As they approached the bathroom, Desponia didn't seem to take the lead herself. She turned, biting her lip slightly, trying to make sense of her feelings and her actions. In the old days Demeter wouldn't have thought about these things at all, but the inclusion of Alice in her personality seemed to complicate things.
She nearly asked if Desponia needed help but instead her hands rose and began to untangle the slight body from the ragged robes. The clothing was disgusting and she was happy to remove them from her but the action itself was almost an act of servitude, familiar from their lives before.
"I am happy you are back, Daughter," she said quietly. It was true, even if the declaration of affection was somewhat unnatural on her lips.