The Saga of Saint Hedwig, One owl's story of her magical journey to destiny Options

[SaintHedwig]

Based loosely on the life and legend St. Hedwig of Silesia (A catholic saint from Poland who is a patron of women, children and orphans) and characters from JK Rowling's Harry Potter Series.

The Awakening: {part 1}
Darkness surrounded me completely, but my eyes saw everything. Objects were clearly defined and illuminated as I had never seen them before. This was unexpected. Why should I see better dead than alive? My body felt warm and soft, not the cold dread of decay that I awaited. I could hear objects singing, and each had its own song. The music of them all was almost deafening, but beautiful. I could listen to them as a chorus or concentrate on a single voice and easily comprehend its message. Were these the hosts of angels singing His praises? That wasn't so hard to imagine. It felt right considering recent events. It was more expected, at any rate.

I felt the wisdom of the ages, as if I could call upon the knowledge the instant it was needed. I could recall events I'd never seen with perfect clarity. Memories of my own life were as vivid as when they were lived. I thought of the pagan Athena. She was a goddess of Wisdom to ancient people. I felt if anyone knew things as I did, she could be mistaken for a goddess. I knew I wasn't, though. I never deceived myself with any of the grandeur that came about as part of my life. I was always just me, Hedwig.

I was just a sister to Gertrude, Mechtilde and Agnes; wife of Henry- and mother of seven. My life was both ordinary and unusual. I was blessed by Him with a loving, Christian husband. We were able, through His generosity, to help others less fortunate than ourselves. It was His will that we govern the land, as Duke and Duchess. It was not because we were special in any way. We were loved by The Father and expected to share that love with the masses. We did it willingly and carefully and were ourselves blessed by the same love.

What a wonderful life I lived. Yet, it was easy to let it go, for I knew it was His will. My husband, Henry, died before me and our son became Duke Henry II. He continued to lead people through the will and love of The Father. It made me very proud. But, when I was alone, I felt empty. Only when I was helping others did I feel my true self.

It was in the nunnery at Trebnitz that I first realized my death would be soon. I was old and gave too much of myself to others. My inclination to go barefoot, even in the snowiest winter, gave me a tendency toward frailty and illness. I didn't mind. I was never cold in the snow. I marveled at the beauty of the flakes, so alike and different at the same time. Only The Father could create something as beautiful and perfect as snow. I wondered what snow falling would look like now, with my new eyes.

I came to the Cisctercian Nuns when my beloved Henry died. We had built their home and many other monasteries together. I knew it was where I could help others while being together, in spirit, with Henry. The nuns took me in, but I did not take orders. I wanted to retain rights to the bounties that He had provided me. I could still make decisions on how to use my generous gifts towards helping others. If I took orders, someone else would make those decisions. It wasn't about pride that I kept that privilege. I knew it was His will and he designed me for it. I learned that from Him when working in the leper colony at Neumarket. There I got to see first hand how The Father could use me to save a soul. The unwanted and unloved would find a way to Him through me. I always knew I would help others any way I could. I wondered how this new change in my being would affect my sole purpose for existence.

I knew I was dead and yet I was conscious. I could feel the air warming. The morning sun would break through the darkness soon. I began to feel a need to eat. Hunger? That was not something I expected! And yet, I knew it was essential to follow my instincts. I trusted His will too much to doubt.

In the trees and woods surrounding me, I could sense other creatures. Their bodies felt warm and sleepy in their homes. I knew they would be emerging soon to find food for themselves. This would be my chance to fill the hunger. He always provided for my every need. Why should that stop just because I was dead? I did feel a moment of dread for taking the life of another creature just to sustain my own existence. But, did I not eat while I was alive? Did not other creatures eat their fellow beings for sustenance as well? My new ability to know the answer soon calmed my distress. I would proceed on this new path as was His will.

When the sun barely broke the sky, I knew it was time to eat, but how to go about it? How could my clumsy hands and slow reflexes possibly catch a mouse? A mouse! Was I really considering eating such a small creature? How could that fill my need? I had to have faith that it would be enough and that I would have the means to catch it.

