| Name | Maren Zina |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 (Iron Flame) |
| Species | Human |
| Status | Alive |
| Quadrant | Fliers Branch, Riders Quadrant, Basgiath War College |
| Rank/Title | Cadet |
| Gryphon Gift | Not specified |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Gryphon Bond | Dajalair |
| Family | Father †, Mother †, two younger brothers (twins, age 7) |
| Love Interests | Not specified |
| Appears in | Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Contents
Biography
Maren Zina hails from Draithus and is a flier cadet who transferred from Cliffsbane Flight Academy to Aretia after the attack on Zoyla. She is bonded with the gryphon Dajalair (“Daja”) and is best friends with Catriona Cordella.
In Iron Flame, Maren is paired with Violet Sorrengail during the hike up Medaro Pass, and she expresses both sympathy for the fliers’ plight and disappointment in how political arrangements, like Xaden’s broken betrothal to Catriona, affect people. She stands out among the drifts by not blaming Violet for Luella’s fall (when other fliers do), comforts others during dangerous moments, helps ferry the wounded at Basgiath, and offers practical help—such as giving Violet a crossbow with runed maorsite arrowheads.
Maren is kind, steady, and acts as a moral center among the fliers—earning Violet’s respect by being present and supportive even when others aren’t.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Petite for a flier, though still taller than Violet
- Heart-shaped face
- Compact, steady frame
Hair
- Dark hair, usually worn in a long single braid down her back
Eyes & Skin
- Dark, hooded eyes
- Bronzed ochre skin from sun and wind exposure
Clothing & Gear
- Wears dark brown flight leathers typical of fliers
- Metal rings at her shoulder for securing flight gear
Powers
Lesser Magic
Like all fliers, Maren can use lesser magic once her gryphon channels through her. This includes opening and locking doors without touch, moving with preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, powering ink pens, and placing runes.
Gryphon Gift
Unknown — Maren’s unique ability through her bond has not yet been revealed.
Relationships
| Catriona Cordella | Cat is her best friend and squadmate. |
|---|
Gryphon
Maren is bonded to Dajalair, affectionately called Daja. Daja is a brown-and-white gryphon.
