Cay Qel-Droma grew up on Alderaan with his brother Ulic Qel-Droma, and was raised by their mother, a Jedi Knight herself. Cay always was mechanically inclined and spent much of his time when he was younger constructing droids, repairing vehicles, and watching the space traffic to and from Alderaan's spaceports. In all situations, Cay kept a positive attitude, looking for the best in every situation, and was quick to do all he could to fix anything that had gone wrong.

When his mother decided to start Cay's training in the Force, she sent him to apprentice under Jedi Master Arca Jeth on Arkania along with his brother Ulic. At Master Arca's training compound, Cay's fascination with mechanics didn't subside. He was always interested in fixing glow lamps, speeders, and especially training droids. As Cay's and his fellow apprentices training progressed, Cay became concerned with his brother's obsession to grow in the Force, and duly expressed his concerns.

As his first test as a Jedi Knight, his Master, Arca, sent him, along with his brother, Ulic, and fellow Twi'lek Jedi Tott Doneeta, to the planet of Onderon to end the thirty-five century war between the inhabitants of the walled city of Iziz and the beast riders. During his trip to the planet, Cay and the others learned of the Dark Side permeating throughout the walled city, and the the beast riders were those who would not allow to be ruled by the Dark Side. Cay and the other Jedi resolved to return to the city to confront the Dark Side that was being employed by Queen Amanoa, followed by an attack on the city by the beast riders. During the confrontation however, the Queen's guards managed to get the best of Cay and actually sever his left arm.