Origin of the Lake

...Silence. Utter silence. Not a single bird sings. Even the waves that lap against the shore make no sound. And yet, I can hear it. Beneath the lake's still surface, something whispers. [Origin] The waters washed away scars and mended fractured souls. Some claimed they had even recovered the names they had long forgotten. Yet despite its blessings, Atreia was consumed by the Balaur. The new Dragon Lord, Fafnir, seized Ishalgen and scattered his jewels throughout the land. [A Bewitching Voice] "When the essence of the lake fades, the heavens shall lose their voice, and the waters shall no longer return the soul..." "On that day, the dead shall walk, and the living shall kneel in obedience." In time, the jewel found its voice. And that voice echoed within us. "Your soul shall become my crystal." "Empty the flesh, for I cherish only the vessel." "Speak not. Remember not. Only obey." Those who listened no longer laughed, nor did they weep. They still drew breath, but they were already dead. To those who come to this lake: do not strain your ears to hear the jewel's voice. Remember your name. Listen to your heart. Do not mistake the lake's clarity for innocence, nor believe it has no end simply because its depths are unseen. Its end exists. It has been sealed shut by someone's final scream. [A Place for Ascension] Deep within the lake lies a sacred sanctuary that remains untouched. Just as in ancient times, when the Waters of Ascension were first consumed, it endures still. It is a place meant for Daevas untouched by the corruption of a Dragon Lord. But does such a Daeva still exist? Would anyone see through Fafnir's deception and still aspire to Ascend? Would anyone possess the courage to resist the voice and seek the hidden entrance? If such a one appears, that Daeva may yet save this world. For that Daeva, I leave behind this record. [A Scribe's Note] While restoring this account, I heard the whispers of Fafnir and the lies woven into his voice. I am leaving this lake and shall never return. I pray that whoever reads these words will not be deceived by the voice beneath the waters. May you achieve Ascension. May you escape this island. And may your soul remain your own.