Melissa was born in the year 208, the youngest daughter of Sir Marcus Piper with his second wife, Dania Lothstone. And while her eldest half-brother Jon became the next head of House Piper, she - almost 15 years his junior, kept mostly to Clearden Castle, entertaining her mother who was sickly during her later years. Being of a quiet and modest disposition, she was interested in the healing arts already from very early on, even though the attempt to save a little bird with a broken wing didn't quite work out.
She is warm-hearted towards those she feels comfortable with, and growing up in the knightly household with only few servants to call their own, she is accustomed to take care of things, be it certain tasks in the household or helping in managing the estate.
She has a brother and a sister, Francis and Iris, and one more half-brother called James. Since her mother Dana passed away two years ago, Melissa has put her efforts in helping Sir Jon run Clearden, until he, after six months, decided to send her to her sister Iris to the seat of the Crawfords, where Iris was one of Lady Caitlyn's retainers. Melissa quickly became friends with Caitlyn, as she felt they shared a passion for the healing arts. When Caitlyn went to Darfield, Melissa wasn't allowed to go however, and so she returned to Clearden for another 6 months.
The news of Caitlyn's death dealt a massive shock to Melissa, and she spent a week crying in her chambers over the fate of poor Caitlyn and the child that would not live. Also, she started to feel useless, and fell into a state that was close to depression. And she began nurturing a grudge against her half-brother who had not allowed her to accompany Caitlyn in the first place.
So Jon decided to send her to Trueborn Keep once again. With the new Duchess there is certainly need for female retainers to provide some entertainment - and maybe find an eligible husband on the way. So Melissa has returned, for once happy she's away from the chambers of her home. A very comely young woman, whose youthful cheer might be a little dimmed by the thoughtful look in her brown eyes. A bit shy maybe around people she does not know. To those she knows well, a chatty companion for hours to while away with needlework.
On Nar 24th, 229, Melissa was married at the Temple of the Light in Stormvale to Sir Jarvice Stromguard.
