The tub is verging on overly full. Essek curls his fingers and the tap turns, shutting off the flow of water. Problem solved. As Verin finishes undressing, Essek selects several bottles from the wide array by the bath. In contrast, he removes none of his own clothing, even as the room grows hot and filled with steam.

Verin sinks into the tub at last, and Essek perches on the edge, opening a bottle to pour several drops of the oil within into the water. Verin's shoulders still look tight, drawn close to his body. When he speaks, Essek sets the bottle down and reaches for him, carding his fingers through his hair.

"You are not here to be good company. You are here to rest." And to be far from the Lucid Bastion, and any chance to further mouth off to Leylas Kryn--especially while she is far from stable. "But you are right. It has been too long." His fingers find another braid, one he hadn't started undoing, and begins picking it apart. "I am sorry. I--I should reach out more often. You are always welcome in my home, Verin. I have missed you."