The next dawn, in the Chantry’s prayer hall…

Lights and pews and stained glass murals have been cleaned, dusted and oiled to perfection by the folks on overnight duties. By their labour, the prayer hall eagerly awaits the faithful.

We come here every day before the sun’s up in the sky. I’m dressed in my school uniform, necktie done right, while Anna’s all nice and proper in her battle regalia, complete with that fancy black cloak of hers. As is tradition. As is proper. Our fellow healers and paladins of the Order of Selene are just as fancy in their robes and armour, dressed to the nines as well.

In the previous timeline, I had quite a bit of trouble getting up for these morning prayer sessions held at the break of dawn. They’re even earlier than the hours of St Elicia’s Academy, and those were already murder for me! Now, marshalling all the strength I’ve got as a Healer… I’m able to crawl outta bed and keep my eyes open until the prayers end. Mostly!

But hey, today’s different! I know what’s about to happen, and uh… I spoiled the surprise for Anna! She did promise to act surprised when Lady Iris breaks the news, though! I’m already feeling the excitement even as I file into the massive hall with Anna and the other healers and paladins of the Order. I’m sure she feels the same way too – she’s been completely quiet so far. Butterflies in her tummy, maybe.

We make our way past the crowd, settling into the pews, away from our usual spot in the middle to sit with Lady Iris. Typically, she sits alone in the front row. It’s because of one of the Order’s antiquated traditions – only her personal Paladin, the Executor, holds the right and honour to always be at her side during this sacred morning ritual. And the Executor… she’s no longer with us. Others may be invited to join her every now and then at her pleasure, but never permanently.

Dispensing with any formalities, we sit by Lady Iris’ side. She nods gently and coolly at our arrival, her gaze placid as she watches the healers and paladins on duty perform the final preparations for morning prayers to begin in earnest. We look a little silly right now, like a family of three sisters attending church together. I don’t really know where I’m going with this. But uh… I can say that she’s dressed to the nines in holy robes of white and gold that shimmer lightly with potent enchantments worthy of a proper Healer. It’s quite a sight for sore eyes!

Good grief, though. Looking at Lady Iris’ robes up close… makes me miss mine so damn much! They were so warm and so comfy, covering me up nicely. They also had powerful enchantments, just like hers! My school uniform’s kinda lacking in the latter, unfortunately. But I’m sure I’ll get some new robes to call my own, soon enough! Rinnah willing… as is the case with so many damn things on Nisha.

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“Lady Ishii. Anna. Good morning,” Lady Iris says gently, her eyes on Anna and me. “From the look in her eyes, I suppose that Anna is well aware of what I am about to tell her.”

“It’s true, Mom…” Anna answers meekly, a hand on her cheek. “Sorry! I was too excited, and umm…. I really wanted Arisa to tell me about what you discussed with her…”

“Nah, that’s on me,” I interject with a sheepish grin as I scratch the back of my head. “I was the one that got a little too excited! It’s such big news, after all, and uh…”

“But are you ready, Anna?” Lady Iris asks Anna as she looks into her eyes. “You have done well under Lady Ishii’s guidance over the past two months. That much is true. But it has not been easy for you, has it not?”

“It hasn’t been easy… but I’ve done my best to overcome the obstacles as they come for me, Mom! And umm… I’m prepared for whatever’s next!”

“Good. Keep that courage in your heart for the trials ahead. As for you, Lady Ishii…”

“Yeah?”

Lady Iris reveals a regal envelope stamped with a golden wax seal bearing the royal insignia of the Oracle – the hallowed, all-seeing Eye of the Beholder. I know what’s in the letter – a request that I sail across the Silent Sea to Sharmarli, the Holy City, for an audience with her in the Palace of Lights. That she, my summoner, and I, her summoned Hero, would finally meet in person for the first time.

In the previous timeline, that letter began my Prophecy in earnest. It was when Anna and I left the Isle of Spirits to begin our journey to gather the seven Lesser Shards to re-create the Runestone and slay the Demon Lord in Arcadia. And now… this letter is here a couple of months early! Possibly because things are different now, all because of me. Everything’s changed, one way or another, it seems. It is what it is, I suppose.

“Does Lady Mezalune know that I’m, uh… y’know…” I stammer as my brain tries to scramble together a sentence to ask out loud, what’s burning in my mind. “My situation!”

“She does,” Lady Iris answers with a nod. “For that alone, she is very interested in meeting you as soon as possible.”

“Sounds good.”

“Time is of the essence, Lady Ishii. Anna. But I believe that there is virtue in proper preparation,” Lady Iris adds solemnly. “Anna will become a fully-fledged Paladin before she is allowed to accompany you across the Silent Sea. You and her must brave the Trial of the First Saint together.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I answer with a big smile. “Right, Anna?”

“Yes, of course!” Anna exclaims enthusiastically. “Don’t worry, Mom! We’ll do our best together!”

“Excellent. And I would give it my all if I were you, Lady Ishii,” Lady Iris adds with a small smile as she looks me in the eye, as morning prayers begin. “The First Saint is one to push the limits of any she faces in battle. However strong or powerful they may be.”