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This is a companion story to The Will of the Gods by SuccubusShinnobi. If you'd like to see this world/situations from Kassandra's POV head over there! (But totally not required)

Cheers, eh!

Last_Dragomir

DISCLAIMER: All recognizable Assasin's Creed Characters and their setting belongs intellectually to Ubisoft and the formal channels. I am only responsible for the situations and character development in these.

Flashbacks are in italics.

"When in the hunt, it is important to protect the heart. The heart, if left unattended after the kill, will spoil the rest of the meat." -Mater

As soon as I was 7 I was an arrhephoros which was a sacred basket carrier for Artemis. It was then that I had formally been introduced to the devotion of Artemis at the young ripe age of devotion. It was always meant to be that I would shed my saffron robe when I was an arktos (bear) at the Brauronia festival for Artemis before starting my journey into the Daughters of Artemis. The Cult of Artemis was deeply rooted in my family and my duty weighed heavily on my shoulders with the certainty of it all. The words my Mother had given me as advice on my first hunt forever marked my heart as I guarded it knowing my duty was to Artemis no matter what fate held for the rest of the world. My fate was sealed in blood and if I guarded my heart then it wouldn't spoil the meat... Or so I thought.

I repeated the mantra over and over as I closed my eyes in silent prayer. The images of what had happened playing through my very eyes.

**F**

"Go! And do not return! If we meet again, I will kill you." I roared as I could still feel the sting of her lips against mine making the whole ordeal harder than I had anticipated.

I forced myself to hold a steely glare to keep what was left of my honour after this. What could I possibly do now that I was exposed as a failure to Artemis in such a blatant display as this one? As I heard my sisters roar their indignation at me letting the Challenger live beyond the trials and the searing kiss that accompanied her words, I knew my fate had been sealed. With that kiss, my honour as a Daughter of Artemis was nullified and deep within me, I knew that I had spoiled the meat, tainted by my heart by far.

**E/F**

I sat at the edge of the village waiting as if the very earth I stood on would shift and swallow me whole. I still didn't know what was more heart wrenching to me, the betrayal to Artemis and my honour or the heartbreak I imposed on Kassandra with the choice I forced on her to make. Part of me still seethed in anger at the thought that she would dishonour me in such a way but the more I thought about my predicament the more I convinced myself I needed to repent quickly in order to appease Artemis. It was I that couldn't keep to her word after all.

I had been left in silence and solitude after the crowd of sisters had dissipated as if I was tainted. It was so different from the unity and love I felt at being part of the Daughters of Artemis that I welcomed the distraction as much as I hated it. Before the women left throwing accusing glares at my feet I heard their cries of shame at me breaking my vows. The Eagle Bearer's name spat out from their lips like a curse. After they were gone, I could foolishly only think of her.

I could see the dread in her face as she walked down to meet me as my sisters stood behind me. I was ready and she was worthy... And yet I wondered if I was doing the right thing as soon as Kassandra's eyes met my own. For the first time in my life, my belief in the ritual faltered and I wondered, truly wondered what it would be like to defy it. It was something I would have never fathomed before but with this Goddess of a woman looking at me the way she did I was challenged to think with my heart. Kassandra had dropped into my life and turned it upside down.

I was never meant to indulge myself with the woman, but in the end, I supposed that it couldn't be helped. I had heard of the mighty Eagle Bearer from another Daughter of Artemis. My sister had gone to see the Pythia in Delphi when she had spotted the warrior. She had a quick word with an elder man who navigated her ship where he all but confirmed that at least half of the stories were true. The Misthios was long before rumoured a Spartan, but not just any Spartan, the child that survived a fall from Mount Taygetos non-the-less. She was worthy of her Spartan name by her fighting ability alone and yet her courage had been the talk of the town when she had taken down a tyrant bandit leader in nearby Kephallonia. She was rumoured to be blessed by Poseidon everywhere she sailed and as if that wasn't all she had been blessed by Zeus himself with an Eagle that accompanied her in the world. This was all before I laid eyes on her, but when I did... Well, let's just say there's a reason I cursed my fate.

**F**

With the soreness in my hands of a job well done I stood looking at the pelt appreciatively. It had been difficult to skin and now it had to set out in the sun to finish drying, but I was looking forward to what it would become. I breathed in as I stood at the cliff at the edge of the temple looking at the cerulean sky feeling the calming breeze at my skin. Looking at the red, orange and yellow foliage the forest I could pinpoint my sisters walking about in preparation. There was so much activity in the temple it was almost unrecognizable. It was a day unlike no other, with the recollection of the last harvests my closest sisters and I along with the elders would gather in the temple in Phokis in celebration.

They had all arrived the night before and while some took to the forest around the temple, most of the elders had prepared camp where the old Athenian camp was after the stream. Artemis had shown the Athenian guards who tried to station there three harvest seasons ago that she didn't want a post there. It was shortly after they had moved their supplies in when the whole camp got overrun with bears. Since the bears were friendly to us we would make use of the camp for occasions such as this.

After they had settled we had a group hunt with about a dozen of us while the elders like Minthe, Kybelle and Lasiandra stayed behind preparing for the sacrifices. Tonight we would thank Artemis for the guidance, we would thank Artemis for entrusting us with her message. After the hunt was complete I had encouraged the sisters to bathe ahead of me while I skinned the offerings myself. In reality, I wanted to finish skinning the Kretan Bull for something special. It was important to me that Artemis herself blessed this project.

