THIS ODD & PECULIAR ASSORTMENT

Spring • 1 • 1 The Eternal Lake

Hello Traveller, quick note regarding one of the Characters:
'Nimue' is pronounced 'Nee-moo-eh',  as opposed to 'Num-you-eh' or 'Nai-myou-eh' as I often hear it. Shortening the emphasis on the first vowel  ' i '  to pronounce 'Nim-' as you would the first syllable in the word 'whimsical' is acceptable, too.

If you want to hear the name spoken:
First correct pronunciation
https://youtu.be/kVU4Oqt96-Q?t=16
Second correct pronunciation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0VcXzLhvMA
Thank you for your attention!

Spring • 1 • 1 The Eternal Lake

The firmament presented a fantastical haze of nebular clouds.

Hints of regal purple and exquisite violet touched the blue and silvery galactic hues, while every colour a mind could imagine flared up in the twinkle of the stars. The eternal Lake beneath lay in perfect stillness and echoed the above with ethereal precision. As smooth as glass, it captured the astral panorama overhead like a mirror and transformed the water into a stellar canvas. Each star, sparkling in the vast expanse, found its twin below, the myriad of soft lights illuminating the endless seeming Reach with a gentle glow. The celestial masterpiece melding seamlessly with its reflected counter on the placid waters crafted the impression of a realm untethered, where the bounds of up and down were dissolved, horizons non-existent, and distances but a vague memory. The profound stillness of the scene created an ephemeral calm, as if time itself had come to a halt - but motion in the waters heralded an interruption to the tranquillity.

Nimue took a deep breath, the aromatic air filled with the riches of a summery night, and tore her gaze away from the mysteries in the cosmic weave on the firmamental tapestry above. Settling her mind into her here and now again, she looked around and greeted one of her beloved Sprites as it emerged from the depths. The endearing, minuscule entity was but the size of a raindrop and yearned for adventure. The Lady watched it flit about, chasing with glee after Starsparkles it would ultimately never be able to catch. One by one, more Sprites rose up to join the hunt, and soon the smooth water rippled with a captivating dance. A delicate symphony akin to the melody of rain meeting the surface of the Lady's Lake provided a wonderful complement, a new tone adding to it each time a Sprite touched down, as gentle as a kiss. Concentric waves propagated outwards from every featherlight step of the sprites and overlapped in an interwoven, transcendent pattern.

Before long, the Sprites would grow tired and return to the remote regions down in the darkness, but for now they entertained her with their play, making her alluring laugh ring over the scenery. Its pure and effervescent tune flowed without effort, carrying the light-hearted cadence of a small river meandering over pebbles and stones. Each note of mirth seemed to enrich the air, creating a blissful melody, resembling the carefree spirit of an enchanting stream on a sunlit day.

The Lady Nimue was not content, which made moments as this one all the more precious. There had been a disturbance - tremors in the fabric of creation. Her subjects were unable to acquire deeper insights, despite the scope of their joint efforts. So far, every line of enquiry had proven unrewarding, her realm left in sorrow. The disruption's origins were still unknown, which caused the Lady great worries. The sense of threat had not abated, but, under her care and guidance, peace - albeit an uneasy one, had settled throughout the Realm.

Nimue abhorred Unrest. It caused discord among her Volk, and she was anxious to see her domain returned to its usual serenity.

Not all of her denizens had returned from their investigations. This was not an unusual occurrence, as she knew them to be curious to explore and eager for knowledge - now more than ever, given the circumstances. She still held out hope that one of them would be able to acquire insight, but one of these Fae was close to her heart, and she had felt immense deprivation during his absence. When word of his imminent arrival came, Nimue's anticipation was a blend of apprehensiveness and relief. She wished for him to have been successful, as she was still in dire need of particulars to decide on a course of measures, yet the concern for his safety had weighed on her.

"My Lady of the Lake, please forgive my intrusion. I bring tidings of importance," she heard and shifted with a gentle floating motion to find her confidant returned.

