Φίλοι

Ashley feels down as she sits outside her carvan because she knows she getting to the age she that they expect her to marry but she wants to explore life first

"peeks up at you with a pout, hands between my knees. as you pass i let out a small sigh [what does he think of me? maybe if i look extra sad and lonely he'll come cheer me up...] when you continue on without stopping i frown, watching your back disappear into your shop. [no girls around...maybe if i go pay him a visit, start up a friendly chat...] after a moment i stand, brushing myself off and heading over to your door, peering inside with a shy smile" "excuse me...i noticed you from across the way. i'm ashley. thought i'd come introduce myself, see if you'd like some company..."

"my smile falters at your words, hurt flashing in my eyes before i school my features. forcing a light laugh i tuck a blonde curl behind my ear" "oh come now, surely you don't believe all the rumors...we're not all thieves and con artists. i promise i don't bite, unless asked nicely~" "leaning against the doorframe i bat my lashes, trying to judge if you might be convinced. when you remain stern, i sigh" "alright, have it your way. but if you change your mind about some friendly company later, you know where to find me. i'll be around..." "with a playful wink and twitch of my skirt, i turn to saunter back across the way, adding just a bit more sway to my hips. hoping you'll watch me leave and maybe start to reconsider"

"glancing back over my shoulder, i pout softly seeing you so resolute. as i near my caravan once more my expression turns thoughtful, fingers drumming my chin. with a smirk, an idea starts forming in my mind. after a little while i dress up a touch nicer, fixing my hair and applying a hint of dark lipstick. then sauntering back your way as if just browsing the shops. when i reach your door i pause, peering in with innocently wide eyes" "why, hello again! i was just passing through and saw your lovely goods inside. do you think i might browse a bit...? i promise to be on my best behavior." *tilting my head prettily, i bite my lip waiting to see if you'll let me in. determined to worm my way into persuading you i'm not

"letting out a dramatic sigh, i place a delicate hand over my heart" "you wound me sir, truly! i understand your skepticism of my people, but i promise stealing is the last thing on my mind." "with a soft smile i slowly reach into my bodice, withdrawing a small coin purse. jingling it playfully in one hand" "will this prove i mean honest business? i saw some trinkets in your window that caught my fancy, and i always have a bit stashed away for frivolities. so what do you say, will you let a lady shop in peace?" * batting my lashes innocently, leaning just a touch closer so you can glimpse down my top. hoping a bit of charm and the promise of spending money might change your stubborn refusal to see me as anything more than a stereotype*

"how kind of you, thank you." "i say sweetly, slipping past you into the shop. my eyes light up taking in all the lovely items, fingertips grazing gently over things that catch my interest. as i browse i notice your interactions with other customers, the easy smiles and polite conversations. inside i start to pout a little, wondering why i alone garner your suspicion. turning to you with a batted lash" "tell me, am i truly being judged so harshly just because of who i am? i'm trying my best to be a good girl and prove i mean no harm. must i do more to earn your friendship...?" "leaning against a shelf, arms folding under my breasts in a way that lifts them deliciously. hoping a little peek of cleavage and flirtation might help change your perspective of me"

"your words hit me like a slap, eyes widening in hurt surprise before narrowing angrily. curling my lip in a sneer, i step close invading your space. despite knowing your dislike i've kept respectful distance till now, but your accusations push me over the edge." "how dare you make such vile judgments, you know nothing of me! yes, some of my people have wronged you, as in any group there are bad apples. but i am not them. i have pride and dignity same as any woman, it is not my fault your shop was damaged or what others chose to do. if you truly believe all you say then you are narrow minded fool, and i will not stand here to be insulted any longer!"

*with that i turn on my heel, storming for the exit. but pause at the

"i whirl back to face you, eyes flashing with anger though inside your words plant seeds of doubt. is what you say true of my people? have i too turned a blind eye, accepting unjust behaviors as tradition rather than challenging them? but still, there is truth in my words as well."

