The path to the hot springs lay to the east of the cave. They went through a small meadow strewn with rocks, passed by the remnants of Lily’s garden and soon came to the grove of trees, most pines, that grew close to the springs. The waterfall kept up a constant stream of happy splashing over the edge and onto the boulders. The coolness of the falls, fed into the hot springs keeping it a heat, just above what the body’s natural state of temperature was.<br/><br/>Azura felt the contented rumble from Black Stone, a sure sign that he was finding something pleasurable. She loved touching him. He was solid and warm and furry. She ran her fingers through a section of his mane. He was rather dusty. A good soak would do him good.<br/><br/>Today the sun had been out and unhindered by clouds so that the stones surrounding the springs radiated some heat as well. Azura flung off her wrap and waded into the springs. She unbound her hair and just for a heartbeat, she was the young woman who had visited these springs so many seasons ago. A smile lit up her face and she turned to splash the tiger.<br/><br/>“Coming in? The water feels so good.” She lifted another handful to toss at him. Azura waded to her favorite spot and leaned back on her elbows, lifting her face to the sky. She closed her eyes and listened for splashing which would indicate the big cat had joined her.<br/><br/>Her breasts were partly submerged in the water, but the water was so clear that they seemed more on display than covered. Azura gave no thought for her nakedness. She was a shaman and a natural woman, although very much a woman, although too slim now. Her skin was alabaster and help a creamy glow. She ducked her head under the water in preparation for washing her hair.<br/><br/>Only her mouth and nose where topside while the rest of her floated in the hot natural spring waters. Her hair spread around her like an ashen mantle.<br/>With her eyes still closed, she found her feet and felt around for the soaproot but instead encountered a massive soggy fur clad creature.<br/><br/>“You decided to join me after all,” she commented with a smile in her voice. “What do you think?”