Tilly was born in a small tribe in Ilsabard. He doesn’t remember much of this part of her life other than a few vague memories. His tribe was attacked by a Garlean scouting crew leaving no one alive but a few children which were forcibly conscripted. Tilly was one of them.
Since he was taken at such an early age she never knew her given name, therefore just making her own. He would simply go by the forename Tilly.
Throughout his early years she was moved around training camps, often punished for being disobedient, trying to run away or some other minor mischievous acts. It was noticed beasts had a natural affinity towards her. Because of this she was a great fit for the IVth Legions beast army. Though he didn’t like his circumstances, he was happy about the fact she could be around the beasts he tamed. She enjoyed their company much more than the other soldiers and his superiors as they would treat him unfairly due to her race. Unlike a lot of the other soldiers who treated their beasts as tools, Tilly was much more considerate to them.
During his short time with the IVth legion he learnt a lot through training and battle but it wasn’t the life he wanted. This time he would escape for good. With his beasts by his side she escaped at dusk, slowly making his way towards coast. It required careful planning, as his creatures could attract a lot of attention. He hired a ship once she reached the coast and set sail towards Eorzea.