Vladimir Kraynev

A forester tends to his ailing wife. The sudden arrival of guests who have come for a hunt prompts him to recall how they met—their shared quadrille, and everything that followed.

In the forest, fox Anisia and her badger nephews run a tavern where wolf Vova performs. Anisia reads about hen Ryaba’s golden egg and plans to steal it with Vova. Vova agrees, thinking it’s fair money. He sneaks into the coop, but Grandpa catches him, and he only grabs the egg. Anisia orders Vova to incubate it, promising him half the gold. Vova warms the egg in harsh weather, growing concerned for it.