21st Dec 2024
In the deep, mountainous lands, Mercury, a little boy, burst out of his cave. "Look, Mama! A tortoise shell!" he giggled, as he found something shiny! It was spotted and perfect. He ran inside to play, excitement in his eyes, imagining great adventures with his new treasure. Little did he know, this shell would change everything.
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Mercury took the shell and began to craft. With tiny fingers, he poked holes and added reeds. "This will be a lyre!" he said, his voice full of joy. He tied it up carefully, feeling proud. Under the moonlight, he strummed the first notes, and magical music flowed from the shell. How beautiful it sounded!
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That night, as the stars twinkled, little Mercury had a mischievous plan. Stealing away quietly, he tiptoed to the pasture. “Fifty cattle, I’ll take!” he whispered with a sly grin on his face. He put on tamarisk branches as shoes to hide his tracks, a clever trick in the soft sand.
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He giggled as he drove the cattle, feeling like a king. “Look at them go!” he cheered, herding the cows as they mooed. He hid them in a dark cave, thinking no one would ever know. But, the moon saw everything, and a peasant in the field raised an eyebrow, confused by the sight of a little boy with so many cows.
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Morning came, and Apollo, the god of light, awoke to find his white cattle missing. He frowned. “Where did my beloved cows go?” he asked. The peasant, still in shock, pointed to the child. “A small boy with curious shoes drove them! I swear!” Apollo narrowed his eyes, determined to seek answers.
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Following the tracks that danced across the ground, Apollo reached Mercury’s cave. There he found his little brother, looking innocent in his cradle. “Did you take my cattle?” he demanded, his voice booming. Mercury rubbed his eyes and answered sweetly, “Cattle? I’ve never heard that word before!”
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Apollo growled, frustrated. “We must see Jupiter!” he proclaimed. Off they went, side by side, hoping to sort the mess. Mercury, with a twinkling eye, played with the lyre while they waited. The melodies wrapped around them, enchanting all who heard it.
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With a chuckle, Jupiter listened to Mercury's songs. The music was so delightful that even the gods were charmed. Apollo couldn't help but smile. “If your music is this beautiful, I can forgive the cattle!” he declared joyfully, his heart filled with love for his brother's talent.
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In gratitude, Mercury gave Apollo the lyre, glowing with his joy. Apollo returned the favor with a golden wand that brought dreams and happiness. They hugged tightly, their bond stronger than ever. “Let’s share adventures,” said Apollo, raising the lyre high, ready for a new journey together.
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From that day forth, whenever the winds blew and clouds danced in the sky, if you looked closely, you could spot Apollo's white cattle. And, not too far behind, Mercury, the joyful herdsman, playing sweet melodies on his treasured lyre.
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