'''A Mother's Prayers''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Kassandra]]'s genetic memories, relived by [[Layla Hassan]] through the Portable [[Animus|Animus HR-8.5]].
'''A Mother's Prayers''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Kassandra]]'s genetic memories, relived by [[Layla Hassan]] through the Portable [[Animus|Animus HR-8.5]].
Line 55:
Line 56:
*'''Kassandra:''' ''You think so?''
*'''Kassandra:''' ''You think so?''
*'''Barnabas:''' ''I know so. Now, go on and find her. You waited long enough for this!''
*'''Barnabas:''' ''I know so. Now, go on and find her. You waited long enough for this!''
[[File:ACOD A Mother's Prayers 2.png|thumb|250px|Myrrine addressing her followers]]
The ship docked at Naxos and Kassandra disembarked. She made her way to the leader's villa and walked in to overhear a meeting between the leader and her generals, including [[Timo]]. Kassandra immediately recognized her mother's voice. Relief filled her and turned to excitement.
The ship docked at Naxos and Kassandra disembarked. She made her way to the leader's villa and walked in to overhear a meeting between the leader and her generals, including [[Timo]]. Kassandra immediately recognized her mother's voice. Relief filled her and turned to excitement.
[[File:ACOD Myrrine meeting with her generals.png|thumb|250px|Myrrine addressing her followers]]
*'''Myrrine:''' ''I won't be intimidated. Stock the barracks... And double the patrols. If [[Paros]] is sending them, I want to know the moment they make landfall.''
*'''Myrrine:''' ''I won't be intimidated. Stock the barracks... And double the patrols. If [[Paros]] is sending them, I want to know the moment they make landfall.''
At long last, Kassandra was about to meet her mother Myrrine again. In the intervening years, much had changed, though much had remained the same as well.
Dialogue
Kassandra set sail to the southeast, away from Athens and towards reunion. While on the sea, Kassandra spoke with Aspasia.
Aspasia:You'll find Phoenix in the villa at the center of town. All the city's business is conducted there.
Kassandra:Then that's my next stop.
Aspasia:Have you thought about what you'll say to her?
Kassandra:I have questions about my past. My mater has answers she kept from me that I need.
Aspasia:About your family?
Kassandra:There are secrets... Someone importanttold me she would be able to help me understand.
Aspasia:You should be cautious.
Kassandra:What do you mean?
Aspasia:Think about your questions carefully. What we know about our past can shape our future.
Kassandra:I... haven't really thought about it.
Aspasia:Well, I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about.
Kassandra:Yes, we do.
Regardless, Aspasia pointed out their pending arrival.
Aspasia:We'll reach Naxos soon.
Kassandra:We've had quite the adventure.
Aspasia:Yes, although I don't think it's over yet.
Kassandra:Where will you go?
Aspasia:I have some business to attend to before moving on, and I have friends in the city I need to see.
Kassandra:I doubt there's a speck of land in the Aegean where you don't know someone.
Aspasia:You might be right. It comes with the profession I suppose.
Aspasia:And who knows, maybe I'll see you again.
Kassandra:It doesn't seem that big of an island. Anything's possible.
Aspasia:I'd like to know if all the trouble to find Phoenix was worth it.
Barnabas:Your heartbeat is as loud as the sea itself!
Kassandra:We're approaching Naxos.
Barnabas:Are you excited?
Kassandra:Nervous. What will I say to her?
Barnabas:Kassandra, you've travelled half the Greek world to find her. You don't have to say anything. Just being there will be enough.
Kassandra:But what if she is disappointed in me?
Barnabas:Listen. Any mother would want a child as brave and as loyal as you. If I were your mother, I would be the nervous one.
Kassandra:You think so?
Barnabas:I know so. Now, go on and find her. You waited long enough for this!
Myrrine addressing her followers
The ship docked at Naxos and Kassandra disembarked. She made her way to the leader's villa and walked in to overhear a meeting between the leader and her generals, including Timo. Kassandra immediately recognized her mother's voice. Relief filled her and turned to excitement.
Myrrine:I won't be intimidated. Stock the barracks... And double the patrols. If Paros is sending them, I want to know the moment they make landfall.
Myrrine:Chersis—I understand your concerns. But protecting the town and the quarries is what's most important. You may all go.
The generals took their leave and Kassandra held back to let them out. She then followed her mother out to the balcony, standing in the doorway in disbelief while Myrrine hummed a familiar tune. Kassandra stepped forward. Myrrine noticed her.
Kassandra drew the Spear of Leonidas and rested it in her hands. Myrrine heard the sound of a weapon being unsheathed and turned to face the misthios. She took one look at her face, then the broken spear, and knew instantly who she was.
Regardless, Timo interrupted the question and rushed to raise the alarm.
Myrrine:What's wrong?
Timo:Soldiers from Paros just made landfall in the cove. A small force, maybe a dozen.
Myrrine: Maláka! Timo, gather the troops.
Myrrine turned back to Kassandra.
Myrrine:Questions will have to wait, lamb.
Kassandra:I want to help.
Myrrine:I assume you can use those weapons?
Kassandra:Better than when you last saw me.
Myrrine:Good. Come.
They ran to the horses tied up outside and mounted up to ride for the cove.
Kassandra:Who is attacking?
Myrrine:Paros, across the bay. It seems Silanos has finally grown tired of sharing the marble trade.
Kassandra:Why now?
Myrrine:We've always had problems with Paros. I expected an attack, just not so soon.
Kassandra:I guess the time for talking is over.
Myrrine:Allies often forget their allegiances when opportunity beckons...
As they rode, the presence of Spartan soldiers was not lost on Kassandra.
Kassandra:Why are you working with Sparta given all that's happened?
Myrrine:Paros made an alliance with the Athenians, so they left me little choice.
Kassandra:You needed support.
Myrrine:A rivalry with Paros is one thing, but they turned it into a war. Their partnership with Athens was too much to weather for Naxos alone.
They reached the cliff near the Temple of Demeter overlooking the cove, where Athenian soldiers had taken Spartan scouts prisoner. Timo and Hektor were already in position. Kassandra leapt into battle first and were soon joined by Myrrine and her reinforcements. Together, they freed the prisoners and slaughtered the Parian landing party.
Outcome
Kassandra reached Naxos and reunited with her mother after seventeen years apart.
Trivia
The question the player doesn't ask of Myrrine is available in the next quest. The dialogue is initially the same whether it is asked at the villa or on the beach, but as it wasn't interrupted by the arrival of the Parians, the player can get the full question, along with a selectable response.
When asking Myrrine about "what happened" to her, the text spells Asklepios differently at the villa from on the beach. At the villa, it is spelled "Asclepius." This is the modern-day spelling, whereas "Asklepios" is the spelling used most frequently in-game and uses a spelling convention similar to the game's other proper nouns. (e.g. Sokrates vs. Socrates, Perikles vs. Pericles)