Lady Delena Surtova was born to a minor branch of the Surtova family. Although her father was adamant she's his daughter, her eyes told those learned in the tales who her actual mother was. The rest of the family didn't take this well, and she and her father were cast out of the family. They found their living during her childhood traveling around Avistan, mostly in Brevoy and Taldor. Her father tried finding allies in his plan of getting back to power, and Delena had to entertain herself much of the time. Her heritage and keen intellect drove her into studying magic. Fearing the risks of her mother's blood, her father decided to put her into the tutelage of a wizard. Due to his situation, he didn't have many choices and chose one with some power but a shady reputation.
Delena studied dutifully under her master, showing quite a lot of promise as a wizard. Unknown to her father, the master had nefarious plans for her pupil. When Delena reached adulthood, one night her master put together a ritual to bring his plans to conclusion. All seemed to be going well for him, when something unexpected happened, and he was killed in the destruction of his laboratory. Somehow, Delena survived, but she had lost her spellbook, as a mysteriously manifested snake had eaten it. She noticed, though, that her magic, or some magic, was still there and she could access it by communing with the snake.
When returning to her father, Delena learned that his father's plans had advanced somewhat. He had made an alliance with a Taldor noble, and in exchange had promised her daughter as a wife to his ally. Without much other choices, Delena had to accept this, and married the noble, who was around her father's age. The men continued their plans, and Delena spent some boring years at her husband's country manor, childless despite her husband's wishes. With the political upheaval in Taldor, a way back to power started to look possible, but soon the direction changed to a very unfortunate direction for them. They ended up in a battle defending their lands. Delena's husband was determined to fight for the bitter end, but during the siege got assassinated. The loss of the leader, combined with the fact that the attacking army included beings not known to give mercy, Delena took charge and lead survivors through hidden passages out of the siege, leaving behind only those who were determined to die with their old lord. During the chaos of the battle, Delena's father was lost and not seen again.
With no home and no allies, Delena had to leave the subjects of her former husband to find new masters. She travelled around a bit until she heard of the Stolen Lands, and decided to head there to build herself a fortune.
About her relationships:
She's outcast because of her changeling ancestry from the noble families. Her father's other doings may have had a part in this, too.
Her father might have died or may be alive and hiding. Her mother is where hags usually are.
Her patron is a mystery, it might be some being interested in her power, for good or evil. It may have connections to her mentor or mother, or something powerful in the area.
Her best relationship is with the people she fled with, as they see her as their saviour. They are mostly subjects of her late husband.
She has been in some contact with Brevoy nobility, as her father tried to get allies there, too. As an outcast, none of them became friends of her, but they may recognize her.
She considers herself a lady of the Surtova family, and has their scheming nature. Few, if any, recognize this claim.
