#daphnae

Drawing inspired by the delightful Rebirth (chapter 31) by @mimbotomy

Yeah I had that happen today and when it hit me it was at gale force Dx

Finally have an ao3 account so will be posting there from now on. For all of 2 people that have read it hehe

The days stretched as they stayed in the temple and avoiding unnecessary ventures outside. The tension remained, but Kassandra found the rhythm of their lives in the temple oddly comfortable.

Daphnae, though distant, seemed to grow more accepting of their presence. Her smiles were rare, her demeanor reserved, but less strained. They settled into an odd domesticity, an unspoken understanding. They shared meals and stories, and Kassandra noticed small details. How Daphnae's smile reached her eyes when she laughed. The way she would sometimes glance at Kassandra when she thought she wasn't looking. How her gaze lingered on Elpidios, a mixture of curiosity and tenderness.

But there were moments, too, when the weight of their past threatened to spill over. Sometimes, a word or gesture would remind Kassandra of what they'd shared. She'd see Daphnae's lips curve upward into a shy smile, and for a brief moment, the years that had separated them would vanish. Kassandra would feel that familiar flutter in her stomach, and her chest would ache with longing.

Kassandra tried to keep her thoughts at bay, but there were moments when she found her attention wandering. Her gaze would linger, drawn to Daphnae’s soft curves, the graceful arch of her neck, the delicate shape of her collarbone and the slope of her breasts. The physical attraction was undeniable, but it was underscored by a deeper, more profound connection. It wasn’t just the fire of desire that ignited within her; it was the remnants of a love that had never truly faded.

Her time with Natakas had been... different. He had been a necessity, not a passion. Duty, not desire. Kassandra respected him, even cared for him in a way, but their connection had never carried the same intensity. With him, there had been no spark. No heat. The pull she felt toward Daphnae was something primal, consuming in a way Natakas could never be. Kassandra had wanted to want him, had convinced herself she could fulfill that role, but it had never come naturally. There was no passion, no hunger. He was obligation.

What she had shared with Daphnae, though—it was like a fire, wild and unpredictable. Every glance, every touch had been charged with an energy that transcended mere attraction. And even now, she could feel the ghost of it between them, lingering in the air. The years had done nothing to diminish it.

Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach out, to bridge the gap between them. She wanted confirmation that she wasn’t the only one who remembered, that Daphnae felt it too. The desire stirred inside her, a restless need for contact. It reminded her all too well of what they had, and what they had lost. From the moment they met, Kassandra had felt a connection so deep it defied explanation. Even now, it hadn’t faded. It was a force, a pull she couldn't escape.

Kassandra exhaled slowly, the sound almost a sigh of resignation. She forced herself to focus, shoving aside the distracting ache of unfulfilled desire. The weight of their current predicament pressed down on her; her inner conflict seemed increasingly pointless. Natakas's leg was healing, and they would need to move soon. She knew she had to scout the route ahead before they left the temple and ventured into unfamiliar territory. With a final, resolute nod to herself, Kassandra squared her shoulders, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She headed into the temple to discuss the scouting plan with Natakas, fully aware that soon, she would be walking away from Daphnae yet again.

***

Daphnae had offered them refuge, but her hospitality had its limits. She was cordial and generous, but the cracks in her patience were beginning to show. What had started as genuine assistance now felt strained—her words shorter, her gestures more guarded. Natakas could sense that their presence was becoming a burden. She wasn’t turning them out, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

And it wasn’t just about resources or overstaying their welcome. There was something else. He could see it in the way Kassandra and Daphnae interacted. The way they avoided meeting each other’s gaze for too long, the awkward pauses that filled the space between casual remarks. Natakas had learned to read people well enough to recognize that something unspoken was going on, but he couldn’t piece together what it was.

What sort of history did they share? Kassandra had been vague when she’d mentioned their paths crossing, but the tension between them hinted at more than a casual acquaintance. There was something unresolved, something that hovered between the two women. It made him uneasy. He trusted Kassandra implicitly, but Daphnae? He wasn’t sure. Could they really rely on her? Or was she harboring some grudge, some motive that hadn’t yet come to light?

It was that uncertainty that gnawed at him. The feeling that they weren’t fully safe here, despite the walls of the temple and Daphnae’s outward hospitality. He wanted to ask Kassandra more, to get a clearer sense of what lay between them. But the words never seemed to come. There was always something else—Elpidios needing care, his father’s whereabouts weighing on his mind, the ever-present threat of the Order.

So he kept quiet, letting his suspicions simmer, hoping that time would reveal whatever it was that hung between Kassandra and Daphnae. He just wasn’t sure if, when that moment came, it would bring clarity or only complicate things further.

“Natakas?”

Natakas blinked, Kassandra’s voice pulling him from his thoughts. She stood by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall, her expression calm yet determined.

“Kassandra?” he looked up, sitting up a little straighter. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” she replied, her gaze sharp. “We'll be leaving soon. I'm going to scout the route ahead, make sure it’s safe before we move Elpidios and you out of here.”

His frown deepened. “You’re going alone?”

Kassandra gave him a wry smile. “Natakas," she chuckled. "I’m a misthios. Scouting alone is nothing new to me."

Natakas held her gaze. "Kassandra. You're not alone anymore." He shifted as though to get up, despite the obvious discomfort in his leg. “Maybe I can—"

Before he could finish, Kassandra stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his chest to stop him from moving. Her eyes were fierce, but her voice was soft when she spoke.

"Natakas. Rest." She shook her head. "I need you to heal."

Natakas clenched his jaw as he leaned back against the wall. “It's too dangerous to be alone. The Order is hunting you!"

She let out a slow breath, crossing her arms as she regarded him. He couldn't tell if she was amused or frustrated by his insistence.

"Natakas," she said again, her voice steady and sure. "What would you have me do? You must watch after Elpidios and heal. The route must be scouted before we leave. Why must you be difficult?"

His brow furrowed, the worry etched into his face. He hated this—hated that she was right, that he was powerless to protect her.

Kassandra’s gaze softened slightly, but there was still an edge to her tone. “If you’re this worried, I can ask Daphnae to accompany me. She does know these lands very well."

"Do you think that's wise?" he asked, the words slipping out before he could stop himself.

Kassandra stared at him, a flash of surprise crossing her features. She looked at him as though she wasn’t quite sure what to say.

He took a deep breath, his eyes searching hers. He didn’t want to argue with her, didn't want to upset her, but the fear of losing her—losing Elpidios, his father, everything—was a constant shadow, and it was impossible not to lash out.

"Kassandra," he sighed, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I don't trust her."

Kassandra’s gaze flickered, her brows knitting in a mix of frustration and weariness. Her lips parted slightly as though she might say something more, but instead, she let out a quiet sigh, shifting her weight as she folded her arms tighter across her chest. "Is there reason for this distrust?" she asked again, sounding more tired than sharp now. She was holding back, clearly trying to rein in her irritation.

Natakas’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he remained silent, debating his response. He didn’t have an answer that would make sense to her—nothing that would sound logical, nothing that wasn’t born purely from suspicion and fear. Kassandra waited, her gaze unwavering, demanding something more than vague concern.

He sighed, finally speaking. “I don’t know. But ever since we arrived, there’s been... tension. She’s not someone we know well, and after all we’ve been through, I can’t help but be cautious.”

Kassandra’s brow furrowed, and for a moment, the only sound between them was the soft flicker of flames from the nearby torches. She stepped back, the earlier softness in her voice replaced by a sharp edge.

“Natakas, I understand you’re worried, but Daphnae is the best option. You know I can’t bring you along, and Elpidios needs someone to watch over him.” Her voice grew more firm, determined to shut down any further argument. “Either I go alone, or she comes with me.”

He pressed his lips together, clearly wrestling with his thoughts, but he knew she was right. If there was a way for him to keep her safe without compromising his own health or leaving Elpidios vulnerable, he’d do it—but that option didn’t exist. And Kassandra, despite her impatience, had made up her mind.

