Once upon a time, in a small cottage, near the town of Gludio, lived an old magician with his student
The old man was actually a very esteemed Master of the Arcane arts during his time. Everyday he would tell stories of his great achievements both in science and magic. His student held him in very high regard and would listen to his every word like it was their last.
Of course, like all families, even those not bound by blood, have their problems.
His student, Nelin was his name, had a very nasty habit. He liked to gossip. He would spread nonsense and lies about everyone, even his fellow colleagues.
One day, the old master found about the doings of Nelin, by accident. He overheard him talking and badmouthing his own friends.
The old mage got really sad, but he withdrew his negative emotions and thought about how chanel them into something productive, perhaps, to teach Nelin an important lesson. He thought long and hard and finally came up with to an idea.
When Nelin was drawing water from the well, the old mage approached him.
He confronted Nelin and told him to take his pillow and follow him.
Nelin was very confused and puzzled as to why the old mage would make such a request, but he knew better than to defy his teacher. So he did it without hesitation.
"I will do as you wish, master" said the young apprentice.
He went to his room, inside the cottage, took his favorite pillow from his bed and went outside.
- I am ready master - said Nelin - tell me what I must do next
- You will follow me now, to the highest mountain in the area - replied the old magician.
- Why are we going to a mountain, esteemed teacher? - asked Nelin
- Patience is a virtue - whispered his teacher.
They arrived at the bottom of the ravine, near the highest mountain in the area.
The ascent began.
It was a very tiring journey for Nelin, tho it didn't seem to bother his teacher, so he never showed fatigue.
He could never catch up to the old mage. All he saw the entire way up was his back.
And silence.
After few hours of climbing and running, Nelin finally reached the top of the highest mountain he had ever climbed. His teacher was already waiting for him.
- I am here teacher - said Nelin with tired voice - Will you tell me now, why have we come here?
The old magician looked him in the eyes and said:
- Nelin, my dear student, I want you to tear this pillow and spread the stuffing from the mountain
Nelin hesitated for a second, after all this was his favorite pillow. But he couldn't disobey his teacher. He wanted approval.
So he tore the pillow and let the wind take care of the rest. The stuffing flew in all sorts of directions.
After a while, when all of the stuffing was gone from sight, the old magician said:
- Now I want you to gather the stuffing and put it back into the pillow!
- Teacher, that is insanity! - gasped Nelin - It would take me years, if not decades to gather everything!
- Run and gather the stuffing - repeated his teacher - Be back by sundown!
Nelin knew there was more to this than just madness, so he accepted the challenge. He started to run around and gather the stuffing.
He went through mountains...
... swam in the river ...
... went through forests ...
... and meadows ...
At nightfall he returned to the mountain top, with only few pieces of stuffing. His teacher was waiting for him.
- This is not possible master! - said Nelin - I tried to gather it all, but the wind scattered the pieces everywhere!
The old mage replied:
- Son, the same thing happens with the words you speak - once they leave your mouth, other people spread them throughout the world, like the wind, and you do not posses the power to stop them anymore. So remember this lesson, always think twice about the words you speak, so you won't have to run around and try to get them back!
