Bereft Ranger… from Elfdreams 7…

Ranger Birney did not sleep. The veteran lay on his simple cot in the small red elm that was his home and recalled his great friend Mikkal and the many hours he’d spent with Mikkal and Tiffanne. Tiffanne had nigh chosen Birney as her life-mate, but Birney never revealed his feelings to her. Thus, she turned to Mikkal and their love blossomed. Ever the true friend, Birney stood by Mikkal as his best-Drelve at the ceremony of life-time commitment that united the happy couple. Birney had stood toe-to-toe with Drolls twice his size and Kiennish shaman, who fired blistering Magick against him. He’d accompanied the Teacher to Green Vale and stood among the Thirttene Friends whilst the enhancing root tubers were harvested and resisted the advances of the flirtatious Dryad. He’d battled noir skats, wailers, Baxcats, Leicats, and most predators that invaded the forests around Alms Glen. With Mikkal he’d bested the strange tall sorcerer that fell from the skies and bequeathed the brace of potions to gain his freedom. He’d felt the joy of seeing Xenn enter the world and the exhilaration of standing in the gray light of the Approximation. Now, the veteran Ranger struggled with his feelings. Looking into Tiffanne’s eyes furthered Birney’s angst. Since Mikkal fell, Birney had spent much time with the young Spellweaver Xenn, stood guard by his tree, and served many extra watches in the great trees bordering the wide Meadow of Lament. Nothing quelled his anger.