29 April 2012
*This is based on a dream I had a while ago, I adapted it into a story. Your thoughts and any criticism are welcome, please comment.*
I'm standing in a wooden hut. To my right, there is a desk littered with many articles, and shelves that climb above it- too far to see. To my left, there is just a gaping hole, where that side of the hut was ripped away, possibly by wind, possibly by something far more sinister. All my friends left me here a while back and locked the door on the way out, I don't know why though. The only way out is through the hole, and through the hole is a landscape of pine trees and rocky mountains covered in snow; dead man's land. I won't be going that way, not just yet. I have to get out though, because I fear that I am not alone.
I can't remember how I got here, or why I am here. I can't remember what happened to this hut, I only know that I need to get out. Fast. I remember the old man, that frightening old man with the toothless grin that suggested more than it showed. Yes, I remember that I need to get away from him, somehow.
My head whips towards the gaping hole, I hear a hawk in the distance, but something else too. My name. "Ellie!" Suddenly, someone has appeared next to me. He is wearing a plain white tee with jeans. I look down at myself for the first time and notice with surprise that I am wearing some kind of uniform, like I have been in combat. My eyes are drawn back to the figure next to me. His eyes are wide and alert, but I still recognise the face they sit upon. "Connor" I whisper. "Come on Ellie, we have to go!" It takes a moment for me to recognise words, then alarm sets in. " The only way out is a death trap, Connor; we'll be killed!" I screech at him. "Calm down babe, we'll take tiger and bird. That way we have a birdseye view, and, well, a tiger" he explains to me, with a smile playing on his lips. Of course, it seems so simple now. I forgot that I have the ability to morph into any creature I like. And so does Connor, obviously. I lock my eyes onto Connor's face and say, "I'll be bird." A wicked smile spreads across my own lips.
I spread my arms and close my eyes. I feel the cracking start in my fingers and toes, feel them transforming into something magically elegant. My skin pricks as the feathers grow from each individual arm hair, into a wonderful plumage. I feel my nose grow longer and harder, it is my beak beginning to form. I let out a grateful sigh, as I am now myself. I open my eyes to a magnificent tiger with Connor's glistening eyes. He looks at me and his mouth opens. I can be free, I am the hawk.
Connor and I walk to the edge of the hole. I look down into the bright, white, winter wonderland. The snow is still and untouched, no one has been here for a long time. It's so beautiful though. How I long to be able to just sit here and watch the world go by, but I know i must go. "Good luck" I say to Connor under my breath. He hesitates, but then bounds into the air and crashes onto the icy, cold ground below. I hold my breath and wait, until I know he is safe. Finally, I see an orange blur run off in the distance and then hear a throaty growl that signals my departure, and rumbles the forest below. I take a deep breath, brace myself for the frosty air, spread my wings, and jump.
The Tiger and The Hawk-part1 • Opuss № I