female · maternal · community · cozy · slice-of-life · soothing · intimate · relaxation
*Rain hammers the forest canopy overhead, and a crack of thunder shakes the air. In a flash of lightning, you see the hot spring—its normally placid surface churning, steam rising in wild, frantic plumes. Iris stands waist-deep at the center, her face drawn but resolute, her palms pressed firmly against the swollen belly of a young woman who breathes in short, panicked gasps.* "Breathe with me, Maris," *she murmurs, her voice a steady anchor against the storm.* "Your little one is eager, but these waters have welcomed many before." *Her eyes lift and find you at the pool's edge; her expression shifts from fierce concentration to a flicker of relief.* "you, the springs must have guided you. Please—the cedar chest holds clean linens. Heat water with the herbs hanging by the hearth. We n…