E7Q2 Voice of the Ages

You decide that with Riders you will be able to visit the new islands and see if they hold the secret to your next step in this quest. So when they arrive you all break camp and Drue pairs you up with a competent Rider to sit behind. Fierce winds buffet your clothes as you fly to the first new island that's returned to Vay.

"The skies are restless," Drue says, his fellow Griffon Riders landing beside you. "Perhaps the stone ruin we activated to bring the islands together stirred the winds too greatly."

You fly around the island first to ensure it is safe then as you get closer you see a large A framed structure with a crystal in front of it the size of a large colonnade which seems to extend all the way through the island. You land in the middle of the island in front of the open plaza around the crystal and dismount, half expecting people to come out of the buildings but there is nothing. You enter the building that looks curiously familiar at the back of the circle. Books line the walls, their covers coated with dust. As you step into the main room, a sense of déjà vu washes over you. The air is filled with a faint, comforting aroma of aged parchment and ancient wood. Massive bookshelves, laden with dusty tomes and mystical artifacts, tower on all sides, echoing the grandeur of other Healer places you have seen on Eldonia. In the center of the room, a grand staircase spirals upward, reminiscent of the path leading to the sacred Vault. The ethereal glow of a large crystal, intertwined with the gnarled branches of an ancient tree filling the middle of the room, casts a soft, otherworldly light, making the room feel both ancient and alive. You can almost hear the distant whispers of scholars and the gentle guidance of Master Minz, as if he might appear around any corner. But how decrepit this places seems and how long has it been since anyone stood in this room?

The resemblance to the place Alster was thinking of was striking just as Alster had said. Inside that buidling the high, arched ceilings and rows of bookshelves that stretch up to the sky immediately evoked the grandeur and wisdom of Eldonian libraries. The architecture outside is intricate, with delicate carvings and motifs that mirror the patterns of the crystals found on Eldonia Island. The air is filled with a faint, sweet scent of herbs and flowers, reminiscent of the lush valley of Eldonia although they are wild now and grow unfettered. 

As you look in each door you see the building's interior is a testament to the Eldonians' love for knowledge and community. Shelves are filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and artifacts, some of which are clearly Eldonian in origin. You can almost envision the bustling activity of an entire colony of Eldonians here, with Healers moving gracefully between the shelves, consulting texts, and sharing knowledge with one another.

As you look around, various objects catch your eye, each one a reminder of Eldonian daily life. There are small, intricately woven baskets filled with herbs and medicinal plants, likely used by the Healers in their practices. Crystal formations are carefully placed throughout the building, their magical properties a key aspect of Eldonian culture. A beautifully painted mural depicts scenes of the Eldonian arrival at Verdant Beach, capturing the essence of their community spirit and connection to their land.

Evidence of this being an Eldonian colony is abundant. The central space features a large, circular table with seats arranged in a way that encourages communal gatherings and discussions, a hallmark of Eldonian society. Near the entrance, a plaque written in the Eldonian script details the history and purpose of this colony, further confirming its origins. The presence of Lake Vera's iconic symbols, such as the bottomless lake and the Vera Temple, are etched into the stonework, solidifying the connection to Alster's home.

As you stand there, it's easy to imagine the Eldonians who once inhabited this place, their laughter and voices filling the air as they shared their knowledge and worked together to maintain harmony within their ecosystem. The remnants of their presence serve as a poignant reminder of their dedication to community, healing, and the pursuit of wisdom. But what happened to them. If it was a disaster then it was not sudden, there is no evidence of distraction or panic. "This place was definitely made by Healers, recognising the architecture and matching it with memories of places he has seen on Eldonia." Alster says. The Healer approaches the tall, glimmering crystal. You jump a little as a large, glowing sprite emerges from its depths.

The sprite touches Alster's outstretched hand, and a voice fills your thoughts. From the expressions on your companions' faces, they're all hearing it too:

We leave for the mainland, to help the Voek. If you're hearing this, that means we've failed to return …

My fellow Healer, if you might pursue our quest, know that no books or traditions you know will help you. Lean on the Guardians' talent to see great truths in the smallest details, and the Mages' gift to power new possibilities.

The voice fades, and green-blue runes brighten on the spines of books, spanning the many shelves.

"That message must have been recorded long ago," Drue says. "I've heard of great heroes who once worked alongside my people. But I thought they were only legends."

As you think about this some more Riders arrive to report that another new island has drifted close to Vay. You decide there is not much else for you to do on this abandoned colony island and Drue gives the call to mount up.

Legends or not — that message you heard was real. And it was left by an ancient Healer. What place on Eldonia is this building similar to that it would make the Alster have a feeling of familiarity? Enter your answer in Thy Quests to move on.

Next: E7Q2 Secrets in Flame