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"Beauty and strength can be seen in everyone, even if they themselves cannot see it. It is to you to simple remind them that they are needed, and that they are beautiful in their own way."
~Numinex
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A week had gone by without seeing any visitors from any of the other lands and I was worried that they might be too proud or too stubborn to come to the meeting that my brother had called and I sighed as I made another circle around the territory when the screeching of orcs hit my ear and I looked down to see what looked like very young men or dwarves fighting a few bands of Orc and it seemed like they were loosing, being heavily out numbered.
Being the protective woman I was, I decided that I needed to help them, as they are probably representatives and that I was supposed to destroy any orc found in the forest in Rivendell so it would be like killing two birds with one stone. Swooping down I knew that I would not be able to shift back into my human form seeing as I did not take any weapons with me so I decided to go with the next best thing.
I cleared my mind as I swooped down, knowing I had to time it just right and I felt heat flow through me as everything seemed to slow down, my body shifting and fur replacing the feathers that once adorned my form as my bones became stockier and heavier and I could feel the earth shake underneath me as my form landed upon the ground, large twisted claws coming from my paws, a short tail and elongated muzzle.
I stood upon my hind legs, the dwarves behind me to stunned to move, the orcs in front of me terrified. A roar ripped from my throat as I pulled back my heavy paw before crashing down on the orcs while simultaneously using my rows of razor sharp teeth to bite into any orc unfortunate to be too close to me as I bought my weight down on top of the orc in front of me, listening to it's bones crush.
"Come on lads! Are we dwarves or not? Let us not have a bear defeat our enemies for us! Into battle we go!" I heard the battle cry of the dwarves as they all rushed forward and started fighting the orcs side by side with me and I turned in time to see a familiar looking dwarf killing an orc but one right behind him so I reared up and the dwarf looked up shocked as if he thought I was attacking him, but relief came over his face as he looked behind him to see my crashing down on the last orc.
"The battle is won lads!" one of the dwarves declared as they all brandished their weapons roaring in triumph and I roared with them in celebration. As the mirth died down the familiar looking dwarf turned toward me and realization dawned upon me, the dwarf in front of me was Gloin, one of the dwarves who went on the quest to kill the dragon with Bilbo, and also a very good friend of mine.
"Where do you think this bear came from father?" I looked to see a younger looking dwarf, who looked almost like Gloin had so long ago other than the different style of the beards and that Gloin's original hair color was darker of a red than the dwarf before me. The dwarf had a prominent beard and mustache, as all male dwarves did, his hair was a light red, almost faded in color, he was no taller than Frodo who was only 4"5' and he had an ax resting upon his shoulder as he looked up at me seeing as I was larger than a normal bear.
"This is no normal bear." Gloin said with a wide smile, his voice rumbling deep in his chest giving it a harsh, yet soothing, sound to it and his son huffed in response, his voice sounding like his fathers only deeper in pitch, "Well I can see that! No bear I know is pure white with a black mask and black stripes across it's side!"
Gloin walked up to me resting his hand upon my side with a smile upon his face, obviously remembering me from long ago when I helped him through many dangers before and after the defeat of Smog the dragon. "This bear is a good friend of mine, and has assisted me through many dangers, her name is Numinex, and she is more valuable than any stone within out mountains. I believe she is here to lead us to Rivendell seeing that her home is with the elves."
I nodded my large head and lead the dwarves through the forest at a relaxed pace, seeing as dwarves are not long distance runners, but rather sprinters and for the most part they tire easily. The rest of the journey to Rivendell was uneventful and the gates were already open by the time that we reached them so I did not hesitate to show them to the Palace, my brother already waiting outside.
"It seems as it you met some trouble while escorting our friends dear sister." I smiled the best I could while in bear form before returning to my human for, most of the dwarves besides Gloin gasped in wonder. Gloin already knowing that I can shift form. "Welcome to Rivendell master dwarves, I am glad you would come to discuss this important matter, not all of the representatives of races have arrived yet and so I will have my sister Numinex show you to your rooms where you can rest and relieve any of your gear."
I smiled warmly at the still shocked dwarves, "Hello friends, if you will pleas follow me I will show you to your rooms." I turned on my heel, my hair flowing out behind me as I did so and I walked into the palace, the dwarves following me still shocked as Gloin came up and fell into step next to me, "It is good to see you again Master Gloin, the years have treated you well I see."
He gave hearty laugh in response and patted his stomach with a warm smile upon his face, "Meat, work and some good Mead has done me good, ain't no mistakin' it. I can see ya let your hair grow longer, ya still are the fairest maid I ever set my eyes on." I laughed softly in response, "Being immortal helps with age my dear friend."
