Verdanna had longed for and dreaded the arrival of this moment all her life. She was a messenger and upon her most recent birthday, she was of an age to attempt her first flight to the Token Maker. In doing so, she was the link between the Shaman healer and his power. She would bind each prayer to a tiny arrow and when she was close enough, she would wing each arrow into the heavens and, hopefully, into the Token Maker’s hand. As she waited by the Shaman’s side, her heart thumped in her breast and her throat nearly choked upon each stuttering breath. Sister’s calming voice echoed dimly in her memory. “You will call upon the strength and it shall aid you little one. All will be as it should. Have no fear.” Verdanna closed her eyes and hoped it would be so.
Long ago when the world was young, there was, in the heavens, a constellation of star maidens among which shone the brightest star in all the sky. Then, another star came into the heavens. And its brightness dimmed all those about it. The brightest star called to the others, "Come, sisters, let us find a new home. The new star has hidden our light and the sky does not need us any longer."
On their way to earth, she and her sisters stopped on the first of many high mountain peaks. Here lived a great bronze spider, spinner of the finest webs. "We must ask this wise spinner to teach us." As he was proud of his spinning and weaving, the spider was glad to teach the maidens. He set them to work and soon they were able to spin beautiful threads and weave them into fine cloth.
Once the maidens had mastered spinning, they descended to the next peak where they learned how to make music. Through the ages the sisters descended further and further towards the earth, mastering all the arts and healing skills along the way until one day they reached the earth.
The sisters became known as the Little Folk. They settled into the forests, and there they and their descendants lived, working, dancing and playing. Soon the people of the earth sought them out in order to learn their secrets or ask for their aid.
As the Shaman touched his chest and spoke the healing prayers, Verdanna opened her eyes, gathered her wits and fluttered into the sky. All of the healing prayers were carried up to the Token Maker who sat on a great rock high in the sky. As soon as the prayers came into his hands, they were changed into lovely flowers. He closed the blossoms and dropped the seeds upon the earth. The Little Folk cared for the seeds as they fell. From them sprang the wild flowers and healing plants of the forest. Among the early people of the earth, they were called, "Tokens of Love from The Great Spirit."

Some will swear, that on a warm evening, as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, one can sometimes see darting shadows streak into the heavens. And if one is very lucky, one can also see tiny arrows silhouetted against fading golden light as they fly into a healing realm of hope and faith.

The Costume - was crafted entirely of soft natural suede. The skirt, top and boots were self fringed and fastened with lacing. The boots lace up the sides. All fringe was cut from the suede, not added. All un-fringed leather edges were blanket stitched.

The Accessories - a beaded medicine bag with braid strap hangs from her shoulder. She carries a handcrafted wooden bow and three arrows with hand carved arrow heads attached with wrapped thread to simulate sinew and natural trimmed flight feathers. All beading on the costume, accessories, hair and jewelry was done by the artist using handcrafted silver metal conch ornaments, twisted silver wire ornaments, tiny turquoise, black and coral glass beads, delicate little feathers and teeny silver bugle beads. Authentic porcupine quills were used to simulate bone.

The Wings - are hand crafted from layers of fabric, hand painted and tattered to a leathery look to compliment her suede costume. They are wired, may be positioned and are permanently attached.

Lea as Verdanna has been completely re-painted. She now has golden brown eyes with soft sable shadows and dark brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are natural shades of peach. Her long black hair has been braided and plated with hand crafted silver metal ornaments and feathers. Paint has been sealed. She has a natural manicure and applied silk lashes.

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