The Enchanted Owl

Every night at midnight, the purple clouds came out to dance with the blushing sky. With their evening arrival, the owl came, too. Together, they filled the endlessness that floated in on the breeze and rippled through the tall trees.

The owl was nearly all white except for streaks of amber that marked his feathers. He always came to rest upon the branch closest to Luna’s bedroom window where he would shriek an eerie call, summoning her from the solitude of her bed. Luna would rise and walk bare-footed to the window to search the barn owl’s golden eyes, as if therein lay some powerful omen that would bring fulfillment of long held desires. Tonight was no different for the owl was perched on the same branch, beckoning her with his cry. His screech reverberated through the night as she leaned against the windowsill, watching him. The sheer window curtain, floating in the light breeze and moonlight, created a whimsical silhouette around her slender frame.

Amused, Luna whispered the word ‘hello’. The owl twisted his head sideways as if attempting to return her greeting. In response, Luna’s smile grew. The massive bird straightened and plumped his feathers, seemingly pleased by her warm welcome. With a shriek of apparent joy, he spread his wings wide, lifted from the branch, and flew off. Luna followed his ascent against the backdrop of the moon until she lost sight of him. This owl was undoubtedly exceptional, both in appearance and intellect, and Luna had to admit that he made her feel quite special returning night after night as if always eager to visit her.

Luna retraced the path to the bed and lay upon its softness, pulling the covers to her chin to ward off the night's chill. It had been a strange day for she had not felt much like herself. It was unusual for her to leave dirty dishes on the table from a scarce eaten dinner, but she had done so, telling herself that she would clear them the next morning. Beside the dishes lay handpicked flowers from the garden that she had not managed to place in the vase at the table’s center. Her strength had easily waned, and despite the desire to do much, Luna had instead sought the comfort of her bed earlier than usual.

She attempted to sleep, thoughts of her owl circling through her mind. Was he truly a bird? A fierce predator of the night? He seemed much more like a mythical creature of incomparable beauty that Morpheus sent to her window each night to feed her hungry soul and need for love. Sighing, Luna hugged the pillow closer. Instinctively, she knew the owl had returned and watched her from the branch outside, as if to guard while she slept. A soft smile upon her lips, contentment filled her as sleep invaded, and she dreamt a dream that arose from innermost desires.

****

Luna was barefoot and walking through the forest while the brilliance of a full moon filled the sky and lit her way. It was as though her name had foretold such a time. With each step, she could feel the coolness of the earth beneath her feet, her toes sinking into the blades of grass. A vast array of colorful flowers spread across the ground and deep into the woods as far as the eye could see. Her fingers lightly trailed the tops of the foxgloves and ferns that grew all about. It was a beautiful, mythological world of enchantment, and Luna's heart swelled with a peace long forgotten. She did not know where she was, but there was little doubt this was a dream, and she was well pleased to remain in the cradle of its welcoming hand. She had never felt more at home in twenty-eight years.

She came upon a clearing in the quiet of the forest, the moon shimmering to reveal a multitude of freshly bloomed bleeding hearts and woodruff blossoms. She inhaled deeply of their fragrance and spun about in elation, her nightdress swirling about her in a celestial dance of visual delight. Eventually, growing a bit light-headed, she paused, and became suddenly alert as instinct told her she was not alone. She could see no one, but nonetheless, she knew someone watched her.

In silence, she stood for long minutes, the sound of her rapid heartbeat the only thing that filled her ears. Then, of a sudden, an eerie sound broke the silence of the moonlit night; a screeching echo, a foreshadowing of promises not yet fulfilled. Luna’s heart beat faster still.

The leaves behind her rustled, and she pivoted swiftly to watch a perfectly formed creature, a man, leap from the trees to land only a mere foot in front of her. He was tall and lean although he gave an appearance of being massive at first glance. His coloring was fair and his hair the shade of fine-spun gold with streaks of amber. His face was composed of pure, aquiline features, appealing to any observer. His eyes, a deeper gold in the night, watched her with an unabashed intensity and keen awareness. She shivered beneath his regard despite the warmth of the evening.

The quiet lingered betwixt them for endless moments as moonlight hovered all about, swirling and whispering echoes of greeting. Eventually, Luna managed a faint nod and the hint of a smile. “Hello,” she whispered, her voice sounding lyrical as it floated across the dew-filled air.

The stranger straightened to an even more impressive height with her greeting. He stepped nearer still, the intensity of his gaze never faltering as he turned his head to the side to study her all the better. Oh, but he was a handsome man, a creature seemingly derived from golden beauty by the Gods.

He stood only inches away, continuing to peruse her much as one would a book. His lips curving into a handsome smile, he returned her greeting. “Hello, Luna.” His voice was as silky as finely woven fabric. “I have been awaiting your arrival.” He swept an arm from his broad chest as if to welcome her to his forest.