My new sense of hearing alerted me to the change first. I heard the scritch-scratch of tiny claws climbing from the hole. The new eyes caught the action before the mouse had even finished the first move. I felt my body lift into the air and soar toward the mouse. How was I doing this? When I felt my feet grasp the mouse, piercing it with my toes, my consciousness began to click and whirl. Images began to flow into my brain. Images of a nest and eggs, with a large white owl feeding me overwhelmed my thoughts. I knew what I had become. My human life was over.

After I ate, I began to ponder this strange new me. My head turned to look behind me at the slightest disturbance. It was with some glee that I discovered it would turn almost all the way around. I could watch and see danger coming before it was too close.

I noticed my soft, downy pearl grey feathers. No wonder I wasn't experiencing the dreaded cold pallor of death. I was alive! How could this be? What changed in His will that I should not spend eternity by His side? Wasn't that the promise given? All people who lived their life by Him and His love would prosper in the golden halls until the end of time? The Father would take us to his righteous place when our time on Earth was at an end. Why now did I find myself in such unexpected circumstances? What had I done to offend Him?

Suddenly, a wave of understanding overwhelmed me. It became clear to me, this new path I was taking. The Father intended me for the same purpose as before. I would be helping others. Much like the pagan Athena, my form would be the owl. It gave me the ability to travel long distances. My keen eyesight would enable me to watch for danger. The knowledge of the wise would aid me in my quest. The life I was given would be as a protector. As I had once before, my life's purpose would be to safeguard the poor and weak. The unloved, the orphaned, and the well- they would all be in my charge.

Copyright ambh 2006 Characters are property of JK Rowling. The thoughts, ideas and writings are my own.

This post has been edited by SaintHedwig: Dec 12 2006, 05:57 PM

[SaintHedwig]

Here is part 2. This is going faster than I thought.

The Journey:
Many months passed in the forest. I learned as much as possible about my new skills. The new body I had required training. I was weak and young. What a joy to experience youth! I had been old for so long it barely seemed possible that everything was new again.

Eventually, my gray baby down gave way to strong, snowy white feathers. The season changed as did my appearance. The snow woke me one morning from an unusually restless sleep. Each snowflake was more exquisite than the next, but I was not distracted by them long. My thoughts soon returned to dreams from the previous night. I often dreamed of a boy's face that floated across my mind. I felt drawn to him and wanted to be with him. Dreams filtered into my waking hours with the dawning of the sun. As I hunted for breakfast, it amused me to wonder what the boy would be eating.

Only diurnal owls, such as me, hunt in daylight, so my fellow owls were seldom about in the morning. I enjoyed the solitude from the chatter of their thoughts. I did have one companion, a tall and tawny owl, older than the trees. He would visit me on mornings when I was hunting particularly early. He would be returning home from a long night of hunting. I watched how he did everyday necessities like preening, cleaning the food before he ate and other such important tasks.

It was a comfort to see how the life of an owl should be. I knew what to do, but it wasn't always the same as seeing it done properly and I was grateful for that. While I watched him, he would entertain me with stories. He seemed to enjoy my companionship, as we both shared our pasts. We were unlike the other owls in the forest. We had lived before.

It occurred to me one day that I might not be the only member of my family to share my new circumstances. My husband Henry followed His will faithfully. Where was he? Did I not also proclaim, when my son Henry died by the Mongols, that he had gone from me like a bird in flight? Was that my Prophesy for his future? I would not have believed it possible before now. And yet, my lonely heart knew we were no longer the same.

My death had been many centuries before my reawakening. My beloved family was forever lost to me. Yet, I would have a new family. The boy I saw in my dreams was my future. I felt the need for his companionship. It was growing stronger by the day. My dreams of him were no longer just for slumber. He was constantly in my thoughts. I could see his untidy dark hair and his sad green eyes. I knew he was unhappy where he was. My concern for him became almost an obsession. I had to get to him, but how?

Was I ready to leave the forest and my new companion? Had I fully matured into what I should become? I discussed it with my tawny friend one day. He was not surprised by my plans and offered to lead me out of the forest. I was grateful for the companionship and his continued guidance. I was not quite sure I was prepared for the journey, but anxious to take leave immediately. The will of The Father was strong in us both that day. I knew it was time.

