The Taalaf'ati is a Telian ritual protection of the female during the time of von'n. During this time, the Telian male is expected to remain alert and on guard, providing protection of the female, who at this point, is in a near-catatonic state. The ritual does allow the mate to select a second, most often a brother or other close male relative, to act as a surrogate Taalaf'ati, if for some reason the mate is unable to fulfill his oath.