Transformation of Melena
In the marshy swamps of Shindaga, nestled amidst the green ferns and misty fog, roamed a creature of enormous size. The locals referred to this magnificent animal as 'Melena', fitting for a majestic beast whose coat shimmered an ethereal gold under the dappled sunlight. Contrary to its enchanting appearance, the tales surrounding Melena were far from delightful. It was said that he had once been a villager who had incurred the wrath of the witch of the marshes, transformed into a creature of the wild.
The villagers mostly stayed clear of the swamps. However, there was one little girl, Teya, whose curiosity was piqued by the tales of Melena. Day after day, she stood at the edges of the marshes, hoping for a glimpse of the majestic creature. One day, as the golden rays of the setting sun bathed the swamp trees, Teya saw the shimmering golden coat of Melena for the first time. Instead of feeling scared, Teya felt a strange connection with Melena. With every sunset, this connection grew, and Teya found herself speaking to Melena, sharing tales of her day, and offering him fruits and vegetables.
One day, Teya didn't show up at the edge of the swamp. Melena felt a pang of unease. As hours turned into days, Melena knew something was wrong. Gathering courage, he ventured into the village under the cloak of darkness, observing from a distance. He saw the villagers huddled together, speaking in hushed tones, their faces etched with worry.
A week had passed since Teya fell ill, and the village healer could do nothing more. Word was sent out to the enigmatic witch of the swamps. When she arrived, she examined Teya and declared that only the tears of a gold-furred beast could save the little girl.
Melena, who had been silently witnessing the events, was filled with determination. The very next morning, he stood at his usual spot and cried. His tears fell onto a large leaf, shimmering like the most precious diamonds. Summoning every ounce of bravery, he crossed the marshes and entered the village square. The villagers gasped and retreated. But bravely bearing the pain, Melena walked up to Teya's house and left his tear-soaked leaf at the doorstep.
The witch, who was in Teya's house, stepped out to see the magnificent golden creature. The beast trembled under her gaze but held firm, his eyes reflecting hope. The witch thaws, her icy demeanor melts, and she humbly bows before him. Collecting the tears, she administers them to Teya.
The next morning, Teya awakens, her strength restored. The village celebrates, but not for long. The witch, still humbled by the beast's earlier act, decides to lift her curse. With a wave of her staff, Melena is shrouded in a cloud of sparkling mist. When it clears, there stands the human form of Melena, his body releasing sparkling energy.
Even though Melena had gone through torturous loneliness and isolation, his kindness and bond with Teya transformed him. His return to his human form was not only a physical but a spiritual transformation. When Teya sees him and recognizes those familiar eyes, she runs to him and warmly embraces him, a gesture he warmly reciprocates.
From then on, the story of the golden beast, his love for a human child, and his ultimate transformation remains etched in the hearts and minds of the Shindaga folks. It serves a reminder that kindness can be a potent tool, even in the face of great adversity.