With a heavy sigh, he relented. “Fine. Ask Daphnae.”

Kassandra gave a curt nod, her frustration evident in the tightness of her jaw. She moved toward Elpidios, who slept peacefully on a small pile of blankets. As she knelt beside him, her features softened, the harsh lines of tension melting away as she leaned down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. Her hand lingered, ghosting over his tiny frame, her touch as light as the breath she exhaled.

Then, rising to her feet, she turned to Natakas. She met his gaze, her tone sharp.

"I will return soon."

The morning sun rose over the temple, its warm rays filtering through the trees and illuminating the worn columns and statues. Daphnae sat cross-legged on a small ledge overlooking the forest, her bow next to her. Her eyes were closed, her mind drifting. It had been a restless night, and the morning was proving to be just as taxing.

The sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts, and her eyes fluttered open. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze landing on Kassandra, her son cradled in her arms.

"Good morning," Kassandra said, her voice soft, hesitant.

Daphnae nodded. "Good morning."

There was a brief pause, the silence punctuated only by the sounds of the forest waking up.

"Can I join you?" Kassandra asked, gesturing to the ledge.

Daphnae nodded again and Kassandra approached slowly, sitting beside her. Their shoulders brushed, the contact sending a shiver down Daphnae's spine. The proximity was both unsettling and comforting, a contradiction she didn't have the strength to deal with at the moment.

She glanced at Kassandra, taking in the sight of her, the way the morning sunlight made her skin glow and her hair seem to shine. She had seen many beautiful women in her time, but none could hold a candle to Kassandra. Even after all these years, Daphnae's breath caught at the sight of her.

"Thank you," Kassandra said, her gaze meeting Daphnae's. "For everything."

Daphnae held her gaze, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. There was always something disarming about Kassandra, a kind of charm that made it hard to ignore her. She felt a sudden urge to reach out, to touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin. Instead, she nodded, looking away.

"Thank you," Kassandra said again, a faint smirk tugging at her lips now. "For not killing me on sight." Her voice carried a touch of mirth, but beneath it, Daphnae sensed sincerity—Kassandra knew how deeply Daphnae honored her vows, and she was genuinely grateful she hadn’t acted on them.

Daphnae's lips twitched for a moment, but her expression quickly sobered. She kept her gaze fixed on the horizon, the weight of her words settling heavily in her chest. "That would have been foolish," she replied, her tone carefully neutral. "You have a child now."

The reminder tasted bitter, but she forced the words out, as if trying to convince herself of their truth. She shifted her bow across her lap, her fingers tracing the worn wood, hoping the familiar touch would steady the storm swirling inside her.

"You have a child now," she repeated softly, as if trying to remind herself of that fact, as if saying it aloud would dull the ache in her heart. "You're a mother... and a wife." The last word felt foreign on her tongue, heavy with the weight of everything that word meant. "Your path has changed, as has mine. What use would it be to strike you down now? What would it prove but to make your son motherless? What would that accomplish for Artemis or her Daughters?"

She let her gaze drift back to Kassandra, studying her. Her jaw was clenched, her expression carefully guarded, but the sadness in her eyes gave her away—an ache that mirrored Daphnae's own.

"You know I didn’t want any of this," Kassandra murmured, her voice a fragile thread. "Trials, tests, mortal combat—I never wanted that." She exhaled deeply, the sound heavy, as though she were trying to let go of a burden too vast to carry. "Not with you."

"It was but the will of the gods, and my vows." Daphnae said the words as much for Kassandra's benefit as her own, trying to remind them both that they were not the ones in control, that the path had been laid out for them and they were powerless to change it.

Kassandra scoffed, blowing out a sharp breath. "Malákas!" She shook her head, the frustration radiating off her. "We should be free to choose our own fate. To be who we are, not what the gods or others demand of us."

Elpidios stirred in Kassandra’s arms, a soft, unhappy sound escaping him as if he could feel the tension in her voice. Kassandra shifted, her frustration tempered as she soothed him, her lips brushing his brow. "Shh, little one. It's not about you."

