The story that told itself

This Mixed Media Monday challenge gave me the motivation to complete a tryptic I started some time ago. It started as an assignment, but my muse seemed to have her own ideas, and took off in a different direction. I just went along for the (joy) ride. When I realized I was so far off track that it no longer met the requirement I abandoned it, almost finished. Even though no story was required for that assignment, a story did unfold as the piece formed, as if the storyinsisted on being told. And just for added fun, each panel has an interactive part!

Panel 1) We see a hand reaching for a beautiful golden pear (with real gold leafing!) but unable to grasp it, and we see a bird in the tree. By the look on his face and the throbbing heart we can tell he has fallen in love. [The interactive feature is the castle gate, which opens/closes]

Panel 2) See the bird looking in the window at the object of his desire? He can see that the princess has a plate of luscious fruit, but is pining for the pear on the tree outside her window. Notice her dinner guest! [The window opens on hinges]

Panel 3) Now the bird is bringing the pear

to the princess, whom appears in the distant window. But how can he lift the relatively heavy fruit? If you turn the hurdy-gurdy crank you will hear the tune "Wind Beneath My Wings"!