A Story...

Once upon a time there was a girl who had a sword. She took her sword to the swordsmith to get it sharpened one day. The Smith gave her the price and she went on her merry way. Soon thereafter she began to experience excruciating pain on her left side. She thought to herself, "there is no way" and continued on, but the pain did not cease. In fact, the pain got worse, and not only was it now on her right side, but her whole body. She rushed back to the Swordsmith and as she threw open the door, breathing heavily with pain, she yelled for the to the Smith to stop. He stopped his work, and immediatly the pain ceased, confirming her susspicions. She told the smith that he needn't sharpen the blade any more and went on her way home, the blade hanging gently at her side. Some time later there was a battle that required the girl's skill and cunning, but she found that her blade was dull and weak. Although it survived the battle, it did not fair well. Yet again, there came another battle, and this time the girl's sword did not survive. She escaped, but only after nearly losing her life. She knew that despite the certain pain, she must take her sword to the Swordsmith. As she entered his shop, apparently ashamed of her recent battle loss, She caught his knowing eye, and instantly she knew his compassion and love for her. "Will it hurt badly?" she asked. In his kind manner, The Swordsmith replied "Not as badly as if there are no reapirs at all. But don't be afraid, I'll be with you for all of it. And then, even your losses in battle will be victories."