Weedhead

Owlspeak, once a feared warrior and protector of the land, battles a crippling illness that keeps her indoors, out of the natural world. When Weedhead, a young would-be warrior, arrives at her shack seeking her gift, Owlspeak treats her with scorn. But Weedhead slowly endears herself to Owlspeak until Owlspeak asks Weedhead for the ultimate gift: a peaceful end to her wretched existence. (short story)