The next day, in the morning at the outskirts of the Cathedral of the First Saint…

Hypostyle pillars etched with golden runes of erudite power and holy wisdom tower over trees green and lush in springtime. In these hallowed halls, the First Saint awaits.

Most Healers and Paladins of the Order of Selene attempt this Dungeon and the trials within after at least six months of training and study in the Chantry. It’s the final test of might and magic before a proper graduation. In the previous timeline, Anna and I followed that recommended timeframe. We’re way ahead of schedule here!

Meh, whatever. I’m ready for what lies ahead! We’re ready, Anna and I. It’ll be her first time in there, and for me… it’ll be my homecoming. She’s been quiet the entire way we’ve spent walking through the forest, but I know she’s readier than ready. So am I!

Last afternoon (and evening!), I told Anna everything I knew about the trial and what we encountered within the Cathedral in the previous timeline. Stuff like the trials and monsters waiting for us within, and that we aren’t in danger of dying within the Cathedral’s hallowed halls. For the latter, we’d wake up outside the entrance with one mother of a headache. Not that it’ll ever be a thing to consider! It’s all good to know, even if nothing ever goes according to plan these days. She and I know that all too well.

Hopefully, Rinnah willing, we’ll get this over with quickly. I think the dining hall is serving beef stew for dinner, and I fucking love beef stew! It’s got all those sliced carrots and onions in that rich, savoury, meaty broth… and it’s simply the best! But I digress.

“Umm… are you ready, Arisa?” Anna asks me cautiously, her eyes and expression grim and sombre. “Give the word, and we’ll head inside.”

“I’m ready,” I say, smiling warmly as I snap my fingers, letting my Mage Armour harden my flesh to be tough like stone. “How about you?”

“Well… I’m feeling a little nervous right now…”

“Me too, Anna. Me too…”

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“Really!?”

“Yeah. You don’t think so?”

“You do look a little relaxed …” Anna says shyly, hand on her cheek as she looks at me. “But that’s just how you roll, right? Sorry!”

“Don’t worry about it. Remember what you said about doing things?”

“Doing our best?”

“Yeah. We’ll do that together, won’t we? No matter what’s in there.”

“Yes, we will!”

“Good. Feeling better now?”

Resolutely, Anna takes a deep breath, then smiles and nods affirmatively. It’s the only answer I need, and we pass the holy pillars, entering the sacred, hallowed ground of the Cathedral of the First Saint. For her test to become a Paladin, and my homecoming as a Healer.

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In the Cathedral of the First Saint…

Torches set upon ancient walls smoulder eternally with holy flames, lighting the cloisters in blazing shades of orange and gold. Our surroundings are clean and proper, albeit aged. Someone’s been sweeping regularly!

Wordlessly, cautiously, Anna leads the way while I bring up from the rear. Standard tactics. I’m a little on edge right now, I’ll admit. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I can only imagine what’s going on in Anna’s heart as we advance slowly into holy ground. But as we promised each other outside, we’ll do our best! As is proper.

The first trial takes place in gardens reminiscent of the Chantry’s courtyard. Many of the places within the Cathedral of the First Saint resemble the Chantry of Eternal Light, for this Dungeon was created in its image. There’s only one path, though – unlike the Chantry, the other paths are sealed off by rubble.

Past the cloisters, we encounter our first trial amid the ancient gardens – a Dullahan – a massive, hulking, headless suit of living, holy armour, armed with a massive square shield and war mace. As we approach, the big metal Monster takes up a defensive stance, blocking off the only cloister with a path leading into the Cathedral’s interior.

“Right on time, eh?” I state with a grin, readying Elizabeth while Anna takes up a battle stance with Ascalon’s blade resting on her shoulder. “Let’s dance, shall we?”

I know how this encounter works. This big Monster likes keeping its guard up with that annoying shield, bashing and staggering attackers before smashing them into paste when they’re outta breath. Slowly and steadily, winning first by attrition… and then, extreme force. The trick is to work together to get around that shield, flanking it for the win.

“Arisa, look!” Anna exclaims worriedly as she looks past the Dullahan. “Those lights…”

Behind the Dullahan’s sturdy bulwark, the spectral forms of four Lightsworn phase into existence. Bearing golden staves blazing orange and red with Holy Fire… it’s not gonna be as simple and easy as I’d hoped it’d be. Then again, would it ever be?

Heh. Time to get to work!