Once upon a time, in the most wonderful place on earth, in a land with the melodious name of Alania, there lived a Master with magical hands. Everything he touched instantly became incredibly beautiful.
The Master hears the roaring Terek River thundering, tossing mountain boulders about. He catches one, and in the Master's hands the stone transforms into a playful little horse.
He happens to spot a branch broken by a capricious spring wind, picks it up, and the branch becomes a warrior's sword.
He notices fragments of a clay pitcher by a tower, shattered by the mischievous little girl Dzerka, gathers them, and as if by the wave of a magic wand, they transform into a child's little bird-whistle.
Word of the Master spread throughout all of Alania, and in every corner, legends were told of his magical hands. He delighted everyone, but he couldn't seem to amaze the spoilt Dzerka, who lived nearby. The Master thought long and hard and decided to craft a doll for her: all girls love to play with dolls.
He wandered for a long time through the blooming emerald Alania searching for material for a creation that would bring joy to the little girl, but found nothing suitable. He sat on a large mountain stone and grew sad.
He lifted his head to the azure sky, breathed in the crystal air of the mountains, and saw someone flying towards him. Out of nowhere appeared a little spring swallow. She dropped a small wisp of straw into the Master's magical palm.
The Master was surprised, crumpled it in his hands, and a straw doll appeared. He came to little Dzerka and gave her the gift, but she only snorted and said:
