During her life as a mortal, Talia didn't have an easy go of it. Born into poverty in 17th century France, Talia's upbringing would ultimately help shape how she lived most of her life as an Immortal. Her first death came at the hands of her own husband, who beat her to death. Her teacher was Pierre Segur. It's unclear how long they were together and how much his teachings impacted her.

At the end of the 18th century, Talia joined the French revolution, after a local Duke had beaten a child who then died.

By the end of the 20th century, Talia's ideals were destroyed, sanctimony gave way to cynicism. She had died countless times for various revolutions and for various causes, but nothing ever changed. Each one of her deaths becoming more pointless than the last. Talia realized that she forgot to live life and grew tired of poverty and striving to change the world. Eventually she became the mistress of the industrialist Michael Garrett, whose company developed a dangerous neuro-toxin, and she decided to sell it to the highest bidder.

Talia's preferred weapon of choice was the Epee due to her time competitive fencing. She has even won tournaments as a fencer.