"You've been hard at work with your offering Daphnae. Is something troubling you?" the white-haired, green-eyed elder asked me as I hung the pelts to dry.

"Not at all Lasiandra." I smiled with a courteous nod.

I wasn't about to tell her I was worried because four full moons had passed without Kassandra's visit. Just two sunsets ago a messenger from the Adestria had quietly delivered the Kretan Bull pelt directly to my hands. He seemed honoured by his task, but I myself was worried as to why he was here instead of Kassandra. When pressed about where the Eagle Bearer was, the sailor admitted they had lost track of her about two full moons ago with orders to wait for her in Phokis after delivering this to me. I shuddered to send a prayer to the Gods for her protection.

"The Champion succeeded in slaying the Bull, I thought it would be a good sacrifice to offer Artemis to get us through winter," I explained trying to dismiss my mood as pensive finishing up hanging the pelts.

"Wise choice. Did the Eagle Bearer look stronger from the challenge?" Lasiandra asked as I tried to hide my disappointment at Kassandra's absence.

"The Misthios has not yet returned. The last news I received was that she had been seen a full moon ago in a conquest battle in Megaris." I tried to keep the emotion from my voice. I wasn't sure why I was keeping the sailor's visit a secret but it seemed like I was.

"If Artemis wills it, she will return and your search can end with peace." Lasiandra encouraged and I felt a pang in my heart at the implications of her words.

I had yet to tell Kassandra what awaited us with the delivery of the last pelt. I was sure she would turn and run away from me the moment realization would hit her. To me, Kassandra being the last person that cradles me in their arms would be a comfort and a blessing from the Gods. I knew the notion was silly and that I was hopelessly attracted to the Misthios and her charms but it was that thought that kept me from panicking as the moment drew near. However, I knew deep down that Kassandra would not see things this way. The Eagle Bearer felt much passion about a plethora of things, that I could tell from our meetings. I wasn't sure if Kassandra would be up for the Challenge with the knowledge that I would perish in the end. I didn't delude myself into thinking that Kassandra loved me, I was well aware of how that face and those charms had conquered many hearts. From the time I had known her, I knew she wasn't a killer for the sake of killing. Much less the killer of someone she knew and spent time with. Even with this information, I couldn't stop getting excited when I knew I'd see her again. I could admit to myself that I was too selfish to commit to her departure from my life earlier than expected so, for now, I swallowed the future. I fixed the smile towards the elder and I bowed dutifully before I nodded.

"Excuse me, I have to go refresh myself before offering Artemis the hunt." I bowed at the elder again and with a brisk pace, I left towards the stream by the temple.

After we had all bathed the impurities off our bodies and had painted ourselves ready for the sacrifice we moved on to the altars. I laid the offerings at the main altar while we set ablaze the sacrifices. Chants filled the air as we all offered Artemis something from our hunt together.

'Artemis, I am grateful for the hunt that you have laid before me. It is my honour to present you with these gifts so that you may know of our devotion. Today I pray for you to give me the strength to follow onto your path. The dawn of a new Leader is drawing near and with every pelt, I weaken in my resolve. I am not scared to die for you if that is your will, I am scared of not honouring you before that moment comes. I feel tempted every time I have the Misthios near.' I sighed trembling as I held the Bull's pelt in my hands 'With the knowledge that you can see inside my heart Artemis forgive me for what I ask. I beg for your blessing with this pelt, I need it to keep the warrior who wears it safe from harm. For you, I will follow blindly, but please, I need a sign of what is right.'

When I was satisfied with my prayers I rose from where I was and turned to see that some of the Daughters had already started moving the roasted meats towards the camp. I sighed giving the temple one last look and walked behind some of the women towards the celebration. Deep inside I hoped that I would be heard and helped by the Goddess.

The feast was quite boisterous as we all ate and laughed by the fire that Merkana had lit in the center of the camp. The sacrifices had concluded by the time before we moved to the camp and the prayers were last said with the meal, it was time to celebrate. Tradition dictated I sat at the head of the circle around the fire and I was slightly elevated in the terrain so I could appreciate the whole festivity. It wasn't often that we gathered together in such a way, so I tried to bask in it as my loyal lieutenant Laurel handed me a cup with wine and a serving full of food.

The meats were exquisite and the different vegetables that the sisters had brought from different regions gave everything a delicious taste. I was curious to try a cheese Merkana had brought from Lokris but the sisters kept arguing that it was rancid from the blue spots in it. In the end, Minthe fed her wolf the suspect cheese and harmony returned while the mystery prevailed. Once we were done with the food I gave my untouched wine to a sister dancing merrily by me with a smile as I grabbed the things I had brought with me to complete sitting in my place by the fire.

After sunset came the women told stories of their endeavours in the middle of the fire. I listened wondering how marvellous the Goddess' will was that had brought us all together. My hands working away diligently as the stories of the night picked up in intensity under the moon. This third story was of a Misthios who was out to get this particular warrior called Persla. She was hunted for almost a full moon cycle by Moschion the Raw before she grew reckless from desperation.

