The Keeper of the River
In the scenic valley of Karendon, caressed by mighty mountains and lush greenery, flowed a pristine river called Lethe. A humble alternative to the ocean and home to countless organisms, the river itself was a subject of mystery, adored by all but understood by none.
An old man, Yatris, was known to his townsfolk as the 'Keeper of the River.' Every day, dawn to dusk, Yatris could be spotted on the river bank, observing the gentle ebb and flow of Lethe, whispering ancient verses to the river.
The villagers had immense respect for Yatris, but the young, skeptical Bran always challenged the old man's ways. 'Why do you spend all your time talking to a river, old man? It's pointless,' Bran would sneer. However, Yatris, ever patient, merely smiled and returned his gaze to the river.
One arid summer hit Karendon, drying up wells and leaving the fields parched. The crops withered, and livestock began to fall ill. The only thing unfazed was the Lethe, continuing with its rhythmic gurgle.
With the village facing the brink of disaster, Bran approached Yatris with desperation. 'Old man, our village is dying. If you truly possess the powers you claim, please, save us,' Bran implored, his eyes reflecting the fear of imminent death.
Yatris gaze remained fixed on the river as the old man's lips began to shape the ancient verses of the river-song. All skeptics turned into believers when gentle clouds started forming above and burst open, showering all of Karendon with healing rain. The crops revived, the animals stirred, and the villagers rejoiced. 'The river hears, the river feels, the river answers,' Yatris whispered to the wonderstruck Bran.
The next morning, Bran saw Yatris on the river bank, whispering to the river despite the early chills of the day. From that day, Bran took over Yatris's role, the Keeper of the River, understanding that the river did indeed listen. The serene, powerful, unperturbed river was as much a part of their life as the air in their lungs. They understood what Yatris had spent his lifetime preaching - to respect the balance of nature so it would give in return what was needed. The river Lethe did not just flow water; it flowed life to the inhabitants of Karendon.