LEFT ARM OF THE WOLF

The man, or rather wolf, was beginning to adjust to his newfound senses. The world was almost a scenery of grey, whites, and blacks. The coldness of the African night seemed to not bother him as it normally should, his head tilting before looking down. He felt the need to open his mouth as a long tongue rolled out to his surprised, gazing even further down and around he'd begin to see he had adopted the form of a wolf. How interesting.

The large black beast would hear a voice, the feminine one of one he recognized well. His head would tilt to gaze upon her, taking in what she said. He hoped he'd be able to talk- and found himself actually able to. "This is fine." The man would comment on the wolf form, simply accepting it instead of changing it. Perhaps a new perspective would aide him well in this transition. It was almost ironic how well it fit.

He'd take a few limping steps forward, considering he was missing a leg. "Arjana, where are we? What is going on exactly?" He'd question, not panic'd but more curious.

"Perhaps it is a shared realm, between you and 'Africa'. A library of information needed so you may act. Very impressive. I must admit, the inner scholar in me is.. fascinated."

The wolf would reply in what was the normal voice of Atlas, displaying some sense of understanding. Truth be told it was quite.. alot to take in even for him. His mind was among those of geniuses, realistically, but his pursuit of information was usually relegated to military endeavors. If he was to be here for what could be weeks, then he would be a busy man.

The feeling of her hand upon his fair caused him to tense, before immediately relaxing. He would sit like a dog rather hard, causing a small shake before his head leaned into it. His tail would begin to wag, before regaining his senses letting out an awkward chuckle. Man, that felt good. "That feels nice. This place retains.. almost like a brief afterimage of those things connected to Death. Should I pass, a piece of me would reside here now?"

"People who are often destin- who forge their own great paths rarely know it."

The man would impart those words on her in regards if this was all truly for her, and he believed it. Perhaps this african tribal girl was meant for something great, or simply had stumbled upon it. Whatever it was allowed her great access to the world around her, and she sought to do good with it. To aide the simple folk of this land, to unite the old and new. He respected it.

He wanted to cultivate it.

The man would pant a bit letting out something akin to a dog whine, but out of pleasure. He felt some.. perhaps embarrassment himself. But giving into the doglike nature made him good, it made him feel.. connected. That loyalty he felt to Vastime felt amplified, and as her hand ran through his fur- a connection with her. This place was truly something unique.

"Such a compliment I don't deserve, but I shall return one. You are very beautiful, yourself, Arjana."

The man would begin to lay down, placing his head within their lap. His eyes closed as he settled into the scratches. It felt nice. Even as she did so he'd speak.

"Vastime and Africa souls and destiny seemed intertwined. Those who come here, I hope they find this place. Perhaps then our people shall truly know happiness. This is worth defending."

The wolf would have his head go limp, allowing it to rest fully on her lap. His eyes closing, entering into what was basically just a level below sleep. He simply wanted to enjoy the now, and what was happening. The primal instincts of the wolf mixed with his ideas as a man seemed to contrast against each other. For the time being, he was simply content resting against her as she dragged her fingers through his hair, massaging him.

"It is nice, not being a Duke today."

The weight of the world which rested squarely on his shoulders was lifted, relaxed even. He was able to let his soul simply be nursed by this woman, to allow him to grow as he needed. His arm would be restored, and with it a piece of him reignited in the flames of life. He would serve faithfully, once again.

Atlas eyes closed for the moment, thinking to the future. Of what greatness lay ahead of him. For the first time within his mortal existence he felt free, as if any choice made in the future was by his own volition. He may have lost an eye, but he has never seen so clear in his life before. So as he went into a dreamless slumber, he would awaken at the end of this with something akin to.. a new beginning.

When the week passed and his eyes opened, his nose seemed to sniff the air as if to check if anything has changed. His singular eye open to peer around, looking for the African woman would was to be his salvation.