"It was impossible for me to not fret with the knowledge he was so close to my camp. I felt hunted, like the prey we so much revere." I watched Persla shiver in her memory as she recounted it.

"I started keeping watch at night as well as day, there was no rest and my companion wouldn't return for weeks. My lynx had been slain and I felt it was only a matter of time before I was too. Before the sun rose on the 4th day, I heard sounds far away from the camp get closer. They were sure and loud as if he wanted me to know he was there. Before I knew it I got shoved to the floor in agony from the pain that shot up my body when I landed on my sword. Bleeding and confused I prayed for Artemis to help me as the man raised his blade." Persla continued before being interrupted.

"Artemis heard you!" an elder assured as Persla smiled and nodded.

"Let her finish!" Minthe roared intrigued and I nodded to Persla who had looked onto me for approval.

"I laid there for the first time in my life certain that I would see Artemis face in moments. I could see his axe coming closer and I almost closed my eyes. I didn't though. I would have to face death with honour. Something happened so fast I thought it was Hermes himself, but when I looked to the sound of a fight I realized another Misthios had joined in the fight." Perla continued her story as I hung on every word, my ears perked at the fact that this was against Moschion who was known for capturing, torturing, raping and killing Daughters of Artemis.

"I saw the blade glow in the sunlight as they pulled it out of their back quiver only to realize it was a spear." Perla kept dramatizing having the attention of everyone as they drank more wine and hung on every word themselves.

I closed my eyes hard as I brought the stinging finger I had cut to my lips sucking on the copper taste. I sighed knowing how childish it was that I hoped this story would end the way I wanted it to. I opened my eyes and focused on her again as Perla emptied her wine down her throat and continued.

"The blade flashed once into his throat and when it came out, crimson ran freely. I gasped and it got me noticed so the Misthios turned and saw me with curious eyes. Out of imminent danger, I could tell this was a woman, when the helm came off I realized how Artemis had heard my prayers and answered them swiftly!" Perla gasped as her voice choked up with gratitude.

"Who was it?" a woman in the crowd yelled.

"Yeah tell us who it was!" Another demanded.

"Do I need to say more than the fact that an Eagle perched her shoulder?" Persla challenged as gasps rung through the crowd.

"Praise Artemis for the Champion!" some whispered.

"That woman is touched by the Gods." other's countered.

"The Eagle Bearer is magnificent!" some wondered.

I felt a swell of pride fill within me that was foreign to me outside of my devotion to Artemis. My skin prickled in delight at the tales of her magnificence. It all paled in comparison to the real woman in the flesh. I had told her before that Artemis was right in bringing her to me and I stood by those words. Even if I felt the wavering in my heart tearing me with want, I knew Kassandra and I were meant to be in this path together. I was brought back to the festivity by the applause of a few of my sisters as Persla took a seat and another sister rose for the next wave of entertainment.

Roxana had brought a lyre and had been putting her fingers to good use as the sounds from the instrument flowed through the forest with the crackling of the fire. I sat at the head of the circle on my favourite lion skin humming along enjoying the company. I loved the view here because I could see the harmony the Daughters had with not only Artemis but each other. I could only pray to Artemis to guide her will through me to be the great Leader these women needed.

My hands were busy finishing the leather trimmings of my project. I drew a long sigh at the thought that I was completely unsure when would I see Kassandra again... If ever. The thought terrified me even though it should fill me with relief. If Kassandra would stop visiting and completing the hunt we would never reach the painful moment I knew awaited us. But no matter how much I tried to tell myself it would be easier this way, my heart tugging in pain at the thought of never seeing her again told me I was in trouble.

Before long the women danced and their garments flew off as more wine was drank and laughter followed. Feeling free and merry some ran off into the woods naked in search of Artemis. Those who didn't, indulged in wine until dreams were the only place they would see Artemis. I dutifully kept watch as one by one my sisters and elders retired to their camps and I was finally left alone with my thoughts after Laurel put out the fire. Knowing I wouldn't catch any sleep here if I stayed I made my way back from the makeshift camp to the temple I called home.

The moonlight was bright illuminating my walk back as the stars shone down upon me with grace. I cradled an untouched cup of wine in my hand as the other gingerly held my work. I took my time walking, feeling the night envelop me with its soft caress in the cold breeze of the night. I was tired but more than an aching of the muscles, it was a soreness of the mind and heart. Maybe the tension of the Challenge and the feelings I seemed to be developing were just too much to bear. No matter what I had to keep pushing forward with Artemis and her will.

My sandals crunched the pebbles against the stone echoing in the Sanctuary as I entered and it was then that I saw the glistening of the golden and crimson helm I recognized on the floor beside someone. I felt my heart hammer at the possibility and at the sound of my entrance the visitor rose from kneeling in front of Artemis and the sacrifices. I knew who this was, and yet I still couldn't believe it. My hands trembled and I set the wine close by as well as the pelt.

"It's late for worship." I tried to joke as I heard a bitter chuckle come from her making me furrow my brow.

"Too late to worship, too late for the party, too late to save her, too late to really matter... How about some company, am I too late for that?" she asked defeated and I fought the urge to wrap my arms around her and comfort her.

"It would never be too late for that Beast Slayer, but let's go somewhere private where my sisters won't find us." I offered and she nodded.

