Ok here are my theories for Rafayel and MC’s timeline (I’ve only been playing for two months so don’t jump my ass if I don’t have any lore right.)
So, what makes sense in my head is this is how the myths go
God of Tides —> Tears of Romirro—> AbyssWalker—> Current timeline
However, AbyssWalker takes place waaaay in the future, but Rafayel travels back from Philos to the current timeline. So for the sake of clarity, I made it a straight timeline.
After Tears of Romirro, in Fragrant Dream, Rafayel visits the Sea witch. And because of the deal he made with her, it violates the laws of magic in Lemuria. Causing both Rafayel and Lemuria to be cursed for violating the Tome of the Sea God. Now whether MC was somehow the Sea Witch or just had the vision of Rafayel visiting her through their bond. Idk I’d have to listen to it again to glean more clues.
The drying of the seas and death of Lemuria was not just divine punishment, but Rafayel’s punishment on himself and the world. But when he meets MC again as the princess of Philos, he finds renewed hope in their bond. But they can’t be together in the world of sand, blood, and revenge Rafayel has created. So he uses basically what’s left of his divine power to travel back/to an alternate timeline where he and MC can be together. That’s why he spends most of his time living like a mortal.
Again, these are just my headcanons and theories bc I literally can’t think about ANYTHING ELSE! SOMEONE FREE ME (I’m fine promise)