Luna gave a small laugh. “You’ve been awaiting my arrival? How is that possible when even I did not know I would be arriving?”

The man smiled again, that ever glorious smile that only served to enlighten his already appealing visage. “My dear, time foretells all things, and your arrival has long since been foretold.”

Not giving her an opportunity to understand his words, he turned and began to move past her, lightly touching her hand for her to follow. “Come, child of the moon. You must meet Aurelia and all the others. They, too, have been anxious for your arrival.”

Luna was mesmerized by this man’s appearance, his words, and even his lithe movements. Without hesitation, she quickly followed, but struggled to keep up with his stealthy gait as he moved swiftly through the brush. It was as if his feet didn’t touch the ground, so precipitous were his movements. Unlike him, she felt clumsy and slow.

Questions surfaced. Where on earth was she? And where was he taking her? Here she was, blindly following someone she didn’t know to a place about which she knew absolutely nothing. Had she lost her mind? No, she didn’t think so. Instead, she felt drawn to this nymph of a man beyond reason and to wherever he might lead. He had mentioned someone else. What was that person’s name? Aurelia? Who was Aurelia?

“Sir,” she called after him. He paused only slightly and cocked his head to peer back at her in question, but continued on his path.

“Yes?”

“Whom might Aurelia be?”

He smiled back at her. “Aurelia is one with the forest. You will soon meet her.” He gave a reassuring wink, as if promising more secrets yet to be divulged. “Come, Luna, we must hurry.”

How on earth did he know her name?

“Sir, might I impose upon you to ask another question?” Luna’s breath was labored in her efforts to keep up with his quick pace.

The man stopped, so suddenly that Luna nearly collided with his broad chest as he turned about face. He cocked his head to the side again, his amber eyes keenly alert. “Yes?”

Luna rocked back on her heals, attempting to steady herself and catch her breath. “Good sir, you know my name, but I fear I do not know yours,” she managed, ever aware of his intense regard.

“Indeed,” he said, a bit of humor lacing his voice. “We have not been formally introduced. I am Strix, a creature of the night.” His eyes pierced hers. “My dear, are you quite certain you do not know me?”

Surprised by his words, Luna studied him closely, overcome by the amber gaze. She suddenly gasped. Oh, but she did recognize him! Here and now, before her in the flesh of a man’s body, stood her nocturnal visitor, the beautiful barn owl. “You?” she managed, her voice filled with surprise at the realization of who this beautiful man truly was.

The smile on his face grew, his chest broadening to its full breath and scope. He was quite pleased by her recognition.

“Come, we must go,” he said, taking her hand and beginning to move again. It was obvious this forest was his home, and he knew exactly where he was going even if she did not.

Luna could not diminish the smile that filled her face as she followed Strix, her owl. Delight filled her until she thought she might burst. Her returning owl was here in the moonlight, embodied in the guise of a man. And such a beautiful specimen he was. It was nigh unbelievable. She had always known there was something unique about the owl but little had she realized he was a mythological creature living in an enchanted forest. She had never dreamt a day would come when she would be introduced to his humanlike form or be able to converse with him.

The two reached a large clearing where Strix stopped and pulled Luna closer. The moonlight was bright, easily filling its perimeter. “Do not be frightened,” he said. His touch was an oxymoron; firm but also silky soft, providing reassurance and comfort.

Strix made a sound much like the shrieks she’d heard previously, however, this time it was much softer. Within seconds, the leaves rustled and branches of shrubbery moved to reveal more than a dozen woodland creatures emerging from their depths. Leading them was the most illuminating, beautiful woman Luna had ever seen. She wore a gown that gleamed bright white in the moonlight. Her hair, also white in color, fell to her knees, creating the effect of a brilliant aura. Flowers filled her hair and lay atop it in a wreath. She moved with a delicacy born of woodland nymphs and fairies that flutter about the flower strewn English gardens. Transfixed, Luna could look at none other save this beautiful goddess. This had to be Aurelia. She was most certainly one with the forest, and she was thoroughly enchanting.

Aurelia smiled as she walked toward Luna, stopping before her and leaning to press a kiss upon her cheek. A sensation of joy moved through Luna with the act and warmed her as much as any sun-drenched afternoon.

“Hello, Luna.” As she spoke, Aurelia placed a wreath of colorful flowers upon Luna’s head. “Welcome my lovely child of the moon,” she said and stepped back to survey the fruits of her handiwork.

Luna felt hypnotized. “Thank you,” she said, managing to find her voice but feeling awkward as she spoke. She had never met the queen of a forest before, after all. Here was such an unreal, unimaginable world that she needed to pinch herself to see if she'd awaken. She had thought herself beyond surprise after finding out who Strix really was, but she could not have been more mistaken.

