The company's journey through the Lone Lands was unremarkable as the days rolled by. They camped along the way, hunting for food and replenishing provisions by foraging from the land where and whenever they could.
From her saddle, Taala made many observations of her comrades, some of whom she barely knew and one whom she had never seen before, the young lass Teleyn.
Teleyn first came to Taala's attention in the grounds of the DawnHall. She clung somewhat to The Grey Warden, who in turn seemed to watch over her like she was his daughter, yet on the road, he lingered unseen or behind the company for the most part, seemingly watching over them all. It was not long afore Taala realised that there was something amiss about Teleyn, something not right in her head, she was a child dwelling inside a young woman's body...
Teleyn displayed the enthusiasm, curiosity and innocence of a young child. Her endless questions were awkward to some and any answer given led to more questions. She brought laughter and joy to many with little effort or intent. Daatak had shown the lass a kindness by tethering her horse to his because Teleyn was inept at riding, it was a blessing her horse was experienced and of good temperament. Taala worried some of the men, once away from women for so long, may take advantage of the lass. She was a beauty that was for sure! Men are men after all and to those who did not look too closely, Teleyn's lack of wits may be overlooked intentionally or not! To her relief, after a time the men seemed as if they would be honourable around her, any who were not, would find themselves missing something, if not from Fiontann's blade but by Taala's.
Teleyn and Taala
Taala did not know how Teleyn came to be that way, and it was not as if she could ask her. It was unlikely the girl knew there was something wrong about her wits ne'er mind how she became that way! Teleyn knew she was 19 Summers in age and displayed some of the traits of a woman beginning to flower and become self-aware of certain desires. She seemed fascinated with Taala's body and mannerism's, staring and mimicking her at times but did not seem to have an awareness of why... Equally, Taala did not know why such a girl had been permitted to come along. For the greater good of the company, Taala considered that a stray arrow should find it's way into Teleyn's back?...but much to Taala's frustration the young lass grew on her and she found herself wanting to protect her from any harm. If Taala could have chosen a sister, instead of the collection of half siblings she had the misfortune to have, she would have liked Teleyn for a sister. The need to shield this bright eyed, joyous carefree girl ever grew within her... She wondered, despite being blighted by whatever incapacity she had, had Teleyn discovered the freedom Taala longed for and had striven to find for herself? Was true freedom only possible for those who were mad?
Her resolve was firm, she would safeguard Teleyn for it was unlikely she could do so herself...and that proved to be the case when the company crossed the Last Bridge and were set upon by Orcs...
((oocly note: No offense is intended towards anyone whom has any mental affliction, or who knows anyone who has. This is purely fictional and the thoughts of my character in times where there was little understood of such matters. IRL I take a very different view of course))
