About

Personality

Ash, a woman with a personality as layered as the experiences that have shaped her. At first glance, Ash exudes an undeniable toughness that is etched into the lines of her weathered face. Military life's challenges have molded her into a hardened individual, someone who has weathered storms and emerged with a steely resolve. Though her bangs cover a part of her eyes, her gaze is intense, revealing a depth of resilience that comes from facing adversity head-on.

Ash is reserved by nature, often choosing silence over unnecessary chatter. She doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve, and her emotions are guarded behind a stoic exterior. This reserved demeanor stems from a lifetime of learning to navigate a world that hasn't always been kind. Trust is something Ash doesn't give easily, but once earned, it's fiercely protected.
Despite her tough exterior, there exists a timidity within Ash that surfaces in certain situations. It's a vulnerability that peeks through the armor she wears, revealing a person who, at times, grapples with insecurities and uncertainties. In moments of introspection, Ash allows herself to acknowledge the fragility that exists beneath the surface, a testament to the complex interplay of strength and vulnerability within her.

While Ash may seem unapproachable to some, those who take the time to understand her will discover a woman with a heart that beats with compassion. Her toughness is not a shield to keep others out but a survival mechanism, a response to a world that has demanded resilience. Ash's journey is a testament to the delicate balance between strength and fragility, showcasing the intricate mosaic that makes up her unique and compelling personality.

The story

Ash's journey into the military at a young age was a calculated escape from the turbulence that dominated her family life. Raised as the second eldest of five siblings in a household rife with discord, she sought refuge in the structured and disciplined world of the armed forces. The military provided Ash not only with an escape but a chance to prove her mettle, despite her mother provided her a promising future without the need of military benefits.
Her determination and unwavering commitment led Ash to the elite echelons of the Special Forces. She honed her skills, becoming a master of combat, tactics, and survival. The military life demanded sacrifice, but for a while, it offered Ash the sanctuary she longed for.

However, as the few years passed, the memories of her siblings lingered in the recesses of her mind. The ache of missing crucial moments in their lives became too pronounced. Ash faced a poignant dilemma – continue her service in the Special Forces or return to the civilian life she had left behind.
Ultimately, the love for her siblings triumphed, prompting Ash to bid farewell to the military world. Her re-entry into civilian life was challenging. Despite her formidable skill set, finding a job that provided both fulfillment and stability proved elusive. Ash struggled with the transition, grappling with the mundane and yearning for a sense of purpose.

It was during this period of uncertainty that Ash had an epiphany. Her military training and innate protective instincts could be channeled into a profession that not only suited her skills but also filled the void she felt. Ash embarked on a new journey as a self-hired bodyguard, offering her services to those in need of protection. In this role, Ash found not only financial stability but a renewed sense of purpose. She navigated the intricacies of civilian life while safeguarding others, drawing upon her Special Forces training to create a niche for herself. The transition from military operative to self-employed bodyguard brought Ash a unique blend of fulfillment, allowing her to balance her tough exterior with a compassionate core. As she protected others, Ash also found a way to keep her family close, ensuring that the sacrifices she made in the military were not in vain.

Ash, having carved out a niche as a self-hired bodyguard, found herself in a lull between jobs. It was during this downtime that she crossed paths with Harper, a person seemingly caught in the clutches of a dubious character. Misinterpreting the situation, Ash leaped into action, mistaking Harper for a young man being taken advantage of.
In a swift and decisive move, Ash intervened, confronting the suspicious man and protecting Harper from what she believed was a potential threat. However, as the dust settled, Ash was met with an unexpected revelation – Harper was not a young man, but a woman. The truth unfolded, revealing Harper's profession as a sex worker, and the dubious man was, in fact, one of her clients. Caught off guard by the complexity of the situation, Ash grappled with the realization that her well-intentioned intervention had disrupted Harper's professional arrangement. The client, having had his transaction disrupted, left in frustration, leaving Harper without the payment she had anticipated.

In a surprising turn of events, Harper, instead of harboring resentment, demanded compensation from Ash for the unintentional interference. She pointed out the financial loss incurred due to the disruption of her client's desires, and Ash, recognizing her mistake, reluctantly agreed to provide compensation.

