Hiltrude sold four outfits to an adventuring group in Search For The Silver Dragon, where she met the Devilborn Mormeros Fayan. The charismatic swindler promised to invest in her company before being dragged away by Tobias Villie Broadnose Cogsmith, but Hiltrude continued to consider the offer; however, the devilborn would never return to Cutton's Cold Cuts again.
Born the eldest of seven to a pair of Halfling Adventurers, Hiltrude was raised as a caretaker to her younger siblings. Her mother was a devout Cleric of Thestus and her father was a Ranger of the Khazalet militia, but both raised their daughter with strong values and moral character. Hiltrude was taught how to tailor and work leather at a young age, repairing her sibling's clothes while her parents took adventures and fought for the city.
At a young age, her parents never returned from a quest given to them by Tybus Steelborn of the Roc's Nest. The mission sent them to the Mark of Elteos, and their bodies had not been recovered. Though they left a fairly sizeable inheritance to their family, the young halflings never learned how their parents died. Hiltrude stayed steadfast despite her tragic loss, devoting all her energy to Thestus and to raising her siblings.
She taught them the skills needed to tailor and work leather, and working together with her siblings, Hiltrude opened Cutton's Cold Cuts at the age of seventeen with her inheritance. The specialty shop carried only clothing for cold weather, as procuring such items had been a challenge for her parents before they had left for their final mission. Though not overwhelmingly successful, the business found its niche in the city, and Hiltrude's beaming attitude, innocence, and devotion inspired loyalty in her customers. She spent her mornings learning to become an acolyte of Thestus, and the rest of her days hurriedly wrangling her siblings, teaching, and maintaining her cramped shop.