Naara once again woke with her back aching from sleeping up in a tree for the fifth night in a row. Between the scratchy bark and the awkward angle of the branches, it was virtually impossible to find a comfortable enough position. She climbed down the tree, using her sharp, retractable claws to avoid slipping. She parted a bush to reveal a group of hand-made weapons she had hidden; she had fashioned a few spears out of thick, fallen branches and a few arrowheads made of stone. The stone arrowheads she used to cook supper; she would warm large stones on the fire. With no pot to cook her catch in, she used the hide of a deer she had caught a few days before and would fill it with water from the stream that flows East. She would then put the meat of her prey in the water and add the stones as they became warm. This boiled the meat, and after a few hours, she would be able to eat it or dry it out into jerky.*

This morning, the hunt was dry. Not a single edible creature had made its presence known. By mid- day, hope had run dry as well, and all she wanted was to find a place to rest for a moment. Soon she began to hear running water, but it was different from the whisper of the stream; it was as if it was crying, screaming for attention. She came up to a waterfall no more than 10 meters high. The small lake it cascaded into was so clear one could see the rocks and plants at the bottom. She could also see the floor suddenly dropped a few meters ahead and became deeper.

After so many years in the dirty dungeons of Goblin Town, Naara figured she could use a bath. Before going in, she decided to scout the area, not actually expecting anyone to find her, but one can never be too cautious. Once she dubbed the area safe, she removed the sullen and ripped clothing and dove into the fresh water. Immediately, she could see the dirt and grime dissolve off her flesh and her ash skin suddenly became a milky white, like porcelain.

Flowers of all colors and fragrances decorated the edge of the lake. It all seemed so familiar. The trees began dancing in the wind as she floated on her back. She began to hum purposefully, but she didn't really know how she knew the song.

Eventually, she made her way around the edge of the lake and began to gather some flowers. She made her hands hot to make the oils from the flowers mix with the water in her hands. She used the mixture to wash her hair. When she rinsed it in the cascading water the hair tuned from a dull dirt brown to a bright golden blond. She washed her face and body in the same manner.

Once clean, the skin-changer decided to swim around a bit. The relaxing sound of water hitting water put Naara at ease, and she didn't hear the bustling of bushes and the heavy steps of dwarves walking in the direction of the waterfall. Naara inhaled deeply and lightly opened her eyes as she exhaled. Smoke fumed from her nostrils; she was finally relaxed.

Out of the corner of her narrowed eyes, she saw something shift between the trees. She immediately retreated behind the cascading water, hoping it would shield her enough from the unwanted intruders.

Suddenly, three of these strangers jumped out of the woods and in mid-air removed all their clothing before landing in the water. It was three young dwarves that had escaped the goblins. Eventually, more dwarves appeared, the older ones moving slightly slower but no less excited. Naara averted her eyes as well as she could until she was sure they were all submersed. When the only splashing she heard was that of horseplay and not diving, she observed the dwarves and made sure none would get too close.

She could not find a way out; the waterfall was far from any plateau she could climb up to without being noticed. She decided to wait for them to be done; she knew it wouldn't belong long before these dwarves became hungry and would have to leave. Although, now that she thought about it, she could follow them and maybe snag some of their no-doubt plentiful buffet.

Soon, two more figures joined the group. One of them was the strange, hairy-footed creature, and the other was another dwarf. He had a somber expression, half way between worry and determination. She had been in that position before as well. The two sat together in the shade of a tree.

At that moment, some of the pollen from the surrounding flora began to itch her nose. She was ready to sneeze, and when a dragon sneezes, it isn't exactly subtle. She gave in and fire pierced through the waterfall.

Everything was silent for a moment. "What was that?" the youngest of the dwarves finally spoke, though almost inaudible. Naara dared not move from where she was, still slightly hunched from the force of the sneeze. She heard movement and noticed ripples in the water coming faster at her. One of the other young dwarves, blonde and blue-eyed, began to move closer. The hairy-footed creature under the tree put a hand to the hilt of his short-sword and his companion was already up with sword in hand.

"Reveal yourself, creature!" said the clothed dwarf. The young dwarf stopped. Naara stood still. She wanted no trouble from these dwarves. She could easily take them on and escape, but she refused to inflict pain on the innocent. Through the breaks in the pouring water, she could see that the young dwarf was only a few meters away; she could almost touch him. "Now!" yelled the older dwarf. This startled Naara and only made her angry. Smoke fumed from her nostrils, but she calmed down. She folded her arms over her naked breasts and slowly walked through the waterfall, hoping that if she remained submersed, they would not notice her bareness.

There was a slight, unanimous gasp from the intruders. "I mean no harm. I was just bathing. I did not mean to trespass." After the initial shock wore off, most of the dwarves respectfully averted their eyes while encouraging the others to do the same. The Hairy-footed creature brought her a long, blue cloak that his friend had pointed to. They both turned to face away as she hesitantly got out of the water and put it on. She was not timid about her nakedness, the goblins would beat her bare when she "misbehaved," she was only cautious of whether they would use this vulnerability to capture her or maybe kill her. "Thank you" she said, signaling that she was now decent.

The dwarf turned and faced her. "What is your business in these parts?"

"My business is my own. But I assure you I mean no harm," she replied. "Now, if you do not mind, I will find my clothes, return your cloak and be on my way." She began to walk away, but he put his arm out in front of her to prevent her from walking past him.

"Are you travelling alone?" he asked with a curious look in his eyes. Naara nodded. His eyes now had a hint of worry. "Which direction are you travelling? Maybe we can escort you part of the way. It is dangerous out here for now, especially for lonely travelers." She gave him an inquisitive look. "There is a house up the road a ways; I'm sure our host would not mind a guest for the night." Naara's eyes brightened.

"A house? down the road?" she asked, excited that her friend, Beorn, might actually be alive.

"Yes," began another dwarf. He had covered himself with his cloak and was now walking towards them. his long white beard was still dripping wet and seemed heavy on his chin. "We can probably take care of some of those wounds, too." He was referring to the lash wounds from the whips. She looked around at each dwarf and could see in their eyes they would be no threat; and she could see they had questions for her, but were too nervous to ask.

"Alright, then," she responded, looking at the older dwarf and smiling. "I'll come with."

"Splendid!" he laughed. "Balin," he bowed deeply, "at your service."