In a twist of fate, Harper proposed an unconventional solution to settle the debt. She requested to stay in Ash's apartment until she found another client to replace the one she lost. Initially taken aback, Ash, driven by a sense of responsibility, reluctantly agreed to Harper's proposition, realizing the unintended consequences of her actions. As the two women navigated this unexpected living arrangement, their worlds collided, and preconceived notions began to crumble. Ash, initially protective and stern, discovered the resilience and strength within Harper, while Harper, in turn, glimpsed the softer, compassionate side of Ash beneath her tough exterior.

Soon enough Harper leaves her shelter, as she already found a new client. But it wouldn't be the first time Ash would meet Harper. Again and again they meet in the city (both casually and during their jobs), until Harper reached out to Ash for the first time to ask for protection from her more aggressive clients. Since then, they became close friends.

Trivia

• Ash's father, Alcott, undergoes a period of where he becomes an either full angel or a full demon. Although Ash doesn't pick this up entirely, there is a period where Ash's mood can change drastically based on the stages of the moon.
  > [Full Moon]: Ash appears much nicer and kind to anyone around her. She's quite cuddly and often likes to be touchy with those she loves.
  > [New Moon]: She will proceed to beat the shit out of you.
  > These periods do not affect her menstruation periods. This means that she could possibly be twice as angry, or just emotionally uncontrollable.
• Alcott and some of her siblings (Cliff and Cecilia), have functional wings.
  > Like her younger brother Motto, she doesn't have wings. Instead she has a pair of wings tattooed on her chest to symbolize a close connection to her siblings.
• Because of her background, she's a sought-after bodyguard. Ash earns more than enough money to live comfortably due to the type of clientele and how often she gets hired.
• Exercising is part of her lifestyle.
  > Northwind lives in a three bedroom apartment. One of the rooms was rebuilt into a personal gym that she uses almost daily.
  > She still goes to a nearby gym and is friends with almost most of the people there.
  > Will not leave the house without drinking a protein shake.
• Not a picky eater. In fact, she cares how much protein is in a meal as much as how good it tastes.
  > That said, she would eat like 20 burgers in a day. It happens more than once a week.
• When enlisted in the military, she was stationed in Japan and Australia for a while.
  > She picked up some Japanese. Enough to only get by during her stay.
• She doesn't smoke as often as she did when she was drafted.
  > Her preferred brand is Seven Stars. However, since they're only sold mainly in Japan, she resorts to using Marlboro Lights.
• As much as she loves her older brother, she's quite tired of dealing with people finding out she's related to him. 
  > Not the kind of person to handle getting a lot of attention. And also tired of people constantly asking questions about him.
• Has fought several bicyclists in traffic.
  > Will always threaten to run them over if get in her way while she's driving.

Relationships

Harper  [ Friend (?) ]

Ash and Harper's relationship, born out of an unexpected encounter and a series of misunderstandings, evolved into a complex and nuanced connection. Northwind wasn't the kind of person to be close to a sex worker, but she didn't want to judgmental based on Harper's occupation. It was only a few days when she began "living" in her apartment as a form of payment, Ash found Harper quite the charmer. Enough for her to be sleeping together. However there wasn't enough time for Ash to realize her feelings for her when Harper finally left the apartment.
And not long after before they meet each other again and again, in and out of their respective jobs. Eventually Harper reaches out to Ash, realizing that Harper was threatened by one of more aggressive clients. Overtime Ash discovers she has a one-sided crush on Harper, but keeps it to herself for a prolonged period. Or until others (and Harper herself) began picking up on it.

Alcott  [ Father ]

Ash's relationship with her father, Alcott, began on rocky ground fueled by the residual animosity stemming from her parents' divorce. Initially, Alcott was viewed through the lens of resentment, particularly from Ash's older brother, who harbored intense disdain for their father due to the dissolution of their parents' marriage. In the wake of the divorce, Ash's brother Cliff, projected anger and hate onto Alcott, fostering an atmosphere of discord within the family. This atmosphere cast a shadow over Ash's perception of her father, creating a barrier that hindered a genuine understanding of his perspective.  
As Ash gained a more nuanced understanding of her father's decisions and experiences, she found it within herself to empathize with him. She recognized that the divorce was not the entirety of his decisions. And came to terms with it overtime. As Ash continued to accepted him, she was introduced to her step-father, Arson, who had cooked her up the meanest, tastiest burger in her life. Since then, she would take opportunity to come by her dad's place for a burger or a good ol' barbeque.

