Surrendering Muse

By: Marcus A.

Standing, Lauren leans back and allows herself to be washed in the rays of the sun.

Her outstretched hands are kissed by the tall grass swaying in the breeze, sending tickles up her arms.

At first the corners of her lips twitch in a small smile, but she cannot help but fall into a broad grin, pleased at the fortune bestowed upon her by the giver of life.

Stretching slowly, indulgently, she can see small white butterflies dancing over the waves of grass. The air is filled with the soft buzzing of insects and the spongy earth feels warm under her toes. Her blonde hair tries to join the dance, swaying with the grass, melding with sunlight and summer wind. The folds of her white dress swaying around her legs. “Youth is wasted on the young,” her mind laughs, “Perhaps but I'm not wasting this.”

Holding a daisy in her hand Lauren's eyes meander to the cottage behind her, remembering what she was told. “Please don't wander too far dear. The forest is safe enough but it's easy to lose your way.”

She looks to her right, into the dense gathering of vegetation. The forest seems pleasant enough. Not a dark foreboding growth that would hide wolves and witches pretying on pretty girls. The canopy of trees tower above her, and all around, sunlight spills in through the breaks in the trees. With little more than a fleeting thought she wanders into the woods. There are no thistles, thorns or thick weeds to warn her that she's gone too far. Her bare feet feel soothed by the moist softness of thick cool moss.

Once engulfed by the wilderness, a welcoming sensation washes over her. Lauren's spirit is in tune with the vibration of nature, the love of life. She walks slowly but not cautiously, almost sleep walking though a daydream. Rays of sunlight stream down through the high trees and illuminate the path some distance in front of her. A path. Not green earth tread to dirt, but a mossy road sprinkled with flat stones. Lauren walks along, making sure to only step on the stones, even if it takes a leap, playing some undefined game with no rules.

Odd, she thinks to herself. No fallen trees. No rot. A rich rainbow of mushrooms and flowers, too many kinds to count, flourish like a wild botanical garden. The air is not musty but she feels rich and invigorating, she felt like her body could run and live forever. The path seems to curve to the right ever so slightly. She glances behind her, making sure the path is still there, instinctively trying to remember the direction home. Turning back around to look forward, Lauren is stunned to find a large tree beside the path. It's massive thick trunk speaks of an ancient life form. Spell bound she approaches with fingers outstretched, wanting to feel the bark under her fingers. As she touches the rough surface the trickling of water reaches her ears. Glancing behind the monstrous trunk, she sees a stream. Further ahead light pores into a small opening in forest. She feels a beckoning.

Thirsty, she is so thirsty. She picks up the hem of her white cotton dress and carefully steps into the stream, crouching down and cupping water in one hand. She freezes, instinctively aware of a presence behind her. Standing and turning she sees a man. He wears only a tunic of white with gold trim, revealing much of his smooth skin, sandals strapped around his feet. How could she not near him approach in this silence? His golden hair and sharp features are highlighted by a captivating smile. I like him, she decides immediately.

She puts her hand to her mouth, covering a shy smile, “Hello?” she says softly.

“Hello my lady,” his smile widens, flashing eyes warm and openly taking her in.

“He's gorgeous.” She says to herself.

“Come with me.” Says the man.

Lauren searches her mind. She tries to think quickly but her thoughts loop and offer no help.

“Please sir," she asks. "Who are you?” The man crosses his arms and leans into a rich laugh.

“Have no fear my lady. Come with me, I will show you.” Conflicted, Lauren leans to peer around him, seeing the inviting clearing.

“I want to, I do. But... I have to go over there first. I must I feel.”

“Take my hand.” He commands.

With mousy resolve Lauren lowers her head and darts around the man. “I'm sorry.” She says. “I have to see this, please don't leave.”

Passing through the arched trees the small clearing embraces her in a soft inviting glow.

“Heaven can't be better than this.” She thinks, giggles escaping her lips.

“A visitor!" A voice thunders from from her side, making her jump. "It's been so long since I've had the pleasure of company.”

Lauren turns in a light hearted huff, toward the voice. An older man is laying on the roots of a majestic gnarly tree. A crown of flowers tangled into his hair, highlighting the face weathered by time and compassion.

“Where am I?” asks Lauren.

“Ha, in the forest of course.” He replies.

“Yes, that much I know,” says Lauren. “Is this a game?”

“Perhaps,” says the man. "Isn't life a game?"

Lauren sits in front of the man and plays with a wild flower.

“Who are you?” She asks, eyes never leaving the petals.

“Let me remember.” He pauses, eyes loosing focus.

“Ah, I was called Angus Mac Og.” He says with a booming voice. “It no longer matters.”

"You've been gone a long time haven't you? Do you know the golden man?"

“I see you have met my brother Samsara. He is also been called Phlegyas. Don't fear him. He means you no harm.”

Every time he speaks, her heart begins to beat faster, his voice tingling, resonating in her skin.

Smiling he leans forward and strokes her brow. At the touch Lauren feels a spark rushing from her toes, through her spine and into the back of her head. Mesmerized her eyes are locked on his face. Realizing her mouth is agape, she shakes her head, trying to compose herself.

“You have the beauty of purity,” he thunders.

“I'm not pure,” she mutters with her eyes cast down, a smirk brushing her lips.

“Silly girl," he says. "Purity is in the soul. It cannot be soiled. There is much to show you.”

Lauren lays back, cushioned by the fauna, watching the clouds. She feels him beside her, a hands gently stroking her hair. “I'm not afraid,” she smiles, eyes drinking in the sky.

“Shh,” he whispers, drinking her in.

The brilliant sunlight penetrates the fabric of her light summer dress, the outline of her soft sweet nipples can barely be made out. Angus kisses her gently on the lips and her nipples swell immediately. She feels heat gathering between her legs. Again she tries to think, to make sense of her surrounds but the battle is lost before it has begun.

She places her right hand on his arm, but a surrendering moan escapes her lips, and itfalls back in defeat. Her muscles are so relaxed she feels as though she could fall into an eternal slumber. The ecstasy coursing through her veins make her writhe in pleasure, keeping her awake and aware. Soft porcelain legs fall apart without resistance. Her brain is disconnected from her body, hovering near by, letting flesh take control. She tries to focus but the riding euphoria of his pounding flesh is intoxicating. From somewhere distant she can hear own voice shouting encouragement.

In an explosion of passion the two fall silent. Lauren wants to hold him and sleep but finds herself stroking his manhood. The more she feels his growing response the more she is excited. Both of them grip each other with iron hands, lips press together, trying to become one. She can feel his warm breath envelope her lungs. “Don't. “ she thinks to herself.

“Don't ever stop.”