Winter Encounters a Bear

"It is good to be home, is it not Bear?" Winter Silversmith said as he looked down at his faithful German shepherd named Bear.

"Wrooff" came Bear's reply with a slight nod of his head.

"Our sheep are still here, a good sign of how safe it is in these lands". Winter barely spoke the last word when a deep growl came from the tree near the waterfall.

Bear leapt forward pointing toward the tree barking and baring his teeth.

The branches rustled and then parted to reveal the bulk of a rather large and hungry looking grizzly bear.

Winter Encounters a Bear

Bear, the dog, continued barking wildly.

"Stop that Bear, you frighten him". Winter motioned with his hand and the Shepherd laid down while continuing to eye the beast. "Bear meet Bear", Winter said introducing dog to beast.

Winter stood facing the beast and spoke a few words from the world before the Age of Men. The beast seemed to recognize the old words and stopped its approach. Bear, the dog, let out a single bark as if to participate in the exchange. Winter glanced sternly at Bear and put his head down on his paws.

The beast continued to stand and look at Winter.

"Is the fishing not good this morn beast?, Winter said, "You must be hungry".

Winter reached into his sack and pulled out a fresh trout wrapped in cloth. He smiled at the beast "Now, if I give you this you must leave my sheep alone. Agreed?" The beast sneezed and nosed down with his snout in agreement.

Winter tossed the fish at the bears' front paws. The beast leaned down and grabbed the fish between its paws and bit into it with razor sharp fangs.

The beast picked up the fish, turned and disappeared behind the waterfalls.

"You are still young Bear" Winter said to his dog. "You will learn to be kind to our forest friends."

"It is good to be home", Winter said.