed Aldane and Lieven of what he learned, proposing they confront a few of these so-called "witnesses." Lieven, fully aware of the fact he was a better talker than Aldane, volunteered to take on the task.
To his surprise, the maneuver paid off. Lieven extracted valuable information from a couple of them, gaining critical insight into Fiorenza's plans and even managing to dissuade one or two of her supporters from aligning with her during the trial and either noshowing or remaining in the audience.. His network extended beyond nobility, drawing him to consult trusted figures among the city's common folk and criminals as well, including Ana Cervantez. Ana, on the other end of the spectrum of Lamonts advice, offered a handful of morally ambiguous strategies, having been a criminal rather than nobility. The two found themselves growing unexpectedly close, too close, even, but their attention remained firmly on the approaching trial.
Having learned parts of Fiorenzas desires & plans, and having gotten advice from countless of people all over the social pecking order, Lieven felt ready to spearhead the Gwentyr defense. His confidence in Aldane's capabilities was low, bordering on non-existent, leaving Lieven to believe that he was really the only hope in victory.
Yet even with every preparation made, the odds remained bleak. Lieven was no saint; his reputation for unsavory deeds was as public as it was controversial. Fiorenza could achieve victory on truths alone without even needing to resort to lies.
Despite the unfavorable stakes, an attempt had to be made, no matter how improbable the outcome.
"Lord Lieven is a sweetie with a knife for a tongue."
- Talala Kialoraal
- Talala Kialoraal
After nearly two months of exhaustive preparation, the day of The Trial finally arrived. The Gwentyr family; Alastair, Lymard, Viviwynne, Aldane, and Lieven, along with Lisette Beauchene; had laid out every possible defense or offense they could muster, and did their best in predicting what Fiorenza could throw at them.
In the days prior, Fiorenza had issued a call for support, asking the crowd to wear pink for her or blue for the Gwentyrs. Lieven, disheartened yet unsurprised, noted as he surveyed the sea of spectators that only a single figure wore blue in support: Ana Cervantez.
With Countess Sorenvik by her side and a full bench of witnesses prepared to testify, Fiorenza had come strapped with alliances and influence. Aldane and Lieven, in stark contrast, had little beyond their immediate family members and Lieven's own tongue to fall back on.
As the trial stretched on for hours and hours, Lieven took on the bulk of the speaking, battling nearly every moment to stay on the defense. He argued against those far more seasoned in Law and Tactics than he could ever hope to be. He had years worths of practice talking his way out of situations, yet this was different. Though the odds were steep, and the crowd's support practically entirely against him, Lieven and Aldane held their ground.
To the Gwentyrs own surprise, the proceedings drew to a close with the verdict coming down in the Gwentyrs favor. Lieven and Aldane, in a rare moment of unity, reveled in the expressions of frustration, defeat, and anger on the faces of Fiorenza and her allies, a victory that neither had fully expected.
Lieven looks back on the moment with pride and disbelief, knowing he had somehow swayed the tides against all odds. For him, it was a moment of triumph, even if he felt, in his heart, that he hadn't truly earned the win. Though that feeling only made it more sweet.
"I just like to leave my past in the past, Lieven. It's a good thing to do, a good lesson for you to learn.
None of it will ever end up effecting you in the future anyways. I'm sure of it."
- Emilia Winola-Thorner
None of it will ever end up effecting you in the future anyways. I'm sure of it."
- Emilia Winola-Thorner
The Lothar Order had long been an object of disdain for the Gwentyrs, and Lieven was no exception, harboring hatrerd toward the group even before joining the family. However, the introduction of two significant members of the Order complicated matters. Most notably, there was a Darkwald named Marius Winola, whose last name sparked immediate curiosity. It was the same surname as Lieven's mother. Initially chalked off as a coincidence, it got harder to ignore as more and more people begun to point out how similar they looked.
Lieven couldn't dismiss the striking resemblance either, and after a conversation with Marius, in which both confirmed that their mothers shared the same first name as well, he was left grappling with a growing sense of uncertainty. To seek the truth, Lieven made the journey back to Anglia to confront his mother.
