(Sir)
Pulling into the parking lot, the gravel crunching under the weight of the tires. He smiles at finally arriving. It had been a long journey, well, it seemed to him as though it had been. The clock inching forward earlier when he was snared in city traffic. But, as he inched forward, slowly the snare was released and he soon cruised easily along the county road. Victory at long last, arriving at the finish line.
Looking to his right, he is warmed. She is still snoozing, a pillow propped up against the window. She is stunning, the morning sun filtered through the forest trees, a spotlight gently illuminating her countenance. He stirs in anticipation, aroused with desire. She stirs, sleepily aroused from her dreams.
He opens the thermos, fills her cup with the black elixir. Noticing the cup warming in his hand as the liquid is transferred, he gently calls her name. She likes her coffee hot, scalding hot. She sits, taking the cup, smiles warmly, and greets him.
His door swings open, the cool mountain air greets. As he steps out, he takes in a deep breath, filling his lungs. The smell of pine infuses his senses, the sounds of the forest greet him.
He opens the doors to the trailer, metallic sounds ring out as the doors swing. The trailer rocks, at the movement within, big animals, strong, anxious. He calls out their names, "Bengal", and "Windsong". Benny and Wind. One a tiger, the other a lyrical spirit. Bengal an Arabian, Windsong a Paint, both handsome, proud, majestic. The horses nod and snort their greetings at the sound of their names.
Preparing for the day, the horses are readied. Saddles snuggled down tightly, bags lashed down. Blankets and lunch are loaded, the horses not forgotten. Bridles secured, the smell of saddle leather mixing in the forest air. Cool, crisp, yet warm, musky, sensual.
She steps around the trailer, backlit by the morning sun. He nearly drops his coffee cup at the sight of her, he is stunned. Her hair pulled back under the brim of her white hat. Feathers in the band, colorful, playful.
Taking her hand, he helps her into her place. The saddle squeaks its greeting, Benny shuffles, standing strong. Quickly he is in his saddle, hands on the horn. With his right hand he reaches down, pats Wind on her neck as she settles under his weight. Her snort is a greeting, an anxious plea to go.
Taking the reigns, they head out, the trail before them, winding upwards through the trees. The sound of hoof falls, the birds calling out their hellos, the creek in the valley singing a constant chorus. Upwards the trail leads, through the valley carved by the rushing stream. The morning sun rising over the ridge top, stretching into the day.
The trail forks, and he leads them to the left, down through a thicket, they emerge into a lush green meadow. The grass a brilliant green, daisies smiling in the breeze, waving white petals. At the edge of the meadow, along the stream, stands a cabin, constructed of rough hewn logs. A river rock chimney stands guard.
They dismount at the cabin, the steeds allowed to graze. Taking her hand, the lunch, and a bag, he leads her into the cabin. They stand, just inside the door, the air cool and dry. Dropping the load, he takes her into his arms, hugging her warmth close, kissing her deep, lightly nipping her upper lip.
He leans over, picking up the dropped load of bags and walks over to a large, round, rough hewn table. The wood of the table dark, thick, sturdy. Supported by a massive center beam, the table is strong enough to withstand the assail of an army. Above it hangs a wrought iron candle chandelier. Long, taper candles mounted in their rests, burned half way down, long, frozen drips of wax reach downwards. Drips of wax still adorn the table top. The bags rattle and bang as he drops them on the table.
He turns, walks across the living room, the pine floors polished and smooth. A circular rug rests in the middle, and the sound of his footsteps are muted by it as he crosses. Crossing the room, he reaches a massive fireplace crafted of large river rock. The grey stones mottled and beautiful from the pressure of their creation. The hearth is at ground level and is wide enough for a four foot long log. A giant iron grate awaits its load of wood.
Turning, he takes a log from the rack and places it in the fireplace. He adds another, and yet a third. Standing, he turns, sees her standing across the room, coat buttoned, hat still perched, as she watches him. He smiles, speaks, "present yourself girl!" He turns back to his chore, splitting cedar kindling with a small, sharp hatchet. The kindling placed under the logs, the match does it's deed, as the cedar pops and cracks to life. A faint, pungent aroma wafts upward from the cedar, its flame teasing the alder logs to life. As the alder catches, begins to glow, its sweet aroma mixes, and then drowns out the cedar.
Dusting his hands off against each other, he stands, places the hatchet next to the pile of wood, and turns. He smiles, feeling his desire spring at the sight. She has obeyed, a delight to him. Her hat rests on the top of a chair, her coat draped around its back. On the floor the rest of her clothing rests, and will rest for some time. Oh her knees, legs spread, arms behind back, wrists intertwined, gazing down, she presents.
He steps towards her....