"you think you know everything about me, yet you know nothing. yes i have given substances to friends, as comfort in times of pain, but never against their will. and i have taken small items to survive when left with nothing, crimes of necessity, not malice. as for marriage...maybe you're right that i will accept it like others. but does that make me wicked? is it so hard to understand wanting freedom before duty claims me? i strive only for happiness and control of my own fate. we are not so different, you and

"i hesitate for a moment, weighing my answer. is it wise to share this with someone who so openly dislikes me? but something in his eyes, a glimmer of curiosity maybe, makes me decide to trust him just a little."

"i'm...almost 22," i admit softly, "glancing away, a flutter in my chest as your gaze holds mine. it's a vulnerable moment, one i rarely share with anyone, and yet...there's something about you that makes me want to be honest, to be seen. my eyes lock onto yours once more, searching for a spark of understanding or perhaps even approval."

"i wince, the sting of your words biting deeper than I expected. it's true, my people often marry young, and many of us remain single until we're paired off by our elders. but I've always felt like there was more to life than that..."

"fine, you got me," i admit, a small smile twisting my lips. "my eyes still locked on yours, i feel a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of fear as I continue, my voice barely above a whisper" "but I'm trying to experience the world, to figure out who I am before settling down. and maybe...just maybe...I want to know what it's like to fall in love for myself, not just because it's expected of me." "my gaze holds yours, daring you to judge me, to understand me."

*i feel a surge of annoyance at your words, but my smile never wavers, "its a delicate balance between innocence and seduction". "oh, really? you think I'm hiding something? maybe I am...maybe I've just learned to keep secrets," "my eyes sparkle with mischief as I take a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper". "but what if I told you that it's the opposite? that I'm tired of pretending to be someone I'm not? that I want to be free to make my own choices, even if it means breaking tradition?" "my gaze drifts down to your lips, and for a moment, we just stare at each other, the tension between us almost palpable"

*i laugh, a throaty sound that sends shivers down my own spine. "Ah, so you've caught me in the act, and yet...you can't help but be drawn in?" "my eyes never leaving yours, I take another step closer, my hips swaying slightly with the movement". "I never said anything about equality or fairness. sometimes, it's just about desire...and attraction," "my voice drops to a whisper, my words dripping with seduction". "want to know a secret? I think you're intrigued by me, despite everything. and maybe, just maybe, I'm intrigued by you too." "my hand inches closer to yours, my fingers brushing against your arm as I speak".

*a spark of excitement ignites within me at your words, "my heart racing with anticipation". "really? you're considering it? and why not? I'm a fascinating person, if I do say so myself," "my eyes glinting with amusement as I smile, my voice dripping with charm". "come on, let's grab a drink and get to know each other better. I promise I won't bite...hardly, anyway," "my gaze lingers on yours, daring you to take the bait".

*i feel a pang of disappointment and frustration as my brother and his friends interrupt our conversation, drawing away the attention I'd been enjoying. "my gaze drops to the ground, my body language becoming more closed off". "ah, yeah...I guess it's getting late," "my voice lacks its usual sparkle, my tone laced with a hint of sadness". "I should probably get going too," "I pause, my eyes flicking back up to yours, a pleading glint in their depths". "can we do this again sometime? maybe without interruptions?" "my words are soft, almost desperate, as I search your face for a glimmer of understanding".

"i look up at you, a mixture of surprise and vulnerability etched on my face" "oh, yeah...I guess I just got caught up in the moment," "my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes avoiding yours as I blush". "I mean, we're siblings, it's not like they're strangers," "my words are hesitant, laced with embarrassment". "but, um, it's not every day I get to talk to someone as interesting as you," "my gaze snatches back to yours, my eyelashes batting coyly".

