Once upon a time... there was a fair maiden who was in love with a handsome young man and this young man was in love with this fair maiden... They were so in love with each other that he decided to ask her to marry him... So on a hillside, one spring day, as a beautiful thunderstorm was rolling in, he asked her to be his wife. She was delighted to picture herself as the wife of this courageously humble and gentle soul; so without hesitation and with overflowing joy she said, "Yes! I will marry you!" And with that, the young man knew that he was to go and prepare for them a place to grow old together... "Somewhere beautiful with green meadows, and cascading mountain sides... Sprawling trees and babbling brooks... I will build a house for you there," he promised, "I will build it with your every joy as my instructions. The promise of your love will keep me steadily on. As my journey may take some time I wish to leave with you my most faithful comrades and companions: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. They will be your comfort as I am away." He left that same hour, for he knew the sooner he started his quest the sooner he would return for his radiant bride.
Nearly 2 months had passed, 7 weeks to be exact... The young woman was growing anxious for her betrothal's return. As she meandered about the courtyard, she started to notice the trades and skills of the
companions her husband-to-be had left with her... Suddenly as if by a rushing wind - a thought came to her - "I will study the skills and trades of these comrades and daily they will teach me...and when my love returns I will be an accomplished maiden, adorned as his bride." So early every morning as the warmth from the first ray of sunshine bathed her beautiful face, she would begin her studies of these nine skilled tradesman... Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control poured into her their seemingly endless knowledge... Until one morning just as she was crossing the threshold to the beginning of her day, a figure in the distance, shadowed by the beaming sun, caught her eye... Was it him? Had he finally returned? At full speed, the valiant creature's feature became ever clearer - he was here! He had returned for his bride! Just as a thief in the night, he whisked her away on his mighty steed for he could not wait a moment longer to have her for his bride and show her the place he had prepared for her. As they galloped over the horizon it became abundantly apparent that they were to live happily...ever... after. The end.
