Náressa's Beginnings

Several years ago in the Spring Court a once unoccupied plot of land suddenly burst to life. A large tree with strong limbs had burst from the earth, growing at incredible speeds. Leaves grew seemingly instantly, flowers blossomed, and the land was filled with a wild yet beautiful fey magic. At the base of the tree was a small hollowing, and inside laid a child. A new nymph was born, so a new grove had formed. Though mere minutes old, this child had wisdom of the earth far beyond her years. She was gifted with the ability to communicate with the very nature who had birthed her from nothing. The bond between the two were strong, the plant life even raising her until she could care for herself. She grew up a happy child, carefree in the comfort of her grove. Her days were spent swinging from vines, tending her garden, splashing in the creek, and rolling around in the grass. When she had reached her teenage years, she slowly started to venture out, exploring other areas of the feywilds. She came across many fey, and eventually came to the Court of Spring. She sat down and spoke to the plants, learning about the Nobles and deities that rule over the Court she called home. With time, she attended events hosted at the Court, often keeping out of the way, not necessarily trying to be noticed, but knowing these events were important to go to. She continued this for many years. One year however, she had passed by the most gorgeous of creatures. A dainty satyr with dark skin almost the color of the night sky, fur of a matching tone speckled with white spots, stark white hair hanging in dense, thick ringlets, and eyes the color of the sea. She wore a draping cloth with small bells fringing the edges for modesty, and they jingled when she walked. She was performing at one of the Spring Courts events, singing and playing her viol. Her voice was high and clear as crystals, but not piercing. Hauntingly beautiful many would say. The music had Náressa enthralled. She had sat and listened to this satyrs performance for far longer than she had thought, realizing the party was coming to an end already as the woman finally stopped. Náressa slowly rose from where she had been sitting, brushing off her dress. When she looked up, she was face to face with the satyr.

With a smile on her face, the satyr asked her "Did you enjoy my show, child?" Her speaking voice was just as clear as her singing, her words dancing gracefully off of her tongue. All Náressa could muster was a nod. The Satyr woman giggled softly, "I'm glad~ May I know how to address you, child?"

Náressa's eyes widened slightly. "Um… I… I've not a name to give…" And she was being truthful. She knew better than to give her real name out, and yet she had never thought of a name to use, because no one had asked.

The satyr smiled again, "I've heard a story from the other planes, about the Last Unicorn. Though it may be untrue, as we have many a unicorn here in the feywilds, she was given a gorgeous name, and I'd like to offer that name up to you." She had paused for a moment, purposefully building suspense. "Amalthea. A name as beautiful as you, young one."

Náressa's eyes lit up as the name filled her head. She nodded slowly. The name settling in. "Amalthea… It's a very pretty name." She paused, thinking but a moment. "Yes. Please, call me Amalthea. May I know how to address you, ma'am?"

The Satyr laughed, her voice chiming like a bell. "You may call me Lucy. I am a traveling bard. I've learned many songs on my adventures, and you seem to enjoy them…" She pauses again, this time in genuine contemplation. "I am feeling an energy off of you. Might I invite you to my caravan? I'd like to learn more of you Amalthea. You might be just who I have been looking for."

"Me? I… I suppose I could. I'd love to learn more of you as well. I've never met someone quite like you."

And with that, they had both slowly started making their ways towards the caravans. Lucy watching Náressa, Náressa looking up into the as it slowly changes from blue, to orange, to a deep dusty purple. The air was clear and clean and crisp, a chilled spring evening. The breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and night. After many minutes of walking in silence, they came to a beautiful caravan, the starry sky painted on the surface. At the head of the caravan was a singular horse. The horse was a giant gypsy horse, with flowing mane and fetlocks. On it's flank was a very distinct branding, a viol and a moon. Lucy had set herself down on a log that seemed purposefully placed. Room on the log for her and a single other creature. Náressa turned to view the satyr, Lucy gently beckoning her to sit with her on the log. Náressa draws closer. Sitting beside the gorgeous creature. 

"Tell me of yourself, Amalthea. I don't seem to recall seeing you before. Are you fairly new to the Spring Court?" Lucy had asked, seemingly genuinely curious of Náressa.

"I was birthed in a grove thirteen years ago, but this is one of the first events I've ever attended. The flowers had told me many stories of the parties here, and they seemed so lovely… I just had to attend one myself!"

"The flowers told you? You're able to speak with them?"

"Certainly they do! All of the plants have a voice, and stories to tell. Can you not hear them?"

"No…" Lucy seemed confused. "I don't think I've ever met anyone who could. Though I'm usually the one who is doing the talking…" Lucy paused a moment, contemplating. "Have you ever… played music, Miss Amalthea?" 

"I have not. Tonight's event was the first time I've ever heard real music… You sounded so magical!” She took a moment to compose herself, not wanting her excitement to get the best of her. “What is that wooden contraption you used? I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Lucy laughed softly, her voice echoing like chimes. “This is an instrument called a viol. You take this bow and glide it over these strings and it plays the most beautiful of harmonies.” She paused again, holding the viol out to Náressa. “I ask you try playing. I’ve a feeling about you my dear.”

Náressa gingerly reaches out and grabs the viol gently in her hands. “I can certainly try, but I can’t say I’ll be any good…” She positions the viol similar to how she saw Lucy playing during the event, takes a deep breath, and glides the bow across the strings. A soft hum resonates from the instrument, pleasant on the ears. She continues for several more seconds, playing random notes that seem to be melting together harmoniously. Náressa looks up towards Lucy and sees her grin widening.

“My feeling of you is correct, Miss Amalthea. You are a natural musician… I might have to take you unde-” a heavy sounding bell starts to toll in the distance. Lucy stands and places some things in her caravan. “I apologize. I was under the impression I’d be able to stay longer. Keep that viol. Learn to play. I will be back someday, and I pray you make me proud, childe.” She steps up into the caravan, and before her horse stomps off, the caravan trailing behind, Lucy tosses a box at Náressa to catch. “That should help you maintain your new instrument. Follow the music in your head and your heart and you can will many things into this world. Do me proud.” With that, the horse storms off, and soon enough, all that remains of the caravan is a cloud of dust.