Daphnae watched the moment unfold, her fingers tightening around her bow. She couldn’t shake the sense that there was more to Kassandra’s words than the trials and tests of the past, something unspoken and heavy that lingered between them. It was a frustration that ran deeper than just their shared history, though Daphnae didn’t have the full picture.

"Maybe one day," she murmured, her eyes following a pair of birds soaring across the bright sky. "But for now, we must accept what the fates have given us. I have my duties, and you have yours."

Kassandra looked up at her, and for a moment, the pain in her eyes was raw, almost desperate. She opened her mouth to speak, but then seemed to think better of it, pressing her lips together.

Daphnae held her gaze, the silence stretching between them. It was an invisible barrier, a wall that neither was willing to tear down, not yet.

"Daphnae, I—" Kassandra began, her words faltering when a sudden rustle of branches interrupted them. Her head snapped toward the sound, Daphnae instinctively raising her bow, tension coiling in the air between them.

Natakas emerged from the forest, a small collection of game slung over his shoulder. His face was etched with fatigue, and a flash of pain crossed his features as he limped toward them, clearly favoring one leg.

Kassandra's posture eased, but her brow knitted with concern. “You’re injured,” she observed, rising from the ledge, Elpidios still nestled against her chest.

"I'll be fine," Natakas said, trying to brush her off.

Daphnae rose to her feet, her gaze flicking between Kassandra and Natakas. He was a stranger to her, but his arrival now, interrupting the heavy silence after her conversation with Kassandra, only deepened the awkward tension hanging in the air.

Kassandra’s body language shifted as soon as she saw his injury. The concern etched on her face was unmistakable, her protective instinct taking over as she got up to hover over him. Natakas, on the other hand, seemed uncomfortable under her scrutiny, his eyes avoiding hers as he fidgeted with the strap of hares slung over his shoulder.

"What happened?" Kassandra’s voice cut through the quiet, firm and direct. Daphnae had heard that tone before, back when Kassandra was all misthios and mission. "Did someone follow you?"

"No, no," Natakas shook his head quickly, as if trying to dismiss her worry. "I was hunting, and I... I tripped."

Daphnae raised an eyebrow at that, and Kassandra mirrored the gesture, her lips curving slightly in disbelief. "Tripped?" Kassandra echoed, her voice soft but serious. "On what?"

Natakas glanced up at her. "It’s a forest," he muttered, sounding defensive. "There’s plenty to trip over."

A faint smile tugged at Kassandra’s lips, though her gaze remained sharp. "Right," she replied quietly, shaking her head, the tension still clear between them.

"Well, I got the game," Natakas added, a note of pride creeping into his voice as he motioned to the hares.

"At least there’s that," Kassandra conceded, though her concern didn’t waver as she reached for the strap of hares on his shoulder. “Come, sit down before you fall down. Let me look at your leg.” She glanced toward Daphnae, extending the hares toward her. “Daphnae, could you handle these?”

Daphnae stepped forward without a word, accepting the hares and turning toward the fire. She didn’t miss the brief look Natakas sent her way—a quick, uncertain glance, as if he was trying to gauge her, but didn’t know what to make of her yet. Daphnae didn’t know what to make of him either, aside from the fact that he was the father of Kassandra’s son. That alone told her enough.

Kassandra knelt beside Natakas, her hands moving with a practiced ease as she checked his leg. Her fingers were gentle, but there was a certain efficiency in her touch, the same way Daphnae remembered her tending to her own wounds in the past. There was no hesitation, no doubt in her movements, only a focused determination to make sure Natakas was alright.

He winced slightly but didn’t pull away. His eyes darted back to Daphnae once, briefly, before settling on Kassandra, his discomfort unmistakable.

"You two seem familiar," he murmured, his voice carefully neutral, but the question lingered in his gaze.

