Born to Tytonidae and Aditya alongside a sister, Silktail. At a young age, Silktail disappeared, and their parents did not have the resources to search for her. Waxwing was brought up to be polite and kind. Silktail was eventually found living in Brecheliant.

When Waxwing reached his first year, he dispersed from his parents with their blessing. He stayed with Paleo for some time under the leadership of Mahler and Wylla. When he got word his mother was sick, Waxwing left to take care of her.

He walked his failing mother to the doorstep of the packlands where she had been born, but did not cross. The young man was then once again on his own.