My companion did not hunt that night. He left with me early the next morning after we breakfasted on some large moles. They had been slow getting home as the darkness began to lift. I felt a final pang of regret for them. I still hated to take a life for my own benefit. I was also reluctant to leave the security of the forest I had grown to love. The future was changing and uncertain. It seemed cold and distant and I was for once, cold in the snow. My tawny companion would strongly stand out against the fields of white. I could blend with my snowy feathers, but not him. We would have to be cautious on our journey. I could not bear the thought of never reaching my boy. I felt as if he was the last of my children and my sole purpose was to keep him alive. The need to be with him might have made me reckless, if not for the guidance of my tawny friend. He was wise and I knew to trust him with my life.

The journey was long and tiresome. It was particularly hard on my older, tawny companion. I did not realize how old he was until the day he could travel with me no further. We were at the edge of a great city. I could see the expanse of buildings and streets before me, inviting me in to their midst. There was a beautiful large park ahead, which I was anxious to reach. I knew we could rest and find food in the park, for it was very apparent my companion was hurting.

We had stopped often on the journey, for my friend would tire easily. But, the frequency of our stops had increased. At one point, it put us in danger from some sportsmen in the country. I knew they were near and searching for game birds. They could have easily mistaken us for prey. I was unwilling to stop and argued with my companion in a manner most unlike myself. I was heartily ashamed of my behavior when I saw him up close. He feathers were turning grey and his breathing was labored and slow. I left him sheltered in an old tree and went to fetch him some food.

It was easy to spot a small rabbit against the white ground. The snow was slowly melting and the rabbit blended with patches of dirt here and there. My keen eyes never lost it in the thatch, however, and my companion and I enjoyed a good meal. My heart went out the mother of the small rabbit. I felt guilty for I knew how she would feel when her offspring did not return home. I had experienced it myself when my son, Henry, went to fight the Mongols. My concern for the rabbit was quickly replaced by a growing fear for my tawny companion. He announced his intent to continue the journey with me but I doubted he would be with me long. I knew it was His will that the final leg of my journey should be alone.

My companion and I set off at dawn for the city and reached it shortly before dark. It was in a small field outside the city that we said our goodbyes. I asked him if he would return to our forest. He assured me he would not live long enough to reach it.

My heart was full of the loss of such a noble companion, but I knew it was the will of The Father. I felt reassured that my tawny companion would, at last, join Him in eternity. He gave me some parting words of comfort that I would call upon many times thereafter, "You have been chosen because of your goodness and faithfulness. There are not many in the world which will become what you are. Be constant in you faith in The Father, even when at times you seem forgotten and everything is dark. He will never leave you alone." His large amber eyes closed and he sat motionless for a moment as he finished speaking. I gave a doleful hoot and tweaked him affectionately with my beak. He opened his eyes and said, "Carry my love with you to the boy. He will need all he can receive to defeat the dark one." With those words, my tawny companion rose into the air and disappeared into the night.

Copyright ambh 2006 Characters are property of JK Rowling. The thoughts, ideas and writings are my own.

This post has been edited by SaintHedwig: Dec 12 2006, 05:57 PM

[SaintHedwig]

Part 3:

The Encounter:
It was not long until I reached the park and I wished my companion could have made the short journey with me. I longed for his calming presence, as my first fluttering of apprehension had begun. It was destined that I should meet a man in the park. He was the key to getting to my boy.

For all my knowledge and wisdom, I could not locate the boy anywhere. It was as if he were mysteriously hidden in the world from all who sought him. I, who knew his importance, thought it best that he remain hidden for the time being. I would have to wait for His will to clear the path before me. And, I knew the way to start was by meeting the man in the park. It was going to be an unpleasant and embarrassing encounter for me, I was certain. Only faith in the will of The Father kept me on my current course.

I chose the low branch of a yew tree for my rendezvous with the strange man. The significance of the yew tree as a symbol of death helped me decide where to wait. I could not help but feel a little sorrow that my new life might end here, without achieving my purpose.