Kassandra didn’t meet his eyes right away. Instead, she focused on his leg, her fingers gently probing the swollen area. “We’ve crossed paths before,” she said, her tone clipped, as if that simple statement could encompass everything between her and Daphnae. But it couldn’t. It didn’t.

Daphnae didn’t respond, her eyes drifting to the ground as if the earth itself held the answers she wasn’t ready to give. There were layers of history between her and Kassandra, layers that Natakas couldn’t begin to understand—at least not yet.

Natakas shifted his weight, adjusting his position on the rock. “Right,” he said, glancing between them again. He could sense the tension, though he couldn’t name its source. The silence that followed seemed too thick, too heavy, like it was laden with everything unsaid.

"I should see to the hares," Daphnae announced, clearing her throat. She turned away, though the air seemed to press in on her.

As she worked, she overheard Kassandra’s voice carrying over to Natakas. "I don’t think it’s broken, but you should stay off of it tonight," Kassandra advised. "If we need to leave in a hurry, you won’t be able to run."

"No, we need to leave soon," Natakas countered, his frustration palpable. "We need to find out what happened to my father. He could still be out there."

Daphnae glanced back at them, noticing Kassandra’s expression shift from concern to a more sympathetic resolve. "Natakas, if the Order captured him..." Kassandra’s voice trailed off, leaving the grim possibility hanging in the air.

"I can’t just abandon him," Natakas pressed, desperation lining his words. "Not if there’s even a chance..."

"I understand," Kassandra replied, her tone firm and resolute. "But if we go now, we’re risking our lives and Elpidios’s safety. You know Darius wouldn’t want us to put him in danger." Natakas sighed heavily, his frustration mingling with resignation. Kassandra continued, "Besides, you can’t do anything with that leg. At least stay off it for a few days."

"A few days? Here?" Natakas’s disbelief was evident as he gestured around the temple.

Daphnae couldn’t help but scoff. The man’s reluctance was understandable, but she was less than thrilled at the idea of a stranger under her goddess's roof.

"Yes, if we’re lucky, Daphnae will allow us refuge for a few days," Kassandra said, glancing briefly at Daphnae. She gave a terse nod, her expression unreadable. "We’ll rest and stay out of sight."

As they continued their conversation, Elpidios began to whimper in Kassandra’s arms. Natakas’s concern shifted to practicality. "We’re out of goat milk," he said, glancing around with a frown. "Elpidios needs to eat."

Kassandra responded with a calm, nonchalant demeanor. "I can feed him."

Natakas’s eyes widened in surprise. "You can still...?"

Kassandra gave a casual shrug. "Yes."

Without further explanation, Kassandra adjusted Elpidios, unfastening her tunic and pulling her breast free, holding him close to feed. Daphnae turned her attention back to the hares, struggling to avoid staring.

The soft sounds of the baby nursing filled the quiet, creating a cocoon of intimacy that Daphnae found both compelling and intrusive. She couldn't help but be drawn to the scene, a strange mixture of curiosity and fascination tugging at her.

When she dared to glance over, she saw Kassandra gazing down at Elpidios with a tender, almost dreamy expression. Natakas, meanwhile, was focused on adjusting the makeshift splint on his leg but cast occasional glances toward Kassandra and the baby.

"Who's a hungry boy? You are!" Kassandra’s voice took on a playful, sing-song quality, a side of her Daphnae had never seen before. It was a stark contrast from the battle-hardened warrior she'd known. Daphnae hadn't expected such softness, such tenderness, from the woman who'd slain the Nemean Lion.

Kassandra's eyes met Daphnae's, and for a fleeting moment, Daphnae saw a hint of self-consciousness in the warrior’s gaze. Then, with a shy, half-smile, Kassandra seemed to embrace the vulnerability of the moment, her exposed breast a subtle statement of intimacy. Daphnae forced herself to keep her gaze steady, returning the smile with a gentle curve of her lips, while struggling not to let her eyes wander. Was it her imagination, or did Kassandra look satisfied to see Daphnae wrestle with her own desire?

"He must be hungry," Natakas observed, his voice breaking the moment. Daphnae quickly looked away, heat rising to her cheeks as she tended to the hares.

