Taala's History

Background

Taala comes from the region [?] on [?], a shadow earth where for centuries an uneasy peace had existed between guerrilla-like gypsy factions and a hierarchical aristocracy.
The gypsies live a nomadic life, moving around the dense forests, that carpeted most of the region, in small tribes meeting each other seemingly by chance, trading, and then slipping off into the forest on separate ways. Each clan was led by a Matriarch, supposedly the wisest woman in the tribe, who won her position in an intensely secretive ritual, in which only the 6 eldest women of the tribe were allowed to participate in or have any knowledge of.
The aristocracy was a hugely complicated gene-pool of cousins, brothers, sisters, nephews, and so on. This was made even more important in the oft-disputed claim to the throne, being determined by the percentage of "Royal Blood" that each candidate had, and therefore extremely open to interpretation. However, the belief among the Court held that the stronger the royal blood in a person's blood, the stronger the powers they inherit.
This gave rise to a tradition of "Blood Duels" which involved the two candidates disputing the claim to the throne facing off against one another, and attempting to bring their opponent to their knees with the power of their blood alone. Shouting "Royal Words" it would quickly become obvious who had more royal blood, and the genealogists would update their estimates of the murky gene-pool.
The uneasy peace that was upheld, partly by the various royal factions plotting and feuding, and partly by a policy of revenge-attacks by the gypsies for any atrocities or offensive actions taken by the Nobles.

In the Beginning - My Birth

I know little of my early history, but a detailed, careful and extremely persuasive questioning of various sources throughout the strata of society has revealed the following:
I was born to a temporarily sidelined noble woman, who was thought to have a reasonable enough level of royal blood to be in the process of being groomed by a noble faction to marry one of their sons, and produce children who would at least be influential in the court. However, this noblewoman (whose name has either been lost or is being deliberately hidden, for several women could fit her description) despite being discreetly guarded by the faction grooming her, became pregnant by an unknown man.
This rated a minor scandal in the court, and it was automatically assumed that the resulting child would be very weak of the blood, as most illegitimate children came from commoners, nobles being far too careful with their bloodlines to risk such a thing occurring. The child was spirited away, and taken into the forest, by agents of the concerned faction. Rumors claim these agents were also in the employ of some mysterious male figure, but none can confirm and all deny these rumors.
So it came to be that, merely a few days after my birth, a baby girl was left with a particular tribe of gypsies, deep in the forests, and far from the Royal Court.

The Calm Before - My Childhood

The Matriarch of my tribe at this time was a woman named "Aerthana" who had deliberately kept the tribe as far from the royal Courts as she could, and whose leadership had proved for over a decade, conservative and modestly successful. She welcomed me into the tribe, and assigned a gypsy woman who had recently given birth to wet-nurse me. This, woman who was to become my mother, named me Taala, and treated me as well as she did her natural child and my sister Leena.
So it was that I led a fairly quiet life, growing up in the backwater forests, and learning traditional crafts. I proved particularly adept at woodcarving, and by the time I was five, some of my best pieces were being bartered at trade meets. Shortly thereafter, I no longer had to borrow a knife to carve, and could afford the best cured woods to practice more advanced techniques, and create more valuable pieces.
It was also during this time that Leena and I became the best of friends, and it was rare that we were found apart, whether we were were sitting quietly carving together , or stealing sweet cakes from a recent batch that someone had baked.
Meanwhile, court politics continued as normal, with not the least thought paid to an illegitimate child who as far as all the factions were concerned, was forever gone from the corridors of power. If anything rivalry between the factions and noble houses was at a low, as the reigning monarch, the young king Fortsvelt, was known to be more powerful in the blood than any of his rivals by a long margin, which made feuding and rivalry pointless.

The Clouds Appear - The Boar

The events that now transpire form my earliest memories, as all before I have put together from hearsay.
I was out in the forest with Leena as usual, far away from camp, and sitting on a log in a peaceful glade. We often came into the forest to carve as it was more peaceful, and the sounds of the forest helped me carve better than when I was surrounded by the bustle of the living camp. Leena had followed me here, and was softly singing a popular love song, for we had grown to enjoy poetry and song, as well as carving. We had also grown close, more like twin sisters than step-sisters.
I could not say when I first knew something was wrong, but I had a feeling, some kind of premonition. I shivered and laid my had on Leena's sleeve. All gypsies are superstitious by nature , and my life amongst them had taught me to obey my gut instincts, and our close friendship meant that Leena needed no words to understand that something was troubling me deeply.
We stood quietly, and looked about us, all the while gathering our belongings, before turning to walk back to camp. As we turned I saw a single red eye gleaming evilly at us from the shadows amongst the trees.
We froze, standing like statues, breathing quickly from fear, and softly for the same reason. Slowly the monster emerged from the shade.
A huge male wood-pig, one eye long missing, replaced by an ugly mass of scars, the other filled with hatred stared at us. The pig was obviously possessed by some evil spirit, full of loathing and malice. Slowly, it took a step towards us, then another, and another.

Suddenly it pulled backwards slightly, bracing itself, and then leapt forwards in a charge. The thunder of hooves echoed around the small glade, and the huge mass of tusked pig came hurtling towards us.
We leapt apart, each running to make the relative safety of the thicker patches of forest, where we could dart between trees the boar would have to bull through, or pound around. Instinctively we knew we would not make it, but it was against all urgings to simply stand and await the boar.
The boar never hesitated, when we split, instantly barreling towards me. It closed my meager head start in a pitifully few seconds, and gored into my left leg, hurling me in sickening pain into the air.
I later learned from Leena, that she had stopped and gasped as I was flung skyward, a thin trail of crimson blood marking my passage. I hit the ground in an explosion of pain, and managed to raise myself on one elbow, wide eyed and gazing at the back of the boar, expecting it to turn and finish me off.
I cannot explain to this day why it simply carried on into the forest.

The Clouds Darken - War looms

Leena and I grew into young women, and our company as well as our poetry, song, and carvings became much sort after by young men, friends, and merchants, in that order. We were as thick as thieves as we regaled each other with stories of the inexperienced nocturnal fumbling of  young men. I still bore a deep red scar on my leg but had otherwise forgotten the strange incident with the boar in the clearing.
It was around this time, back in the Royal Court, that a terrible tragedy happened. King von Fortsvelt was on a hunting trip deep in the forest, surrounded by close courtiers and nobles of high standing. He was stag-hunting, a favorite pastime of his, and one he indulged in often.
It was a fine summers day, and the dappled light shone down on the hunting party, and every thing seemed at ease. They had not seen but a single stag, and after much wine and a pleasant days riding were in high spirits. Many of the courtiers and nobles present blame an excess of drink for their incomplete accounts of what happened next.
It is agreed however, that a dark monster broke from a thicket, and, ignoring all those assembled about the king, burst straight through them, unhorsing some, and ploughed squarely into the side of the King's horse. The Startled ad wounded horse went down, its side caved in by the impact, and the King was thrown off. He landed well, cushioning his fall, but this availed him nothing, as the beast proceeded to trample him beneath it, before making of into the forest once more. Those few bowmen who reacted saw arrows and darts glance from its hide, not a single one piercing the evil thing's flesh.
The king was dead by the time the first courtiers reached him, and the shocked nobles turned to each other, to see who had gotten a better view of the beast than they:
"It was huge"
"It was a demon"
"Aye - I saw one single burning coal set upon it's forehead"
"Nay - It was just a shadow, with no substance. An evil spirit come from the forest."
"Some foul Gypsy magic no doubt."
"It wasn't a shadow - not when it hit my horse!"
"If it weren't so big I would have sworn it was a wild pig."
As soon as word reached the Royal Court of the King's demise, and certainly before plans were laid for his funeral, the noble houses began to plot again. It was distinctly unproven who had the best claim to the throne, and soon young men who showed particular aptitude for duels of the blood were being drilled in their techniques by expensively retained masters. Genealogists argued as to whose heritage should grant them the most power, and noble families who had no strong candidate carefully consulted them, to assess who was the best risk, before throwing their lot in with a faction.
It wasn't long before the first leading contender, a young prince, was killed by poison in the night, and events began to escalate. Every noble house raised their banner, and though they met civilly in the Royal Courts, in each of their holdings soldiers were drilled, and supplies laid in.
Wary of these event, and ever conservative, Aerthana kept our tribe as far from the courts as she could.

Swept up by the Wind - A Conspiracy of Events

I was walking back to camp on this particular day, having spent a pleasant and productive day finishing the carving of a cup resembling a forest thicket. I was especially pleased with the piece as I'd managed to shape the cup like the bole of and old oak with trees and vines entwined about it. As I walked I examined the piece again looking for the flaws I knew must be there, although the only thing I could see was a slight mismatch between the grain and design, which I'd correct next time. Leena walked beside me, humming the tune to a song her latest beau had written for her.
As we approached the camp I noticed that the atmosphere had changed markedly since we'd left that morning. The camp was no longer filled with is usual bustle but with a strange muted silence. A man I knew as [?], came to meet us his face drawn with woe.
"The six eldest are meeting" he said.
It took a few second for the impact of his words to sink in, then it felt like I'd been hit by the boar again. The Aerthanna was dead. The woman whose tribe had taken me in, fed and raised me as their own, looked after me and taught me, was dead. I looked at Leena and saw there the shocked horror that I knew must be written on my face also. Leena spoke first
"How?"
"An evil spirit from the forest. It was black as night, fully 5 feet at hte shoulder, with one burning red eye. Marla the weaving woman says it took the for of a giant hog."
I'm sure I must have shuddered at the mention but no one seemed to notice.
The tribe was thrown into turmoil by the tragedy, and even though a new matriarch was chosen within the day, it took several before she really took hold of the reins and began to lead the tribe in her own direction. Gone were the days of isolation, we were now headed directly for the Royal Court. With war ,[?], reasoned was profit, and a band of traders as shrewd as her tribe could not fail to take good advantage when noble faction warred against noble faction.