A short time passed before I sensed the presence of anyone else in the park. He was fast approaching me from behind and I understood that he was running- chasing something in fact. A small shot of blue raced past me and nearly knocked me off my roost. I heard the erratic, chattering fear of a jaybird and realized it was the quarry of the running man. She reminded me of my smallest daughter and how we used to tease her for chattering away like a jaybird. I felt an instinct to protect the small bird and leapt into the air. I communicated to her to find shelter. I would distract the man and allow her to reach safety.

She did not have time to reply for the man's hand was within reach of her long tail feathers. I dove towards his hand and let my talons graze the back of his fingers. He had thick gloves made from an unusual skin I had never seen before. However, these gloves were hanging limply from his pocket and offered no protection. He bellowed loudly as the blood began to spring forth from the wound. I was momentarily knocked sideways by his other flailing hand. In that short moment, he had presence of mind to grab a long stick from his pocket and point it at me. I could not comprehend the words he spoke and it frightened me. It was strange, after having my new found wisdom, to find myself unable to understand the situation. Suddenly, I felt my body become immobile. I was moving towards the man even though he wasn't touching me. I heard him laugh and it was a horrible sound full of conceit and victory. Was this was the man who would lead me to my boy? For the first time ever, I felt terribly alone.

The man placed me ungracefully in a sack he was wearing strapped across his side. I heard him through the bag and his voice shook with glee. "This will fetch a pretty price at the Emporium! What a chance I should find an owl when I was only hunting pet birds. Mr. E will never believe I caught this bird. He will accuse me of stealing it, no doubt." His voice changed when he spoke those words. I could tell he was full of hate and self-loathing.

His coarseness of manner and appearance did not do much to make me feel pity, as it might previously have in any other poor soul. I believed the righteous were humble and worthy of The Father. How could this man be the means He used to set me on my path to the boy? Why would he receive the rewards for serving Him? I had never before felt such conflict in myself towards a person. I feared the displeasure of The Father more than I feared for my life so I managed, mostly, not to think of the man anymore in my travels in the sack.

A few days time soon brought us within reach of our destination. I knew things were as He intended and I was traveling towards the boy. I managed to sleep for short periods and saw new images of the boy in my mind. He was lonely and seemed hopeless. He was mistreated by those around him and could not see the future in store for him. It was probably for the best that he did not know who or what he was. The painful truth would come to him soon enough and I wanted to be with him when it did.

My sense of urgency, to get to him, caused me to rustle and squirm in my sack. It seemed the man had thought as little of me as I did of him. My ruckus in the sack brought his attention squarely back to me. He tapped me rather hard through the sack and I knew I should be still. But, I hadn't eaten in days and could no longer go without something to nourish me. I would need all the strength I had for the coming days.

My insistent wriggling caused him to open the sack and glare down at me. I knew his mind to be weak enough that I might, with His help, convince the man to feed me. I concentrated with all my might, on an image of him feeding me a mouse. It seemed to work for at last he said, "Well, I suppose I should find you something to eat. Mr. E won't pay me for a dead owl!" I felt him rummage in his pocket for several minutes. At long last, he produced a few crumbles of bacon rind and bread crust. I realized they were the remains of a breakfast he'd had several days before but I was grateful anyway. Bacon rinds had never tasted so good, in this life or the other. A slight delirium from the hunger was sure to make it better than it really was, but I didn't care. I hooted quietly in thanks and the man's expression softened for just a moment. Just as quickly, his expression hardened again and he glared at me as he said, "Now, that should hold you until we reach town. Don't bother me again!" He roughly closed the sack and continued on his journey.

While we traveled, I heard him complain many times about having to walk to our destination. Something told me he did not have the skills that many others of his kind had, particularly the ability to disappear and reappear in a desired location. I, too, was sorry he could not travel by a faster method but was ashamed of myself for feeling ungrateful to the man who was taking me to my boy. The Father would not be pleased with my unkind thoughts.

