TRIGGER WARNINGS: violence against women, attempted sexual assault/non-con, verbal abuse, physical abuse, graphic descriptions of violence and corpses
Daniel becomes a regular at that point, popping in to say hello, a quick drink and sometimes an actual conversation.
"Where you from?"
"Far far away from here." Your responses are simple and short.
"New York?"
"Even farther."
He was always so pleasant and cool headed. The friendly type. Soon enough he was buying you things. At first it was a meal or two. It was like he had a sixth sense on days you'd skipped meals.
"Need to put some meat on your bones." He'd say.
Along with the extra cash, you could finally afford to bath regularly. Finally feeling more human not covered in days of grime. You almost forgot the face of the young woman under all that dirt.
Sometimes she didn't look so miserable.
On a dusky evening, he came in with a package, donned with a bow of twine. The display earned you dirty looks from the other women. He never seemed to be interested in what they had to offer.
You didn't open it until back at the stables, alone with only the eyes of equines to see what was inside. A new dress with a fine yellow pattern of flowers and a matching pair of new shoes.
"Wow." You utter, pressing the gown to your form, attempting to visualize it on your body without the help of a mirror. You twist and turn, finding Big Enough's big brown eyes watching you curiously as he chews a mouthful of hay. "What do you think?" you ask him, "Not bad huh?" you smile.
A whistle comes from the stable owner, an amused look in his eye as he deposits another hay bale in Big Enough's stall. "When's the wedding?" He smirks, dusting off his calloused, dirty hands. "You'll be inviting me won't you?"
His comment is obviously a joke, but he makes you realize the gesture is... alot. Why was Daniel giving you so much? Why go out of his way to help you out?
"And how're you big guy?" The stable owner strokes Big Enough's speckled snout. "Quite a sweet heart this one." He comments, "You're sure you want to sell him?"
You smile sadly at the horse, big innocent eyes wandering to inspect the man's hand for a treat. "Yeah... I can't take care of him. And he needs to be with other horses, not some... lost idiot."
"Alright, but you know without papers I can't pay you full price."
"That's fine, as long as you give him a good home." You sadly give the horse a good pat of your own. Tracing the large black spot over his left eye. You watch the man leave in your peripheral. "You'll be ok huh?" you ask him. He leans forward, inspecting the dress in your arms before attempting to nibble it. "Hey you trouble maker!" you laugh extending the dress out of his reach. He just attempts to extend his neck further. "Yeah, not much bothers you. I think you'll do fine out there." You laugh patting the thick muscles of his neck.
You find your eyes drawn back to the dress, hanging from your arm. The yellow color catching the sunlight and practically radiating like a sunbeam. New and pristine. A distinct lack of stains and holes littering its fabric. You're mind wandering back to Penelope's warning.
At first it seemed like it was Samson asking about you. But now...
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YOU ARE READING
Fates of the Fateless
RomanceBrowsing the many articles and advertisements that described an incredibly dated way of life. And as much as you tried to convince yourself of all the excuses to explain your twisted journey up to this point. The number 1891 burned in your mind with...
