A Tale About Friendship Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, there was a young man who went hunting and trained birds. One day, he came across a blue bird sitting on a high rock. He approached the bird, but it did not fly away. "What kind of bird is this?" he wondered, and when he caught it to take a closer look, he saw that its wings and tail were plucked. Feeling sorry for the blue bird, the young man took it to show his grandfather. The grandfather looked at the bird and said:

— My son, take care of this bird for fifteen days. After that, let it fly away in the direction it chooses, — he instructed. The young man followed his grandfather's advice and took care of the bird for fifteen days. During this time, the bird grew new feathers and tail. On the fifteenth day, the young man said: — Fly away to wherever you want, — and he released the bird.

— Thank you for your kindness. If you ever find yourself in trouble, come find me; I live at this location, — said the blue bird, giving its address and flying away.

— Alright, I will find you if I need to, — replied the young man, staying behind.

— Farewell, young man! — said the blue bird as it ascended into the sky and vanished from sight. After a while, the young man's grandfather and mother both passed away. He lost his livestock and garden and found himself without clothes or food. Now, he was forced to search for the blue bird again. After several days of traveling, he met a stranger on the road. The traveler asked the young man:

— Where are you going? — he inquired.

— I had a friend, a blue bird. I am looking for it. Do you know where its village is? — the young man asked.

— Yes, I know; it’s not far. Why do you need it?

— I have lost everything: my livestock and happiness. I’m going to ask for help, — he replied.

— In that case, when you reach the blue bird's house, ask for a small blue box that is in a large chest. If you get that, you will be both happy and rich.

— Alright, — said the young man, thanking the traveler and continuing on his way. The next day, he arrived at his friend’s village. The blue bird welcomed him warmly, providing him with clothes and food. The young man stayed for a while at his friend’s house. When it was time to leave, the blue bird asked:

— You have come a long way, looking tired. What do you want, my friend?

— I’m not asking for livestock or life. I just want your small blue box from the large chest, — he said.

— How did you know I had a blue box? Did someone tell you?

— No, no one told me. I just knew, — he avoided mentioning the traveler.

— You were a dear friend to me, so I will give it to you. But do not open the box until you get home.

— Alright, — said the young man, tucking the blue box under his arm and returning home. After several days of travel, his curiosity got the better of him:

— I wonder what is inside this box? — he said and opened it. Suddenly, two doves flew out. The young man chased after them and managed to catch one. As he was reaching for the other, a fierce wolf appeared and snatched the dove away. The young man pleaded with the wolf:

— I was bringing this from my friend. Please return my dove, — he begged.

— If I return your dove, I will eat you in a year, — the wolf growled menacingly.

— Even if you eat me, do not eat the dove I got from my friend; just return it, — said the young man.

— Fine, I will keep my promise! I will return in a year, — said the wolf, returning the dove and going on its way. The young man put the dove back in the box and traveled for several more days. When he got home, he opened the chest. The two doves flew to opposite ends of the house and perched on both doors. Shortly after, the house filled with wonderful food automatically. From that day on, the young man began to prosper. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The time for the wolf's return approached.

— He is coming to eat me today, — thought the young man, feeling anxious. Just then, someone came and lifted him by the shoulders, carrying him into the sky. After a while, the sound of a gunshot echoed. Terrified, the young man was speechless, his tongue tied. After a moment, when he regained his senses and opened his eyes, he saw the blue bird sitting in front of him.

— Why did you scare me so much, being my friend? — the young man asked the blue bird. The bird replied:

— My friend, you misunderstood me. I didn’t scare you; I came to help you, — and began to explain.

— The wolf you encountered earlier is my sorcerer brother. Long ago, he plucked my wings and tail and left me in a desolate place. You found me, cared for me for fifteen days, and helped me regain my strength and feathers. You showed your friendship. I, too, wanted to show my gratitude by giving you my cherished box. However, my wicked brother has always been jealous of me. He seeks to harm me whenever he can. When he learned I gave you the box, he tried to capture at least one of the doves. Those magical doves would lose their powers without each other. Then, sensing our close friendship, he intended to kill you. Realizing this, I rushed to save you. I found hunters in the forest and led them to my brother's trail. However, knowing they would be too late, I came to snatch you away from harm. If I startled you too much, please forgive me, — he finished his explanation.

— No, what are you saying? I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, my life would have taken a different turn. I am very glad to have such a close friend, — the young man expressed his gratitude.

— My friend, can you tell me what happened to your brother? — he asked.

— When I carried you into the sky, the hunters arrived and captured him. He will never be able to harm me again, — the blue bird replied. From that day on, the two friends lived happily ever after. Whenever they needed help, they would find each other. Their friendship became a story that people would tell their children as a lesson.