This is a commission I did for DeviantArt
Noone knew what the Gift was – yet everyone knew it was worth having. They knew it was worth sacrificing everything to find it. The legendary treasure hidden somewhere in the caves just outside the Italian village of Femini attracted thousands of would be adventurers from around the world every year. Each desperate to be the one to discover the mythical artefact and reap its priceless rewards. Yet the caves that held the supposed prize were expansive and treacherous and many an experienced explorer had plundered their depths and never been seen again. Even still, every year that passed brought a fresh wave of heroes hunting fame and fortune.
None came more determined than Laurence Dodd – a billionaire playboy adrenaline junkie who rarely encountered a desire he couldn't buy or an obstacle he couldn't steamroller. The Gift was one of such rare treats that eluded him and so his need to acquire it had grown into something of an obsession.
Laurence's latest attempt was his most determined yet. Despite, plunging himself into the caverns alone, he made good progress over a number of days through the depths. He was no stranger to using people or exploiting assistance to get what he wanted, but he took no chances when it came to searching out the Gift. He could think of nothing worse than being made to share the treasure or worse, the recognition for finding it.
In spite of his progress, the caves had been a rough mistress and by the time Laurence reached a wide underground opening on the fifth day of his excursion, he was covered in dirt and bruises, bleeding from numerous places including one of his ears, and almost out of both food and drink. Upon noticing that the latest cavern was full of large bubbles floating out of a small rock-pool of glowing turquoise water, he thought he was hallucinating. It didn't help when the ethereal form of a waif of a woman appeared in one of the bubbles and started to speak to him.
“You must be tired,” she said softly, “you must be determined to have persevered this far. You must really want the Gift.” Laurence's attention peeked at the mention of his quarry. “But are you worthy of the Gift? You must be pure! You must be cleansed of your transgressions! You must be tested to see if you are worthy, but first you must be cleansed! Shall I cleanse you, Laurence?” The bubble rose above him and he nodded. Even as his head continued to bob, another huge bubble floated towards him and encapsulated his body. Instantly, the dirt, the bruises, the cuts and blood, all vanished and his skin was washed smooth. It became soft. It became feminine. Laurence saw his reflection in the surface of one of the bubbles and a beautiful woman stared back. He thought he recognised the face but his mind was swimming with the shock of what was happening. “Good!” The waif stared at him from her bubble. “Now you are ready to be tested!”






