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Who. Oh, it was all so confusing.
From the branch came a loud flapping noise parting the forest's deep silence. Then a whooshing sound. In a flash the fiery orbs descended toward him. Oliver froze within his tracks and shook, more than just a little. The beast soon was towering before him. Never had he seen such a mighty fearsome being. For that matter he had not seen much of anything before this night. With a trembling voice he asked, "What creature are you? You frightened me so with your flapping and whooshing."

"My, my, my", came the reply in a voice that shook the ground at Oliver's feet. "You don't know me? How can that be? Impossible to be sure. I am the Gandor, the Great Horned Owl. All know me and fear me even more. I rule this wood by night. I am master of all you see. Perhaps I shall devour you with a single gulp if the mood should strike.
"Oh kind and powerful Gandor sir, please be patient with me. Show me mercy. My name is Oliver D. Plexippus. I am, you see, new to your forest, having arrived but a short time ago. As you can plainly see I am so tiny I would not even be a morsel to one as great as yourself." A little flattery couldn't hurt, Oliver thought.
Gandor bent down for closer look. His sharp pointed beak poked at Oliver and his piercing gaze burned deeply. "On second glance Mr. Plexippus I would not eat you for all the tasty rodents in the wood. You are unsightly beyond description and probably taste even worse. Be gone before I change my mind."
There was another whoosh as the mighty bird flapped his wings. Oliver tumbled backward from the gale. When he righted himself Gandor was gone as quickly as he had appeared. My goodness, Oliver thought, that fellow certainly was out of sorts. It must be something he ate. I am only thankful that it wasn't me.
Oliver hurried away as quickly as his tiny legs would carry him. A small leaf covered twig provided safety from any prying eyes. He sat for a very long time and pondered. Why would Gandor say such a hateful thing? Can it be true? Am I so hideous so as not to be even gazed upon? Is that possible? Oh, I must see myself as others do he thought. But how?
Peering from beneath his leafy hiding place he spied a glimmering pond some distance away. Silver threads of moonlight danced across its ripples. It was such a long distance off. Would it be safe to traverse the span? What if Gandor should return? What other fearsome creature might lie ahead? Gathering all his courage Oliver called again to the beautiful

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