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Ilane Evleyn of Mindelan [1] (pronounced eye-LAEN of MIHN-duh-lahn), born Ilane of Seabeth and Seajen, is the mother of nine children, including Keladry of Mindelan. She is married to Piers, the baron of Mindelan.

Biography[]

Early life[]

Ilane's birth fief, Seabeth and Seajen, is located in the north, near to Scanra, thus they had quite a big problem with raiders. Ilane's mother never allowed anyone to speak ill of her children, her father was the opposite. Ilane said that he once described her as he would a horse that was for sale, that even though she was skinny, she should still "foal with ease". Ilane perhaps went to the convent that Alanna of Trebond so conveniently escaped, as she must have been presented to court as a good noble lady. She danced with Baird of Queenscove when she was younger, and they had a good friendship. It is unknown when she married Piers of Mindelan, but as her oldest son, Anders must have been born at least by 427 HE to be a full knight by the onslaught of the Immortals War, they would have been married before that.

Part of the Tortallan Delegation[]

Her husband, who was a diplomat, traveled with Ilane and their youngest children to the Yamani Islands when Kel was around five years old. It was there that she and her youngest daughters, Kel, Oranie, and Adalia learned to use the naginata. It was also there where Ilane earned her family renown and favor from the Yamani emperor by rescuing the Gods' Swords from Scanran pirates. She became quite adept at the naginata, as did her daughters, however Adalia and Oranie perhaps lost their abilities, while Ilane and Kel did not. She and her family also learned how to act like Yamanis by not showing emotion.

Return from the Islands[]

She was a very loving and forthright mother. She used to rap her children on the head with her fan when they tried to fight a healing. On hearing that her daughters-in-law have described Keladry as being 'built like a cow' (something Keladry repeated to her mother), she set them to 'several years' worth of mending'. When she heard that Kel was choosing to become a knight of Tortall, she at first believed that her daughter was settling for second best, and had to be talked around carefully by Kel and Piers.

Because of her family's success in establishing peace with the Yamani emperor, her family was given rewards and renown in Tortall as well, and was welcomed into the king and queen's inner circle of advisers. There were hints that the family still had quite a tight purse with nine children and dowries for the daughters. This made Kel very guilty and nervous about asking them for financial help to hire her maid.

Ilane was supportive of Kel's venture to become a knight, once she discovered that it was something her daughter really wanted to do. Ilane also was worried for Kel when she went missing during the day of her big exams to find Lalasa Isran.

On discussing sex with Kel, Ilane admits to considering the nobility's handling of sex as akin to horse-breeding, and tells Kel that since she has chosen to become a knight, and is therefore not necessarily expected to marry or be a virgin upon matrimony, she may bed who she likes.

Ilane's mother is described as 'ruling her descendents with an iron fist', while Ilane tells Keladry that her father once told a potential suitor that even though she had small breasts, she should 'foal with ease'.

Physical description[]

Ilane is described as a thin, elegant woman who has white hair, which she got very early in life, and a deep, musical voice. She is a head taller than her husband.[2]

Personality & Traits[]

Ilane is a good mother to her nine children and very loyal. She is independent and strong and she knows what her duties are. Her determination is shown in protecting the Gods' Swords, her daughter, and the few Yamani attendants that she could save.

History[]

Ilane is speculated to have had a past brief relationship with Baird of Queenscove based on a comment made to Kel about dancing with her in their youth.

Notes and references[]

  1. Full name given in Tortall: A Spy's Guide, in the section: "Diplomat's Guide to the Realm of Tortall"
  2. First Test, Ch. 1 (pg. 8; Random House paperback)

See also[]

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