Several more days passed before I noticed a change in our direction. We were now traveling in what seemed a large and bustling city. My heart leaped at the thought that our journey was at an end. The man and I traveled through the city for several hours before he came to a tavern. I could smell the stench of beer and the delicious fragrance of food. The man took my sack from his side and hung it on his chair. He dropped a few scraps into the bag with the admonition, "This should perk you up before we see Mr. E. I want you to look your best." He chuckled to himself and I wondered at why he should speak to me as if I understood. Did he know what I was? That sinister thought worried me more than I had been at any time on the trip. What was he planning to do with me? Would it keep me from my boy?

When he was finished eating, he slung my sack upon himself and ventured towards the back of the tavern. Suddenly, I felt a whoosh of cold air as if a great door had opened. The cold air was charged with energy, such as I might feel in the presence of Him. My fears were allayed. I was on the right path to my poor boy.

The man began to walk in a diagonal direction. It seemed both strange and familiar to be traveling this way. I could tell from the noise that we were on a busy street full of people. My consciousness became filled with the sounds of other owls. There were so many of them and they could see the man and my sack. They were speculating who or what I was. I kept my thoughts hidden from them for the moment. Then, the man went inside a small building. The air was hot and dry, and full of now familiar smells. The owls were waiting expectantly to see what was in the bag. Apparently, the new man inside was too.

This new man greeted the other with kind words, which were not so heartily returned. I felt myself slung upon a low table and hooted in reproach. The other owls returned my speech with heartfelt apologies for my present condition. They encouraged me with their words about the kind man at the table. He opened my sack and carefully removed me. A few minutes were spent in silence while he stroked my ruffled feathers and set me gently on the table. His voice was soft as he spoke, "You have a fine specimen here. Where ever did you find a snowy owl? They are very rare in these parts. Have you been to the north on your travels?"

My traveling companion seemed to notice a hint of suspicion in his words that was not there. He answered back something very rude, that I chose not to hear. The two men haggled for several minutes over a price for me. The kind man offered more than I was surely worth and the other could not see past his greed. Owls watched the proceedings silently from many perches and cages in the store. Yes, I could see now that we were in a shop. It was in a busy street lined with many other shops and people. Was my boy here too? Would I see him soon?

Finally, the man who captured me was satisfied with the amount. He jingled several large gold coins in his hand and leered at them for many minutes. He gave a curt nod to me and stormed out of the store. I was not sorry to see him go. My new owner, for lack of a better word, was kind enough to feed me. He then placed me gently in a large cage and shut the door. He did not lock it, though. Many months were spent this way in his shop. I learned much from the other owls and enjoyed their company. However, I began to despair of every seeing my boy. My dreams were becoming more vivid each night. It was as if he was coming closer to me but I was flying away.

Copyright ambh 2006 Characters are property of JK Rowling. The thoughts, ideas and writings are my own.

This post has been edited by SaintHedwig: Dec 12 2006, 05:57 PM

[SaintHedwig]

Here is the 4th and (probably) final piece of my story. I appreciate everyone who has taken time to read my writing.

The New Beginning:
Soon the air began to change with the season. Fall brought with it a crisp-ness in the air and my senses noticed the difference immediately. So much time had lapsed since I began my journey and I was still no closer to my boy. I wanted so much to see his green eyes and sweet face.

The street outside began to seem busier than usual. I noticed more and more children's faces peered into the window, admiring the owls. The other residents of the shop began discussing the increase in customers. It was because school would soon be in session. Students would need to buy supplies to take with them and the street lined with shops was the best place to begin.

Many of my fellow owls hoped the parents would purchase an owl for their child, as a way to keep in touch while at school. They discussed at length their desire to carry messages, packages and any other necessities because of the freedom it gave. They were honor bound to return to their master but could stop and hunt or give way to other fancies on the way home. It seemed a meager existence to me, who had lived in such freedom in my forest. Why should I want to be a servant? I had a greater purpose and only one person I wanted to serve.

One day, my thoughts of the boy seemed incredibly vivid. It was if we were finally in the same place. My heart leapt with joy! I would see him soon. Would the boy know where to find me? I began to despair that someone would buy me. It would be impossible to refuse the oath I would owe if sold to another. I was too indebted to my kind new friend, for I could not refer to him as my owner. I felt a gratitude to him that was overwhelming. I would not be able to resist making the honor bound promise he would rightly expect.

