Atlas

"Atlas", named after Hayward's travel through the continent. A memory of the passing steps and a hope for the future.

*****
A sigh. A conceding voice. Of a life that has been fighting for its individuality yet losing. The last struggle from the inevitable fate. A sound that was not supposed to be heard by anyone else.

It heard it.

When Hayward passed through the Tangled Wood on her way to the Sea, the power of the Shadowbinder had touched a single leaf that fell from Hayward's bough. The power had sparked a conscience in the leaf, and Hayward's sigh was the first thing the leaf heard. The leaf did not want to leave her. So it willed itself up and float towards her, but even with her hindered movement, she was still too fast for a mere fallen leaf.

That did not stop the leaf. It didn't know what impossible mean. In fact the only thing it knew was that it belonged to her, and should always be. Its simple determination was so strong it passed on to all other leaves and petals fallen off Hayward, and it became a collective conscience - WE belong to her. WE will keep her company.

And so it was done. Leaves and petals that fell off Hayward had pulled all the other leaves around to them in a whirlwind to make a great dragon, time and time again larger than its origin, until it became Atlas, a collective conscience from Hayward's legacy.

WE are here with you.

As they flew forward and caught up with Hayward, this single determination was heard, their intention well received, and they kept her company ever since.

---

by BoneBirds