Ada, The Dreamer - A tale from Lyria
Once upon a time, in a city known as Lyria, there lived a girl named Ada. Ada came from humble beginnings but was rich in dreams and courage. Her parents were millers, their hands were hardened by years of labor yet their hearts were beautiful and nurturing, they believed in the power of hard work and the importance of hope. Ada inherited these traits from her parents but she longed for more than a miller's life. Ada's ambition was to become a scholar, a dream almost inconceivable considering her social class.
One day, a royal decree from the King of Lyria was announced that offered a scholarship to the Kingdom's most prestigious academy. The only catch was that participants must decipher a riddle set by the King himself. Hope kindled within Ada, she knew this was the opportunity she'd been waiting for.
The riddle posed by the King was, 'I am something, I am nothing; I am short, I am long; everyone wants me, yet nobody can hold me. What am I?' Many noble sons tried to solve the riddle, but none could provide a satisfactory answer. The riddle was considered impossible and many gave up.
Unfazed, Ada grew absorbed in the riddle. Days turned into weeks as she contemplated the meaning. Many thought she was wasting her time, but the spark in her eyes remained undimmed.
'I am something, I am nothing,' she would utter to herself standing near the grinding stone, the silvery cascade of water dancing in the background. One night, as Ada sat under a tapestry of glittering stars, it finally dawned on her. The solution to the riddle was abstract, it wasn’t an object, but a concept - Time.
With newfound resolve, Ada traveled to the royal kingdom. She stood in the grand court of King, her heart pounding but her voice steady as she uttered her answer. A hush fell upon the court as everyone digested her words. The king, surrounded by his advisors, studied the humble miller’s daughter. After the tense silence, a slow smile spread across his face, 'Correct young maiden, you are indeed deserving of the scholarship.'
The room erupted in applause, the echo resonating throughout the court. Ada, the miller's daughter was about to transform into a scholar. Throughout her years at the academy, Ada proved her brilliance time and again. Shattering societal expectations, Ada not only became a renowned scholar but later, she was also appointed as the King’s advisor. Her story became a beacon of hope for many, encouraging everyone to dare to dream, regardless of their origins.
Ada’s tale echoes amongst the cobbled streets of Lyria, a story of a simple girl who dared to dream big despite her humble beginnings. It serves as a testament to her determination, and an inspiration to those who are willing to take that first step towards realizing their dreams.