Kiyomizu Lagoon is situated in the southwestern reaches of Lunora, serving as the natural border between the Protectorates of Clan Taoka and Clan Yurami. Its serene, glass-like waters stretch gracefully across the land, weaving between dense bamboo groves and mist-covered hills. In its heart lies the enigmatic Fumi Island, a place of spiritual reverence and mystery.
Renowned for its untouched clarity, the waters of Kiyomizu Lagoon are so pristine that one can see deep into its azure depths, where schools of ethereal koi fish glide alongside ancient stone relics submerged beneath the surface. The lagoon is rimmed with vibrant cherry blossoms and towering willows that sway with the winds, as if paying homage to the spirits said to reside within. Along its shores, the rare and sacred Blue Lotus blooms, its petals shimmering with an otherworldly light during dawn and dusk. These flowers are believed to be touched by the spirits of Fumi Island, blessing those who find them with fleeting glimpses into the spirit realm.
The lagoon is not merely a boundary; it is a symbol of unity and division between the Taoka and Yurami Clans. Both clans revere the lagoon for its ethereal beauty and spiritual significance, often holding ceremonies along its banks to honor ancestors and seek guidance from the spirits believed to dwell within its waters. During the Festival of Still Waters, both clans set floating lanterns adrift on the surface, symbolizing prayers for peace and the soothing of old grievances.
At the heart of Kiyomizu Lagoon rests Fumi Island, known as the "Island of the Whispering Wind." It is shrouded in mystery and protected by unseen forces that neither Clan Taoka nor Clan Yurami has been able to overcome. Attempts to claim or fortify the island have always been met with strange occurrences: phantom winds that extinguish fires, dense mists that cause soldiers to lose their way, and even apparitions that appear to whisper in the old tongue of the spirits. It is believed that Fumi Island is the gateway to an ethereal plane, guarded by ancient spirits who protect its secrets from mortal hands.
Legends and Myths:
Local legend tells of Yasui the Wanderer, a monk who once crossed the still waters of Kiyomizu Lagoon to reach Fumi Island during a time of great war. When he returned, he spoke of spirits who shared prophecies and whispers of peace. His writings, preserved by Clan Taoka, suggest that the spirits guard not just the island, but also the balance of power between the two clans. It is said that the spirits of Fumi Island favor neither Taoka nor Yurami, instead ensuring that neither side gains the upper hand in their eternal rivalry.Kiyomizu Lagoon is also a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including the elusive Lunar Heron, whose feathers are said to shimmer with the glow of moonlight. The Blue Lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, is found exclusively along its banks, thriving only under the watchful gaze of the spirits of Fumi Island. Folktales claim that those who pluck a Blue Lotus without proper reverence invite the wrath of the spirits, often cursed with dreams of drowning or endless fog.
Current State:
Despite the ongoing dispute between Clan Taoka and Clan Yurami, the lagoon remains untouched by war. Both sides respect the ethereal guardianship of the waters and recognize the calamity that befalls those who seek to disrupt its sanctity. For now, Kiyomizu Lagoon remains a symbol of fragile peace—a shimmering reminder that some places are meant to belong only to the spirits.5:45