One of Meliae's defining traits is his inability/unwillingness to speak. Meliae's vocal cords were destroyed by one of the "pure" Uratha shortly before he awakened (the Lunacy makes it difficult form him to recall the incident, but his body still bears the scars of the Uratha's rage). Meliae refused the help of his of his fellow Awoken and sussed out the knowledge to restore his voice on his own. By the time Meliae became able to restore his voice, he found that he could convey his thoughts without it. Meliae is willing to repair his voice, and will do so if required. He never permanently heals the damage the Uratha did, letting the scars return to his throat once he no longer needs to speak.