Atlas

It came first in pieces, then all at once. Just when Atlas had figured himself alone, he was pleasantly surprised to find himself mistaken. Though, it was not the idea of company that caused him delight, but the company herself. Since last meeting Lena in the Flats, Atlas had learned the vibrant scent associated with the beauty as well as that songbird voice of hers (how it moved him). The man paused in his wandering, his muscles rolling beneath the star-kissed hide for which he was named, and turned to face his pursuer. Now that daylight lent him a helping hand, it was easy to see that Lena was just as stunning as her songs, a perfect blend of deep mahogany and black. She was crisp, clear, and to the point outwardly… However, there were many things she kept hidden beneath such a humble and jubilant exterior. Did she ever become tired of playing such a role? Surely she too felt just as lost and reckless as Atlas felt from time to time… These were answers that the man wanted nothing more than to see unraveled.

Everyone needed a moment to come undone.

Turning toward the songstress, Atlas proffered a warm and inviting smile. His eyes were bright and knowing, almost presumptuous, as he contemplated Lena’s presence after so much resistance in earlier days. “What a good morning it is,” he answered while cautiously moving to join Lena and her companion. The emerald backdrop of the labyrinth did wonders for the mare’s natural, earthy tones, but very little for the star-flecked shades of his own coat. If there were a place most suited for the bay, then surely this would be it.

When the distance between them had closed and Atlas could nearly feel the heat rolling off her skin, the man paused to deliberate his actions. It was not uncommon for him to press forward when others wished him to stop, but he feared Lena would shut him out forever if he pushed her too far. Like a smitten child, his gaze lingered at her shoulder, one eye the color of the sun, one the color of a clear, blue sea. It was meant more a question, but instead appeared more an intention than anything else, so Atlas reached forward to lightly nudge the gentle sloping of her shoulder blade. Of course, he hoped that the songstress would not take offense to his friendly nature, but welcome it as he had done some nights ago in the Flats.

Hope and courage warmed the man’s heart after he’d pulled away with the scent of her clinging to his lips. It was a heady sensation to be sure and one that he’d carry with him long after they’d again parted ways. Somehow, Atlas found it truly ironic that the mare had been so hesitant to accept his company previously, but had somehow managed to wind up seeking him out. It may not have been intentional by any means, but he thanked the silent Gods for bringing them together once again. “When you said you’d like to chase the stars, I certainly didn’t know you’d meant mine,” he breathed. Beneath the dreamy accent of a man too consumed by a woman he’d just met, there was a smile lurking at the corners of his lips. It was a sly and primitive comment that would likely earn him a lashing of some sort, but there was an inkling of desire that had forced his hand from that which he considered “good behavior.”

Slowly, he turned again to face the songstress with as much sincerity as could be summoned in such circumstances and studied her cheeks, awaiting the telltale signs of his discomfort. Perhaps if he was able to unlock the barred doors to her feelings, he would begin to ignite all that remained hidden inside. “Now that you’re here… would you like to get lost with me?” Without waiting for the answer she’d likely keep, Atlas moved forth into the labyrinth before her. His tail was held high like a flag of victory or a banner meant to lure her into the forest depths. Yet, Atlas was gambling with fate, because if she didn’t follow, then he wouldn’t ever turn back around.