It was then that she turned from the statue to face me and my heart slowly broke. Kassandra had obviously taken a beating before getting here. There was fresh blood on her face and I couldn't be sure if her nose was only broken or also slashed. Her eyes had started bruising from the pressure and her lip was swollen from a hit.

"By Artemis!" I gasped as I rushed to her and my hands trembled before touching her face. "I have to fix you up Kassandra, this looks bad. What happened?"

The woman tried to give me a smile but I could see the grimace from pain.

"Forget about it now, let me help you please." I whispered and she nodded with a defeated sigh.

I gently grabbed her hand noticing the split knuckles and the bruises there too, before pulling her towards my tent by the sanctuary. I grabbed sachets of herbs and ointments before grabbing a vase full of water and shook my head deciding this wouldn't work putting it down. I put away the supplies in Kassandra's satchel before pulling her to the stream nearby. She was silent as she let me lead her away my anger rising. Who had done this to her? Was she injured elsewhere? When we reached the stream I saw her eyes fall to the ground, her mind far away as I examined her wounds.

There under the moonlight, I could clearly see the pain in Kassandra's eyes as we kneeled by the water. I took a clean rag and started splashing her face as she unbuckled her breastplate resigned and shed it throwing it into the ground beside us. I took care with a pendant she wore around her neck and signalled for her to take it off. She did and put it upon my neck for what I assumed was safekeeping. That's where I noticed that her strong toned arms were crusted with blood so I washed that away and found another slash upon her forearm. I carefully took her gauntlets off as well and blushed under her intense stare. The Misthios beautiful brown eyes meeting my own almost in a trance as I pressed the now bloody rag against her nose to inspect the damage. I washed the blood away and could see she had been cut in the nose at the same time it broke. I sighed knowing this could be bad and needed attention immediately. I knew what had to be done, but I wasn't sure if I'd get punched for it.

"Kassandra, I need to make the blood flow, make sure the blade hasn't poisoned your blood... I also need to set your nose back before closing the wounds. This is going to hurt." I admitted and she groaned.

"Malakás!" the Misthios spat before taking a deep breath. "I trust you."

The words were surely meant in this situation and yet my heart stopped at the notion. If Kassandra trusted me, she cared for me in some way. I snapped a twig and placed it between her lips instructing to bite down. She obliged before I started squeezing her wound and making it bleed. I could hear her grunting in pain but she held as still as she could. When that was done I twisted my wrist and with a snap, her nose was back to a straight line. Or as straight as she could get after several broken noses. I then splashed clean water on her wound and made sure it was not bleeding anymore before I patted it down with some salts. Kassandra winced from the sting but it stopped the bleeding quickly. I rinsed that off once more and then applied a snail and eucalyptus ointment that would make it heal faster. I tended to her other wounds carefully as she let herself be patched up before I commanded her to take off her belt and gauntlets too.

With great care, I took the armour, piece by piece and cleaned the blood off it while Kassandra stood looking at the stars. I took a minute to admire her strong silhouette while I played with the amulet on my neck. I thumbed it, taking the time to look at it. I froze as I realized it was an Artemis amulet. In the back, the words: To my favourite Daughter were inscribed. I gave the amulet back and asked her to follow me so she silently did so. I was grateful for the silence as I gathered my thoughts. Kassandra could've found that anywhere, I reasoned with myself.

I guided us to a secluded camp I had set up for myself at the other side of the temple. I figured that even though I didn't know what was wrong with Kassandra, it was probably not something for the others to hear. She had sought me out in an unsettling time for her and that tugged at me. I wondered if perhaps I was meant to help her through this. I had asked Artemis for a sign. When we arrived at the camp I busied myself with hanging Kassandra's armour to clear my thoughts as she took the moment to light a fire. Using the light I gathered some vinegar and poured it in the water on to boil along with some wine. When I was sure it was ready I walked over to Kassandra and set the mixture aside to cool. The warrior had sat and stared at the horizon as I worked.

I took my time and applied the boiled mixture on her wounds after I was sure they were clean I took my tool and started suturing the skin to make sure she would have a faster recovery. The bruises around her eyes would heal faster if I put an ointment tonight on them and I made note of it for another time. When the last bit had been done I snipped the yarn and let out a sigh of concentration I didn't know I was holding. The Misthios offered me a small sad smile and I nodded before walking away to put the instruments away. I needed to get out of my soaking clothes and so did Kassandra so I turned to her standing by the fire.

"We will get sick with these wet cold clothes Kassandra," I admitted as she shook her head.

"What's the point?" she whispered almost to the Gods rather than to me.

I approached her cautiously knowing she wasn't right, she wasn't thinking clearly. I stood in front of her with a chiton I had grabbed from the tent and put it in her hands as she looked on to me. She looked stunning in her black chiton and nothing else, I could see every contour of every muscle of her body, the shadows making it look like she was unreal. Her eyes met my own, her shoulders were slumped while her eyes were vacant as they fell to the fabric in my hands. I could tell something had happened so I searched her face for clues which were downcast and troubled. Kassandra grabbed the chiton from my hands and moved quickly taking a step back from me. In a blink, she had gathered the fabric in her arms and pulled it over her head changing into the other chiton. When I noticed what she was doing I decided to pivot around to give her privacy and do the same, changing into some warm clothes. When I felt a small tap on my shoulder I turned around to see the taller woman give me a half-hearted smile before looking at her feet.

