Through Owl Eyes

20250504

Prompt from DailyPrompt.com

Melissa gently stroked Hootbert’s back and her familiar amiably opened his mind to her. At once the dark forest resolved into crisp monochrome and indistinct sounds became clear and directional.
A fox skulking through underbrush. A dead branch flapping in the breeze. A badger scratching itself on a trunk.
Nothing scary, Hootbert assured her. He didn’t sense anything which posed a threat.
Ok. Melissa took a deep breath and relaxed. It wasn’t far to the campsite. She could do this.
Hootbert nonchalantly clipped her ear with one wing. They could do this. She giggled rueful agreement.
After all, Hootbert wasn’t the one who’d forgotten the light hex, nor had he gotten so wrapped up in reading that night snuck up on them. He’d been sensibly dozing. And was now well-rested and at ease in the darkness, his mind free of scary apparitions.
Hootbert clicked his beak, exasperated at her dithering. Neither Grey Skulkers nor Blue Walkers existed. But dinner did, and was at camp.
He tilted his face down, so Melissa could see the ground in front of her feet, and she obediently started forwards.
Goodness, she never noticed how much the forest moved when looking through her own eyes. To Hootbert every wavering twig or ripple through the grass was distinct and interesting.
Well, any of them could be a rodent, Hootbert reminded her. And while he preferred the culls which mum would have defrosted for him, his instincts still clamoured at any tasty-sounding squeak.
Mmm, speaking of food waiting for them, there would be sausages. That put a spring in Melissa’s shuffling. Sausages grilled over the fire, and bananas roasted in the embers and stuffed with chocolate. Maybe even potatoes baked in foil.
Hootbert’s head swivelled. Aha. The crackle of a distant fire. And the sound of Greg’s guitar. The camp was near. He could just make out the erratic glow dappling the treetops.
And he could clearly make out Claire trying to sneak up on them. He fixed her (or at least, the bush she was lurking behind) with a withering glare and hooted warningly.
“Aw.” Claire straightened up, revealing Clark on her shoulder wearing a matching cheeky grin. “Where’ve you two been?”
“Reading.” Melissa grinned sheepishly.
“Pfft, knew it.” Claire shook her head while Clark yowled smug agreement. “We just got sent looking for you. Come on, the bangers are ready. And I’m starving.”
One hand still on Hootbert’s back, Melissa hurried after her friend into the welcoming light of the campfire.

Prompt was “Write a story from the perspective of an owl at night. “
[I cheated, lol. But I’ve always loved the idea of mental links to familiars or similar creatures being used for mundane stuff.]