The stark branches closed in on the narrow path. Ilsanore had come too far. Her act of defiance, meant to frighten her father, appeared to have placed her in a most unhappy position. She was hopelessly lost. She peered back along the twisted path. A well traveled game trail, it branched in a dozen directions, each leading to some hidden den of safety. None would serve her this day. Oh, if she had but held her temper. Perhaps tried to reason once again with that most implacable of men and the one who controlled her future. A difficult father and a headstrong daughter. Twas bound to be a clash of wills. And in matters of the heart...well, enough said.

She spied a hassock sized stump tucked under the willows and safely off the little path. As she settled her skirts around slightly quavering knees, the heat of temper cooled and a chill reality seeped into her bones. Dark of night approached and nary a light had she to find the homeward path nor to chase the night air away. As her breathing quieted and her heart thrummed rather than thumped, the tiny forest floor scurries and leaf top whispers captured her imagination. Each lengthening shadow approached with menace and as the canopy of clouds ran the gamut from gold through crimson to deepest purple, the stars flung themselves across the skies. Their feeble light was fit only for wishes and dreams. The only certainty in her life at that moment was the knowledge she would never return to the future her father planned. Never!

Ilsenore sensed rather than heard the soft footfall at the end of the path. Tense as a bowstring and poised for flight, had she but known where to flee, she quivered as a shadow separated itself from the forest. One tentative step after another brought it near. Her eyes ached in the gloom and as if a babe once more, she closed them tight, imagining no harm could befall one if eyes were closed against it. As the unbearable tension stretched her nerves to nearly breaking, a soft breath stirred her hair and warmed her cheek. Her fear slowly drifted away on the earthy, pungent smell of grass and flower filled meadows.

He had watched her approach. Wondering, once again, if his time in perdition might be at an end. If this maid might be the one for whom he waited. She was a fair one, though he sensed a tangle of emotions wrapped in a temperish lass. He only knew, the spell would be broken when the chosen maid would forsake all she held safe and dear, for him.

Ilsanore cautiously opened her eyes. The shadows had deepened, yet the beast before her was gently outlined in starlight. He was a beautiful creature. If she had gone mad, then twas a glorious madness. She raised a tentative hand and as if invited, the sleek horned head ducked beneath and warm mahogany eyes captured questioning emerald eyes. All the night sounds ceased. A question was asked, there in the dimly lit forest and though not a word was spoken, it was answered.

So it was, in the early dawn, when dreams are most often answered, a slim maid in pale satin, and a tall lad in black leather, walked hand in hand out of the shadows and into a flower filled meadow.

And if one looks closely, just as the stars peek out of the heavens, the graceful though fleeting shadow of a black unicorn can be seen at the very edge of our dreams.

The Costume - is a blend of palest apricot silk chiffon, gold satin charmeuse, peach silk and mocha damask brocade. The underskirt is constructed of a gold metallic mesh, placed between a layer of chiffon and the lining of pale peach. The over gown is peach lined golden satin with a brocade bodice. The gown and bodice are accented with artist created gold foil trim, braid, golden glitter tracery, golden teardrops and tiny gold and pearl glass beads. The full, chiffon sleeves are gathered at upper arm and wrist under laced, brocade bands. Her little chiffon bag with golden frame and green feather fan with golden, jeweled handle hang from her bodice on delicate cords. Her upswept dark hair is captured in a rushed chiffon and jeweled golden band, ending in a tied, chiffon veil, which hangs down her back. She wears a golden teardrop ornament on a golden chain and a "pearl" choker with jeweled, pearldrop charm . Her matching earrings have tiny "pearl" drops. Glittery peach shoes complete the costume.

Pengalleon - The Unicorn - A small Breyer classic has been hand painted/sealed and is now a rich black, with cloven hoofs, curled mane and tail, soft brown eyes and a hand crafted twisted horn.

Barbie as Ilsanore has been completely re-painted. She now has green eyes with soft sable shadows and dark brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are natural shades of peach. Paint has been sealed. She has a new wig, natural manicure and applied silk lashes.

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