"Why don't we sit by the fire? Are you hungry?" I couldn't get past the sadness in her eyes to throw my walls up like I usually did.

Her eyes had gone lost and pensive while her head hung low and I could see the tears in her eyes in spite of the swelling. I wasn't quite sure how to react but my heart broke so much that I reached out and caressed her cheek gently. When her face turned up to look at me in the eyes while leaning into my touch I knew that Kassandra was deep in pain. Before I could ask anything tears started falling from her eyes almost dropping me to my knees from surprise as I pulled her to my chest gingerly.

"Phoibe is dead," Kassandra announced and it was as if a bucket of cold water had washed over me. I had met the child briefly on a run-in with Kassandra in the market in Phokis so it felt like the sting of an open wound at her words.

"Oh Kassandra. I'm so sorry." I breathed as I tightened my grip around her, as my tears fell freely as well.

"I... I was so close." Kassandra lamented and it was then that I heard her heartbreaking sobs as her frame shifted with each one. Artemis, help me, I prayed.

I maneuvered us to the skins I had laid out by the fire for us to warm up in, never did I think I'd be consoling the Eagle Bearer after such a loss. I half sat half laid with the strong warrior draped across my chest vulnerable. I felt powerless as her soft cries filled the space between us so I started running my fingers down her hair slowly undoing the braid she wore. I could feel her fingers grip into my back as if holding for dear life and letting it all out. As if she had been keeping a swell worthy of Poseidon locked inside her heart.

"You did what you could Kassandra." I whispered as my other hand found her back drawing gentle circles around it.

I continued soothing her until only her steady breathing remained. I knew this was a dangerous closeness to have, but the woman had broken my heart, much like her own was broken over the loss. I felt her skin under my fingertips as I traced her strong arms and defined collarbone while watching the stars. I could stay here listening to her breathing and feeling her heart beating against my skin until the end of time. I knew the Gods had different plans for us, but that didn't make the longing in me any less.

When I awoke I was alone. Daylight hadn't quite broken through and the breeze made everything a bit more chiller than what I liked. I shivered and looked around finding what I was looking for by the edge of camp where our clothes hung. I could see the warrior was trying to put her armour on with great difficulty, while her greaves and belt were already secured. I sighed not wanting to see her leave just yet. I walked over and noticed the deep bruising on her nose as well as her hand. I frowned and called out to her.

"You are not well yet Kassandra, I need to tend to your wounds better. The night never provides the best timing for healing." I admitted noticing the thin layer of pinkness to her wounds.

"Daphnae I am grateful for your company last night... I-there's still much to be done as Herodotos says." Kassandra pointed out almost embarrassed and I fixed my gaze on her suspicious.

"There is always something to do Kassandra, but a few days here to recover won't cost anyone anything." I pushed and she opened her eyes in surprise as her lips pouted in the same.

"A few days?! I could not possibly-" she shook her head

"Beast Slayer, please." I begged as I took her hand and looked into her beautiful brown eyes. "I know your journey has been harsh, sometimes we need time to let our wounds of the skin heal but the wounds of the heart are the ones that kill us slowly. They need to properly heal as well."

Kassandra's eyes changed and her gaze softened as she looked down to our hands and took the moment of intertwining our fingers. She pulled me close with her other hand and leaned her forehead to mine with a sigh before kissing my hair at the top of my head and then kissing my cheek. I closed my eyes at the gesture and the contact. I didn't fight how my body came alight with how she held me against her, how my skin was set aflame where she had kissed me.

"Thank you for last night Daphnae, you have brought me so much more peace than I could find alone," she whispered and I tightened my grip around her at the compliment.

I had never let Kassandra touch me this intimately. Yes, we had kissed after the Nemean Lion many times but I made sure that Kassandra had kept her hands to herself through it all. Now I could feel my resolve wavering as I felt the warmth of her skin after such an emotional night.

"I am glad you consider me a good company." I whispered back and leaned my head on her shoulder giving in to her embrace. "Please tell me you will stay until you're healed. The Gods know it'll bring me peace."

"What will your sisters think?" she asked almost defeated already.

"They won't. They have started the pilgrimage already. It'll just be you and me Beast Slayer," I admitted and tugged at her belt towards the red tent behind us.

**E/F**

I shivered at the memory so fresh in my mind. Even now with red hot anger at the consequences of my actions, I couldn't stop thinking of the Eagle Bearer. I chastised myself at my weakness as I stood to pace the anger and memories away. My thoughts were interrupted by the council stepping forward with a deliberation.

There were 5 more elders that were in charge of different branches of Daughters in the area of Chios. The oldest one was Parethea with her short white hair and one blue eye, she was rumoured to be an oracle after getting mauled by a bear. The fact that she survived at all was seen as a blessing of Artemis. Leivia was the second oldest one with long raven hair and piercing green eyes. She had taken down a lion almost as big as the Nemean to prove her worth to Artemis. I shook my head at the thought of that pelt. The fiery red-head with the glare was Maneas who was heavily favoured by Minthe and Lasiandra. They had pushed me through my trials extensively and had shown me the path of Artemis as it stretched beyond worship to a revelation of leadership. I couldn't meet their eyes as I knew I had failed them the most. I didn't know what to say if anything. How could I explain that Kassandra was just... Different? Artemis favoured her, wasn't that enough?

