Unseen behind a dusty stack of scrolls Nefari watched the two shadowy figures pause before a large armaria. She recognized the tall stooped figure of the librarian Aristarchus of Samothrace. He opened the wooden chest and removed a small bag. There were whispers and the bag changed hands. The smaller figure melted into the dark passageway. Nefari had seen many such exchanges over the years. The old librarian had just arranged for another passing ship to be hijacked and relieved of any manuscripts it happened to be carrying. The originals would remain here in Alexandria and copies returned to the owners. Nefari imagined Aristarchus' aim was to own all the books in the world.

She and her companion had watched as the copyists, calligraphers and painters labored in the dim, flickering light. Each precious character applied to papyrus was part of a living thought. Nefari could not always decipher the marks but she could listen to the lively discussions held in this great place. She would curl up among the scrolls and listen to the brilliant men of learning. Greek thinkers such as Euclid, Ptolemy and Dionysius Thrax, respectively the "inventors" of geometry, map-making and grammar, had worked here. Noble names echoed through the halls: Alexander the Great, Livy, Plato and Aristotle. Scholars were invited here to carry out the activities of observation and deduction in math, medicine, astronomy, and geometry; and most of the western world's discoveries had been recorded and debated here for 500 years. The Maps of Heaven and the Schemes of the Universe rested on these dusty shelves. Some said there were hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, mainly rolls of papyrus wrapped in linen or leather.

Of all the minds that passed through the halls of this museum, would there have been one surprised to know a small, fae creature of ancient lineage and vast curiosity watched and learned? Would any one of these great men have believed such could exist?

Nefari wondered what future minds would make of the knowledge housed here.

She smiled, stroked a purring Min behind his silky black ears and mused softly, "Surely there could be no greater legacy."

- The Costume -

This Egyptian inspired fairy wears a costume styled to resemble the traditional delicate pleated linen skirts and leather breast and hip bands of the nobility. The halter straps are of tiny red and gold twisted cotton and a tiny leopard print "fur". Her skirt was created from several panels. The breast band and hip band are of a gold faux leather which has been hand painted in carnelian and turquoise. Gold amulets and delicate corded trim create an opulent and regal style. Her necklace, head piece and earrings were hand crafted of golden ornaments, rings, "turquoise" drops and tiny glass beads. All wirework, beading and medallions were crafted by the artist. The arm and wrist bands are twisted wire and narrow "leopard fur" ties. Each black micro braid has been tipped with a gold bead. She carries an ornate, hand painted gold circle fan. Golden sandals complete the costume.

Her wired, double crystal wings are singed and hand painted. Tiny golden beads are scattered among the golden veins. They may be posed as desired and are permanently attached to her back.

Nefari's companion Fae cat "Min" sits on his own pillar wearing a tiny medallion on a chain about his neck. "Min" was hand painted and has knowing green eyes. His wings are miniature versions of Nefari's and are also wired and permanently attached.

Lea/Barbie as Nefari - has been completely repainted by the artist. She has pale golden brown eyes, shadowed in soft golden brown, feathered dark brows, beautifully shaded mocha rose lips, delicate facial art at each temple, a new micro braid wig, a natural manicure, enhanced breasts and applied lashes.

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