He felt the familiar, nervous ripple along his skin. So many had tried and failed, yet Elyse seemed unconcerned as she stood, waiting patiently in the clearing. None who gazed upon her would ever guess the lovely maid with the golden hair and graceful pose must find her soul’s partner before the month’s end. The spell, cast long ago, continued to bless the tiny kingdom with wealth and peace only as long as each first born daughter of the royal house was wed to her perfect mate before the final new moon of her 18th year. Yet none of the prospective suitors had passed the test. The moon would soon rise and again they would wait.
The soft shuffle and clop reached sharply pricked ears. It was the gait of one who had traveled far. Then, a gentle breeze tickled his nose with the scents of battle, blood and exhaustion. Man and beast were nearly at the end of their long journey. He measured their approach and studied the rider. There was still a proud set to the shoulders and the trappings had once been fine, though they now bore the stains and wear of hardship and strife. So, this stranger was not a deliberate suitor. Sharp eyes noted the lion and falcon on a battered shield. Well born and worthy. He sighed. We shall see.
He sharply struck a stone and allowed the startled rider a glimpse as he ducked back into the forest. He knew they followed as he neared the clearing. There! The moon beams slanted through the canopy and captured Elyse in their glowing, ivory magic. He stood at her side and waited. She placed a delicate hand upon his neck and began the whispered chant. The words of some long forgotten tongue, known only to the maid and her companion were whispered into the night.
As if entranced, the tall warrior approached the gentle maid. Elyse gazed into war weary eyes and a tormented soul, searching for the man within. She offered her hand. On bent knee and with head bowed, he whispered, “Fair lady mine.” And then he removed his ring.
An ordinary man would hear only silence and see only a young maid in a clearing. A soul’s partner would hear a request and make a promise. "Offer to me your ring and in a pledge of faith, place mine before the unicorn."

The little unicorn touched the tip of his horn to the ring before him and slowly faded into the moonbeams.

The little clearing is still there, deep in the forest. No one has cleared the trees or disturbed the carpet of leaves. Birds still serenade the day and moonbeams still light the way for those who believe.

The Costume - is entirely of rich, ivory and gold. A delicately patterned ivory skirt is edged at the hem with ivory velvet, and topped by a bodice of a delicate ivory satin charmeuse. The bodice is trimmed in custom made gold trim, and beaded with gold and "pearl" glass beads. Tiny golden "coins" dangle from the front neckline. It is laced in back and front. The chiffon sleeves are wrapped with gold and ivory cord and end at the wrists in a gentle long cuff.

The Accessories - Elyse's cap matches her skirt and is accented with tiny cord, "coins" and beads. Her jewelry is ornate golden filigree accented with tiny round "pearls" and gold glitter drops. Her hand painted, "pearl" embossed feather fan and golden pomander hang from her waist. Ivory and lace panties and ivory satin slippers complete her costume.

The Unicorn - A small Breyer Classic has been re-styled and hand painted/sealed and is now creamy white, with cloven hoofs, curled mane and tail, applied beard and fetlock feathers, brown eyes and a hand crafted twisted horn.

Elyse has been completely re-painted. She now has green eyes with soft sable shadows and dark brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are shaded rose. Paint has been sealed. She has a natural manicure, new wig and applied silk lashes.

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