Mara Fairwind grew up in the quaint outskirts of Alchester, in a close-knit community where creativity and craftsmanship thrived. Coming from a family of artisans, the whir of looms and the gentle strokes of paintbrushes from a young age surrounded her. Although modestly beautiful, she most often drew admiration from those who witnessed her painting process and the vivid world she brought to life on canvas. She developed a unique style that resonated with those who saw it, imbuing her artwork with a sense of wonder and a touch of the ethereal—a talent that would later capture the attention of art enthusiasts and critics alike.
In her early twenties, Mara met Rolen Fairwind, a handsome and charismatic shipbuilder who swept her off her feet. He was successful and exuded an aura of confidence that made him irresistible in her eyes. Rolen’s charm and ambition painted a picture of a bright future together, and he enchanted Mara. At the onset of their relationship, she believed they shared a deep connection, bonding over dreams of success and the world of aesthetics that sparked their creative discussions. Mara felt alive in his presence as if she were part of something grand, a partnership destined to flourish.
However, the golden veneer tarnished once they married. As Mara settled into her role as Rolen’s wife, she recognized an unsettling facet of his personality—an overwhelming jealousy that seeped into their lives, casting a shadow over their once-harmonious relationship. Rolen’s charming exterior faded to reveal a bitterness toward anyone else’s success, and as he redirected their family’s business into airship manufacturing, Mara felt increasingly sidelined. Rolen’s ambition overshadowed Mara’s, turning their once-shared dreams into an unbalanced marriage.
Mrs. Fairwind turned away from her unconscious adversary to look at me. Her coifed hair was a mess, her eye shadow smeared, her rouge wiped away. But her stare penetrated me, and I saw the wheels turning in her mind, wondering if I deserved the same fate as Mr. Blackwell. I doubt my assassin’s garb helped her decide, so I lowered my mask, whereupon she recognized me instantly.
“Mr. Tollwood,” she said, her shoulders suddenly sagging and tears coming to her eyes. She let out a near-silent sob. I wasn’t sure why until she said, “My husband sent you too, didn’t he?”
“Only me,” I said. “Jarek Blackwell had no connection to Mr. Fairwind, as far as I know. He was after your magic.”
She shook her head. “Magic? There’s no magic. I just paint.”
- THE ASSASSIN’S DILEMMA
When Mara’s paintings garnered significant attention and people started associating her work with a genuine magical essence, Rolen’s wrath erupted. He could not bear the thought of her talent drawing focus away from his achievements. The anger he wielded was fracturing, leaving Mara constantly questioning her worth as both an artist and a partner. The vibrant world she once painted became tinged with the grays of uncertainty and isolation. Instead of celebrating her success, Rolen made it a point to distance her from family and friends, driving away those who offered her solace and support. Where once she had felt surrounded by love and encouragement, Mara now found herself alone amidst the stunning praise of her artwork that felt hollow without her loved ones to share it with.
As days turned into months, Mara grappled with feelings of desolation and confusion. Perhaps she had fallen in love with Rolen’s persona—the embodiment of success and charm—rather than the depth of the man himself. The disillusionment weighed on her heart as she reflected on their earlier days. What had started as a whirlwind romance now felt like a solitary existence forged in the fires of jealousy.
Mara retreated deeper into her art in her secluded state, trying to channel her sorrow and confusion onto the canvas. While her creativity continued to flourish, the emotional burden of her changing relationship with Rolen hung like a dark cloud over her, casting doubt on the future she had once envisioned. Haunted by the remnants of a once-loving marriage, Mara Fairwind is torn between her love for Rolen and the enduring desire to reclaim her identity and art in a world increasingly filled with shadows.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Mara first appears in The Assassin's Dilemma (Assassin Without a Name Prequel).