Aurelia smiled. “You are not dreaming. We are all quite real. Come and meet the rest of our family.”

Luna realized her thoughts were no longer her own and that here, in this enchanted world, everything was known to everyone. Still, she eagerly accepted the hand that Aurelia extended, and they moved to meet the woodland friends that had filled the clearing.

Aurelia took her to a vibrant colored creature who appeared light as a feather. “Meet Flutter, one of your garden’s butterflies. She speaks fondly of your gentleness, Luna.” Aurelia continued, pointing at another petite creature of muted colors. “This is Quodora. She is the little hummingbird that flits about your garden, drinking of its flowers’ nectar.”

Wide eyed, Luna stared in wonder as Aurelia moved with ease about the clearing, introducing all those she had seen in other forms in her previous world. There was Lepus, the little brown rabbit she had watched hop through the fields, famous for partaking of her garden's vegetables. Equis, the black stallion who loved to roam the meadows bowed his head in a bid for an affectionate pat from her. On the edge of the clearing was Luce, the grey wolf whom she'd often glimpsed in the distant woods. He was also imposing in this form, but there was no fear in this place. It was a world ripe for newly discovered pleasures, and there appeared to be nothing but love and accord amongst them all. There were many more creatures, including more owls, but none was as special or as handsome as her Strix

Later in the evening, Luna helped herself to a cup of wine and wandered in search of Strix. She found him lounging nonchalantly against a massive oak tree at the edge of the clearing, studying her much as he had done since first encountering her. Indeed, she wondered if he ever paused in his reflection so intense was his gaze. Luna smiled, shyness overcoming her as she moved to stand beside him. He cocked his head in that all too familiar way and returned her smile. She had so much to say. Her heart was nearly bursting.

“I wish you’d brought me here sooner,” she finally spoke, her nerves aflutter with something akin to exultation.

“You weren’t ready,” Strix replied without elaboration.

“You are probably right, but I am ready now,” she said with an astute awareness.

Luna knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the world she’d left behind no longer held an appeal. She could not leave this woodland place and all those who inhabited it now. It would devastate her to return to her former world. She feared that tonight would end and tomorrow she would find herself alone and back at the edge of reality. She was determined she would not leave this place - it was heaven personified. A newfound peace and determination rose inside her, sufficing her face with a luminous light.

Strix reached out a long finger to lightly lift Luna’s chin. She was glowing. His golden eyes filled with undying affection. “Yes, my sweet child of moonlight, I believe you are ready now,” he said, pulling her into the crook of his arm and shielding her with his widespread pinions.

****

It was late the following afternoon, when Luna’s sister, Moira, headed to the cottage. Luna was a loner, especially since her husband’s passing, but nonetheless, it concerned Moira when she didn’t hear from her sister for extended periods of time. Seeking reassurance, Moira hurried along to the cottage. Hopefully, Luna was well and simply enjoying a solitary life like usual.

Entering the cottage, Moira immediately saw an assortment of dishes and food spread across the table. It was evident her sister had not finished her meal nor tidied up, which was odd. There were also dying flowers atop the table. Lightly Moira touched the flowers, aware they had been plucked from the garden only a day or so before. The place looked somewhat forsaken. Worriedly, Moira climbed the narrow staircase, calling her sister’s name.

Upstairs, she found Luna’s bedroom door ajar. The door groaned as she pushed it wide. She was surprised to find Luna still in bed. Fearing the worst, she hurried to the bed, but gasped, scarcely believing her eyes. Luna lay against the white linen sheets in the twilight, a lingering smile upon her lifeless face.

From outside the open window, there was a loud shriek. Surprised, Moira strode to the window where she found the barn owl perched on the tall tree’s branch. He cocked his head sideways and peered at her with a look of inquisitive curiosity before straightening. Of a sudden, he released his eerie cry again, as if echoing the sorrow reflected on Moira’s face. Abruptly and with another loud shriek, the owl took flight. Moira watched him, transfixed by the majestic beauty despite the dismal situation. The owl flew high in the sky creating a silhouette against the fullness of the rising moon.

The moon, the beautiful full moon. Moira was reminded that her mother had named her child for the moon: Luna. Moira fervently hoped that her sister was now at peace and one with the moon’s everlasting illumination. She leaned out the window, wiping at the tears on her cheeks as she whispered a small prayer. “Fly away my beautiful, Luna. Fly far away with your owl, across the meadows and trees. I hope you find eternal love and happiness.”

Moira lost sight of the owl as it flew beyond the horizon. She sighed and gave a final glance at the bright moon before closing the window. Instinct told her the owl would not return now that Luna was gone. Moira wiped her tears. It wouldn’t do to linger or to wish for things beyond her ken. She had to trust that Luna was now in a place that would bring her much joy and peace. Thus, with a surety of purpose, she began to do what must be done.