In a certain town there lived a small cheerful Spring. From morning to evening its waters flowed for the needs of the local residents. They worked hard, and the Spring knew that without its water the people simply couldn't survive, and it tried with all its might. It was difficult work, because Tricksters wanted to block its path and use the life-giving moisture themselves. But the Spring knew it had to break through, deliver water to the people, no matter what.
The Spring joyfully reached the large lake and rested, dissolving into it. But every day with the sunrise it began its journey again and again. One day, distracted by watching how the clouds playfully reflected in it, it didn't notice the danger and fell into a large wooden barrel, half-filled with stale, stagnant water.
Why did you wake me up, Nimble Water?
Asked the dark, foul-smelling mass.
Forgive me, of course
Said the Living Spring
But how can you live like this?
And what?
Heavy Water lazily raised herself
You're free, but I can't change anything... Sigh
She whispered thoughtfully, releasing dark, heavy bubbles from her mouth
I wish I could be free, go where I want, do what I want.
Then why do you live in a barrel? Leave it!
Said the Living Spring.
I can't, this is my place!
Heavy Water said with resignation in her voice.
That's nonsense!
Cried the Living Spring and angrily splashed with a wave
I'll help you get out of here, but in return promise that when someone comes to you for help, you'll also help those in trouble. But first tell me: do you know how to listen to others?
I don't know
Heavy Water trembled with anticipation of freedom.
Well then, for a start, I'll help you escape from here and become strong and clean water. You must run and run until you've helped three Kingdoms.
What if I can't do it?
Then you'll turn into heavy, foul-smelling swamp forever.
The water didn't want to become swamp, especially since she was encouraged by the fact that she wasn't alone—the Living Spring was beside her. Many difficulties and trials fell to the lot of the barrel water, but she told herself: "I must do this, I must!".
Whether much time passed or little, but one day the barrel water heard people say: "Look, look, what a beautiful Spring!" The water turned around to rejoice for her friend the Living Spring, but saw no one beside her. And she understood that it was her the people were calling the Beautiful Spring.
So that's what a trickster the Living Spring is, it turns out I achieved everything myself, it turns out I can do a lot too. I'll stay and live in these beautiful places, where there are so many kind, hardworking and caring people. They will take care of me, and I will take care of them. Because my strength is endless, this will be my secret for the people, my hidden message of life!
