The scourge has started to take hold of Yharnam but the church and citizens are fighting back. Young hunter, Auna, sets out on her first hunt to prove herself against the beasts that plague her city. However, she finds that not everything is black a...
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A Dream
"Good hunter," a voice echoed through her head. Auna's eyes opened to see the Doll looking over her. Skin made of glass and eyes unblinking. The hunter found herself lying in the grass, her head propped on the Doll's lap. Cold fingers brushed her forehead, just like her mother used to do to help her sleep.
"I thought I wouldn't dream any more," Auna whispered, seeing the workshop in the distance. She sat up and looked at her friend. "Why can't I dream? Why haven't I been here since..."
The doll's head swayed back and forth in quiet contemplation. "You lost hope and the hopeless have no need for dreams."
Auna turned away, ashamed of herself. In Hemwick she nearly reached out and touched the dream, knowing that Alfred and Henriett were with her. Now, in Cainhurst, she had another hunter wanting to help her and it made her feel safe. She felt like there was hope but her heart would not let her pursue it.
"I need you now, more than ever," Auna said. The dreams were a guide, setting her path away from doom. "Is Gehrman ready for me?"
The Doll paused and stood to her feet. Auna followed her as she walked through the garden of gravestones.
"There are so many," Auna commented, noting that each were in different shapes and bore melted candles.
"They are memories of an ancient time," the Doll replied, passing by.
Auna pursued her further as she walked past the workshop and into another small garden. At its center, an old tree stump sat. The top was carved into a basin which held still waters. The Doll kneeled before it and placed her fingers on the edge. Auna did the same and looked into the water. Nothing happened.
"Is Gehrman ready for me?" Auna asked again.
"Not yet, good hunter. There is one thing you must do," she replied.
"You said I would face a beast unlike any other. I did that. I killed him. You said I would see Gehrman," Auna pleaded. She stopped short as the Doll remained expressionless. "It wasn't him. There is something else."
"It grows stronger with each swing of your saw," she replied.
"Where will I find this beast?" Auna asked.
"In a dream," the Doll said. Her hand raised to Auna's cheek and cupped it. "Now close your eyes."
Auna contemplated what the doll had said to her. In a dream. How could you fight a beast in a dream? The whole concept of being able to speak with someone- especially a doll come to life- was already difficult for her to understand. Whatever this creature was scared her more than the physical beasts she had seen already, including Ludwig.
Clattering could be heard outside her door. A distance shuffle of several footsteps and conversation wafted through the halls. The gathering would be happening tomorrow and the castle was bustling with activity. Auna's clothes sat outside her room and she put them one feeling the comfort of her father's coat on her shoulders. She found herself in the foyer, a grand room with a large staircase in the middle. Servants moved about cleaning and carrying various items like food and flowers. Strangers were entering through the front doors and guided away. Some were dressed in ornate clothing, wearing heavy jewelry around their necks and waists. Others were dressed in garb similar to her, weapons strapped to their backs. Perhaps these were the guests that Logarius had mentioned: nobles and hunters.
