Zirt grew up in Whistledown, roughly halfway between Magnimar and Korvosa. Her parents, both respected members of the gnomish community there, fostered her curious and friendly nature from her birth. When she was still quite young, she began to earn a reputation for her story-telling.
Zirt loved stories. By the time she was just over halfway to gnomish adulthood, she had learned every popular story in her community, and was asked to tell one (or more) at almost every community gathering. With help from her parents, she realized that her skill in story-telling could be expanded and honed to apply to almost all aspects of interpersonal relations. She learned to befriend complete strangers, carry on conversations with local politicians, and even scare off bullies by simply speaking to them.
Zirt's skills grew, and her thirst for more knowledge grew with them. She would sit for hours at the houses of the eldest in the community, listening to their tales of life (and fantasy), and adding them one by one to her mental repertoire.
In time, Zirt's parents realized that her thirst for learning could not be satisfied much longer in Whistledown. Having sent a letter to a friend in Magnimar to secure for Zirt a place to stay, they kissed her and sent her on her way, with a member of the community as an escort.
