The entire group listened intently, quiet and respectful throughout, though Keela did occasionally throw in some commentary, explaining her perspective on things, and Zaravin or Gausslyn, on how the society functioned, in more detail than either of the slaves knew. By the time it was done, it was clear that Ivy had dragged them through a fairly intense emotional roller coaster. Finally, Ivy's given a break, and Gausslyn and Zaravin are asked for their stories, which they share, though in far less detail.<br/><br/>Zaravin knew she was destined to be a shaman since she was young; she'd been able to tap into magic almost as soon as she hit puberty, which was unusual enough that Milia looked surprised, though less so when Zaravin explained that 'hitting puberty' meant 'was an acceptable target for the advances of others'; she discovered her power, protecting herself after losing her virginity, at what would be, for a human, roughly fourteen years old. From there, she went out into the wilds, where an older shaman lived alone, to study under her. She, like Xullfryn, had extra equipment, and traded lessons in magic for time with Zaravin's body... though, she admitted, she didn't care as much, given the effect magic had on the caster. Once she matured, and the old shaman died, she took her place, and took over the duties, until the events of the last day.<br/><br/>Gausslyn was a little more interesting. Like Zaravin, she had her first encounter young. Unlike the shaman, though, she killed her rapist, and fled her home island, sailing, alone, to another one, where she found a blind elf, who knew martial arts. She studied under him, never letting on that she was a drow, until one day, a visitor informed him, and she was chased off the island. She returned home, with her newfound skills, and took advantage of the ritual combat that prevented fatal conflicts, and quickly rose in power and prestige. Of course, until Ivy came along.