All morning long, I watched with great trepidation when ever someone entered the shop. Mostly, they purchased owl treats and other maintenance supplies for birds they already owned. If comforted me somewhat, that most owls seemed to have caring masters who took care of their needs. But, I was meant to be only one boy's owl and no one else's. I hoped that I could get to him in time. I already knew he would be kind.

After lunch had come and gone, my new friend walked around the shop checking on all the owls. He stopped in front of my cage and I could feel the concern radiating off him. My appearance was probably frightful. I had been so distraught with the notion of someone buying me, that I had worked my feathers into a ruffle. I hadn't eaten my lunch either, out of nervousness. The kind man took pity on me. He told me he was sorry I had been cooped up in the shop for so long. He carried my cage out to the front of the shop with the insistence that some fresh air would do me good.

I felt only fear that I would be even more noticable to the shoppers, as my appearance was sure to stand out. I was the only snowy owl among my tawny and grey neighbors. I had spent the morning trying to blend in and remain unseen. My new friend had just ruined it all, but putting me in the most prominent position available. I could already feel eyes on me and if it had not been for the numbers written on a card, on my cage, I felt I would have been purchased immediately. Apparently, the numbers represented a very high price for me. I remembered the conversation between the two men when I first arrived at the shop. I knew I was rare in these parts and would be more desirable because of my strange uniqueness.

My boy was very near now, but I could not tell where or from what direction I felt his presence. I considered trying to open my cage and escape, for it was not locked. But, I still felt bound to the kind shop owner. I could not bear to break the bond I owed him. However, my need to be with the boy soon overcame any reluctance to leave the shop. I resolved to leave that night, just before the shop closed, if I could remain unsold. It would be better to escape under the cover of darkness. My appearance in daylight was just too eye-catching.

I therefore spent a good part of the afternoon making myself as unpleasant as possible. I snapped at shoppers who peered too closely at my cage. I hooted and screeched loudly whenever I could sense someone wanted me. I pulled out, very painfully, some of my beautiful feathers, so my appearance would seem even more unhealthy. My ruse seemed to work on most everyone, except one very large, hairy man.

The dusk was just beginning to settle when he came by my cage. I was already making my escape plans and trying to lift the latch without being noticed. I caught my talon in the latch while trying to open it and let out an involuntary hoot of pain. I stopped, frozen with fear that I would be discovered. I noticed a pair of gentle brown eyes as they moved towards me. They had the warm color of a beetle in summer and the crinkle lines of a man who laughed a lot. He was larger than any man I had ever seen and was extremely hairy. He looked more beast than human and I feared him for a moment.

Soon, I noticed a strange sensation filling my mind. I was irresistibly drawn to him and I lost all control of my feelings. I was powerless to resist him. Who was this strange, giant man with such a power to draw me to him?

I struggled against him for a moment until I saw, reflected in his kind eyes, hundreds of other creatures. Each beast showed me a brief vision of how the large man had cared for them and how wonderful life was in his presence. I felt then his kindness and tender heart radiating a compassion for me. It nearly overwhelmed me and I could not tear my eyes away from his. He cooed to me gently in a voice so warm and soft I thought it might steal my breath away.

My consciousness knew he was important to my future. Yet, I feared that I might be distracted by him and lose sight of my original purpose. I could not think clearly in his presence and it worried me greatly. An emotional wave was threatening to overwhelm me. I had not felt such a rush since I had first met my beloved Henry at our betrothal. I wanted him to take me from my cage, to feel the soft fingers smoothing my feathers. I feared it and desired it at the same time. Who was this man who threatened to destroy my very existence by his overwhelming presence?

The large man went into the store and my heart leapt. He was going to buy me. I could spend the remainder of my days by his side. I desired nothing more than that for my happiness. I thought of nothing but him, his soft voice lingered on my thoughts like a beautiful song.

As the song faded from my mind, a new feeling began to emerge. He was out of my presence and the effects of his influence were lessened a bit, so I regained the ability to think. A cold knot in my heart began to tighten. I realized I had a choice. As the man's presence had overwhelmed me, the will of The Father was pushed aside. I could see myself on a new course. My destiny would be my choice. I could remain with the large, kind man and live the rest of my existence as his pet, or I could finish my quest and be with my boy. I knew instantly what I had to do. The vision of sad, green eyes broke my heart and cleared my mind. I would have to be careful in the man's presence not to be overwhelmed. He was irresistible to me with a power I did not yet understand. It would require great faith in the will of The Father to resist him.

When the man came out of the shop, he brought with him a smaller cage for travel. I hopped willingly into it despite my better judgement. The need to be with him was, for the moment, stronger than anything else. Maybe there was a way I could be with them both?

I would try to influence him as I did my earlier captor. I began to concentrate with all my might on the face of my boy. The presence of the man made me slightly lightheaded and I resolved to concentrate even harder. I did not see him looking at me and was startled when he spoke, "Y'ere mighty smart ye are and I know what ye're thinkin'. I am taking you to im, Y'ere to be a present for his birthday. The two o'ye need each other more than we need each other. I will be very sorry to part with ye, if it's any consolation. Tho' we'll still see each other a great deal, I s'pect. "

My path had finally been cleared. The Father had given me the very means of getting to my boy, while offering me a chance to refuse my destiny. I could not have gone to the boy while my heart still yearned to be with another, and without knowing I might have had a different life. My choice to follow His will and see the journey through freed me from all other unnecessary regrets. I still felt drawn to the large man with his crinkled, kind eyes. But, I knew I could resist. I was able to focus on the task ahead with a clear mind. I would, perhaps, harbor a bit of a wounded heart where the man was concerned. It would seem likely if we were indeed to meet frequently in the future, that I should always feel drawn to him. He would have given me all that I could want from this new life- except my boy. And with my decision firmly in mind, I let him carry me down the busy street.

We went down the street together until we stopped in front of an ancient and dusty looking shop. I felt my heart race wildly in my chest, for I knew the moment had arrived. I was to meet my boy and begin our journey together. He was destined for great things and I would be there every step of the way.

I saw his face through the murky window pane. The beautiful green eyes turned to look at me through the grimy glass. A sweet smile broke across his face as he saw my enormous companion. The big man held up my cage to the window as a gesture of offering and wished him a booming birthday greeting. I closed my amber eyes for a moment, in grateful thanksgiving to Him, the Father. When I opened them a moment later, the boy- my boy, was holding my cage and peering curiously through the bars.

I concentrated all my thoughts to tell him my name. He seemed to recognize it, but not from whence it came. He would later say he found it in an ancient history book, but I knew the truth. I gave him a quiet hoot in greeting, as he said my name, and he smiled warmly at me. My journey towards destiny was at an end, for I was with my boy. We would face the uncertain future together.

Copyright ambh 2006 Characters are property of JK Rowling. The thoughts, ideas and writings are my own.

This post has been edited by SaintHedwig: Dec 12 2006, 05:58 PM

[PaulaMcG]

This is truly exceptional – clever and beautiful. Your portrayal of Hedwig is fascinating. The narrative voice is consistent and convincing. You manage to make the story exciting, even though your protagonist trusts that everything will happen in the way God has meant it to.

The narration does, in my view, get a bit heavy, as there is no dialogue and you cover long periods of time with somewhat abstract exposition and allow your protagonist to tell us about her feelings and conclusions. However, there are a lot of vivid scenes with concrete details, too. Perhaps the text would look more approachable, if you split some paragraphs.

I found this story particularly heart-warming because Remus's relationship with Hedwig plays an important role in some parts of my fanfiction. I can't help thinking that this story could be true in the world I have extrapolated from canon – even though my Remus won't know why Hedwig is such an extraordinary owl.

Perhaps you'd like to write more stories with Hedwig as the viewpoint character. I'm not sure it would be the best alternative to continue this by re-telling the story of Harry's mission. Instead, you could show Hedwig interacting with Harry and other characters and creatures in stories of a smaller scale focusing on events we don't see in JKR's books. I'm trying to think of an example- e.g. a story in which Hedwig helps Hagrid discover his individual style of teaching.