"We have reached a verdict," Minthe spoke up catching my attention.

I stood in a rush wanting to show respect for my branch and the elders of others. I was well aware of how much damage I had caused but I had no idea how to start making up for it. I was unsure how to proceed or what my fate would be but I was sure that in my wake I had hurt a lot of people. My sisters counted on me to be a strong leader, someone who would protect them unconditionally when needed to. Now they all surrounded the council and me with looks of disdain on their faces that held the spite for my actions. I clenched my fist until my knuckles turned to white as I watched the others circle around me. I knew what would be said here would pale in comparison to what would happen to me once I faced Artemis' wrath.

"It has been decided that you have failed in your mission to bring a new leader to the Daughter's of Artemis." Minthe spoke again clearly as I closed my eyes letting the words wash over me like the dew of a new day gone sour. "We have taken into consideration that your duty was fulfilled in successfully testing the Challenger's strength, however, you failed at testing her character and sense of duty before committing to her."

A part of me wanted to scream at Minthe about how Kassandra's character was outstanding, how she had the favour of the Gods and then some. I felt like a rebellious child, but it was true. I wanted to throw it in Minthe's face that it was Kassandra that faced every task given by Artemis herself and dealt with it swiftly. My other fist clenched and I lowered my eyes trying to stay firm in the little sliver of honour I had left.

"That leaves without saying how badly you acted as the Leader of the Daughters of Artemis by breaking your chastity vows to the Goddess." Minthe continued and I thought nothing else could be worse even if Zeus were to smite me on the spot as I heard cries break from the group.

"We still have much to deliberate like whether to strip you of the title of Leader. The council has decided that in the meantime you are exiled to the island of Lesbos for a Sacrificial cleansing hunt. We will reveal our decision upon your return based on how your trip goes." Minthe explained with a smug expression in her cold blue eyes and I closed my eyes in pain. "I will from this day on serve as Leader while we convene to see how to proceed in this unprecedented event."

Oh how I had fallen from your grace Artemis...

*F*

Kassandra and I had fallen into a familiarity that was foreign to me, but I welcomed it with open arms. Ever since I had taken the solitude of the temple to await a Challenger, life had become lonely. Kassandra filled that void with more life than I had expected. It had been four sunsets we had spent together and I could see her spirits swell as fast as her wounds healed.

That first day I had made her lay in the tent while I finished fabricating the piece out of the pelt of the Bull. It was really an excuse to keep watch over her while she slept. I had noticed Kassandra warm to the touch and worried about her wounds. Forcing her to stay still had been more difficult than I thought but she needed it for her recovery. Once out though it looked like her body had welcomed the needed rest.

Her breathing was uneasy as she slumbered and she talked in her sleep, but eventually, a smile would cross her lips and her face would become serene again. I'd get my hands to move after I was sure her breathing had gone back to normal and kept busy. It was only by sunset that she awoke and admitted feeling much better while we talked by the fire about small things like the abundance of hogs in Phokis, while Kephallonia had wolves. I had made a stew from the trimmings of the Elk we had sacrificed the day before hoping it would give Kassandra the strength to recover quicker.

By the third night, Kassandra was feeling well enough that she gathered the firewood and insisted on cooking a hare I had hunted for us by sunset. She wanted nothing else than for me to sit by the fire and let her do the work as appreciation for me taking good care of her. The smile on her face as she told me tales of Barnabas and her crew in the Adestria made my heart flutter wildly. Her nose was on the mend, her eyes almost back to their usual colour. I could see more life in her too as she spoke. The smile was often, the hands would move excitedly as she described things and her laughter at the memories of the antics by Barnabas told me that she was feeling much better.

It was the nights that were proving more difficult, at least for me, they were a downright challenge. With Kassandra on the mend, she was much more active than the first nights. The woman would practically rip her armour off come bedtime and lay in as little as possible in bed. She was always hot in spite of the breeze outside. I would lay next to her and trace her curves with my eyes in the moonlight. The valley of her hips, the swell of her breasts, the dip of her neck... Every part of the Misthios was like a taunt of what I couldn't have laid right in front of me. I would turn to look at the other side but my efforts were futile when I kept waking towards her.

I would have the habit of waking early as did the Misthios. Today was no different and I did as I often did ran the forest scanning for intruders or good hunt, sometimes both. Kassandra liked to train in the mornings so she kept busy while I was away, when I would return from my hunt with earth between my toes, the smell of the leaves in my wild hair, the sweat on my skin from the chase her eyes would go wild with hunger.

Today was no exception to this either as I cleared the brush into the camp. I found her in that simple black chiton doing push-ups as the Artemis amulet glistened in the morning sun. She had broken a sweat and it enhanced every delectable muscle the woman possessed. I flashed a silent prayer for constraint but Kassandra had stopped when she heard me and rose from the ground with a smile ready to greet me. Her eyes fell on me as I scanned her form unable to look away.

"You are like Artemis herself taming the wildest beast. Absolutely breathtaking," Kassandra whispered in adoration making me look up to her approaching.

