The Nerdy Owl Story.... so far..... Introduction by Eldrial, an elder of Orbwood Grove. We are what our friend Ms Kylie has dubbed as 'Nerdy Owls'. I guess it's because we have these special shiny protective lenses over our eyes, and we are very much similar to owls in your world. There are some differences of course, such as we can not only fly but also walk somewhat......okay it's more like a waddle with a bit of a hop. We can grab objects with our wings, we talk, and are quite magical. That's how we also came here.... through a portal. One of our owlets made the discovery and with the help of Ms Kylie, here we are, ready to make our way into your lives. Ms Kylie is the one that sculpts and draws our likeness and is helping to share our story. Want to know more... Then keep reading! We do so love to read. Don't you? About Us - the Orbwood Grove Owls - 'Nerdy Owls'. We come from a place called Orbwood Grove, which is so named after the type of trees that is abundant here in the forest we live. An Orbwood tree is quite massive in size and one tree can house a small colony. They have lovely large leaves and their fruit glows softly in the night. Orbwood Grove is quite a large colony by usual standards, living among a ring of Orbwoods that surround a pretty glade where our owlets love to learn and play. Now our world is called Atheria and is 3 times larger than your little planet. It's quite similar in atmosphere but without all that nasty pollution you all have, thankfully. Many of the other creatures here are similar in some ways but quite different in others. Perhaps we'll introduce them to you later on. We too have various humanoid species, but we don't interact too much with them. Our Wanderers do that. Here in Orbwood Grove, we live in a wonderfully large forest, far away from most humanoids. Just how we like it. But then we also have special magical barriers surrounding us, so we stay well hidden and protected. There are many similar forests in this world, but we also have colonies that live near the oceans and of course our desert-dwelling friends, making their home in large deep oasis canyons. Generally, owls stick to their own areas, not often venturing too far, and it's our Wanderers and Merchants that travel to other colonies and lands. They bring news of what is happening and anything of importance. I can tell you... Coming here has bought a buzz of excitement that has spread far and wide already. Why I wouldn't be surprised if some of our other far-flung cousins will want to come to see for themselves! We may be shy and like to stay hidden more often than not, but we are quite curious too. And of course, we just love to learn. We have agreed to come here to share our magic and joy and maybe bring some back into your world. It does appear to be lacking in that area somewhat. Especially with all that stuff you have going on. I think you need us! Anyway - where was I? Oh yes, about us. Now our society is very simple really. We all work together and have different areas we specialise in. We don't have a concept of religion like you do, for our ways are simple and it's all about helping one another. We understand magic and universal laws and treat each other with kindness, understanding, and compassion. Of course, our owlets do test our patience at times. They are cute though and we all adore them. All the young are raised as if they are our own, for we believe that a whole colony raises the owlet, not just the individual parents. The areas our owls specialize in ranges from General Management, Healing and Magic, Protectors, Guardians, Merchants, Teachers, and the rarer types of Wanderers. We call each area or specialty a designation, and of course, we have the Leader who is voted in by all the owls. Should there ever be an equal vote then the final decision is made by the Elders. That has yet to happen in all the eons of our existence. Leaders can be male or female, and it's often those that exhibit rather unique traits of being quite adept and in harmony with all the elements, master strategists with excellent diplomacy skills. They help with trade agreements and communication with other species in our forest who are also adept at communication. For we are not the only creatures in this world, let alone forest, that talk and have advanced intelligence. There are 5 elders in a colony, and we, as I happen to be one, help with looking over the designations on a day-to-day basis. We each have expertise in a main universal elements such as air, fire, water, terra, and spirit. We also record our histories and share the stories of our past, so that the younger ones know all there is. General Management owls are in charge of the care and maintenance of our homes and colony, fixing things, cleaning when needed (we are quite clean if a little OCD about our living space), and setting up banquets and cooking. Yes, we do cook our food! I guess that is the other thing different to the owls of this world. Healers and Magic designations are also akin to what you refer to as scientists for they study heavily their craft and do experiments on many things. All for the development and for the greater good of the clan. Now that is another reason why we wear our special lenses... Sometimes magic and experiments do tend to explode on occasion. Nothing drastic of course, we are quite careful, but there are times things go flying all over the place. Our eyes are very important to us! Merchants are those that travel to other colonies, trading goods and news. We do like to keep abreast of all that is happening after all. Oh and we do love our shiny things and scarfs. The merchants always bring back lots of shiny fabrics and objects for us, which we just adore. Oh my.... You certainly do have lots of shiny things here! We are all just filled with so much excitement about that, I can tell you. Now, Guardians are those that are similar to lookouts and hunters. They are skilled at staying hidden, watching for danger and things that are going on in our Forest. They are also lovely at helping to collect food, herbs, and other items needed by the colony. They are also the first line of contact with other species that may need our help. Mostly with our healers. We are quite adept at self-healing, but other species are not so fortunate. Protectors are our warriors. They work very closely with the guardians, as well as traveling with Merchants when it is needed. Our world is not without it's dangers, let me tell you. Teachers are of course self-explanatory, and their role is valued indeed. They help with developing young owlets and help identify what designation that a young owlet may decide to go into. It is the young owlets final choice of course. Then we have the more rarer designation of Wanderer. They are the ones that have a drive and inner need to travel all over the world. Exploring, interacting with other species and learning all that is going on. They are like Spies. Skilled in many areas and quick to grasp new languages, know how to be more sociable and blend into any environment. I happened to be a wanderer in my younger years. Oh the stories I can tell you. Age caught up with me though, and the Colony needed an elder. So, here I am. Oh my goodness... I have yet to introduce myself! Why my name is Eldrial. As you now know I am former Wanderer and now an Elder of the Orbwood Grove Colony. You will see me soon enough I am sure. I may like to share my stories but a wanderer never tends to reveal themselves too soon, plus I am still busy exploring your world. I do love this internet thingy you have. Quite intriguing, I must say. Oh and the shiny things you have... Shiny... Did I tell you we have a love of such things? Of course it must be useful to us as well. We are generally not hoarders, and everything gained should serve a purpose for the good of the colony and owl. Shh. Don't tell the others, but some of us do have a stash of shiny things we keep to ourselves though. Food and Banquets
Ms Kylie was a little curious about what we eat. Yes we eat other critters similar to your rodents, fish, insects and lizard like creatures. We do cook our food of course, as that's how we like it. We also eat some nuts, fruits, oh and special nectar juices and wines made from some of our unique and beautifully sweet flower varieties growing here. We do love our gatherings and this is where our wonderful owls who do general management are amazing. They set everything up and get it all running smoothly. Some are rather flamboyant and quite the decorators I must say. Oh, and we do so love when we have a dress-up party, with some owls creating quite elaborate and involved costumes. Of course, there is competition to design the best, but it's all good fun and never any squabbles over who wins. Well my dear ones, I think that is all for now. I could just go on and on all day. I am sure you will hear more about us as I and Ms Kylie introduces us through her modeled creations. Psst, you remember we are magical right? Well, we have snuck in some magic with each and every one. Just a little something to help raise the energies and bring a little magic into your life. Atheria
Blessings for now
Eldrial.
