Once upon a time, in the most magical 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 River Terek rushing by, tossing mountain boulders about. He catches one, and the stone transforms in the Master's hands into a playful little horse.
He notices a branch broken by a capricious spring wind, takes it, and the branch becomes a mighty sword.
He spots shards of a clay pitcher by a tower, broken 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 impress the spoilt Dzerka, who lived nearby. The Master thought long and hard and decided to craft a doll for her: all little 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 down on a large mountain stone and grew sad.
He lifted his head to the azure sky, breathed in the crisp mountain air, 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 went to little Dzerka and gave her the gift, but she merely snorted and said:
