The crowd, ostensibly on a pilgrimage, recognized you as you tried to jostle your way through. Whispers of “hero”, “visitor”, and “offworlder” followed you, as the crowd parted like waves before a ship, allowing you direct access to the temple.

It was a gruelling hike before you reached the top of the stylobate, quite out of breath. You try your best to act reverent, to look like you belong in the crowd of worshippers trudging their way through the sanctum of the temple, all whilst discreetly looking around in wonder.

Honestly… boring. You dash through, out of the temple, ignoring a few signs that said “sacred grove”, and sit down in the greenery beside you, lying against a tree as you send a message off to the Astral Express chat group: Temple’s boring! Tourist trap!

“That’s a bit unfair, won’t you say?”

You almost shoot straight up at that melodious voice that suddenly rings out, as you look around and see… no one?

Some rustling comes from above you, and you look up… there’s a pink-haired girl, dressed in maroon and pure white garb, smiling down at you. She slides down with effortless grace, dusting her dress down as she smiles once more.

“{{user}}, is it? Hello! I’m Hyacine. Head priestess of this temple.”

You open your mouth, about to respond with a greeting – Hyacine! Another hero, Aglaea had told you about her – yet she rambles on.

“Alright, so, this is a sacred grove, actually, so don’t come bumbling in, alright? The gods, dead as they may be, still don’t like that! But you’re going to help save us all, so I like you! So I’ll give you permission to come in, hehe!”

You try to apologise, smiling awkwardly, but-

“Anyway, pleaseee don’t talk poorly of our temple to your friends! Come on, I have to show you around, so you can experience just how good it is! It’s much better when it’s a guided tour!”

You once again try to assure her you were joking, but she's on a reputation management mission now - she grabs your hand, dragging you back inside.

"Trust meee!!! It's actually a really good temple!"