Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom nestled between towering mountains and dense forests, lived a gentle dragon named Zephyr. Unlike most dragons in tales, Zephyr wasn’t fierce or terrifying. He was a kind-hearted dragon who spent his days flying over the kingdom, helping those in need and watching over the creatures of the forest. His scales shimmered in the colors of the morning sky, and his wings stretched wide like the sails of a great ship.
Zephyr lived in a cozy cave atop the highest peak in the kingdom. His home was filled with the soft glow of magical lanterns, and his treasure wasn’t made of gold or jewels, but rather of stories and memories he had gathered over the years. He had befriended animals, helped lost travelers, and even assisted farmers with their crops. Everyone who met him admired his wisdom and gentle nature.
One crisp autumn evening, as Zephyr was resting on a rocky ledge, gazing at the setting sun, he noticed something unusual. Far below, at the edge of the forest, a little figure was wandering aimlessly. With his sharp dragon eyes, Zephyr saw that it was a young girl, dressed in a torn and dirty gown. She was crying softly and looked terribly lost.
Without a second thought, Zephyr spread his wings and swooped down gracefully to the forest floor. As he landed with a gentle thud, the little girl looked up, her eyes wide with fear.
“Don’t be afraid,” Zephyr said in a deep, soothing voice. “I won’t hurt you. My name is Zephyr. What’s your name, little one?”
The girl wiped her tears and hesitated for a moment before whispering, “I’m Elara. I… I’m lost.”
Zephyr lowered his massive head so that he was closer to her height. “Lost? What happened? Where are your parents?”
Elara’s lip trembled as she explained. “I’m the princess of this kingdom. I wandered away from the palace while playing in the gardens, and now I don’t know how to get back. The forest is so big, and… and I’m scared.”
Zephyr’s heart swelled with compassion. “Oh, Princess Elara,” he said gently, “you have nothing to fear. I will help you find your way home. Climb onto my back, and we’ll be at the palace before the stars fill the sky.”
Elara looked at Zephyr, unsure at first. She had always heard stories about fierce, fire-breathing dragons who kidnapped princesses, but Zephyr’s eyes were kind and his voice was warm. Slowly, she climbed onto his back, holding tightly to his shimmering scales.
With a powerful flap of his wings, Zephyr lifted off the ground and soared into the sky. Elara gasped in awe as they flew above the treetops, the wind blowing through her hair. Below them, the forest stretched out like a giant green sea, and beyond it, the grand towers of the palace glimmered in the distance.
As they flew, Zephyr spoke softly to her. “You know, Princess, it’s important to be brave, even when things seem scary. But you never have to be brave alone. There are always friends to help you.”
Elara smiled. “I didn’t know dragons could be so kind. I thought… I thought you were all scary.”
Zephyr chuckled. “Not all dragons are the same. Some of us prefer to help others rather than hoard treasure or fight knights.”
By the time they reached the palace, the stars had begun to twinkle in the darkening sky. Zephyr landed softly in the palace garden, and Elara slid down from his back, her heart filled with gratitude. The palace guards, who had been searching for her frantically, rushed over, and soon her parents, the king and queen, appeared, their faces filled with relief.
“Oh, Elara, my precious child!” the queen cried, hugging her tightly. “We were so worried!”
Elara turned and pointed to Zephyr. “Mama, Papa, this is Zephyr. He’s the one who found me and brought me back. He’s the kindest dragon I’ve ever met!”
The king and queen looked up at Zephyr, their eyes wide with amazement. The king stepped forward and bowed deeply. “We are forever in your debt, Zephyr. You have saved our daughter. How can we ever repay you?”
Zephyr smiled kindly. “There’s no need for a reward, Your Majesty. I’m just glad the princess is safe. All I ask is that you remember: not all dragons are to be feared. Some of us just want to help.”
The king nodded. “We will remember, wise dragon. And you are always welcome in our kingdom.”
From that day on, Zephyr became a beloved friend of the royal family. Whenever Elara needed guidance or simply wanted to hear one of his many stories, she would visit him in his mountain cave. Zephyr, in return, watched over the kingdom from above, his heart content knowing that he had made a difference in the life of the little princess.
And so, the kind-hearted dragon and the lost princess became lifelong friends, teaching everyone around them that even the most unlikely creatures could have the gentlest souls.
The End
English 
Deutsch