"It all started after I left my village. My friends and family encouraged me to move to a city; they said I bloomed too bright to stay hidden in the village. They said I needed to spread my wings and fly freely. In hindsight it all sounds so foolish." Ashley smiles sheepishly as she fiddles with her robe. "I traveled to the city with no money or skills, I was just another pretty face."
I tend not to think much of people's appearances but, now that I'm taking the time to look her over, it's safe to say her family was fair with their assessment. I don't know how the average Dog-eared person looks but Ashley is stunning. Her thin fingers are sculpted from glass but she has such a voluptuous figure. Velvety brunette hair pours down over her shoulders to frame the gentle features of her face. A smile and a glance is all she needs to ensnare the hearts of unwitting men.
It seems so burdensome. I've never been considered very handsome but it hasn't been an issue for me. I can only imagine the stress that comes with constantly having suitors expectations leveraged upon you. People constantly engaging you with only the thinnest facade to cover their lustful intentions. Would-be friends and sisters shunning you for your impact on the behavior of others. It's likely more weight on her chest than even her ample bosom. The curse of beauty.
"It sounds like things didn't turn out well for you." I throw out the most generic response I can muster to keep the story moving.
"Well, the problem was that I thought they did. The people of Pleiades City were welcoming and helpful. I can still see the bright smiles of those I met there."
"And then you met him?"
"Yes, it was love at first sight. His big chest and fancy clothes. I felt like I was flying when he held me. And that smile, that damned smile." A tragic smile hangs upon her face as she recounts the events that led her here. "He whisked me away to a small frontier town, far away from anyone I knew. When we got here, it was just the two of us. He had me stay inside for my own protection; that's when he started to change."
"So, after isolating you from any possible support, he began convincing you that you needed him."
"Ha, you talk like you were there." Ashley sighs.
"No, I've just heard this story before. Abusers isolate their victims from their friends and family, and then lower their self-esteem until they can't even imagine leaving the relationship. They hurt you and then act remorseful. You forgive them and then they build the tension until even the smallest slight will act as a trigger."
"..."
Ashley grabs her arms and rocks slowly in her seat. Again I wait. Having her situation laid bare must be a lot to process. The seconds tick by and yet she remains quiet. Eventually, I decide to fill the space.
"You know, I'm not from around here."
Ashley looks up at me in confusion.
"I'm not talking about this town, I mean this planet." I say as I point up to the ceiling. Her eyes go wide with shock. "It was vastly different than here; there was no magic but we found other ways to manipulate our environment. The technology we created far exceeded the power of magic in many regards, we even went to the moon. Just like you, I was in a terrible situation; I needed a second chance."
"What happened?" She leans towards me to ensure she doesn't miss a word.
"I wasn't as strong as you. When I faced despair I had no hope; I gave up." I choke down the frog in my throat to finish my story. "One cold winter night, I took my own life. Such a stupid thing to do in hindsight, but at the time I couldn't see any other way out. I felt trapped."
"I'm so sorry."
"Thank you. I'm in a much better place now but I still wish I could go back. I wish things could have been different."
"Me too." Ashley drops back down into her chair. She looks at me like she has more to say about my situation but I encourage her to continue with her story. "He said I wasn't contributing; that I was taking advantage of him. I offered to get a job but he said I would just use that as an excuse to run away with another man. Any criticism turned into proof of my disloyalty."
It's coming.
"That's when he laid his hands on me." My shoulders drop as all the energy leaves my body. It feels like I just got punched in the stomach. "I felt so guilty I didn't even fight back. Then he called me a whore for giving in. He said I was a worthless sack of fat, a stupid whore!"
Ashley's voice rises as she relives the nightmare. Tears begin pouring down her face. I don't know what to do so I just silently watch her.
Several guild staff members come by to check on her but I wave them off with a shake of my head.
"He stopped working and made me get a job instead. I couldn't refuse because I know we'll need money to care for the baby." Ashley gently cradles her stomach. A forlorn hope flows across her eyes.
"You need to leave."
"Ha, but I have nowhere to go. I don't even know how to get back to my village. Besides, who would want trash like me. I don't even know who I am anymore." She says as she looks down at the ground.
"You're not trash. You're a kind, smart, and caring woman; and you have plenty of people willing to help you." I say and point to the worried crowd behind her.
Shelly is the first to approach and she gently wraps her arms around the crying young woman. Ashley grips her tight and bawls into her chest. All the pain she's stored up is now pouring out all at once.
'Thank you.' Shelly mouths in my direction. I nod. While I'd like to think I helped the next step is going to be even harder. There's a reason people stay in abusive relationships. It's very hard to leave.
Once she's finished crying, Ashley talks with Shelly and Catherine, the bunny-eared woman, before walking back over to me.
"Catherine said I could stay with her until I get my own place."
"Great." I nod.
"Thank you. I finally feel like I can start moving on."
"..."
"I'm going to have more free time now. What do you say we get something to eat together and you can tell me all about your past?" Ashley beams so brightly that I can't help but smile as I respond.
"Of course, I'll see you then."