Rarity stopped dead in her tracks and sucked in a breath to keep herself from yelling in fright. She spotted something huge covered in black and gold feathers lurking within the growth. The owl-beast stood eight pony heights up--as tall as the lowest tree branch--and luckily didn't notice her. Its feathered head turned, but far enough for its massive round eye to spot her before lumbering away. Its 'hoots' sounded as if they were echoing without the actual echo. 