Upon his arrival, he learned the truth. Before meeting his father, she had been in another relationship, resulting in the birth of a son: Lievens Sibling. Pressured by her toxic family, she had left Marius, leaving him in the care of a father who was suddenly alone. With this revelation that he had a half-brother within the Lothar Order, Lieven's perspective began to shift. Though his feelings toward the Order remained negative, he found himself less inclined to regard every single one of its members with outright hostility.
Over time, Lieven and Marius learned to coexist, establishing a tenuous bond that, while not particularly close, carried an underlying sense of care. Despite Lieven's reluctance to embrace this familial connection, he couldn't fully suppress the understanding that he was now linked to the Lothar Order through blood.
As if matters weren't already complicated, Marius took it upon himself to arrange a date for Lieven with a newcomer, Adagio von Rolanthe. Amused by the absurdity of it all, Lieven agreed, intending to treat the encounter as nothing more than a passing diversion. Yet, against all expectations, a genuine mutual attraction emerged. What began as a jest spiraled into a brief romance that lasted only a matter of weeks before they amicably parted ways, each choosing to explore other romantic paths.
Still, the end of their relationship marked not the end of their connection. Lieven and Adagio remained steadfast friends, their bond tempered by mutual care and an unspoken understanding. Time and again, they found themselves crossing moral boundaries for one another's sake, driven by loyalty that neither could fully rationalize.
These two relationships only complicated Lievens feelings on the Order and his Morals further than ever before. For better or for worse, he'd go on to find himself working with the Order numerous times. Willingly and controversially.
"You remain the most kindest, most sweetest, and most charismatic man I've ever met."
- Zolo Vovznak
- Zolo Vovznak
The only person who might have been happier for Lieven's unlikely victory against Fiorenza other than the Gwentyrs was Ana. Her open blue display of support in a crowd dominated by pink lingered in Lieven's mind, and he found himself spending more time with her in the following weeks, expressing his gratitude for her loyalty. Yet, as they grew closer, he faced an uncomfortable realization: his feelings for her had shifted, becoming romantic.
Lieven knew he couldn't act on these feelings as a noble lord. While Ana, by contrast, lived the life of a criminal against the law. He was content, he thought, to leave things as they were, to let her remain a cherished, if complicated, friend. Aldane, however, eventually saw through their feelings. One day, he confronted both Lieven and Ana in the Gwentyr estate, bluntly pointing out the truth they had both been avoiding: their mutual affections.
In that moment, standing in the quiet halls of the estate with a few other of the Gwentyrs looking on, Lieven and Ana chose to try to be together, regardless of how impossible it seemed, no matter how much of a Questionable Love it was.
Their relationship would go on to become an open secret to those outside of the noble family. For their mutual friends were more than aware of it, it remained never declared, but widely known.
Despite all their differences, Lieven found an unexpected peace with Ana. In a world where so few people felt truly genuine to him, she was among the rare few he'd consider such. She saw through his defenses, and he felt safe to be emotionally open with her, a gift that outweighed the odds stacked against them.
"You've been through a lot. I think because of that you expect people to naturally bring you down rather than bring you up. Makes it harder for you to trust people who are being nice to you."
- Faust
- Faust
A longtime friend of Lieven's, James Waters, rekindled a romance with Ceara, another longtime friend of Lievens. Their joyous reunion culminated in a wedding that temporarily revived the old group of friends: Yvonne, Bliss, Dusk, and Vivienne. It was a day filled with laughter and celebration, which blossomed into weeks and then months of happiness, ultimately resulting in the couple welcoming a child into the world. James often made light-hearted remarks about Lieven becoming a pseudo-uncle to the child, a title that Lieven would have embraced without hesitation.
Yet, as is often the case, joy is fleeting. During a brutal attack on the couple, Ceara was struck by magic that homed itself in her heart. This malevolent force began a slow, agonizing, and incurable process of killing her.
In the days that followed, countless doctors, both mundane and magical, were consulted in a desperate search for a cure. However, all their efforts proved futile. Within the clinic, both James and Lieven bore witness to Ceara's final breath. This heart-wrenching moment remains etched in Lieven's memory, a haunting image that lingers in his mind, as yet another Gravestone was added to a long list of Lievens deceased friends.
