A Telab was a long, thin scarf, an article of clothing worn by both men and women. The telab helped to protect the face from windblown dust and sand. It was quite useful if someone wished to avoid recognition. "Apsalar drew out the long, thin scarf known as the telab, and wrapped it about her head until only her eyes were left exposed. She unsheathed her knives, spent twenty heartbeats studying the route she would take, then bolted forward." ―Apsalar on assignment