Waste

A Gift.

Dimitrios's P.O.V.

Everything hurts again....dammit....until I'm thrown into warm water, my entire body sinking beneath the surface.

I jolt awake and attempt to find footing. Gasping for air when I breach...wait...this isn't water....it's sweet....and has a very sour aftertaste...my lips pucker.

Miquella: "A reward from Queen Marika for your display of strength..."

My head snapping towards the voice. Spotting the blonde seated in a chair at the edge of the giant tub full of raw magic. Golden eyes peering down at me over the lip of the tub. I swim closer and gently take their outstretched hand.

Dimitrios: "I've missed you..."

The echoing of our voices attesting for the massive size of the bathroom. My snout nuzzling against their knuckles, they quickly used a syringe to shoot a liquid up my nose. I gag and gasp for air, whatever it was finds its way into my lungs and expands them. Handing me a Scouring Sponge for my horns and scales.

Miquella: "Don't drink the liquid in the tub, it's for external use only...please..."

Dimitrios: "Will there be any food?"

Miquella: "Plenty...."

I frown...feeling a tense energy from the Eternal Youth.

Dimitrios: "Did I do something to upset you?"

They look away.....even Saint Trina appears displeased with something...

Miquella: "........No matter the Maidens thrown at you, do not stray from my sister or I..."

'....Huh?...'

I stop scrubbing my chest, arms limp by my sides. Head tilting to the right.

Dimitrios: "....Were there other rewards besides this magic soak?....Beautiful Maiden's?"

I smile at the thought of potential pleasures...but removing my basic intelligence for a more complex one...doubt creeps in.....They grip the fabric of their outfit tightly. Eyes hidden by long blonde hair.

Miquella/ Saint Trina: "...Promise me Dimitrios..."

Dimitrios: "I-I promise...."

I start scrubbing my horns, already use to Miquella's gaze being a constant presence on my body. The door behind Miquella opens, Malenia walking through with a grim expression.

Malenia: "She will not negotiate for his guardianship....Mother intends to keep him in thy shackles and a leash attached to her hips if she could....."

A dark expression flashes across Miquella's face, slowly standing up from the chair. I pull a suffocating leech and long worm looking parasite from under a scale plate on my left thigh. Watching as more make their way out on their own, instantly dying once making complete contact with the magic solution, then vaporizing.... Grumbling in relief, sinking further and further down.

Miquella: "Take the proper time to cleanse yourself of all the parasites and dirt......I'm not mad at thee..... I'm annoyed by my siblings and Mother assuming claim over you and your fate when The Two Fingers forbids it......."

'You already talked to the Two Fingers?.....'

Dimitrios: "Did the Two Fingers come by when I happened to be unconscious? Or did the two of you long spoke to them when I was a simple cow thief?.......Is that why you knew I'd find my way back here?......... Is my fate tied to you and Malenia?"