Natalia Snow was the capital's most beloved toymaker. Her creations were so lifelike, it was said she breathed a little bit of her own soul into each one of them, a piece of her heart. Her shop only opened once a year, during the holiday season; after all, Natalia needed time to perfect her toys before they were ready for public display.

Oh, she did, indeed, put heart and soul into her creations.

Natalia's business was a family trade. Toy making and witchcraft, she'd learned from her mother. Killing, from her father. And what a gifted student she'd been, combining all of her skills to produce truly incredible art.

Skin and bone and hair and blood, each and every part she harvested, carefully and lovingly turned into toys that were sought after all over the land. And then, with a special little spell, a touch of soul. Just enough for sentience, but not enough for freedom of movement. Just enough that her toys looked as though they could spring to life at any moment, but not enough that they actually would.

"Don't worry, little one," she cooed to the street urchin who had come into her shop, seeking a job and a meal. There were so many these days; Natalia had no shortage of materials. "This won't hurt at all."