As the first light of dawn filtered through the cracks in the den, Kagome stirred from her slumber, feeling the comforting weight of Kouga's arm draped over her waist. She blinked sleepily, her senses slowly coming alive as she became aware of their close proximity.
Kouga shifted beside her, his amber eyes fluttering open as he met her gaze with a tender smile. "Good morning, Kagome," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.
"Good morning, Kouga," Kagome replied, returning his smile as she reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from his face. Leaning in, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips, savoring the warmth and intimacy of the moment.
Their kiss deepened, their lips moving together in a slow, languid dance as they reveled in the closeness of each other's embrace. For a blissful moment, it was just the two of them, lost in the sweetness of the morning.
But their tender moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, followed by Ayame's voice calling out from the other side. "Kagome, are you awake? It's time to get ready for the festival!"
Kagome pulled away reluctantly, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she realized they had been caught in an intimate embrace. Kouga chuckled softly, his gaze warm as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"We should probably get ready," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "But let's continue this later, hmm?"
Kagome nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips as she slipped out of bed, feeling a flutter of anticipation in her chest at the promise of more tender moments to come.
As Kagome stepped into the warm embrace of the hotspring within the den, she felt a sense of relaxation wash over her. The steam rose gently around her, casting a soft veil over the tranquil scene as she joined Ayame and Yumi in the soothing waters.
The glow of the bioluminescent moss illuminated the cavernous chamber, lending an ethereal quality to the surroundings. The air was heavy with the scent of mineral-rich water and the faint hint of wildflowers, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that seemed to envelop them in a cocoon of serenity.
Ayame and Yumi greeted Kagome with smiles of welcome, their voices echoing softly off the stone walls as they exchanged pleasantries. With gentle hands, they began to wash each others hair with fragrant soap, the warm water cascading over her skin in a gentle cascade.
As the women of the tribe bathed and chatted, Kagome couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging in their midst. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and experiences, they shared a bond forged through shared laughter and shared struggles.
Once Kagome's hair was rinsed clean, Ayame and Yumi led her to a secluded alcove where soft towels awaited. With tender care, they dried her hair and wrapped her in the plush fabric, their hands moving with practiced ease.
They sat among the steam in the towels for some time chatting about who had made what trinkets, and what traders were coming to sell their wares as their hair dried.
Then came the delicate artistry of the hair braiding. Ayame and Yumi's nimble fingers wove Kagome's ebony locks into intricate patterns, adorning them with vibrant flowers and ribbons that seemed to dance in the flickering light of the hotspring.
As Kagome admired her reflection in the shimmering waters, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the transformation. The delicate flowers nestled amidst her braids seemed to shimmer with a life of their own, adding a touch of whimsy to her appearance.
Finally, it was time to don the furs. Ayame and Yumi presented them to Kagome with a flourish, their eyes twinkling mischievously as she slipped them on. The furs, snug against her skin, felt like a second skin, enveloping her in warmth and comfort.
Kagome couldn't suppress a giggle as she adjusted the garment, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at its snug fit. "I think these might have shrunk," she remarked with a playful smile, earning a chorus of laughter from her friends.
Ayame and Yumi exchanged knowing glances, their smiles widening as they teased Kagome about her newfound allure. But beneath their playful banter lay a genuine fondness and affection for their friend, a bond that only seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.