When the child was awakened by strange sounds drifting through the nursery window, the nurse thought to sooth her with a story. The child huddled, spellbound, under her comforter as Nana began the tale.

It was her turn to honor the Cibus Deorum - "food of the gods". Her selection must be made at that single moment, just before the last of the dew dropped from the tallest catkin. This was a solitary task and one full of portent. Choose too soon and the ring might not be complete. Choose too late and the ring could be hexed and might even bring the dreaded fire from heaven. And everyone knew the fire would soften the Witch’s Butter which, in turn, would draw the crone’s attention and no one wanted that!

With a nervous flutter of gossamer wings and an impatient toss of dark curls, Amanita shifted on her perch, senses drawn tight with anticipation and dark eyes bright and alert for the “moment”. The little dragonfly crept from under the nearest mushroom cap and flew with an iridescent glittering to rest on the fairy’s hand. Amanita wished she might have chosen first. It was far easier to choose wisely when the dew was fresh. Aware of watchful eyes, she preened a little. Knowing she was one of the special ones and also aware of her own delicate beauty, Amanita was vain enough to imagine they belonged to one of the many suitors who attended the ring in search of a mate.

When the filmy net fell, all escaped but one. Jealous eyes had watched from the edge of the ring. Sparkling with malice rather than admiration, they fairly glowed with satisfaction as the crone collected her trophy.

In the hush that followed, tiny shiftings and delicate creepings were hushed in sorrow for the one who was captured. A sharp cry and disappointed whine suddenly echoed through the forest. The changeling and crone had opened the net.

Amanita quivered under a leafy bower and mourned her dear companion. The brave little creature had made the ultimate sacrifice. The ring would not be completed this night and the shadow laden glen and moon speckled glade rested in eerie silence. All had departed except Amanita. Bedraggled and limp with grief, she wearily fluttered to her perch and softly whispered her gratitude into the dawn. Then a gentle whir and tickle aroused the sleepy faery. The brave creature had somehow escaped.

The two winged creatures, each grateful for the other, preened and plumped their rumpled and slightly frayed wings until they glistened in the first rays of a new day.

Nana glanced at the peacefully sleeping child and wondered wether she had heard the end of the story. Then the little girl tucked her tiny hand into Nana's roughened, capable one and sleepily whispered, “Tomorrow I shall search the woods for a brave dragonfly.”

Nana sighed and blew out the candle.

The Costume - The skirt is constructed of alternating petals of sheer apricot silk chiffon, mushroom chiffon and a moss green silk. Each petal has been tipped with iridescent glitter. Her bodice has been artfully created with tiny chiffon flowers and leaves cut from the fabric and tipped with glitter and iridescent faceted crystals. A trim of tiny cording, iridescent glass beads and matching drops, peach flower petals and green leaves circle her hips. Tiny cording and flowers spiral around her arms. Apricot flowers and tiny glass beads have been woven into her upswept curls. Her headpiece was fashioned from green wire, cording and iridescent drops. Iridescent drops grace her ears. Chiffon panties and little faux suede lace up ballet slippers complete the costume.

The Triple Pair Of Crystal Wings - are veined in copper, singed, tattered and are permanently attached to her back. They are wired and may be positioned as desired.

The Dragonfly - was created from wire and polymer clay. The body has been painted using iridescent green, black and blue, confetti glitter and iridescent glitter. The double pair of crystal wings have been veined, wired and may be slightly posed.

The Mushroom Base - was hand sculpted and painted by the artist to resemble "white" mushrooms and one "toad stool". It has been completely sealed. The wooden base has been felted to protect furniture surfaces.

Barbie's Friend Lea as Amanita has been completely re-painted. She now has golden brown eyes with soft sable shadows and feathered brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are shaded in neutral tones. She has a natural manicure, new dark brown wig and applied silk lashes. Her knees are jointed and allow a variety of poses. She may sit anywhere or rest securely on her mushroom.

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