Adriene has a human-presenting mien with softly feathered shoulders and forearms, and a fae mien whose legs end in narrow, cloven deer feet. Her feathers lie close and matte, like down pressed by mountain rain; they lift along the nape when she is startled. Her skin is weathered pink at the nose and knuckles from wind, while the rest of her face is pale and freckled. She plants each foot carefully on uneven ground, then moves in quick, springing bounds when she forgets to be cautious. Her unexpected detail: she keeps a tiny, immaculate enamel spoon tucked into her boot for tasting plants.

Adriene is generous with food and information when she trusts someone, yet stubbornly private about where she sleeps. She is observant and careful on a trail, but impulsive when a new plant catches her attention. In company she uses jokes to soften suspicion; alone after a scare, she becomes methodical and rechecks every choice.

Adriene grew up in a Swiss valley where her family taught her the names of useful plants and the limits of foraging. Her fae nature first showed plainly during a wet spring ascent: she fled a sudden rockslide on cloven feet, then hid for hours beneath a shepherd's stone shelter, certain the villagers would drive her away. She later found shelter near a freehold lodge, where Joanna, a pooka employed there, concealed her and two other Wolpertinger Gallain, Klaus and Marine. The lodge's residents regard the three as invaders, and their welcome remains conditional. Adriene has made herself useful by scouting nearby paths and bringing back edible herbs, but her taste-first curiosity has already caused trouble. She still explores alone, despite Joanna's warnings, and is trying to find a safe route through the mountains that the lodge can use without exposing the hidden Gallain.