Blood for Aphrodite was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2018 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[]
Kassandra met with Magistrate Periktione in preparation for their final battle with the Sons of Xerxes.
Dialogue[]
With her task completed, Kassandra inquired with Periktione about the village's readiness.
- Kassandra: How prepared are we?
Before she could answer, a villager announced the attack.
A villager warning Periktione of the Sons of Xerxes attack
- Villager: We're under attack! Thyia and her warriors are holding them off, but we need reinforcements.
- Magistrate Periktione: As prepared as we're going to be. Go! I'll stay with those who can't fight.
Kassandra took her leave and followed the villager.
- Villager: This way! They've got us pinned against the rocks.
They traveled up the path leading up the cliffside and met the enemy at the Kephisos Spring. While the defenders held their own, Kassandra's presence ultimately turned the tide of battle in their favor and the invaders were slain to the last man. Thyia took some wounds, but was no worse for wear. Kassandra spoke to her.
Kassandra regrouping with Thyia
- Thyia: I can't believe we did it. But the cost...
- Kassandra: Thyia, this is war.
- (If the Daughters of Artemis were recruited)
- Thyia: The extra bows from the Daughters of Artemis sure helped. They took blows away from my people. For that I'm grateful.
- Kassandra: I'm sure they were happy to help.
(Following dialogue dependent on choices made in The Best Defense)
- Thyia: We killed them. How? All I remember was swinging until my arms hurt, then swinging more. If you hadn't killed those scouts, I might have died thinking of them.
Kassandra followed Thyia back to Lalaia.
Thyia called out to her sister.
- Thyia: Peri? Peri!
- Kassandra: Over there.
- Thyia: Peri!
- Magistrate Periktione: Thyia! I'm here. It's OK.
Thyia embracing her sister
Thyia embraced her sister.
- Thyia: It's over. We beat them back. All that's left to do is burn the bodies.
Periktione addressed Kassandra.
- Magistrate Periktione: You protected my sister and my village, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
- Kassandra: We protected each other.
- Magistrate Periktione: I don't know how we can ever repay you.
- (Thyia romanced)
- Thyia: I can think of a few ways I can repay you.
- Magistrate Periktione: Really? You're having this discussion here? In front of your sister and the whole town?
- Thyia: Later then.
- Magistrate Periktione: Gratitude, misthios. Here is the drachmae as promised. You will always be welcome in Lalaia.
- Kassandra: My grandfather died not too far from here. I'm glad he defended this place from the Persians.
- Thyia: Kassandra, if you could come see me before you leave, I'll be by the waterfall.
- Magistrate Periktione: And now the work of rebuilding begins.
Thyia called out to her sister.
- Thyia: Peri? Peri!
- Kassandra: Over there.
- Thyia: Peri!
- Agnodike: Thyia! I'm so sorry. They came without warning.
Thyia cries out in despair.
- Thyia: Peri, no!
- Kassandra: Who did this?
- Agnodike: Bandit scouts, I would guess. They carried bows and daggers.
- Thyia: The scouts! Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me? Now my sister is dead, and the village is awash in her blood.
- Kassandra: Thyia, we couldn't be in two places at once. We got back here as soon as we could.
- Thyia: Not soon enough.
- Kassandra: Thyia...
- Thyia: I have to visit Kephisos Spring and pray to Hades. Thank you for your help misthios. Meet me there for payment.
Kassandra took her leave of the magistrate and joined Thyia at the waterfall.
- Kassandra: It's good to see all this beauty at peace once again.
- Thyia: Mmm. And for years to come, thanks to you.
- Kassandra: I can't promise you peace.
- Thyia: But you did give us the tools to preserve it.
(Friendship dialogue – Did not use Flirt option during Sharp Lessons)
- Thyia: It was good to get to know you. I'm glad the gods smiled upon us by bringing you here.
- Kassandra: What will you do now?
- Thyia: Someone needs to stay and keep Lalaia safe. I'm about to start training the children in combat. We won't be caught off guard again.
- Kassandra: I could think of no better general.
- Thyia: Chaire, Kassandra of Sparta. May you have a long life.
(Romance dialogue – Used Flirt option)
- Kassandra: So, what kind of reward did you have in mind?
- Thyia: My first thoughts were of getting you out of those clothes.
- Kassandra: If that's the first thought, I can't wait to see how the second and third thoughts go.
- Thyia: Oh, there won't be much thinking, but there will be seconds and thirds.
- Kassandra: Is it alright if we just enjoy the water?
- Thyia: Of course. I'd say we've both earned a rest.
Regardless, Kassandra asked Thyia what she will do next.
- Kassandra: What will you do now?
- Thyia: With everything taken care of, I'm free to do what I want—a list that includes spending more time with you.
- Kassandra: Come with me then. I could always use someone who can think and use a sword.
Thyia responded coyly.
- Thyia: You only want me around for my brains and my brawn?
- Kassandra: Would you prefer I said I wanted you to keep my bed warm?
- Thyia: I've lived here my whole life, to leave it... well, that would be an adventure.
- Kassandra: Even when your men do return, I get the feeling they'll need you to help defend Lalaia.
- Thyia: They'll have to listen to me now that you've shown me that kick. Still, I'll miss you.
Outcome[]
Kassandra rallied the women of Lalaia to defend the village from the Sons of Xerxes.
Trivia[]
- The most significant outcome of the quest (Periktione's survival or death) depends solely on the choice made during The Best Defense. Choosing to focus on weapons or armor at the end of The Ore of Aphrodite only affects the quest reward, and the Daughters of Artemis, while only recruitable after becoming their leader, are ultimately unnecessary.
Gallery[]
