Lake Aurora
Heart of the Kingdom
At the center of the continent, nestled among rivers and trade roads, lies Lake Aurora—a vast freshwater lake spanning nearly 300 kilometers from end to end, and over 100 kilometers at its widest. Unlike the remote waters of the frontier, this lake is known not for its mystery, but for its centrality: a convergence of rivers, cities, and purpose.
Three of the realm’s greatest cities sit proudly upon its shores. In the southwest lies Kingsmere, where the Aelfric Stream empties into the lake—long a hub for inland shipping and barge construction. To the north stands the ancient city of Marblehall, where the Eorlwaters River begins its journey northward, ferrying trade and travelers alike. And to the southeast rises the shining capital of the realm, Riverhold, where both the Eaglecrest River and Cyne River converge, giving the lake its largest and busiest port.
Beyond these great cities, smaller towns and fishing villages are scattered like beads along the shoreline. Their economies thrive on the lake’s bounty—its rich fisheries, vibrant trade, and calm currents making it one of the most traveled and well-known bodies of water in Elysoria.
Lake Aurora’s waters are deep, clear, and dependable, though no accurate depth chart exists for its central basin. Sailors and scholars alike have tried to plumb it, but without urgency—there are no monsters here, no vanishing currents, no whispered curses. The few old superstitions that once haunted the lake have long faded under the weight of dock schedules and market traffic.
Still, the lake commands respect. Sudden storms can sweep in from Lonewind Flats to the west, and the open waters can turn choppy and treacherous for smaller vessels. But for those who understand its moods and monitor its skies, Lake Aurora is a trusted partner in prosperity, and a steady thread woven through the lives of thousands.
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