Glissoning Raven; This is what they do with her. (:
Sorry for the short chapter. This is for you, Raven! I swear I'll try to make a better one next time…
Not a Freak Chapter Two – Familiar FacesWaking up from her short slumber, Lutta pried her eyes open sleepily. She had rested long enough already, although she had doubts about whether her weariness had worn off. A shift of her wings, followed by a groan. Evidently, it hadn't gone for good. She jolted up forcefully, to find that she was in the midst of quite a number of owls resting on the grassy ground nearby the majestic tree.
"He's finally awake."
"Quite a good-looking chap."
"Wonder what made him faint all of a sudden."
Oh no. About ten owls surrounded her, blocking off all chances of escape. Fortunately, someone had caught their attention and perhaps she would be able to take off. They all seemed to be studying her though, with curious looks in their bright eyes. Who are they talking about? She scrambled to her feet, wings already lifted up, ready to beat down and take flight.
"Wait!" A young, female voice called out. Lutta's yellow eyes narrowed as they settled on the one who had spoken. She was all too familiar. Emerilla. Lutta struggled to rise into the air, but was immediately barred from freedom by a defense line of other owls. Panicking, she dove headfirst into the group. "Watch out!" One of them screeched as they scattered to avoid being impaled by her beak.
"Hold on for a minute! We mean no harm!" Another owl yelled, and this time it was male. Hoole. Lutta froze, drifting down slowly. Fleeing from her indirect savior seemed too rude. Heading down to the circle of owls, she landed in the center without anymore resistance.
"Thank you. First things first, I am Emerilla. Who are you?"
They don't recognize me? She looked down hesitantly, the sight of herself bringing her great relief. She had completely forgotten that she was in a Great Horned Owl form, even taller than Hoole was. She focused on the matter at hand. Her lying abilities were about to be put to the test, and she had to score full marks in this.
"I'm known as Luth." She hastily replied, picking out letters from her original name.
"And I'm Hoole. Where did you come from?"
"Well," she paused uncertainly. "I can't tell you. It's a sacred area where only members of our family, or very close friends, can know of. Please respect our strange customs." This must be the most brilliant excuse ever. Pleased with it, a small smile flitted over Lutta's face.
"Alright. What brings you here?"
"I'm the last surviving owl of our humble family. The rest got murdered by… hagsfiends. A whole, ghastly troop of them suddenly swooped in for the kill. I saw the slaughter go on around me, and unable to help, I made a quick getaway before they turned on me as well." Lutta, or Luth, hooted slowly. A sad look in her eyes, she tried to look depressed. It wasn't hard.
"Oh." Hoole remarked softly, supposedly feeling slightly ashamed for bringing up the topic.
A moment of silence followed, until Emerilla broke the ice with a few words. "You're always welcomed to stay here." Live in the Great Ga'Hoole Tree? "Really?" Lutta asked, her eyes flashing hopefully.
"Of course!" Hoole answered for her, causing Lutta to feel thoroughly elated.
"Come along now, we'll get you settled in straight away." Emerilla added, strangely keen in having her stay.
As they flew off, Lutta edged nearer to Hoole. It was nice to have him near herself. "By the way, who were they talking about earlier on? I don't see a male owl who has just fainted."
Hoole watched her, seemingly amused. There was a cheerful twinkle in his dark eyes. "Why, they were commenting on you."
Stifling a strangled yelp, it dawned on her that she had shapeshifted into the wrong gender. Oh, Glaux. She should be thankful enough that she hadn't been found out already. But she couldn't help noticing the weird glance she received from Emerilla, and shuddered.