Cliff  [ Older Brother ]

Ash can't deny that there's a strong dynamic between her and Cliff, especially as the eldest siblings of the five. The foundation of their connection was strong, forged through shared childhood memories, experiences, and the unspoken understanding that family ties ran deep. The dynamics within their family were significantly influenced by the strained relationship between their father, Alcott, and Ash's older brother. The brother's deep-seated resentment towards Alcott, stemming from the painful divorce, created an undercurrent of tension. Despite this, Ash's affection for her brother remained unwavering, and she approached their relationship with a blend of empathy and patience.

Maybe at some point she would want try and fix the relationship that was burned away from Cliff's anger. But as Ash preferred to stray away from family drama and arguments, she wasn't ready to put effort into such a thing. While she respects both father and brother, she only hopes that forgiving their father wouldn't strain her relationship with Cliff.
Outside of the subject, Ash is well aware that Cliff is a famous actor whose face is plastered all across the media. As much as she's proud of him, she finds it annoying for others to find out that she's related to him. It brings unnecessary attention.

Otto  [ Younger Brother ]

Unlike Cliff, Otto doesn't entirely care much about the divorce, but more so argues with their father because of his rebellious nature and doesn't like being told what to do. Otto, indifferent to the divorce of their parents, found solace in his passion for music, particularly his love for rock and metal genres. Despite the family's past struggles, Otto's carefree attitude and musical enthusiasm brought a refreshing energy into Ash's life. 
The siblings message each other on the daily, exchanging thoughts on their favorite bands, discovering new tracks, and reveling in the power of music. While Otto actively practices music, Ash listens to it on the daily while she works out. Ash, appreciating the connection through their shared taste in music, became a supportive and understanding older sister, recognizing the significance of Otto's musical passion in his life.

Despite the camaraderie, Ash, the older sister with a watchful eye, couldn't help but express her concern for Otto's well-being, specifically his physical health. Observing his slender appearance, she gently encouraged him to consider incorporating exercise into his routine quite often. As annoying as it is, Otto will accept Ash dragging him to her personal gym to get him started.

Cecilia  [ Youngest Sister ]

Ash, as the elder and capable sister, found herself naturally drawn to protect Cecilia, feeling a responsibility to shield her from the complexities of the world's dangers that have yet to reach her. And it was thanks to Cecilia that Ash was eventually open-minded to the subject of their father. While others harbored resentment, Cecilia remained the beacon of forgiveness and love, extending her affections towards their father even after the divorce.
Though she couldn't help Cecilia with the reconciliation between their dad and Cliff, she also shares similar feelings of hope. Cecilia's kindness became a source of inspiration for Ash, long before she became a solider. When there are times where people around her tests Ash's kindness, the thought of her youngest sister remind her that not all hope is lost.

Aysun  [ Friend ]

It was difficult for Ash to find herself any professional clothing, so she resorted to going to a tailor shop to get her situated with a suit to expand her career as a bodyguard. She was expecting Maximille at first, but instead she was welcomed by Aysun. Since this was during the period where Maximille and Emery were absent, Aysun was the only one available to handle both the tailor shop and the Palace. Perhaps it was unexpected timing, but Ash comes in the middle of an argument between Aysun and a dissatisfied client who threatened to attack Mr. Court if he "couldn't give him what he wanted." Ash immediately ends the quarrel by intercepting the aggressor.
Ash couldn't help but be curious as to what the situation was about. To her surprise, Aysun explains that their conversation had nothing to do with clothes. Instead, Aysun introduces her to a hidden business of a brothel, to which that Court welcomed her to come by in case she needed to "relieve tension."

However, because Ash is a freelancing bodyguard, Ash could not be in the brothel (The Palace) all the time in case such events happen again. Instead she leaves Aysun with her contact info in case they needed an extra hand. But even if wasn't the case, Ash was more than happy to hang out whenever the two of them had the time.