(Quick answer: He was a fascinating poet that gained wicked magical
power from the Dark Duke, who ruled a part of the territory of darkness.)

  PowLluimniz was a poet. At least he thought he was.
  Like a typical young literate, he looked slender, pale, and weak.
He spent much of his time writing, but his poems never really raised
any attention of any sort. He dreamed to become a famous poet, and
he worked hard to attain that goal. Even though his effort did not
receive equal payback, his philosophy of life influenced his girlfriend,
Elisa Muse, greatly.
  Elisa was an energetic girl. She wished to join the army to fight
for the country, which, at that time and the coming several hundred years,
was a nation of religion and magic. Struggling between her ambition and
the social value, Elisa never dared to pursue what she wanted -- not until
she met PowLluimniz.
  The lovers had a marvelous time together. The poet produced plenty of
works, and the warrior earned a good position in the army. They loved
each other. They shared their lives with each other. Everything seemed
wonderful.
  One day, however, it occurred to the girl that her intimate fellow was
not happy. She found that the boy had become quiescent. More and more
frequently he remained silent and just listened to her words. She felt
that something was wrong, and she asked him about it. Yet he just shook
his head and said nothing.
  Not long since she discovered the abnormal condition of his he told
her the problem. She was sitting at the riverbank with him, sweating in
her huge armor. He broke into her monologue, and said that he prepared
to leave the country. He could not stand for the humiliations from the
priests, sorcerers, and mentors anymore. He had been fed up with those
hypocrites with higher social status. He needed to prove his talent.
He needed to learn some magic. She was shocked, and failed to make any
response. When she finally came to herself and reasoned out the whole
issue, he had already gone.
  "I need something superior."
  His sentence haunted her.
  She waited for his coming back, but it never happened.
  Rumors were fierce about the missing poet. Yet no one was sure about
where he went. His poetry got published due to the mystery, and, surprisingly,
drew a lot of attention.
  The young lovers never met again. At least Elisa thought so.


  (for those who concerned...)

  After leaving the country, PowLluimniz went to the territory of darkness,
searching for the Dark Duke for magical power. He, risking his life venturing
into the dark realm, almost felt like giving up until he found the Duke's
mansion accidentally.
  The Duke liked the poet, so he made a deal with him. The poet may own a
part of his magic and acquire the fame he dreamed for, but he could never
leave the territory of darkness and must immediately relinquish his name
and all the connections it evoked. It was a painful decision, but the poet
accepted. He gained the power and the fame, but never had the chance to
enjoy them as himself. He got a new name, and a strong body. His beautiful
face remained, but must be hidden under a chain mask the Duke handed him.
  Many years later, the poet's girl went into the realm for a mission; and
the old couple met. The Duke's shaman recognized his lady, but did not
reveal himself; the woman warrior, on the other hand, though once suspected
the familiar scent, never had the chance to prove her hypothesis.