Stare into her eyes and lose yourself to her

Gitana.

Because it's not acceptable to be different. Because if you don't fit in, you will die. 

Back in those dark ages, having special abilities were considered to be witch or wizard. And burnt dead. Yes. You might know what i'm talking about. Learning to read or to write was only available if you were from a high status family or being part of the religious people.

Wars in name of God were held, and it wasn't weird for them to fight themselves. 

So, this is dark middle age.