Talia

Corporal Talia was a Malazan veteran of the 4th Army and designated instructor in swordsmanship. She was described as a dark Quon Talian or part Dal Hon, with "shoulders as broad as any man’s".

In Return of the Crimson Guard

At the time of the Malazan civil war Talia served under Lieutenant Rillish Jal Keth at a border fort on the Wickan Plains. Rising tensions between the Wickans and Malazan settlers led to members of the Crow clan taking refuge at the fort. The settlers beseiged the fort promising to kill everyone inside. Only a suicidal ritual performed by the Wickan elders delivered the soldiers and Wickan children to safety. Talia assisted Rillish through the resulting magic gateway and served as rearguard for the retreating troops.

As the refugees made their way to safety in the Golden Hills, Talia and Rillish began a romantic relationship that resulted in a pregnancy.

After the Battle of the Plains she retired from active service and married Rillish.

In Stonewielder

Talia and Rillish and their toddler son Halgin were living outside of the hamlet of Halas west of Cawn. After Rillish chose to side against the Empress during the Wickan pogrom he lost the rights to his Untan estates and the small farm was all they could afford.

Talia was several months pregnant when Rillish was approached to return to active duty to serve on the Malazan Expeditionary Force for new Emperor Mallick Rel. In return, Rillish would be forgiven his past indiscretion and his lands would be returned. Talia and Rillish argued when the former officer accepted the offer.

Many months later, when Rillish returned, Talia had delivered two newborn twin siblings named Nil and Nether (not to be confused with the Wickan shamans of the same name).

Notes and references

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