Tieren Serense

**Master Tieren Serense** is the ninth head priest (*onase aven*) of the London Sanctuary.

## Physical description

Tieren is an old man with silver-white hair and pale blue eyes. He has broad shoulders, deep creases on his face, and weathered hands. Despite his age, Tieren is still full of vitality and strength. As head priest, he usually wears robes.

## Personality

Tieren is an intimidating figure because of his position as head priest, though he balances out the discomfort many feel in his presence with his calming aura.

## Biography

### The Black Night

In October 1819, Tieren finds Kell and Rhy Maresh as well as a Grey-worlder, Lila Bard, in Kell's room. Kell explains that the palace is under attack and Rhy was mortally wounded; they had no other choice but to flee to the London Sanctuary, and Kell had to save Rhy by binding their lives together.

Tieren ensures Kell that he will keep Rhy save in the sanctuary and tend to his wounds. He then guides Lila and Kell to the tunnels and out of the sanctuary. On the way, Tieren states that Lila possesses unawakened power which greatly pleases her. She request him to wake it up, and he informs her that it will happen on its own.

When they arrive at the end of the tunnel, Tieren wishes Kell luck. Before Lila can leave as well, Tieren stops her and inquires about the eye she lost. She tells him she lost it in an accident when she was little, though she does not remember it. Tieren then says that she needs to kill Kell if the black stone overtakes him; Lila nods, and they part ways.

### Foolish princes

In February 1820, Tieren reluctantly adds Kell to the rooster for the *Essen Tasch* after Rhy requests it, though he wants a donation to the London Sanctuary in exchange. They meet up in the palace's baths to discuss the tournament. Tieren asks Rhy one last time if he is sure to proceed with his plan, and Rhy is adamant that Kell needs to participate in the *Essen Tasch*. The head priest then hands him the final list of competitors, surprising Rhy with the fact that Alucard Emery will compete as well, before he leaves.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** As a priest, Tieren is able to balance the elements. He is also an adept healer.

## Appearances

* *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*
* *A Life Erased*
* *Brothers*
* *A Darker Shade of Magic* (first appearance)
* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power* (flashbacks only)

## Trivia

* He speaks Kas-Avnes.
* Rhy Maresh named his daughter after Tieren.
* As of 2019, V. E. Schwab's favorite quote from any of her works is one spoken by Tieren in *A Conjuring of Light*: "Love and loss are like a ship and the sea. They rise together. The more we love, the more we have to lose. But the only way to avoid loss is to avoid love. And what a sad world that would be."

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, II
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, II
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, I-II
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, I
5. ↑ Character card: Ren — V. E. Schwab on Instagram
6. ↑ "What is ur favorite line/quote/dialogue from any of your works?" — "'Love and loss are like a ship and the sea. They rise together. The more we love, the more we have to lose. But the only way to avoid loss is to avoid love. And what a sad world that would be.'"
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)