Adult Male
Name: unnamed
Species: Borean Luteus Owl
Birthday: Monday, February 1, 2021
Owner: briebaby64
Element: Air/Water
If one watches a snow-laden tree very carefully near the border of Silva Forest and Boreus, they might be able to make out a luteus owl companion. The only clue to their presence is when the wind shifts, tossing branches about while the owl remains still. Luteus owls have remarkable plumage that closely resembles fall foliage. Their feathers range in color from cold blues to dark greys, and they seem to simply disappear into the trees during this season. During the rest of the year, these companions are less likely to be seen, and remain far from the edges of forests. They make their homes in the hollows of trees, lining them with soft fabrics, snow, and particularly thick spruce branches. No one ever goes looking for these nests, as luteus owls will fly into a terrible rage and attack any intruders. Luteus owls are terrible to face when angered. Instead of meeting their enemy head on, they dart in and out, tearing at their target with their sharp claws and beaks. Hovering above places them out of danger, and they will worry at their enemy for hours, till the animal tires. This is somewhat similar to the tactics luteus owls use when hunting – they fly silently above, then dive down and ensnare their prey. At other times, they are content to wait on a branch, examining the floor below for any passing animals. They have keen eyesight, and little escapes their gaze. Should a luteus owl wish to disappear further into the woods, they often do so in a storm of swirling snow. These swirls move in such a way as to disguise the owl completely, and many believe these owls have some control over them.
No one has ever seen one of these companions venture far from a forest, and they have never been known to enter the castle. Luteus owls seem to grow weak without the presence of trees, becoming lethargic and then slipping out of consciousness. It would be easy enough to pick up a luteus owl in this state, perhaps transferring it to a cage. This doesn't mean that it's a good idea to try and transport them – rather, quite the opposite. When luteus owls awaken far from trees, they fly into fits of rage. These companions will lash out at anyone, and are capable of inflicting great damage. As one can imagine, they are not considered to be the best travel companions. When surrounded by trees, however, these companions possess quiet temperaments and bond well with their magi. Their thirst for blood is reserved for the hunt. Borean luteus owls are most ravenous during the late autumn, when the warmth finally relinquishes its hold and the nights begin to leave frost on the ground. As soon as the first traces of snow appear, these companions are spotted more, flitting from tree to tree. Unlike other owls, these companions move as comfortably in daylight as they do in the dark, and hunt at all hours. Their appearances allow them to go all but unnoticed. Luteus owls will often remain still for an entire day, blending in seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. Younger owls will swoop down on unsuspecting passerby, finding their surprised yells to be greatly amusing.
Sprite art: Lazuli/GlassWalker (adult) | Description: Damien