The way her eyes drank me in and her lips parted in a perfect pout was one thing, but the lower pitch in her voice and the sheer lust rippling through it was another altogether. Her hips swayed the closer she got and my throat ran dry at the sight of her luscious hair down in waves. I couldn't handle it for much longer and as soon as she closed the distance between us, I crashed my lips against hers in a searing kiss.

Kassandra's arms wrapped around me as I licked her lower lip for entrance. The moan that escaped her was enough to drive me mad and I ignored the faint voice telling me to stop. I pulled Kassandra closer as she bunched up my clothes in desperation pressing us together. My tongue battled hers as we both took and gave the other time and space to explore. My hands wanted to roam her beautiful body but I was scared that I wouldn't be able to stop. Her hands found my own and she took them to wrap around her neck as I got the idea and tangled my fingers in her hair pulling slightly. That earned me a hiss as our lips separated and something inside me stirred. Something wild and primal that wanted to claim Kassandra as its own. We pulled apart for breath and Kassandra kissed down my jawline as my eyes fluttered closed.

"I can't..." I sighed frustrated as Kassandra smiled against my skin.

"Your lips say that, but your hands pull me closer." the Eagle Bearer teased and I arched into her ministrations while she bit my collarbone.

"Please." I begged in a whisper tightening my hold on her.

"Please stop?" Kassandra challenged as her fingers drew dangerously close to my toned thighs.

"Mmmm please," I half hissed half moaned at her actions.

Kassandra grabbed my thighs and hitched me up until I was straddling her waist. I wrapped my arms around her neck as she walked in full purposeful strides carrying my full weight making me want her even more. I took this time to torment her as she had done to me by licking her ear and biting the shell of it. The Misthios hissed in approval before tucking into the tent and throwing me onto the furs that made the bed there. I watched her through half-lidded eyes as she ran a hand down her hair in a silent conflict.

"I want you so bad it drives me mad." she admitted as I smiled and beckoned her to me with my finger. "I cannot tell if I'm blessed or cursed with you."

"What if I told you I feel the same Kassandra of Sparta? I cannot deny the way you make my body feel even when I know I have my vows to uphold," I whispered to the small space between us as she straddled me now our lips finding each other.

"Daphnae I can stop-" Kassandra started again but I shook my head and insisted.

"If you stop I will lose my mind." I tried to explain as I heard her warm chuckle in my ear. "I... I don't know what to do with how you set my skin ablaze. By Artemis, you slay me."

Kassandra's lips found my own and this time the kiss was slow and deliberate. I could feel myself melting into her while her knuckles caressed my face. In a second Kassandra had taken me from the highest mountain top to the most serene valley with her masterful lips. Her movements showed care as she sucked on my bottom lip before releasing it with a small sound that made me laugh.

"I don't want you to do something you might regret," she whispered in our little world and I smiled overwhelmed by how thoughtful the woman was.

"I've heard you're a well-versed lover Kassandra, are you this virtuous with other conquests?" I teased as her smile widened and a laugh escaped her chest.

"Only when the wrath of the Gods is in the cards, am I this hesitant to bed, someone." Kassandra admitted with a shyness that did me in.

"I should be able to quit you, Eagle Bearer," I explained while she laughed again.

"Many try." Kassandra admitted with a sly wink.

Things smouldered down between us after that, Kassandra protecting my vows as much as I was. I respected that of her, I admired it even. So we just laid in each other's embrace as we looked on the dawn. We would be able to see the sunrise soon and like the other night, I wanted to lay with her like this forever.

"I don't only bring bad news for this visit, you know." Kassandra mentioned with hope drawing circles on my skin. We had shifted so I could lay on her chest while we looked over the hill towards Phokis.

"I am eager to know of better news." I admitted taking a look at her beautiful features.

Kassandra's eyes shone as she thought of what to say, the wounds on her face almost completely gone as I told myself to take her sutures out today. I was hesitant knowing as soon as she was healthy, she would go. I knew already I'd feel empty without her, I'd have to concentrate on the hunt, my devotion, my mission to keep me from thinking her constantly. A tightness in my chest foretold my upcoming longing.

"I found my Mater as well." Kassandra smiled and I felt my face break out in a wide smile in spite of my dark thoughts.

"Blessed be the Gods Kassandra! That's great news to hear!" I praised as she laughed.

"You and Barnabas would have a day praising the Gods." she joked and I shook my head still smiling.

"Laugh all you want Kassandra but it's the Will of the Gods what happens in your life. Denying it would be denying that Artemis brought you to me." I challenged and she smiled sheepishly as always.

"With luck like that, how could I ever defy the Gods? You are a gift from Artemis herself."

**E/F**

I pondered this after the hunt, trying to cleanse myself of the wrong I had done when breaking my vows. Oh how foolish I had been thinking Artemis had favoured me being with Kassandra. I shook my head knowing that I was nothing but a servant of Artemis, nothing special about me, just a vessel for her will. I could only pray that the offering I had found would appease the wrath I knew would come for me. Taking a bow by my slain prey I took a moment to pray and make the kill clean. If this went anything like my cleansing sacrificial hunt, Artemis would see the purity in my heart.

