TALYN - SILVER FOX
The primary personality traits associated with the fox are cunning and an inclination to cause mischief. However, foxes exhibit a number of other traits: playfulness, agility, friendliness, and even curiousity. While Talyn does not seem to be the cleverest of foxes - he oftentimes acts more brashly than anyone else - he certainly possesses the rest of the fox's virtues in abundance, and always manages to get himself out of trouble. Perhaps more significant is the fact that Talyn has inherited his father's silver fur - a silver fox, generally very rare, is a creature often attributed a certain supernatural essence. The silver fox, generally considered more of a spirit than a physical being, is thought to be a protector to the earth and its creatures. Whether or not Talyn will fill this role remains to be seen.

GHOST - CAT
The essential elements of the cat are independence, curiousity, and unpredictability. It is impossible to own a cat. They will never come when called, and toms are notorious roamers. Ghost certainly matches these traits, as he appears to be nothing more than an aimless vagabond. Cats are aloof, almost mysterious creatures - though Ghost doesn't quite seem so arrogant, he's certainly very secretive about his past and at times seems to care little about his company. He tends to stick around only as long as he's being entertained, and to be ignored for him is a fate worse than death. The fact that he's apparently been roaming Talamh on his own for the last few years, when he's barely even seventeen, could probably be considered a testament to his "nine lives."

FOXGLOVE & FENNEL - FRUIT BAT
The bat is a complex animal; it generally symbolises secrets, mystery, and a faint element of horror. Bats can also represent intimacy, almost on a sexual level - the taking of blood, for instance, to survive. Foxglove, however, is a fruit bat - the vegetarians of the bat world. Bats are elusive creatures, appearing only as a brief flutter in the darkness. Despite their spooky aura, bats are social creatures - they dislike being alone. True to his bat nature, Foxglove seems unable to be by himself despite the aloof, "tall-dark-and-sexy" nature he tries to exude. Bats at their simplest are misunderstood creatures; feared for no reason and inspiring disgust simply out of ignorance. Is Fox the same? Hmm...
 
Fennel, likewise, has her share of secrets - what could someone possibly do to make their own blood hate them? Unlike her brother, Fennel represents the active side of the bat's personality. Bats have an excellent sense of direction, even in poor conditions. They navigate the most complex of situations with ease. They are entirely at home in the dark, and as mentioned have strong connections to the things we fear most. The bat, however, is more s ymbol of fear than anything threatening in and of itself - a sign, perhaps, that Fennel is not to be taken as seriously as one might want to. Additionally, as a creature which spends the majority of its life upside down when not in flight, the bat can make sense of even the most topsy-turvy situations and boldly find its way in a world enveloped in chaos.

AYLA - BEAR
The bear is a very strong totem animal. A bear symbolises power; in many cultures, it also carries certain feminine traits, such as nurturing and protection. Ayla exemplifies the bear - she is physically and socially strong, and feels a strong desire to settle down and raise a family. Bears are self-sufficient and almost indignant in regards to asking for help; they also take a very long time to reach maturity. Bears also tend to be considered dreamers, due to the long amounts of time they spend in hibernation. Ayla, unable to face reality or recognise those who really care for her, is 100% bear.

CAOL - DOBERMAN
The doberman is usually used as a guard-dog because of its most prominent traits: its alertness, its intelligence, its discipline, and its imposing demeanor. Dobermans are dogs used to inspire fear. When well-trained, they are the exemplification of the good dog - obedient, single-minded, and strong. Despite their tough image, dobermans are actually wonderful family pets, with a playful nature which goes unnoticed by the casual observer. Caol may seem like a tough outsider, but at times some hidden quirkiness shines through - he feigns a stoic, unruffled air, but fails to hide completely his energetic, almost silly nature. It's clear that Caol's attitude is only that of one on a mission - were he at home, he would likely be roughhousing and goofing off with his packmates. He is still quite a determined and formidable individual, however, and one you would certainly appreciate as an ally. The most important aspect of the doberman's (and any dog's) personality - loyalty - shines through when one observes Caol interract with the other members of his pack. Will he eventually adopt the same protective nature towards Sevrin and co? With the way he and Talyn get along, it doesn't seem terribly likely!

DOKUJA - SNAKE
The traits of a snake are difficult to pinpoint. Traditionally, snakes symbolise rebirth; more practically, however, they are known for their cold, uncaring demeanor and casual, calm approach to life. A snake can be creepy even at its friendliness; when it is displeased or on the prowl, it can be downright chilling. Dokuja clearly seeks to overcome his coldbloodedness, but may discover it is truer to his nature than anyone realises. Snakes have a variety of other associations - power, sex, and danger being most prominent. The snake is restless, always on the move. In addition, snakes have come to symbolise deceit - their forked tongue is certainly a sign of their lying nature. Is there something Dokuja is hiding beneath those emotionless eyes of his?

LINDEN - JACKAL
The jackal symbolises protection and guidance; Linden is rather protective in nature, though not smotheringly so, and an excellent teacher. At times, he seems wise beyond his years. Unfortunately, the jackal also has the aura of a scoundrel; a filthy scavenger, a cheat, and an altogether untrustworthy rogue. This is definitely Ayla's take on her would-be suitor; he travels from town to town on his own, and seems to her to be entirely up to no good. The jackal also represents a sort of spiritual guide, and is strongly associated with cemeteries and death; as a healer, Linden's duties include performing last rites for the deceased if his efforts are in vain so that their spirit is guided safely to the afterlife or to a safe rebirth.