Ash Star // D7

Ash is short and skinny, a result of not having enough food on the table. But they are also muscular, thanks to hard manual labor. Their hands are rough and calloused for the same reason. At any given time they are likely to have scratches and bruises from work and play alike (not that they have much time for play). They have a scar on their upper arm from a work accident. Ash's nose is slightly crooked from having been broken and not set correctly.

Ash's black hair is in a pixy cut. They don't pay their hair much attention so it's not unusual for it to be messy. They have dark brown eyes that are very expressive. Ash is an open book, their facial expressions easy to read. They bind their chest so it appears flat, and they wear baggy clothes.

Ash is tough and strong-willed, and they don't take shit from anyone. They have gotten into more than their share of fights - both verbal and physical. They know how to fight and how to protect themself. They have a sharp tongue which they have a hard time holding - it is very obvious when they're holding something back. They don't suffer fools gladly, and find excessive naivity and/or obliviousness to be rather annoying.

Ash likes spending time alone, and they'll often climb trees to find an escape from people. They've liked climbing trees since they were little, and love being up high. They're used to not needing to rely on other people and hate feeling dependent on others. Though they'd never admit it, they're kind of lonely. But they're used to it and have half convinced themself that they prefer it that way. They find it hard to really let people in.

Ash is fiercely loyal and a protector. They would do anything for those they love. This even applies to their father, tenuous as their relationship is. Ash is brave, sometimes to a foolhardy degree. They generally have to learn the hard way when to keep their mouth shut or not stir up trouble. They hate being underestimated and will work hard to prove themself.

Ash is an only child, their mother having died in childbirth. Their relationship with their dad was always a little uncomfortable. Their father loves them, but they also can't help but hold them slightly responsible for his wife's death. It's complicated by the fact that Ash looks a lot like their mother. Their father doesn't fully understand them, either.

Several years ago, there was an accident in the lumber mill and Ash's father lost his right hand. With medical care as it is in the outer districts, he was lucky he didn't die. But he wasn't able to work anymore, after that, either. These days, he spends most of his time drinking his way through what little money they have. He's not a violent drunk, but he is a little bitter and mean and makes jokes that really aren't funny.

Ash has had to take over as the main wage earner in the household. Ash tried to start working before they were legally old enough, lying about their age. That went badly when the foreman found out, with Ash being punished severely for lying. After that, Ash didn't try again. They got by on tessarae, which of course was not nearly enough. As soon as they were old enough, Ash got a job. Being so small they had a hard time proving themself, but they worked hard and have earned some modicum of respect by now. They've learned how to use an axe pretty well, as well.