Fortunately, in the aftermath of such profound loss, Lieven found solace in the presence of his partner Ana, an individual with whom he felt safe enough to unravel his emotions, as he had nobody else that he was comfortable enough to express his grief towards.
Life inevitably moves on, but while neither James nor Lieven ever truly overcame the grief of Ceara's death, they each learned to carry her memory forward, forever holding her close in their hearts as they navigated the world without her.
"If everyone in Regalia had your sense of humor, fighting wouldn't exist.
But you need to give up on this place, and let it go. You made it out there. You escaped. You won. Millions of citizens would kill to have what you have. Don't risk it all by running around on a street with people who can and will ruin your life."
- Ana Cervantez
But you need to give up on this place, and let it go. You made it out there. You escaped. You won. Millions of citizens would kill to have what you have. Don't risk it all by running around on a street with people who can and will ruin your life."
- Ana Cervantez
A time limit had always loomed over Lieven and Ana's relationship, a shadow cast by the escalating terroristic actions Ana committed. With each incident, it became increasingly difficult for Lieven to overlook the reality of their situation. Countless friends urged him to break up with her for his own sake, but his love for Ana overruled any advice. So much so that he even contemplated relinquishing his noble status to be with her.
Just as Lieven began to entertain the notion of abandoning nobility, Ana made the unexpected decision to end their relationship. She knocked on his door, her intentions clear from the moment he opened it. Lieven stood frozen, stunned into silence, his mind racing yet unable to form words. The shock of her declaration left him reeling, incapable of even crying from how shocked he was.
It had been a good day for him, too.
One last kiss was given, one that lingered in the air between them after it was over. A bittersweet reminder of what they were losing. That night, as he lay in bed, denial washed over him, filled with a misguided hope that he could persuade Ana to reconsider her choice.
Not long after, on the roof of a building in Crookback, the two found one another. There, amid the stars, he confronted her, having just begun attempting to restart their relationship. But Ana's words that interrupted his own ruined any hope, for she had moved on to someone else, someone she deemed more suitable for the life she lived.
The revelation hit Lieven like a physical blow, unleashing a torrent of emotions he had kept tightly controlled. In a surge of anguish, he shouted incoherent phrases at her in multiple languages, his heartache spilling over until Ana turned to leave. Alone on that damp rooftop, he was left to himself, pathetic cries echoing through the night. The attention of one too many people was grabbed by his cries, prompting him to run back to his estate, ensuring nobody else could see him in such a state. This was only his fourth official relationship, yet that Fourth Time Wasn't The Charm.
In the days that followed, Lieven struggled to contain his despair, often unfairly lashing out at his friends. It became a twisted coping mechanism: If he could bring others down, perhaps it would elevate his own spirits, even if only momentarily. A belief and behavior that lasted for just a couple of months before vanishing.
"Is that not what you are supposed to do? Fight?"
- Adagio von Rolanthe
- Adagio von Rolanthe
The exact circumstances remain shrouded in mystery; but one morning, Lieven awoke to citywide news that both he and Aldane were wanted for attempted murder and conspiring to hire a hitman against a certain Lothar Major. The accusation came completely out of left field, and the only thing Lieven knew for certain was that it was a baseless lie against both men. However, he was also acutely aware that the Lothar Order was not known for their willingness to entertain reason. With his brother having already left the city temporarily and unable to help, Lieven opted to go into hiding, taking refuge in various corners of Crookback. During this time, he and Aldane met in secret, carefully plotting their next move.
By sheer luck, when the Lothar Order finally tracked Lieven down, it was Adagio specifically who found him. Rather than attacking or arresting him outright, Adagio extended an unexpected offer of leniency. He proposed trying to clear the charges in exchange for a peculiar request: a barrel of wheat. Though Lieven was baffled by the demand, he wasted no time in fulfilling it, delivering the barrel within the day.
The wheat would ultimately be used in experiments aimed at tipping the scales of the ongoing Hadar war. experiments that Lieven was never privy to. The war itself, however, would soon become an immediate part of his life.
Adagio's efforts to absolve Lieven alone proved insufficient. In the midst of this turmoil, Lieven had funneled Gwentyr funds to undermine the Lothar Order, sabotaging their resources and contributing to the deaths of several of their members. This act of defiance became public knowledge after the murder accusation, further complicating matters.
