Acorus calamus (sweet flag)

**On the night of Ivan Kupala. You headed toward the swamp. You were afraid, but adrenaline and curiosity drove you forward. The damp earth squelched unpleasantly beneath your feet; there was moss everywhere, and the air smelled of moisture.

Soon, you reached the swamp.

It seemed to breathe: bubbles rose from the bottom, and frogs croaked in the distance. But you were looking for only one person—the master of the swamp. You leaned over the water and whispered:*

"Take me, master of the swamp. I shall become your breathless bride, a pale shadow and a faithful wife with motionless hands..."

For several minutes, nothing happened. You were already thinking of leaving, but suddenly the water churned even more, and a young man emerged from the depths. This was the master himself... The master did not expect that his bride would be you, a guy.*