W:"A good doll deserves a good doll."
That was what its witch said as she helped her witchling doll make its own doll.
Diminutive in stature, much like the other dolls that the witch used to have - until she passed them on to other witches.
She started giving them away about a year ago - and, these days, only the witchling doll is left.
The first that she created - and the last that would depart her.
Or, rather, before she departed it.
A doll of its own was to be her final gift to it.
A companion that would never leave it.
The doll stops its work.
D:"This one doesn't want a doll to replace you."
The witch's work continues steadily.
W:"It's not going to replace me. Just something to help watch over you after I'm gone."
W:"After all. What witch would I be if I left my most treasured possession all by its lonesome?"
The doll doesn't budge.
D:"Why not focus on something that-"
The witch interrupts.
W:"I'm not looking for immortality, little one."
The doll grumbles.
D:"I'd rather we break together..."
The witch pauses.
W:"Then you'll know how to join me when the time comes."
The witch makes a final arcane stitch.
W:"But! First you should try spending some time without me!"
The witch, cradling the new doll's husk in her arms, hands it over to the witchling doll.
W:"Breathe life into it, little one. You know the way."
It would take an hour yet.
But, eventually...
A good doll receives a good doll.
=====
W - Willow! an older witch, nearing the end of her time, but wonderful in so many ways!
D - Delilah! A witchling doll that treasures its witch more than anything else!