I am the youngest of twelve sisters, and we are the daughters of King Kostiei, king of the Underworld. Our favorite thing to do is to go to the seashore at sunset, change our shapes into geese, swim in the water, and fly in the dusk.
When we leave our dresses on the sand, we are vulnerable, of course. If someone were to come along and take our clothes, we would remain in our geese forms and be held in that person’s power.
One evening, after my sisters took their dresses and left, I remained in the water. When I was ready to go, I could not find my clothes. I stretched out my long, white neck and looked anxiously about me. Then I saw a man hiding in the willows. He was holding my dress. I asked him to give it back to me. He came forward and gently laid it on the sand. Then he walked away.
I have been his friend ever since. As a bee, I have advised him. As a woman, I have loved him.