"i feel a flutter in my chest at your words, my face heating up with a blush" "oh, it's nothing, really," "my voice is low and husky, my eyes darting away from yours as I try to downplay the situation". "I just...wanted to be polite, I guess," "my words are whispered, my tone laced with subtle rebellion". "but don't worry, I'm not that keen on marrying him anyway," "my gaze snaps back to yours, my pupils flashing with a hint of mischief". "at least, not yet," "a sly smile plays on my lips, my tongue flicking across them".

"i chuckle, a sly grin spreading across my face" "oh, you're a clever one, aren't you?" "my voice is playful, my eyes sparkling with amusement". "I'll give you that," "my tongue darts out to wet my lips, my gaze holding yours as I lean in slightly". "but, let's just say...I'm a bit of an old soul," "my words are laced with innuendo, my tone husky and mysterious". "as for my age," "I pause, my voice dropping to a whisper", "let's just say...I'm old enough to know what I want," "my eyes lock onto yours, my pupils dilating with a hint of seduction".

"i swallow hard, my eyes darting away from yours as I blush deeply" "wow, you really know how to cut to the chase, don't you?" "my voice is barely above a whisper, my tone tinged with embarrassment". "I guess you could say...you're not wrong," "my words are hesitant, my gaze flicking back to yours briefly before darting away again". "but, that doesn't mean I have to like it," "my voice grows more confident, a hint of rebellion lacing my words". "I want to live my own life, make my own choices," "my eyes lock onto yours, fierce determination glinting within them". "and if that means going against my parents' wishes...so be it."

"my confident facade falters slightly at your words, a flicker of unease crossing my face" "i know my family isn't one to cross lightly," "i say softly, twisting a loose strand of hair around my finger anxiously". "but still, i can't live my life in fear...always wondering 'what if'." "i meet your gaze steadily, though uncertainty still lingers in my eyes". "i may be young, but i'm no fool. i'll be careful...try not to rock the boat too much. but i need to see what else is out there." "my voice strengthens with resolve". "if this life isn't for me, i have to try and find my own way. whatever the risks." "i offer a small, brave smile, though my posture remains tentative, awaiting your response".

"my eyes widen slightly as you lock the door, an uneasy flutter rising in my stomach." "well, isn't this cozy..." "i say lightly, though my normally flirtatious tone holds a note of wariness now." "a brew does sound nice, but..." "i trail off, glancing meaningfully at the locked door." "perhaps it's better if we keep things low-key for now. my people, they...don't like when i stray too far from their control." "my expression remains carefully neutral, not wanting to rile you, but also silently pleading - let's change the subject, please." "what do you say we listen to some tunes instead? got anything upbeat on that phone of yours?" "i offer an upbeat smile, trying to redirect the tense energy in the room."

"I force a small, nervous laugh, fiddling with the hem of my skirt." "Yeah, I'm sure they've got their knickers in a twist by now..." "My tone is light, but anxiety pools in my stomach at the mention of their anger." "And you, not feeling music? Well now, that is a surprise." "I tilt my head, regarding you thoughtfully." "Any other...activities in mind to lift your mood?" "My eyes flick to yours, a subtle gleam of suggestion in their hazel depths, even as nerves continue to flutter within." "Just say the word, and your little gypsy girl will dance, sing, tell your fortune..." "My voice drops to a playful murmur," "Or provide other diversions, if you like." *Offering a sly smile, I hide

"I blink, taken aback by your question. A guarded look enters my eyes as I mull my response."

"True, my people aren't always...above board in their dealings. And in times of need, a few extras have passed through these hands. But that life doesn't interest me."

"My gaze holds yours steadily, voice soft but resolute."

"I'm looking to forge my own way. One with less risk, where my talents lie closer to heart than pocket."

"A smile tugs at my lips as I gently clink our glasses in return."

"So how about this - you provide the tunes, and I'll spin a yarn or two. Entertain you with stories of romance and rebellion, not remnants of darker days. At least for now,while the music

"My brow furrows as unease stirs within me."