Although unable to secure Lieven's outright freedom, Adagio managed to negotiate a compromise: a choice. Lieven could either fund the Lothar Order and join the war effort under Admiral Satharini, or remain a fugitive until inevitably caught and forced to face trial.
The prospect of returning to life as a criminal on the run; something he hadn't experienced in half a decade; was incredibly tempting. However, Lieven managed to suppress these impulses, recognizing the need to focus on the more pragmatic options. The idea of risking a trial was discussed among the Gwentyr family, but the stakes were clear. If Lieven chose the trial, the entire family would be forced to participate. In contrast, only he and no other Gwentyr needed to serve in the war to secure the dismissal of the charges.
In an act of selflessness, Lieven chose the latter path, enlisting in the war. Against all odds, he managed to somehow uphold his personal vow to never take a life, emerging from the conflict without so much as a scar. A rare stroke of fortune amidst the chaos, and earning him the right to refer to himself as a War Veteran.
You're good at getting yourself into sticky situations
- Vivienne Haagensen
- Vivienne Haagensen
Shortly after the war ended, the borders of Amontaar, a nation that had remained dangerously closed for years, were finally reopened. In droves, the Regalian population poured across, eager to explore the new land. Among them was Lieven, driven by curiosity to see what the Elven city had to offer. Upon arrival, he found himself awestruck by its beauty, a splendor far surpassing Regalia, though he would never dare voice such a thought aloud. Marking the city as a potential retirement haven, Lieven joined the crowds making their way to the Sol's Palace, where they had all been graciously invited.
The tranquility, however, was short-lived. Chaos erupted when an Ailor named Roca stormed the welcoming festivities, turning the atmosphere tense and volatile. Within moments, war was declared: Roca versus the Sol. What had promised to be a moment of peace and wonder devolved into turmoil, leaving the Regalians no time to truly savor the city's beauty. In the weeks that followed, they found themselves splintered, forced to choose sides in a conflict that none had anticipated.
Over a dozen factions emerged in the wake of the conflict, and Lieven found himself aligned with one called The Damh-Mara. It was a Sol-aligned faction, controversially led by his longtime friend, James Waters, who had chosen to reject joining his fellow Aelriggans in their faction and create his own. Among the recruits were Althea Waters, Amelie Solvbekk, Cass, and Rosha Farraan. With just six members, The Damh-Mara quickly became the smallest faction of them all with the least amount of members out of the dozen. An underdog from the start and, to some, the laughing stock of all the factions.
With their limited numbers, the group barely had time to reflect on their position, as the fighting erupted almost immediately around the city. The brief respite Lieven had hoped for; time to recover from the Hadar war and enjoy a vacation in a new city; was shattered. Instead finding himself thrust back into the chaos of yet another war, his reprieve fading as quickly as it had come.
During a casual evening at a bar with his well-loved friend Avril, the conversation eventually turned to Lieven's daughter, who shared her mother's striking green eyes. In a moment of longing, Lieven expressed how he wished he, too, had green eyes. Avril, ever playful and willing to indulge him, offered to temporarily change his eye color. Lieven agreed, though only one of his eyes was altered to green, leaving him with temporary heterochromia.
Avril, known for her magical aesthetic inspired by the stars, infused the change with her signature touch, beaming stars directly into Lieven's eye. This unusual alteration led Lieven to spin a highly exaggerated tale, claiming that the reason his eye turned green was because he had been shot in the eye with a star during combat. He would keep this heterochromia for the remainder of his time in Amontaar, never missing a chance to embellish that story full of flair.
Lieven, this is why we keep you: Morality.
- Rosha Farraan
- Rosha Farraan
Weeks of relentless fighting had passed, and though Lieven had grown to trust his teammates with his life, he still found it difficult to get along with most of them. Despite their small numbers, The Damh-Mara managed to hold their ground against the larger factions, a fact that irked their rivals to an intense degree.
Controversially: even when two factions were ostensibly on the same side, it wasn't uncommon for battles to erupt amongst allied factions, and The Damh-Mara frequently found themselves targeted by other Sol-aligned factions. This constant friction began to wear on Lieven, his frustration growing with each battle.