I remembered it clearly when I had gone in the sacrificial hunt. The last beast that signified purity had been slain and I did what I was taught, feeling closer to the Goddess than ever. I had skinned and butchered the lovely animal after giving thanks to Artemis for the hunt, and the beast for its sacrifice. After that, I had bathed in the stream next to the temple while in a cauldron I melted the fat, hooves and bones of the beast. This with herbs would turn into an ointment as powerful as Hippocrates' knowledge of the body. After I was sure my body was cleansed and pure I walked naked to the altar where the sacrifice laid in flame. Beside it a taller altar was presented and it was there that I had laid naked under the moonlight painting my body with the mix of the blood of the beast, the berries of the forest, the barks of some trees and the roots of some earth that I spread across my body in the different symbols that would bind me to Artemis forever.

It was with that memory in mind that I had come to Lesbos. The sister island of Chios offered the type of challenging hunt that would appease the Goddess in many ways. It was why it was here that we would come for training in the wilderness or for challenges to make us stronger. I had hoped that for me it would serve as an atonement of sorts. From the beautiful majestic animal I had gathered, I hoped she was pleased. I knew it was a small scale for such a big offence, but I had to start somewhere, no?

I could feel my muscles aching with the weight of the hunt as I smiled on my trek back. The Ibex was still warm behind my neck as I carried it over my shoulders knowing I'd have to bathe in the stream close to camp to cleanse the blood of the kill. I thanked the heavens for the cover night would provide me when it came time to wash my body. It had been a while since I had felt as free as I did today. Even though my dishonour had happened almost three-quarters of a moon cycle, the Daughters were still very incensed about it. It was part of the reason why I had taken the trip to Lesbos aside the hunt. I needed an escape of the hostility on Chios towards me.

I knew it was part of being dishonoured when you were ostracised from the group, I understood that my sins had just begun to take forms of punishment but I still needed to will myself to live. I had hoped the hunt would turn the tides for my spirits as I had lost all will to continue with how much apathy I was getting from my sisters. With the heaviness of the beast and the smell of its musk mixed in with the blood, I felt my heart at peace as my sights finally stretched to the horizon of the future.

I felt the kiss of Artemis' breeze draw me towards my camp and my interest piqued. I, at least, knew when the Goddess wanted me somewhere. After placing the Ibex with its neck downhill to draw the blood out of the body away from the stream I walked carefully into my camp. I set towards my tent to gather the skinning and butchering knives knowing I had to work quickly to preserve the animal as pure as I could. I was almost by the tent when I spotted the silhouette in the darkness. It looked like a stranger in a shroud was crouched over the supplies I had brought. Red hot anger swept through my skin prickling it into action as I heard the Drachmae in their hand ripple with the sound of their theft. With the speed of a panther, dagger in hand I jumped on the stranger ready to defend my camp.

The force and surprise of the hit had sent us both flying with momentum as I swung my blade surely catching flesh before the stranger reacted. The thief shifted their weight from the bottom position where I had pinned them in my initial attack and slammed in a bull rush into my waist. I flew back hitting the intruder between the shoulder blades, catching the spine with the butt of my blade. I heard a grunt of pain escape the culprit as they tried to get the upper hand. I had used their rush as an opportunity to lock their neck in my arms in a headlock. The rustling of their arms told me they were close to being unconscious and I pondered about a fatal blow. I hesitated to know a truly skilled warrior could have the upper hand on me in those moments between. I could feel their arms reach around my waist in a last ditch effort of consciousness before they locked at the wrist trapping me. With a force, I didn't think they would have at this point, and a pullback motion from the stranger before thrusting forward had me hit the ground hard on my back. I coughed as all the air left my lungs and my eyes watered from the hit. I looked up as the moonlight shone on the thief, their sword high in the air to strike me dead. Their shroud had shifted and their eyes looked so much like the ones I loved that I smiled in spite of death approaching.

"Thank you, Artemis." I prayed out loud quickly knowing my end was here. I was grateful to the Goddess making me see Kassandra's face for the last time, even if I imagined it on who would deliver my death.

Before I could understand what was going on I heard the all familiar cry of an Eagle and my skin prickled at what that meant to me. Within seconds I saw hesitation in the attacker's eyes and then a flurry of feathers was between us.

"Ikaros! Stop! What is wrong with you...!" I heard the all too familiar voice yelp as every fibre of my being froze with recognition. "Malakas!"

Tensing, realization fell on me as to who exactly was straddling my waist with that perfect build. No wonder this battle had been tense and worthy even when neither of us had our weapons of choice. Her mouth opened in a surprised gasp as recognition swept through her as well, her Eagle flying away but still cawing urgently. I could tell why, but it seemed Kassandra couldn't.

"Daphnae?" she dared to ask as I rapidly pressed my palm against her lips listening to the surroundings around us.

I could hear the steps of at least two guards in the distance and I looked into the Misthios eyes hoping to convey what danger we were now in. It seemed like as soon as they got a little closer Kassandra could hear them too and panic flashed across her features. I drew my hand down and strained my hearing as I could feel Kassandra's body tense atop me.

"Be wary, Lukanos said there are many dangers in this part of the woods, we shouldn't be here." It sounded like a guard whispered to another as the other man chuckled.

"Dangers, bah! More like goats fucking. Not like that Malakas and her Eagle is out here. I can't wait until her blood soaks my arms."

I met Kassandra's eyes in fear noticing she hadn't heard. I had to think quickly as I could hear the guards approaching the shrubs blocking us from their vision.