Anca is the most approachable romance in The Blood of Dawnwalker and the only one you can begin in the Prologue. She is Laslea’s herbalist and a childhood friend of Coen, and the arc runs across six quests. The decision most likely to undermine it has nothing to do with her directly: it is who drinks from the Font of Life.
Where It Starts
Anca’s romance begins inside Withering Away, the Prologue quest where you collect herbs for Coen’s dying mother. After she hands them over, you get the option to stay and practise Latin with her rather than leave.
Stay. That conversation is the door into the whole arc. The brewing steps themselves are covered in our Anca’s herbs guide, and they matter independently because failing them kills Esme.
The Quest Chain
- Withering Away
- Page-Turner
- Echoes of Silenced Bells
- Between the Words
- Where Old Devils Lie
- Stronger Than Achilles
The romance scene lands at the end of Stronger Than Achilles.
The Choices That Matter
In the Prologue, choose to stay, and tell her you missed studying Latin with her. Expect it to cost around two Time Segments. When you read together, pick the red-covered book and keep pushing to read Catullus. The answers players report as correct are “kisses” and then “grains of sand.” Offer to make tea afterwards.
Save her herbs from the storm. Collect them all and bring them back to her. Players report a full set of eleven.
Between the Words. Say plainly that you are interested. This is not a moment for the cautious option.
Stronger Than Achilles. Take “I’d do anything for you” and “I love you.”
The Font of Life
This is the one people miss. When the Font of Life comes up, let Anca use it. If Coen drinks from it himself, Anca becomes noticeably more hesitant about the relationship later, even if you have played every conversation perfectly.
It is worth knowing that some of the Prologue extras may be less strictly required than guides suggest, with PC Gamer reporting that the early flourishes and the Echoes of Silenced Bells choice do not actually gate the romance. The Font of Life decision is the one that consistently shows up as consequential, so if you only remember one thing, remember that.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start Anca’s romance?
In the Prologue, during Withering Away, by choosing to stay and study Latin with her.
What happens if Coen drinks from the Font of Life?
Anca becomes hesitant about the relationship later. Let her use it instead.
Does failing the herb brewing end the romance?
No, but it kills Coen’s mother, which is its own problem. The two outcomes are tracked separately.
Can I romance Anca and someone else?
Yes, if you can afford the Time Segments. See our guide on romancing everyone.