Kassandra responded with a shrug, her attention returning to her son. "He is. He has the appetite of a true Spartan. I guess he’s already living up to his heritage," she chuckled, affection lacing her words.

"Like his mother, I suppose," Natakas commented, a playful tone in his voice. Kassandra simply flashed him a smile.

As the morning progressed, the temple's serene atmosphere was punctuated by a new sense of urgency. Natakas’s injury, though minor, had made it clear that they needed to stay put for a while. The idea of keeping a low profile, away from potential threats, became paramount.

Daphnae watched Kassandra tend to her son and Natakas, feeling a complicated mix of relief and unease. Kassandra’s presence, once a distant memory, was now impossible to ignore. She’d spent years trying to forget the misthios, yet being near her again stirred familiar emotions she had tried to bury. The thought of Kassandra staying longer brought a rush of feelings she knew all too well but was too afraid to fully confront.

A brief glance from Kassandra caught Daphnae’s eye, a silent exchange passing between them. Kassandra’s gaze, softer than before, hinted at something unspoken—perhaps even lingering desire. Daphnae couldn’t ignore the flutter in her chest, even as she grappled with the confusion and tension of their reunion.

Natakas seemed to shift uneasily. His gaze lingered a little too long between the two women, the tension between them becoming more noticeable. His jaw tightened, and though he remained silent, the strain in his posture spoke louder than any words.

"We should move inside," Daphnae suggested, breaking the silence. "It’s better to stay hidden in case someone comes by." She motioned to Natakas. "Can you stand?"

Natakas grunted as he struggled to his feet. “I suppose some privacy would do us all good,” he said, his voice tinged with a sharp edge that hinted at more than just discomfort. He glanced pointedly at Daphnae, then at Kassandra, his eyes briefly narrowing.

Kassandra frowned but moved beside him, supporting him with a hand on his arm. Elpidios nestled into her, fast asleep and content.

As Daphnae led them inside the temple, the tension seemed to cling to the air. She glanced back to see Natakas hobbling along, leaning on Kassandra for support. Kassandra's expression was back to a carefully maintained mask, her gaze fixed ahead as if to keep her thoughts at bay.

Pairing: Kassandra/Daphnae, Kassandra/Natakas (duty-bound)

Chapter 2

Daphnae watched the small flames flicker within the bronze brazier, its warmth a welcome respite from the chill of the night air seeping through the temple’s stone walls. The brazier, set in a side chamber of the temple, was the only place she dared allow a fire indoors. To light a flame in the central chamber—the sacred heart of Artemis’ sanctuary—would be sacrilege, an offense against the very goddess she served.

Despite the comforting heat, her heart felt cold and distant. The temple, once a place of solace and reverence, now felt like a prison—its walls too tight, the shadows too dark. The only sounds were the soft crackling of the charcoal and the slow, steady breaths of the sleeping baby, tucked safely in his mother’s arms.

His mother.

Daphnae’s gaze lingered on Kassandra, who sat against a worn stone bench built into the wall, her attention fixed on the flames. The firelight danced across her face, accentuating the weariness in her posture. Despite the fatigue that seemed to weigh her down, the fierce intensity in her eyes remained undiminished. Nearby, Natakas sat with his own exhaustion etched deeply into his features, his gaze distant, as if burdened by thoughts too heavy to share.

Intro: After years of exile and isolation, Daphnae's life is disrupted when Kassandra—whom she last saw with a vow of enmity—unexpectedly crosses her path, now with a child (and man) in tow. Their encounter, marked by tension and unresolved history, opens a door to old wounds and unspoken feelings.

Pairing: Kassandra/Daphnae, Kassandra/Natakas (duty-bound)

---

Daphnae moved silently through the temple, her footsteps light on the worn stone floor. The temple of Artemis had become her sanctuary, a place where she could lose herself in the rituals and prayers that had once brought her peace. But now, every word she uttered to the goddess felt hollow, every offering a reminder of her own failure.