Although only in her late twenties, Ayleth has risen quickly through the ranks of the Triarchy. Part of her rise was helped by the fact that she is Exarch Tancred's niece; however, none would accuse her of receiving special treatment. Her skill and her worthiness to lead is obvious even to those who do not much like her.

Ayleth is not a woman overflowing with friends. She has many allies and trusted contacts, but she is not a very openly warm or jocular woman, and for that reason she has not formed many close relationships within the Triarchy ranks. She is not unfriendly; she is simply rather businesslike and keeps duty and her personal life separate. None would know that she was related to Tancred from the formal way she addresses him.

Her mother was a lady of Reltora, and her father a noble—and warlock—of Tavadia. Her mother passed in childbed when she was four, and her father took her back to his homeland. When he did not return from a trip to the north about six years later, she was sent back to be raised by her grandparents, who took a keen interest in her education. In large part due to a certain amount of guilt about the life she had led, they indulged her non-feminine interests and allowed her to pursue swordplay and even witchcraft.

Ayleth has never been a great beauty, but nor is she a hideous crone. Her hair is clearly her most beautiful feature: long, blond and falling in soft, tight curls. The very feminine hairstyle is somewhat in contrast to her features, which while not unpleasant to look at are not soft and fine. Her nose is a little stubby and her jaw a bit square, giving her a slightly masculine look. Another unusual feature is her eyes: one is a soft, powdery blue, and the other is silvery-grey and seems almost unnatural.