Son of a gruff miller and stern seamstress, Zael was the product of an affair. An accident. Unwanted trash by his parents. His birth ended up ruining the former marriages of both his father and mother, and they begrudgingly coupled together afterward. Born in the tiny hamlet of Tarrow far west of Vel Anir, Zael was made to work almost as soon as he could speak. Neither of his parents showed much affection for his efforts. Each often made pithy remarks about how he would never amount to anything, and that he ought to be glad for all that they gave to him.

When a fire accidentally broke out at his father's mill one day, Zael was trapped inside. His father saw him. Hesitated briefly--that small moment perhaps the most love he'd ever shown. But then he left Zael inside the burning building, saving himself.

The mill burned down to the ground. And in the debris, Zael was found by the Tarrowers salvaging through the smoldering wreckage. Unharmed by the fire, just the fallen detritus.

Zael, ultimately to the delight of his parents, was taken to the Academy shortly thereafter. He was six years old.

But there, at the Academy, Zael found something that he could truly strive for. Something he could truly live for. A purpose, and a damn good one. He took to the rigors of the Academy, seeking to self-improve. Seeking to become something his parents could never be.