Thank you so much for sharing this story. It has such unique style and heart we can seldom find in fanfiction.

[Liza]

I can't believe I haven't actually read this *smacks herself*

It's great. Honestly, I really really loved it. It's just so different and unique in many ways, not the usual fanfic ... something completely special that just quite literally rocked my socks ;o)

I loved your very vivid and precise descriptions and the way you brought in enough thoughts and feelings throughout Hedwig's admirable journey. The topic also completely intregued me, it's a fantastic idea to write a fic like this one.

But I agree with Eija, it would be easier to read your story if you would fit in more paragraphs. But nevertheless I don't regret the fact that I took a lot of time to read through this fic, it's really worth reading!

[SaintHedwig]

Thanks Eija and Liza! I am really glad you enjoyed Hedwig's journey. I have taken your advice and edited all the sections into smaller paragraphs. Some were hard to split so there are still a few hefty ones in there. But, I hope others will have an easier time with it now. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to put my writing out there for feedback. I am currently writing a novel (non-harry related) and the kind words and positive critiques, about my fan-fic, have helped me overcome a lot. (Eija- I am learning how to do dialogue slowly but surely- hehe!) I am actually a painter so this whole writing thing is kind of a stretch for me.

I am hoping to have a chance to write some more fan-fic over the Christmas holidays. I never intended to continue Hedwig's story once she and Harry meet. I figure JK covers that sufficiently... :-) But, I might go back and take a stab at Fawkes' story and my hubby wants to know more about the tawny owl friend from the forest. And, Hedwig might start whispering in my ear again as well. She has many more stories to share.

Thanks again to everyone whose taken time to read this. I really appreciate it! (Oh, I guess now that I've spilled the beans about the painter thing, I might have to post a pic of my owl. Hmmmm, that's something to ponder...)

*hoot*

SaintHedwig

[Baron Von Krogg]

From Baron Von Krogg

to Saint Hedwig,

My oh My . Such a very enjoyable fic about Harry's Owl. I really have never read a fic
just about Hedwig,But you did a very incredable job with the story. Hopefully you'll continue
with your writing and maybe write a fic about Fawkes or even Pidgewiggon.However Pig
might be too late in the writings, Although a fic about Errol, The Weasley's owl could be
very enjoyable. However Once again , A very enjoyable fic. Please try and write another
Fic again.

[SaintHedwig]

Thanks, Lalaluna, for moving this for me! Thanks also to everyone who is reading or has read Hedwig's story! I may have other Hedwig stories to tell, but this one is complete. (It feels kind of strange to have one done already....) Hedwig may also make a cameo or two in some of my other fan fiction works. Keep a sharp eye out for her or you might just miss it! Hehe! Anyway... thanks!

*Hoot*
SaintHedwig

[SaintHedwig]

I am going to post this here, because I don't know where else it should go. It is kind of an addendum to my Hedwig story. At least I was thinking about it when I wrote it. And, it was a thank you for a friend who happens to like my Hedwig story. So, here it is.

Untitled Copyright ambh2007
My feet dance lazily in the cooling water. Droplets glisten on my bare ankles and I watch them as they catch the sun's sparkling rays. My mind is elsewhere, on battles and mysteries as of yet unexplored.

He alights on the ground beside me. A breeze caresses my cheek as his feathers brush by, retreating gently from sailing on the summer air. My eyes are bright with expectation.

Upon his outstretched foot he holds my gift, a roll of parchment- old and pale. With eager, trembling fingers I loosen its threaded captor string. A doleful hoot and blink of eyes- he is gone.

I'm gone, transported to ancient rivers past. My feet are immersed again and the water dances in reply. Words reach out with an elegant ring, reminding me of forgotten times.

With laughing eyes and quiet hands, I read. A shadow passes beneath my feet. Wings go gliding by, surveying from above.

I look up. I'm back and he is gone again. The water sings a liquid song, reminding me to dance.