Friendships within the faction began to fray as well. Lieven had friends on both the Sol-aligned and Roca-aligned sides, relationships that seemed increasingly at risk of being torn apart by the heat of combat. A breaking point came when Lieven witnessed James and Althea being taken out and verbally disrespected by members of another Sol-aligned faction, The Chalice. In that moment, Lieven had enough. He knew he couldn't take on the entire faction alone, so he turned to leave to plan a way to exact revenge; only to bump into the Roca-aligned Lothar faction, who were on their way to face The Chalice immediately after they defeated James and Althea.
The temptation to join the Lothar, to fight alongside them rather than against them, was powerful. And when Adagio, a familiar face, called out to him with a battle cry, inviting Lieven to join their ranks, the choice became inevitable. With little hesitation, Lieven aligned himself with the Lothar for the first official time, united in battle against The Chalice.
After the conflict, the Lothar invited Lieven to a bar to celebrate, showering him with gifts and praise, something Lieven rarely experienced. The moment felt oddly satisfying, but it didn't sit well with his Damh-Mara allies. Their disapproval would eventually lead to deep fractures within the faction, setting the stage for further tensions to come
During a Damh-Mara mission to locate and contain a demon, James and Lieven found themselves locked in a bitter argument over Lieven's recent decisions regarding the Lothar. The heated exchange reached a tragic climax when an innocent civilian was killed right in front of the entire team. Despite the chaos and the loss of life, the demon was successfully eliminated by Rosha and Amelie.
A few days later; the days being filled with most bickering between Lieven and his team about the Lothar; the team met with the Aelriggans, who had issues and tensions with James, and attempted to merge the Damh-Mara into the Aelriggans.
With nobody in the Damh-Mara wanting to become grunts for a Knight Order, it was decided that James and Althea alone would leave the faction they had founded to join the Aelriggans. Their departure was driven by both the pressure exerted by the Order and Lieven's repeated support of the Lothar. With Rosha now in charge, the Damh-Mara was left with two fewer members, a blow to their already fragile cohesion.
As if this wasn't enough, Fiorenza, who had previously led the Gwentyrs through a Viridian Trial earlier in the year, took it upon herself to place a bounty on Lieven's head in Amontaar. This decision led to a series of confrontations with bounty hunters intent on collecting the reward, further complicating Lieven's already precarious situation within Amontaar.
"Even if you weren't Ailor, it'd be incredibly obvious you aren't from around here."
- Astelvana
- Astelvana
Almost as soon as the bounty had been placed on Lieven's head, it was swiftly rescinded following Fiorenza's arrest by the Amontaar guards, charged with theft of all things. With the bounty lifted, Lieven was granted a brief moment of respite, allowing him to refocus on the war effort.
James and Althea's positions were filled by three new recruits: Osira, Dammokh, and Avril. Their combined battle prowess significantly boosted The Damh-Mara's success, though their distinct personalities only served to heighten the faction's internal tension. The first mission this new team embarked on was surprisingly mundane, to the point of being made fun of by the other factions due to how comically simple it was: The team was tasked with finding a noble's lost pet fox.
Despite the seemingly trivial nature of the task, the team treated it as a brief reprieve, using the opportunity to bond and enjoy the peaceful countryside of Amontaar. Their relaxation, however, was short-lived. As they found the fox, they also found it was being pursued by a massive Crimson Drake, a creature the size of an entire building. The team quickly engaged in battle, but Lieven found himself at a disadvantage. As the only Mundane member of the group; a fact that weighed heavily on his self-esteem and was frequently pointed out by the Lothar; he had no way of combating the beast with his swords alone. Unable to fight, he remained on the ground, watching helplessly as his teammates were taken out one by one.
In a terrifying moment, the Drake landed directly in front of Lieven after eliminating everyone else, locking eyes with him. As fear gripped him, Lieven whispered prayers under his breath, preparing for the worst. But to his astonishment, the Drake did something entirely unexpected: it surrendered. The beast, seemingly respecting Lieven for refraining from attacking, ceased its assault. Against all odds, Lieven managed to tame the Drake, convincing it not only to stop attacking his teammates but also to spare the fox, with the fox eventually being gifted to Osira to keep.
