Atlas Greene Iredell, one of Nico's fifth-great-grandfathers and a captain in the confederate army. Atlas enlisted early into the war, and remained for most of it. He rose through the ranks quickly, achieving the title of captain in 1863 and carrying it for a year before tragically being captured in 1864.
Atlas was married when he enlisted, having one son, confident he would return home to his family. He was placed in the 37th NC infantry, having come from Ashe NC. He was a devout father and christian, having joined the war in hopes of helping bring peace back to his town and to be able to quietly raise his family as he pleased. Before the war, he was a farmer, not of good financial status but hardworking and faithful to his land and his family. Perhaps it was that dedication that lead him to rise to status of captain in the army. Atlas was known for being unusually positive and high-spirited, even in hard times.
During the war, Atlas would meet a man by the name of Elias Tucker, an eccentric fellow with a positive reputation in his company as well. The two would quickly become friends and their friendship would deepen quickly. Though everyone knew Atlas to be a married man, it seemed his wartime loneliness mixed with his friendship with Elias had swayed him to an...alternative persuasion, and the two were quick to move from casual conversation to sharing tents together. After only a short few months, the pair was inseparable, and seemed to motivate eachother in and out of combat. It was obvious to everyone from the outside that they were deeply in love, and that the relationship was far more tender than just relieving the urges of men.
Elias would suffer a severe injury to his face somewhere in 1863, and during that time Atlas was noticeably off. His commanding suffered, and he was almost demoted in ranks from his visible difficulty handling not having his partner by his side. Eventually, Elias would return, and Atlas would regain his vigor. Their company would succeed in many battles, though, so with Atlas as one of their successful leaders few had a problem with his relationship with Elias.
That was, until somewhere in late 1864, when a particularly nasty battle in northern Virginia would lead to Atlas being captured. He was taken prisoner and never to be seen again. No one at home ever heard from Atlas, neither did Elias, and it is presumed that he died of conditions related to his imprisonment. Elias would survive the war but would disappear after signing his oath of honor. He had no family or friends to remember him, and his lover was certainly dead. Meanwhile, Atlas' wife and son were left to continue the farm without him. His wife would grieve him for a long time, but would eventually re-marry, and her husband and son would help tend the farm. Eventually, her son would marry as well, having numerous children, and they were told stories of Atlas and his faith and bravery.
