Talia Stark

**Talia Forrester** is a major supporting character in *Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series.* She is the second born daughter and fifth born child of Lord Gregor Forrester and Lady Elissa Forrester. Famed around Ironrath for her singing, Talia is the younger of the two Forrester twins. While she possesses many intellectual properties, she is much more judgemental and decisive than her counterpart, Ethan.

## Familial Information

### Siblings

Josera Snow (half)
Elsera Snow (half)
Rodrik Forrester †
Asher Forrester
Mira Forrester †
Ethan Forrester † (twin)
Ryon Forrester

### Family

House Forrester
House Stark

Though somewhat docile and fearful of confrontation at the start of the story, Talia's sense of justice and willingness to aid her family grow immensely.

## Character

Talia is defined by her strong familial instincts; though she is initially calm and reserved, she reflects the Forrester mindset as she grows more judicial over the course of the story. She is generally supportive of her family members as well as other members of the Forrester community, attempting to provide advice and emotional support where needed. While she at first seems a docile northern girl it seems that - like most Forresters - there is a fire within, which is revealed when she is determined to save Ryon from the Boltons and later wants Gryff Whitehill and the traitor killed.

Determined to hold the family together, she later admits to Rodrik that she is aware she may need to change to protect the Forresters. She proves to be very aware of the situation despite her age and puts on a brave face in the midst of danger following Ethan's demise. Her songs and words following the death of her twin show that she values her family above all else and will do as much as she humanly can to defend or avenge them.

## History

During her fourth pregnancy, Lady Forrester dreamed she would birth a daughter with a voice like the summer rain. But as fate would have it, she gave birth to a boy. The infant, Ethan, wailed for hours - until Lady Forrester entered a second labor, this time birthing a girl. She named the girl Talia, after her own mother - and from then on Ethan hardly ever cried. Her dream came true, for there’s no sound at Ironrath more lovely than that of Talia singing as her brother plays the lute.

Talia has spent nearly all of her life in Ironrath, living among her numerous family members. While she had strong bonds with all of her siblings and parents, she seemingly spent most of her time in the company of Ethan and Ryon following Mira's, Asher's and Rodrik's departures to Highgarden, exile and war respectively. She spent some time with Royland Degore, learning how to wield a sword and defend herself, but her life was relatively worry-free until her father was killed at the Twins.

## Game Of Thrones

### "Iron From Ice "

Talia is first seen by Gared; she approaches him in the great hall with Elissa after Gared's leg was tended to by Maester Ortengryn. She tells Gared that she is sorry for what happened to his family before the Maester tells her to go to bed. Later on Gared is about to leave and rushes up to him to give him a necklace, which he takes. She tells him to be safe and then watches him leave alongside Duncan.

Talia is next seen playing Hide-And-Seek with Ethan and Ryon, though it seems that she has become tired of the game. When Ethan reveals himself the three siblings talk about their family and Ethan's new role, Talia insists that she doesn't want him to change and become serious like Rodrik or angry like Asher; she likes him how he is, and also notes that Royland Degore taught her how to swordfight properly and that Ethan should learn too. When Royland demands an audience with Lord Whitehill, Talia's opinion is that Ethan should remain with her and Ryon.

When Ethan has to deal with Erik, Talia watches from the sidelines with Ryon, afraid of what Ethan might do. She recommends Duncan Tuttle for the position of Sentinel if Ethan asks her opinion.

When Ramsay Snow arrives, Talia remains in the main hall with Elissa and Ryon and watches from the side. Ramsay singles her out a few times, first of all suggesting the Forrester twins participate in incest, "like the Queen and her brother", though he 'hopes' that they do not. Later on he asks Talia if she likes hunting and grabs her arm, determined to take her with him as his ward. If Ethan stands up to him, tells him to stop or even remains silent Ramsay will stab him in the throat with a dagger, claiming that he doesn't need a bold lord.

As Ramsay abducts Ryon in Talia's place, she kneels by Ethan's side with her mother as Ethan succumbs to his injuries and dies.

