Like a Dream | 4630 Adoption

There was an auction set to take place later that day, and Atlas had been debating whether or not to attend. It would start in about three hours, leaving him with some time to make up his mind. Then again, it was more like two hours, as the place where it was taking place was about forty-five minutes away. Would he even find a horse that would truly catch his interest? One worth bidding on? There was always the risk of being outbid, of course, but that was the nature of any auction, a gamble you accepted the moment you participated in it. Would the whole trip there be worth it in the end? Or just a waste of time?

Atlas had never been the type to make impulsive decision, especially when it came to something as significant as buying a horse. He could never understand how some people did it. Atlas very much preferred having a plan, a clear sense of direction. Yet, it had been three years since he’d lost his previous horse. Life just didn’t feel the same. Wasn’t as joyful and loving as before. He’d been wanting to find another ever since then, but no horse had quite “fit” him like the way his last one had.

Two of his friends, Harper and Arlo, were set on going. While neither one of them intended to buy, they both happened to be the type to seize any opportunity that might “fall into their laps,” as they liked to say.

His phone then buzzed, vibrating on the tabletop and simultaneously interrupting his thoughts. He grabbed ahold of the phone, turning it over to see the screen light up with some texts from the group chat between himself, Arlo, and Tova.

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Arlo: Atlas, are you actually coming to this thing or what?

Atlas: I’m thinking about it.

Tova: Thinking about it? You’ve been debating this for daaaayyyssss. Just say yes and tag along with us. You don’t even have to buy anything.

Arlo: Exactly! Just come to people-watch. Or get into a bidding war for the drama. Either way, it’ll be fun. A lot more fun than moping around your apartment 🤪

Atlas: Why does everything with you two involve chaos?

Tova: We prefer the term “spontaneity.”

Arlo: Spontaneous chaos.

Atlas: Not exactly selling me on this.

Tova: Come on, we know you’re curious. I heard there’s a few Loshenkas in the lineup. We know you love Loshenkas ever since discovering the breed. There’s even this pretty Loshenka mare that fits your “my dream Loshenka would look like” rant. So like...

Atlas: First off, not a rant. Second, you’ve heard about her too?

Arlo: Oh ho ho, got your attention now, don’t we? 😏

Atlas: Maybe. She does seem interesting.

Tova: She’s gorgeous. Soft coat, like mist on a rainy morning. Arlo and I already scoped her out.

Atlas: Wait, you’re already there?

Arlo: Duh. Priorities. Unlike someone we know  🙄 Not going to point any fingers though.

Tova: Yep, unlike someone... We don’t procrastinate.

Atlas: I’m not procrastinating, I’m being practical.

Arlo: Practical, my ass. If you’re not here soon, I’m sending Tova to drag you out of your apartment.

Tova: Don’t think I won’t. I’m already planning the playlist for the drive. It’s going to be lovely 😌

Atlas: I’m blocking both of you.

Arlo: You can’t escape us.

Tova: We’ll just show up uninvited, like always  ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎

Arlo:  (☞ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)☞  

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Seconds later, before Atlas could send back a text, a photo was sent to the group chat courtesy of Arlo. The image happened to be of the Loshenka they were referring to in their texts.

The image showed her standing quietly at the back of her stall, her ears swiveled in a way that showed she was listening to the sounds of the crowd, the other horses, etc. Her long forelock fell across her face, hiding her eyes from view. To put it simply, she was gorgeous. Her colors are soft, reminding him of a foggy morning. Atlas wouldn’t be surprised if a ton of people were interested in her. He probably had little to no chance at all at getting her.

His phone buzzed to life once again.

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Arlo: Sooooooooooo???? What’s the verdict? Yah or nah?

Tova: Don’t make me start a poll in this group chat. Cause I will.

Atlas: Alright, fine. I’ll come.

Tova:  ಠ_ಠ

Atlas: What’s with the face?