After the success of their mission and with his confidence restored, Lieven was eager to celebrate at The Damh-Mara's safehouse. However, his celebration was short-lived when he discovered unsettling news: his teammates had adopted a homunculus. Opposed to the idea entirely, Lieven immediately voiced his objections, arguing that it was a mistake. Yet his protests were met with disagreements, and his concerns went unheard.
To calm himself, Lieven decided to attend an arena fight, where he unexpectedly struck up a conversation with Amadea, a Unionist Everian who he had interacted with only briefly in the past. What began as a casual exchange soon turned into something more. By sheer accident, Lieven found himself causing Amadea to fall hopelessly in love with him, a feeling that he; still haunted by his time with Ana; struggled to reciprocate. Despite his reservations, he tried his best to give their relationship a chance, and over the following weeks, they spent increasing amounts of time together. Their growing bond, however, was abruptly cut short when Amadea vanished without a trace.
Her disappearance was the work of a cult, one that had created the homunculus and wanted it back. Enraged, Lieven confronted his teammates, insisting that their decision to adopt the homunculus had led directly to Amadea's abduction, proving him right. The urgency to rescue her intensified when the group received a gruesome package: Amadea's severed arm. Within days, the team set out to confront the cult. They ambushed them deep in the forest, where Amadea was being held hostage in a coffin. The group split into two: one faction engaging the cult, while the other rushed to get Amadea to safety and into a nearby clinic.
In an unexpected turn, Adagio repaid Lieven's earlier solitary aid to the Lothar by offering his own solitary assistance to The Damh-Mara. Gifting Lieven a Puretek pistol for the fight, Lieven wielded it alongside Adagio's own despite the disapproval of his teammates, marking the first time he ever used Puretek weaponry in combat.
The rescue was a success, with Amadea being safely recovered and healed over the following days. As a token of gratitude, Adagio allowed Lieven to keep the puretek and even gave him one of his outfits as a gift. With this situation resolved, The Damh-Mara was able to shift their focus back to the war effort, which was quickly drawing to a close.
"Gah! What did you do?"
- James Waters
- James Waters
To no ones surprise, The Sol emerged victorious in the war, a fact that became undeniable in the final weeks. What truly took everyone by surprise, however, was The Damh-Mara's performance. Despite having the smallest roster throughout the entire conflict, they defied expectations and ended up as the second most successful faction statistically, silencing all their doubters.
Fortunately, the team managed to remain intact, never fully fracturing, and even managed to reconcile with James and Althea by the end of the war. Though the members of The Damh-Mara largely went their separate ways upon returning to Regalia, Lieven held a deep appreciation for each individual he had fought alongside. He made a conscious effort to reconnect with them individually whenever he could.
Shortly after returning to Regalia, Lieven dyed his hair Blonde, a decision that scared countless of people.

"He is nothing more than a self-sworn hardline anti-noble who doesn't deserve his aristocracy."
- False Newspaper Report
- False Newspaper Report
A couple months later, overnight and with minimal warning, Lieven's noble title had been stripped away, and with it, much of the bravado he once wielded. When he first ascended to the peerage, he often claimed that it meant little to him, and that it was merely one of his greatest heists in way. Yet now, a year and a half later, he found himself in a vastly different mindset. He had come to care, to cherish the status. Yet the world sought to unfairly strip the title from him, leaving him feeling adrift.
For all the chaos that life had thrown at him, it was rare for Lieven to feel something was beyond his control. Yet here he was, grappling with a sense of powerlessness that gnawed at his insides. No matter how hard he tried to move forward, nothing felt right. He was a ghost in his own life, wandering through the criminal underbelly for a time, then attempting to reintegrate into more commoner jobs, only to find both endeavors deeply unsatisfying.
And then the realization hit him, one he had never anticipated: His time in the city was over, or at the very least, it was over for the time being. The notion stung, and it was coupled with an unsettling acceptance. He no longer had a place in this grand city, much to his chagrin.
On a whim, driven by a restless spirit, Lieven sprang from his bed, hastily packing his belongings and preparing for departure, with one place in mind: Ithania. The place where his daughter lived along with the rest of the de Pierre familiy, who he had of course come to consider as his own flesh and blood now at this point. The mansion owned by the rich family awaited him, as for years, they had kept one room empty, meant just for Lieven should he ever decide to move in officially.