### "The Lost Lords"

Talia is seen humming the song she is preparing for Ethan and Gregor's funeral when Rodrik wakes up. He reaches for a pitcher at his bedside table but drops it, alerting her. Now aware that her injured brother is awake, Talia embraces Rodrik - not realising he is in pain. She apologises and expresses her concerns about a song their mother wants her to write for the funeral. Rodrik can provide encouraging advice or tell her she doesn't have to if she doesn't feel like it, but Talia is insistent. She says that Rodrik should attend the council meeting but he needs to appear strong and must try to walk. Rodrik attempts to on his own but falls over, he then uses Ryon's practice sword as a walking stick.

On the way to the Great Hall the Whitehill Garrison insults Rodrik and Talia as they make their way through the gathering crowd. One soldier sits on the steps in front of them and Rodrik talked him down.

Talia is not seen again until the funeral. Gwyn Whitehill is present Talia will greet the woman, albeit sternly, and leave her alone.

As Elissa gives her own speech after Rodrik's, Talia puts Ironwood seeds in her father and twin brothers' hands - likely a Forrester tradition like the lighting of the Ironwood torches. Once Rodrik lights the Ironwood pyres and cremates Ethan and Gregor, Talia walks onto a slightly elevated podium and begins the song she prepared, which describes her will to protect her father and brothers' memories. She begins softly with a slightly wavering voice. Once the song picks up she gains confidence as the lyrics begin to provide imagery that suggests she seeks vengeance.

### "The Sword in the Darkness"

As Rodrik wakes up, following a dream of battle, Talia rushes into his room saying the Whitehills are assembling in the courtyard and that he has to do something. As Rodrik prepares, Talia says she will check on their mother.

Talia is waiting for Rodrik alongside Elissa, Royland, Duncan and Ortengryn. As Rodrik tries to get to the bottom of the situation Harys, a Whitehill soldier, burns a cart to catch their attention as Gryff Whitehill makes himself known. Talia watches on in concern as her brother and Gryff butt heads and Gryff's men head into the Great Hall, claiming it for their own.

A few days later, Talia catches a Whitehill soldier stealing from the Forresters' kitchen. She tells him to stop, but he lays his hands on her and she defends herself by biting him. The soldier reports her to Gryff, who drags her out into the courtyard to punish her in front of Rodrik. Rodrik sayed she defended herself.

Talia stands up to Gryff, enraging him, but Duncan stops Talia from being hurt by intervening and pleading that Gryff forgives her. He claims that no one questions Gryff and that Talia's outburst was merely due to the passions of youth. Gryff is pleased with this and says he likes Duncan, claiming that the castellan is his man and loyal dog. He shoves Duncan to one side and Rodrik punched Gryff.

Gryff knocks Rodrik to the ground in an attempt to teach him when to know he is beaten. While Rodrik is down on the ground, Talia begs Rodrik to get up and not give Gryff the satisfaction of beating him. Gryff gloats, knowing Rodrik is at his mercy, and speaks of Ethan. He says how Ramsay Snow taught Ethan a lesson, and that *he* may have to teach Talia unless Rodrik stays down.

Rodrik keeps getting up he takes the punishment in Talia's place, sparing her from Gryff's wrath.

Rodrik and Talia meet later, overlooking the courtyard. Talia remarks that Gryff is strolling around like he owns the place, but he's let his guard down. She asks whether Gryff got what he wanted, or Rodrik did.

She admits that she told Ethan not to change, but is now aware that it was foolish of her. She tells Rodrik that she is ready to change, and is prepared to do anything for House Forrester. Gregor Forrester used to say that the Forresters are as tough as the Ironwood - all of them.

Rodrik can say a time might come where Talia's help is needed, but it is not right now. He says he is unsure of what the future may bring, but the Forresters will stand tall.

### "Sons of Winter"

Talia is first seen watching Royland and Rodrik practicing their sword technique. She observes Royland teaching Rodrik a move which should bring Gryff down to his level during their next encounter. Duncan arrives with Elaena and Arthur Glenmore, prompting Talia to greet them both and then depart.

