After she was born, she was given a half of a key before her parents died. This was her only link to her past, as any information she had about her family history died with her parents. In 1867, she learned that the other half of the key had been found by the explorer Arthur Denison. Oriana agreed to let Arthur use the key on his upcoming expedition to the World Beneath, on the condition that she be allowed to accompany him – her name, which means "born from a cave" was the only clue she had as to her origins, so she suspected the answers she was seeking might be in the World Beneath. Arthur reluctantly agreed, and was pleasantly surprised that Oriana arrived ready for action with a sensible wardrobe and only a single small instrument, a dragon flute.