I always thought there was more to Laras than being a simple fat cook. I really never thought much about it until this book, when she once again tried to step in and free someone from the Tower.

She seems much too sneaky and intelligent to be just a cook.

I like your idea that she was probably a beautiful con woman (maybe from Arad Doman) when she was younger, she got into trouble, and took refuge in the Tower.

Unfortunately, I just don't think there will be any words leftover to discuss where Laras is from. It would be nice to figure out, but that will most likely be one of the many mysteries that goes unanswered.