A Note from a friend
By Bria Sunrider

The bear cautiously approached the edge of the clearing, testing the air for possible threat. Having determined that no danger was near, he silently approached the man sleeping beneath the protective branches of the ancient trees. The man, senses honed by years of outdoor living in troubled times, slept on.

There were few men or creatures that could have gotten close enough to the Ranger to drop a package near him without finding themselves quickly at the sharp end of his sword, but this bear did nothing to disturb his dreams.

His mission complete, the bear took up vigil guarding his companion's rest and awaited the dawning of a new day.

At the first hint of sunlight the meadow came to life with the usual sounds of birdsongs and the hum of busy insects. The man stretched, inhaled deeply and rolled to one side. It was then that he saw the bear and gave a momentary start, then muscles relaxing he recognized Bria's pet and offered a friendly hand.

Looking quickly around the meadow he saw that the bear had arrived alone. The arms that went around the bear's neck were large and heavy, the quick embrace so different from the slender arms and gentleness the bear was so used to. In that moment, man and beast shared thoughts of one they wished were with them.

As the bear returned to his resting spot the man noticed the bundle near him and untied the rabbit fur to find a cabbage and a scroll. Picking up the cabbage he smiled and broke the seal on the scroll to read what Bria had to say to him.

Wyndforge, my dear friend,

It is my hope that this missive finds you in a place of beauty, surrounded by the canvas and paints you love so well. And if that not be the case and you are in battle, may you be well protected and safe.

My reason for the message is two fold, first, I need to thank you. What a surprise it was to find myself included in your art gallery! Words can't express how much it meant to me for you to spend your time and use that wonderful talent to capture a memory I hold so dear. I shall always carry that image with me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, the portrait is beautiful and so very appreciated.

Also, I was remiss when last we were together. We were busy exploring and I forgot to give you a lucky cabbage. It shows what a good time we were enjoying that I would have let that slip past. The cabbage that Bob brought to you has had a spell of preservation cast upon it and will stay fresh for as long as you keep it with you. It is an old druid tradition to always carry a cabbage for protection and and good luck, and to make sure that people we are close to share in that good fortune. It is still edible so perhaps you will treat it as I do and find a spot in the bottom of your pack for it.

Should kindly fate not allow a meeting before, I shall see you the first day of Spring two years hence. Until then my friend, please take care. Thank you again for the beauty you bring to all of our lives with your art. In times of strife and trouble it is good that you can still see all of the beauty and share that with us. You are a good friend to Norrath and I count myself blessed to be included in your circle of friends.

Until we next meet,

Bria

Wyndforge smiled and began to remove items from his pack, extra clothing, canvas, paints, charcoal, food, loose items and finally his fletching kit. He carefully wrapped the cabbage back into its rabbit pelt and stored it in the bottom of the pack. Unlike so many others who would scoff at a lucky vegetable and either eat it or drop it to the ground, he understood that it was a talisman of friendship and good wishes.

Pressing something to his lips he then folded it into a small piece of canvas and tied it with some rawhide string from his pack. Picking up a piece of charcoal he wrote something on the outside with a flourish and handed the package to the bear, sitting so patiently waiting on his instructions.

Wyndforge gave the bear a quick scratch behind the ear and received a playful nudge on the shoulder in return. "Take this to your mistress boy, I know you are anxious to return to her side." The bear nuzzled the man's hand one last time and quickly turned to follow the sun. He was gone as he appeared, quickly and silently on his way home.

Bria was just breaking camp when the bear reached her side and she offered up a grateful prayer for his safe return. Gathering him close she rejoiced in the return of her pet.

She accepted the package he offered, knowing that he had found her friend and that he was safe. On the outside of the package was the familiar signature known so well throughout Norrath and upon opening the canvas she found a beautiful Fironia Rose. Inhaling the sweet scent and rubbing the flower against her cheek her thoughts flew to the ranger and artist who had become her friend.

She carefully refolded the package to protect the delicate flower and placed it in her pouch with her treasures and keepsakes that kept her company when she found herself alone.

Picking up the rawhide string she tied her hair back and stepped over to the stream to refresh herself before beginning her day.

Should anyone have seen her reflection they would have noticed the soft smile placed there by a caring friend.