Aethelrien sat in the crook of her favorite tree. Her legs dangling on either side of the large branch. She kept swinging them slightly, enjoying the sensation of the motion. She rested her head back against the rough bark of the trunk and listened to the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves and the birds chirping away, discussing their day.
As she sat enjoying the serenity of the woods she saw Athelor coming up the hill toward her, she gave a half wave to him, wondering if he actually saw her. He continued his climb, his stride long and confident. As Athelor approached he suddenly stopped, his hand swiftly moving to grasp the hilt of his sword. His entire body stiffened, only the ends of his gray hair moved as the gentle breeze stirred it around his face.
Aethelrien tensed, unsure of what caused her brother’s concern. It was at that moment she simultaneously saw and heard the sound of an approaching creature. Through the bilberry bushes came a large bear. As she watched it approach she realized this was no ordinary bear; its stature and features hinted at something more. A Beorning perhaps? She was puzzled, what would a Beorning be doing in her woodland cove? As she watched the bear, a strange feeling of familiarity pricked her mind.
When the bear caught sight of her brother, it too stopped. For several tense moments both stared at each other. Then, slowly Athelor moved one step to the side, then another. As he moved the bear mirrored his movements, step for step. Each circled the other, eyes locked in a tense stand-off. Aethelrien held her breath, watching the event unfold. Just when she felt that it would never end Athelor dove to one side, leapt into the air, and landed within a few feet of the bear and his sharp teeth. Then, before the bear could react a sly and impish grin flashed across Athelor’s face and he pressed one finger to its nose and laughed.
The world around Athelrien was briefly frozen as she held her breath watching. Suddenly, a low rumble sounded deep in the throat of the bear. She clenched her hands into fists and prepared to jump down from her branch. As the sound grew louder, it took on a strange sound. It was then that the bear transformed in to a man, and he was bent over laughing joyfully. The sound was contagious and Athelor soon began laughing with him. He then strode over to the man, clapped his thin hand on the man’s sturdy shoulder and smiled. “Welcome!" he said.
Aethelrien opened her eyes, stretched, and snuggled deeper into the bedclothes. A smile filled her face as she lay there remembering the happy dream. She turned and watched the flames flicker as they consumed the small log burning in the hearth of her chamber. Soon, she was asleep again in a restful slumber.