After Gryff's capture thanks to the aid of the Glenmores, Talia and Rodrik speak about how the latter dealt with the Whitehills and Gryff in particular. She is worried that word will get out about the treatment of their prisoners but Elissa assures her that the Whitehills will not find out. Duncan and Royland arrive, giving Rodrik a message from Lord Whitehill discussing the possibility of a truce and inviting him to Highpoint. After Royland and Duncan depart, Talia vouches for Royland saying that if Rodrik is going behind enemy lines, he needs his master-at-arms with him. While she knows she can't come to Highpoint, she tells Rodrik that she still wants to help and he tells her she should look out for the traitor. Now with a purpose, Talia departs.

When Rodrik returns from Highpoint, he and his group find the place deserted. Rodrik immediately yells for Talia and whoever else was left at Ironrath, and the group hear laughter coming from the great hall. Rodrik tells the others to wait, then heads inside. As he gets to the hall, he hears someone saying that he told a joke, and Talia apologises, saying she should have laughed. Rodrik enters and sees Ramsay Snow in the Lord's chair, taunting Talia and telling her to sing Ethan and Gregors' funeral song. She refuses but this tests Ramsay's patience. Looking round, Talia sees Rodrik and calls out to him, prompting Ramsay to start goading him on. Ramsay tells Rodrik he and Talia were having a lovely time, then forces Talia to say the same. He tells Rodrik he's heard he can't be broken and has decided to see for himself.

### "A Nest of Vipers"

Talia is first seen still sitting at the table with Ramsay. The bastard taunts Rodrik, saying that his father is looking to make a match for him and that he could marry Talia or Elissa Forrester. Bored of that, he then tells Rodrik to walk with him, relieving him of his sword, and orders Talia to come too.

Led by Ramsay, the three of them make their way to the Grove. Ramsay grabs Talia's hand, making her uncomfortable and leaving her to look to Rodrik for support as the two lords talk about the matter of Gryff Whitehill and the Glenmores. When their conversation is over, Ramsay leads them into a clearing where Arthur Glenmore is being flayed. Talia cries out and begs for mercy as Ramsay chuckles and asks Rodrik if he really thought *he* would be paying the price for his disobedience. He tells Talia to watch and learn, but Rodrik shield her. Once Ramsay leaves, Talia is left crying and holding onto her brother.

The following day, Talia walks in on Rodrik and Elaena if they spent the night together. She looks away, embarrassed, and informs Rodrik that she needs to tell him something in private. Once Elaena has left Talia tells her brother that she had a nightmare, woke up and went back to the grove - only to find that someone was there. She shows Rodrik a report and they quickly deduce there is a traitor. They didn't see her, but she saw him. She asks Rodrik to promise that he will slay the council member for betraying the house, then takes him to the great hall where the traitor is waiting.

Rodrik tells Talia to get the guards and she leaves the hall, returning with Elissa and two guards. Rodrik's sentinel comes in and tells him that Gryff and the Whitehill Garrison have been released, and the traitor says it was for the good of the House. Talia protests, mentioning Ryon, and Rodrik makes his decision on what to do with the traitor. He spared him, she walked away, frustrated. After Rodrik makes plans to go to the port town and reunite with Asher, Talia is not seen for the remainder of the episode.

### "The Ice Dragon"

Talia is already aware of Rodrik's death when Asher returns to Ironrath, and shares an embrace with Elaena Glenmore. Asher demands they continue the fight only for Elaena to say they've already lost - Talia explains that by Ramsay's terms, House Forrester has fallen and the Whitehills are victorious, but Asher does not believe in those terms, retorting that the war will end on his.

Talia waits at the gates with Asher and their mother when Ludd arrives. She shows surprise at Ryon's appearance but remains quiet for the remainder of the exchange until Rodrik's body is wheeled in on a cart following the Whitehills' departure. She is adamant that the Whitehills should die and that they should not surrender, going as far as to call Ortengryn a craven for suggesting they bow their heads and accept Ludd's terms.

Following the chaos in the great hall she is seen outside with the rest of the house before running inside with her mother and Ortengryn.

She finds Asher at Red Rob's Farm alongside Gwyn Whitehill and watches as her companion helps the Lord to his feet.