Andrea was born in Oppara, as the son of a famous singstress and a lower noble. He spent much of his youth being trained as a warrior to one day join the shining crusades. Whenever he could, he would steal away and listen to his mother sing, trying to sing along. As he grew older his mother enlisted him in the bardic college, but while his swordmanship and singing were some of the best they'd ever seen it seemed Andrea had absolutely no knack for magic. After a few months, he resigned and joined one of the major Opera groups. Opera was a famous music and theatre genre named after Oppara, and it was especially prevalent there.

After performing one night, he was introduced to Lady Allise Aldori, an envoy from Brevoy whom had been rather impressed by his performance and wondered whether he was as good with the sword in an actual duel as he was on stage. His honor compelled him to accept the obvious challenge despite knowing she was a swordlord, and he didn't stand a chance. After the duel which, of course, he lost, she did nevertheless seem quite impressed. She offered to mentor him, and he accepted. He travelled with Lady Allise for about a year before she returned to Restov, where Andrea was made part of the house guard, while still being trained by Lady Allise and other swordlords. He even caught the eye of Lady Jamandi herself, who chose him to join a group of adventurers in their travels to the stolen land. If succesful he would be allowed to wear the Aldori name. A very great honour.