The Ballad of the Golden Bird
Once upon a time, in the remote kingdom of Axendria, there lived a petite and devoted merchant named Cyprian. He owned a small yet charming bazaar filled with precious items and curiosities from far-flung lands, but his most prized possession was a single, golden bird cage, cradled lovingly by the beams of crimson and orange light that filtered through the canvas of his small store.
Inside the cage lived a peculiar bird, Anka, enclosed not because of her owner’s cruel heart, but due to the celestial enchantments cast upon her. Anka was a mighty bird, ornately adorned with iridescent plumage of colours so radiant they were nearly unimaginable. But her most captivating trait was her voice. It was an orchestra of the purest notes, more melodious than a thousand nightingales.
Legend had it that Anka was created from a tear of the goddess Altaria. She had power that could heal any ailment, and her song could captivate the most hardened hearts. The enchantments were placed to protect her power and the world from falling into the wrong hands.
Cyprian was blessed by the goddess to be her guardian and he took his task seriously. Although he lived an unassuming life, he was content with the companionship of Anka and her enchanting voice that lulled him to sleep each night.
One fateful day, a mysterious stranger clad in leather armor visited the bazaar. He instantly took interest in Anka. Unknown to Cyprian, this stranger was Dravid, the estranged prince of a fallen kingdom, searching for the legendary bird to reclaim his throne. He proposed an indecent offer of gold and valuables to own Anka. Upon Cyprian's refusal, Dravid starts an altercation threatening to take Anka by force.
Alerted by the commotion, Anka sung a soft, serene verse that calmed the hearts of the quarrellers. Astonished, Dravid realized Anka’s true potential. He thanked Cyprian for aiding his quest, promising to return with a fitting reward and an earnest plea to borrow the bird for his noble cause.
Reluctantly, Cyprian agreed to lend Anka to Dravid. The journey was arduous and fraught with danger, but Anka’s song soothed their fears. At the palace, using Anka's power, Dravid put the tyrant king into a deep sleep. The true identity of the prince was revealed to the kingdom, and Dravid restored peace and implemented fair laws.
True to his word, Dravid returned Anka to Cyprian's care and rewarded him handsomely. Their small bazaar shone with Anka's melodies and the newfound prosperity, but what glowed the most was Cyprian's pride in his faithful Anka who had helped to bring justice and balance back into their world.
Years turned into decades, and the legend of the golden bird Anka and her humble guardian Cyprian became a beacon of hope, whispered from one generation to another, symbolizing true companionship and the immeasurable strength to stand by what is right, regardless of the trials.