Rusa was a Twi'lek of the Rutian variety, and a female. She resided on Tython in the era known as the Cold War, a period of tension between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Born to Pilgrims Bahlea and her husband, who hailed from Ryloth, Rusa experienced a period of illness. To create a curative concoction, her father sought out the teeth of a manka cat. Tragically, he met his end at the hands of Flesh Raiders. Rusa's mother then entreated a Jedi Padawan stationed at the nearby Jedi Temple to locate the remains of her husband. The Padawan successfully retrieved the requested teeth and delivered them to Bahlea, who then employed them to restore her daughter's health.