Morning light spilled across the camp when Nyara stepped from her sleeping space. The air was cool, scented with warm bread and spiced meat from the fires. Wagons groaned under shifting loads, traders called to one another, and high above, two winged beastmen circled before disappearing over the trees.
Luro stood near a wagon, his posture relaxed but his eyes quick to find her. "You're up," he said, voice low and even. He nodded toward an older wolf woman with silver streaks in her dark hair, speaking with a merchant over a bundle of herbs.
"Elder Hava," Luro called as they approached. "Nyara needs the river. Would you take her?"
Hava turned, her gaze warming instantly. "Of course, dear," she said with a kind smile. "Come along. We'll wash the road dust off you."
Nyara followed her along a winding path through light woods, where the air was fresher and birdsong threaded with the sound of rushing water. They stepped into a small clearing, the river curling bright and clear over pale stones.
Hava set a folded cloth and a carved wooden comb on a flat rock. Without fuss, she began loosening the ties of her tunic. "We'll hang these here to dry in the sun," she said, draping her clothes neatly over a low branch. Nyara hesitated, glancing toward the water, but Hava's calm made it seem natural.
Nyara removed her own travel-worn clothes and hung them beside Hava's, the morning breeze brushing her skin.
"Sit," Hava said, patting the stone beside her. She knelt behind Nyara, fingers parting her long hair before working the comb through. "Such fine hair," she murmured. "I can tell someone cared for it well. The road can tangle even the best-kept strands, but we'll fix that."
When the tangles were gone, Hava guided her toward the shallows. "Step in slowly — it's cold at first."
Nyara gasped as the water curled icy fingers around her ankles, but soon she waded in deeper, the current lapping at her knees. Hava joined her, wetting the cloth and gently scrubbing Nyara's arms, back, and hair.
"Do the males never help with this?" Nyara asked softly.
"They can, if it's needed," Hava replied, rinsing the cloth. "But it's a courtesy for another female to tend to you. It keeps everyone comfortable."
When they were clean, they stepped back onto the rocks, letting the sun warm and dry them. Hava filled the water skin and glanced at Nyara with a gentle smile. Hava walks over to the branch where their clothes hang and help Nyara dress after she slips in her own.
"There," she said. "You'll feel better now."
Nyara didn't answer, but she stayed close as they walked back, her chest just a little less heavy than before.