High above the world, where the air was crisp and the mountains tall, an eagle named Zeus soared. His keen eyes scanned the vast landscape below, a canvas dotted with dirt, grass, buildings, and evergreen trees. This place, nestled in a series of north-facing coastal mountains, was his home.
When the leaves turned color and fell, it wasn’t long before the first snowflakes started their dance earthward from the heavens. This made Zeus happy, so he stretched his wings outward, catching the currents that lifted him through the air. Slipping through the wind-driven snow, a few brave flakes settled on the tiny hairs between his eyes as if they knew it to be a safe haven. He shook his head, shedding them so that their journey earthward would be complete. Hours later, the world below Zeus was transformed into a glistening white paradise.
Zeus reveled in the beauty of his winter wonderland. He often perched on the highest trees, surveying the ski resort below. He watched as skiers and snowboarders glided down the slopes, their colorful jackets and scarves contrasting with the pristine snow. Zeus loved hearing the joyous laughter of children echoing through the valley. He had grown to enjoy the dark and sweet syrupy liquid left outside at the end of the day. He’d once heard a youngling of the species exclaiming, “Look, mommy! That eagle is drinking the hot chocolate those people left!”
Zeus looked up, and though he could not smile, he let out a tiny peal as if to confirm, Ah, little one, yes. I do like your hot chocolate!
For Zeus, the liquid, though frequently cool after exposure to the winter air, was a sweet respite to be enjoyed, especially after the evening culling of the chipmunks, which were more easily seen against the backdrop of winter white.
Days later, Zeus observed a group of skiers on foot ascending a steep slope that was not in regular use. Intrigued, he circled above. Coming ever closer to the group, he wondered what might transpire. Once they reached the summit, the group gathered, spending some time celebrating before embarking on their descent. Zeus followed, riding the invisible waves that swirled around the mountain.
As the skiers descended, Zeus marveled at their skill and grace. They weaved through the pine trees, leaving powder trails in their wake. The eagle felt a kinship with these adventurers. He imagined joining in their revelry, gliding down the slopes, the rush of cold air against his feathers, the world a blur around him.
Zeus particularly enjoyed nighttime, when the ski resort transformed into a magical realm when the stars adorned the night sky. At the same time, powerful beams of light illuminated the ribbons of snow below. He spent nights perched on a snow-covered branch, watching the twinkling lights of the village below while the wind carried the distant melodies of humanity.
One evening, as the last rays of sunlight were extinguished, Zeus orbited over the resort, searching for a meal. His attention was drawn to a solitary figure. A young woman, her body illuminated by the soft glow of the approaching moonlight. She was on a seldom-used mountain section, full of obstacles and danger. Zeus knew of its ability to break people. Intrigued, he circled closer, watching as she finally descended the mountain, her movements almost birdlike, fluid, and mesmerizing.
Zeus flared his wings when she reached the bottom and landed on a nearby bench. The woman, sensing his majestic presence, looked up with awe. Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. Zeus connected with this lone adventurer, a soul with an appreciation for the solitude and beauty of the night.
The woman approached, and Zeus extended his wings as if inviting her into his world. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the eagle’s feathers. Zeus remained still, knowing that one swipe from his talons could quickly kill her. He allowed the touching to continue until the woman stopped, pulled back, and exhaled.
“I wish you could talk,” she murmured. “My name is Rebecca. I wonder, do you know how beautiful and powerful you are?”
Unaware of the emotions racing through his companion, Zeus lifted his head and stared. That night, on the snowy landscape, a silent relationship was forged. The soft, vocal expressions of admiration Rebecca made took him back to his early life in the nest, when the cooing of his fledgling nest mates was his entire existence. It was oddly comforting.
From that night on, Rebecca and Zeus became friends. She visited the ski resort regularly, and each time, Zeus greeted her with a flight overhead as he sang the song of his people. They explored the slopes together, she gliding on the snow while Zeus soared above. Together, they were a symphony of winter harmony.
As winter gave way to spring, Rebecca and Zeus continued their adventures. The snow melted, revealing patches of green beneath the white blanket. One day, as the last traces of snow vanished, they shared a final moment.
Rebecca stood a few feet away with a grateful gaze, ready to bid farewell to her feathered friend, hoping the mountains would reunite them when the snow returned.
Zeus understood. Blinking twice, he lifted his head and released a mighty peal. With one motion, he looked down, grasped a feather, and pulled twice. Holding the newly liberated piece of his body in his beak, Zeus tilted his head, inviting his woman to approach. Without hesitation, Rebecca moved. Slowly, she reached out her hand. Zeus bent slightly and dropped the feather into her open palm. She stepped back, twirling the feather between her fingers.
Zeus released one last peal and leaped, soaring into the boundless sky.
Rebecca stood silently as his majestic silhouette faded away. She ran the feather over her face, the individual parts rippling across the tip of her nose and her upper lip. She slipped it through her hair and over her left ear with one motion. It wasn’t a trophy. It was a gift from a lover. What had been an unrequited love was no more. This love was real, carried on the wings of an eagle named Zeus.
