The Legend of Grey Feather

Long ago and not so far away lived an old medicine man...Grey Feather....he lived alone and tended to his village...healing the sick and making sure all hunts were successful...the people of his village were afraid of him because of his power..so he was left alone much of the time...and lonely....one day a young maiden wandered into the village...her clothes torn and ragged...half starved and skinny...no one wanted her around and told her to leave....but Grey Feather stepped in and told the Chief he would be her guardian...care for her and in return she would learn to cook and clean for him..learn his ways and someday replace him in his duties to the people...
So the years went by and Grey Feather taught the young girl all he knew and she became adept at healing and other magical things...she cared for Grey Feather very much..wished he was younger and  handsome...the girl longed for a family...a husband and children of her own...
Grey Feather grew old...no one knew exactly how old he was...couldn't remember a time when he wasn't the village Shaman...he loved the young maiden...loved her true and deep...he knew she longed for more in life...more than he could give her...as he was now...
So Grey Feather went off one night...he travelled to his special...magical place...no one knows exactly the magic he did for it was always in secret...but that night he changed...his hair grew longer...darker...his limbs stronger...his belly taut...the wrinkles...deep with age and knowledge faded and disappeared...and so did his power...he used his last bit of magic to summon a large...beautiful herd of horses...when the sun rose he rode back to the village...he went to the chief and gave him three of the best horses and claimed the maiden as his own...claimed his right to be a member of the tribe...
He claimed his bride and over the years showed her kindness...tenderness and strength...love...he became a mighty warrior that none could best...and the young maiden loved him back...she never knew what became of the old Shaman...missed him greatly and wished he was around to assist her in her healings and such...
And the two....the warrior and his maiden lived happily ever after...
If only legends and Fairytales were true...alas the real world beckons...the world where life is full of hard knocks...loves that leave you...never to return...they don't have magical powers...they don't sacrifice to be with you...there are no Happly ever afters in life...
Today marks Veteran's Day 2011...a day to honor those that served and made this land safe for us...and also...for me...an anniversay of a very sad loss...2 years ago...a life changing loss...I'll never be the same again..it changed me more than anyone knows...will ever realize...
Yet down deep in my heart...I still believe...in magic...in love...
So Today I wish you love...magic and your very own Happily Ever After...
Peace my Love....