The Storm Breaks - War and Change

Whilst we journeyed towards the Royal Courts, the court itself degenerated into a series of assassinations, feuds, skirmishes, and both legitimate and illegitimate Blood Duels. Various factions gained and lost power in a matter of weeks, and the strongest candidates were soon to go missing, spirited away into safe hiding, to emerge when they were more likely to survive making a bid for the throne.
It was whilst one of the stronger candidates was leaving for home that I encountered him and his entourage. I had wandered away from where we had camped and was exploring the road ahead. Being a rather arrogant and self-important young lord, he drew his horse to a halt in front of me and commanded me to "get out of the damned way".
I smiled at him sweetly and replied softly "Surely, my friend, the highways belong to me as much as they do to you, and a little common courtesy would not be amiss"
He looked like he was about to explode. He made a slight gesture and one of his guards stepped forwards and sent me crashing to my knees. I looked up at him my cheek stinging where the guard had struck me and stars swimming in front of my eyes. For all his status I wasn't going to let him treat me as dirt and leave me choking on the road.
I managed to speak, adding as much irony to my words as I could muster "Are you so feeble my lord that you must order your man to beat down a poor gypsy girl for you."
At this the guard stepped forward to strike me again, but I'd hit the raw nerve of pride, and he shouted out.
"Stop! If this wench thinks she can match me, she needs a lesson in strength as well as in etiquette."
He squared himself in his saddle and his gaze met mine. He shouted a strange word, and I stumbled again catching myself on one hand. He seemed surprised that I had withstood his onslaught and he shouted again.
I felt his will bear down upon me like a drill on wood, boring deeper within until it hammered my very essence. The world closed in about me until it was just me inside my head and the nobles two glaring eyes.
I'm not sure what exactly what happened next, but from somewhere deep within came this urge to push back. I forced myself to stand, ignoring his cries for me to kneel. I began to laugh for I could now feel how puny he really was, fire burned in my veins, bringing with it untapped knowledge and power. I stood now, proud, and with power awash. I reached for the puny thing that was his mind, grasped it, and uttered a word of my own.
He arched his back and opened his mouth in a wordless scream, as pain coursed his body. The spasm lasted but a few seconds, but when it passed he slumped forwards in his saddle, sweat forming beads on his forehead, and saliva dribbling from his mouth. He took a few deep breaths.
"Kill the girl!"
It took less than a minute for the guards to decide. They unceremoniously hauled him from his horse and bound his hands. I was hoisted on shoulders and carried as a queen back to the Royal Courts, proclamations ring ahead of me, as to the "Royal ness" of my blood.

Thunder across the Horizon - My arrival at Court

Despite my popularity amongst the commoners, the Nobles and genealogists at court were less enthused. Obviously someone who must be an illegitimate, no matter how powerful, could not be crowned, but they had no idea what to do with me.
One foolish noble attempted one particular answer. The assassin didn't fare very well, and was later found in his employers quarters, with no recollection of how he got there, or why his knife protruded from between his erstwhile employers shoulder blades.
After a few weeks the matter was resoled by [?], an particularly astute noble woman. Her lineage had long struggled to attain even a single heir with more than a modest amount of Royal Blood, but she saw an opportunity. She approached [?] in secret, and struck a deal where by my tribe would be given lucrative trade agreements and guarantees of safety, in return for my marriage to their eldest son, there by giving him the strongest claim to the throne.
Whilst in private there was huge dissention, none dared to openly challenge the deal, and we were married shortly there after. Within a week he was crowned King, and I was given the title of Royal Consort.

In the Eye of the Storm - My time at Court

It took a few months for us to settle into our new rolls, and several attempts were made to usurp our authority. My husband has no power to speak of, but I more than make up for this deficiency, and after a few demonstrations the attacks stopped, and peace returned once more.
As peace returned so did prosperity and my husband proved himself to be more than capable as an administrator and leader. I became bored and set about learning all there was to know about Royal Blood and its uses. After several frustrating months dealing with court scribes I learnt to read and my progress gathered pace, and I have push the boundaries of knowledge beyond what was previously thought possible..
Over the years I have adjusted to my situation, but I dearly miss Leena and rarely see her these days. I have acquaintances with most of the ladies at court but whom ever I favor, quickly becomes like a candle to moths, and I must distance myself once more.
Looking back on events as I write this, I met the boar but once. That encounter has left a scar that has shaped my life. Each time it has appeared it has seemed that disaster, pain, and suffering would fill my life, but every time it has proved the opposite.