Tova: Teehee 🤭

Arlo: Omg

Tova:  (>ᴗ•)

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With a shake of his head and a roll of his eyes, Atlas pulled himself up onto his feet, and began to get ready for this “adventure” he was about to take. He hopped into the shower, letting the water wash away any lingering indecision, and changed into a fresh set of clean clothes after. Moving around his apartment, he grabbed a few essentials, pausing now and then to send off a few more texts to their group chat. Finally, after doing one more once over to make sure he had everything, he stepped out the door, locking it behind him, and headed for his car.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and settled in for the drive, the hum of the vehicle was quiet and offered a soft kind of “white noise” of sorts as a backdrop to his thoughts. It would, quite honestly, be a dream to get that Loshenka mare. Tova had been right in her assessment. The mare did fit what he was looking for; at least appearance wise. He was still curious about her though.

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When Atlas arrived, he found a spot to park his car, and headed to the building. Arlo and Tova were waiting near the front of the building when Atlas walked up, the two practically vibrating with excitement as they chattered nonstop. Their energy was infectious, causing Atlas to get excited as well; though Atlas did manage to keep his outward demeanor calm and relaxed. Even if he did feel a bit nervous about it all. Together, the trio wandered through the bustling venue to look around and check out some of the horses, simultaneously killing time before the auction officially began.

There were plenty of other Loshenkas, among the other breeds present, scattered throughout the temporary stalls. Some leaned over the stall doors to greet passersby, their curious eyes following every movement. A few even nickered softly, as if trying to invite people over for attention. As they walked on, they saw one of the Loshenka’s playing with someone’s sweater zipper, pulling it up and down; causing the person to laugh at the Loshenka’s silly antics. It was sweet, seeing some of the horses’ personalities still shining through even though they were in this new environment.

Eventually, Atlas was led to her. The mare Arlo had sent a picture of. The mare stood quietly at the back of her stall, still. Tova was immediately gesturing toward the stall with an exaggerated motion to get Atlas’ attention. She gave Atlas a few playful nudges with her elbow, a sly grin spreading across her face.

The Loshenka mare flicked her ears in their direction as the trio approached the stall door. At the sound of shuffling, the mare’s attention briefly shifted over to them all. With a curious look in her eyes, she took a small step forward, her hooves barely making a sound against the straw-covered floor. Even though she had moved closer, the Loshenka still kept her distance from the entrance, remaining just out of arm’s reach.

Her long tail swished lazily behind her, shifting her weight a little. Her forelock hung over her eyes, partially obscuring her gaze; allowing a glimmer of her eyes to look them over.

The trio did end up staying there for a while. Watching the mare slowly make her way around the stall, looking out at the “windows” as some of the other horses and gazing at some of the people that walked by. Though eventually, the trio did end up leaving to try and get good seats for when the auction starts.

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The auction had officially begun.

Horses of all breeds and sizes were brought out one at a time, each met with varying levels of enthusiasm from the present crowd. Some sparked bidding wars that escalated into near chaos, who’s to say it didn’t help that Arlo and Tova were throwing our bids just to be nuisances, with numbers being called out faster than the announcer could keep up. Then there were others that passed through with only a handful of mild bids.

Eventually, she was brought in. Tears of the Singing Sea was her registered name. The announcer quickly went over some basic information about her, her age, lineage, ect, like he did with every other horse. Before officially starting the auction for her. 

The mare, Tears of the Singing Sea, moved around the small arena almost as if she was floating on air. Her mane and tail fluttered behind her like a misty fog. The mare was already beautiful, yet seeing her move made her seem like something from a dream.

Atlas managed to get a few solid bids in at the start of the auction, but it, unfortunately, didn’t take long for the competition to heat up. There was a lot of interest in her, obviously, she was a gorgeous mare. The bid price climbed rapidly and before Atlas knew it, the price tag had flown over what he had for bidding.

Atlas let out a raspberry as he leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest with a resigned sigh. Beside him, both Arlo and Tova slumped in defeat, their earlier energy fading.

“Well, that’s that,” Atlas muttered, more to himself. At least he’d given it a try, even if it hadn’t gone the way he’d hoped. Maybe he’d have better luck next time, if there ended up being a next time, and possibly, at least, a bigger budget to work with.