We continued to chat with one another in the easy pace we always have when ever talking with one another, laughing at old jokes and new that we just told one another when his son began walking on my other side, "Ah yes, Numinex, this is my son Gimli." I smiled at the dwarf and bowed my head in respect, "Well met Master Gimli." He bowed his head as well before looking up at me curiously.
"My father told me much about ya lass, but he did not say that ya can shape shift into a woman!" I smiled and then nodded, "Yes, in fact this is my main form, my other seven forms are used depending on the occasion and the battle around me, but this one is more convenient for catching up with old friends." Gimli nodded and we all fell into an easy silence.
As we arrived at the rooms that were set for the dwarves Gloin turned to me with a smile, "Ya have ta make your famous brew of Ale! I haven't had it in so long, and I am sure my son and companion's will appreciate it!" I smiled and nodded, "Of course I will make my special brew, can't be a welcoming party without it! But if you get drunk and anger my father or the others who live here, that is on you."
He laughed in response nodding before they entered their rooms and I turned to walk to the kitchens to talk to the ladies who were cooking the meal for tonight to make sure that they get all of the Dwarves favorite foods prepared. The Eleths did so reluctantly but worked on it anyway as I got out the ingredients for the one kind of ale that was so strong, but light, it got a dwarf drunk within six mugs, which is normally a very hard task to accomplish. And because of the ale's lightness, there were no hangovers the next day making it every drinker's delight.
But the best part about it, was that it was a different taste for everyone, it would change to match the tastes of those who drank it making it taste delicious regardless of the drinker's preference. I made barrel after barrel of the ale, using my skills in magic to make the ale ferment with great speed and be ready to drink come time to eat.
I had finished about twenty barrels and was making good time when my brother entered the kitchen and looked at the barrels suspiciously, "Ale? Don't you tempt the dwarves enough?" I smiled at him still working, "And haven't you already admitted that it is the best Ale you have ever tasted and that it is good for any sort of occasion, no matter how important?"
He sighed in defeat before smiling, "You plan to have us drunk before the night's end?" I laughed at this and the Eleths all stopped to look at my brother and I curious from the sound of our laughter before they shook their heads and went back to cooking, "And you even have the Eleths making a meal designed for the dwarves. My, my dear sister, you are a courteous host, in my house."
I smiled and waved my hand dismissively, "If there is one thing I have learned about dwarves, it is the way to their heart and winning them as allies, is through their stomachs with great food and strong drink. You know... same goes for Hobbits too, proud little creatures with very stout hearts." I smiled warmly at the thought of the Hobbits that I have taken under my wing before returning to my work, "Just keep an eye on our guests, wouldn't want them breaking any thing in their rush to get at that drink."
I smiled and worked until it was time to dine and I got some of the Ellons who were standing guard outside to assist me in carrying the barrels, Elohir, Elladan, Legolas, Orophin and Rumil immediately offered their assistance as well as a few other Ellons who were trying to gain my favor. As we carried the barrels into the dining hall I heard hearty cheers from the Dwarves which brought attention to the barrels we were bringing in.
As the last of the barrels were brought in, the Dwarves immediately were filling up Pints of the golden colored Ale and I grabbed five pints and filled them before walking over to my little group of Hobbits, "Drink up Hatchlings, this is a special brew of my own and I am certain you all will love it." Pippin and Merry crashed their cups together before taking a long drink from it and chimed in unison, "This is great Mum!"
I chuckled warmly as they drank from there mugs and Legolas came up with two silver goblets in hand, "I think you should drink some of the fruits of your labors." I smiled back at him and accepted a goblet from him before sipping at the Ale and he did so his eyes went wide, "This is magnificent!" I smiled and nodded, "Yes, but it is very strong, so don't drink too much, lest you loose your mind to the drink." He nodded with a wide smile.
I sat eating as I listened to the music the elves played with my eyes closed and a smile upon my face before a hand rested on my shoulder and I looked over to see Gimli standing there, a smile upon his face, "Might I 'ave a dance lass?" I smiled and nodded, "Of course Master Gimli." as I stood he took my hand in his and we danced to the song together.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well Gimli could actually dance and as the song ended he bowed and I smiled warmly, "You dance well Gimli." I could see the rose colored blush upon his cheeks and I smiled warmly, "Thank ye for the dance lass." I smiled at his endearing nickname to me, "Of course." as the night went on I was glad to see that the elves and Dwarves were getting along for the most part, all brought to answer the call of the ring.
