Ishaza always knew she wanted to be a courtesan.

- well, that's a lie, but it's so close to the truth that it might as well not be. She knew since she was fourteen. Even as a young woman, she knew she was beautiful, and at first that was a hinderance to her, but then she learned. She learned how to speak and how to move and how to attract or deflect attention. Knowing the right things to say came naturally to her, and soon she had many admirers, enough to make her merchant father nervous. 

She promised him she'd keep her virginity till she was a grown woman, though, and that made him relax a little. He didn't know then that she knew the virginity of a trained courtesan fetched the highest price of all.

And so, still in the flower of her youth, she apprenticed herself to the Courtesan's Guild. They saw the potential in her; her drive, her passion, her cool-headed nature that made her in control of her sexuality, and not the other way around. Her father panicked, of course - but by then it was too late. She had a new family, and she took to the Guild like breathing. 

She already knew how to haggle and how to attract attention and how to play with others' hearts; from the guild she learned tact, and grace, and artistry, and technique. They were careful to preserve her technical virginity, oh yes - but everything they could teach her through observation and mentorship, they did. She was a bright potential. 

They saw that talent in her, the dazzling rough-cut jewel, and they brought in the flesh-crafters - and she changed, grew, refined. She was already beautiful; the Guild made her peerless. She was already talented in the carnal arts; the guild gave her a body that would match her enthusiasm and skill. 

And then, at last, her virginity was purchased - 

And from that moment onward, she never looked back.