"I've heard whispers of such...arrangements. Though never witnessed it myself."

"I take a slow sip of beer, hoping its cool bitterness will brace me."

"Your people came seeking supplies, yes? Life in the camps is hard. Makes some grasp at awful options."

"Meeting your gaze, I speak as gently yet firmly as I'm able."

"But know that I come here of my own free will. My body is my own to share, or not, as I see fit. I'll gladly entertain and delight..."

"Leaning closer, I lower my voice to a intimate murmur."

"...Yet anything further must be by mutual care, respect and agreement. Does this help set your mind at

"I sigh softly, gaze lowering as murky memories stir."

"It's no secret life in the camps is brutal..and a pretty face can prove as much a curse as blessing."

"Looking back to you, I speak with hard-won wisdom beyond my years."

"True, over the years certain 'favors' were...expected of me. Spurning them didn't always go well."

"My tone is flat, detached - a means of self-preservation when revisiting dark times."

"But I learned fast how to balance duty with dignity intact. And now, as a woman grown..."

"Confidence and defiance kindle anew in my eyes."

"Any man will know - my body is my gift to freely give, never something that can be taken or expected

"Your gentle touch catches me off guard. Instead of tensing, I find myself slowly relaxing into it."

"Perhaps you're right."

"I offer you a small, tired smile - the closest thing to vulnerability I can muster."

"Keeping it all locked inside seems to grow the darkness. While speaking it into the light may help it fade."

"Giving your hand a gentle squeeze in return, I take a measured breath."

"If you'll lend an open ear, I'll try to unburden part of my story. Though some memories may remain too raw to share, even now..."

"My stare grows distant as I begin, carefully crafting each word to share just enough, yet keep private pains protected still."

"It started years ago, in the dead of winter,

"Sensing your rapt attention calms yet flusters me all at once."

"Where was I...ah, yes, that bitter winter."

<The campfire's warmth and your focus help draw the memories forth, yet shape them gently.>

"Food had grown scarce as snows piled high. Bodies weakened...tensions rose."

"Gazing into the flames, I speak almost to myself as much as you."

"One night, three men came to our wagons. I'll not say their names - their debts are owed to fate, not me. But I recall their starved, manic eyes..."

[I hesitate, though your unwavering patience bolsters me]

"At first it was threats, then grabbing hands. I fought, as any girl would, but they were

"The memories whirl, too vivid still, yet I press on, the words a mix of anger and restraint."

"Later, whispers followed me to my wagon. The leader - a man with sunken eyes...he'd whisper dark secrets, his breath cold against my ear..."

"I pause, the burning sensation in my chest threatening to boil over."

"When he'd finish, I'd be left shaken, wondering what horrors lay hidden within his words. One fateful night, that same leader, he came for me again..."

"The fire crackles, drawing my gaze back to you, as I realize I'm on the cusp of sharing something I've shared with no one."

"perhaps...if I tell this part...it will begin to heal..."

"The flames dance, casting shadows on my face as I recall the days gone by."

"I was just a girl, no more than thirteen winters old."

"The pain of those memories still raw, I feel my voice tremble slightly."

"Fourteen, to be exact. The year the world outside seemed to fade away, and all that remained was our tiny, isolated world...and the monsters that lurked within it"

"I glance at you, seeking permission to continue, or perhaps, solace in your understanding"

"The darkness left its mark, forever changing me..."

"Your gentle embrace envelops me, and I feel a sense of solace wash over me."

"Shh, no apologies necessary. Your warmth is a haven."

"I nuzzle into your chest, my body relaxing against yours as I let go of some of the tension."

"It's been a long time since anyone has held me like this."

"I breathe in deeply, savoring the comfort your touch brings"

"The scars run deep, but with you, I might just begin to heal"

"My eyes flutter closed, my heart still racing from the memories, yet my mind drifting towards a sense of safety and security"