His farewells were rushed and largely unspoken, a reflection of the abruptness and impulsiveness that had defined much of his adult life. Lieven had long since learned that life's chapters often closed without warning, and he had no intention of treating this one any differently.
Thus, he set off for Ithania, eager to embrace the opportunity to live with his daughter full-time for the first time in years. The thought of reconnecting with the de Pierre family on a daily basis; also for the first time in years; filled him with a happy anticipation. He yearned for the chance to experience that genuine happiness again; a happiness he had not truly felt in years; surrounded by those who mattered most to him.
Shadows Of A Setting Sun spread across Lievens time in Regalia. For he had, in the moment, no intentions to return.
--"I know what you're thinking:
"But Lieven! You said you were done running from problems years ago!"
Well, no, I wasn't running. I merely...surrendered, to the forces of entropy for the first time in my entire life. I reached the peak of life, just for it to all be ripped away from me overnight in my sleep, despite all I've given. I saw it as a sign to leave Regalia and uh...retire, in a way. So I did.
But given the fact I'm still talking, you probably guessed that I eventually decided I didn't want entropy to win and changed my mind, yeah?"--
"But Lieven! You said you were done running from problems years ago!"
Well, no, I wasn't running. I merely...surrendered, to the forces of entropy for the first time in my entire life. I reached the peak of life, just for it to all be ripped away from me overnight in my sleep, despite all I've given. I saw it as a sign to leave Regalia and uh...retire, in a way. So I did.
But given the fact I'm still talking, you probably guessed that I eventually decided I didn't want entropy to win and changed my mind, yeah?"--
"You're such a cockroach. Why do you keep coming back."
-Eloi de Gonzo
Months would pass by in Lievens now simplified life. He spent a brief few weeks back in his childhood home within Anglia; where his parents still resided all these years later. The farm had grown in large thanks due to his influence and wealth that had grown during his time as a Noble Lord; allowing his now much older parents the benefit of what was effectively a small village on their farm now. More crops, more animals, more buildings, and workers all dotted the land that at one point was nothing more than just their one house and their farming land. Allowing his parents to rest their aging bones and worry less about the physical labor.-Eloi de Gonzo
After being satisfied with his visit, and ensuring his parents are still well off, Lieven made his way to Ithania, to the de Pierre mansion where the family; and his daughter; lived. A room had been reserved for him in that mansion for six years up until this point, waiting and wanting for the day he moved in to use it. It was here that Lieven enjoyed what bordered on a solemn retirement. Seeing his daughter every single day proved to be very healthy for his morale, as well as seeing everyone else he had grown to love over the years in this Ithanian family. He didn't do much in the way of jobs due to the families wealth, though did earn his keep metaphorically by assisting all the servants in their work whenever he could.
Months of life past living like this, though never one to enjoy the hands of fate getting a win over him, a decision to return to Regalia would spark within him. With the plan to regain his nobility status; no matter what.
"Your troubled past is why we hired you. I hope you know to bring out that side of you when you need to, don't just kill it entirely, comrade."
- Aleksandra Dragic
- Aleksandra Dragic
"That place sucks."
- Apollo Grey
- Apollo Grey
"Is it because you used to be a pirate? I don't care what you might have learned or how much fun it was, that is a crime against the Empire."
- Oksana Kravchenko
- Oksana Kravchenko
- Lievens left shoulder has Burn Scars covering the entire top of the shoulder, with a couple of spots here and there on the sides of the shoulder.
- "All these years later, it feels almost nostalgic to think look at the scars and remember the event, life was easier then, minus the fire."
- He owns seven "tattoos" in a vertical line going down starting from the collarbone. Each "tat" being the shape of a carved heart, every single one shaped differently, as each one was applied by a different person.
- "I'm sure one day I'll cringe at these then get them removed, but that day isn't today."
- His fingernails will occasionally be painted/polished black.
- "I didn't expect to look good with these, damn near fell in love with myself when I saw the nails for the first time."