The delight that had flowered within her once hearing his voice waned as Nimue took note of his concerned look. He had a ruffled air about him that spoke of great haste while returning to her. The Fae must have come straight to Nimue upon his arrival in the Reach, urgency driving him to ignore his untidy state of appearance. Nimue was used to his customary impeccable attire - but now, the swallowtail of his coat was rumpled, the shimmering waistcoat unbuttoned, and his boots heavy with mud. To her surprise, even one of his shirt tails hung about. The Sprites had cut off their play with abrupt haste at the incursion of the dishevelled Fae and fled to their shadowed refuge in the deep waters. They were very sensitive to emotions, her Sprites. She paid them no heed, as she knew they would return eventually.

"Quillberry," the Lady greeted him, fondness softening the already tender flow of her words. "It pleases me to see you returned to the Reach safe and sound. But whatever seems to be the matter? Were your findings that grim?"

The Fae rose from his deep bow and tried to tame the wild mass of silver hair circling the bald crown of his head. Recognizing the futility of the endeavour, he tried to instead smooth his frock; the movements showing the tremble of his hands. Due to his short and stocky build, Quillberry had to look up to Nimue; the height of the small Fae man was akin to that of a child in their middle years. A deep line of apprehension furrowed Quillberry's brow, and he had begun to wring his gnarled fingers.

"My Lady Nimue. As you know, our inquiry into the disturbance has been unsuccessful. But I found something else." Quillberry gathered himself and continued, the ends of his long, pointed ears quivering between tufts of hair. "While returning to the Realm, I noticed magic being drawn, as if strands were gathered, tethered in. There seems to be a great concentration of magic at one of the sites where the Veil is thin, but I was unable to trace the exact source. Also, with an event of this magnitude, I am most certain that I am not the only one who took note. I fear the accumulated power may soon spark the interest of - others..." the Fae reported with diligence and worried his hands greatly.

"I do not understand. This in and of itself isn't unusual. Magic is ever in motion. I must admit that a Nexus forming is a rare occurrence indeed, and even more so if it takes place at such an unusual site... But why would this be of such concern to you?"

"Of course, My Lady is correct. Yet, I would complete my earlier account by a few more elaborations, if you please."

A graceful incline of Nimue's head prompted Quillberry to resume.

"The first interesting fact is, that the Veil is not just almost threadbare thin at the site, but that the gathering is, in fact, on the other side of the veil," he stated, implication weighing on his words and engaging the Lady's attention.

She gestured for him to continue, her body in constant, gentle motion like currents in water, as such was her nature.

"My second observation is of even greater importance. The site of the occurrence has little to no natural magic left on its own. The entire plane as a whole was very poor in this regard - at least until recent developments. I am not able to say where it all comes from, seeing as there should be close to none. There is one place where a spark of residual magic lingers, but it can not be responsible. On closer inspection, I found it to have retreated into itself, settled in a deep slumber. But the last and most baffling fact has left me in utter confusion, My Lady Nimue..." Concern and doubt intermingled on the Fae's wrinkled features.

He took a deep breath.

"The patterns in the fabric reveal that the exact same amounts of both ether and nether are assembling in the region. Not to mention the sheer amount that is being amassed. It is breathtaking and astounding, My Lady." Quillberry finished his statement.

The Lady of the Lake grew still. Such was unheard of. While both components of magic, ether and nether, were essential for balance in every thing's existence, one was always predominant. There were but a few possible causes for the magic to be drawn in such a specific manner, and she doubted any of them to be the case this time. There had been no indications. Combined with the other reported factors, this was a near impossible occurrence. Nimue believed Quillberry, of course, but his information left her at a loss.

Whatever could require or desire - and most importantly - contain such vast amounts of magic?

"Quillberry," Nimue addressed her Fae subject, contemplation shadowing her features.

"Yes, My Lady."

"The tidings you recounted are most peculiar, indeed. I fear we may not conclude this without acquiring further insight." the Lady said and moved the long fingers of her elegant hands, the motion reminiscent of gentle waves of water. "I would ask you remain by my side, though. I surmise this affair might presently command my complete attention - and I rely on you to handle matters of importance while my own mind is absent. We have to ensure the safety of the Reach, and protect the Wilds as well."

The Fae moved his silvery spectacles back up his very long and pointed nose. Determined to be of assistance, he bowed in response to his Lady's requests.

"Who will we task with further investigation, My Lady Nimue?" Quillberry asked, already suspecting the answer. A flutter of anticipation quickened the pace of his heart.

Nimue weighed her options, hesitating just for a moment's fraction. Her decision made, the Lady of the Lake gave her command.

"Send for the Skylark."