In the tiny village of Thornwood, lived a small sorceress named Milly. Her house was the smallest you could imagine, nestled between the roots of an ancient oak tree.

Milly could speak with animals. She spent her days helping her furry friends and learning secrets of the forest.

One day, a grey squirrel named Grify came to Milly. 'The river has dried! We can find no water,' he panicked.

Milly gathered her cloak and wand. 'Do not fear, Grify. We shall find a solution together!' she declared.

They journeyed deep into the woods, where the oldest trees whispered of a hidden spring, sealed by ancient magic.

Milly listened to the trees, her eyes closed. 'The spring will answer only to a pure heart,' they murmured.

The sorceress approached a stone with mysterious carvings. She touched it gently, and whispered, 'For the thirsty animals, I ask for water.'

Suddenly, the ground trembled. The stone moved, and water burst forth, clear and sparkling under the sunlight.

Grify and the other animals rejoiced. They had water once more and danced happily around Milly.

Milly smiled. 'Magic is powerful, but it is your kindness and courage that truly saved the day,' she told them.

The animals declared Milly the Guardian of the Forest. Together, they promised to look out for each other.

From that day on, Milly taught the animals the ways of magic and the importance of living in harmony with nature.