- His left wrist below the palm has the letters "M.R.d.P" in that exact way tattoo'd on it.
- "I don't want to risk forgetting you."
Kurt Thorner (Father)
Emilia Winola/Thorner (Mother)
Carlo Thorner (Cousin)
Lucian Clemente (Distant Cousin)
Marthe "Ava" de Pierre (Daughter)
Apollo Druvlaar (Alleged Son)
The Racoon (Ailor Familiar)
Marius Winola (Half Brother)
Gwentyr Noble House (Adopted into)
Emilia Winola/Thorner (Mother)
Carlo Thorner (Cousin)
Lucian Clemente (Distant Cousin)
Marthe "Ava" de Pierre (Daughter)
Apollo Druvlaar (Alleged Son)
The Racoon (Ailor Familiar)
Marius Winola (Half Brother)
Gwentyr Noble House (Adopted into)
Apollo is not actually Lievens Son.
The Racoon truly does not have a name, and will not ever have a name.
The Racoon truly does not have a name, and will not ever have a name.
A collection of characters that all; in one way or another; affected and changed Lieven as a character. For if he didn't meet these people each on an individual level; He would be a different character to who he is now.
"I need to write you all down somewhere, in no particular order. I couldn't bear to forget any of you."
I love or hate all of you."
"I need to write you all down somewhere, in no particular order. I couldn't bear to forget any of you."
- Marthe "Radley" de Pierre (Deceased) - "My darling." (Ashio)
- Amaranthe/Palina de Pierre - "We ride out together." (CanadianNeighbor)
- Adam de Pierre (Deceased) - "I don't think badly of you. Well, sometimes I do."
- Hiro de Pierre (Deceased)- "I didn't show up to your funeral."
- Jeremy de Pierre - "I don't wanna be your enemy." (Kampferin)
- Iadrik (Deceased) - "A mouth that's full of teeth I wanna break." (ParisaPax)
- Yvonne de Pierre - "I love the way you get me." (Shade_Star)
- Marthe "Ava" de Pierre - "Please excuse me, dads a little nervous."
- Ivan Secri - "You're a true friend." (Neonbeta101)
- Kira Hana Konia - "Little rebels, we were perps." (Maddydaddyy)
- Valitez - "I wanna fuck you up." (Neonbeta101)
- Bliss Willow - "You need to wait for someone. But not me." (KeysReborn)
- Divy Rousseau - "Come and stay the night with me." (Cucumber_Honey)
- Reselda Playero/de Gonzo - "You're so very special." (BertToast)
- Heather/Hatharal Druvlaar - "Theres no excuse for the games that we played with each other." (Sabannuh)
- Joseph Marini - "It's always a good time." (Tin77)
- Ana Cervantez - "Worst Case Scenario." (soggytoenails)
- Auriane Marini - (Iricrescent)
- Viroul Tordove - "This fist is gonna' hit you."
- Merrick Felwinter - "Side by side." (ZombieChimera)
- Reynard Benac - (CraigMcgill)
- Heinrich Benac - "I'm a bad friend." (5eaweed)
- James Waters - "What." (Jono_98)
- Ceara Caineal Reevali (Deceased) - "You've got baggage, but, so do I." (Vampyrenees)
- Dusk Waters - "I'm really good at making you feel awkward." (Doeelk)
- Vivienne Haagensen - "We'll pretend it's okay." (Hautee)
- Jack Velcantine - "It's time to party." (ThePear)
- Barry Janssen -
- Aldane Gwentyr - "Too awfully different to ever be pals." (Daniel2Stay)
- Taralynn Trémaux - "I am a sucker for you." (IGutTheMidasTuch)
- Avril Morselli -
I love or hate all of you."
"I've been wanting to leave for quite a long while.
The only reason I've stayed around all these years is because I didn't have a big finish for my act...
Come to think of it, I never really had a beginning, either.
But, this is the last show for perhaps ever, I don't know.
Some people I know expect a tearful farewell;
And I'm going to disappoint you."
The only reason I've stayed around all these years is because I didn't have a big finish for my act...
Come to think of it, I never really had a beginning, either.
But, this is the last show for perhaps ever, I don't know.
Some people I know expect a tearful farewell;
And I'm going to disappoint you."

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