Tell me a story, father

once a prince asked his father to tell him a story that may help one day, and so he did

"Good morning, dear king, I hope yours is a day of peace and bliss"
"Ah, my young and noble prince, good morning. come let's go walk in the garden, this weather is not to be missed"
"It is my honour and pleasure, please lead the way"
And so started their conversation, as well as another new day

"So, how are your lessons going? I hope you're listening to your teachers, dear son"
"Don't worry father, I am upholding my promise to become a worthy heir, not leaving a lesson or practice un-done"
"And my swordsmanship is getting better; I hope you get to test it soon in a duel"
"I'm glad to hear these words, always keep discipline and strength as your fuel"
"And as for crossing swords: I promise to entertain your wish young one"
"But keep growing first, we don't want you to start crying should we snap your sword and early end the fun"
"As you wish my lord, I'll keep your words like a ring around my heart"
"But while we're at it would you be so kind as to tell me a story, one with wisdom to impart?"

"Why not? let's see...Ah yes, let me tell you about the ant and the elephant"
"Long ago, lived an old man inside a forest isolated from other humans"
"Lived peacefully in his small house, doing good to his neighbours from plants and animals"
"one day, he dropped a candle, which soon started a fire"
"He tried to stop it but to no avail, and the situation soon got dire"
"And from afar an elephant was watching, wondering how such a feeble creature could survive"
"Until an ant was passing by, carrying a droplet of water and running toward the fire"
"Where are you going? said the elephant confused with the situation"
"I'm going to help the old man, answered the ant, I won't let him face obliteration"
"But what can your small drop do, faced with flames even larger than I am?"
"At least I'll do what I can to repay his kindness, for neglecting his predicament would be such a shame in this time"
"Not adding more words, the ant kept going, against odds and heat"
"Faced with such a sight, the elephant's soul began shaking, and his heart increased the beat"
"So he joined the effort, and brought as much water as he can through his trunk"
"Started pouring it all over the fire, so much to the point that the house looked like it sunk"
"Thankfully the old man lived, and his home was not much damaged"
"However, the brave ant perished. yet her courage lived on to be cherished"

"And so, my son, I hope you got the message"
"Though this story tells more than one, and I hope you take from them as much as you can manage"
"True kindness is never meant to be repaid, though repaying it is an act of the noble"
"And strength of resolve is not always with those strong in body, it can come from those who look humble"
"And bravery is contagious, sometimes the courage of the weak sparks determination in the hearts of the strong"
"As such, respect everyone around you for you may never know with whom does your awakening belong"

"A fine lesson indeed, father, the white in your hair truly is not there for nothing"
"Your words always leave a profound impression, and may you always keep such wisdom coming"
"Bless you dear prince, you flatter your old man"
"May your sword be sharper, your body be stronger, and wisdom be deeper than mine"
"Though until then keep learning, for a such a journey is never easy"
"And don't rush things as all will come in due time, and I hope you be patient as well, not greedy"