The Butterfly that Almost Wasn't Part II

"Of course I want you to tell me more, Elspeth," Desdemona declared.

"Well," continued the elfin dragon, "Bella stopped eating, turned her head, and said, 'Now that you mention it, I have been feeling quite full lately. Everything's a bit tight fitting. '"

I replied, "Bella, I've been watching you as I have others before you. In the past few days you have become a full grown caterpillar. I've noticed you wandering about too. You're looking for the perfect spot."

"'The perfect spot for what?' she asked me."

"I told her, Desdemona, that she was looking for a special branch or stem to create her new home, a chrysalis."

"A what?" Desdemona questioned.

"A chrysalis, Desie. It is a protective cocoon constructed from caterpillars' skin. I've watched several being created. The casing is soft at first but after awhile it hardens. You can see the caterpillar right inside. Our King Thaddeus who reigns in our land, Caelumen, lived in a Palace of Light, also known as The Chrysalis Palace.  He gifted each newborn Whimble with a chrysalis. The butterfly that emerged impressed with the newborn for both their lives."

"That's miraculous, Elspeth. What did Bella say when you explained this to her?"

"Eventually she was quite pleased about having a snug coccon, and wanted to know where to begin her work. I suggested one of Miss Martha's window box plants. So here we are looking at her fine handiwork from the Japanese Maple.

At that moment the chrysalis shook more fiercely than ever.  (to be continued from Atlanta, Georgia, USA on Miss Martha's Patio - Earth)